2020 APRIL ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News by The Editors, Inc

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1

& APRIL 2020

ALAMO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GARDENS

By Jody Morgan

Editors note: This article was written before our current coronavirus crisis and restrictions. It is my hope that the great work of programs like this has prepared our students to recreate gardens in their own homes at this time. Thriving gardens welcome students, parents, and staff to Alamo Elementary School. Thoughtfully constructed spaces invite members of the community to pause to admire the collaborative effort that keeps colorful combinations of flowers and foliage attractive throughout the academic year. A decade ago, the Alamo Principal Stan Hitomi, major supporter of the school's garden school’s existing programs, beside the original school bell. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hoaglin. plantings, much like those of similar facilities across the country, exhibited obvious indications of neglect. Adopted by a team of parents and educators and expanded by numerous Eagle Scout projects as well as class programs, the gardens now give each child the opportunity to watch a plant he or she has personally dug into the dirt grow and flourish. Artfully constructed seating areas provide places to linger, laugh, and make music. Stan Hitomi took on the role of Alamo Elementary Principal at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. Shortly thereafter, Sharon Dodson, then School Nurse, and parents Lisa Dempster and Melanie Volk initiated the conversation about campus landscaping. Concept plans for the Teaching Garden, begun in May 2012, evolved into completed design drawings that August. Axel Petersen and his father Tim love Work crews, including some running larger working in the school gardens together. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hoaglin. machinery, finished the job that fall. Hitomi recalls: “With its iconic Cob Shed, terrace structure, two staircases, and meandering walking paths, the mammoth 3,000 square foot garden instantly became a focal point for the school. We had started a Fall Festival where students created things to put into the garden that ranged from birdhouses to painted rocks.” Eleven Eagle Scout projects have directly improved the gardens. Some added entire garden beds or planters, while others produced specialized spaces in which

See Gardens continued on page 6

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HELP SENIORS WITH MEALS ON WHEELS

By Caitlin Sly, Executive Director Meals on Wheels

In these uncertain times, the seniors Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region serves, rely on all of us now more than ever. Below is an update on how MOW is addressing the COVID-19 outbreak. • Meal deliveries remain uninterrupted. In fact, MOW is serving more seniors now than before. They have increased staff hours to ensure meals are delivered to those in need. In addition, they are providing additional protective supplies to their drivers and instructing them to leave the meal on the senior’s porch, to ring the doorbell, and then to back away and watch the client get the meal. • Clients that previously attended MOW Cafés will be receiving seven frozen meals delivered every week. • The Friendly Visitors program is providing all of their services over the phone. In addition, they are planning to ramp up calling services for seniors who find themselves newly isolated during this time when social isolation is necessary but which can be negative for so many. • The Fall Prevention and Health and Exercise classes are temporarily suspended. Seniors attend the classes for both health and social benefits. MOW is reaching out to them to ensure they are not isolated during this time. • The Care Management department is still providing case management and crisis management services. They are doing this over the phone and are ramping up service to help seniors process this crisis. MOW has received an outpouring of support from the community wanting to volunteer. As of now, existing volunteers have stepped up to help, and MOW organizers will reach out to newly interested volunteers as the need increases. If you are interested in volunteering, please apply online at www.mowdr.org. Lastly, these measures have strained MOW resources, and they could use your help. Please consider giving MOW a gift today at www.mowdr.org/donate. Thank you for all you do to help seniors in the community every day. MOW needs you now more than ever.

L I N D S AY W I L D L I F E R E H A B I L I TAT I O N HOSPITAL’S ‘BABY ANIMAL SEASON’ By Fran Miller

Editors note: This article was put together before our current coronavirus scare and restrictions. While places such as this are currently closed, if you’re in a position to financially help any of our local non-profits, financial assistance can go a long way in protecting these groups. Visit the websites for any non-profits for direct ways to contribute. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin might have been referring to the philosophy of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience when he turned this phrase more than 200 years ago.

See Lindsay continued on page 18

The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville

Volume XX Number 4

Volume XI Number 4

3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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BOULEVARD VIEW By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

Thirty days ago, I couldn’t have fathomed our world getting turned upside down so quickly. Yet, here we are in a situation that is changing moment-by-moment and may never be back to life as we knew it when the New Year rang in just weeks ago. This hyper-local newspaper has always had the goal of bringing you positive and helpful stories of people in our community, as well as local groups and organizations that make a difference. The paper is not about drama or “breaking news.” Some of the ads and articles herein were submitted before our current restrictions and may seem “dated” with our new reality. However, please support the businesses that continue to help bring this paper to you. They need us now more than ever, and I am grateful for their participation. The writers and advertisers are folks in our communities who are trying to continue running their businesses as best as they are able. They are part of the fabric of what makes our community special. Many of them have shifted their business model for the times to still serve you, themselves, and their employees. I was sitting in my garden, plucking weeds, when I noticed rogue arugula plants that grew from seeds that had blown in the wind. Even though the arugula is in the walkway, it makes a lot of sense at this time to just let the plants be and harvest their bounty. As I sat, I also noticed my orange weed bucket facing me. The Home Depot bucket was painted with the message, “Let’s DO This,” and that’s how our family is approaching this situation. Using resources, skills, and connections we’ve been blessed to gain over the years, we can get through this blip on the timeline of life. We can sit and wallow about our current situation, or we can be proactive and busy. Getting up and dressed, and developing a routine is a good start. Putting on a bright colored or Hawaiian shirt as well as displaying a vase of fresh-cut flowers can lift the mood. Creating a “gratitude list” can help us focus on the positive which still exists, even in troubling times. We can ponder and act on how we can take care of ourselves and our families, and, as those are taken care of, we can extend our circle to our neighbors and our communities. One reason our family chose to live in this area was for the community, the beauty, and the opportunities. Do you know your neighbors? Let’s start with even their names. Have you formed real connections, the kind where you easily borrow an egg, or do you know their occupations, their passions, or their hobbies? There is still time to sit in front of our homes and connect. There was a time before Facebook, NextDoor, the telephone, or the internet where folks physically reached out. They said, “hello” or looked others in the eye as they passed. Is our isolation and our busy lifestyle to earn dollars to afford things that are a stretch worth the sacrifice of isolation? Seize this opportunity to talk, share stories and experiences, and reflect on both the good times and the tough times. Earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, and other disasters are always on the horizon. Hopefully, this has been a wakeup call to be prepared for any event. Planning, learning, and practicing for events make them less stressful when they occur and can prevent situations like hoarding and lessen stress and anxiety. I believe it has never been more important to reduce, reuse, and keep our “footprint” as small as possible. I read that the US has the highest toilet paper usage per capita...even before the virus. Good grief, why? We need to be more mindful of the resources we are consuming. Instead of letting the TP spool out at each use, maybe pre-portioning lengths of TP can reduce waste. For items in jars, get a small scraper to get the last bit of product out, and then use those jars for a small container garden. For vessels like a toothpaste tube, cut open the side to use it all up. I literally got another week of brushing for something that would have gone to the landfill. I often get months more use from my printer toner after the machine alerts with a message that I’m low and the cartridge needs replacing, and I recently learned about Ecofont (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecofont), that, through clever design, uses tiny holes in the font to reduce ink needed for a similar font by approximately 15%. It all adds up. We’ve been given a time to do something different, or learn something new. Our family has toured the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and seen the jellyfish and sea otters of the Monterey Bay Aquarium all from our living room. We’ve got some puzzles to do, movies we’ve been longing to see, and fun games to break out of the closet. There are home projects, crafting, and books to read. This is not a time to idly sit and worry. Seize this time, and make the most of it. Many folks are out and about walking their dogs. A recurring theme I see in my NextDoor.com feed is dog walkers who leave their dog poop bags somewhere along their path; often in people’s yards. I just can’t figure why this happens, but noting that it does, we got creative and made an accessible neighborhood dog walker poop receptacle that we will maintain. Hopefully, it will make a difference. A January 2019 CareerBuilder report found that 78% of US workers live paycheck to paycheck. Many folks lack even a few hundred dollars of savings for an emergency -- even in a well-off area like ours. The current situation has led to an increase in food bank needs, but it’s also resulted in a decrease in donations from area grocery stores with their excess stocks depleted. One of the best ways we can help each other through difficult times is to make sure that nobody goes hungry. For those who can afford it, a cash donation gives the food bank the best bang for the buck. Food banks purchase in bulk. According to Feeding America, they can provide at least 10 meals for every dollar you donate. Even the smallest donation makes a big difference. Two great local food programs are White Pony Express (www.whiteponyexpress.org) and Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano (www.foodbankccs.org). We are lucky to live a life where we have choices. We can choose how we spend our time in the days and weeks ahead. We can choose gratitude and grace. We can choose how we’re going to respond to life’s surprises and disappointments (this virus being one of them), and whether we will see them as curses or opportunities for personal growth. How will you respond to the hand you’ve been dealt? Marcandangel.com notes, “You can either focus on the lack thereof or empower yourself to play the game sensibly and resourcefully, making the very best of every outcome as it arises, even when it’s heartbreaking and hard to accept. And, perhaps most importantly, we can choose to think better about our present circumstances, and let go of what we can’t control, so we can consciously make the best of what’s ahead of us. When we THINK BETTER, we LIVE BETTER, and peace becomes us.” In these hard times, challenge your inner self-talk. Get another perspective. Don’t be scared to reach out to someone if you find yourself in a dark place. Give them permission to stand beside you, and allow them to face your problems with you. Our mind can be the biggest battlefield we face, and now is the time to conquer that mountain. The www.marcandangel.com website is one that can give inspiration and guidance to help us through. The husband and wife team who run it have extensive resources and also provide daily uplifting messages. In addition, the site virusanxiety.com provides links to coping tools you can access. I know there are many more, and I’d love for you to share those with us. While I have always focused my time on keeping the paper in the printed medium, with our 26 year old daughter stuck at home with my husband and me (after a last minute-exit and return from eight days into a year long trip abroad), she’s helped me set up my social media sites. Please visit and “Like” my new “Alamo Today & Danville Today News” Facebook page, follow my Instagram page @Alamoanddanvilletoday, or see the full paper online at www.yourmonthlypaper.com. Additionally, you can use the hashtag #atdtnews to find us. I’ve splashed some fun new activities in this issue to help you and your family pass the time. Show us what you come up with by posting on one of our pages and tagging then with #atdtnews so the community can see your creations! Also, if you have ideas to share with our community, please let me know. We are going to need to think outside the box and lean on neighbors and folks we may not yet know. In upcoming issues, I hope to inspire you to plant a garden, try a new recipe, bond through shared ideas, and find ways to make your home feel more like a haven. I will continue to print and publish as long as I am able. Not only have the residents and business owners of our communities encouraged me, but this paper production supports the operation of other businesses and their employees. Please reach out to our advertisers who are still there for us. We will need to shift and pivot. This event will test our resilience and will also show our empathy and caring for one another. Share your thoughts with me via our new social media pages, or email me at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. I’d love to hear from you.

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L We are thinking of you and your families during these trying times. Please know that Dudum Real Estate Group is here for you and will be here for you, as we re-enter business as normal; however, we are honoring the governmental order to pause our traditional business for the time being, until we know more. Agents and staff are working remotely, should you need anything in the meantime. Thank you for your loyalty and support. Dudum Real Estate Group is sending warm thoughts to you and your families, and together, we will get through this! Be safe out there and please stay healthy!

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134 SANTA CLARA DRIVE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 3,201 SF, 0.37 ACRE LOT OFFERED AT $1,449,000

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902 HOLIDAY COURT, CONCORD 4 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,491 SF, 0.19 ACRE LOT

3526 EAGLE POINT ROAD, LAFAYETTE 4 BEDS, 3.75 BATHS, 2,866 SF, 3.7 ACRE LOT

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1131 DOUGLAS COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 2,418 SF, 40,115 SQ FT LOT

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905 DEWING AVENUE, LAFAYETTE 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,200 SF, 5,566 SQ FT LOT CALL FOR DETAILS

472 SYCAMORE CIRCLE, DANVILLE 2 BEDS, 1.5 BATHS, 1,176 SF OFFERED AT $589,00

17 DARLENE COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,406 SF, 0.46 ACRE LOT SOLD FOR $2,050,000

348 SAN PABLO AVENUE, MILLBRAE 3 BEDS, 1.25 BATHS, 1,180 SF, 0.08 ACRE LOT SOLD FOR $1,200,000

MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS | 925.765.9095

EVA ELDERTS | 925.726.9409

BRYAN HURLBUT, HURLBUT TEAM | 925.383.5500

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©2020 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902

PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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Visit danvilleareachamber.com

to view current and important news for, and about, our local businesses.

117-E Town & Country Dr. Danville, CA 94525 Phone: (925) 837-4400 Fax: (925) 837-5709 business@danvilleareachamber.com

UPDATES FROM CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIBRARY

The Library is closed, and that makes it challenging for them to serve you in the ways they normally do. Please know that library staff are working remotely to remove barriers to providing online services and thinking of new ways to serve you during this closure. Here are some important things you should know: ~ Do not worry about due dates for your library materials. All due dates have been extended. No overdue fines or other penalties will apply during the closure. The Library eliminated overdue fines in 2019. ~ All expired cards or cards scheduled to expire this year have been extended to allow access to all available digital resources. ~ There is some good news to report, too. Many of the digital resources available online have been restored. Access to resources like, East Bay Times, New York Times, and Rosetta Stone are up and running again. See the full list at ccclib.org. ~ If you know someone who does not have a library card, let them know they can sign up for an eCard anytime and get access to many of the same resources. Visit http://ccclib.org/get-a-library-card/ to sign up now. ~ With many adults staying home and kids out of school, access to resources that educate and pass the time are essential. Here are some of the FREE resources available with your Contra Costa County Library card: • OverDrive/Libby – Choose from thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks. For those who don’t have library cards, an Instant Digital Card will you give you access to OverDrive for a year. Visit http://ccc.overdrive.com to sign up. • Enki – More eBooks, full service and eCards can access the Enki library. Visit http://cccl.enkilibrary.org. • Flipster – Dozens of magazines including The New Yorker, People, Consumer Reports and many more. Visit https://flipster.ebsco.com. • Kanopy – Stream thousands of movies for free. Visit https://ccclib.kanopy.com. • Kanopy Kids – Stream free movies and shows for kids. Visit https://ccclib.kanopy.com/kids. • Brainfuse - Connect to free online tutors. Trained tutors are available for academic assistance every day for kids and adults. Spanish speaking tutors are also available. Visit https://login.ez.ccclib.org. • Explora - Find age-appropriate articles and facts with easy-to-browse categories organized by popular topics, full-text magazines, and topic overviews. Explora is available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Visit https://login.ez.ccclib.org. • LearningExpress Library - Includes online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks to help students of all ages. Visit https://login.ez.ccclib.org. • TumbleBook Library - This resource features interactive, animated stories, puzzles, and games. There are stories by well-known authors, original stories, classic fairy tales, puzzles, and games in English, Spanish, French, and a mobile version. Visit https://login.ez.ccclib.org. • Video Storytime – Enjoy songs, rhymes, and fun with your favorite librarians. Visit https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib. For more information on all the library's digital resources, visit ccclib.org or follow them on Facebook at @ccclib and Twitter at @contracostalib. For the latest information on COVID-19 and the stay-home order, visit cchealth.org. Thank you all for your love of the library. The staff looks forward to learning how to better support the communities they serve. Stay safe and healthy.

SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY

Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement Branch 128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, there are a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, and baseball games include spouses, friends, and guests. Our luncheons are held the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30AM. The $26 luncheon includes a meal, presentation, and a great opportunity to socialize with other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. The luncheons are held at The Bridges, 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. NOTE: Due to the current coronavirus challenges we’re all experiencing and for the safety and well being of our members/guests, the SIR128 April luncheon and all April activities and events have been canceled. However, if you desire to learn more about the Retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com. Stay safe, everyone.

TREATS FOR THE TROOPS

Service group Delta Nu Psi sends fun foods and coffee to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones. To date, over 42,200 pounds of fancy food items have been sent! To learn more, visit www.deltanupsi.org. Please note, THERE WILL BE NO COLLECTION IN APRIL.

CONTRA COSTA COUNT Y RESOURCES & INFORMATION

Posted by Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen

Below are some resources to get updated shelter-in-place information in Contra Costa County. • Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org. The site provides the most updated and comprehensive information and answers to the most frequently asked questions about COVID19 and the County Health Officer’s order to shelter at home. • There is additional resource information of all kinds on the County website at contracosta.ca.gov. • Call 1-844-729-8410. It is an information line to answer questions you may have about the order. The line operates 8AM to 5PM each day. • Email Supervisor Andersen at supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us or call her office at (925) 957-8860. The Supervisors office is closed to visitors through April 7th, but is able to respond by phone or email to questions you have that cannot be answered at the County Health website or information line above.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE SCHOLARSHIPS

The deadline for student applications for multiple Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s scholarships has been extended to May 1, 2020. In 2019, $185,290 was awarded to 45 scholarships recipients who sought to achieve their educational goals. To learn more, visit assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5

Celeste Pacelli “is the consummate professional.”

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See my 59 Zillow reviews!

Celeste Pacelli Broker Associate 925.395.1511 celestepacelli.com DRE 01862387 Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

Gardens continued from front page

to gather, such as the stump amphitheater and rock benches in the Teaching Garden. Two solved essential maintenance and safety issues with drip irrigation and rail fencing. More sitting spaces, including an additional amphitheater, and a place to linger by the PTA Kindness pots were generated by 2019 Eagle Scout projects. Installed in 2018, the rainbow-hued PTA Kindness Pots are replanted fall and spring. Fourth and 5th grade students are entrusted with keeping the colorful flowering annuals watered. As the gardens grew, so did the need for dedicated maintenance and fresh ideas on integrating the gardens into the curriculum. The school’s Education Fund authorized payment for a 6.5 hour a week Garden Educator, and Lynn Hoaglin was hired in August 2014. Hitomi remarks, “Lynn was the perfect combination of knowledge and passion. Each of our classrooms rotates through lessons with Mrs. Hoaglin.” An experienced gardener with teaching certification, Lynn is a member of both the Danville Alamo Garden Club and the Diablo Womens Garden Club. Each of the 336 students K-5 works with Lynn planting in the gardens. Asked how she manages to do that, she replies: “I work with the children in small groups, calling out four at a time from a classroom, but every student has a chance to plant in the fall and the spring. I teach them how deep to dig a hole for each plant, how to set the soil aside so it is not wasted, and how to handle a plant from the bottom and use their fingers to settle it into its new home. I ask, ‘What happens if you grab a plant by the top?’ They reply, ‘You knock off the flowers!’” Lynn also explains that covering the roots is important because the roots drink up water and nutrients from the soil. She emphasizes that plants 3/24/2020 3/24/2020 need sun as well as water. Her duties include purchasing plants and soil amendments (with PTA funding), hauling them to campus, and orchestrating their installation in all of the school’s 12 garden areas, eight of which were created under her supervision. Appreciation of the gardens is expressed by everyone in the Alamo Elementary School community. Lynn reports, “The kids come back to see how the plant they planted is doing. They proudly remark, ‘I planted that one!’ They often tell me, ‘The garden is so pretty!’” Parents and teachers also convey their thanks. Recently, Computer Teacher Shari Bergum-Hayes commented that she appreciates the beautiful plants every single day. Kathy Finley, along with her husband and two children, joined the Alamo Elementary family in 2013. As a skilled landscape manager responsible for the extensive horticultural displays in beds and containers along San Jose’s Santana Row since 2002, Kathy quickly teamed with Lynn to expand school plantings, working with the PTA and advising Eagle Scout candidates on the design and execution of their garden-related projects. Together with her son’s class, she and Lynn planted daffodil bulbs on the hill by the playground. Kathy writes: “The garden has given students a place to truly experience, in a hands-on way, the change of the seasons -- from discovering worms as they plant bulbs in the fall, to seeing the spring bloom of those daffodils as they play at recess.” On Earth Day, an area of the hillside will be cleared for planting of additional daffodil bulbs this fall in memory of Melanie Volk who lost her battle with cancer in December. A plaque is being purchased for the site to honor Melanie and all she accomplished for Alamo Elementary School’s beautification. Contributions by many members of the school community continue to embellish and support the gardens. Hitomi describes bird houses built by parent Zack Smith as “too-cute-to-be-believed.” Christina Heil took charge of repairing the 5th grade garden irrigation system and securing funding for the retired teacher tree and plaque program. Outside her classroom, Tina Flores works with her students in a pesticide-free Monarch butterfly garden using native plants. PTA President Michelle Sinnott notes that funding for the plants, mulch, and other products needed to maintain the gardens comes from donations specifically targeted for the garden requested at registration each year. Asked what aspects of the gardens most enthuse her, she replies: “The most rewarding part is having kids getting their hands dirty, getting outside, and working in the garden beds. There is a tangible reward when they see what they planted grow and thrive.” Her husband Tim Petersen enjoys volunteering in the gardens with their son Axel. Tim reports: “Kids get to learn how the location of the gardens is so important (that it is in the sun, etc.). The kids get to walk by the gardens every day and see their work come to fruition. And it just so happens that our gardens all have a spectacular view of Mt. Diablo - I can never get enough of that view!” Michelle and Tim concur in adding, “It is fun as weBIKING are working BLOSSOM DANVILLE EASTER

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with kids in the garden hearing their stories about adventures in their gardens or yards at home -- like finding bugs, lizards, roots, and other treasures.” The gardens provide 3/24/2020 a natural opportunity for the students to engage in conversation with the adults helping them. “C ommunit ies t hr ive on a need/ Garden Educator Lynn Hoaglin holds a flat of flowers ready Wor 3/24/2020 r e a s o n t o c o m e for students to plant. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hoaglin. together. When that need is as focused as a garden, it can become real very quickly with lasting Spr effects. Through the gardens, our families will always have a connection to this school. They may pass through their middle-and-high schools, but this will always be home,” writes Stan Hitomi. Retiring at the end of this school year D from his 43-year career in education, he rates hearing music classes singing D 3/24/2020 in the stump amphitheater garden, seeing students weeding or planting in the gardens, and witnessing the alignment of the Harvest of the Month program C in Alamo, Danville, Diablo with the Teaching GardenSpringtime among his favorite experiences at Alamo and ElemenWord E Word Puzzle Sear tary. He concludes: “Two of our strengths at Alamo Elementary areSearch our music and garden programs. TheyD both happen to be programs that are declining in D K D A N V I L L E T B D S RR many San Ramon Valley schools. As an educational leader, it saddens me to think that both may soon be a thing of the past, victims of changing priorities D A O R A N R O V I L T F L O OT in our schools. When I stand in our garden at sunset or hear the sounds of C of O the O morning L B Abefore I Dschool, Y Fthese P are C the L two T B MA children singing in the quiet Springtime in Alamo, memories that I will cherish at the E asRI step R down E E asGprincipal C M P A end H of I this A year. F L AS my experience as principal at Alamo Elementary would I can’t imagine what R Y B I programs. K I N” G O have been like without either of these D R D H K R D S A L N O V CS I O E N S T S E N LOCAL WORD SEARCH

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PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

ALAMO ELEMENTARY

A TREE FALLS IN A FOREST

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By Stan Hitomi, Principal

Who would have thought we would be where we are now? Where are we? We are entering our third week without children in our schools. It really begs the question, “If a tree falls in a forest and on one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” This famous quote by philosopher George Berkeley rang in my head as I walked the deserted halls of Alamo School the week following the closure of our school to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Like the “last man on earth,” I was alone: no students, no teachers, no custodians, no support staff, and no one in the office. It was one of the hardest weeks I have ever experienced as an educator, and I have seen a few! In my 43 years in education, I have seen schools closed for terrorism, school shootings, earthquakes, power outages, poor air quality, and poor weather. However, it may be the case that I will finish my career in the midst of the largest worldwide closure of schools in history. For decades, people have debated the benefits of online learning vs. traditional schools. Now, we will all have a front row seat for the largest experiment of its kind. Our district leaders have put together a structure for online learning, and our teachers are customizing the plan for their own grade-levels. The most compelling arguments against online learning have been the lack of social interaction, the lack of social skills development, and the absence of a physical community. I have no doubt that there will be learning taking place in our community for the next few weeks...but will it make a sound? Prior to closure of schools, our Education Foundation at Alamo Elementary had put on one of the most successful Auction Gala’s during my time at the school. Not only were we successful in meeting our fundraising expectations, but it was also a “whole lot of fun.” The theme of “Woodstock” was the creative genius of cochairs Kate Ruddick and Tori DeCoite. Thank You! And thank you to the many volunteers, donors, and bidders who made the night a huge success. I also want to shout out kudos to our 5th graders for their participation in our annual Spelling Bee last month. Finalists included Alexis Taylor, Anthony Nicholson, Charlie Callison, Brendan McDermott, Henry Li, Kayla Oien, Marat Mazhara, and Sophia Taylor. Chloe Lam was runner up, and our 2020 Spelling Bee Champion is Sophia Wong! Congratulations all!

MONTAIR ELEMENTARY By Ondi Tricaso, Principal

It is hard to believe it has been a month since the Montair Auction. The world has changed a lot since then. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the efforts of Alica Del Prado and Adria Price. They led the event, and their vision and determination were noted by all. Historically, the community at Montair supports our campus with their time, donations, and heart. The money raised by our Foundation goes toward creating programs that ensure that ALL kids can find their area to shine. Our drama, music, gardening, and art programs are only possible due to our supportive parents. I am confident that when this crisis is over, our school will return to these wonderful programs. That being said, with the county-wide shelter-in-place orders, we are trying to find creative ways to continue the great learning that takes place every day at Montair. I can’t say enough about the courageous spirit of our teachers. They are jumping in to take all of their years of expertise as an instructor and figure out how to support learning with a remote platform. This ‘CAN DO’ spirit will get us all through these challenging times. It is my wish that our whole community is staying healthy and finding ways to stay connected. Be well!

AT HOME FUN! SPOT THE 17 DIFFERENCES (answers on page 10)

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9

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PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

By Jamie Westgate, Principal

Educators love being with children. Much of the reason they studied to be an educator is because they are an extroverted, social clan. It’s been hard to be away from our community of children! We miss those faces, those giggles, and those opportunities to see learning take root. At the same time, I have been so proud of our teachers’ efforts to provide a successful distance learning program for all students in grades TK-8. Our teachers have been using Zoom for Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973 classroom lessons, Right Now Media for family 2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J 3191-J Crow Canyon Pl devotions, and a slew of other tools to provide Concord San Ramon structure and keep kids on target to finish their Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone (925) 680-4433 (925) 866-2200 academic goals this year. Some of our classrooms Since 1973 www.MacFloor.com • info@macfloor.com (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House) are even participating in virtual recess and field trips! I love the ways our SRVCA community has embraced this new way of learning. Since our children are spending more time in front of screens than usual to take in their learning, we also want to make sure they don’t lose sight of some good old fashioned creative play. I’ve made a list of my favorite suggestions to support all of our families in the community who may need some fresh ideas: • Plan and video a family talent show. You never know what hidden gifts a family member might present! • Build a dollhouse or Matchbox-sized parking garage out of shoeboxes. You’ll need tape, scissors, and magazine clippings to make staircases, ramps, and decorations. • Photograph insects you find in your backyard. Try to determine what they eat, where they live, and how they protect themselves. • Compose music; if you’re really creative, then add lyrics. Perform your new song for family members! • Teach a pet a new trick. They’ll love the attention! You could also read out loud to a pet. They enjoy stories, too. • Celebrate Easter. The resurrection brings the promise of new life. Look for and document all the ways you see new life in your backyard. It’s the perfect time of year to take note! • Make an A-Z photo book by taking pictures of things in your home or yard that coordinate with each of the 26 letters of the alphabet. • Interview grandparents or friends over the phone, and learn about trying times in their childhoods. Ask them about polio, times of war, or other seasons of life when things felt scary or unusual. Our teachers and staff are spending a lot of time praying for our families at SRVCA, our community at large, and also for our first responders and health care providers who are on the front lines. We look forward to reconvening with everyone again soon!

ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL

By Maria Ward, Principal HAPPY APRIL!

At St. Isidore School (SIS), we encourage students, staff, and parents to incorporate the Gospel values into their day-to-day life. Throughout April, we will celebrate the monthly gospel value of HOPE. Hope is defined by Wikipedia as “an optimistic attitude of mind based on an expectation or desire.” It’s easy to feel hopeful when life is happening according to plan and things are going smoothly. When faced with moments of hardship and uncertainty, like we are experiencing now with the outbreak of COVID-19, I encourage you to put your trust in God. Knowing that God is watching over us provides immense comfort and security. I pray for you and your family’s continued health and safety.

ONLINE LEARNING

As an educator, I know that teaching is truly a “labor of love” and that the joy received from daily interactions with the students is immeasurable, but during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, teachers and staff were asked to provide students with distance learning. The task of doing so provided staff with an opportunity for growth, creativity, and the development of a new skill set. By utilizing online teaching sites and techniques, webcams, and chat rooms, teachers are able to continue educating their students. I am proud of the SIS staff’s willingness to think outside the box and try new educational tools that allow our students to continue their educational journey each day remotely from home. I cannot express enough gratitude for the dedication of our faculty and staff during this time. They rock!

LET YOUR HEART SING

At St. Isidore School, TK–5 students participate in a weekly music class, which provides an introduction to music concepts and skills. Music has been shown to increase children’s brain development, improve memory, and expand language skills and is a wonderful way for children to relieve stress and encourage connection and collaboration.

SPREAD THE WORD

Please help us spread the word to friends and family in our community that we are still accepting applications for the next school year. Applications for the 2020–2021 school year can be found on our website, www.stisidore.org.

EASTER BLESSINGS

As the season of Lent draws to an end, we turn our thoughts to Easter and the hope and joy it represents. The resurrection of Christ is not about death, but life! I encourage you to embrace this chance, live life in God’s image, and spread faith, hope, and love. On behalf of the SIS staff and myself, we wish you and your family, a blessed and hope-filled Easter.

Spot the Difference answers from page 8 1. Removed one cloud 2. Added a tree 3. Dolphin jumping in a different direction 4. Flag switched direction 5. Boat lost port hole 6. Added a wave 7. Clownfish inverted colors 8. Removed bubbles at whale

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Removed one yellow fish Removed turtle tail Switched shrimp's direction Added bubble above green fish Added a leg to the octopus Changed color of beta fish Put seahorse behind kelp Added a coral Changed color of coral

BRINGING BACK THE NATIVES GARDEN TOUR

The annual “Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour: Gardens of Natural Delights” is now a virtual event. It can still inspire, educate, and help you transform your own garden! To register or learn more, visit www. bringingbackthenatives.net/2020-virtual-tour.

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern,Principal

April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Danville-Alamo Home Up for Sale Danville-Alamo - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7

deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar". To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1844-941-0941 and enter 2500. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

March 2020 at Monte Vista (MV) started fast, but on March 13th, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District school board made the difficult decision to close all district schools due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. This unprecedented decision came as a shock to our entire MV community, but all parties also understood the gravity behind the decision to keep our students, staff, and This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © community safe. This action was quickly 2020 followed by a county-wide shelter-inplace policy, which further emphasized the community’s concerns for its safety and its health. At press time, our district and site staffs are completing plans to begin the first phase of virtual learning for our students. We will share more information as our plan is implemented. While it seems like a long time ago, I would like to share a few of the positive things that happened at MV over the past few weeks. On February 25th, MV welcomed the incoming members of the Class of 2024 and their families at our annual Freshman Parent Night. The event was attended by the largest crowd in recent memory, and the MV staff enjoyed seeing our new freshman for the first time. Many thanks to MV’s counseling team, the food trucks that provided great cuisine for our visitors, and the many student and parent groups that participated. On February 27th, MV hosted AP / CTE Night where our returning students had the opportunity to make decisions about which courses to take next school year as well as hear from our counseling staff about scheduling. Once again, the event was well-attended by our families and was a lot of fun. Thanks to our counseling team and the many members of MV’s faculty who participated. On February 29th, MVs Women’s Soccer claimed another NCS championship in a competitive game against a spirited Berkeley side. The banner was yet another accomplishment for an outstanding senior class that won two EBAL, two NCS, and two CIF Regional Championships over their four-year careers. Men’s Basketball also made a deep run into the NCS playoffs before ending their season at DeLaSalle in the semi-finals. Last, but certainly not least, MV Women’s Basketball won their first playoff game in years before falling to top-seeded American High School. Overall, it was a great winter campaign. Thanks to all of our student-athletes for giving it their all on the court, on the pitch, and on the mat as well as in the classroom. On Saturday, March 8th, MV celebrated its annual Junior Prom at the Scottish Rite Temple in Oakland. The weather was perfect, and our students made it a memorable event. I would like to thank the many parent and faculty volunteers, our MV leadership class, and MV activities director, Tommy Greenless for all of their work for putting together this amazing and classy event. For now, the MV campus and all co-curricular and extracurricular activities will be closed through April 13th. Our District will share more information with the community when we know more about our next steps. Until then, thank you for all of your support for MV’s students and staff. We wish you good health and happiness through this difficult time.

JD ACADEMY OF SALON AND SPA

By Amanda O’Brien, JD Academy

JD Academy of Salon and Spa is a state-of-the-art beauty school located in downtown Danville. Men and women from all across the state of California enroll at JD Academy with hopes and dreams of becoming future licensed cosmetology and esthetician professionals. Not only are the staff members and educators dedicated to help equip students for graduation, they also help prepare their students to receive future employment opportunities. Currently, students are gearing up and looking forward to the annual Mardi Gras Style and Makeup Contest! The cosmetology and esthetician students will team up to create an inspiring Mardi Gras look on their models and compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. To see some of the unique styles that will be created for the contest, make sure to follow @JDAcademyofSalonandSpa on Instagram. Additionally, The Salon by JD will be officially opening in April at the location of Donna Bruner’s former Tribez-Identity Salon, 822 Hartz Way, Danville. The Salon by JD offers services provided by five different levels of stylists (and priced accordingly), ranging from newly licensed JD Academy graduates to Master Artists, the same Master Artists who also teach at JD Academy. Be sure to check out the salon to book all your beauty needs! JD Academy of Salon and Spa is currently accepting enrollment applications for program start dates through the end of December 2020. To stay updated on all things beauty, student achievements, and the grand opening of The Salon by JD, follow @JDAcademyofSalonandSpa on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. You won’t want to miss this! The school is located at 520 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville and can be reached at 925-855-5551. Learn more at www.JDAcademy.com. Advertorial

PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

A NEW PLAN:

ENVISION CONTRA COSTA 2040 SETS SIGHTS ON FUTURE DECADES By Candace Andersen

One thing I have always enjoyed as a County Supervisor, Mayor, and Council member is helping shape the future of our communities. Making decisions that will impact the next two decades requires careful strategy but also public input. Whether it is land use, open space, transportation, housing, conservation, safety, noise, or the environment, it is important to ensure that these matters are addressed in a thorough and coordinated way. Cities and counties in California are required to have a detailed document called a General Plan. I like to think of it as a road-map for the future which expresses the community’s long-term vision for how it will be developed in the years to come. The Board of Supervisors, County Planning Commission, and County staff members use the General Plan to guide decisions about zoning, permitted development, provision of public services, and transportation improvements. Our current General Plan was adopted in 1991. As you might imagine, the data, attitudes, and assumptions from this time have changed immensely in the 29 years since it was drafted. The Plan was reconsolidated twice, once for 1990-2005 and again for 2005-2020. However, with the growth and significant changes our County has experienced during this period, an updated General Plan that is compatible with the current conditions and also reflective of the vision of our residents of the future of our County is truly needed. The process of updating our General Plan is entitled Envision Contra Costa 2040. You can visit envisioncontracosta2040.org to learn more about how we’re gathering public input and further refining our plan. It is a two year process. In 2019, there were over 50 public meetings held throughout the County informing the community and seeking input into the plan. Documents were developed, and a public review of those documents is currently being conducted throughout the County in the first half of 2020, with formal hearings planned for later in the year.

THE GENERAL PLAN INCLUDES NINE ELEMENTS

• Land Use – Goals and policies are set to guide the future use and development of the land in unincorporated Contra Costa. This includes the County’s voter approved Urban Limit Line. • Growth Management – This ensures that new development won’t adversely affect traffic and the public services needed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of existing and future residents. • Transportation and Circulation – Existing and proposed roadways, and other transportation such as public transit, bikeways, and pedestrian routes

QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle

ROSE GARDENS

I discovered L’Hay les Roses, a small town south of Paris when I met with my dear friend Marie-Florence who lived there with her sons, Nicolas and Ludovic, aged four and five. After Marie-Florence and her husband divorced, the family of three lived in an apartment in L’Hay les Roses, eight km from the center of Paris. Even with her busy schedule raising her two adorable boys and her job as a flight attendant with Air France, Marie-Florence loved to entertain friends (including me) with wonderful dinner parties. Her Les Petits Farcis, “little stuffed ones,” a baked and stuffed pepper, and Niçoise salad were simple to make and delicious. Conversations at her table were so much fun...so French! Her little boys are now in their forties. How time flies. Besides being a nice town to visit, L’Hay les Roses is famous for its renowned rose garden, Roseraie du Val-de-Marne, created in 1899 by Jules Gravereaux, one of the founders of the Bon Marché department store in Paris. In 1916, the garden opened to the public. The garden has a total of 13,100 rose bushes,

www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews are looked at with the goal of addressing and reducing traffic congestion. • Housing – How do we provide sufficient housing in our County? Housing goals, policies, and programs are identified to both protect our stock of existing housing and establish priorities for new construction. • Public Facilities/Services – Goals and policies are set that address civic, public, and community facilities, infrastructure, and the public services needed to maintain our quality of life. • Conservation – The natural resources in our unincorporated communities including air, water, soil, and habitat are identified, and ideas for protecting them are identified. • Open Space – Policies are established to preserve open space lands. This includes scenic and historic resources, and park and recreational facilities. • Safety – Goals and policies are set to minimize the risk to people from both natural and human-caused hazards. • Noise – This element seeks to protect from excessive noise exposure. In conjunction with the update of our General Plan, we are also updating our existing Climate Action Plan (CAP) which was first adopted in December 2015. It is the County’s strategic approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sources throughout the unincorporated areas of the County. The CAP reflects our programs and actions to decrease energy use, improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy, reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase multi-modal travel options, expand green infrastructure, reduce waste, and improve the efficiency of government operations. The CAP also forecasts the County’s GHG emissions and sets reduction targets and strategies. While the General Plan will provide the long-term resiliency framework of goals and policies, the CAP will provide strategic implementation programs to show how the County will reduce GHG emissions in support of the State’s adopted reduction targets. Our County’s Zoning Code, which was originally adopted in 1947 and has been modified regularly, will also be updated. It will be designed to ensure consistency between the General Plan and to meet modern standards. While the General Plan sets the broad goals and actions of the County, the Zoning Code deals with individual properties and sets rules and regulations to guide development. Our updated General Plan will also be subject to thorough analysis of its potential environmental impacts in conjunction with the updated CAP, and any changes to the Zoning Code, as required by California law. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will touch on potential environmental impacts and measures that could negatively impact the community. I encourage my constituents to participate throughout the entirety of this process. Feedback is encouraged. You may join the conversation and participate online at envisioncontracosta2040.org. You may also contact my office as well with any suggestions, questions, or concerns you may have at supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860. featuring 3,200 special varieties, and has been designated a “Jardin Remarquable” or “Remarkable Garden.” Roses of every color cascade from gazebos, trellises, and arches. It is magical. The garden is open from early May to the end of September and is located at Rue Albert Watel, 94240, L’Hay-les-Roses. Their website is www.roseraieduvaldemarne.fr. Another rose garden worth visiting is The Roseto in Rome on the Aventino Hill. My Italian friend Rosario shared a bit of garden history with me. In 1645, the area that is now the garden was part of the Jewish cemetery. In 1934, that Jewish cemetery was transferred to the Monumental Cemetery of Verano, and the area was abandoned. In the meantime, Countess Mary Gailey Senni (an American married to an Italian Count in Italy) promoted the idea of a Garden of Roses in Rome. The garden opened in 1932 on Colle Oppio (the hill next to the Aventino). Sadly, during WWII, the garden was destroyed, and in 1950 it was rebuilt in its present location. To honor the Jewish community, which gave its permission to open Roseto Garden on its sacred spot of their former cemetery, the small paths in the garden have the shape of the Menorah. Berkeley Rose Garden is a local treasure with its own interesting history. The city-owned garden is a Civil Works project built by the Works Public Administration (WPA) under the Franklin Roosevelt administration which opened for public use in 1937. Designed like an amphitheater with wide stone terraces and a 220-foot-long redwood pergola, Berkeley Rose Garden is a blooming masterpiece with 3,000 rose bushes and over 250 varieties of roses. Hundreds of visitors usually flock to the Rose Garden in mid-May for their annual Mother’s Day festivities. No matter what time of year you visit

See Gardens continued on page 14

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13

PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane WOMAN SUFFRAGE EFFORTS FIRST WON SUCCESS IN THE WEST

This year is the centennial celebration for the Susan B. Anthony (nineteenth) Amendment, one of the most significant amendments to the U.S. Constitution. When this amendment was ratified by 36 states in August of 1920, the number of eligible American voters doubled in size. It states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” By 1920, women and enlightened men had worked to win civil rights for women for nearly 75 years, beginning with the first Woman’s Rights Convention in 1848 at Seneca New York. At that point in mid-nineteenth century, all of the country’s institutions (religious, legal, educational, economic, and social) promoted the same vision for women: no higher education, no professional aspirations, no speaking in public, unequal pay as school teachers. As one judge stated, when women married, they legally became one person, and that person was the husband. Married women could not own or inherit property nor could they keep their own wages – all went to the husband. In the rare divorce, custody of children always went to the father. And of course only men had the franchise. Lucretia Mott The Seneca Falls convention was organized by two extraordinary and visionary women, Quaker minister Lucretia Mott and young mother Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Both were active in the abolitionist movement which opposed slavery. Mott (born in 1793) was the acknowledged mentor for the women’s movement; beginning in the 1830s she fought barriers to women’s civil rights and articulated the inequities women experienced at every level. The brilliant Elizabeth Cady Stanton became the voice for women’s rights, beginning with the document she wrote for that convention, the “Declaration of Sentiments.” In it, she revised sections of the Declaration of Independence to include women and listed 12 grievances on behalf of women which the convention discussed and approved. More conventions followed which advocated for women’s civil rights. In 1851, Cady Stanton met the abolitionist reformer Quaker Susan B. Anthony. Their partnership led the women’s rights and suffrage movements for 50 years. Seldom do American histories feature the significance of this movement which was ultimately the largest reform movement in United States history. After the Civil War in 1866, with the expectation that universal suffrage would be reflected in a new constitutional amendment, Susan B. Anthony and others organized the American Equal Rights Association. But this expanded franchise did not happen. Instead, only black men were awarded the vote, and women suffrage advocates were told to wait, since “it is the Negro’s hour.” Suffragists differed on acceptance of this snub to women, resulting in two parallel organizations, the American Woman Suffrage Association and the National Woman Suffrage Association. Susan B. Anthony became the face of the movement, traveling the country, supporting woman Elizabeth Cady Stanton suffrage state by state, and surviving ridicule, assaults, and criticism for many decades. Always positive in speeches, she often proclaimed that nothing was impossible. Cady Stanton had seven children, yet she managed to write speeches for Anthony and do some lecturing and politicking herself. Stanton said, “I wrote the thunderbolts, and she delivered them!” In the western territories (and later states), women won the vote beginning with Wyoming Territory in 1869. The history of this progress is incredibly rich and different from state to state. Utah Territory gave women the vote in 1870, Washington Territory in 1883, and Montana Territory in 1887. Each Territory included women voters when it achieved statehood, though Utah had some unique bumps along the way. The states of Colorado in 1896 and California in 1911 supported full woman suffrage. These efforts were not for the faint-hearted as indomitable women in every state worked to support women’s rights and suffrage. Many belonged to temperance movements as well. According to the Library of Congress in its current exhibit, Shall Not Be Denied, “The movement questioned the country’s commitment to democracy; exposed the nation’s longstanding Susan B. Anthony class, regional and racial divides; and challenged existing gender stereotypes.” In the next issue, I will focus on the story of woman suffrage in California and the women who led the effort. Sources: Library of Congress, Votes for Women by Jean H. Baker, Failure Is Impossible by Lynn Sherr, Westering Women and the Frontier Experience 1800-1915 by Sandra L. Myres.

Gardens continued from page 12

the Berkeley Rose Garden, you will see spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. Berkeley Rose Garden is located at 1200 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. The phone number is 510-981-6637 and their web address is CityofBerkeley.info. The Berkeley Rose Garden is open dawn until dusk. Not far from the Rose Garden, Revival Bar and Kitchen, located at 2102 Shattuck, Berkeley, is currently open for take-out. Their signature fried chicken and flaky biscuits are phenomenal. Their website is Revivalbarandkitchen.com. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel writer, consultant, and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

Complete the Picture

What are the cats watching? Be creative!

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15

SPRING SALE ON NOW!

PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

CLIP NOTES

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By Jody Morgan

In Hardy Californians, Lester Rowntree devotes an entire chapter to Penstemons. “The Penstemon genus is large, and native species in the spring and early summer give color to the state from one end to the other if not quite side to side. They are used far too little for naturalized plantings, although when well-placed and not over fed no native California plant can give such brilliancy.” Ranging from ground covers carpeting rocky ledges to full-sized shrubs, most native species prefer the wide-open spaces where they naturally abide to cultivated locations. Fortunately for those of us who favor flowers attracting hordes of hummingbirds to our yards, several selections have been tamed for sunny, well-drained gardens. The striking spikes of tubular, snapdragon-like inflorescences deserve an elegant common name, but due to the often-fuzzy filament on each flower’s lower lip, Penstemons are colloquially called Beardtongues. That same filament, actually a sterile stamen, also accounts for the tribe’s botanical appellation. John Mitchell, credited with publishing the first scientific description of the genus in 1748, referred to the Penstemons’ fifth non-functional stamen as an “almost” or “pen” stamen. Linnaeus thought the nomenclature should be Pentstemon (“penta” meaning five). Debate over the correct term raged for decades. Who was John Mitchell? Born in Virginia on April 13, 1711, he studied in Edinburgh, returning to the colony to practice medicine without having attained the MD degree. Although he had no formal training in cartography, Mitchell is best remembered for generating his 1755 Map of the British and French Dominions in North America. Mitchell’s Map, as it is now known, served in the 1783 Treaty of Paris to establish the boundaries of the newly independent United States. John and his wife moved to England in 1746 where, rather than working as a physician, he earned recognition as an expert on exotic botany. Fifty of the approximately 250 Penstemon species are native to California. Those upon which Mitchell based the original botanical identification are native to the Eastern US. Unlike their Western cousins, they tolerate humidity and wet feet. A remarkably diverse clan, Penstemons may be diminutive or head-height, deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. Many have blossoms in the blue spectrum, but others may be white, pink, magenta, or scarlet. Colonies of a single species frequently exhibit variations in color. Rowntree writes: “I will never forget my first sight of P. spectabilis. It was on one of my earliest school-girl forays into the then uninhabited southern California hinterland that I came without warning upon this many-colored sea of lavender and pink and blue which fairly took my breath away.” Popularity of Penstemon production peaked in Europe in the 19th century. Noel Kingsbury notes in Garden Flora: “A Royal Horticulture Society trial in 1861 evaluated 78 varieties – these were probably a small proportion of the vast number of hybrids raised. Lemoine named 470.” The American Penstemon Society was founded in 1946. Studying wild species, protecting endangered species and promoting “use and enjoyment of penstemons in gardens” are all part of the mission. Gardeners in California now have a number of dependable Penstemons to cultivate. One called ‘Margarita BOP’ is particularly long-lived. “BOP” doesn’t refer to a dance routine from the Rock n’ Roll era. It stands for “Bottom of the Porch.” Now cloned for commercial distribution, the parent plant was a seedling that came up as a volunteer sometime in the early 1980s and is thought to be a hybrid of Foothill Penstemon (P. heterophyllus) and Mountain Blue/Gay Penstemon (P. laetus). The history appears on the website of Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita, CA where it first emerged and proved its tenacity. “Every year it would flower and be gorgeous, clear sky blue, fading to purple, at the bottom of our front porch. We’ve never watered it nor maintained it. Every year we talked about how beautiful, neat, clean it was. Every year the bicycles, skateboards and dogs had run over it tons of times but it still looked good at the Bottom of the Porch.” The original plant finally succumbed when a tree fell on it and cement got poured over the plant during the clean- up. When not in bloom this selection has attractive foliage reminiscent of a miniature boxwood or possibly candytuft. Butterflies as well as hummingbirds and bees appreciate its presence. Purposely bred Penstemon selections are emerging across the globe. In the Netherlands, Remy Lubbe’s program is producing the “Riding Hood” series. In Oregon, Terra Nova Nurseries is developing the “Taffy” series.

GOOD NEWS IN THE MAKING

By Monica Chappell

Long associated with pleasure and joy, wine may also offer a substance that scientists are only starting to qualify in the lab but increasingly credit for enhanced immunity and long life. Research on how your daily dose of wine could serve as tasty medicine is still in early stages, but the good news on moderate consumption just seems to keep getting better. From overall health to preventing or alleviating specific ailments, many more headlines on wine and wellness appear to be in the works.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

A French study found moderate wine drinkers faced a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and lower risk of senile dementia than non-wine drinkers.

BONE FRACTURES AND OSTEOPOROSIS

Regular, moderate drinkers, particularly in studies among the elderly, appear to have stronger bones than those who never open a bottle.

CANCER

Just as eating fruits and vegetables are associated with lower cancer rates in people, studies on mice and rabbits suggest that wine’s phenolic compounds can inhibit the formation of cancer tumors.

KIDNEY STONES

According to a study by Harvard researchers, wine won the top prize among other beverages for decreasing the risk of kidney stones.

RHEUMATIC ARTHRITIS

In one study, moderate wine consumption decreased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis for women. People who truly love and appreciate wine may promote positive biochemical reactions through the pleasure of the taste buds and lifting of the spirit experienced upon raising a glass with good cheer. A Votra Santé Monica Chappell is a local wine writer and educator and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.

ACTION POOL REPAIR

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COMMON COLD

Non-drinkers have been found to be less resistant to five strains of the common cold than those who drink moderately.

DIABETES

In one study, men who drink in moderation were less likely to develop adult onset diabetes than men who don’t drink.

DIGESTION

A study found both white and red wine to effectively wipe out bacteria responsible for food related stomach ailments. Researchers found that wine was even more effective than bismuth salicylate, the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, in eradicating three types of bacteria that commonly lead to food poisoning.

Contractor Lic# 978033-C53

According to CDC.gov, COVID-19 cannot live in properly maintained pool and hot tub water. In addition, properly sanitized pools are essential to the health and safety of those that come in contact with them. If water is not kept in a sanitized condition, mosquitoes could form causing further issues. We’re all in this together. Please contact us to discuss how we can help your situation.

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17

LIFE IN THE ALAMO/ DANVILLE GARDEN

BACKYARD STAY-CATIONS By John Montgomery, Landscape Architect, ASLA

Who doesn’t love a vacation? Getting away to a tropical locale or a ski cabin is always ideal, but this year travel seems to be more of a mess than usual. Our spring vacations this year were canceled, too, which got us thinking about at-home retreats and how we can bring our vacations home to our own backyards. The concept of the “stay-cation” isn’t new (though the pun might be), but its meaning as it pertains to the home landscape has changed in recent years. The Outdoor Living movement has transformed even the smallest backyard into an indispensable part of the home, opening up infinite potential for private retreats. When your own backyard is designed specifically for your rest and relaxation, a spring break spent at home doesn’t sound so shabby. The key to a stay-cation-worthy yard is for it to contain the elements you would seek in a vacation, so the first task is to ask yourself what those might be: Sunbathing? Play? Adventure? Of course, seeing dolphins and skiing are going to require taking a trip, but when you think 3/24/2020 about what you CAN 3/24/2020 bring home, you may realize it’s easier than you think. For relaxation, a daybed, lounge, or garden nook with a hammock is easily done. If you or your kids love to camp, pitch a tent on the lawn and roast marshmallows over a portable fire bowl. Always think outside the box. In a nod to the beach cabin, we have included poolside “docks” into our landscapes as well as rope swings, jumping rocks, and sand “beaches!” We firmly believe that sand is not just for kids (maybe it’s because architects never outgrow sandcastles…). Integrating dune grasses and sea strawberry into your sand-scaping makes it an elegant and natural addition to the landscape. If you want to take it to the next level, consider hiring a professional to help you re-imagine your outdoor space. While a new pool or a landscape makeover probably won’t be ready for this year’s stay-cation, you may start considering what you would want in your future home retreat. Investing into your home landscape gives you a ticket to your own personal paradise while raising your property value. Without question, it’s a win-win! Design your dreams, pursue your passions, and love your outdoor life!

J.Montgomery Designs has long been a work-from-home environment, offering interactive remote consultations to clients across the nation. Contact them at jmontgomerydesigns. com for a complimentary design consultation today!

J.Montgomery Designs specializes in the outdoor retreat. From their Alamo-based studio, they design custom landscapes in all styles and at all scales. View their portfolio and contact the studio at jmontgomerydesigns.com. Advertorial

Word Search P

Word Search

Springtime in Alamo, and Diablo Word Search answers fromDanville, page 6 puzzle Springtime in Alamo, Danville, and Diablo D

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Editors note: Last month I incorrectly captioned the provided photos in the article. The correct caption for the single flower at right is the “Double Take Peach” Quince, and the cluster of flowers at left is Helleborus orientalis.

T A O OT IY DA EL V I I A L RM TO EU HN T K IL NA CW BIKING BLOSSOM

GBIRDSE CHICKS

T BLOOM B I

CHOCOLATEBUNNIES

PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

REMOTE…EVERYTHING By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

There is no escaping that we are living in extraordinary times. Luckily for Portable CIO (PCIO), it’s largely been “business as usual” because of the way we work as a company. That is, we’re a remote-based, remote-support firm with all of our six employees already having in place, and using, our work-fromhome tools. We began this transition five years ago to better serve our clients. As such, we already comply with the social distancing and work-from-home recommendations many are struggling to implement. We know we’re extremely fortunate to be in this position, and we’d like to help your company in the future to be just as we are. Since the coronavirus situation descended on us, we’ve worked with many firms on their remote accessibility. In some situations, it has been relatively painless. In others, there are significant obstacles that we will be able to address later, just not right now. For instance, since we are under the state-mandated “stay at home” guidance, we cannot physically plug-in and set-up equipment at someone’s office right now. We also cannot upload an enormous six terabytes of server data to the cloud in a useful timeframe when a business we support only has a tiny internet connection. It would take over 25 days to upload that client’s current amount of files, which is longer than we anticipate being forced to work-from-home (at least, right now…). This situation is indicative of why prior planning is so important. PCIO’s work-remote journey began with our need to share client information with our remote workforce. Two of our staff worked in our Alamo office for several years before moving out of state. However, they have been able to maintain employment with us with our work-from-home model. It was difficult for our local staff to be on-site with a client while needing information that’s on our office server and not being able to retrieve it. To solve this problem, we implemented a file synchronization and sharing system called Datto Workplace. Like our clients, we use and rely on this product extensively. Any file we create, update, save, or delete in one location is instantly synchronized to our cloud repository and to every other synchronized machine. Every client we’ve set up with this product loves the flexibility it allows for them to work. It’s liberating to be able to access company files from my computer, smartphone, tablet, or web browser. Another critical piece of our work-from-home infrastructure is the VOIP telephone system we installed several years ago. Unlike traditional telephone

Lindsay continued from front page

www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews systems, VOIP systems are completely network-based. It enables us to use a traditional VOIP telephone or to use our computer as a telephone via a “soft client.” We’ve recommended this system to many of our clients and currently have two separate implementations running for local firms. We were able to accelerate one of the implementations to give everyone working from home their own work telephone number, access to their “soft client” telephone, the Zoom meetings client, and a messaging client not unlike “Slack.” The combination of these tools allows their workforce to duplicate almost every communications function they would have used within their office. The result is an increase in productivity, better collaboration, and much better communication between employees. This is making an enormous difference in facilitating intra-company dialogue for a group of people who are unused to working separately. It’s critical to continuously work on the quality of your firm’s communication when everyone is working remotely. We must remember that in-person communication is superior to all other methods for clear transmission of ideas, feelings, and the intent of the message. Body language, including facial micro-expressions, contain a treasure-trove of social cues that instruct us how to accurately navigate a conversation. It is difficult to address complex subjects when relying on emoticons, smiley-faces, and exclamation marks to convey complex human reactions to information. For this reason, we at PCIO conduct the majority of our team meetings using the Zoom meetings program which allows us to host video conferences of unlimited size in a “face-to-face” manner. It’s not quite as good as everyone physically being around the same table, but, it is a thousand times better than a simple telephone conference call and a million times better than reading an email. Many firms have asked us to set up their employees with remote access into their bookkeeping systems such as Quickbooks. Every situation is a little bit different, so it wouldn’t be suitable for me to give a “one size fits all” recommendation here. However, I will say we have several ways to accomplish the goal to be remote, and we can help you navigate those decisions once we fully understand your situation. Lastly, in this unprecedented time, scammers are using every trick they have to separate you from your money or to gain access to your computer. If you ever have a question of if an alert, message, or call is legitimate, please give us a call to discuss the situation. We would be happy to be a sounding board. If you’d like to be working remotely, and right now you feel stuck, let’s chat. Maybe there is a simple solution we can brainstorm together, and you can get your people back to work faster than you thought. Give us a call at 925-552-7953x1, or email info@pcioit.com Advertorial to arrange a consultation.

Lindsay is the living embodiment of Franklin’s “Involve me and I learn” tenet. More than 100,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 school children, experience Lindsay with hands-on programs such as the in-school owls program; the on-site Petting Circle where one can learn about and touch a rabbit, guinea pig, or hamster; and the “What’s Wild – What’s Not” exhibit that allows guests to meet domestic and wild animals while learning the differences between those that can be kept as pets and those that should be left in the wild. The Behind the Scenes Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital Theater presentations allow for a real-time peek at animal exams and treatment that prepare patients for a healthy return back to the wild. And it is this behind-the-scenes hospital work that is the backbone of Lindsay’s existence. The hospital is a pioneer in wildlife rehabilitation, and many now-standard protocols across the country were developed at Lindsay. In treating and rehabilitating the more than 5,500 injured, sick, or abandoned creatures that find their way to the hospital annually, approximately 350 volunteers donate 60,000 hours of service annually (including home care for creatures requiring round-the-clock attention) as they assess an animal’s chance of recovery and whether it can be released successfully back into its natural habitat. Quality of life is paramount. While release is the goal, some of those who cannot ultimately fend for themselves in the wild find a home at Lindsay. When full permanent residency capacity is reached, the Museum’s nationwide network is tapped to find homes for those in need. During the springtime ‘Baby Animal Season,’ the number of creatures treated increases dramatically as birds fall out of nests or succumb to predators. Seventy-five percent of patients are birds, and the rest are mammals. About 95% of animals treated are admitted due a negative encounter with humans or human activities. Every year, hundreds of birds are hurt or killed when they hit windows; many snakes, lizards, and even owls get caught in sticky traps intended to catch pests; a significant number of raptors are poisoned by rodenticides or by lead. The majority of these injuries are unintentional. “Most people do not go out of their way to cause harm to wildlife,” says Carlos L. de la Rosa, Lindsay’s executive director. “Our role as an organization is to help our citizens understand why wildlife gets injured and help prevent future injuries by changing some of our practices. We also want people to have the opportunity to participate in maintaining a healthy environment for people and wildlife.” The stated mission of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience is “To connect people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share.” “There is a lot packed into that statement,” says de la Rosa. “As we become more urbanized and expand our footprint on the landscape, we shrink the available spaces for wildlife to live and thrive, so there are more and more instances of wildlife intersecting with our built environment. One key element we like to stress is that our dependency on a healthy environment for our wellbeing includes a balanced, healthy, and thriving ecosystem, and this includes the great diversity of wildlife.” See Lindsay continued on page 19

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES!

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

Given the tragic and unprecedented coronavirus pandemic we’re currently facing and the personal, medical, psychological, and financial damage it is causing many people, I decided not to write a standard article this month. Rather, I simply want to take this opportunity to convey that my heart goes out to all those affected by this crisis. My staff and I hope that those in our community, country, and world receive some significant relief in the coming weeks and months so that we can resume our normal lifestyles without the fear that is understandably associated with the pandemic. Taking care of many personal business issues, such as estate planning, will necessarily take a back seat temporarily to more urgent matters involving personal and family care (while observing the shelter-in-place rules and other protocols that are necessary or appropriate right now). Nevertheless, some of these personal business issues are time-sensitive or very important to the feeling of well-being of our clients. As such, my office remains open - albeit via communication by phone as opposed to office meetings - and we are available to service those estate planning, trust administration, and probate matters about which our clients seek more immediate attention. Please, take good care of yourself and your loved ones! ~ Rob |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial

YOU.

By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners

Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes ~ Voltaire In my last article, I wrote about fear and how it influences our decisions, and in that article, we discussed the worst periods in S&P 500 history. Two months later, we find ourselves living through one. Funny how timing has a way of working out. In the midst of this pandemic, it has been interesting to watch people spout their opinions on everything from viruses to containment strategies, statistics, the stock market, and so much more, even toilet paper. Opinions are great, but the one thing that I have had as a guiding light is planning. The S&P 500 consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market value weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. I know you can’t plan for everything, but you can try hard to get close. Mike Tyson said, “Everyone has a plan ‘till they get punched in the mouth,” and, believe me, this last thirty days has been a punch in the mouth. My resolve hasn’t been shaken. I am still in the fight, and you should be, too. There are always going to be hard times as there are always going to be good times. The key is to have a financial plan, and your plan should account for these types of events so that you are already prepared for them. Now, you will ask, “How do I plan for these kinds of economic events?” First, you should utilize Monte Carlo analysis in your planning, which was discussed briefly last month. Monte Carlo analysis tests potential outcomes with each test being random. This gives you a sense of whether you will meet your goals given the current assumptions. If you are not on target to meet your goal, then you can adjust it, your risk, or the level of resources you commit to achieving the goal. This is what a plan helps you do: have choices before you don’t have choices. The second way you can mitigate these types of events is to understand risk in your assets. More specifically, what is the risk that the volatility of your asset will impact your ability to reach your goal? If you have flexibility in when you want to achieve a specific goal, then there is no reason to worry. If you want to retire at 65, then you may need to adjust your strategy to meet your goal. Again, when you are close to reaching a goal, you should reduce the risk of the resources allocated to it. Lastly, you should understand why you are allocating assets. Asset allocation is important, and most people know they should do it but don’t really know why. It is simple and complex at the same time. First the simple: you allocate assets so you don’t have all your money in one basket. Right now is a great example. Bonds are down a bit or flat, and stocks are down over thirty percent. If you have rental property, you are still getting paid rents, even though everything is down. The more complex way of looking at it pertains to your goals and how they interact with the time horizon, cash flow, and risk of each asset you are going to allocate. For instance, you need to know how your planning will be impacted by the time horizon of an investment, in that if you need money for a down payment on your home in two months, you don’t want to lock your money up in an investment that has a ten-year time horizon. Also, if you are about to retire and need income

from your investments, you shouldn’t buy a 100% non-income producing asset; instead, you should diversify. And lastly, if you have college savings accounts, and your child is in school, you don’t want to have that money all in stocks but would want to diversify away risk by adding bonds or cash. As you can see, there are many ways to plan for how to manage your money. I know this might not seem like the best time to consider this topic, but I can tell you that there is never a “best” time to start planning - you just have to start. The hard part is sticking to the plan, especially in these challenging and unpredictable times. If you have a plan that has already taken these events under consideration, then there is no reason to deviate. I know this is going to go down as one of the toughest times of our lives, replete with misinformation, chaos, uncertainty, and fear; and I will be able to sleep knowing that I have a plan, my clients have a plan, and my company has a plan. I hope you take the time to put together a plan. Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success. ~ Pablo Picasso To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN3000985-031820 Advertorial

Lindsay continued from page 18

Without a healthy ecosystem, water supplies will not be as available or clean. Clean air, recreation sites, crops, and even climate benefit from a balanced natural world, explains de la Rosa. “Wildlife, in all of its extraordinary diversity, plays multiple roles in our daily lives,” he says. “Many species of insects pollinate our crops, trees, and wildflowers. Raptors and other predators like foxes and snakes help control potential pests. And some species even provide the raw materials for novel medicines, like snake venom's role in treating circulatory conditions. They are also an endless source of inspiration for artists, including painters, photographers, musicians, and filmmakers.” Those who happen upon an abandoned animal can take these steps: “First make sure it is abandoned by observing the nest or surrounding area to make sure the parents are not around,” says Aireo Shipman, Lindsay’s wildlife rehabilitation manager. “Each species is different, so it’s important to know what to look for. If you find an abandoned or sick animal, it’s important to get it contained safely; keep it warm, dark, and quiet; don’t offer it food or water; and get it to the wildlife hospital as quickly as possible. Things people can do to reduce the risk to wildlife are keep cats inside, trim you trees in the winter, put window decals on large windows, don’t feed wildlife, and avoid the use of pesticides and sticky traps. If you are unsure if you have an abandoned or sick animal, you can call our hotline at 925-935-1978. All hospital services are free of charge, and because wildlife doesn’t have health insurance, the Lindsay Wildlife Experience and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital are maintained largely through donations. For more information, visit lindsaywildlife.org.

PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST

A WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS STORY By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President WATCH FOR FRESH STRAWBERRIES AND ASPARAGUS AT OUR ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET

Bill Harlow of the Bay Area Farmer’s Market Association is leading the effort to make our Alamo Certified Farmer’s Market an important part of your Sunday. Bill’s family has been in our Alamo/Walnut Creek area since 1977. He has a genuine interest in the sustainability of small family farms, the “heart and soul” of California Agriculture and the “Buy Fresh – Buy Local” movement that Alice Waters has supported and popularized. He has been the manager of several Bay Area Farmer’s Markets including ones in Alameda, Burlingame, and Cupertino, and he is enthusiastic, as are many local residents, about the opportunity to have fresh produce from certified growers available to our community. The goal is to have quality produce. All produce is picked fresh and is at the local Farmer’s Markets within 24-48 hours versus a week or much more for chain grocery stores. What type of produce are you looking for? Organic or conventionally grown? Several vendors offer both - acquaint yourselves with those that do. Please remember that vendors are the best source of information about their own produce. NOTE: The Alamo Certified Farmer’s Market (CFM) and Grocery Stores are categorized as “essential businesses” by the CCCounty Health Department and complies with all CCCounty Health Department requirements. Plan a visit to the Market each Sunday year-round, from 9AM – 2PM, in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Wells Fargo Bank.

APRIL IS “CALL BEFORE YOU DIG” MONTH

Call before you dig in April and all year long. “April means spring weather and more outdoor activity, including backyard excavation projects such as landscaping. That makes it a good month to remind everyone of the need to continue raising awareness about the potential dangers of excavation without first dialing the nationwide Call Before You Dig 811 number,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the American Gas Association. “Our membership works with the public on a daily basis, and we need to continue to raise the flag on this issue. Excavation damage remains the number one threat to pipeline safety and reliability all year long.” The 811 hotline is a free service that allows people to obtain information about what may be buried beneath the excavation surface area, including natural gas pipelines, electric power lines, and other infrastructure. Homeowners and professionals may not always be aware of the importance of marking utility lines before excavation, but calling before a digging job, even for small projects such as planting trees and shrubs, can help prevent undesired consequences.”

HOW 811 WORKS

Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? It’s as simple as 8-1-1. Call 811 from anywhere in the country a few days prior to digging any project and your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig. In a few days, they’ll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes, and cables so you’ll know what’s below - and be able to dig safely. You’ll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient day in the dark. For more information on your local One Call Center or to make an online request for utilities to be marked (where available), visit www.call811.com or call 811 or 800-642-2444.

AIA MEMBERSHIP

Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the AIA and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” Now in its 65th year, AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has an outstanding history of serving our community and helping shape it into the place we love to live. Visit www.AlamoCA.org for more information. Please watch (in May) for your upcoming AIA 2020 Annual Report, ballot and membership form, and then complete and return it to AIA, P.O. Box 156, Alamo, CA. 94507. Don’t be left out. Now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!

I was elated as I watched my client Nathan and his wife Wendy walk hand in hand down my driveway to their car. Unlike the overweight slightly-bent man who first walked so slowly into my office, this man had perfect posture and walked with vigor and a smile. Nathan called me his miracle worker. I was truly proud to be able to make such a difference in his life, and I realized I had picked the right profession. Nathan, 65 years old and retired, was referred to me by his physician. Nathan asked me to help bring down his increased blood pressure and his newly diagnosed high blood sugar and cholesterol. Nathan was adamant noting he did not want to add metformin or statins to his blood pressure pills, and that is why his doctor referred him to me to help him lose weight and correct his issues. Nathan came to my office and shared with me a food diary I asked him to keep for a week. His meals were poorly balanced, low in protein and fiber, and high in carbs, fats, and sugars. His breakfast was the standard Raisin Bran with milk and a banana, or a bagel with cream cheese. Nathan often skipped lunch and instead snacked all day on nuts, cheese, and too much fruit. Nathan would eat a large dinner, and it was the first time of the day he ate any veggies. He realized his knowledge of nutrition was poor, and he was ready to make a change in his diet as his health problems created a new motivation to eat properly. Realizing the need for Nathan to start the day with a high protein and high fiber breakfast, I suggested he have an egg white omelet with veggies and diced ham or turkey. After discussing his likes and dislikes, I provided him a recipe for my ever-popular oatmeal protein pancake and roasted veggie egg white muffins that are quick and fast to make and eat. As part of his critical education, I taught Nathan and Wendy how to read the food labels for protein, fiber, carbs, fats, and sugar content. Nathan was shocked to see that his cereal, milk, and banana had 20 grams of sugar or the equivalent of five teaspoons for one serving (his serving size was closer to two). He was happy to hear he could still enjoy his beloved bagel if he added two slices of ham for protein and tomatoes and lettuce for fiber. I was insistent with Nathan that he must have lunch. Blood sugars fluctuate when we don’t eat balanced meals regularly and elevate markedly when eating larger meals at dinner, which was his pattern. He agreed to have a salad and soup at lunch that contained six ounces of protein and veggies. Nathan was eating too many nuts which contain 200 calories an ounce and mostly fat. An ounce of nuts is fine, but Nathan realized the large bowl of nuts sitting next to his recliner had to go. We also discussed how Wendy buys large bricks of cheese, and Nathan finds himself slicing cheese all day along with his consumption of unlimited fruit. His thinking was that fruit is healthy, so why not indulge? I suggested limiting himself to two fruits a day as a dessert after meals, and then snack on veggies that his wife is now making available on the kitchen counter. Some other wonderful snacks include cottage cheese with veggies, turkey wrapped around a pickle, beef jerky, and tuna salad. The good news is that Nathan’s appetite for dinner has lessened with more protein and fiber consumed during the day, and he is eating only one portion. He has a 100-calorie frozen dessert such as a fudgsicle, fruit juice bar, two Oreos, or some pudding as a treat. We continued our phone, text, and email conversations every other day over the six months, menu planning upcoming restaurant and family and friend gatherings, and just keeping him on track. I am glad to inform you that with my help, and that of his supportive wife, Nathan has lost 50 pounds in six months. He no longer has a blood sugar and cholesterol issue, and his blood pressure has decreased to the point where he has been able to take half of his blood pressure dosage. I invite you to discuss my counseling practice that promises to “hold your hand” and help you get control of your life. During this coronavirus scare, we are continuing our phone, email, and texting communications which my clients find very helpful. I love what I do and would love seeing you get the type of results Nathan has achieved. I am glad to inform you than most insurance companies will pay for nutritional counseling. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 or email me at Lifeweight1@yahoo.com, and I will check with your insurance and see what your exact coverage is. Please also refer to my website, www.LindaRD.com, for past articles and more information. Advertorial

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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21

HOW TELEHEALTH IS IMPROVING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

By Julie Newell, MA, LMFT

There’s no doubt about it, Telehealth is changing the way we experience mental health care. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have approved Telehealth as an important and credible venue for receiving mental health services. According to the BBS, “Telehealth is the delivery of health care services, including mental health services, via telephone, Internet, or other electronic means.” Telehealth means more convenient, accessible mental health care, allowing clients with various mental health needs to receive online psychotherapy (talk-therapy) from the privacy and convenience of their own homes or elsewhere using video conferencing applications. Transportation issues, taking time off from work and finding child care are no longer the barriers they once were, and now individuals are becoming more and more open to the idea of online support. A California resident utilizing Telehealth services recently reported, “The ability to receive ongoing, confidential psychological care without the need to visit a provider’s office is a game-changer for me, not only because it saves me time, but because I feel so much more comfortable in my own home while I am working through my challenges.” The BBS requires that “individuals who provide Telehealth psychotherapy or counseling to a client located in California must be licensed in California” due to varying licensing laws and regulations state to state. The BBS also encourages consumers to “be cautious when seeking therapy over the Internet or by any other means by doing the following: verify that the practitioner has a current and valid license in the State of California.” All relevant statutes and regulations governing the use of Telehealth can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/consumer. Certain mental health presentations are more amenable to Telehealth support based on the severity of presentation and the overall functioning of the individual. Telehealth providers must assess for symptom severity, not only during the initial consultation but during each Telehealth session thereafter, as symptom severity may change. This includes assessing for thoughts of harm to self or others, as providers may break confidentiality and seek emergency services if risk of harm is indicated and imminent. If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, call 911 immediately or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255. Determining the right fit for psychological care is important and can impact treatment outcomes. Some individuals may prefer in-person sessions, while others find that Telehealth is a great alternative and just as effective. In my private Telehealth practice, Julie Newell Therapy (www.JulieNewellTherapy.com), I treat issues of anxiety, various mood disorders, changes in relationship/marital status, strength building in couples via couples therapy, various life-transitions, parenting challenges, family/blended-family dynamics, adolescents struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, social isolation and/or bullying, anger management, and issues of identity and self-esteem. I also support the elderly, providing professional care for phase-of-life challenges, grief and loss issues, and/or lack of social support co-occurring with other mental health needs. My goal as a therapist is to understand and appreciate the unique worldview and circumstances of each of my clients. By integrating various therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and strength-based, solution focused therapy, I am able to provide well-rounded, evidence-based support to my clients to promote positive change. I believe the therapeutic process is a collaborative way to discover healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stress, and increase personal happiness and wellbeing. My professional education and background enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized psychological care where confidentiality, respect, and compassion are inherent to my process. Julie Newell is a licensed private-practice psychotherapist (LMFT #86586), providing Telehealth services to clients ages 14 and up, across the state of California. Julie has worked in both the public and private school sectors for nearly a decade, supporting students and families with social-emotional and mental health needs. In 2017-2019, she was the Director of Counseling and Learning Support Services K-12 at the Bentley School in Oakland & Lafayette. Julie is a collaborative therapist who has supported hundreds of adolescents, adult individuals, parents, couples, and seniors with various challenges. For more information including session availability, fees and payments, privacy issues relating to Telehealth services, or issues of confidentiality and its limits, please visit JulieNewellTherapy.com. Call 925-308-6088 or email julie@julienewelltherapy.com for a free 15-minute consultation. Julie Newell Therapy does not take insurance but will provide itemized billing statements for clients to submit to insurance for potential reimbursement. Julie Newell is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). You Advertorial may also find Julie’s bio at PsychologyToday.com.

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925.202.2846 SUPPLEMENT SPOTLIGHT ON ECHINACEA By Marchelle Milligan

Does your Echinacea supplement tingle? Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in the United States for its immune modulating effects, but the quality of brands is quite variable. Echinacea that is manufactured from the roots of both the angustifolia and purpurea species have more of the constituents that cause a tingling sensation. The tingling results from something called alkylamides, and the alkylamides are the active and bio-available part of the root that assist in immune system modulation. These alkylamides interact with certain receptors in immune tissue such as the spleen. They switch the tissues on when they combine with this receptor which then results in a healthy immune response in these tissues. The alkylamides also need to be in specific quantities to be effective, at around 4 mg per dose. So, check your bottle of Echinacea, and see if it has the two different species of the root and if it also lists the amount of alkylamides so you can determine if your brand is really bio-available. You can even chew a bit of the tablet or mix some of the powder with a bit of water and swallow to see if you feel the tingle. Echinacea is safely taken year-round to support the immune system. Supplements vary widely, but I like using a brand from Australia because herbs are regulated much like pharmaceuticals there, and are not in the US, so I know I am getting a quality product. (Source:

Michelle Morgan and Kerry Bone, MediHerb, 2014).

For more information about Echinacea products and other nutritional support, log onto www.therhythmwithin.org. To schedule an appointment, please book on the website or contact Marchelle Milligan at (925) 286-6237. Our office is located in Alamo. Advertorial

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PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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THE EYE OPENER

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry VISION VS. MEDICAL INSURANCE

Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin

INTRODUCING EMSCULPT D

Offering Treatments for: Skin Cancer Moles Precancerous Lesions Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Warts, Molluscum Keloid and Scar Revisions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Underarm Sweating Physician-Strength Skin Care Products

People are often ONLY FDA CLEARE ELECTROMAGNETIC confused when it comes to insurance; there is ETING TECHNOLOGY TARG a difference between vision and medical plans, D AN L NA MI ABDO and most patients have separate medical and R BODY FO S LE SC MU GLUTEUS PAD vision coverage. Vision plans cover routine, CONTOURING, FAT Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: LIFT! TT annual comprehensive exams. They do not REDUCTION AND BU Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E cover medical office visits or medical-based Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, exams. A medical plan is billed for all other and Rejuvenation exams and visits. That distinction is sometimes Frown Lines and Jawline Reduction determined during the exam, but it can also be Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and known ahead of time. As an example, if a patient Post-injection Bruising has diabetes, high blood pressure, or cataracts, a Pigmentation and Melasma Sun Damage and Scars medical plan should be billed because a medical A place where beauty Body Sculpting diagnosis is being followed and/or treated. If a Thinning Hair and/or Balding and healthy skin meet Hair Removal patient presents to the office which a history of Visit us at our Center of Technology & Procedures decreased vision, it will depend on the reason Excellence with a combined Offered for the vision change. If it is a change in lens 12,000 square foot, state Cellfina prescription, then the vision plan should be Cool Mini for neck of the art, newly renovated Coolsculpting® billed. If the diagnosis is macular degeneration, Our Women’s suite. We are dedicated Cryoshape Wellness Center then the medical plan should be billed. There are to Medical, Cosmetic, and Diolite 532 laser now offers EMSella, EMSculpt many companies offering vision insurance, and Surgical Dermatology and FDA approved noninvasive EMSella our office is an in-network provider for Vision are a place for medical electromagnetic technology Excel V Laser treatment (with clothes on) Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, and Medical Eye Excimer Laser skin consultation, aesthetic Fractional CO2 Laser for urinary incontinence Services (MES). In addition, if you have Kaiser rejuvenation, and face and GenesisPlus Laser and feminine intimate for your medical coverage, you might have VSP body contouring. Infini Microneedling RF rejuvenation! Models are used. Kybella for vision coverage, so you can go to any private DrWilliamTing.com/EMSella Liposonix® office for your eye care. The nice thing about Microneedling with PRP Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com vision insurance is that it tends to be simpler MiraDry for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, Mohs Micrographic Surgery to authorize and administer than medical inproduct lines, lasers, and therapies offered. NBUVB Phototherapy surance, and no referrals are needed. Pico Genesis Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! PicoSure Laser Our office only directly bills the above-menPRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation William Ting, M.D., tioned vision plans. For medical insurance, we Vbeam Laser Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Silhouette InstaLift are in-network providers for Medicare and 500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 Spectra Laser 2262 Camino Ramon PPO plans for Anthem, Blue Shield, Aetna, Hercules, CA 94547 Superficial Radiotherapy San Ramon, CA 94583 Tel: (510) 669-5700 Tel: (925) 328-0255 and United. However, for other vision plans Thermage™ Ultherapy™ Email: staff@caldermcare.com such as Davis and Spectera, and medical HMO drwilliamting.com Vaser Shape plans and Kaiser, we are happy to provide an *Welcoming new Medicare patients VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation itemized receipt for you to possibly submit for reimbursement. For most vision plans, annual exams are covered with a small office co-pay. In addition, an allowance and discounts for glasses or contact lenses are usually permitted annually, depending on the individual plan. With all plans, you use your benefits or you lose them, you can’t go back and utilize unused benefits from the past. Also, full VSP benefits can only be used at private offices, not at commercial stores like Costco and Lenscrafters, or online for contacts. If we are unable to help you find the glasses for you, we recommend that you find an office where your benefits can be fully utilized. As for most medical plans including Medicare, they will cover the medical portion of the exam, not the refraction (the determination of your eyeglass prescription). Medicare does not have any benefits towards contacts or glasses; the exception is there are some discounts available towards glasses after cataract surgery. If you have already met your annual deductible, Medicare will cover a good portion of the exam. There are many instances where a medical eye problem would bring you to the office. When the visit involves a medical condition (red eye, infection, foreign body, allergies), the bill can be submitted to the medical plan for reimbursement. Since we have the necessary equipment and training to handle most eye conditions, you can feel comfortable using our office for your medical visits as well as for your annual exams. To aid in the confusion, there are some medical plans that have routine exams as part of the plan. These plans can be difficult to administer, but we will do our best to determine all eligible benefits, and to help explain your benefits to you and how to best utilize your coverage. Please have all necessary insurance information when you call the office to make an appointment so we can either authorize your insurance while we have you on the phone or be able to do more research before we can schedule your exam. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we would be more than happy to assist you. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and join in on Facebook, Instagram, Advertorial and Twitter @Alamo Optometry.

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SHORING YOU UP AGAINST COVID-19! By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

In today’s uncertainty of how life will continue after COVID-19, we are faced with living as we always have or stepping up and taking complete responsibility for our health from this moment forward. The way we think, move, eat, drink, and breathe all equate to how we hold up in our world today. My hope is that by passing on some information, you can add to your immune boosting toolkit, and it will empower you to take charge of your health and give you peace of mind. This information is helpful year-round and not just in times of high risk. The information in this article comes from 20 years of anecdotal experience coupled with scientific research. The following information is what I use, very effectively, to boost the immune system in anyone suffering from a virus. AVOID EGGS, DAIRY, and GLUTEN. The most common allergies that I see in greater than 95% of my patients are eggs, dairy, and gluten. When a person is consuming foods that their body is reacting to, it creates a stressful physiological state and does not allow that food to support and repair them, but instead inflame and deplete them. For example, most people become phlegmy after eating dairy, an allergic response, which creates the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria to take hold and proliferate. LOAD UP ON ZINC, LYSINE, and VITAMIN C. When we don’t have enough zinc, our immune system cannot function properly. Zinc and Lysine have been shown to stop viral replication and allow for our immune system to get the virus in check quickly, shortening the duration of the virus. Zinc is also essential for over 200 reactions in the body; we can’t afford to be deficient. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that feeds your immune system. While protecting your own cells from oxidation, Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that has the ability to oxidize a pathogen, causing them to breakdown and lose strength. CAT’S CLAW – the Cat’s Claw herb is a powerful antiviral. It’s one of the best tools against viruses, sinus infections, sore throats, and digestive issues. GOLDENSEAL – Goldenseal is great for acute viral infections such as colds, flus, and other viruses. It helps give a boost to white blood cells called lymphocytes that are responsible for protecting us from viral invaders. Below are the protocols/dosages recommended to boost the immune system

April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23

when you’re feeling healthy or when you’re feeling the onset of symptoms. Protocol to boost the system: Zinc sulphate – 2tsp, 2 times per day with food L-Lysine 1,000mg, 2 times per day Vitamin C 1,000mg, 2 times per day Cat’s Claw – 500mg, 2 times per day Goldenseal – 500mg, 2 times per day Protocol if you have symptoms: Zinc sulphate – 2tsp every 3 waking hours with food L-Lysine 1,000mg, 3 times per day Vitamin C 2,000mg, 3 times per day Cat’s Claw – 1,500mg, 2 times per day Goldenseal – 1,000mg, 3 times per day INFRARED SAUNA – Most viruses are susceptible to heat which is why we don’t see the flu much in the summer months. Using an infrared sauna for 20-40 minutes mimics a fever, therefore making you an unfavorable host to most viruses. GET ADJUSTED – Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to boost the T4 immune response by 50% over the course of six months. In other words, your immune system gets a 50% boost under chiropractic care! MEDITATE and DON’T WATCH THE NEWS – When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off invaders is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to virus and infections. Guided meditation can help you stay focused while you reduce your negative, stressful thought patterns and lower your cortisol levels. Watching the news raises cortisol and makes us feel helpless and fearful - limit your exposure. It is my intention to bring helpful information to those seeking it. I am here to be a resource for anyone desiring help through these unprecedented times. The products listed above can be found in our office and on our online store at AlignHealingCenter.com. Please sign up for a Wellevate account to access all products at a 15% discount. Feel free to reach out to us at 925-362-8283 with any questions. Advertorial

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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • April 2020

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33 Years Experience. One on One Approach…

When you hire me, you talk to me at least once a day. I am the team you will be working with. Doesn’t it make sense? Call Me. 24 Sanford Lane, Lafayette Don represented Seller | Sold 2/2020 | $3,805,000

Sold

3176 Roundhill Road, Alamo Don represented Both Sides | Sold 3/2020 | $2,900,000

Sold

181 Alamo Ranch Road, Alamo Don represented Buyer | Sold 11/2019 | $2,175,000

Sold

Results. Pure and Simple.

3200 Carpenter Way, San Ramon Don represented Both Sides | Sold 11/2019 | $1,175,000

Sold

Don Magalhaes 1528 Avenida Nueva, Diablo Don represented Buyer | Sold 10/2019 | $2,885,000

115 Windover Drive, Danville Don represented Seller | Sold 9/2019 | $1,600,000

925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221

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