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December 2014 Alamo MAC Seeks Input on New Park
Serving Alamo and Diablo
By Sharon Burke
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council is seeking input from Alamo residents on all aspects of Alamo’s newest park, at the southwest corner of Hemme Avenue and Danville Boulevard. The .70 acre parcel was previously owned by the San Ramon Valley Fire Department, which declared the property surplus in March, whereupon the MAC unanimously voted to advise Contra Costa County to negotiate on the MAC’s behalf to purchase the lot. Negotiations were concluded with Alamo’s Park District, R-7A, paying $740,000 for the lot. This price is in line with average prices currently paid for vacant land in Alamo. “I’m very proud of the MAC's decision to purchase this property for a new park,” MAC Chair David Barclay said. “I think it is one of the major achievements of the MAC during its five year existence.” David advised that land buying opportunities in Alamo are limited, and the MAC had decided “this was an opportunity that we shouldn’t let get by us.” “A couple of years ago, the MAC looked at this property for an intensive use park, possibly with bocce ball courts, but the decision was that intensive use was inappropriate for this location. The plan now is for minimal activity at this park, with trailside amenities planned.” A six month outreach process is underway, and the first step is a survey of Alamo residents as to what they would like to see at the park, including suggestions on naming the park, design features, and amenities to be included. You can take the survey online at www.alamoparks.com. It’s very short, less than a minute to complete, and you can be a part of helping design our new park. Alamo’s Park District is funded by Alamo homeowners with a 2.2% allocation of the 1% property tax. These funds amount to approximately $900,000 annually and are used to support Alamo’s current five parks: Livorna Park, Andrew H. Young Park - the pocket park at the corner of Jackson Way and Danville Boulevard, Alamo’s share of Hap Magee Park - located on the Alamo-Danville border and jointly owned with the Town of Danville, and
See Park continued on page 26
Two new Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) members have taken their seats and all eight Alamo MAC members are pictured at a recent MAC meeting. From left to right, bottom row: Michael McDonald, Jill Winspear, Ed Best, and Aron DeFerrari, alternate. Top row, Anne Struthers, Vice Chair, Steve Mick, Susan Rock, and David Barclay, Chair. The Alamo MAC meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Alamo Women’s Club at 6pm. Alamo residents are encouraged to attend and be informed about Alamo issues and concerns.
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The Community Foundation of Alamo’s Tree Lighting committee along with various schools groups and local residents enjoyed the beginning of the holiday season with the lighting of the tree in Andrew H. Young Park on November 23rd.
Contra Costa Interfaith Housing: Giving Hope a Home By Jody Morgan
Having a home for the holidays is only a dream for many Contra Costa County residents. In 1991, the Homeless Task Force of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church identified the escalating problem. Fifteen congregations responded immediately to their call for help, jointly founding Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing (CCITH). Recognizing that breaking the cycle of poverty, trauma and homelessness demands stability, the non-profit renamed Contra Volunteers serve dinner at monthly meetings where residents learn life skills Costa Interfaith and help shape programs to improve their lives. Photo courtesy of CCIH. Housing (CCIH) currently provides permanent residences for more than 330 formerly homeless families with support from 35 faith communities, generous sponsoring organizations and numerous individuals including 440 volunteers. Providing shelter is the first action item. Estimates suggest that on any given night, as many as 5,000 Contra Costa County residents are homeless. Accurate counts are difficult to obtain. “The reason I fight it [being labeled homeless] is not from pride, it’s from strategy. The moment someone labels you as homeless, they assume drugs, alcohol, or laziness. Volume XIV - Number 12 There’s not room [under this term] for 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, people who actually work,” explains one Alamo, CA 94507 client quoted in the Contra Costa County Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 Homeless Continuum of Care’s Annual Fax (925) 406-0547 Report for Fiscal year 2013-2014. Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher CCITH incorporated in 1997 as a Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com non-profit and partnered with Mercy Sharon Burke ~ Writer Housing to purchase Garden Park The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today Apartments (GPA) in 2000. Originally is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising
See Hope continued on page 20
herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
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Page 2 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Boulevard View
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
The holidays are about gathering, sharing, gifting, and spending time together with family. And today, the modern family comes in many configurations. There may not be traditional roles, such as mother, father, children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, but rather a mash-up. There’s a new definition of “family” consisting of singles, partners, step-parents, co-parents, friends, friends-of-friends, co-workers, schoolmates, lonelyhearts, and other various blends of people and relationships. For some, a traditional holiday dinner has morphed into a different type of celebration. Millennials seem to be the source of the recent gathering fad titled “Friendsgiving.” It’s essentially a second Thanksgiving with your buddies held around the holidays, and it is a way to celebrate a tradition and gathering in perhaps a non-traditional way with “family” members of your choosing. The gatherings provide an opportunity “to sit back, relax, and enjoy being with that ‘other family,’ notes 20-something Tracy Petroski. The gatherings are also a great way to connect and bond in real-time rather than “Facetime,” email, phone, or texting. A gathering often consists of a hosted potluck where everyone participates in the meal and party process. Where Thanksgiving is about the special china, a fine wine matched to the main course and relatives you may not see very often, Friendsgiving is more about folding tables, paper plates, old friends, and BYOB. Everyone contributes according to whatever they’re good at. Up until our society became industrialized, people in small agricultural communities relied on each other and tended to gather together more. There were town hall dances, potlucks, and block parties. It was commonplace for communities to come together to help a member raise a barn or conduct other significant projects that would be far too large for one family to take care of. What goes around, comes around, and by pitching in, everyone knew that when it was their turn to need help the community would be there for them, too. I think events like Friendsgiving are slowly moving us back in the direction of rebuilding our communities, by reconnecting us with broader relationships than just our blood relatives. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a Friendsgiving event is held instead of a typical holiday gathering, but, rather in addition to. It’s not on the same scale as a barn raising, but isn’t is a step in the right direction? Locally we’re seeing other opportunities to get out and socialize. For instance, there are weekly occasions like Farmers Markets in most of our Tri-Valley towns now. The markets were intended to act as conduits to sell local fruit and vegetables into the communities, but they are much more than that. They are an excuse to get out and mingle and share an experience and reconnect with our neighbors. I think it is time to re-create some of these old traditions many of us grew up with and find new ways to get together. Maybe we don’t have a barn to raise, but we can get everyone together for a block party. It all starts with reaching out, person to person, and a willingness to put out the effort to make something happen. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful; the beauty is in its imperfection. What’s important is to make a start and begin reaching out one-by-one, rebuilding our sense of community. We do this to reconnect, to make new memories and traditions, and to strengthen the bonds that tie us to together. It’s about making more friends; who has too many friends? As we move past winter I look forward to planning a block party or maybe an ice-cream social in our neighborhood. I know we’ll make new friends and meet neighbors I barely know in passing, and together we’ll strengthen the fabric of good will and community in at least our little edge of the world.
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Danville Community Band Presents Holiday Memories
Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th at 3:30PM and join the Danville Community Band for a Christmas concert at the East Bay Foursquare Church located at 2615 Camino Tassajara Rd., Danville. Create some Holiday Memories with the Band as they present some new classics along with some old favorites. Joining the band is special guest group Clarinet Fusion...plus a visitor from the North Pole. The concert and parking are free.
Collecting Treats for Overseas Troops
Delta Nu Psi’s collections for the men and women deployed to Afghanistan have been great. The group has recently begun sending to two new squads, so they will be sending more than the usual number of boxes in December. So far Delta Nu Psi has sent 30,007 pounds of “gourmet junk food” to the troops. For their Christmas boxes the group is including blank cards that the troops can send back to their families and friends. The shipment will also include lots of chocolate candy as well. Delta Nu Psi’s next collections will be held at CVS in Alamo on December 5 and Lunardi’s on December 12 from 11am-2pm both days. Learn more about the organization by visiting deltanupsi.org.
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Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 3
Alamo’s Real Estate Expert Real Estate Broker Associate CALBRE Brokers License #01345618
Real Estate Broker
Thank you Alamo residences for all your support over the past year. Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season! Alamo Home Sales – November 2014 45 Barbee Lane 50 Bolla Avenue 1 Catherine Court 108 Crest Avenue 1202 Dorris Place 2341 Hagen Oaks Drive 301 Livorna Heights 891 Livorna Road 24 Mathews Place 1918 Parkmont Drive 28 Stone Creek Place 35 Summer Meadows Court 1657 Via Romero
Bed/Bath 3/2 5/3½ 5/3 5/3½ 6/5½ 4/3½ 3/3 4/3 5/4½ 5/2½ 6/3 4/3½ 6/5½
List Price $1,410,000 $1,700,000 $1,299,000 $1,500,000 $1,987,500 $1,250,000 $1,195,000 $1,799,000 $1,290,000 $1,350,000 $1,349,000 $1,998,000 $2,449,950
Sale Price $1,410,000 $1,700,000 $1,300,000 $1,485,000 $1,900,000 $1,200,000 $1,070,000 $1,745,000 $1,250,000 $1,285,000 $1,401,340 $ 2,050,000 $ 2,287,381
* All single family homes sold in Alamo10/23/14 thru 11/19/14
Dea Campbell 925.640.1727
The Alamo Hay and Grain: Built in 1936 by Mrs. Harriett Hunt, Alamo’s first lady postmaster, this was the Alamo Post Office until 1957 . Pete and Imogene Peterson purchased it in 1944 and operated the only food store in Alamo, The Alamo Food Center, next door, which is presently the Hay and Grain.
CALBRE #01734129
C
hris Campbell’s family has lived in Alamo for nearly 100 years. As a lifetime Alamo resident, Chris’knowledge and affection for the area give him unique insight into the Alamo real estate market and local community. Chris Campbell is your neighbor and Alamo’s Real Estate Expert! ®
Direct
925-838-5700 • E-mail Chris@ChrisCampbellRE.net • Web
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10th Annual AAUW Holiday Home Tour
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The 10th Annual Holiday Home Tour will be held on Friday and Saturday, December 12th and 13th from 10AM to 4PM. Over the first nine years of the tour, the attendance and resulting financial results have grown to provide more local scholarships and Tech Trek camperships. In 2013, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) provided 11 scholarships to local college women to continue their education. For the first time in 2013, using funds raised by a drawing for the beautiful handmade quilt, AAUW awarded a Creative Endeavors Scholarship to a young woman pursing creative career in the visual arts. Ticket sales also provided the opportunity for 12 local middle school girls to attend a week-long Tech Trek program on a college campus to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This year’s festive tour delights with unique homes displaying decorations and art from around the world. Lovingly collected and at times handmade by the homeowners, you will experience the bright colors of Mexico and South America, the cultural diversity of India, the richness of historic furnishings, and creative Mediterranean expansive style. More information can be found on the AAUW website at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/hht2014. Tickets are $35 each. A senior discount of $5 will be offered through Saturday, December 6th after which all tickets will be $35. Tickets can be purchased online, by mail, and in person. Due to processing and mailing time frames, after December 6th tickets will only be able to be purchased in person at East Bay Flower Company. To purchase online, use the AAUW website link, http://daw-ca.aauw.net/hht2014/. A $2 processing fee will be added for each ticket. To purchase by US mail, send a check postmarked by December 6th payable to Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW with a self-addressed, stamped#10 business size envelope to AAUW Holiday Home Tour, P.O. Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. Tickets can be purchased by check or cash in person at East Bay Flower Company at 206 Sycamore Valley Road West (in the Danville Livery) on Monday through Friday from 9 to 6PM and Saturdays from 9 to 5PM.
Page 4 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
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Blackhawk “First Sunday” Cars & Coffee
Blackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event year round for all car enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, starting at 8AM and going to 10AM, the Museum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts. The December event will also support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Please help support their mission by donating nutritious, nonperishable items (no expired items or glass containers please) at the event. Food Bank volunteers will be on hand to receive the donated items. On Cars & Coffee Sundays the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets. The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html, call (925) 736-2280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.
Sons in Retirement
If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in fun activities and better enjoy your leisure time, Sons in Retirement (SIR) - Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes you to join with us. We have a monthly luncheon where guest speakers address members on topics of general interest. We meet at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, on the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. In December we hold a Christmas party for SIR members, their spouses or guests. Everyone dons their holiday attire and we enjoy an excellent dinner and dancing. This year the event will be held at the beautiful Round Hill Country Club on December 16th. In May we have a special spring luncheon with entertainment where spouses and friends are invited to attend. Our member activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, dineouts, fishing, golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings, and more fun things. In addition we have special golf events and bridge tournaments where wives, partners, and guests are welcome to participate. For information about our activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116. org or call 925-322-1160.
Wreaths Across America: The Alamo Lafayette Cemetery District Board of Directors is pleased to have the San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated sponsor the Wreaths Across America project for the Alamo Cemetery on El Portal in Danville. On Saturday, December 13th at noon, the club will be placing Holiday Wreaths on the graves of veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. We have identified 18 veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. This project is part of the club’s “Caring for America.” The public is invited to attend. Pictured are, front row (l-r): Dee Thompson, Claudia Nemir, and Sara Schmitz, back row (l-r): Patty Dobbin and Linda King.
Winter Boutique at San Ramon Valley High
A Winter Boutique will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 10AM - 3PM at San Ramon Valley High School Commons, 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville. Over 70 vendors and hundreds of shoppers will be in attendance. Items will be available for everyone on your holiday list. Come support local crafters, small businesses, and youth crafters. This will also be a Toys for Tots drop-off location, so please bring an unwrapped toy to donate. For additional information or to become a vendor, please contact Helga Glasson at glasson @sbcglobal.net.
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Eye of Diablo
Save Mount Diablo, the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, and California State Parks will light the “Eye of ng Diablo,” Mount Diablo’s n beacon. The beacon is lit each December 7th to memorialize Pearl Harbor Day and remember those who served. For the comfort of those in attendance, particularly local Pearl Harbor Survivors, and because of concerns of ice atop ne Mount Diablo, the Lighting Ceremony will be held at the ny Cal State East Bay campus in Concord. Thanks to CCTV lending Save Mount Diablo ar. a hand, everyone will be able to see both the ceremony and lighting from the campus as well as up-close footage of the beacon from the summit. The ceremony will be held Saturday, December 7, 3:45pm – 5:30pm in the Oak Room of the Library Building at the California State East Bay Concord gh theCampus, ceremony hasatbeen at the located 4700held Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord. due to For the more mountain top’s about devilish information the winter Beacon Lighting Ceremony, visit www. savemountdiablo.org/activities_events_beacon.html or contact Save Mount ndaunted and from sunset on Saturday, Diablo’s at (925) 947-3535.of their acon will shineoffice brightly in memory Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public about the mountain's natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have from 6,788 acres in onesaid parkRon to more than 110,000 acres in more f this increased historic symbol of freedom,” 40 parks preserves. Mount rationthan ensures theand memory ofSave those whoDiablo lost continues to preserve, defend, and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy.
Celebrate the Joy of Remembrance at Hospice to aidof in trans-continental aviation. the East Bay’s Tree Itofis one Lights Ceremonies
y Standard Oil ofofCA the onlythe one Hospice the and East is Bay invites public to participate in the 28th Annual TreeBeacon’s of Lightslight ceremonies. bor, the was extinguished The ceremonies provide a wayuntil for community tack on California. It stayed dark Pearl members to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. Everyone is invited to participate in the events he Beacon a commemorative ceremony by family members and hospice whichin include music, poetry, remembrances or those andmoment sacrificed. staff,who and served the special whenSince the trees light up.
By dedicating a Memorial Light for a minimum gift of $25, you can honor someone you love while directly supporting end-of-life patient care. Memorial donors of $100 and higher will have the option to have their names listed in the lighting ceremony program of their choice. Funds raised allow Hospice of the East Bay to provide essential programs and services such as the Vigil Program which ensures that no one has to die alone and Bruns House, our inpatient hospice facility in Alamo. For light dedications, donations, sponsorships and event questions, call (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. Alamo & Bruns House Tree of Lights Wednesday, December 10, 12:15pm at the Alamo Women’s Club, located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. Blackhawk Tree of Lights Friday, December 12, 5pm at the intersection of Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive in Danville. Hospice of the East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a notfor-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insur- Saturday, December 6th ance status or ability SHOPPING CENTER 12pm - 2pm to pay. For more information contact 800-762-1641. www.AlamoPlazaShoppingCenter.com
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 5
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Shop Local for All of Your Culinary Gifts
With over 3,000 products to choose from We are your go-to kitchen store for all of your culinary needs and wants! Free parking & gift wrapping Alamo Ace Hardware |3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo | 925.837.2420 www.AlamoHardware.com
Page 6 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Safety Around Utility Pipelines
Last month our community experienced a small gas line leak at a construction site near one of our elementary schools. The coordinated response went smoothly, as it should, with the students being sheltered in place while first responders cordoned off the area outside the school, and fire trucks stood by, ready for the worst as PG&E worked to cap off the leaking gas line. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District all worked quickly and efficiently together to keep our community safe. An investigation into the cause of this recent incident is ongoing; however, despite a contractor’s best efforts to identify all the utility lines in an area, sometimes lines can shift or be mis-marked. Please remember as you work on your own property, even if you’re just planting a new bush or digging a fence post, call 8-1-1 before you dig. The 8-1-1 number is a national “Call Before You Dig” phone number designated to help save lives by minimizing damage to underground utilities. One easy phone call to 8-1-1 quickly begins the process of getting underground utility lines marked. Local personnel notify affected utility companies, who will send crews to mark underground lines for free. All utilities have two business days from the date of the call to locate and mark underground lines. Call early in the week for your weekend projects to allow the local utilities time to respond. Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project begins can prevent injury, expense, and penalties. The depth of utility lines may vary, and multiple utility lines may exist in one area. Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and can disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs. Marked lines show those who dig the approximate location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences. Call 8-1-1 before
Danville Girls Chorus Presents “Winter Carnival”
The Danville Girls Chorus (DGC) will perform their Winter Concert, “Winter Carnival,” on December 6th at 11AM. The performance will take place at East Bay Four Square Church, 2615 Camino Tassajara Road, Danville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, and are available for purchase at www.DanvilleGirlsChorus.com. Come join in welcoming this holiday season with this Winter Carnival concert! The Danville Girls Chorus is made up of 170 girls from 3rd to 8th grades from schools across the Tri-Valley area. The primary goal of DGC is music education. Under the direction of Ken Abrams, award-winning Choral Director for the San Ramon Valley High School, girls are taught the basics of vocal production and learn the fundamentals of musicianship and note reading. They are also introduced to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to contemporary, folk tunes, and pop music. This is the first concert in the Chorus’s 2014/2015 season. For more information visit www.DanvilleGirlsChorus.com.
Exchange Club of SRV
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month in downtown Danville. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. Novembers luncheon speaker will be Alexander Mehran, President, and Chief Operating Officer, of Sunset Development Corp. His presentation is entitled, “San Ramon City Center & Plaza is On the Way.” This will be preceded by a Business Networking Presentation from a club member. For more information, call Karen Stepper at (925) 275-2412, email coachstepper@yahoo.com, or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.
Meals on Wheels
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
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you dig or visit www.call811.com for more information. When we do have the need for emergency response for an emergency or disaster, you may want to be notified on your cell phone in case you are not home when a community alert is sent out. The County’s emergency notification system automatically telephones landlines using a reverse 911 directory. However, since more and more people are using cell phones as their primary means of communication, Contra Costa County cell phone users can receive emergency alert calls directly to their cell phone. Register your cell phone with the Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) so you can be informed about emergencies and disasters that could impact your neighborhood such as wildfires, gas line ruptures, earthquakes or floods. The CWS is operated by the office of the Sheriff and issues alerts about situations in the County that pose an imminent threat to life or health. Visit their website at www.cococws.us, and enroll your cell phone number in the service. If you prefer to get your news via social media, you can also receive alerts in your Twitter feed and get text messages on your phone. Go to Twitter and follow @CoCoCWS, and set your cell phone to receive a text alert. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and joyful Christmas and holiday season, and a Happy New Year! My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached by email at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or by phone at (925) 957-8860.
Diablo Choral Artists Holiday Concerts
Diablo Choral Artists, led by Music Director Mark Tuning, presents “A Baroque Christmas” featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “Messe de Minuit pour Nöel” (based on medieval French carols). Presented with chamber orchestra, the concert includes a carol singalong, led by the Choral Artists and their acclaimed organist, John Walko. Performances are on Saturday, December 6, 7pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek and Sunday, December 7 at 2:30pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors 60+, and students $5; children 5-12 free. Purchase at the door, from choir members or at www.brownpapertickets. com/product/16457 or 800-838-3006.
Blackhawk Republican Women Annual Christmas Luncheon
The Blackhawk Republican Women cordially invite you to a purely social event: their annual Christmas luncheon. The event will feature the United States Marines collecting Toys for Tots, the induction of officers for 2015, and a performance by the San Ramon Valley High School Chorus. The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, December 10th at the Blackhawk Country Club. At 11:30 check-in and social time will begin, and at noon there will be a luncheon and program. The cost is $25, and all are welcome. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children ages 6 month through 12 years for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. The goal of the Foundation is to deliver a message of hope to needy youngsters that motivates them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Marines will be our guests in order to receive the tax deductible gifts that we donate! The 2015 Officers of Blackhawk Republican Women will be installed. Joining us once again to spread the joy of the season will be the very entertaining San Ramon Valley High School Chorus. Please make your reservations with a check made payable to “Blackhawk Republican Women,” as well as any cancellations, by noon, Monday, December 8th, with Marianne Lyons, 856 Turrini Drive, Danville 94526, rlyons1009@sbcglobal.net or 925-820-6452.
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Rotary Club of Alamo Partners with Clunkers4Charity
The Rotary Club of Alamo is now participating in an exciting fundraising program. The program is Clunkers4Charity, and it’s a vehicle donation program supporting the Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise Charitable Fund. The Rotary Club of Alamo will become a partner of the Clayton Valley Concord Rotary Club, and for every vehicle donation that Alamo Rotary Club members refer to the Clunkers4Charity program the Rotary Club of Alamo will share in 50% of the proceeds after auction fees.
How it Works
The Clunkers4Charity program has been turning vehicle donations into cash for the past eight years. They accept vehicle donations of ALL types (cars, boats, trucks, trailers, RVs, etc) running or not, and will pick up an unusable vehicle AT NO CHARGE anywhere in the United States. In return, the donor will receive a tax deduction based on the amount received for the vehicle. The Clunkers4Charity vehicle donation program generates over $50,000 per year for various charities. When making a vehicle donation, the donor, your family member, neighbor, or friends in other parts of the United States, will specify The Foundation of the Rotary Club of Alamo to receive 50% of the vehicle donation proceeds. Local Rotary Clubs administer everything, the pick up, the sale, the paper work, DMV release of liability, proceeds, checks, and IRS form 1098-C to the donor after the sale for tax write off, and the vehicle is picked up 24 hours after the donor contacts them. Dave Kemnitz, with D & H Enterprises Auto Repair and Sales and a Rotarian, manages all the duties of the donation process. He can be contacted at 925-360-5260 for more information. Remember to specify the car donation is to support the Rotary Club of Alamo and its many community and international projects. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971, and has 45 members. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15pm at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo.
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 7
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area or a long time resident, an empty nester, newly retired, or just interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? We are a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. There are two upcoming chances to find out all about the club: Wine and Cheese Social, December 2nd, 7-9PM and Welcome Coffee, January 27th, 10AM - noon. If you are interested in attending, please send an email to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com for locations. Check out all we have to offer by visiting our website at www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.
Christmas Memories Exhibit at Museum of the SRV
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is proud to present its annual Christmas Memories Exhibit from now thru January 4, 2015. There will be decorated trees, toys, trains, an antique sleigh, mechanical toys, flying Santa, a Winnie the Pooh display, and much more. Our model Christmas trains have been expanded to include layouts of a G Scale, a pink girl train, and the Polar Express. We are also featuring favorite “must read or see” Christmas stories such as The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Gift of the Magi, and more. The Museum is located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville. Regular exhibit hours are Tuesday – Friday 1 - 4, Saturday 10 - 1, and Sunday 12 - 3. For more information, visit www.museumsrv.org or call (925) 837-3750. Come share your favorite Christmas memories with us.
Alamo Sheriff’s Station Staffed and Ready
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Station, located in the Alamo Shopping Center, is now staffed with volunteers to assist you Monday through Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 8am-12:30pm. When closed, citizens can use the outdoor red phone for all emergency and non-emergency calls. For help or information, call (925) 646-6180 or visit the office at 150 Alamo Plaza #C.
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Page 8 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo Elementary School
Rancho Romero Elementary School By Skye Larsh-Faraghan, Principal
The end of the first school trimester occurred mid November, which meant it was time to reassess our student’s progress and performance on grade level standards and report to parents. The purpose of the report card is to communicate how each child is doing so far this year. Each grade level across the district is now using a common set of assessments to measure student achievement. As a unified school district we hope to promote common instructional practices through the use of Reading and Writing Units of Study, reading assessments that support and guide instruction that is responsive to each student’s needs, and use of authentic math problem solving assessments, called MARS tasks. These assessments have instructional implications that can inform daily teacher practice. As students move through grade levels and/or across the district from school to school, teachers will have access to common student information about their strengths and needs.
Holiday Wishes
Rancho Romero’s character education themes during November and December are gratitude and initiative. We all know the best way to teach our children about gratitude is by being good role models as adults every day of the year. But during the holiday season there are many additional ways to show gratitude and give thanks. Here are few thankful messages from our students. “I am thankful that I was born.” “I am thankful for having stuff people didn’t have a long time ago.” “I am thankful for my family, friends, and the world.” “I am grateful for my amazing teacher who taught me incredible things.” “I am thankful for my puppy.” “I am grateful for my family because they give me so much. I am thankful for every day.” Listed are some of our favorite children’s books about being thankful. Share a special moment with a child by reading together. An Awesome Book of Thanks by Clayton Dallas Grateful: A Song of Giving Thanks by John Bucchino (CD Art Garfunkel) Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts & Noah Jones Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky Your Are? by Dr. Seuss Sylvester and The Magic Pebble by William Steig As the Principal of Rancho Romero, I am thankful everyday to be able to share the incredibly important work of educating children with top professional educators, supportive, resourceful, and thoughtful parents and community partners. “The future depends on what we do today.”
Do you have a story idea? How about sporting news? Call us at 925.405.6397, or email us at Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com. 8
Lost Dog!
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Donna Toy is our winner
By Stan Hitomi, Principal
None of us woke up the morning of November 5th thinking we would be implementing a full-scale, reallife shelter-in-place, but that is exactly what happened. Just after 9am construction crews struck a four-inch gas line along Livorna Road in front of the school. The accident initiated a series of events that led to a campus wide shelter-in-place and eventual early dismissal of the entire school. The fact that the morning played out with the calmness and organization of a drill is a testament to the preparation that we have put into being ready for such emergencies. A good deal of the credit goes to our Alamo School Safety Committee that includes parents Courtney Finder (Site Council), John Bryan (Emergency & Safety Consultant), Steve Gorski (Walnut Creek PD), and Jim Hoskins (Alameda FD). The committee has been working on issues related to school security and safety since last spring. The week before the accident the Safety Committee, along with teachers, met with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Walnut Creek Police Department, and San Ramon Valley Fire Department to play out a variety of emergency scenarios as they might occur at Alamo School and how the various agencies would respond. We all felt that this experience was helpful in developing working relationships and understandings of how each organization operates as they played out in reallife on November 5th. Our experiences that day went far beyond a typical drill. Our students were kept indoors for nearly three hours, and we found that parents who were on campus that morning played a far more significant role than we could have imagined. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies, Walnut Creek Police, San Ramon Valley Fire, as well as PG&E responded to the accident and supported the school during the emergency. The morning ended in an early dismissal and pick-up of nearly 300 students from the back of the school, supported by the County Sheriff’s, Walnut Creek Police, and our own YMCA staff who worked alongside our teachers and parent volunteers. We know this is a work in progress and that there is plenty of room for improvement, but we are taking full advantage of our experiences from that day to improve our Emergency Plan.
Important Dates December 3 December 5 December 10 December 12 December 12
Student vs. Staff Basketball Game, MPR – 2PM PTA Luncheon, Library 11:45–12:30PM Birthday Breakfast with the Principal, Library–7:45 AM Alamo Ed Fund Meeting, Library 8:30AM Holiday Concert, MPR–7PM
Alamo School Field Moratorium
After a busy season of baseball, soccer, and other field sports, it is the time of year to let the field at Alamo Elementary School rest. From December 1st through March 1st the field will be closed for restoration. Field moratoriums are necessary in order to give maintenance crews the opportunity to conduct routine maintenance on the fields by aerating, reseeding, and giving the turf time to rest, heal, and grow in preparation for sprint activities. For more information, contact Victoria Skerritt at Contra Costa County Public Works at 925-313-2272 or email vsker@pw.cccounty.us. For information about county parks, go to www.cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation.
Upcoming Community Meetings and Events
AIA - Alamo Improvement Association - Please visit www.alamoca.org for upcoming meetings - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First Tuesday of each month 6pm - Alamo Women’s Club P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - First Monday of each month, 5pm - Meets at Alamo Chamber of Commerce Office located at 120 -B, Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - Second Wednesday of each month, 7pm - Meets at Round Hill Country Club - Lower Level Meeting Room CERT classes - Community Emergency Response Team - Visit www. firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/upcoming_classes.asp
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Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun K. McElroy, Principal SVMS Holiday Gift Drive
The Stone Valley Leadership class is holding a toy drive. Please drop off new or gently used toys through December 12th in the collection bins in the office. All the toys will be donated to our sister school, Coronado Elementary. We will also accept donations of gently used bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. Please make sure all donations are acceptable for a student grade level Pre-K thru 6th grade. If you don’t know what to get, you can always donate a gift card to Target or Toys R Us and we will do the shopping for you. Our goal is to collect 460 gifts - at least one gift per child. Help us make a difference in a child’s holiday. To see a brief video explaining our efforts, visit www.wevideo.com/hub/#media/ ci/269762794.
Stone Valley Design Plan Goes to Board
The Facilities Oversight Advisory Committee (FOAC) met on Wednesday November 19th to share current progress on the facility designs with the community. The FOAC voted to recommend a design for approval by the school board. The recommended design will be considered at the December 9th school board meeting. We would like to thank the FOAC for their hard work and for recommending a truly amazing design. More information can be found on the Measure D projects page at www.srvusd. k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1346747333230.
New Advisory Program adds a Reading Component
Middle School students go through the most dramatic physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes of any school aged child. During these three years students will forge lasting relationships with peers and adults, become more independent and begin to form their own identities. Middle schools are designed to meet these changing needs in a variety of ways. The Advisory program is built around the personal connections between student and advisor. The Advisory Program creates small communities of 26 students that will have the same teacher/advisor for the entire school year. The advisor serves as an important support and advocate for this group of students.
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 9
Here’s a breakdown of our 10-week advisory cycles: • 1 assembly – usually character education theme related • 1 class meeting – Discuss current issues in a town hall format • 4 “Drop everything and read” sessions – All school sustained silent reading • 4 character education lessons – anti-bullying, cyber safety, philanthropy and team building are some of the topics we’ve covered this year. Also during advisory students view our weekly broadcast of SVTV, leadership students make announcements, class competition counts are taken, and the distribution of “take home” materials is done. The most recent Advisory theme was Gratitude and Thankfulness – here’s link to the video we have selected as background for the activity, www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5lZBjWDR_c. Following the video students created a Gratitude Wall in the corridors. Look for pictures on the Stone Valley Facebook and Twitter pages.
Wanted: 21st Century STEM Experts
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) guest speakers are needed. Do you have an expertise in a STEM field? Come join us as a guest speaker in February 2015. Speakers will be asked to provide a one-hour presentation that includes their background and preparation, a look at “a day in the life’’ of their job, and a hands on activity for students. Let’s help grow the future! Contact Shaun McElroy at smcelro@srvusd.net if you are interested.
Volunteer
Your presence on our campus benefits all students, plus you can earn your very own Stone Valley car magnet! Just put in two hours of volunteer time, and our PTA will reward you with a handsome fixture for your car. • Principal’s Advisory Council – Quarterly roundtable discussion/think tank on school improvement. Contact Shaun McElroy at smcelro@srvusd.net. • School Climate committee – Help shape the programs that lead to an improved school climate. The committee meets six times per year. Contact Chelsea Rivas at crivas1@srvusd.net.
Stone Valley has Gone Social!
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Stone-Valley-MiddleSchool, follow us on at Twitter @StoneValleyMS, and sign up for text alerts by texting @0c3a67 to (925) 392-0796.
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Page 10 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
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In Loehmann’s Shopping Center (next to Lucky’s)
San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated Scholarship/Leadership Awards
The San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated (SRVRWF) will award scholarships of up to $1,000 to selected participants. To be eligible you must be a female local high school senior accepted at a four year college/university. Women continuing or returning to a four year college/ university working toward a degree or certification may also apply. In addition you must be a resident of the San Ramon Valley area, registered, or plan to register, as a Republican, be a demonstrated leader, and have a 3.0 or higher grade point average. To apply, please provide your name, address, and phone number and a resume identifying positions held in leadership or organizations including volunteer and paid positions. Please attach a copy of your current transcripts. The deadline to submit applications March 15, 2015. Please mail your application to SRVRWF/Scholarship, P.O. Box 1, Danville, CA 94526. For more information, visit www.srvrwf.org/Scholarships.html. For questions, contact Renee Morgan at (925)-918-3999 or reneesmorgan@yahoo.com.
Salon Offers Toy Drive and Raffle
On Thursday, December 4th between 5-7pm, Celebration Salon, located at 3195 Danville Blvd. #3 in Alamo, will host an open house, toy drive, and raffle to benefit two East Bay charities, right in time for the upcoming holidays. The event will benefit the Street Level Health Project (SLHP) and the Eastside Art Alliance. SLHP is an Oakland based grassroots organization dedicated to helping families survive and thrive. They are located in an area where health care and social services are often overlooked and not provided. They offer a free health screening clinic and patient health navigation program for the uninsured, meals and clothing for children and adults, and education and occupational services. The Eastside Arts Alliance is an organization comprised of artists, cultural workers, and community organizers that are dedicated in uplifting the East Bay community through positive social programs and change. They provide various community workshops, events, and festivals. Celebration Salon is accepting new unwrapped toys and donations of any kind to be divided and given to each of these wonderful programs. They will be distributed to the hundreds of families they service everyday. For more information, call 925-314-1760.
2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Concord (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)
San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, Principal
Once the holiday season begins, we have an opportunity to reflect on what we most appreciate about our schools and community. The one thing that stands out to me is how focused the entire SRV staff is on providing opportunities for our students. We have almost 200 staff at SRV and our entire team focuses on different elements of student service. This work encompasses classroom learning (curriculum, instruction and assessment) and the extra curricular programs like athletics and the performing arts programs (dance, theater arts, instrumental and choral music). However, we have to have many support systems in place to ensure that our educational and instructional programs run smoothly. Schools could not function without the counseling team, the attendance office staff, our custodial team, or our campus supervision team. In additional to these groups we have our food services team, office staff, technology support team, career center staff, and librarian. All of these groups work to provide systems and support to help students make the most of their opportunities at SRV. Our focus, of course, is primarily that students learn, that we provide them with the best possible education. But alongside this overarching goal, we are also focused on campus culture. This endeavor includes helping students to make positive decisions in both their social interactions and in their personal choices. This is always a challenge as culture can be difficult to define or to change. Last month I shared the Community Values that our students designed to capture what they believe SRV culture should be. These are a wonderful representation of what is valuable and important to our students and they have done a great job of promoting these on campus. However, the one area that the students did not include is an area that the adults both on and off campus have the greatest responsibility in fostering in our students - stress management. Next month I will share some of the strategies and initiatives that we are pursuing in order to help our students manage their overwhelming schedules, the stress of college applications and the challenges of navigating this busy time of year.
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Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 11
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale
The San Ramon Valley is fortunate to have amazing schools and community support to help all stuAlamo - According to industry experts, away altogether. In most cases, you can dents succeed. I would like to take there are over 33 physical problems that make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself this opportunity to brag a little about Monte Vista students, programs, and will come under scrutiny during a home if you know what you're looking for, and staff. inspection when your home is for sale. knowing what you're looking for can help Monte Vista has two nationally A new report has been prepared which you prevent little problems from growing certified teachers on our staff, Emily identifies the 11 most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. Dolim and Meghan Faerber. National Board Certification problems, and what you should know about To help home sellers deal with this issue is an advanced teaching credential. Part of the certification them before you list your home for sale. before their homes are listed, a free report process requires that teachers analyze their teaching content Whether you own an old home or a brand entitled "11Things You Need to Know to and students’ needs, submit videos of their teaching, and new one, there are a number of things Pass Your Home Inspection" has been provide student work samples that demonstrate growth and that can fall short of requirements during a compiled which explains the issues involved. achievement. The process takes over a year, and only about home inspection. If not identified and dealt To hear a brief recorded message about 30% of the teachers that apply become certified on their first with, any of these 11 items could cost you how to order your FREE copy of this report, try. The work is intense and time consuming. Along with dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter teachers who have National Board Certification many of our critical that you read this report before 2001. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, staff have degrees beyond their teacher credential with a masyou list your home. If you wait until the 7 days a week. ter’s degree or credentialing in more than one content area. building inspector flags these issues for Get your free special report NOW to learn These talented teachers provide a wide array of programs you, you will almost certainly experience how to ensure a home inspection doesn't for our students. One program is AVID (Advancement via costly delays in the close of your home cost you the sale of your home. Individual Determination); Monte Vista is in our fifth year sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers as an AVID site. In 2009, we started with one AVID class of This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013 20 ninth graders and, over the past five years, our program has grown to four AVID classes with 95 AVID students. Advancement via Individual Determination is an elective class that works to support students in the academic middle – students who are already working hard to do well in school but want to reach new levels of success. In the AVID elective, students learn organizational, note taking, and other study skills. Serving Bay Area businesses and residents since 2002 Moreover, the students benefit from the support of their classmates, AVID tutors, and elective teacher. AVID center describes the program well: “At its How Can We Help You? heart, AVID is a philosophy. Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge.” We are proud to say that AVID is definitely working - many of our current AVID students are succeeding in our rigorous honors and AP classes, and 100% of our AVID graduates are currently attending a four-year college. Neil Gupta is just one of our many talented students. In November Neil was recognized by the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group and was one of the recipients of their Dreammakers and Risktakers Award. Neil has started TeenMesh, an online platform where students do peer to peer tutoring around the world. This allows teenagers from every socio-economic background to connect and collaborate. Currently over 3,400 students use this website in over 70 countries. For more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.
Portable CIO Computer Service
Mt. Diablo Branch California Writers Club
“Three of Our Own” presents “Top Ten Tips on Publishing” at the next meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, December 13, at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Melanie Denman completed the Stanford Novel Writing program, and her debut novel, Visiting the Sins, won the 2014 Bronze IPPY Award for Southern Fiction. Dina Coleman, MA, MBA, is an author and health coach, whose book, Four Quadrant Living: Making Healthy Living Your New way of Life, is an Amazon Top 100 selection and has won 11 awards. Andrew Benzie has over 25 years in the design business and established his own publishing company in 2010 to help authors publish, design, and market their books in both softcover and eBook formats. Sign-in is from 11:15AM to 12PM. Members will display and sell books until the seated holiday luncheon from 12PM to 12:45PM. The program will be held from 1PM to 2PM. Registration is $20 for CWC members, $25 for guests. Payment by cash or check is preferred. Members are encouraged to bring guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, December 10. Contact Robin at ragig@aol.com or by phone at (925) 933-9670. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation. To learn more visit cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/.
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Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.
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Page 12 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
ALAMO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS
NIKKI YAMATO, DDS A Diplomat of the American Board of PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY. She completed her Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. Her professional background includes a teaching position as Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco where she received her DDS back in 2009. Dr. Yamato specialized in the management of pediatric oral diagnosis and treatment, trauma/injuries as well as interceptive orthodontics. Furthermore, she is adept in treating children and special needs patients under nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia in the operating room. She is affiliated with Children’s Oakland Hospital.
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YU-CHING LAI DDS, MS She received her DDS from UCSF, and completed her specialty in ORTHODONTICS & DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS from University of Rochester, New York in 2009. Her expertise includes early-age orthodontic management (two-phase therapy), multi-disciplinary orthodontic treatment, conventional metal & clear (ceramic) braces, Invisalign® & Invisalign Teen®, self-ligation braces (metal & clear), retainer and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD). She is actively involved in research and has published several articles; one, notably explored TMJ treatment. Lastly, she is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.
New Patient Special Free school backpack for patients under 12 years old Must be accompanied by exam, teeth cleaning, and x-rays
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W: www.stonevalleydental.com P: 925-831-8310 F: 925-309-2460 E:stonevalleydental@gmail.com
International House, UC Berkeley By Linda Summers Pirkle
Years ago when I was a student at UC Berkeley, I lived at the dormitory International House. The welcoming event for new residents was an English Tea held in the glorious I-House Great Hall where we were served crispy cucumber sandwiches, delicious desserts, and tea. The event was attended by fellow house mates from all over the world. I went on to form friendships with people from Italy, Turkey, Iran, Germany, Spain, France, and Romania to name just a few. International House with its red tile roof and distinctive tower officially opened in 1930. Located on Piedmont Avenue in Berkeley the house was the second of four in the “International House Movement.” As the I-House History brochure says, “International House is a laboratory for a new kind of experience-the day-to day- practice of international fellowship among men and women.” It was the largest dormitory built west of the Hudson River and shocked many people with the radical idea of letting men and women as well as people of different ethnicities and races live under the same roof. Despite resistance and hostility, I-House opened in August, 1930 with spaces for 115 women and 338 men with rent starting at $14 per month. For nearly 85 years, I-House has been home to thousands of students from all over the world. The interior is a step back in time: iron chandeliers in the Great Hall, balconies, hand painted ceilings, and lots of tile. My favorite area is the lovely courtyard outside the main Dining Commons. Under a canopy of trees, Heller patio is a charming spot that feels a bit like Italy. International House is perched at the top of Piedmont Avenue facing the Pacific Ocean. On a recent visit to I-House, I spoke to Tim Lynch, Events Manager, who mentioned, “There are probably ten days per year that are so clear that from the windows of the Home Room you can see as far as the Farallon Islands. Those ten days are usually in January and February.”
Just a 5-10 minute walk from I-House is another spot for great views, Sather Tower or the “Campanile” located on the UC Berkeley campus. This tower is visible for miles and stands 307 feet tall. It’s the third tallest bell and clock tower in the world and the views from the observation deck are incredible. The Carillon (set of bells) is located above the observation platform. Plan your visit to the campus around the ten minute bell concerts which are performed by musicians (carillonists) every day at 7:50AM, 12PM and 6PM. Longer concerts are performed on Sundays at 2PM. Entrance fee for the elevator ride to the top of Sather Tower is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Visitors are allowed to watch the carillonists (bell ringers) perform the noon concerts. *I-House is located at 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley. The phone number is 510-642-4128 and website is ihouse.berkeley.edu. Visitors are welcome Monday thru Friday. Ask if a guide is available. If not, you can explore on your own, but some areas are restricted. Don’t miss Memory Hall located near the student café. The Dining Commons will be undergoing renovation in January 2015. *There is limited parking on campus; it’s best to take BART to Downtown Berkeley and catch the Bus “P” which drops off in front of International House. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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● Stone Valley Center ● Candace Andersen, County Supervisor
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 13
● Brent & Terri Tucker Tucker Associates
● Morgan Bonanno Paving & Grading ● Alamo Municipal Advisory Council
• Alamo Optometry • Assemblymember Joan Buchanan • Color Bundles Art Studio • Giovanni’s Barber Shop • Imagine Dental • Steve Mick & Alicia Watson • Roberta Morris • Peter Ostrosky • Round Hill CC • Ken Soult • Summit Ranch Equine Center • Taco Bell • Law Offices of Brian Thiessen
Dan White, Photographer Alamo Ace Hardware Andrew Elkin Alamo Rotary California Highway Patrol CCC Public Works Department CCC Sheriff’s Department Diablo Holdings, Ltd. Kiwanis Club of SRV Richard’s Arts & Crafts Round Table Pizza-Pierre Kash Safeway, Alamo SRV Fire Protection District Brent & Terri Tucker
Charles Jennings, Santa
Terri Delfosse, Chairperson, Publicity
Boy Scout Troop 216
Kevin Musante, Logistics Chair
Jane Lang & Brownie Troup 33410
John Lineweaver, Treasurer
Cheerleaders of Monte Vista HS Lauri Byers, Field Rep, Sup. Andersen’s Office
Steve Mick, Secretary Bruce Marhenke, Safety Chair Andrew Elkin, Fundraising
Deputy Jesse Topete, CCC Sheriff’s Office
Andrea Scott, Decorations
Kimberly French, SRV Fire Protection Dist
Teresa White, Entertainment Coordinator
Bob Hendry, Sr. Engr, CCC Public Works
Bill White, Master of Ceremonies
Jerry Fahy, Sr. Traffic Engr, CCC Public Works
OUR WONDERFUL SCHOOL PERFORMERS AND THEIR DEDICATED TEACHERS AND AIDES
Josh DeHart, TPR Traffic Solutions
ALL MONETARY DONATIONS RECEIVED BY 11/17/2014 ARE LISTED ABOVE. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY OMISSIONS.
Tis The Season to do a Green Audit By Loren McDonald, Sustainable Danville Area
As 2014 nears an end, many of us will use the holiday season to reflect on the past year and plan life activities for 2015. As part of these planning efforts, it is important to do an audit or selfassessment to take stock of what we did in the past year and identify where there are opportunities to improve or make changes in the coming year. With sustainability, including reducing water and energy usage, and costs becoming an area of concern for many people, consider conducting a “green” audit along with your financial and budgeting exercises. A simple review of your family’s use of water, energy, transportation, and purchasing and practices including food consumption, gardening and recycling can uncover several opportunities to both reduce your impact on the planet, and put dollars back in your pocket. The following are among several areas to include in your “green audit,” which can provide a foundation for your 2015 personal sustainability plan: Water Bill/Usage: Start by reviewing your water bills from the past two years. The average single-family home in the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) used 135 gallons of water per person per day in 2013. How does your usage compare? Look for spikes in usage that could signal a leak in your irrigation system. Toilets: Check the age and gallons used per flush in each of your toilets. Replacing older toilets, that typically use 3.5-5 or more gallons per flush, with new, efficient toilets that use 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush and can save 10-25 gallons per toilet per day. Shower Heads: How many of your shower heads are the low-flow type? Have you timed yourself and family members on the duration of showers? What about baths? Are any family members taking baths when a shower would suffice? Electricity, Gas and Appliances: Review your electricity and gas bills, and look for spikes during the cold winter and hot summer months. What temperature is your thermostat and water heater set at? Is it time to upgrade your old clothes washer, dryer, or dishwasher? Do you have an old inefficient refrigerator in the garage where you keep beverages? Light bulbs: Replacing older light bulbs with newer energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs, is one of the easiest ways to reduce your household energy usage and save money over the long term. How many of your incandescent and fluorescent bulbs make sense to replace?
Insulation/Leaks: Potential energy savings from eliminating air leaks can range from 5% to 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Consider a professional home energy audit, but at minimum inspect inside and outside your home for all visible air leaks. Food: Do you buy from local food sources when possible, such as those at the Alamo or Danville Farmer’s markets? How often are you eating beef, and is it grass-fed and locally raised? Are you over-buying and then throwing out foods your family doesn’t eat. Are you buying organic foods when possible? Reuse, Recycling, and Bags: Have you switched to using rechargeable batteries in household devices? Do you have a compost bin for food scraps and other organic material? Are you recycling as much as you can? Do you take plastic bags, batteries, printer cartridges, and light bulbs to local recycling and collection points – or just toss stuff in the garbage? Assess what percentage of recyclable items your family is actually putting into your bin. Are you using reusable bags for groceries? Chemicals and Fertilizers: Are you still using harmful chemicals inside and outside your home, whether to clean toilets or kill slugs and weeds? How many of your cleaning products can be replaced with commercial non-toxic products, and homemade cleaners using alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Outside the home, are there opportunities to replace chemical-based fertilizers with organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and compost? What about using alternatives to pesticides including coffee grounds, vinegar, and non-toxic commercial solutions? Transportation/Autos: Assess how often your cars must be used. How many miles is each car driven, and what are your monthly fuels costs? Use this information to analyze whether you can potentially give up one car or switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid car. Make sure your audit includes opportunities to use public transportation such as BART, car sharing services, and those bicycles gathering dust in your garage. Reviewing the areas above will provide you and your family a foundation for understanding what opportunities you have to lessen your impact on the planet and save money through lower water, energy, and auto fuel bills. Gather your audit findings and in January’s column, we’ll outline a process to help you prioritize and plan your personal sustainability actions for 2015. Visit us at www.sustainabledanville.com or www.facebook.com/sustainabledanville.com.
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Page 14 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
All I want for Christmas By Monica Chappell
December is my favorite month of the year! Almost every day there's a reason to open, taste, and share a new bottle of wine with friends and family: 8 days of Hanukkah, 25 Days of Christmas, New Year's Eve - you name it! But it’s also a great time to give wine as a gift. I’ve got a few suggestions for adding a little pizzazz to stocking stuffers for the wine-lovers on your list.
For the Novice:
2014 Dick King Tournament 1st Place U-12 D4
Girls from left to right: Shealyn Ratto, Grace Huston, Hailey Eggiman, Gabriella Cochran, Reese Ludovico, Krystal Medina, Lauren Barry, Madison Weil, Emma Engstrom, Juliana Muegge, Julia Goodman, Ember Modrell, Emilie Johnson, Ava Fard, and Tiffany La. Not pictured is Ela Emam. Coaches: Deb Hamilton, Bruce Goodman, Scott Engstrom. Photo by Jeffrey Weil. nd
Alamo Women’s Tennis Team Finish 2 at USTA League National Championships
The women’s tennis team from Alamo, representing the USTA Northern California Section, finished second at the USTA League Adult 40 & Over 3.5 National Championships held in Tucson, Arizona. The team is captained by Amy Palmer and features Sharon Rueb, Caroline Macke, Yoonies Kim, Cathy Armstrong, Laurie Strauch, Tara Khoury, Catherine Lorraine Carter, Debbie Teryison, Patt Topkis, Karen Rovner, Christine Dow, and Kristen Texeira Foster and plays at the Round Hill Country Club. Established in 1980, USTA League has grown from 13,000 participants in a few parts of the country in its first year to over 820,000 players across the nation today, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league.
Wine opener and foiler: No wino should be without the basics. Vinturi Wine Aerator: If you don’t have the time or the equipment to aerate your wine the traditional way, this quick-fix gadget can come in handy.
For the Wine Geek:
Ah-So: This two-pronged wine opener extracts crumbling corks in one piece. Wine Bottle Tags: Organize your wine cellar with tags for red and white wine. Oenophilia Private Preserve: Protects your unfinished wine by replacing harmful oxygen with argon, the same gas used by wineries to protect their wine from oxidization.
For the Entertainer:
Wine Glass Writer: This pen writes festive messages or someone’s name on their glass, and then it washes off at the end of the evening. Bouchon: Every hostess has a bottle of bubbly on hand, and every good hostess also has a bouchon, or Champagne stopper, to keep the bubbles from escaping. Wine Away: A host’s secret weapon, Wine Away works magic on red wine stains. Whether you’re shopping for someone who just started to explore wine, someone who has been bitten by the wine bug, or someone who loves to throw wine parties, we’ve got you covered. Happy Holidays! Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. Visit her at www. wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.
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Left to right: Front: Sharon Rueb, Caroline Macke, Yoonies Kim, Cathy Armstrong, Laurie Strauch, Tara Khoury, Amy Palmer (Captain) Back: Catherine Lorraine Carter, Debbie Teryison, Patt Topkis, Karen Rovner, Christine Dow, Kristen Texeira Foster
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Diablo WPC Wins TYR Champions Cup
The 2014 TYR Champions Cup (14 and under division) concluded at the LISD Westside Aquatic Center in Lewisville, Texas, and the girls of Diablo Water Polo Club were crowned champions. Above top row: Team is led by Head Coach Maureen O’Toole-Purcell, Brooke Westphal – Lafayette, Rachel Rosen – Alamo, Annelise Miller – Danville, Makenna Ferguson – Orinda, Christina Crum – Moraga, Alexandra Brown – Clayton, Morgan Lewis – Alamo, Alexis Rowell – Lafayette, Sydney Milham – Danville, Assistant Coach Kelly Mendoza. Bottom Row: Jewel Roemer – Martinez, Madeline Smith – Lafayette, Nina Munson – Moraga, Maisy White – Walnut Creek, Sydney Hammill – Danville, Kathryn Lyons – Orinda.
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Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 15
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Your Digital Footprint By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
After writing last month’s column, I came across three articles that drove home the points I was making, and I wanted to share them to help illustrate the points I made. The first is an article about Facebook. You’ve probably read about the issues surrounding Facebook’s confusing privacy settings. The implicit agreement you make when you use Facebook’s service is that they will use as much of your data as they can to further their revenue goals. For the article, the author binged on “Liking” everything in Facebook for a period of 48 hours. He found that when he liked something that represented a certain theme, the advertising he received immediately afterward reflected whatever it is that he had “liked.” For instance, newsfeeds came across espousing particular products or political views, and almost immediately the advertising being pumped into his newsfeed were issues and product-based, crowding out the actual human-generated news items. In other words, the more you like something, the more you get until it’s all you get. I find it troubling that instead of complimenting a reader’s views with a variety of perspectives, the algorithms are designed to force-feed you more of what you’ve already been ingesting. That doesn’t do much for the concept of broadening one’s horizons, nor of fostering tolerance for opposing viewpoints. The next article was in Slate Magazine by Amy Webb. She and her husband signed up for and purchased all the web domains, email accounts, and social networking accounts they could access on behalf of their newborn child. The idea was to create and isolate everything pertaining to their child’s name, but then to leave the sites fallow, unused. Doing so has the effect of creating a sort of blank spot on the Internet that protects their child from being exploited. Right now, everyone is exploited. But these children have a fighting chance to actually control their online identity because their parents are forward thinking enough to identify the threat and do something about it. At some point in the future, when their child is not only technically old enough, but importantly, mature enough to understand the implications of managing their digital identity, they will be given an envelope with their passwords. At that point, the child’s digital identity will actually be a rarity – it will be blank, and they will possess a tremendous control of what for us has long since been lost. The third article was about Uber, the popular new company that operates like a taxi service. The article reinforced my belief that at some point there is going to be a (well deserved) backlash against un-checked commercial digital data collection and snooping. Because people use their smartphones to contact Uber for rides, the service uses the GPS coordinates from the smartphone to pinpoint the individual’s location. The GPS coordinates are correlated to the smartphone owner because they have signed up for the service with their name, email address, and credit card. See where I’m going? Uber knows who you are, and where you are. This is probably true in a lot of cases, but other people who have that information have been smart enough to keep it quiet and not alarm the public. That is the information has been kept quiet until the publication of a snarky article in the Uber blog. Using data the blogger collected over the period of several months in the major markets where they operate, they correlated transactions where the drop off and pick-up were within the hours of 10pm and 4am, and happened within .1 miles of each other. In other words, they were attempting to isolate those people who used the service after a one-night-stand and needed a ride home. They correlated this with several calendar dates, such as Valentines day (low usage), tax day (high usage), and other dates with predictable highs and lows. Should this bug you? At one level, they researchers has found interesting metrics. At another, as they can track each individual when they are not using the service because they have their phone’s signature, and have shown a willingness to do so, I think it becomes creepy really fast. It’s not hard to see the implications for blackmail and who-knows-what-else. Just like a hammer can be used to hit your thumb or build a house, digital tools can be used constructively or destructively. I urge you to join the conversation. In the meantime, when your business or home need help with your network or computer systems, don’t hesitate to call your friends at Advertorial Portable CIO for help at 925-552-7953 or helpdesk@theportablecio.com.
Page 16 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
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Garlands, E-Mail Address Stems, (I’m already on the list! ) CLIP ’N SAVE! 14” Artists Gift Sets 4 4ft. ft.Prelit Prelit E 4Ornaments ft. 4Battery ft. Prelit reg. $25.00 $5.88 reg. $11.99 13” Charger Charger Carolers 13” 13” Charger Charger 14” Potted AllPotted Christmas &Prelit Tree Decor2’ to CLIP ’N SAVE! ArtistsChristmas Gift Sets 13” Pre-Lit Operated sn COUPON! San6 Pre-Lit Alpine Trees CLIP ’N SAVE! Picks, Berries, Poinsettia Plant Poinsettia Plant Mixed Media, Entryway EntrywayTree Tree es Regular Mixed Media, Entryway Entryway Tree Tree Plates Plates LED 16” Pine Wreath Plates Plates VALUABLE 12” Assorted Carolers COUPON! Bushes and Now 50%withoff Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function timer. reg. $19.99 Hanging Ornaments, Birds, Oil and Acrylic Oil andItem Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99*Alamo t) Priced *San Ramon Clear & Multi colored lights Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative reg. $39.99-$179.99 9/ltBolt reg. $2.99 reg. $2.99 Pre-Made Any One Regular Valid Through 12/24/14 Now 3 / $10 Now 3 / $10 Garlands & Tree Toppers 22” $29.99 reg $59.99 Now Now 3 /3$10 / $10 22”reg. $29.99 reg $59.99 $29.88 One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framing $29.88 99 $5.88 reg. $14.99 $79.99 Bolt .99/ Bolt reg. $3.99 reg. $3.99 reg. $79.99 Arrangements Now $19.99-$89.99 ) and prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, Martha reg. $69.99 Choose from many styles Choose from many styles reg. $69.99 reg. reg. $79.99 $79.99 (Compare at) Priced Item Stewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand. Choose Choose from from many many styles styles Alamo Store 820-4731 San Ramon Store 359-6900 99 colors and colors Otherand exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price. Indoor or outdoor Indoor or outdoor 50 Count LED Twinkle LightCenter Set The Marketplace Shopping Center Alamo Plaza N SAVE! Bolt .99/ Bolt reg. $5.99 reg. $5.99 and colors and colors Indoor orValleyoutdoor orRd.Shopping outdoor Sign up for list and enter monthly a $50 Gift Certificate! Indoor 300our Markete-mail Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. ExitaEast to Alcosta Blvd.drawing for Alamo Store 820-4731 00 Stone Exit West off Hwy 680 to 10:00-6:00 Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. ng Center Alamo Plaza13” ShoppingCharger Center Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00,4 9:3 Holiday Hours: Christmas Ribbon $5.88 reg. $11.99 E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )Pre-Lit Battery Operated Sat. ft San Ramon Store 359-6900 or Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.reg. $25.00 Stone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block. 24” Holiday Wreaths 24” Holiday Wreaths Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels www.ShopRichards.com Ad Wreath prices effective th The Marketplace Shopping Center 30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00 & ree Tree Decor Decor Mon.24” - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30 Holiday Hours: Entry LED 16” Pine 24” Holiday Holiday Wreaths Wreaths Plates 50% off N! 300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd. V Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer. CLIP ’N SAVE! Your Choice of of 6Ad Styles. Your Choice 6Canyon Styles. chards.com prices effective through 12/24/14 Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business $11.88 $11.88 Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00 Clear & Multi colored lights VALUABLE COUPON! 3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99 Your Your Choice ofreg 6reg Styles. of24.99 624.99 Styles. $11.88 Matching Garland available forfor Matching Garland available $11.88 Now 3$11.88 / Choice $10 Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business $5.88 reg.$11.88 $14.99 Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Certificate! E-Mail Address (I’mGift already on the list!
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Page 18 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
The Care of Mature Trees By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
Entering my sixth decade, the gathering stiffness in my joints deepens my appreciation that living systems change as they age. Trees also change as they grow older, but, for trees and humans alike, how gracefully we flower in later life is not determined by genetics alone. Long life for humans is a relatively new phenomenon. Our Paleolithic ancestors seldom lived beyond 35 years of age, and they would, I imagine, marvel that the average American now lives to be 78. However, long life for trees is nothing new. Methuselah, a bristlecone pine growing in the Sierras, has attained the astounding age of 4,838 and is the oldest documented living organism on our planet. It lifts my heart to acknowledge that the pine nut, which grew to become Methuselah, sprouted its first needles 2,268 years before the birth of Buddha, 2,832 years before the birth of Jesus, and 3,402 years before the birth of Muhammad. To promote long life, reduce the stresses on your trees. The densely packed clay soils common to the East Bay produce many stresses. Compacted soils lack air spaces and inhibit the movement of oxygen. Clay soils are soggy when wet (which promotes root rot), but they are hard when dry (which promotes drought stress). Improving the porosity of the soil by mulching, aerating, and, sometimes, by radial trenching reduces the stress on your tree. Mulching is the
Danville Library Endowment Launches Drive to Raise $1 Million
The Friends of the Danville Library Endowment Fund is now worth more than $800,000, and by the end of 2015 the all-volunteer Endowment Committee hopes to reach $1 million. “To reach this goal, we need help from everyone in the community,” according to Bev Wadsworth, Committee Chair. During this fiscal year the Endowment was able to make grants totaling $29,000 to the Danville library to improve its book collections, enhance the audio-visual materials, and support programming. The Danville Library now has very popular language collections in Chinese and Farsi (Persian) that are supported with Endowment funds. The goal of the Committee is to make larger grants to all the collections every year and to be responsive to community needs. As in the past, the Friends will honor each contributor to the Endowment by buying a specially selected new book, DVD, or CD for the library. Each book will contain a bookplate thanking the donor for support. Contributions may be sent to the Danville Library, 400 Front Street, Danville CA 94526. Envelopes should be addressed to “Library Endowment.” All donations in any amount are welcome and are tax deductible. Prospective donors should know that the Endowment has one fund drive in the last quarter of each year. If supporters make a donation during the year, they will not receive another request during that year. For questions about the Endowment call 925-938-READ or email reedgard@sbcglobal.net.
Want to Become a Better Speaker?
Toastmasters allows its members to practice their speaking and presentation skills in a supportive environment. There are several local clubs in our area. The Danville AM Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30AM at Father Nature’s Restaurant in downtown Danville (172 E Prospect Ave). For more information, contact Hans Thoma at danvilletoastmasters@outlook.com. A faith-based Toastmasters group meets Thursdays from 7-8:15PM at East Bay Four Square Church Conference Room, located at 2615 Camino Tassajara, Danville. For information email Tod at wthenry@sbcglobal.net. Everyone is invited to join.
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easiest and cheapest of these techniques. Two or three inches of quality mulch under the canopy of the tree, but not piled against the trunk, helps to keep the soil soft, moist, and cooler in the summer. Aerating aids soil porosity and reduces stress. To aerate the tree, use a deep root irrigator to drill many one-inch diameter holes to a depth of around 30 inches throughout the zone under the tree’s canopy. Pruning to remove dead and diseased branches reduces the stresses on the tree. Many fruit trees suffer from diseases, both fungal and bacterial, carried from flower to flower by pollinating insects. After entering through the flower, the infection spreads, usually slowly, down into the woody tissue. Pruning to a point below the spread of the disease increases the lifespan of the tree. As with humans, stresses can have cumulative effects. When pines are drought stressed, they are unable to make the sap they use to drown burrowing insects. Oaks suffering from oak root fungus have trouble taking up water and often suffer from drought stress. When planning elder care for your trees, several factors beg consideration: What is your emotional attachment to the tree? Is the tree a hazard? Will it become a hazard in the future, and, if so, when? What will it cost to maintain the tree? Will it attain ‘sabi,’ the beauty of aging, if given the correct care? I hope that as I grow older I accept Roethke’s challenge and ‘dare to blaze like a tree.’ If you wish to extend your tree’s lifespan please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
Cinema Classics By Peggy Horn
National Velvet
I normally avoid superlatives but National Velvet I enthusiastically claim as one of my all time favorite movies. It was released in 1944 and stars a young Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Angela Lansbury, and Donald Crisp. It is based on the novel, published in 1935 by Enid Bagnold. At the 1945 Academy Awards, the film garnered Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Editing. In 2003 the Library of Congress selected National Velvet for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Actually, it qualifies in all three categories. The story, set in England in the 1920’s, centers on a daring twelve-year old girl, Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor), who believes her horse can win the Grand National, and she aims to give him the opportunity to do so. The Grand National is a British Horse race held annually since 1839– a steeple chase involving a course of 30 jumps, some of which are very dangerous. Two of the jumps discussed in the movie are actual jumps: “Becher’s Brook” and the “Canal Turn.” Mickey Rooney plays the part of Mi Taylor, an itinerant jockey who becomes Velvet’s friend and coach during this process. A good portion of National Velvet was filmed at Pebble Beach, California, and Elizabeth Taylor does much of the riding in the movie. The horse (real name: King Charles) was given to her after filming as a birthday gift. From the very beginning of the film with Mi Taylor striding along the roads of England, whistling a pretty but haunting tune, the characters are quirky and unique. Araminty Brown – Velvet’s mother – expresses her opinion that everybody should have a chance at a breathtaking piece of folly, and this is a wonderful morsel to be absorbed by the viewers who, like Mr. Brown, don’t appreciate the importance of folly. A poignant moment occurs when Mi is about to commit a crime, and he remembers how Araminty has trusted him, and that remembrance alone is sufficient to put him back on track. No wonder Anne Revere won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mrs. Araminty Brown. There is so much to admire about this movie that you’ll just have to see it yourself to appreciate it! And it’s culturally, historically, and esthetically significant!
Musical Notes
In keeping with the English theme of National Velvet, this month’s musical recommendation is one of the most collected songs in the English language, “Barbara Allen.” It is referenced by Samuel Pepys in his famous diary in an entry on January 2, 1666. There are many versions available on YouTube including The. Best. Version. The interrupted performance of the ballad in A Christmas Carol, (1951) with Alistair Sims.
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Life in the Alamo Garden
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 19
Garden Architecture By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059
What is “Garden Architecture?” Garden = a plot of ground where plants, vegetables, and flowers are grown. Architecture = the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and hardscape. I approach your Alamo landscape design with “Garden Architecture” in mind. The two design fundamentals brought together in a creative and cohesive design make up your landscape environment. Successful landscape design is a good balance of both. The approach I take is to focus on the “architecture” initially. The “architecture” defines the design. It creates structure with the borders, edges, views, and function of the “softscape.” Structures serve as background for people and plants. A focal point deserves significant detailing. Background structures don’t. Scale and proportion are important. Structures need to be scaled appropriately and in proportion to the surrounding environment. The outdoor environment allows for larger scale than the indoors. Measure the scale of structures by keeping in mind existing large scale trees, distant horizon lines, adjacent properties and views, and buildings. Call for details
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Architecture provides the bones to any landscape design. They provide ongoing significance throughout the season while the “softscape” changes from season to season. In general “hardscape” structures include the floor of the landscape (patios, decks, paths), steps and grade changes, enclosures and ceilings (arbors, pergolas, gazebos), walls (retaining, seat walls, benches), fences, buildings (cabanas, pool houses, potting sheds, storage sheds), use and recreation (swimming pools, sports court, bocce), and focal points (water features, bridges, garden ornament, gates, trellises). The purpose of any structure in the landscape design is function and form. What function shall any particular structure perform? In other words, what do they do? Those hot summer days in the Alamo garden demand the need for shade, and those long cold gray winters when deciduous trees drop their leaves, give you bones. Arbors or pergolas are “Garden Architecture” that can fulfill that function. What do they do? Provide shade in the summer and structural bones in the winter! A structure can have several functions. For instance, an arbor can define a portal or an entry into a garden room, or it can frame a view beyond. The form an arbor takes is an open structure usually with plants or vines climbing over it to form a portal or tunnel. An arbor can be built to take on any form that suits your design style. It can be as simple as an arched gate with climbing clematis or a bold design with four twelve-inch round Corinthian columns with rough hewn beams above heavily laden with wisteria. Depending on the scale and architectural styling of your home and the design theme of your landscape, an arbor has many different forms it can take while performing the same function. A pergola as defined here is a free-standing overhead structure supported by posts or columns. The material that provides the shade may vary from lattice, wood beams, to vines. All can provide shade depending on how much you wish to have. Pergolas generally are more significant structure because of the function. Often, a pergola becomes a garden room or enclosure in the garden, a gathering place for people, and a focal point. “Garden Architecture” bring form and function to any successful landscape environment. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Built structures must be executed with proper construction techniques which are ensured through proper design, construction details and specifications, and on-site observations during the construction process. Landscape architects are tested and licensed by the state to
design garden architecture. Gardening Quote of the Month: “One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides”. ~W.E. Johns If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com. For design ideas, visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial
Page 20 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
“The Season’s Brightest Bulb,” Lili Singer’s 2004 Los Angeles Times article, explains a lot about Amaryllis. But when first gifted one, I thought it was remarkably dull. The packaging promised dramatic scarlet blossoms in two months. The bulb itself was uninspiring. Big as a baseball, with a protuberance suggesting utilization as a hurling handle, my present presented an irritating presence. For weeks it sat potted with a third of the brownskinned object sticking up as a reminder that adequate moisture was essential. Fortunately, I found space among my other houseplants to conceal its nakedness. When the flower stalk finally shot up, companion plants provided a much-needed trellis for the spectacular blooms. Translated as “sparkling,” the name Amaryllis appears in Greek mythology. Alteo, the shepherd Amaryllis adored, had only one desire: to possess a flower never previously seen. Advised by the Delphic Oracle to pierce her heart with a golden arrow, Amaryllis walked the path to Alteo’s door for thirty consecutive nights shedding droplets of blood. The crimson flowers emerging along the trail won Alteo’s devotion. Despite wanting to create clarity by establishing a binomial Latinized nomenclature system botanists around the world would have in common, Carl Linnaeus opened the door for confusion when he selected the type species for his genus Amaryllis in 1753. His choice, the South African Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) is one of only two members of the Amaryllis family currently tagged by taxonomists with the family name. Also known as Naked Ladies because the flowers emerge and fade before the leaves, these bulbs are fall bloomers throughout coastal California. By the early 18th century, serious collectors in Europe were growing both the South African native Linnaeus designated “Amaryllis belladonna” and one or two of the closely related South American natives later banished to another genus. The resemblance of their trumpet-shaped flowers to lilies caused many gardeners to name them accordingly. In 1689, Dutch scientist Paul Hermann characterized a plant sent to him from the New World tropics as “American lily with scarlet flowers called Belladonna.” Another bulb colloquially called Mexican Lily bloomed in
Hope continued from front page
transitional living-space, the renovated Pleasant Hill 1950s complex became Contra Costa County’s first permanent supportive housing in December 2004, and CCITH reregistered as CCIH. According to research on housing needs leading to the Contra Costa County 10-year strategic plan launched in 2004, the biggest hole in available county services for those at risk for homelessness is permanent affordable homes. In order to be affordable, housing should cost no more than 30% of a person’s (or family’s) income. For someone earning the minimum wage, the average cost of rent in Contra Costa County ($1,578/month) equates to 114% of earnings. “Affordable” housing with a 20% subsidy still requires 91% of income, and “affordable” housing with a 50% subsidy commands 56%. Those lucky enough to find a home at GPA pay no more than 30% of their income for rent. Stability, along with critical support services, is essential for America’s homeless to overcome the issues that have cast them out of their homes. Dr. Ellen L. Bassuk, Founder and then President of the National Center on Family Homelessness, noted in her October 16, 2007 testimony before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on HousHomework clubs at each site offer students much ing and Community Opneededacademic support. Volunteers help children achieve portunity: “Residential California academic benchmarks through educational games instability, interpersonal and activities in addition to helping with their homework.
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England on the first of March in 1728, the birthday of the late Queen Caroline in whose honor James Douglass labeled it Lilium reginae. Realizing it was not a lily at all, Linnaeus renamed it Amaryllis reginae in 1759. Writing in 1821, English Amaryllis enthusiast William Herbert proposed reclassifying the numerous American species as Hippeastrum, intending the translation as “Knight’s-Star-Lily.” Species indigenous to South America have a hollow flower stalk, while the South African species bear a solid one. Technically, the bulbs sold by the millions for the holiday season are all Hippeastrums. Nevertheless, non-botanists continue to call all six-dozen some species and six hundred plus hybrids and cultivars “Amaryllis.” English watchmaker Arthur Johnson generated the first Amaryllis hybrid in 1799. Hippeastrum x johnsonii (a.k.a. St. Joseph’s Lily), still the hardiest hybrid, is rarely encountered outside of older gardens. Because many hybrids on the market today are bred in Holland or South Africa, you’ll find them advertised as “Dutch” or “South African” bulbs even though their parent species all hail from South America. An Amaryllis cross takes two to four years to flower. Then the few most desirable seedlings have to be grown out for several more years to produce a viable enough crop for registration and distribution. Beyond exhibiting superior traits such as color, flower size and number of flowers, newly developed hybrids must pass rigorous testing for reliability and disease resistance. The late Fred Meyer, a San Diego breeder and former Executive Director of the International Bulb Society, managed to introduce 70 new crosses and cultivars from the 40,000 seedlings he raised. The dry bulb market wants varieties that can survive the stress of early harvesting and months of lying dormant and still reliably bloom when planted. Bulbs for the forcing market are prepped for display as potted plants ready to flower for the holidays. The cut flower market follows fashions in floral design. Vase life for Amaryllis flowers is two weeks or more. Like daffodils (fellow members of the Amaryllis family), plants commonly called Amaryllis depend on their leaves to nourish the bulbs for the next year’s flowering. Once the leaves die, the bulb remains dormant for several months before repeating the cycle. Huge lily-like Amaryllis flowers in red, white, pink, yellow, and striped combinations are ever popular. But smaller spidery specimens with delicately curving petals bred from Hippeastrum cybister are the connoisseurs’ choice. violence, and family separation and disruption are inextricably linked.” Citing a 1992 study, Bassuk highlighted statistics on the rising number of homeless children and families and stated: “Homelessness for a child is more than the loss of a house. It disrupts every aspect of life. It separates children from their belongings, beloved pets, reassuring routines, friends and community. At a time when children should be developing a sense of safety and security, trust in their caregivers, and freedom to explore the world, they are severely limited by unpredictability, dislocation and chaos.” A report issued in mid-November 2014 by the National Center on Family Homelessness indicates a sharp increase in the number of homeless children in the US. One in thirty children (2.5 million) experienced an episode of homelessness during 2013. California, with one-eighth of the nation’s population, has one-fifth of the country’s homeless children. “CCIH’s Board is passionate about children,” affirms Louise Bourassa, CCIH Executive Director since 2005. “The most cost effective way to change the trajectory of inadequate education, trauma, and a cycle of poverty is to provide high-risk youth with a permanent home and intensive services.” “We house, engage, educate, and provide long-term and stable supports to our families,” Bourassa explains. “It all matters.” The CCIH supportive service model encompasses counseling in parenting and employment strategies and encourages parents to further their own education, while reaching children with after-school homework clubs that are highly successful in bringing reading and math skills up to grade level. Physical and psychological needs are effectively addressed. Marj Ho volunteers as a homework club tutor. “Having been at Garden Park almost since the beginning, I’ve noticed a real change. At first the doors were all shut and the curtains drawn. Now everyone is out there talking together and helping each other. Parents watch each other’s children, and those who have cars offer rides to those who don’t. It helps new people coming in to know that this is a community.” Ho is understandably proud when a student who has been an underachiever begins to take his or her potential seriously. “I see over time families getting stabilized and kids more focused. One boy suddenly
See Hope continued on page 31
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Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 21
Page 22 - December 2014~ Alamo Today
Navigating the Top Five Retirement Risks By Peter Waldron Brought to you by Peter Waldron. In conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.
Longer lives and better health translate into longer retirements and new concepts of what retirement should be. Many of today’s retirees view retirement as a time to shift gears but not necessarily to slow down. They keep their skills sharp in new job roles or by starting businesses. They continue learning new skills by going back to school as both teachers and students. Some choose to serve on boards of directors or to pursue creative and artistic passions. However you define retirement for yourself, the bottom line is that you want to have enough money to live your life without constantly worrying that you’ll run out. It certainly pays to be prepared and to stay on plan.
What to Look For
A successful retirement plan begins, of course, with making smart savings and investing decisions long before you contemplate retiring. But of equal or even greater importance is how you manage your money after you’ve left your primary career and begin to turn to your investments to provide the income that supports your lifestyle. To boost the chances that your savings will let you live comfortably in retirement, there are five primary areas of risk that you need to address: Timing and Withdrawals: The amount you withdraw from your retirement portfolio and when you do so are two of the main determinants of how long the portfolio will last. For example, taking large withdrawals during bear markets such as those in 1973–1974 or 2000–2002 makes it hard for a portfolio to recover and grow. To the degree possible, you want to minimize drawing on your capital in a weak market since you’ll have less capital for the rebound. Your annual withdrawal rate should be smaller than your average annual return less inflation. Of course, to be conservative, you could bring it down even further, and your assets may continue to grow positively even though you’re making withdrawals. • Market Volatility: Related to the first risk, you need to position your portfolio to withstand inevitable swings in the market, and the way to do this is through diversification and asset allocation – holding a combination
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of stocks, bonds, cash and alternative investments that matches your risk profile. Returns on these investments should be noncorrelated, so that when one area is down, another area is up. In retirement, you need diversification to perform a balancing act of having enough growth-oriented investments to help achieve acceptable long-term returns and bonds and other fixed income securities to provide steady income. Annuities could also make sense to provide at least a portion of your retirement income. • Longevity: The good news is that you have a good chance of living to a ripe old age, but the risk here is essentially that you could outlive your assets. For a married couple who both reach age 65, there is more than a 60% chance that one of them will live to age 90 (Source: Ibbotson Associates, 2006). That means that if you retire at 65, you may need to plan for 25 years or more in retirement. • Taxes and Inflation: Don’t underestimate the ability of inflation to destroy spending power. Over the past 25 years, during which inflation has been fairly tame, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – the cost of a basket of goods and services determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics – has more than doubled. If inflation accelerates to 6%, prices would double in about 12 years. • Health Care Costs: The CPI is often not the most accurate measure of your personal inflation rate, since you may spend disproportionately on health care as you age. These costs have traditionally run at double or triple the overall rate of inflation and are not under control. In addition, consider long-term care insurance as a way to help pay for some of the potential nursing home costs as you get older.
Writing the Next Chapter
Thanks to a combination of advances in medical technology and better lifestyle choices, Americans are living longer and more active lives. Nonagenarians (people between the ages of 90-100) are becoming commonplace. Enjoy your retirement years – however you decide to spend them. Spending some time with your financial advisor today can help you enjoy true financial security tomorrow. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, (925) 659-0383 or peter.waldron@lfg.com.
Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offer investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. 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. California Insurance License #0E47827; CRN201305-2080403. Advertorial
Solo Opera’s Hansel and Gretel A holiday “treat” for the entire family!
A fairytale adventure of a mystical forest, two lost children, an enticing gingerbread house, and a wicked witch… Solo Opera is pleased to present Engelbert Humperdincks’s masterpiece, Hansel and Gretel, the second production in its 2014 Storybook Opera series. For this delightful holiday presentation, Solo Opera will be collaborating with three well known community organizations. First, the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, under the artistic direction of Andrew Brown, will be performing as the Gingerbread Children Chorus. In addition, dancers from Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dance Studio will appear as the Fourteen Angel Ballet, choreographed by Kristin DelSoldato. The third collaborator is the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Throughout Hansel and Gretel, there is a running theme of hunger and poverty. In order to tie this into the needs of the community, Solo Opera is asking the audience to bring a nonperishable food item to the shows to donate to the Food Bank. The story of Hansel and Gretel originates from the beloved German fairytale concerning two poor hungry children sent into the forest by their mother. Lost, they encounter a wicked witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread. She tries to capture the children, but they outwit her and end up bringing back to life all the other lost youth of the village whom the witch had turned into gingerbread children. The idea for the “fairy tale opera,” as Humperdinck called it, was proposed to the composer by his sister, Adelheid Wette. She approached him about writing music for some lyrics she had written for her children for Christmas based on the Grimm’s fairy tale. Together the brother and sister team, much like Hansel and Gretel, wrote the music and libretto for the operatic masterpiece. Much admired for its folk music-inspired themes, Hansel and Gretel was first performed in Hoftheater in Weimar on December 23, 1893. It has been associated with Christmas since its earliest performances, and today, also because of its “gingerbread” themes it is still most often produced at that time of year. The show runs Friday, December 19 at 7PM, and Saturday, December 20 at 2PM at Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. Seating is reserved, and groups discounts are available. For tickets call (925) 943-7469, visit the Lesher Center box office, or go online to www. lesherartscenter.org/hansel-and-gretel. For more information, visit www.SoloOpera.org.
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Be on High Alert for Elder Financial Abuse! By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Working with many elderly clients and hearing about the parents of “baby boomer” clients, I see and hear signs of elder financial abuse way too often. Some of the stories are really heartbreaking. It’s not a stretch to characterize elder financial abuse as an epidemic. The confluence of an aging population, longer life expectancies, and a plethora of con-artists has resulted in an explosion of such instances in the last few decades. The perpetrators may be caregivers, financial service providers, neighbors, or “friends.” Fortunately, California has responded by enacting more aggressive civil legislation in the last decade or so. Relevant statutes have, among other things, loosened plaintiff “standing” requirements, giving the ability to more third parties to bring a case; expanded damages that can be ordered; and, in some instances, allowed attorneys’ fees to be recovered. Unfortunately, however, it is still difficult to combat elder financial abuse. Sometimes it isn’t recognized at all or at least not until it’s too late: the abuser and/or the money disappears. Tragically, such cases are hugely under-reported because the elder victim and/or family is embarrassed or just wants to move on. Even when a civil complaint (lawsuit) is filed, the accused perpetrator often argues that the elderly victim voluntarily gifted him the absconded funds. Evidence to the contrary may not be sufficient to satisfy the required standard of proof to hold the perpetrator liable. Sadly, “secret marriage” (a version of which is called “deathbed marriage”) is an ugly twist on elder financial abuse that’s extraordinarily difficult to defend against, particularly after the elder victim dies. This is when a financial abuser secretly marries an elderly person. Frequently, the marriage stays secret because the elder victim is incapacitated or has significant enough mental deficits that he or she doesn’t recall that the marriage ever took place. More problematic yet is that a wise abuser can arrange to enter into a “confidential marriage” with the victim. This process - perfectly legal when the easy requirements are met - blocks the marriage certificate from being accessible via public records, as it otherwise would be. Absent a court order, the only people who can access the record are the parties to the marriage themselves. Of course, once married, the abuser manipulates the vulnerable elder into making gifts to the abuser and/or turning over access to the elder’s assets. Sometimes, the abuser persuades the victim to change the elder’s Will or Living Trust so that the abuser spouse becomes the sole or major beneficiary. If not, on the elder’s death the abuser spouse can claim a share of the elder’s estate as an “omitted spouse” (or if the victim had no Will or Trust, the abuser may be entitled to the victim’s assets by intestate succession). Marriage is profoundly personal and favored by public policy. The government can’t practically decide or second guess who marries for “the right reasons.” Nevertheless, some kind of legislative recourse would seem to be rightfully available to relatives of victims of deathbed marriages. Unfortunately, only a few states, including Florida (not California), have enacted protective statutes. In fact, a substantial minority of states in our country have laws prohibiting heirs from challenging deathbed marriages! Naturally, the most effective means of fighting elder financial abuse is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Elder abuse clinics and other outreach programs sponsored by professional, judicial, and other non-profit organizations help build awareness and offer useful tools. Close relatives or friends of the elder citizen are sometimes willing and able keep an eye out for signs of potential abuse. Otherwise, what can you do to try to prevent this kind of tragic, rampant fraud and deception? Whether you are elderly yourself or a child of parents who are of advanced age, you should make sure that you (or your elderly parents) seek appropriate legal advice. While hiring an experienced estate planning attorney is not a guarantee against such abuse, it can help considerably. Among other things, the attorney can make a threshold assessment of the elderly client’s capacity; ensure that documents are in place that reflect the client’s bona fide, current wishes; recommend and oversee titling of assets in a careful and appropriate manner; and create documents in which caring and responsible family members and friends (or private or institutional fiduciaries) are nominated to hold important roles, such as attorney-in-fact under a Power of Attorney and
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 23
Fine Mexican Dining
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Enjoy Our Patio Dining Monday - Saturday: Lunch and Dinner Sunday: Dinner only We Offer a Full Bar and Lounge 3168 Danville Blvd, Alamo Margaritas are a House Specialty trustee or co-trustee of the elder’s revocable living trust. Upon your request, I would be happy to provide you with any or all of the following, free: i) a tri-fold brochure on the pros/cons of alternative methods of holding title to property, ii) an “Estate Planning Primer,” iii) a complimentary introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 240, 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
Museum Volunteers Needed
Looking to get involved in the community? The Museum of the San Ramon Valley needs your help. Volunteer positions are available in the following areas: • Walking Tour Docents • Docents • Events Committee • Greeters • Educational Programs (One Room School/Indian Life) Call Eve or Donna at 552-9693, or email srvmuseum@sbcglobal.net for additional information.
Diablo Choral Artists Seeks Singers
Love to sing? Come join Diablo Choral Artists as they begin an exciting new season! The group has openings for all voice parts (especially tenors/ basses). Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 1924 Trinity Ave. in Walnut Creek. Call (925) 670-7089, e-mail info@vmschorus.org, or visit www.vmschorus.org for additional information.
Danville Lions Club
The Danville Lions Club meets for dinner at the Brass Door Restaurant in San Ramon at 7PM on the first Wednesday of every month. Contact Truman Howard at (925)787-2565 or truman.howard@gmail.com for reservations. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more information, visit our website at www.danvillelionsclub.org.
Page 24 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season By Roger Smith Alamo Farmer’s Market is Extended
YES, our Alamo Farmer’s Market season has been extended through March 29 with anticipation of it becoming a year-round weekly event. The market is held rain or shine. There is easy access and parking as well as a new entrance from the Iron Horse Trail for bicyclists and hikers. The Alamo Farmer’s Market features fresh vegetables, strawberries and citrus, honey, cheese, smoked salmon/trout, olive oil, humus, granola, almonds, jams/jellies, and fresh bakery goods which make the Market a great experience for shoppers. Bill Harlow, General Manager for All Bay Farmers Markets has been working diligently to enable the Alamo Farmer’s Market to be open year-round. Bill, Alamo Plaza Management, and AIA have been listening to Market shoppers, and everyone is excited about this opportunity. Visit the Market and make it part of your Sunday. The Alamo Farmer’s Market is open (Winter Hours) 10AM – 2PM.
Pipeline News
The “credible, independent, and in the public interest” Pipeline Safety Trust, was formed in response to a pipeline explosion and disaster 14 years ago in Bremerton, WA. The Trusts’ mission is to develop a platform for pipeline operators, regulators, and the public to discuss and resolve their respective issues. The Trust has held an annual conference in New Orleans, with 2014’s being their ninth. I am writing while at this conference where I attended a breakout session titled “What the public wants to know – clear cutting rights-of-way, a pipeline safety issue or a way to save money issue?” on PG&E’s Pathway project. The project involves removing hundreds of trees on major thoroughfares in both Walnut Creek and Alamo. The session was led by David Mulligan, Western Region CATS Manager, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Chauna Moreland, Director of the Pipelines Pathways Project, PG&E, and Kristina Lawson, Mayor of Walnut Creek. Mulligan began the discussion with a review of regulations for operator access to pipelines to perform certain duties, such as ground patrol and leak surveys, ariel patrol and leak surveillance, excavation or damage repair/replacement, routine maintenance, and emergency response. He discussed the frequency of surveys based upon the classification of the pipeline and its location, either two or four per year for gas pipelines versus 26 per year for petroleum pipelines. When asked several questions on right-of-ways (ROW), Mulligan responded as follows: Q. Does PHMSA require pipeline owner/operators to clear-cut 10 feet of width from a pipeline within a right-of-way? A. No, however there may be separate contracts between landowners and operators. Q. Does PHMSA require the removal of trees and shrubs? A. No
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Q. Does PHMSA require only certain types of patrols? A. No, operators can use any method to patrol pipelines including walking, bicycling, or using ATV’s, autos, trucks, and planes. Moreland then explained PG&E’s position by stating that PG&E is a changed company in the aftermath of the San Bruno explosion and fire. PG&E’s priority is safety. In 2013, PG&E employees performed ground patrols on all 6,700 miles of California pipeline. Working with the Agricultural Departments of Fresno State and UC Davis, PG&E excavated 53 tree locations for analysis of root damage to PG&E pipelines. The PG&E Pathways project for clear-cutting is based upon the results of that study. Lawson completed the discussion by noting her notification of the PG&E Pathway project (which will remove more than 700 trees in Walnut Creek) occurred by reading about it in a local newspaper column. Her reaction was to reach out to neighboring communities impacted by this project to build a coalition (which ultimately grew to 19 municipalities) through www.Change.com, Twitter, and www. NextDoor.com. Hiring the same law firm that represents San Bruno in its on-going litigation with PG&E and engaging PG&E in collaborative discussions, Walnut Creek was able to work out an interim agreement to “pause” the Pathways project until a formal agreement was in place. She noted that Walnut Creek has a tree ordinance for tree protection and, as a community, has demonstrated long-standing support to open space land management. Safety has always been the priority for Walnut Creek. However, discussions with PG&E were complicated by the fact that most of the trees and planting areas to be clear cut were approved by PG&E. In addition, PG&E had recently completed an extensive hydrostatic testing for their system within Walnut Creek city limits and had provided documentation that their system met all requirements. A long-term agreement between Walnut Creek and PG&E is now in place. However, although it does not address all issues (and further litigation between Walnut Creek and PG&E is expected), the long term agreement does include compensation for landowners impacted by tree removal. Next month I will tell you more about this Conference and it is why this important to Alamo, the place we love to live!
AIA’s Annual Membership Drive
Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” As Board President, I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts during the last 59 years in making Alamo the wonderful community that it is today. Please visit our website, www.AlamoCA.org, to learn more about AIA and secure a membership form.
Alamo Police Statistics
There were a total of 51 crimes reported during the month of October in Alamo which included alarm calls, auto and residential burglaries (Emmons Canyon Ln, Las Quebradas Ln, Lunada Ln, Regent Pl, Garden Estates Ct.), driving drunk/drugs, false imprisonment (Casa Maria Ct. and Danville Blvd.), driving drunk/drugs, false imprisonment, found property, grand theft (bicycle, from a building, shoplift, vehicle), petty theft, possession of paraphernalia, stolen vehicle recovery, suspicious circumstances, vandalism, and warrant arrests. • Lunada Ln, Residential Burglary: There was a residential burglary in which unknown responsible(s) gained access into the home. China ware, jewelry, and a laptop were stolen from the home. The home was examined and processed for evidence. This is an ongoing investigation. • Las Quebradas, Residentail Burglary: There was a burglary where unknown responsible(s) gained access into the victim’s home and stole electronics and $1,000 in cash. The home was examined and processed for evidence. This is an ongoing investigation. • Garden Estates Ct, Residential Burglary: There was a burglary in which unknown responsible(s) gained access into the victim’s home and stole a purse and cash. The home was examined and processed for evidence. This is an ongoing investigation.
Note from Officer Jesus Topete:
The Holiday Season is upon us, and with that comes an increase in thefts and burglaries. I ask that the citizens of Alamo become more aware of their surroundings, secure your homes, don’t leave valuables in your vehicles, and don’t forget to set your alarms before you leave your home. These minor precautions can make a difference this Holiday Season.
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Reconstructive Surgery: The Other Side of Plastics
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 25
By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
What I really enjoy about writing this monthly column is that it affords me the opportunity to educate, and clarify misconceptions about plastic surgery. My practice encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and is in the most basic sense, about changing my patients’ quality of life. Whether the surgery is cosmetic or reconstructive, I look forward to work every day because I know I can help people feel more confident about themselves, and improve their ability to function well, both physically and emotionally. Many of my past articles have focused on education associated with cosmetic procedures, but this month I want to focus on the reconstructive side of my practice. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, reconstructive surgery is defined as “surgery performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.” Generally, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Reconstructive surgery represents a significant portion of my practice. The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires extensive training in areas which include congenital defects of the head and neck, craniomaxillofacial trauma, reconstructive surgery of the breast, surgery of the hand, plastic surgery of lower extremities, plastic surgery of the trunk and genitalia, burn reconstruction, microsurgical techniques, reconstruction by tissue transfer, and surgery of benign and malignant lesions. While a plastic and reconstructive surgeon’s training is extensive and spans many areas of expertise, a strong sense for aesthetics is also critically important for a procedure to be successful. Reconstructive surgery is in fact, as much an art form as it is a science. To perform a successful reconstruction, one must envision the results, the “art,” before beginning to operate. It is “seeing” in a completely different way. Plastic surgery has often been misunderstood, or perceived as being superficial. The reality is that my training and strong aesthetic sense has enabled me to perform countless reconstructions, most recently on a pregnant woman with rapidly progressing cancer. It has allowed me to reconstruct a gunshot victim’s facial wounds, and repair the faces of dozens of children who were victims of dog attacks. Additional reconstructive procedures I’ve performed include reconstruction of skin cancer defects, skin grafts, and hand surgery. To have the opportunity to work with patients in need of reconstructive surgery is one of my greatest joys in life. I have seen the physical and emotional transformation of thousands of patients over many years of performing surgery. Enabling a patient to live a normal life, while instilling in them a sense of renewed confidence and self-esteem, is remarkably rewarding. It is more than improving appearances, it is allowing people to live the life they deserve and desire. Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be Advertorial reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com.
Hearing Loss Association
Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted. An assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact HLAADV@hearinglossdv. org or (925) 264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org for more information.
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society was formed in 1985 and now has over 170 members. The group meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except in August and December. The group gathers at the Danville Family History Center located at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. The group also conducts educational classes for its members and has various special interest groups. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc.org, or email SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
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Page 26 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
A Healthy, Happy Holiday Season! By Michelle Brown, C.P.T., C.G.T
Ahh...the holidays! It’s a time full of giving and cheer, abundant with gratitude, alive with friends and family. Along with all the joy and wonder of the season comes some inevitable chaos. A good strategy is to take an important step to minimize your stress level and amplify joy. First things first – do no procrastinate. Get the harder work done first! Not having enough time to prepare, shop, cook, bake, clean, and take care of yourself is a recipe for stress. Allot the time you will spend on important and imperative tasks, and get those things done ahead of time. This time of year is busy, but there is no excuse to neglect your health. Movement is a big part of maintaining your sanity during the holidays. An early morning exercise routine is a great way to begin the day, while giving yourself the gift of better health. On those days you just can’t fit in a workout, a post meal walk, hike, or an afternoon bike ride are activities well spent with family and friends. Shopping for gifts can be like a black hole where four hours suddenly disappear. If you can’t find what you really need in 60-90 minutes, you might be procrastinating. Set a timer to limit overspending time and money. Plan your holiday shopping list, and stick to it. Avoid frivolous and unnecessary spending as it will add to your underlying stress level. Often times we end up buying things for ourselves when we don’t need them. Before you spend, ask yourself if you really need that thingamajig, or are you just buying it because it’s on sale. Shopping and a good part of most errands can be facilitated online to save time, stress, and money. Lets be honest here. A large portion of the holidays is about enjoying good food, so choose wisely. You don’t have to have a full plate to have a fulfilling evening. Hold the butter on vegetable dishes, and choose a salad dressing that
Scottish Country Dancing
Every Thursday evening, year-round (except Thanksgiving day) come dance! No partner is required and no Scottish ancestry is required. Adult beginner classes for Scottish Country Dancing take place each week with free lessons at 8PM. More experienced dancers also begin at 8PM. Once a month Ceilidh dancing will take place as well. Dancing will be held at the Danville Grange, located at 743 Diablo Rd in Danville. All dance nights are drop-in. The first beginner lesson is free, afterwards the cost is $8/night or $6/night if attending a 10-week session paid in advance. Call Witsie at (925) 676-3637 or Kathleen at (925) 934-6148 for more information. For children’s classes ages 7 and up, please contact Cathy at (925) 284-9068 for dates and fees.
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is light to counter the heaviness of gravy and stuffing. Choose either stuffing or a piece of bread, especially if you plan on having a slice of that pecan pie. Know when to say when. Stop eating when you are 80% full. It takes your brain 20 minutes to catch up with your belly. Stopping at 80% will prevent that over-stuffed feeling. Even when you have planned well and are prepared, things can go wrong. Take a breath before you exacerbate a situation with an emotional comment. Words are powerful, so give your mind some time to respond before you say something you wish you hadn’t. Spread peace rather than stress, and you will never regret it! For those of us who have lost loved ones, honor them with a memorial photo or a sharing of memories. The sudden loss of my mother in 2011 made real the true value of the holidays. Bask in the company of family and friends. Tell them you love them, and give hugs freely. That is what the holidays are really about. Finally, let some things go. Not everything has to get done for you to enjoy the holidays. So you didn’t get your holiday cards out in time. You can always send a Happy New Year card. If your family gathering isn’t perfect, welcome to the club! Enjoy the moment for all the gifts it offers, whether you like them or not. Try to gently lower your expectations during holiday gatherings. Some of the most magnificent family memories are lost in a need to fulfill some unattainable goal. Let go. Laugh and enjoy these moments because they will not last forever. Wishing you all a healthy, happy holiday and a most joyous New Year! Michelle Brown is an ACE certified fitness professional, 2nd Degree Kung Fu Black Belt Disciple, Level 2 certified TRX Functional Trainer, TRX RIP Certified Trainer, TRX Mind Body Certified Trainer, Trigger Point Rehabilitation Therapist, board member on the CHMRC, blogger, public speaker, and owner of Gumsaba Outdoor Fitness. Michelle has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba offers outdoor fitness programs year round in the great outdoors. Join Gumsaba for a FREE CLASS. Visit our website at gumsaba.com to get started. Use promo code VICTORIOUS to redeem your free week. www.gumsaba.com (925) 683-5630. Advertorial
Park continued from front page
Rancho Romero and Alamo School Parks - developed with R-7A funding but maintained by the San Ramon Valley School District. This ample funding means a balance has built up in the R-7A reserve account which is approaching $4 million. “One of the reasons the MAC proceeded with this purchase is that we were aware that not only did Alamo have adequate funds to purchase and develop the park, but adequate funding is available to provide for annual maintenance as well,” Chair Barclay noted. “Another factor was the planned low impact uses.” The Alamo MAC has made new parkland for Alamo a top priority in the past few years, with a committee composed of MAC members David Barclay, Ed Best, and Steve Mick scouting out and researching all vacant land in Alamo. Several properties were considered for parkland but were not suitable for various reasons until the Fire Department lot became available. In a 2011 survey of Alamo residents, bocce ball courts were the number one amenity residents wanted to see added to Alamo's parks. Recently, the MAC acted on this input, authorizing the design and construction of two bocce ball courts at Livorna Park. The bocce ball courts will replace the current sand volleyball court, and construction will get underway in 2015. The cost of approximately $750,000 for the courts will be paid for with Alamo’s share of funds generated from the East Bay Regional Park District's Measure WW bond. Be a part of Alamo's future! Visit www.alamoparks. com and take the short survey so your opinion about Alamo’s newest park will be known.
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Don’t Let Sciatica Ruin Your Holiday Season By Dr. Kristin Moore, DC (Formerly Dr. Kristin Hazleton, DC)
Having grown up in Alamo, I know how beautiful the holiday season can be in this town. The brisk morning walks along the Iron Horse Trail, time spent traipsing through the freshly fallen leaves, and evening strolls through the neighborhood to look at all of the Christmas lights make this season so special. There is so much to be grateful for this time of year! However, with the mixture of cold weather, busy schedules, holiday parties, and gift shopping, the stress of the holidays can take its toll. As a Chiropractor, one of the most common issues I see this time of year is sciatica. Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve in your lower back becomes compressed; often causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes causing numbness into the hips, buttocks, and legs. Typically sciatica only occurs on one side of the body, but severe cases can affect both legs. The most common cause of sciatica comes from a disc herniation in the lower back. When a spinal disc herniates it can put pressure on the nerves that control the muscles in your legs. Pressure on the nerve can then cause muscle weakness, radiating pain, tingling, and numbness of the effected leg.
What are the Best Ways to Treat Sciatica?
• Spinal Decompression Therapy: A gentle treatment that is a type of
Group Helps People Cope with Death of Pets
When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief. Hospice of the East Bay and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of each month from noon - 1:30PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at Hospice of the East Bay (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration is required. Hospice of the East Bay Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.
Auditions for Role Players Ensemble
The Role Players Ensemble is holding auditions for their production Of Mice and Men which is written by John Steinbeck and directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes. Seven male and one female parts are being cast, and people of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Roles of George and Lennie are pre-cast. The audition will involve a monologue and cold read. Seeking non-AEA actors who will receive a stipend. Audition will take place on December 15 from 7-10PM at the Danville town Meeting Hall, 201 Front Street, Danville. Rehearsals will begin March 2, and performances will be held from April 17 through May 3. Audition appointments can be made and more information can be found by contacting efhayes65@yahoo.com or (312) 286-9224.
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Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 27 motorized traction, which slowly stretches the spine. Over a series of treatments, decompression can create negative pressure within the herniated or bulging spinal disc and cause it to begin to retract, which then “un-pinches” the sciatic nerve root. • Laser Therapy: A very effective option for treating sciatica, and in some cases it can be coupled with spinal decompression therapy. This treatment is a form of light therapy that aids in decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and helping to speed up healing time. Laser therapy is applied along the entire nerve root of the effected nerve starting from the point of nerve impingement all the way to the end of the branch of that nerve. Laser treatments are very soothing and relaxing. In fact, the treatment can be so relaxing that many of my patients fall asleep during the 5-10 minute procedure. • Gentle Chiropractic Care: The most important piece to the treatment of sciatica. Chiropractic care will correct any imbalances within the spine and make the treatments work better and last longer. Proper spinal alignment also helps to prevent future injuries down the road and can help restore muscle strength into the leg and back. Some people may be a little nervous about this portion of the treatment, however, there is nothing to worry about. I can re-align the spine using a hand-held instrument, drop pieces, or by hand in a very gentle and relaxing way.
How Effective is this Treatment?
I have had great success treating sciatica using a combination of these three treatment methods. Every individual case of sciatica is different. Some will notice a decrease in symptoms in just a few visits, while others take a little longer. I do, however, strive to get my patients back to their normal pain-free life as quickly as possible! My goal is to keep you doing the things you love to do for as long as you want to. One rule of thumb that is true in most cases is that the longer you have sciatica, the longer and more difficult it is to treat. If you are experiencing the described symptoms, do not put off treatment any longer!
Will this Work for Me?
The best way to find out if this form of non-invasive treatment is truly right for you is to set up a complimentary, 15-minute consultation. This will give me an opportunity to ask you specific questions about your condition and help me to determine which treatment methods will help you the most.
How do I Learn More?
To learn more, please visit www.drkristinmooredc.com, call 925-3628283, or visit our office located at 125-G Railroad Avenue in Danville to schedule your complimentary consultation today! Wishing you the healthiest of holidays! Advertorial
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Page 28 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
Your Personal Nutritionist
Soup is Always a Healthy Choice for Winter By Linda Michaelis, RD, MS
I always recommend that my clients consider soup as a healthy meal choice. It is the perfect way to add protein, legumes, whole grains, and veggies to your daily meal plan. Soup is both comforting and filling- a hot, savory bowl can take the chill out of the winter weather. I tell my clients that cold weather sets up a false sense of hunger. Fuel from food helps keep us warm during the winter months, but often I see clients reaching for food not because they are hungry but rather because they are uncomfortably cold. Yes, eating food can make your body temperature rise, but having a warm bowl of soup will save you hundreds of calories. Canned soups often have a high salt content, but if we read the nutrition label we can come up with some good options. Pay attention to serving size as many cans contain two or more servings. Look for soups with the following nutrition numbers - per serving: 250 Calories (or less), 5 grams of fat (or less), 5 grams of fiber (or more), 10 grams of protein (or more), 600 mg of sodium (or less). Did you know that a low sodium diet suggests that you keep your sodium intake to 2,000 mg day which is equal to a teaspoon of salt? If you have soup as part of your day and are aware of the sodium content in your other food choices that day, then soup as a choice is very acceptable. There are two ways to eat soup. It can be considered as a side to your meal, like with a sandwich or it can be your entire meal. Talking about side soups, clients love Trader Joe’s or Pacific Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Squash soup or good old Campbells’ tomato soup or their light cream of mushroom, broccoli, or chicken soups. These soups have 100 calories per serving and contain a small amount of fat, no fiber, no protein, and are low in sodium. If they are served piping hot they can help slow down your eating time. Instead of inhaling your food, I tell my clients to have a warm food with their lunch if they are having a sandwich or a salad. Slower eaters tend to notice signs of fullness sooner and consume fewer calories by better enjoying their food in the moment. Studies show that people who eat broth or vegetable-based soups (not creamy or high fat ones) as the first course of a meal consume 20% fewer calories per meal when they started their meal with soup!
Left to right: Kat Klass, Sophie Kuester, Erin McCreary, Maile McPherson,Sarah Klass, Makenna McClaskey, Marissa Webb, Lexi Liebowitz, Sammi Tovani, Emily Ryan, Elli Henlsey, and Melyssa Moore.
Polo for Prostate Cancer Awareness Game
The San Ramon Valley Varsity Women’s Water Polo raised prostate cancer awareness at their recent game. Sporting blue awareness tattoos for prostate cancer team members handed out awareness bracelets and information on early detection. They also had matching prostate cancer awareness shirts. Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 6 men in the world. Makenna McClaskey, one of the junior players on the team, has a connection to prostate cancer as her father, Mike, is fighting the disease right now. Mike has been battling cancer for over five years and is one of the polo girls biggest fans. He loves to come to watch the games. The awareness day was even more successful as the Wolves won the game against James Logan 20-0.
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Now let’s talk about homemade soup being the main meal. Yes, a hearty low fat soup can contain lots of protein and fiber to create a very balanced and filling meal. We can get our protein from legumes such as lentils, split peas, black, pinto, white, or kidney beans or nice big chunks of beef, chicken, or even shrimp and fish. By adding a generous amount of different veggies we fulfill our fiber content needs. We can make the soup with olive oil, garlic, onions, and herbs and use the low sodium stock of our choice. The lesson I teach my clients when making soups is to make sure each serving will have at least 4 oz. of protein, 1 cup cooked veggies, and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of whole grains such as whole wheat couscous, faro, bulgur, or brown rice. When you cook your soup always have the grain in a separate pot so that you can add it as you eat your meal and then decide how much carbs would be appropriate for the day. This will create a meal in itself. Purchasing soup with these amounts of ingredients is not always an option. Sometimes we can find fresh hearty bean or minestrone soups at Whole Foods or Lunardi’s, but I generally recommend taking the time to make them yourself. My clients have amazed me when they go to Pho shops and they ask for half the amount of noodles, extra fish or chicken and lots of veggies in addition to the bean sprouts, cilantro, and mint that is served. At Japanese restaurants you can do well with beef sukiyaki or seafood nobe which is a wonderful soup made with soba noodles, fish, tofu, and veggies. These types of discussions are a great example of the education and support that I provide for my clients on an individual basis. I am glad to inform you that my services are covered by most insurances companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Health Net, Hill Physicians and Sutter Health. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or email me at Lifeweight1@ gmail.com and tell me about your nutrition concerns. Refer to my website www. Advertorial LindaRD.com for past articles in my blog section and nutrition tips.
Ivy League Physicians Expand Radiation Oncology Program By Matthew Sirott, MD
Dr. James Rembert, Dr. Christine Chung, and Dr. Sravana Chennupati recently joined Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, expanding our Radiation Oncology Program to include Alta Bates Summit Medical Center/Herrick Campus in Berkeley, in addition to our current Radiation Oncology Division at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. Drs. Rembert, Chung, and Chennupati are outstanding, experienced, and compassionate Radiation Oncologists who will provide high quality, cuttingedge care to patients at both locations in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. They trained at outstanding institutions including University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Harvard Medical School, Stanford Medical School, University of California at San Francisco, Oregon Health and Sciences University, and Harvard Radiation Oncology Program. “We are very excited to join a large, multidisciplinary medical group like Diablo Valley Oncology,” stated Dr. Rembert, managing partner of the Radiation Oncology group. “This association allows us to practice in a new geographic area at a comprehensive, community based cancer center as well as continue serving our well established hospital based practice. Expanding to a group of four radiation oncologists will allow each of us to focus more on our sub-specialty areas of interest which will translate into even better care for our patients at each site,” continued Dr. Rembert. Dr. Matthew Sirott, a medical oncologist, is President and CEO of Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. The group provides comprehensive, coordinated and targeted cancer care in the San Francisco East Bay. Its seventeen physicians bring together medical oncology, hematology, urology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Clinic locations include Antioch, Berkeley, Brentwood, Concord, Livermore, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. For more information about Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group and its expanded Radiation Oncology Program, please call 925- 825-8878 or visit us at www. dvohmg.com. Advertorial
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More Accurate Test for Detection of Prostate Cancer Now Available By Charles Fiske, M.D.
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men second only to skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men, second only to lung cancer. One man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Given the above noted statistics, attempts to develop an accurate and reliable method to both screen for and diagnose prostate cancer have met with limited success. The PSA blood test is the best indicator for the presence of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the PSA can be elevated in other conditions including prostate inflammation. The current method of Trans Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate to diagnose cancer in men with an elevated PSA is both inaccurate and misleading, leaving the utility of the biopsy in question. TRUS biopsies in patients with an elevated PSA find insignificant cancer 40% of the time, miss significant cancer entirely 40% of the time and in those patients in which it finds cancer, it misses the most aggressive portion of the cancer 40% of the time. These results are behind the recommendation of many professional organizations to abandon the use of PSA as a screening test for prostate cancer. However, MRI of the prostate has now emerged as a new test to both accurately diagnose and localize prostate cancer. MRI has been used successfully to diagnose neurological and musculoskeletal conditions for many years. Now, MRI is being used to generate detailed images of the prostate through the acquisition of high resolution images combined with dynamic contrast enhanced images to make the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer. Multi-parametric high field 3T MRI has been shown to detect prostate cancer with 90% accuracy. As important, if the MRI exam is normal, there is a less than 3% chance that significant disease is present. MRI has emerged as a successful adjunct to TRUS biopsy diagnosis of prostate cancer by providing accurate information on the location and severity of disease, thereby aiding urologists to more precisely target their biopsies. Because 3T MRI images the entire prostate and surrounding structures, it can detect high grade and multifocal cancers and thereby determine the full extent of disease. It is also the most accurate method of diagnosing and following low grade tumors which don’t require biopsy or aggressive treatment. NorCal Imaging of Walnut Creek is using the most advanced Multiparametric high field 3T MRI technology to diagnose prostate cancer. The scan takes less than one hour, and there is no rectal coil. This imaging process allows for the most accurate detection, characterization, localization, and staging of prostate cancer for TRUS guided biopsies, treatment and follow up. NorCal Imaging is the only outpatient provider in the Bay Area currently offering Multi-parametric 3T prostate MRI with computer assisted diagnosis. This technology is also essential in making the decision for active surveillance of low grade prostate tumors and avoiding unnecessary biopsies. A physician led informational program, including Q&A will be held in January 2015 to discuss details of this procedure. Call 925-677-5041, x272 for date, time, and registration information. Charles Fiske, M.D. is a radiologist and Medical Director of NorCal Imaging in Walnut Creek. He specializes in oncologic imaging, diagnosis, staging and image guided interventions. For more information on the use of MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis and staging, call 925-937-6100. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 29
Winterize Your Skin By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
With December upon us winter will soon be here. As I write this, Buffalo New York is digging itself out from six feet of snow. At the same time I find myself doing my annual snow dance so that Tahoe has a better ski season this year than it did last year. As a dermatologist there are certain preventable skin conditions that I see every winter. Winter is the season of dry itchy skin. This time of year your skin needs extra care. Many of us are very active exercising, going to the gym, playing tennis, and if we’re lucky skiing or snow boarding in fresh Tahoe snow. The most common cause of dry winter itch is frequent bathing. If possible limit yourself to one quick shower a day, use a mild soap, and moisturize after you shower. Those simple steps can prevent dry rashy eczema from making you itch and scratch. Despite these steps some people will develop eczema. This is an itchy rash that very commonly flares this time of year. If that happens a dermatologist can prescribe a cream to relieve the rash and itching. When it’s cold outside it is very tempting to take more hot baths or spend more time in a hot tub. This is actually the worst thing for your skin in the winter. Limit the baths and the amount of time you spend in a hot tub. The more time you spend in water and the hotter the water the more dried out and itchy your skin will be. I don’t want to be a killjoy telling you not to take a bath or a soak, but like everything do it in moderation and not to excess. Fortunately, we live in an area where we can pursue outdoor activities year round. That means we are exposed to the sun while pursuing these. We usually don’t think about sun protection during the winter. However, it is important that you use sunscreen every day. If we are lucky enough to have a good winter ski season, remember that when you are skiing or boarding you are at a much higher altitude without less atmospheric protection from ultraviolet radiation. In addition to direct sunlight you are also exposed to sunlight reflecting off the snow. Ironically, just when you think you least need sun protection you need it the most. If you do develop any skin problems this winter, we are always here to help. On behalf of myself and my wonderful staff, we wish you a happy holiday and healthy new year. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information. Advertorial
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Books for the Homebound
If you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 837-4889 for more information.
Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment
Page 30 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
The Eye Opener
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Happy Holidays and the Year in Review
It is hard to believe that 2014 is almost done. I find that this time of year brings about reflection on the year past and what lies ahead in the year to come. We have made some positive changes this year that have augmented the office and will bring about a better patient experience in the future. The most important addition to our office is our new optician, Faye. She has an extensive and impressive resume in the field. She has been an office manager in private optometry office, a frame vendor, and a lab representative. Even though she has not been at the office for a long time, her imprint is becoming large. She is very friendly and knowledgeable and is always looking to help our patients have an outstanding experience. Whether it is frame selections, adjustments, or patient interactions, Faye is always looking to make our patients feel welcome. For those of you who wear contacts, there have been some exciting additions in the market. There are now two daily disposable toric lenses for those of you with astigmatism and who want the comfort, convenience, and vision that a daily disposable can offer. We also have a daily disposable multifocal lens. These lenses are great options for those part-time wearers (weekends, sports, etc.) who need good distance and near vision along with minimal care. The biggest change to the contact lens market has been the unilateral pricing that most manufacturers have put into place. To make it easier for patients, minimum pricing per box is now set by the manufacturer and not an office, warehouse, or internet seller. As of now, all lenses are not under this policy. However, this appears to be the new standard, and it seems all new lenses brought to market will follow this model. We believe this will make it much easier for the patient to purchase their contact lenses, as they can be assured the pricing is constant throughout the marketplace. In addition to this new pricing strategy implemented by the manufacturers, we have instituted our new and easy way to purchase contacts. LensFerry is a program that we have been using the past few months which will allow patients to reorder their lenses via email or text. We will put your information in the system, and then when the time comes to reorder, an email will be sent to facilitate the process. This will eliminate the need to call the office
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to order lenses and then come to the office to pick them up. Patients will be able to utilize this new service whenever it is convenient for them because it does not have to be accessed during business hours. As the holiday season approaches, we are constantly being asked during this time of year about flexible spending accounts (FSA) and how to use them at the office. The government has a wide range of specified costs that qualify as a medical expense. These include any office co-pays, any necessary or elective surgical procedures (including LASIK), and many medical devices. Included in that list is any vision correction device (glasses, computer glasses, contact lenses, sports goggles, etc.) and sunglasses. As long as your purchase is made by the end of the year, it will count on your 2014 account balance. In addition to these tax-friendly accounts, do not forget to utilize your vision insurance. At our office, we are providers for Vision Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, and Medical Eye Services (MES). Between your vision coverage and your FSA, most if not all of your charges will be covered. Our office has grown this year thanks to our patients. You continually support us and go above and beyond by recommending us to your friends and family. As the years go by, we are meeting more and more local people while in the community at local establishments and at the office. We believe in providing quality service and care, and this is what our patients deserve and have come to expect from us. Our office extends best holiday wishes and a prosperous new year to all of our patients and the local community. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
Homebound Seniors Not Forgotten at Holidays
This season, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS) will brighten the holidays for hundreds of elderly individuals in Contra Costa County who cannot shop or cook for themselves. “We coordinate over 1,000 volunteers and many community partners to make the holidays a little brighter and less lonely for our clients,” said Executive Director Elaine Clark. MOWSOS will hand out more than 200 bags of household items provided by Kyle Paulson’s Eagle Scout project. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body soap, and shampoo are a welcome gift for homebound seniors. Paulson collected over $1,300 for his Eagle Scout project which will be used to purchase wireless doorbells for the many Dumploads OnUs clients who can’t hear their door bell, phone, or knock specializes in on the door and miss getting their meals. providing the ultimate In December, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services staff members will hand deliver 40 junk removal solution. Y O U R J U N K R E M O V A L S P E C I A L I S T S quilts and warm blankets donated by the Martinez We’ll haul away just Quilters and Joan Culver to clients most in need. about anything - from old household junk to construction and MOWSOS needs calendar and sock donations! Volyard waste. The only items we are unable to accept are unteer drivers for Meals on Wheels add a holiday gift - a hazardous 2015 calendar and warm socks -- to the meals delivered • Computers materials. We to clients in December. The calendars and socks are collected from volunteers and friends. Eight hundred of each make getting • Cables are needed to have something for everyone. rid of your • TVs The organization “Christmas is for Everyone” has unwanted • Monitors partnered with MOWSOS to deliver a hot meal and junk as easy 925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515 • Servers gift on Christmas Day to seniors who live in Alamo, as 1-2-3; www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com Antioch, Bay Point, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, • Phones 1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek we load, we Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek. • Printers Monday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed The Lions Club of Danville will provide 20 bins sweep, and •Copiers containing a warm blanket, towels, hat, scarf, gloves, then we haul flashlight and battery, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental • Fax Machines • Power Supply Units • Discs and Tapes away. It’s that easy! floss, a pack of notecards and a pen with 10 postage Plus we do it • Scanners • Printer Cartridges and Toners • And More... stamps. These are delivered to clients of Meals on with a smile! Wheels and Senior Outreach Services who need them. Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is a full-service nonprofit organization dedicated to helping seniors live independently and with dignity. Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves seniors all across Contra Costa County. For more information, visit www.mowsos.org.
s d a o l p m OnUs Du
editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Hope continued from page 20
Alamo Today ~ December 2014 - Page 31
Our mission is to provide personalized care, help began getting really good grades. When asked how maintain independence and enhance our he managed the abrupt change he responded, ‘Yeah, client’s quality of life on a daily basis. I decided to listen.’” • Free in-home assessments • Regular home visits Jane Russell is in her 5th year of volunteering as ensure the right care plan • Hourly care Heartfelt & a tutor at one of CCIH’s Pittsburg sites. “Some of for you • Live-in care Supportive these students don’t work well independently. They • Fully bonded and insured • Geriatric care mgmt. need to have someone to help them get focused,” • Elder referral and placement she comments and adds that “often these students At All Times... 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite D do not have a quiet place at home to do their homeLafayette, CA 94549 (beside Trader Joe’s) www.excellentcareathome.com 925-284-1213 work or someone at home who can assist them. The affordable housing after school program offers students the academic support and encouragement they need to improve grades Hospice Volunteers Needed and academic achievement.” Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients That encouragement extends to helping with college and scholarship applica- and their caregivers. Opportunities include: tions. Three high school seniors from east county CCIH residences were accepted • Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling into four-year universities this past year. Bourassa also notes that 100% of high • Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy school seniors at GPA complete their high school degree. • Mobile Notaries to witness the signing of important documents Russell, who volunteers with additional programs servicing the homeless, talks • Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members about those still waiting for a new lease on life. “There is a long waiting list (about after their loved one has died two years) for a family to be able to move into affordable housing. It is humbling • Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance for me to hear the stories of women who are currently homeless and realize that if To apply for free training, call Hospice at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the my circumstances were different, I could be in the same situation. These people had Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. lives and homes, and then at one point their lives fell apart and they lost everything.” Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency Even with additional services added at Bella Monte Apartments in Bay Point, that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, Los Medanos Village in Pittsburg and Lakeside Apartments in Concord, CCIH spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their gets at least 30 calls a month from truly desperate people whose needs they cannot ability to pay. immediately meet except by referral to other agencies. Although the possibility To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) of acquiring more facilities exists, Bourassa asks, “How can we afford to sustain 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. additional programs we are being asked to provide? There are few deep-pocketed advocates for homeless people.” Fortunately, as she points out, each contribution Is Food a Problem for You? Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through has a trickle effect that turns despair into hope. “Whether it’s overcoming lifelong challenges of trauma and/or poverty, becom- shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive ing a parent, working to succeed in school, or learning job skills to support your overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone under-eating, and family, hope begins with an address,” write Bourassa and CCIH Board President suffering from a food addiction including overeating, PM bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Stephanie Bontemps in the CCIH 2013/2014 Annual Report. “Stable, affordable Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information. housing combined with life changing supportive services are critical to ending poverty and homelessness in our community.”
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PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE! Donations of school supplies and backpacks allow students to start the school year with renewed energy and hope. Photo courtesy of CCIH.
Justine’s story is typical of CCIH success. Raised by parents suffering from addiction and coping with her own physical disability, Justine was cycling through jail, rehab and homelessness when she discovered she was pregnant. With help from CCIH she’s been clean for four years, has a healthy son and a steady job and is pursuing a degree in social work at Diablo Valley College so she can extend a lifeline to others. Erin Jones, CCIH Development Director, confronts the challenge with optimism. Focusing on what each gift makes possible, she works with the Ruby Slippers Committee to put together the annual fundraiser, scheduled January 31st, 2015 at Round Hill Country Club. You can make hope happen. To learn about the holiday Adopt-a-Family program, Ruby Slippers, volunteering, providing financial support and more about CCIH programs, visit their website at www.ccinterfaithhousing.org.
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Page 32 - December 2014 ~ Alamo Today
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Alamo Average Single Family Home Price Now More than $1.5 Million
Just to be a little different this month, I thought I would list the homes that have sold in Alamo as reported for the last three months of the year (September 1- November 17). The first thing that jumps out is the wide variation in sold price and dollars paid per square foot. The statistical average for sold price in Alamo is $1,542,666 the average square foot price is $473. The median price is exactly $1,500,000. The price swath ranges from $750,000 to $2,800,000 for a Luxury Home. Prices per square foot range from $262 to $665. Not one Alamo home sold for the exact statistical mean, although a few were close. The take away message is simply this, homes are being judged on their individual merits now more so than in the past and pricing correctly is more important than ever. Address Sold Price SqFt Price/SqFt 2436 Alamo Glen Dr $1,500,000 3787 $396.09 414 Legacy Dr 125 Alamo Springs Dr 1657 Via Romero 2433 Roundhill Dr 121 Irongate Ct 35 Summer Meadows Ct 125 Jennifer Ct 2061 Ridgewood Rd 1202 Dorris Pl 11 La Serena Ct 60 Sara Lane 24 Essex Ct 891 Livorna Rd 50 Bolla Ave 139 Sugar Creek Lane 1436 Twelve Oaks Ct 174 Mountain Canyon Ln 2551 Romly Ln. 359 South Ave
$2,800,000 $2,380,000 $2,287,381 $2,200,000 $2,065,000 $2,050,000 $1,932,000 $1,915,000 $1,900,000 $1,860,000 $1,800,000 $1,765,000 $1,745,000 $1,700,000 $1,655,000 $1,608,750 $1,600,000 $1,560,000 $1,500,000
5772 5143 5776 4311 4451 4172 4326 4051 4753 3103 3481 3426 3743 3673 3860 5502 2892 4276 3857
$485.10 $462.76 $396.01 $510.32 $463.94 $491.37 $446.60 $472.72 $399.75 $599.42 $517.09 $515.18 $466.20 $462.84 $428.76 $292.39 $553.25 $364.83 $388.90
320 Castle Crest Rd 108 Crest Avenue 279 Castle Crest Rd 45 Barbee Ln 28 Stone Creek Pl 1 Catherine Ct 1918 Parkmont Drive 24 Mathews Pl 228 Stone Valley Way 2341 Hagen Oaks Dr 360 David Dr 120 Bando Court 9 Wood Ct 301 Livorna Heights 110 Mountain Canyon Pl 154 Crest Ave 100 Angela Ave 1421 Jackson Way 26 N Jackson Way
$1,498,000 $1,485,000 $1,429,000 $1,410,000 $1,401,340 $1,300,000 $1,285,000 $1,250,000 $1,232,500 $1,200,000 $1,175,000 $1,125,000 $1,100,000 $1,070,000 $1,050,000 $900,000 $880,000 $850,000 $700,000
3723 3644 2811 1702 3113 2446 2587 2993 2723 2489 2488 2586 2053 * 2605 3430 1800 1277 1120
$402.36 $407.52 $508.36 $828.44 $450.16 $531.48 $496.71 $417.64 $452.63 $482.12 $472.27 $435.03 $535.80 * $403.07 $262.39 $488.89 $665.62 $625.00
It’s important to remember that there really is no “average” home and no two homes are exactly alike. If you would like an honest opinion of your home’s current market value, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com. For more Alamo and Danville Real Estate articles, please visit our website at www.thecombsteam.com. May you and your family have a Joyous Holiday Season.
Alamo View Home
Danville West Side
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Magnificent Mt. Diablo views from this lovely updated 4 bedroom 3.5 bedroom home. Two Master suites. Priced to sell at $1,250,000
Nicely updated West Side single story. Backs to open space, large level yard. Oak trees. Priced to sell at $999,000.
Gated Community
Alamo Oaks
Just Listed Danville Charmer
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Beautifully updated 4 bedroom home in a gate community. Call for details and pricing.
Updated 4 bedroom 3595 sq. foot home with 1.13 acre lot. Perfect for horses or a vineyard. Priced to Sell $1,839,000
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
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3 bedroom, 2 bath home on flat lot backing a creek. Walk to 12 years of SRVUSD schools! Call for details. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526