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August 2015 Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House Welcomes Artists in Residence By Jody Morgan
In 2014, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation Tao House (EOF) announced a three-year pilot offering EOF had been hoping to launch since its founding forty years earlier. This spring, the Travis Bogard Artist-in-Residence Program, Tao House (AIR), welcomed the first two Tao House Fellows: David Palmer and Herman Farrell. A third, Adrienne Pender, arrives in September to work on the Danville property where O’Neill completed his final, and many experts believe great- Herman Farrell thanks EOF for the opportunity to be an est, plays. All were chosen Artist-in Residence at Tao House (photo courtesy of EOF). from a pool of highly qualified applicants by a panel of experts in the fields of scholarship and drama. America’s only Nobel Prize winning playwright, O’Neill, along with his third wife Carlotta, purchased 158 acres and built the home they called ‘Tao House” where they resided from 1937-1944. Sited with unbroken views of Mount Diablo to the east and sheltered by the Las Trampas hills to the west, the retreat gave O’Neill the serene setting he required to transform tragic personal experiences into epic dramas. Carlotta honored her husband’s request for privacy by reinforcing the natural seclusion of Tao House with a stringent set of social prohibitions. During his Danville days, Eugene penned The Iceman Cometh, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Hughie, A Touch of the Poet and Long Day’s Journey into Night, the play for which he was posthumously awarded his fourth Pulitzer Prize. “I cannot begin to express how pleased the committee is with the way AIR is working,” remarks Florence McAuley, Chair of the AIR Committee. “It is everything we wanted and more. The fellows have felt that Tao House is a special place and the atmosphere is conducive to the creative process.” Both Fellows working at Tao House this spring concurred that the experience exceeded their expectations. David Palmer notes: “The Artist in Residence Program at Tao House is a unique opportunity to be in a place where an author did a significant body of work. By returning day after day at different times of day, I found broader ideas coming into focus. In the evening at Tao House I sensed the remoteness and loneliness that was part of what was driving O’Neill to complete the plays he wrote there.”
See O’Neill continued on page 14
Local Postal Customer
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Serving Alamo and Diablo National Night Out Comes to Alamo Plaza
Alamo Plaza is hosting its first National Night Out (NNO) event on Tuesday, August 4th from 4pm-6pm. There will be entertainment, live music, a treasure hunt in participating stores, visits from the local police and fire department, and much more. NNO is a community-police awareness-raising event that enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.
Twenty Questions: How Well do You Know Alamo? Answer and Win! By Sharon Burke
How well do you know Alamo? Just for fun, I put together twenty questions to test your knowledge of our town. Some of these answers can be found by “Googling” and some you can only find out if you’ve lived in Alamo a long, long time, or if you have a friend or neighbor who has lived here a long time. There's a reward! The winner of the quiz will receive two tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres game Friday night, September 11, at AT&T Park, Section 118, lower reserved box, valued at $56 each. Tickets will be awarded to the entrant with the most correct answers by August 15, 2015. If there are multiple entries with the same amount of correct answers a random drawing will be held from those entries. The fine print: Prize is tickets only, no cash substitution. Email your answers to editor@yourmonthlypaper.com on or before August 15, 2015. Answers will be printed in September’s Alamo Today. 1. This Spanish name is given to a ridgeline, an East Bay Regional Park, Alamo's highest peak in the Westside hills, and one of Alamo's oldest streets. What is the Spanish name, and what does it mean in Spanish? 2. What Alamo street is named after a football team? 3. What Olympic gold medalist lives in Alamo? 4. What early Alamo pioneer is Stone Valley Road and School named for? 5. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Alamo’s Elegant Bib Restaurant drew customers from all over the county. What is now located on the former site of the Elegant Bib? 6. What agricultural innovation took place in Alamo in 1873, leading to the creation of a major industry in California? 7. What Native American tribe were the first residents of Alamo? 8. What year did the last freight train run down the railroad tracks which became the Iron Horse Trail? 9. Alamo has three school districts and two fire districts, name them. 10. What was the original purpose Volume XV - Number 8 of the building that houses Cherubini’s? 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, 11. Originally a stagecoach road Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 from Martinez to San Jose, Danville Fax (925) 406-0547 Boulevard was known as the Alamo Highway for most of the 20th century. Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com It was a California state highway before Sharon Burke ~ Writer 680 was built. What number was this The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today state highway through Alamo?
See Questions cont. on page 12
is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
Page 2 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Boulevard View
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By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
When I was young I remember my father trying to teach us the concept of compounding money. Once he hypothetically offered us an extravagant allowance of either a $100 flat sum or, he said we could have a penny on the first day of the month, two cents on the second day, doubling to four cents on the third day, doubling again to eight cents on the fourth day, and doubling again each day for 30 days. As a little kid the $100 sounded like big bucks, and the thought of mere pennies doubling sounded crazy...until you do the math. The one penny that doubles over the course of 30 days would actually pay $5,368,709.12 on the thirtieth day. By that time you will the accumulated over $10,000,000 over those 30 days! I started thinking of this math lesson when my daughter brought home seven baby kittens from two different feral mothers. The two sets of kittens were about three and five weeks old when they arrived. As a family we took on the challenge to care and nurture these babies until they are old enough to be fixed and then adopted. There are many great animal care groups that help with domesticated pets. However, at the height of kitten and puppy season many of them are swamped and lack the resources to help all of the animals in need. My daughter’s vision was to help get the animals cared for, socialized, and fixed. I agreed to sponsor this endeavor but with a key component being the trapping of the feral moms so they could be spayed and released to end this cycle You’ve heard the stats before. One un-fixed dog or cat will generate tens of thousands of offspring over a five year period. You may have asked yourself how that can possibly be so and the answer lies close to the simple math problem my father taught me years ago. I will use kittens in my example but the math applies to puppies as well. At
Presented By: Presented By: Alamo
Improvement Alamo Association
Improvement Association
six months old a kitten is old enough to have her first litter and, being unspayed, is likely to have that litter with an average three kittens who survive. So half way through the first year we now have four cats. Six months later, at the end of the first year, the three offspring each have litters with three surviving kittens each. So, now there is the original cat, her three surviving offspring, and their nine surviving offspring, for a total of 13 cats. And this goes on. And on. And on. And on. By the end of the fourth year a conservative estimate is a total of 9,841 cats have been born and survived. Add 19,683 kittens half way through year five for a total of 29,524, then another 59,049 at the end of year five. In just five years, one unfixed cat has resulted in 88,572 offspring. And that does not include the offspring generated by the original cat and her offspring in their second and later seasons. Because these numbers become overwhelming in a relatively short amount of time, many of these animals end up in shelters, and according to the Human Society of the United States about four million per year ultimately are euthanized. I feel like Bob Barker on The Price is Right, who encouraged his audiences with the phrase, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” Having the seven kittens here makes me better understand his message and the reason behind it. I don’t have some pie-in-the-sky notion that I can radically change the world, but I can make a difference. To that end, these seven kittens are available to adopt. They have been loved and socialized, and their initial shots have begun. Adoption will come with a coupon to have them fixed by my vet when they are old enough for the procedure. If you are interested in bringing one (or two, or three!) of them into your life please email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 3
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“Museum at 30” Exhibit and Quilts Museum of the San Ramon Valley
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is hosting a new small exhibit called The Museum at 30, Celebrating Three Decades of Service which will run until November 8th. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley has served the community for 30 years, working to promote knowledge about the rich history and culture of the San Ramon Valley. Photographs, a video, and artifacts are shown in the exhibit. Also, don’t miss the historical quilts on display and some special artifacts from the museum’s storage. Featured are: • The “Miracle on the Hudson” quilt which features Sully Sullenberger’s remarkable landing on the Hudson River. • Rose Ferreira’s family quilt (1981) which shows events in the life of Bettencourt Ranch located in Tassajara Valley. • A History Quilt created by the Alamo-Danville Soroptimists International, designed by Helen Odegard and Mary Anne Iarussi, Sully Sullenberger and the Miracle on the Hudson quilt. stitched by members and quilted by the III Ward Relief Society of Oakland’s Church of Latter-day Saints in 1985. • Cyndy Rymer’s Danville Sesquicentennial Quilt (2008) made up entirely of digital photographs of historic figures. The Museum Summer Hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-1pm and Sunday noon-3pm. Books and unique gift items are available at the museum store. The Museum is located in the restored train depot located at 205 Railroad Avenue in the heart of downtown Danville.
Gateway to Hope: 31st Annual Shepherd’s Gate Banquet September 17th at the Blackhawk Auto Museum
Shepherd’s Gate has helped more than 11,000 battered and homeless women and children since the non-profit was founded in 1984. Anyone in need is welcomed to the Livermore and Brentwood campuses regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. Gateway to Hope, the organization’s 31st fundraising banquet promises an evening of excellent food, beautiful music, and inspiring testimonials recounting the rebuilding of lives and the restoration of dignity achieved by Shepherd’s Gate. Hors d’oeuvres, a reception and a silent auction run from 6-7pm with dinner and program being held from 7-8:30pm at the Blackhawk Auto Museum, located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Scott’s Seafood will be catering the event. Attire is business casual. The suggested donation per ticket is $75. Reservations close on September 4th. Silent auction donations are currently being gratefully accepted. To reserve space for yourself and your guests, offer silent auction contributions, or sponsor a table of ten, contact Shepherd’s Gate Development Director Krystin Higgins by calling 925-583-8109 or emailing khiggins@ shepherdsgate.org. For more information about Shepherd’s Gate’s mission, visit www.shepherdsgate.org.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area, a long time resident, newly retired, or emptynester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers. com. Our next new member coffee will be held August 25th from 10am to noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
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Page 4 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Sons in Retirement
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925-765-4209 Totally Trains: Models and Memorabilia
Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. We have monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, our members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, bocce ball, bridge, computers, and more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. Our next monthly luncheon is on Wednesday, August 19th at 11am. The $23 includes luncheon, speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. Our August guest speaker will be Jon Dwyer, a 45 year member of the oil and chemical industries. Mr. Dwyer will present a balanced look at the pros and cons of “Fracking.” To reserve a space, please email by Thursday, August 13th to info@sir128. com. The luncheon will be held at the San Ramon Golf Club located at 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. For more information about our Retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley once again proudly presents: Totally Trains-Models and Memorabilia. The exhibit will run through the Freight Room at the Depot through August 23. The main layout of the exhibit has two elevations with four running trains and includes scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel, and a village with a replica of the Museum (the former Southern Pacific Depot). A secondary layout features a number of working accessories including items from two private train collections and accessories from the early to mid-1900s. Don’t forget to purchase our Totally Trains Family Pass! This family ticket is only $12 and allows for unlimited visits to the exhibit! Special summer hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10AM to 1PM, Saturday from 10AM to 1PM, Sunday from 12PM to 3PM, and closed Mondays. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. For more information, call (925) 837-375, email srvmuseum@sbcglobal. net, or visit www.musemsrv.org.
Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guest to socialize with us at our monthly luncheon beginning at 11am on Monday, August 17th to be held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, located at 1475 Creekside Dr. Our August speaker will be Ms. Rosemary Robles, Driver Safety Manager, from the Oakland Office of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Rosemary will be discussing the obstacles and challenges facing Senior Drivers and will be offering advice for the Senior Driver. Please call 925-322-1160 to make lunch reservations. The cost for lunch is $15. If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in fun activities, and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join with us. Our member activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, dine-outs, dominoes, fishing, golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings, and more. In addition we have special golf events and bridge tournaments where wives, partners, and guests are welcome. If these are activities you like to do, then you may find even greater enjoyment in doing them with the friendly group of retirees in the SIR organization. For information about our activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org.
Diablo Choral Artists Broadway Music Sing-Along
Las Trampas Branch 116
8
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find her and your name is drawn!
Sing your heart out with famous Broadway tunes with Diablo Choral Artists and live piano accompaniment by Lynn Finegan. Words will be projected on a large screen for you to join along. The event will be held Friday, July 31st at 7:30pm at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church located at 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek (off Walker). Dessert and beverages will be provided. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for children over 6. For more information, visit www.vmschorus.org.
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. 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.
Meals on Wheels
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found her, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Alamo Today 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507
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.
Julie Reshio is our winner
Contact Alamo Today at 925-405-6397
Alamo Zoe is Missing
Alamo Zoe has become lost in this paper... Search through Alamo Today and see if you can find her! She is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find her.
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 5
ACTIVE LIVES The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council and the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA are pleased to announce a partnership to COMMUNITIES bring new recreation programs to Alamo. This fall, the Y will be HEALTHY recreation for your entire family! Fall 2015
Fall 2015 Alamo Sports Municipal Advisory Council and the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA are pleased to TheYouth announce a partnership to bring new recreation programs to Alamo. This fall, the Y will be offering o Flag Football recreation for your entire family! Youth Sports Adult Fitness classes o Flag Football o Yoga o Beginner Strength and Balance Adult Fitness classes
o Yoga o Group Beginner Strength andFiloli Balance Adult Day Trip to Gardens
o A great way to spend an afternoon.
Adult Group Day Trip to Filoli Gardens o A great way to spend an afternoon.
For more information, contact the Y at (925) 687-8900 or visit the Y Alamo Program website at www.alamorec.org Deutscher Family YMCA • or 350 Civic Drive Hill, CA at 94523 For more information,Irvin contact the Y at (925) 687-8900 visit the Y AlamoPleasant Program website www.alamorec.org Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA • 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Assistance League of Diablo Valley Schedules Prospective Member Coffee
Since 1967, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, a nonprofit member volunteer organization, has improved lives in our community through hands on programs. You might have heard of its primary fundraiser, the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, a well-known landmark which is located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette. In response to a growing client base, we are actively pursuing prospective members who would enjoy clothing elementary schoolchildren for a more successful educational experience, testing preschool children for vision issues, performing educational puppet shows for school children, reading to second grade students, or helping in supplying emergency clothing, food and supplies to those in crisis. Two recently formed philanthropic programs concern implementing art in the classroom and staffing the Listen Program which helps identified students with verbal expression. Two other programs address the needs of our seniors. A Prospective Member Coffee will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at 9:30AM, at the ComFind out why we are so proud of Assistance League Way munity Resource CenSide Inn Thrift Shop and be a part of its success! ter, 2711 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek. If you are interested in spending quality time and meeting energetic and upbeat people while helping those who are vulnerable, please phone 925-934-0901. For more information, visit diablovalley. assistanceleague.org.
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Page 6 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo’s 1st & Only Pediatric Dentist! Alamo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Welcomes Dr. Allan Pang Dr. Pang completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After Tufts he completed a General Practice Residency at University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, Dr. Pang practiced general dentistry in the community of Los Gatos, California for two years. It was during this time that he realized how much he enjoyed working with his pediatric patients and returned to school to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. His residency in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University-Bellevue Hospital in New York City allowed for him to have extensive training in treating the well child and those with special healthcare needs such as children with craniofacial disorders and developmental disabilities. Dr. Pang has been in private practice since 2008. He is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 7
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“Row With Champions” Regatta Promises Fun for Entire Family
A one-of-a-kind sporting event and festival never before presented in the Bay Area or perhaps anywhere else is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda. “Row With Champions,” as it is billed, is open to the general public. It will put as many as 100 eight-person rowing shells in the water between 10AM and 3PM in a variety of races. Shells, measuring 60 feet in length, will be steered by members of the renowned Oakland Strokes, which has won national championships. A number of other boats will boast Olympicexperienced rowers and coxswains. There are two skilled rowers and a coxswain per boat, leaving six seats available to the general public. No rowing experience is required, and anyone 12 years of age or older is eligible to participate. Races begin around 10:30AM. The distance to be traversed is 250 meters. Medals will be presented to finalists. This novel event is the principal fundraiser for Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary (LSR) in partnership with Oakland Strokes. Proceeds benefit a variety of community service programs supported by the Rotary club as well as innercity youth scholarships offered by Oakland Strokes. Seats are $200 each. Entire boats consisting of six seats are $1,000. The seats are being promoted as opportunity for business, organizational, or personal sponsorship. For those who want to spectate only – no rowing involved –
tickets are $20. For more information and advance-sale tickets, visit www. rowwithchampions.org. Purchases are tax deductible as provided by law. Besides the rowing spectacle, the event provides on-site attractions for all ages. Entertainment will include live music and games. Food trucks will offer a variety of fare. “We are excited to be able to present what promises to be a unique day for entire families,” said Buddy Burke, president of LSR. “Even if you have never held an oar in your hands, it is an opportunity to get some exercise, have fun, experience this exciting sport, and know you are contributing to a good cause.”
Bestselling Author Daniel James Brown to Appear in Lafayette
Daniel James Brown, author of the critically acclaimed, national bestselling book The Boys In The Boat, will appear in person on Saturday, August 1, at 7PM at the Veterans Memorial Building in Lafayette. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at www.rowwithchampions.org. Brown will be available to sign books after the talk. The book was hailed by one reviewer as the “nautical version of ‘Chariots of Fire.’” Since its publication two years ago, it has garnered a handful of prestigious awards. In fact, it has attracted so much attention that it is being made into a motion picture. The tome chronicles the almostunimaginable true saga of nine men who during Great Depression days rowed competitively for University of Washington. All were hardscrabble, blue-collar types who despite all odds – and to the mortification of Adolph Hitler – went on to capture gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. In doing so, remarked another reviewer, they “provided hope … that the ruthless might of the Nazis would not prevail over American grit, determination, and optimism.” Brown attended Diablo Valley College before enrolling at UC Berkeley, where he earned a baccalaureate degree in English. After adding a master’s in English at UCLA, he taught writing at San Jose State University and at Stanford University before becoming a technical writer and editor. He later turned his attention to writing full time, specializing in historical nonfiction narratives.
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Page 8 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Rancho Romero Elementary School
Alamo Elementary School Changes in the Air By Stan Hitomi, Principal
It is nearly a month before we return to school, but preparations for the new school year are well underway. A major part of these preparations fall upon the shoulders of our PTA and EdFund organizations. We are very fortunate to have strong leadership for both organizations in 2015-16 with Kristin Iribarren returning for a third year as PTA President and Jo Stratton stepping in as first-year President of the Alamo Education Fund. Jo has hit the ground running this summer, following in the footsteps of Susanna Lee who completed two very successful terms as president of the EdFund. Jo has recruited a talented executive committee and will work closely with Kristin to provide Alamo School with another year of exceptional support from their respective organizations. A peek “behind the curtain” during the summer would reveal a small army of volunteers organizing activities, recruiting volunteers, updating forms, and working on web pages. The PTA and EdFund work closely with Gayle Hughey (office manager) to make certain we are ready for the return of our families for walk-through registration. This year we are adding a “new family” orientation that will include an overview of the registration process, as well as school policies, procedures, and a welcome by the PTA and EdFund. I would like to remind our families that they must complete an annual update of family information (online) and download/complete registration forms prior to coming to one of our walk-through registration dates. A complete explanation of the start-of-the-year process can be found on the Alamo School website at www.aes.srvusd.net. Look for a “quick link” on the homepage for Registration. Here you will find complete information on the annual update, volunteer management system, and walk-through registration process. In addition to our traditional registration program, the opening of the school year will include some changes. We will continue our growth trend in 2015 with our projected opening day enrollment at 375+ students, up from the 331 students we opened with in 2014. Our new traffic light at Livorna/Wilson will be fully operational to start the year. Sadly, this will mean that we will be saying goodbye to our favorite crossing guard…Kim! One of the biggest changes this year will involve one of our all-time favorite traditions…the Hoedown! This year, the PTA is moving the Hoedown from its traditional date in May to September 20th (mark your calendars). The main reasons for this change included our impacted spring schedule (talent show, Camp Alamo, Auction Gala, spring concerts/plays, etc.) and the difficulty with finding volunteers in the spring. Lana Sainio (PTA) will return as Hoedown Coordinator and will be looking for volunteers at the start of the year. This year’s event will combine the games and food from the Hoedown with the crafts and garden activities from the Day On The Green, along with a special ceremony and music to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Alamo School (1965-2015). Everyone is welcome to join us! More info and details will appear in my September letter.
By Skye Larsh-Faraghan, Principal
For those who have passed by school or taken a stroll across campus to the park over the last six weeks, empty parking lots, quiet hallways, and bare bulletin boards might be taken for “On Break From School.” I would offer to change the message to be “On Break for School.” Put simply we all need shifts in our routines; time to explore, play, and ponder -- both child and adult. Sustained happiness and success are achieved by investing in yourself; learning or experiencing something new, whether through friends, family, training, traveling, or reading. This act of self investment manifests itself through happiness, by feeling renewed and inspired. While the outside appearance of school is quiet, just beyond the walls the renewal process is alive and well. The energy and resources teachers and staff at Rancho Romero have been building over the summer is nothing short of commendable. Teachers have attended institutes on reading and writing at Columbia University in New York, acquired new learning on the use of Google docs and 3D printers, participated with parents in a Gender Spectrum Conference, planned pilot units with new mathematics curriculum, created thematic units using Next Generation Science Standards, and participated in District coordinated “Inspire U” workshops, taught by teacher leaders and content experts. Trips to national parks, Alaska, New England, Europe, and myriad colleges and universities, along with bicycle trips, working on ranches, camping, and snorkeling adventures, have all contributed to renewed creative energies. On August 25 a stream of bicycles, scooters, and cars will head down Hemme Avenue. The parking lot will fill, hallways will bustle with the sound of excited children, and the unfolding of new learning and discovery will begin that will include and support every child at the school. I look forward to sharing information, ideas and stories of our journey in 2015-2016 in Alamo Today articles throughout the year.
Important Dates 8/3 8/4 8/24 8/24 8/25
Office Opens - Principal and office staff on site 2015-2016 Annual Parent Update opens on Parent Portal On-site registration (only if on-line registration was NOT completed) Student class assignments posted on Parent Portal First day of school/PTA Welcome Back Coffee
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. The program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. For more information, call Karen Stepper at (925) 275-2412, email coachstepper@yahoo.com, or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.
Important Dates
8/12 8/13 8/17 8/25 8/27 9/2 9/7 9/15 9/20
New Family Orientation 6:30 – 7:30PM (adults only) Registration 4 - 7PM Registration 9AM - noon First Day of School (minimum day schedule) Back to School Night 6:30-7:30PM grade K Back to School Night 5:30 – 6:30PM grades 3-5 HOLIDAY - Labor Day Family Reading Night Alamo School – 50th Anniversary Celebration/HOEDOWN
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.
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San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, Principal
Summer is still in full swing, but at each of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District school sites we are busy getting ready for the upcoming school year. At the start of every school year all families have to register their students for school by using both the district and the individual schools’ online systems. These systems open on August 4th and parents need to complete both processes. Information for student parking spots on campus will also be available at this time. At SRVHS we were lucky enough to pilot the “Togeda” online registration system last year and it made the whole process much smoother for everyone. This year we are continuing to utilize this technology for parents to sign their children up for school. There are two dates for registration at SRVHS: August 20th and 24th. These were calendared as late as possible to make sure that families on vacation would still be able to attend registration before the first day of school on August 25th. There are many updates on the school website, www.srvhs.net regarding registration and the beginning of school so please take a look and check there first if you have any questions. As part of preparation for this coming school year, we have been working with the parents of incoming 9th and 10th graders to get them ready for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) online program at SRVHS. Over 1,000 students - the entire 9th and 10th grade classes - will be utilizing 1:1 technology in all of their classrooms. Parents can purchase any Chromebook type device that runs Google Chrome as this is what teachers and students will be using in the classroom. Our school also has a program to loan devices to families for the school year if needed, and these can be checked out during registration. Google Docs and the other associated programs have fantastic educational applications and during our freshman pilot this year. It was amazing to see the positive impact that this initiative had for both teaching and learning. We are looking forward to continuing our journey into 21st century learning for all! Enjoy the rest of the summer and we’ll see everyone at the end of August.
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 9
Danville Girls Chorus Audition for New Singers
The Danville Girls Chorus (DGC) is made up of 155 girls from 3rd to 8th grades from schools across the Tri-Valley area. The primary goal of DGC which is non-profit organization is music education. The students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to contemporary, folk tunes, and pop music. Do you know a girl in going into grades 3 to 8 who loves to sing? Encourage her to come to audition for the Danville Girls Chorus on August 5th at 2:45pm at San Ramon Valley High School. Please register for the audition through the DGC Online Store or email admin@danvillegirlschorus.org for more information.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley, meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building, located at 400 Hartz Ave., Danville, on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. The next meeting will be held August 19th. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at (925) 362-9806. Find out more about the VFW and our Post at www.vfwpost75.org.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com 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 Sheriff Substation, 150 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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Page 10 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Our CountyAgriculture Department Does a Lot By Candace Andersen, Supervisor, Contra Costa County, District 2
I’m often asked, “What does the County do?” I always enjoy sharing the role County departments play in helping our community. Contra Costa County produces nearly $120 million of some of the finest fruits, nuts, and vegetables in the nation. Consumers know that when they purchase these products at a retail store or Farmer’s Market they will be clean, fresh, and delicious. That confidence is created through the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures. Their fruits and vegetables program involves the enforcement of state laws and regulations pertaining to the packing, shipping and quality of these agricultural commodities. The department is also responsible for the certification of Farmers Markets and the registration of organic farmers. County inspectors also enforce state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to eggs and egg products. These inspections ensure wholesome eggs as well as correct size and truthful labeling. The Agriculture Department handles the protection of plants and crops through the Pesticide Use Enforcement program, which is responsible for the enforcement of state regulations as they apply to the safe and effective use of pesticides. This includes the issuance of restricted materials permits, the monitoring of pesticide applications, the auditing of pesticide dealers and advisors, and the inspection of government, grower, and pest control business equipment and facilities. The Nursery Inspection program ensures that consumers are supplied with correctly labeled, pest-free plants for food production and ornamental use. It also assists nurserymen in finding proper methods of controlling insects, diseases, and other pests that would seriously affect nursery stock. Additionally, the department has a Seed Inspection and Certification Program for the inspection of seed package labels to be certain that they reflect California Seed Law for the correct percentage of germination, date of test, purity, and weed seed content. The Agriculture Department also has a variety of approaches to control pests. The Pest Exclusion and Quarantine Program helps eliminate exotic pests before they can harm home gardens and agriculture. If pests are bothering you at home, you can call the department (925-427-8610) to aid in identifying pests, monitoring
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populations, and determining control options. The department uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method, which utilizes mechanical, cultural, biological, and chemical control techniques. Also included within the Agriculture Department is the Contra Costa County Division of Weights and Measures, which promotes a fair and equitable marketplace by inspecting packages and commercial weighing and measuring devices for accuracy. This ensures that the sale of harvested crops, livestock, animal feed, vehicle fuel, and other commodities is based on an honest weight or measure. A variety of devices are tested. There are scales ranging from jeweler’s scales for tiny gemstones to scales that can weigh a loaded railroad car. Devices are inspected before they are put into commercial use and any adjustable parts that might affect performance are sealed. Each commercial scale that passes inspection has a visible county seal. The 2014 Crop Report for Contra Costa County was recently published and shows continued strong demand for agricultural products. The total gross value of agricultural crops and products in 2014 was $119,829,000, a 23.8% increase from 2013. The top five leading crops of 2014 were cattle/calves, sweet corn, tomatoes, grapes, and beans, all of which surpassed $4.5 million in gross value. The report also contains an important reminder regarding how we all can reduce our water use. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 25% of fresh water used for agriculture gets lost through food waste, which occurs in homes, restaurants, and supermarkets when products are thrown away. By purchasing only needed food, eating what is cooked and limiting waste, anyone can significantly aid in managing the ongoing drought. In addition, the Commission urges gardeners to grow native plants, which are more adapted to drought conditions and therefore require less maintenance. As you can see, the County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures performs many services for our County, and its employees do a great job ensuring quality, fair, and equitable marketplaces, but also help keep pests away from our gardens. 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 at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860. Thank you to summer interns Peter Hutchinson and Isabelle Yan for their contributions to this article.
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Enchanting Undiscovered Laos By Audrey Combs, Alamo World Travel
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 11
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Having traveled in South East Asia on three different trips for months at a time, I thought I had a pretty good handle on what the region had to offer. From the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to the food and culture of Thailand, to the beautiful karsts of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, there are too many wonders to list! Then I went to Laos! Here you’ll find a few select very respectful foreigners enjoying a country full of some of the kindest, most generous, well-humored, wonderful people. I traveled in April and spent time at the cooler, higher, altitudes in the northern city of Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was the 14th century capital of Laos and a major colonial city during the French colonization during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It is located at the confluence of two rivers, the mighty Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan. The backdrop of these two beautiful rivers, surrounded by Laotian mountains, was viewed from the deck of a perfectly restored French colonial porch. The fresh mango shakes and a chilled glass of sauvignon Dita trunk show. Come see the full collection. blanc they served was pure heaven. Refreshments & hors d’oeuvres provided. Great Days start early in Luang Prabang. Our first day, I arose giveaways & free anti-glare with your purchase. before the sun to observe the early morning alms given to the 215 Alamo Plaza Alamo CA 94507 | (925) 202-2846 monks, also known as Tak Bat. Beautifully clad in tangerine www.poplarspecs.com robes and freshly shaven heads, more than 200 monks from all over Luang Prabang receive offerings of the highest-grade sticky rice, curries, and other foods from local Buddhist families bowing with respect from their hand woven straw mats along the main street, the Sisavangvong. Nearby is Kim Smith Named President of the early morning market where Hmong vendors come in from surrounding mountain villages to sell their wares of fresh herbs, bamboo shoots, fresh fish, and more kinds of eggplant, squash, and locally-harvested the Rotary Club of Alamo Kim Smith has been elected president of the Rowild mushrooms than you could ever imagine! As the sun rose, my next inclination was to cool off. I opted for a Mekong River cruise to visit the cave of tary Club of Alamo for the 2015-2016 Rotary Year, 10,000 Buddhas. The site is where Laotian Buddhists have gone for hundreds of years to pay their respects to effective July 1. She succeeds Bill Randall who the spectacle of 10,000+ Buddhas tucked away in a beautiful karst cave overlooking the mountains and river served as the 2014-2015 Club President. Kim joined the Rotary Club of Alamo in May below. On my return, sipping a cold beer, I decided to hire a smaller local boat to take me to a local craftsman village where the Hmong 2013, and has served on the Club’s fundraising committee, membership committee, Board of Directors, people are known for their skills. Those around Luang Prabang are especially known for their President’s Council and has been active in many beautiful silk textiles and weaving. Hmong women sit for hours other areas of the Club’s community service and cross-legged at their looms to hand spin raw silk into smooth silk international activities. thread. In the craftsman villages, you’re invited to watch and even She has spent over 20 years in executive leadership try this elaborate process. Lao women spend days creating intricate sales and operations. Kim has demonstrated success wall hangings, traditional skirts, and beautiful scarves weaving their in the development and implementation of strategic silk thread on huge wooden looms. The craftsmanship is incredible plans while building collaborative client relationships and I purchased beautiful keepsakes that will last a lifetime. at all levels. In the afternoon, I joined travelers from many points around the The Club also announced officers for 2015-2016, globe for our “Tamarind – Taste of Laos” cooking class. It began including Beth Burlingame Randall, 2016-2017 with a trip to the local market to pick out the freshest vegetables, president-elect; Jim Schuppert, treasurer; Karen spices, and meats and ended with everyone eating our wonderful Laotian creations of sticky rice lemongrass chicken and papaya salad. A cooking class in Laos is a must McPherson, secretary; and Bill Randall, immediate past president. Directors include Steve Larmore, for all visitors. A perfect ending to our trip was visiting the night market where Hmong people from all over the North community; Jack Thompson, international; Diane come to sell their wares ranging from iPhone amplifiers made of bamboo, adorable clothes for children, Barley, club service; Brad Gai, foundation; Dana a woven masterpiece worthy of framing, or simply hand-painted post cards to share some of the wonders Wellington, membership; Steve Collins, Steve Polcyn of your trip. Bargaining is at its most pleasurable and is most often communicated with a calculator and and Chris Suter, at-large directors. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May a smile. After such an amazing experience in such a serene place, you will want to share your trip with 7, 1971 and has 50 members. The Club supports anyone who will listen! Laos won’t be a secret destination for long. Its enchantment is too contagious. the music programs at Alamo and Rancho Romero Audrey Combs visited Cambodia and Laos during her spring break with cousin Elementary Schools, Lucille Mauzy School, Stone Dayna and Aunt Ilene Ferguson, owner of Valley Middle School, Monte Vista and San Ramon Alamo World Travel. Alamo World Travel has High Schools; provides dictionaries to third grade 34 years of planning individual and group students; sponsors two free medical clinics for unintravel. Let us help you plan your next great sured and under served adults with acute or chronic travel adventure, by land or sea, riverboat or medical conditions, as well as other community and sailing yacht. Visit us at www.alamoworld. international projects. The Club meets on Wednescom, call us at 925-837-8742 or stop by our days at 12:15pm at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 office at 3201 Danville Blvd. # 255 in Alamo Round Hill Road, Alamo. Advertorial (North of Ace Hardware).
Page 12 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Cinema Classics and Musical Notes Alice Adams By Peggy Horn
This month’s Cinema Classic is Alice Adams, (1935) starring Katherine Hepburn and Fred MacMurray, and directed by George Stevens. The film was based on a novel of the same name by Booth Tarkington, and there was a prior film adaptation which was a silent film done in 1923. Katherine Hepburn was nominated for best actress for her performance in the movie, and the film was nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards ceremony of that year. This is an old fashioned movie. It’s sweet! Katherine Hepburn plays the role of Alice Adams, a young, single woman trying to make the best of a bad situation; she is poor. In the opening scenes she gets invited to the soiree of one of the wealthiest families in town. She attends the party on the arm of her reluctant brother with a corsage of hand picked violets, and her wealthy hostess will have little to do with her. One of the other guests, Arthur Russell (played by Fred MacMurray), is a member of the wealthy set, but he is attracted to pitiful, ostracized Alice. Alice is actually a very nice person whose gentle kindness and diplomacy are sources of great comfort to her father, and she uses her warmth and intelligence to smooth over numerous family squabbles. Poverty apparently makes her act silly and artificial around Arthur, but he is able to see through her defensive veneer. It’s a tribute to Mr. MacMurray’s acting ability that this movie works so well. He is elegant and debonair performing a role very different from the typical comical roles he often plays. Alice Adams is a charming film, and its old world values and situations are a big part of its appeal. The movie has a completely different ending from the novel, thanks to the producer’s insistence. I hope you will enjoy this movie as much as I do.
Questions
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12. What is the name of the creek that runs through Westside Alamo? 13. Linhares Lane was named for early Alamo pioneer Bertha Linhares. What was her occupation? 14. What was the name of the roadhouse restaurant situated at the southwest corner of Hemme Avenue and Danville Boulevard during the 1930’s? 15. What year did the portion of Interstate 680 that runs through Alamo open? 16. What neighborhood was not only the first subdivision in Alamo, it was the first subdivision in all of the San Ramon Valley? 17. What was the original site of Alamo School, which is now located on Wilson Road? 18. What street in Alamo is named for a famous newspaper publishing family, founders of dozens of newspapers and of United Press International? 19. Who gave their name to Rancho Romero School? 20. What name do longtime residents of Alamo call the north facing hill on the southeast corner of the intersection of 680 and Stone Valley Road (also the name of a world famous painting)? And why?
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Musical Notes
In researching music from 1935, the same year Alice Adams was released, I chose, “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” written by Irving Berlin from among the many wonderful selections that year. Fred Astaire performed the song in the movie, Top Hat, and the choreography Astaire helped create resulted in one of the cleverest routines ever!
An Evening with the Stars
Lafayette Moraga Danville Montclair Orinda Countrywood Clayton Rd. Sonoma Auburn
By Jim Scala
Drive up Mt. Diablo on August 15th, and arrive at the lower summit parking lot by about 7PM for an inspiring evening with the stars. The program will begin at 7:30PM. You’ll see the universe as never before. Members of the Mt. Diablo Astronomical society (MDAS) will be standing by their telescopes to show you celestial objects. The views will capture your imagination, and the night sky will never be the same again. Every visitor says, “Wow!” many times during a viewing. Astronomy is called the “gateway science” because many scientists, engineers, and medical doctors say their scientific curiosity was sparked and nurtured by looking through an amateur’s telescope. MDAS’s main mission is outreach. Any member will say, “We like to show everyone what’s out there.” The programs for 2015 are outstanding. They will inspire anyone and cause many young people to think about science. By about 10PM you’ll leave on an escorted drive down the mountain with much to discuss. Return on one or all of the dates shown below for more inspiring evenings. August 15, 7:30PM ~ Our Place in our Galaxy ~ Build a mental model of our Milky Way Galaxy – and our place in it. Find the center of our galaxy. Tour the telescopes through our galaxy. September 19, 6:30PM ~ Moon: Earth’s Lost Rock ~ How would Earth be different without the Moon? How is our Earth like our Moon? Explore the surface of the Moon in telescopes. You’ll be ready for the eclipse of September 27th. October 17, 6PM ~ Search for Alien Worlds ~ What will the first alien life we discover likely look like? Explore where weird life exists on Earth. What does that tell us about life elsewhere in the galaxy? Which stars have planets where life might exist? For more information, visit www.mdas.net. Click on “Public Program” for a link to the 2015 Event Calendar and also a link for directions to Mt. Diablo and the Lower Summit Parking Lot. Plan to enter the park before sunset, and allow 30 minutes for the drive to the lower summit lot. Better yet, arrive early, bring a sandwich, and watch astronomers set up telescopes. Even that will be a learning experience.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 13
Tao House
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale
By Linda Summers Pirkle
On a recent visit to California, my friend, director and actor Rosario Tronnolone from Rome, Alamo - According to industry experts, away altogether. In most cases, you can Italy suggested we visit the home there are over 33 physical problems that make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself of Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953), the will come under scrutiny during a home if you know what you're looking for, and first American playwright to receive inspection when your home is for sale. knowing what you're looking for can help the Nobel Prize for Literature. It A new report has been prepared which you prevent little problems from growing has been years since I toured the home (also known as Tao identifies the 11 most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. House), where the famous playwright and father of the modproblems, and what you should know about To help home sellers deal with this issue ern American play wrote what are considered his best works. them before you list your home for sale. before their homes are listed, a free report Just a ten minute drive from downtown Danville nestled in Whether you own an old home or a brand entitled "11Things You Need to Know to the hills of the Las Trampas range, Tao House was built in new one, there are a number of things Pass Your Home Inspection" has been 1937 and inspired by O’Neill’s interest in Eastern philosophy that can fall short of requirements during a compiled which explains the issues involved. and his wife Carlotta Monterey O’Neill’s love of Oriental art home inspection. If not identified and dealt To hear a brief recorded message about with, any of these 11 items could cost you how to order your FREE copy of this report, and decor. They lived in Tao House from 1937 until 1944. dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter Our guide, Park Ranger and expert on Eugene O’Neill, critical that you read this report before 2001. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, Thaddeus Shay, mentioned with a voice that is deep, and full you list your home. If you wait until the 7 days a week. (perfect for reading the famous lines from the well known building inspector flags these issues for Get your free special report NOW to learn plays), “We get many visitors who enjoy this National Park you, you will almost certainly experience how to ensure a home inspection doesn't site, yet have no idea who Eugene O’Neill is. We also get costly delays in the close of your home cost you the sale of your home. actors, directors, writers, and academia visiting the park, most sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers of whom have an interest in Eugene O’Neill. Something I’ve This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors CalBRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2015 heard from actors portraying a character in an O’Neill play is that it is one of the most challenging and satisfying things they have done because his plays usually cover some very emotional topics.” Our small group visiting Tao House included Donald Mackay, an actor who grew up in the Bay Area whose impressive list of TV credits includes West Wing, The Good Wife, Weeds, Criminal Minds, and NCIS. Mackay has always been a Eugene O’Neill aficionado, he says, “I grew up in Walnut Creek and as a young actor devoured all things O’Neill and toured Tao House even before it was a National Park site.” He recently received news that he landed the coveted lead role in an Irish production of an Eugene O’Neill play. Mackay was visiting the site for inspiration and reflection. “I feel incredibly fortunate to play a lead role of ‘James Tyrone’ in Eugene O’Neill’s final and great play A Moon for the Misbegotten, directed by Ben Barnes. I will be the only American in an all Irish cast of the O’Neill play, rehearsing and performing in Ireland and then touring the play to New York. I consider this to be the artistic highlight of my career as a professional actor.” Rosario, my director friend had some eloquent things to say about Eugene O’Neill’s house. “Tao House strikes me with its geometric order and sense of beauty. Much of the surrounding nature is part of the house itself, with the huge windows letting the landscape in. The fog, so present in O’Neill’s work, is redolent in the grey walls of his most private rooms and by the dark colored mirrors, and yet, the house keeps the strange feeling of lack of warmth. O’Neill’s dying words (spoken in a hotel in Boston) were “I knew it, I knew it! Born in a hotel dying in a hotel.” You sense that he was forever living as a guest. With a director’s perspective, Rosario commented on his favorite room of Tao House, “It is certainly the small room with the piano that looks like the most comfortable and peaceful room, with the beautiful view, the music sheets, and the records. Coming near the window, I could almost feel the presence of the artist sitting in the little veranda and looking at the serene valley.” • Tours are available at 10AM and 2PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday by reservation. Saturday “without reservations” tours are held at 10:15AM, 12:15PM, and 2:15PM. Meet at the bus stop located in front of the San Ramon Valley Museum located at 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. Visits are by tour bus or on foot only. Entrance is free. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/euon or call 925-838-0249. • Donald Mackay will be performing in A Moon for the Misbegotten at Theatre Royal in Waterford, Ireland March 6-12, 2016, at the Lyric Theater, in Belfast from March 15-19, 2016 and in New York from March 29-April 24, 2016. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville ServingAlamo&Danville Since 1979! resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the JUMPSTART the 2015 POOL SEASON! Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends Upgrade Your Pool Equipment and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much Remodel your Pebble, Tile, and Coping! to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@ FREE ESTIMATES gmail.com.
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Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley
The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets for dinner every Wednesday night at the Blackhawk Country Club, located at 599 Blackhawk Club Drive in Danville. Networking and social time starts at 6pm, with the meeting starting at 7pm and ending at 8:30pm. A sit-down dinner and cocktails are served, and the weekly program features interesting guest speakers. Guests attend free of charge and are always welcome! For more information, call Laura Montalvo at (925) 437-2445 or e-mail winechickathome@gmail.com. You can also visit our website at www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com.
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Page 14 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
MADISON
Lafayette, Plaza Center
Walnut Creek
Broadway Plaza
Danville, The Livery
O’Neill continued from front page
Palmer, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Assistant Professor of Humanities and member of the Board of the Eugene O’Neill Society, came to Tao House to work on a section of his book tentatively titled Evolution, Ethics, and Tragedy: A Cognitive Studies Approach to the Plays of Arthur Miller and Eugene O’Neill. Of his month-long sojourn he writes: “It allowed me the freedom to bring ideas together in unexpected ways, and it made a significant difference in my understanding of O’Neill’s late plays and the concept of tragedy.” Thrice selected as a playwright fellow at the Eugene O’Neill Center in Waterford, Connecticut and familiar with group dynamics at various artists’ colonies, Herman Farrell found the opportunity to write without the distraction of interacting with colleagues David Palmer enjoys a quick break in the Trunk refreshing. He explains, “Na- House (photo courtesy of Christine Morgan). tive Americans referred to Mount Diablo as ‘the point of Creation.’ The grounds are tranquil, providing a calming effect as soon as you arrive on the site. But once you get to work, you can’t help but be infused with a certain creative spirit that no doubt emanates from the Diablo mountain range. My hunch is that O’Neill felt that spirit, too.” An award winning playwright and screenwriter, Farrell shares his expertise with students at the University of Kentucky as Associate Professor - Playwriting. Thirty years after writing Dreams of the Son: A Life of Eugene O’Neill, which he characterizes as a melodrama reminiscent of the theatre of O’Neill’s father, Farrell came to Tao House to pen a totally different play on the same subject that “will more closely resemble the dance of memory that reconstructs a moment, not via whole cloth remembering but through chasing after fleeting moments and dodging shadow-like images…” Taking advantage of access to Carlotta and Eugene’s diaries in the archives at Tao House, Farrell began his stay by absorbing their personal observations. “O’Neill’s output during those years was amazing. Except for breaks due to poor health or concerns about the war, he worked each and every day from 8:30 to 1:30 and then would eat lunch and swim or work in the garden.” Finding himself driven by a kindred compulsion to create, Farrell completed the first draft of his script in less than three weeks. Organized to prevent the destruction of Tao House, EOF raised $70,000 as a deposit and secured access to the site in 1975. The Foundation needed
a partner with the financial capacity to complete the purchase, restore the structure and maintain the property. In 1976, they finalized an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) whereby NPS funded and controlled physical ownership and public interpretive tours of Tao House with EOF retaining responsibility for artistic programming. The late Travis Bogard, UC Berkeley Professor of Dramatic Arts and EOF’s first Artistic Director, immediately recognized the potential of O’Neill’s home for inspiring other artists. While EOF initiated many other projects including staged readings of O’Neill’s work, productions of his plays in the Old Barn, workshops for high school students and opportunities for professional artists to paint and photograph on site, the Foundation repeatedly reviewed and rejected proposals for an artist-inresidence offering before endorsing the current plan. McAuley is pleased to report, “With the support of the National Park Service, the Foundation Board of Directors and donors, we have finally made the long pursued dream of an Artist in Residence Program a reality.” Tao House Fellows are invited (according to their preference) to work on their approved projects for a period of one to four weeks. Meals and off-site residence are provided. A small building in the courtyard (known as the Trunk House because it originally stored Carlotta’s Louis Vuitton luggage) has been remodeled as a workspace. Fellows have access to the house only during hours when a Park Ranger is on duty, but can labor into the evening in the Trunk House and wander the grounds at leisure. The extensive archives are available for their use when librarian Mary Camezon is present. Both Palmer and Farrell gratefully acknowledge her tireless attention to their requests as well as the support of Florence McAuley and AIR committee members Wendy Cooper, Linda Best and Carol Sherrill. Adrienne Earl Pender arrives from North Carolina in September to work on a play about the life of her relative Charles Sidney Gilpin, the African-American actor who starred in the premiere of Emperor Jones in 1920. The panel evaluating her proposal noted: “A successful play about
See O’Neill continued on page 15
Introduces
Black & White Collection
Come See the entire collection and sign up for the Le Creuset 90th Anniversary event!
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Alamo Women’s Club
Alamo Women’s Club Members enjoy social activities such as book clubs, excursions, golf, sewing, speaker luncheons, and more. We also serve together raising money for and volunteering at several local charities. Members say “Participating here has given me a sense of accomplishment, fellowship, and fun!” We are open to any woman who would like to join no matter where you live or what your age. There is a lot going on at the Alamo Women’s Club. Come join us.
Will you help “Project Ready to Learn”?
Help make an impact in your community. On August 12 at 10am we are stuffing back to school backpacks for Vestia’s “Project Ready to Learn.” Please drop off backpacks and K-12 school supplies at the Alamo Women’s Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd. Email President@AlamoWomensClub. org with any questions or to arrange a pickup of your donated items.
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 15
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Come to an informal cocktail and appetizer hour to learn about the fun you can have and how you can give to those you care about on August 13th at 7pm. We LOVE new members no matter your age or where you live. Come check us out!
Hosting a party or corporate event?
Your next event deserves the beautiful amenities of the Alamo Women’s Clubhouse. Our recently remodeled, light-filled space is beautifully appointed and ready for your guests. Amenities include: • 2,700 square foot building with capacity for 143 guests. • Remodeled building with wainscoting, acoustical ceilings, fans, dimmable lighting, crown molding, and hardwood floors. • 60 parking spaces and easy access to freeways. • ADA compliant with designated parking, easy wheelchair access to building, and newly renovated bathrooms. • State of the art sound system including wireless microphone and speakers, Airplay, DVD, Wi-Fi, two televisions in the main room and one in the small conference room. • Side room that can be used as a reception area, conference room, or private bride’s room with bath. • Kitchen with new state-of-the-art gas stove with griddle and two ovens. Microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator, and freezer space. • Tables, chairs, and grand piano available for rent. Go to www.alamowomensclub.org/rentals or call (925) 322-0736 for more information.
Who doesn’t like a ladies’ luncheon?
We have an exciting speaker you are sure to enjoy at our first official meeting of the year on September 23 at 11:30am. This meeting is geared toward giving prospective members a chance to check us out and see what interests you. See our September calendar for speaker and RSVP details at www.alamowomensclub. org/events/calendars. For questions, RSVPs, or details on any of our events and activities email President@ AlamoWomensClub.org, visit www.alamowomensclub.org, or call 925-820-1943.
O’Neill continued from page 14
Gilpin would certainly have significance, as there appears to be very little known about the man who created the title role in one of O’Neill’s most original, daring plays…” More information is available on the Foundation’s website: www.eugeneoneill.org. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the Travis Bogard Artist in Residence Program are encouraged to contact the AIR Committee, PO Box 402, Danville, CA 94526. The annual Eugene O’Neill Festival, A Season of Desire, kicks off in August with free previews of the entertainment in store. Get the inside story from directors, designers, and actors and learn about the treatment of the theme of desire in the featured plays: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and Desire Under the Elms by Eugene O’Neill. Danville Library: August 13 – 7pm; Lafayette Library: August 20 – 7pm; Pleasanton Library: August 22 – 2pm.
The Trunk House in the Tao House courtyard has been made into a cosy studio where Tao House Fellows can work in the shadow of O'Neill's study. (photo courtesy of Christine Morgan)
An all-inclusive Festival Package is available at a discount of 20% through August 24th at www. villagetheatreshows.com includes: • A Street Car Named Desire (choose a performance) at the Village Theatre 9/4-19 • Film: A Street car Named Desire 9/10 at the Village Theatre; 7:30pm • Lecture: “Eugene O’Neill: Evolution of an Artist – From Provincetown to Tao House” by Eric Fraisher Hayes, Artistic Director Role Players Ensemble 9/12 at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley; 2pm • Panel discussion: “100 Years of Desire” 9/19 at Tao House Barn; 2pm • Desire Under the Elms (choose a performance) 9/18-9/27 at Tao House Barn • Author event: Theatre critic John Lahr (son of Bert Lahr) talks about his new book Joyride and his awardwinning biography Tennessee Williams: A Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh 10/4 at Rakestraw Books, Danville; 2pm • A free hour-long walking tour, “The Secrets of O’Neill’s Danville,” begins at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley 9/12; 3pm. Visit www.villagetheatreshows.com for details and to purchase tickets for the Festival Package or individual events.
Page 16 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Page 18 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Life in the Alamo Garden
Inviting Entries By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect
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Inviting entries are an essential element in the creation of a successful landscape design. An inviting entry or portal is your first impression of your home and garden. It creates the mood! The portal gives your garden drama, definition, direction, structure, and interest. It leads you through the garden, frames the views, defines the “rooms,” and adds structural interest. A garden portal generally is an architectural element that is built such as an arbor, arch, gateway, fence, pergola, colonnade, or landscaped focal point. Most typically seen is an arbor, either arched or squared-off. It creates the portal framework that makes a distinction that you, the participant within the garden, are entering into something. Think about how you might want someone to feel as they approach your garden and your front door? First, you want them to know where to find the entry to your home. Then, you wish to create a welcoming feeling that sets the tone for entry into your living space. Once you pass through the door into your home you egress from one Call for details space to another and in doing so have gone from one environment to another. The garden portal essentially 925.939.8300 performs the same function solartechnologies.com in your garden. Lic. #932914 Gates beckon to be opened. The drama unfolds as you pass through from one space to another. What’s on the other side? Gates advance the opportunity to create the drama by how they are designed and where they are positioned. Fences provide an opportunity to frame an area of the garden as well as offer a portal to the next “garden” room. Fences give us security. They supply privacy so we can be ourselves. Fences add drama to expansive spaces that need to be brought into perspective. They create new rooms and therefore create new dramatic entries. Pergolas and colonnades offer a dramatic portal to view from while enjoying protection from a hot Alamo summer day. Sit in the shade and view the garden and relax. Pergolas and colonnades are the structural framework that creates a room and a portal simultaneously. We want to enter. Pergolas and colonnades can be built in many architectural styles that suit the theme of your home and garden style. Landscaped focal points are an easy way to create a portal. Certain plants such as Buxus microphylla japonica ‘Winter Gem’ (Boxwood) and Ligustrum japonicum ‘Rotundifolium’ (Privet) provide a more formal structural plant that can be used to form a dramatic entry. Looser plant forms such as Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus), Hibiscus syriacus ‘Collie Mullins’ (deciduous Hibiscus), or tree roses placed at either side of an opening through a hedge of Boxwood or Pittosporum tenuifolium “Varigata” (Variegated Pittosporum), give the effect of an entry to another room. Garden portals lead the garden wanderer to the next surprise. Interest and curiosity lead them to the next portal that might be the vegetable garden where they can pause to pick strawberries or cherry tomatoes. The next portal may lead them down a colorfully planted “alley” or path where they can “stop and smell the roses.” Remember to have fun and be creative! A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: New entries added to an existing home can give your home a completely new look and feeling without redoing your entire landscape. 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 Advertorial to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or visit www.jm-la.com.
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Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 19
Save Every Drop
By Cynthia Ruzzi, Sustainable Danville Area
I’m optimistic! The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported a 90% chance of El Niño lasting through the winter. I don’t want to appear insensitive to the hardship of severe weather, but a moderate to strong El Niño usually means a ‘wetter’ California. In case my ‘rain dance’ delivers, the National Weather Service says it’s best to be prepared, so I’m getting ready to save every drop! I’m ready to catch that rain right out of the air, or at least off my roof. Previously, our small house had five downspouts funneling rainwater from the gutters away from our foundation and into pipes leading to the storm water drain at the end of our street. No more! Over five years ago, I purchased a 75 gallon rain barrel. The simple installation included: 1. Choosing a downspout close to the area where I would use the collected water. 2. Placing the rain barrel where the overflow would be able to soak into the ground in my yard. Note: Working with the grading of your property will avoid drainage problems affecting your or your neighbor’s foundation. 3. Balancing the rain barrel on concrete blocks to give extra clearance for my bucket under the spigot and gravity to move water through a hose. 4. Preparing my downspout meant disconnecting the line where it leads to the storm drain and sawing above the top of the rain barrel. I left room for the elbow to be attached. The elbow is a flexible plastic or metal sleeve that goes over the metal of the remaining downspout directing water into the top of the barrel. A few screws or glue between the elbow and downspout and I was ready to put the barrel in place. Please don’t drink the water from your rain barrel as it could have some contaminates from the roof. I use the collected water on flowers, trees, shrubs, and before I replaced my thirsty grass, that too. A visit to Bend, Oregon was the inspiration for replacing the other downspouts at our house. Many homes in Bend have large chains hanging from their roof line. Instead of trying to hide ugly, noisy downspouts, these rain chains move water from the gutter to the ground in lovely cascading waterfalls. Some folks let the water fall into basins that trickle over pebbles, minimizing the splash and creating Zen-like sounds. Most homes had large, rustic chains, but others used copper cups that let the drops fall from one cup to another, creative an entertaining visual on a rainy day. Back at home, I found more inspiration on Pinterest and Houzz, my go-to Internet sites for all things home décor. Rain chains or Kusari doi’ have been used for hundreds of years in Japan to transfer rainwater to large barrels for household water usage. The philosophy of feng-shui implies that rain chains can bring a positive energy flow into your home by transporting the water element with a sense of tranquility. If this energy is the calmness I feel listening to the gentle sounds through my window, then I agree that rain chains are a wonderful way to add an outdoor ambiance to your home. Rain chains are not only pleasing to the eye and ear, but they are also environmental friendly. Retaining water on your property helps to reduce soil erosion and water pollution and may even help reduce uneven house settling. Local clay soils are prone to ‘shrinkage’ due to lack of moisture. Dry spells, like the current drought, can cause soils to contract causing uneven settling of building infrastructure which leads to cracks in foundations and Business, Residential, PC, Mac, Servers, Networking walls. I wonder if this explains the hairline cracks in the newly ‘re-stucco-ed’ walls of our home? Either way, I’m saving every drop for a non-rainy day. What about you? Join us at www.facebook.com/sustainabledanvillearea or www.sustainabledanville.com.
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Page 20 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Pruning for Fire Safety By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
In the spring and early summer, the landscape grows lush and beautiful. Our Mediterranean climate is blessed by sufficient winter rains to make plants grow, but our dry summers, and our even drier autumns, can make that new growth a fire hazard. In the greater Bay Area, we live surrounded by an ecosystem that has been shaped, over the last 10,000 years, by frequent wildfires. Because these woodland fires are inevitable, landscape trees, even healthy ones, require occasional pruning to prevent them from becoming fire ladders––bridges of flammable material that could carry flames from a woodland fire to your home. The threat posed by fires in the greater Bay Area is real and significant. The Oakland/Berkeley Hills fire of 1991 caused $1.7 billion in property damage, and it was the nation’s worst urban fire since the San Francisco fire of 1906. Failure to properly maintain landscape trees and shrubs played a significant role in allowing that fire to grow, intensify, and move. The Comprehensive Overview of the Berkeley/Oakland Hills Fire recommends that the risk of wildfire can be reduced by proper care of landscape plants: • Break up fire ladders. • Limb trees back from structures. • Reduce flammable biomass by thinning crowns. • Remove dead trees and shrubs from the landscape. • Remove deadwood from live trees and shrubs. Breaking up fire ladders helps prevent a fire from moving easily from the woods, or from your neighbor’s property, to your house. To break up fire ladders, increase the space between plants, both vertically and horizontally. In the 1991 fire, blowing brands of flammable material landed on ground plants and, if there was sufficient dry matter, caught the ground cover on fire. The fire burned along the ground plants horizontally for as long as it found
Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
Alex Livingston began collecting tomatoes at the age of ten – not to eat, not to grow, but just to put up on the mantel as objects of curiosity. According to his autobiography Livingston and the Tomato, the Ohio native was running down a lane bordered by high rail fences when he got his first glimpse of tomatoes. The red fruit growing by one of the fence posts caught his eye. He gathered a few and took them home. His mother was appalled at the sight. Livingston writes that she immediately shouted, “‘You must not eat them, my child. They must be poison, for even the hogs won’t eat them.’” Mary Graham Livingston called her son’s discovery “Jerusalem apples,” but acknowledged that others referred to the toxic fruit as “love apples.” A possible reason why well-fed Ohio pigs had no appetite for tomatoes is suggested by Livingston’s description, “The wild tomatoes bore small, hollow, tough, sour, watery fruit.” Alex found purple and yellow specimens to add to his collection, never thinking that his life’s work would be breeding big, delicious, highly marketable tomatoes. Were tomatoes delicious or disgusting, healthful or harmful? The latter questions were considered by the American Medical Association as late as 1896. Andrew F. Smith’s extensive research presented in The Tomato in America: Early History, Culture, and Cookery reveals the reluctance with which much of the country accepted tomatoes as edible rather than poisonous and desirable rather than passably palatable. The extreme acidity of most of the fruit available in the 18th and early 19th century possibly accounts for the disdain with which it was received. A sample paragraph from Smith’s book reveals: Others did not like the appearance or the taste of the tomato. A gardener from Massachusetts stated that the first time he saw tomatoes was during the 1820s. They “appeared so disgusting that I thought I must be very hungry before I should be induced to taste them.” The look of the tomato was so disagreeable that many people supposed that it would “never receive a permanent place in our list of culinary
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material to burn. If it encountered trees with low branches, the fire would move vertically from the ground up into the crown of the tree. If those burning trees were close to a house, they would set the house on fire. If their crowns touched the crowns of other trees, the fire spread from crown to crown. Landscape plants pose little fire hazard when they are properly maintained, and proper maintenance does not mean sacrificing a natural, woodland aesthetic. If the limbing up, dead-wooding, and crown thinning are done by a craftsman with a sensitivity to plant aesthetics, then the trees will look natural, even though they may have had 30% of their biomass removed. Knowing how to identify potential hazards is important, but it is also important to know how to reduce those hazards in a manner that keeps your property looking natural and which doesn’t sacrifice important screening plants. Brende & Lamb specializes in balancing the conflicting needs for privacy, fire safety, tree health, and landscape aesthetics. It is possible to improve the fire safety of your property while promoting the health and beauty of your plants. Tree care is a craft requiring study and experience. Our trimmers are master craftsmen who understand that a well-pruned tree should not only be safer and healthier, it should look beautiful as well. At Brende and Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. If your trees need a little TLC, 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
To place an ad, share a story, or for more information about our papers, call 925.405.6397 or visit our website www.yourmonthlypaper.com vegetables.” In Pennsylvania during the late 1820s, J.B. Garber posited that “hardly two persons in a hundred, on first tasting it, thought that they would ever be induced to taste that sour trash a second time. Nevertheless, a passion for ingesting tomatoes both raw and cooked did seize portions of the United States during the 1830s. Agricultural and horticultural societies offered premiums for specimens demonstrating consistent characteristics presented in groups of 10 or more. However, according to Cornelia Parkinson’s pamphlet Alex Livingston: The Tomato Man and His Times, when Livingston began breeding tomatoes about 1850 “there was not a tomato field in the entire world from which a single bushel of uniformly smooth fruits could be harvested.” Canned tomatoes, peas, and corn fed Union soldiers during the Civil War. Confederate troops prized them as spoils of battle. By war’s end, tomatoes were in vogue throughout the country. The first transcontinental shipment of tomatoes traveled by rail from California to New York in July 1869. Timing was perfect for the introduction of a commercially viable product with succulent, smooth-skinned fruit. Born in 1821, Livingston was almost 50 years old when he felt ready to release his ‘Paragon’ tomato to the public in 1870. The blood-red beauty yielded two crops per season. Continuing his experiments, Livingston bred tomatoes suitable for growing in different soil and climate conditions in all the colors he collected as a boy. Purple ‘Acme’ served as ancestor to many modern selections. ‘Livingston’s Golden Queen’ was reputed to be the besttasting tomato then in existence. ‘Livingston’s Perfection’ ripened over the course of several days making it excellent for long-distance shipping. Livingston made his living selling seed. Quality control required constant monitoring of the crop. Farmers growing for A.W. Livingston delivered their harvest to the warehouse to be weighed. Payment was made by the ton. Tomatoes were ground. The mush was crushed and seeds strained. Left to ferment in a vat for a few days, the seeds went through a first wash to remove debris and floating seeds that would not germinate. After going through a wringer in cloth bags, the viable seeds were set on screens and dried by big fans. Weighing three pounds and measuring 10 inches in diameter, the world’s largest tomato is purported to be delicious. Burpee introduced it as ‘Steak House.’ British gardeners began cultivating it in 2015 as ‘Gigantomo.’
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Energy Matters
“New” Electric Rates and Rocket Science By Mark Becker, GoSimple Solar
Lately I’ve been answering inquiries about the PGE electric rate changes that were recently approved by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC). Predictions are that the rate changes, when they go into effect in 2019, will ultimately impact more than 75% of California electricity subscribers. I’ll caveat that my opinion is based on the limited information published about the rate changes, and historical precedents set by previous PGE rate changes. Calculations are that the rate changes will increase the cost of electricity for all but the highest tier users of electricity. The exact definition of “upper tier user” and “lower tier user” is not specifically defined. Currently, most PGE ratepayers are on a 4-tier billing method. Using more kilowatts will cost more per kilowatt. The utilities contended during CPUC rate change deliberations that upper tier users are “paying far more than their fair share” for electricity, and therefore are “subsidizing lower tier electric users” thus necessitating this rate change. The counter argument is that lower tier users will be penalized for being efficient. The CPUC’s and PGE’s retort to that argument is that lower tier electric costs are actually sold at a loss to the utility. The new tiers will have new pricing and there will only be two of them. I dislike assumptions, but…I’m going to assume that the rate changes will generate more revenue, not less, for PGE. Indeed, the consensus from consumer advocacy groups is that the majority of ratepayers will face higher electric bills. No surprise there. With a dearth of information from PGE, I’m going to go out on a limb and apply logic and historical precedent to try to answer the very obvious question posed to me by current and prospective solar customers: “How will these rate changes affect my investment in solar PV now and in the future”? If you are a solar PV system owner now, California law protects your net metering rights until July 17, 2037. If you go solar after July 17, 2017, there will be new regulations for solar PV interaction with the grid. Also, if you’re a solar customer now or before July 17, 2017, if historical precedent is a guide, you’ll stay “grandfathered” into your current electric rate, and not be subject to these new rates unless you move or voluntarily switch rates. If you go solar after the rate changes take effect, increased return on investment will occur for smaller solar PV projects because the lowest cost power will get more expensive with the new rates. A slightly lower return than current return on the solar investment may result for higher tier users because the highest tier cost may be lower than it is currently. On a much closer horizon and of greater concern for prospective solar customers is the phase out of the 30% Federal Tax credit for solar PV. If you’re considering solar PV, consider it with much closer scrutiny while your solar contractor simply has the time to do the work before the expiration date. Next year will be banner business year for solar PV contractors. Choose your contractor sooner than later; your “first choice” contractor may not be available and you may have to settle for your second or third choice. The principles of Economics 101 state that once demand goes up, price often follows. From a utility grid management standpoint: Ultimately, PGE risks putting more stress on the already tenuous utility grid unless they continue to incentivize solar PV by offering Time of Use rates. Essentially, commercial and residential solar PV systems are PGE subcontracted power plants. They help relieve the afternoon load when the grid is stressed. The relationship between solar PV and PGE has become one of mutual reliance. Power generation is shifting away from traditional power plants (by law, towards renewables) but power transport via the grid will remain with PGE. PGE must manage the demand of the grid and balance it with the advantages and mandates of California law. By 2030, the law says 50% of the grid must be powered by renewable or alternative energy sources. When considering solar, remember this: The lowest long-term cost of energy is determined by long-term reliability of products and workmanship. This is the beauty of installing the finest products, with the most highly qualified installation team. Virtually the only time we hear from customers is when they want to refer us. Energy independence the safe, secure, and reliable way. Mark Becker is the President and business owner of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, CSLB 948715. GoSimpleSolar is one of the very few (and proud) solar PV installers utilizing both licensed roofers and licensed electricians for installation work, project managed by a solar PV NABCEP professional. For questions or comments email Mark@GoSimpleSolar. com or call 925-331-801. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 21
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By Monica Chappell Summer whites to serve with summer salads
These wines are crisp and refreshing on the plate and in the glass. It’s that time of year again, the salad days of summer, when the best way to beat the heat is with a cool, crisp salad. When it comes to wine pairing, salads can be tricky: a salad that’s dressed with something tart can knock out the flavor of the wine you’re trying to enjoy. These dry white wines are refreshing, affordable, and pair well with the lighter food we crave during hot weather. Here are a few ideas for something summery to sip alongside.
Green Salad
For a crisp, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, you can’t beat Sauvignon Blanc, but if there are weightier ingredients in the salad, as in a Greek salad, for example, go for slightly weightier Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio. For heavier green salads, with a creamy dressing like a grilled chicken caesar or niçoise—try a crisper style Chardonnay.
Pasta Salad
A pasta salad lacks the crisp crunch of a green salad, but it is still relatively light because it’s cold and refreshing. Toppings from pesto pasta to a Mediterranean-style pasta to pasta salad with shrimp can be all over the map, so pick a middle-of-the-road white wine that’ll go with all kinds of ingredients – look for a clean, crisp Italian Pinot Grigio.
Fruit Salad
Adding summer fruits to your salad? Whether it’s spinach with chicken and strawberries or melon, arugula, and Serrano ham, you’ll need some sweetness in your wine to account for the sweetness in the food. Try something offdry like White Riesling or Gewurztraminer. How about a simply delicious summer fruit salad for dessert? Pair it with a similarly sweet, fruity, and refreshing dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti, Muscat or an Ice Wine. Monica Chappell teaches wine appreciation classes in Lafayette. For a class schedule visit www.backtothetablecookingschool.com.
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Page 22 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Thinks like a CIO... Performs like the best tech. The best of both worlds when you need COMPUTER SERVICES. Great Team. Great Service. Serving Bay Area businesses and residents since 2001
COMMERCIAL MANAGED SERVICES: Servers • Office Moves • Remote Helpdesk COMPUTER SERVICES: PCs/Macs/ Tablets/Smartphones • Upgrades • Maintenance • Networking • Data Recovery • Virus/Malware Removal • Back-up Solutions • Email/Hosted Exchange
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helpdesk@theportablecio.com www.theportablecio.com Accumulated Expertise
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Isn’t it amazing how fast we move through summer? This year is no exception as we race toward autumn with several important projects for Portable CIO. As the year progresses you’re going to see some changes in our appearance as we modernize and update both our website and logo. We’re also refreshing our business plan because technology has evolved in the 14 years since our company was founded. The technology we use has changed, but the principles of safe and reliable computing upon which I founded this company have not changed one bit. As a result, we’re updating our look but not our adherence to the concepts which have made us successful. You’ve probably heard the term, “Victim of your own success.” Sometimes I think it’s an apt description of what we have run into with some of our clients, because we often find ourselves in a Catch-22 as a result of performing our jobs so well. I’ll explain. The original Portable CIO business plan I wrote predicted we would first serve residential clients, then businesses at home, then brick and mortar businesses, and then vertical markets. The last stage after creating vertical markets predicted I would be flying myself around the Western US giving technical seminars. I’m still working on that part! As it worked out, we’ve tracked perfectly to the business plan. Owing to advertising in this paper, we’ve built a broad and loyal clientele in the Alamo, Danville, and Lafayette markets. Many people work from home, so serving the businesses at home was a natural next step. As a result of successfully serving both residential and home-based business clients, we were given the privilege of expanding our coverage into brick and mortar commercial enterprises. This accumulated experience was instrumental in our introduction to the medical community, our certification in HIPAA, and our success with electronic medical records system implementations. When someone works with Portable CIO they benefit from the accumulated expertise of an entire IT department, not just the opinions of a single technician. As we are a managed service provider (MSP), our MSP clients
pay a fraction of the amount it would cost to hire and maintain all the technical staff necessary to keep their systems running. Because our team works with a wide variety of technical situations, our technicians stay sharp and current. You benefit from working with a team that has skills ranging from a CIO down to a basic technician. Whereas an internal employee working for you may become technically stale, our team is quite the opposite. Most small businesses can’t afford to employ a team of experienced IT staff, but they can afford to pay a fractional share of an experienced team to keep things running. This model presents a very good return on investment by using our team instead of adding more full or part-staff to your firm, then caring for them with benefits, training, a place to sit, etc. This model works very well. Everyone is happy when things run smoothly. Sometimes we find folks forget how bad things were running before we took over their systems. What many people forget is that systems don’t run smoothly by accident; it takes planning and execution to keep a fleet of computers and a network running properly, safely, and reliably. Is everything running well for your network and systems? If yes, great! It means “Keep doing what you’re doing.” It definitely does not mean, “You’re done!” because computers and networks require constant care and feeding like children. Let’s be honest, IT is an expense, but it’s an expense that can be carefully managed and minimized by experienced professionals. Getting back to the point I was making above, when things are going well, it’s not time to take your foot off the gas. Good IT management is a process, it’s not an event. When things are going well, it means you’re doing the right things, and you should keep up the momentum by continuing to do what you’re already doing. We pride ourselves on setting our clients up for success. But, even with the best planning there are things that will always go awry, so we still need to maintain our position with you to ensure your systems are available and problems are minimized and handled swiftly and effectively. Who can we best help with this branch of our business? Companies with 10-300 PC or Mac computers as well as servers to manage, and who are looking for an upgrade, a fresh look, or a different approach to their IT situation, or folks who have large homes with big wireless network requirements and need to tie it all together. Can we help you in your situation? We’ll never know until you call our helpdesk at 925-552-7953 or email us at info@theportablecio.com. We’re happy to discuss your situation and recommend a thoughtful course of action. Advertorial
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Managing an Inheritance
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 23
By Peter Waldron
In conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor
An inheritance in the form of cash, real property, jewelry, or stocks can enrich your life in many ways. Oftentimes, gifts from an estate are intended to help move the heir forward financially or to keep a prized possession within the family. To fully realize the value of an inheritance, consider how the assets affect your overall financial plan. The key to successfully managing any inheritance is to plan before you act. Certain types of inheritances may require you to make some decisions right away, but it’s crucial to be conservative in your actions and allow yourself some time to grieve. Then, work with financial advisors to maximize the value of your inheritance and decide whether to keep it, share it, invest it or liquidate it. Your options depend on your personal and financial circumstances, long-term goals and the type of inheritance involved.
Fast Money
Cash inheritances are the simplest assets. Your financial planner can help you determine the impact the money could have on your short- and long-term goals. This will help you refine your financial objectives, such as your approach to retirement income, college funding or real estate. If you receive a cash inheritance, keep in mind that probate information is publicly available, so you may receive unwanted solicitations for investment schemes. Seek counsel from a qualified financial advisor before risking any money. You may want to place the funds in a certificate of deposit or money market account until you can first meet with your advisors. In addition, consider placing investments where your exposure to personal or professional liability claims is limited. You should consider consulting a tax attorney if the inheritance substantially increases the size of your estate.
Family or Company Stocks
Many people leave their favorite stocks as a birthright to an heir. Perhaps the stocks are emotionally valued because grandpa worked for the company or they supported grandma’s lifestyle. But when deciding whether to keep stocks, it’s crucial to determine if they’re an appropriate asset for you relative to your personal investment philosophy. Consider how the stock affects your investment portfolio’s diversification profile, risk exposure and tax bracket. If you inherit stocks, most capital gains can be lessened by re-valuing the stock to the date of the grantor’s death. For example, if your grandmother purchased stock for a $10 base and the stock is worth $150 today, the capital gain would be assessed on the difference of 140 if the stock were sold. But if she passed away and left the stock to you, the base value of the stock is $150, adjusted to the day of her death. This decreases capital-gains liability by the time you receive the stock.
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If you inherit real property, its value as an asset or liability is largely determined by whether you plan to live in, rent or sell it. To understand the cost factors involved, review the property and tax laws pertaining to the asset, along with any maintenance fees or out-of-state property management costs. Then, balance that against any rental income, if applicable. If you want to sell the property, consider the capital-gains implications and the time and cost of waiting to liquidate it at the best price.
Jewelry and Collectibles
Most people inheriting jewelry or collectibles value them as family heirlooms, not as assets. These items usually hold great sentimental value. They are not liquid assets that you want to sell quickly, if at all. Keep in mind that these valuables need to be protected. While an estate planning attorney can determine a valuation for each item, for insurance purposes you should consider getting a neutral, certified evaluation. You may also need to obtain a separate insurance rider against loss. Jewelry and collectibles appreciate, so be sure to update your insurance every three to five years. Working with your advisory team and using strategic planning can help you preserve and enhance your inheritance. If you expect that some assets may eventually be passed on to you, you may want to speak with the grantor to determine the optimal way to receive the gift to increase its value to your estate and to decrease tax liability. 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; CRN201305-2080400 Advertorial
Page 24 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
The Law and Unintended Consequences
By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law
The estate planning “game” is one every adult plays, but some play more actively and more intelligently than others. The challenge lies in understanding how all the rules work, and thus the optimal way to play. It can be pretty tricky and difficult without expert professional advice. Sadly, if you lose this game, your loved ones usually suffer. Despite people’s best intentions, unintended consequences happen all too frequently, as described in the hypothetical examples below. Family #1: Judy has two adult children, John and Jane. Judy’s primary assets are a $1 million home, with no mortgage; and a $200,000 bank account. Family #2: Bob has two adult children, Bill and Betty. Bob’s primary asset is his $1 million 401K. Relevant Facts: Judy and Bob each divorced their first spouses, have been happily married for 15 years and live in Judy’s home. They keep a small joint checking account for routine living expenses, but otherwise maintain separate assets. Judy and Bob know that all responsible adults have a Will. Thinking they don’t need a lawyer, they download basic Will forms from the internet, and each sign one. Each Will states that on the death of the testator, all assets go to the testator’s children, in equal shares. It is simple and they are satisfied. 1) Judy takes out a home equity credit line on her home. In order to qualify, Bob’s income is needed. So Bob goes on title with Judy, as required by the lender. Their neighbor (who seems like a pretty smart guy) tells them that he and his wife hold title to their home as “joint tenants,” as do most married people. So, Judy and Bob tell their lender that they’ll take title as joint tenants. 2) In case anything ever happens suddenly to Judy, she wants one her children to have authority to access funds from her bank account. She thinks about adding both John and Jane to her account, but decides against that since the kids don’t get along well. So, Judy adds John as a signer. 3) Bob lists his children, Bill and Betty, as beneficiaries of his 401K so that they’ll receive the bulk of his assets. Let’s explore the harsh unintended consequences on the death of Judy
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and on the death of Bob: 1) Judy’s $1 million house. Joint tenancy carries with it the “right of survivorship” (RoS), which trumps a Will. This means that at the death of one joint tenant, title vests fully in the name of the surviving joint tenant. Since Judy added Bob as a joint tenant she took out a home equity line, the RoS feature results in Bob automatically becoming the sole legal owner of the house on Judy’s death. Even though John and Jane are in Judy’s Will to receive all of her assets, they receive no interest whatsoever in their mother’s house. 2) Judy’s $200,000 bank account. Judy didn’t understand that adding John as a signer meant that he would be the legal co-owner of this account. She also didn’t know that she could have instead established a Power of Attorney to give him access to the account if she became incapacitated. Even though Judy’s Will provides that John and Jane are to share equally in all of Judy’s assets, the joint account acts the same as a joint tenancy – on Judy’s death, John becomes the sole account owner. Though Judy wants each of her children to receive $100,000 from the account, John is entitled to all $200,000. John dislikes his sister, so when he becomes the legal owner of the account, he doesn’t feel any obligation to share half or any of it with Jane. 3) Bob’s $1 million 401K. ERISA (federal law governing 401K plans) dictates that the spouse of a 401K owner has rights to it on the death of the plan participant, regardless of what the beneficiary designation states. If Judy had signed a written waiver, formally consenting to Bob designating his kids as the beneficiaries, Bill and Betty would each receive half of Bob’s 401K on his death, as he intended and as set forth on the beneficiary designation on file with the custodian. But no such waiver is on file so Judy is automatically entitled to 50% of it. It would not have required a large investment nor been difficult for Judy and Bob to obtain legal advice from an experienced estate planning attorney. Had they done so, they would not have made the innocent, but damaging mistakes they made. Upon request, I’ll be happy to provide you, on a complimentary basis, any or all of the following: i) an “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) a brochure on alternative methods of holding title to property; iii) an introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
event. Please watch for more information on this process during the next few months and support efforts to bring this great event back in 2016!
Alamo Farmers Market
Around Town
By Roger Smith Autos of Alamo Car Show
Alamo’s third annual “Autos of Alamo” Car Show will be held on Saturday, September 12th from 4PM to 8PM in Alamo Plaza. Please join us for live music and enjoy locally owned vintage, classic, custom, hot rod, muscle and exotic cars and more from 1980 and before! Registration to show off your auto is only $10. Please contact Jwads@sbcglobal.net.
Alamo’s Music and Wine Festival
Many of you may already know that Alamo will not have a Music and Wine Festival this year. Hopefully, every Alamo resident has had the opportunity to enjoy “Alamo’s September Block Party” at least once during the last 32 years. Starting in 1982, the Alamo Music Festival was originally sponsored by the Alamo Merchants Association and most recently by the Alamo Rotary Club. The event began, and continued with, the intent of providing funding for music programs for Alamo students. This civic volunteerism by the Alamo Merchants Association and Alamo Rotary Club enabled Alamo students impacted by California State Education reductions in funding for music, to continue to enjoy the benefits of learning about music and practicing various musical instruments. The Alamo Rotary Club will continue to support Alamo schools music programs through their annual Easter Egg Hunt event held each spring. This event provides a better opportunity to their organization to maximize funding for this program. Based upon information from a survey conducted last spring, it appears that there is hope for a Music and Wine Festival to be held in the future with other sponsors. This year there was not enough time to organize the
Produce...Quality, Quality, Quality. It is about the Quality. All produce is picked fresh and is at the local Farmer’s Markets within 24-48 hours of harvest versus a week or much more for chain grocery stores. What type of produce are you looking for? Organic or conventionally grown? (Several vendors offer both - acquaint yourselves with those that do) Interested in an unusual and excellent fruit? Several vendors have “pluots” a combination plum and apricot available in four varieties. Vendors are the best source of information about their own produce, so step up and ask them. Many vendors have tasting stations or provide samples for tasting.
Call 811 Before You Dig!
For your personal safety, as well as the safety of our community, we encourage everyone who is digging, excavating, drilling, trenching, grading, etc. to call 811 before they dig. USA North 811 provides a free and effective Damage Prevention Service that protects the communities and underground facilities. A minimum two working days in advance with a maximum of 14 calendar days in advance is requested to call 811 before your intent to dig. To learn more visit to http://usanorth811.org/homeowners/.
AIA’s 2015 Annual Membership Drive and Report
Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can be justifiably proud to call “Home.” Now in its 60th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “Alamo - the place where we love to live”! 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.” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out; now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!
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Melasma
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
Eight weeks ago I saw a distraught young woman who complained of dark pigment on her forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. She had noticed this problem six months ago after she started on the birth control pill. She initially sought treatment at a medspa where there was no physician supervision. She didn’t really know what the qualifications of the person she saw were but the person looked “official” as she had on a white coat. The person recommended that she receive treatment with a light based device known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The pigment actually got worse after the treatment. This young lady shared her story with a friend who happened to be one of my patients and she was referred to me for evaluation. The individual had a classic presentation of a skin condition known as Melasma. Melasma translates to the “mask of pregnancy” as it is most commonly seen in women who are pregnant or are on birth control pills. What is happening is that the pigment producing cell known as the melanocyte is “working overtime” producing extra pigment. This is a dynamic process. It is different from brown spots that can be erased with laser or IPL. However, effective treatment exists. Some patients can be treated effectively while staying on the birth control pill, while others will need to discontinue the pill if they wish to see the pigment improve. Melasma is rarely seen in men. The cornerstone of treatment for Melasma is sun avoidance and topical skin lightening agents. I recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50. As the sunscreen doesn’t completely block out the sun I also recommend wearing a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. Prescription creams containing hydroquinone are the most effective treatment for Melasma. Some people will benefit from superficial chemical peeling to help turn over the pigment. Unfortunately, there is no laser or light based device that has been show to work reliably and consistently for all people. It is a little bit of a hit or miss game. The individual mentioned above was initially treated by someone who really didn’t know what she was treating and never recommended any of the topical prescription creams that tend to work better than laser and light based devices. The creams are also far less costly than laser and light treatments. It is important that you know the qualification of the person treating you. Medspas with no physician supervision are settings that can be high risk for complications with laser and light based devices as well as for patients receiving injectable fillers. Last week our previously distraught patient came back. This time she had a big smile on her face. She had been using a prescription cream that combines hydroquinone with tretinoin. She saw an 80% improvement and no longer felt that she had to apply heavy make up in order to go out socially. She will likely see continued improvement however, she will need to continue to be careful about sun exposure as one day out in the sun without protection could set her back. Continued use of sunscreen and sun avoidance will be critical to continued success. Some people have stubborn Melasma that doesn’t respond as quickly. For those people we might try other topical agents, chemical peels, and possibly perform a test spot to see if there is any response to laser. If you or someone you know suffers from Melasma we would be happy to help them. 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 Advertorial or visit Potozkin.com for more information.
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.
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 25
Fine Mexican Dining
743-8997 In Stone Valley Shopping Center
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
Alamo Police Statistics
Sheriff David Livingston reported 51 crimes in Alamo during the month of June which included alarm calls, auto and residential burglary, criminal threats, a suicide, found property, identity theft, mentally ill commitment, outside assist, petty theft, phone harassment, possession of dangerous drugs, receiving stolen property, suspicious circumstances, felony vandalism, and a warrant arrest.
Reported Incidents
In each of the following residential burglaries, the homes were examined and processed for evidence. All cases are ongoing investigations. Camille Ave., Residential Burglary: The unknown responsible(s) gained access through an open roll-up garage door and stole a bicycle from the garage. Alamo Circle, Residential Burglary: The unknown responsible(s) gained access into the home through the use of force, entered the garage and stole a bicycle. Vernal Dr., Residential Burglary: The unknown responsible(s) gained access into the vacant home. The home and stole several items such as furniture.
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 the Danville Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Town and Country shopping center (just north of the Livery). 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.
Page 26 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
New Hope for Glioblastoma Patients By Christine Chung, MD
A couple of years ago I had a patient who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain tumor. She was only 53 years old, and went through a full course of treatment to fight the cancer: surgery, radiation, and temozolomide chemotherapy. For nearly the first year after her treatment she did well, but then the tumor came back. Normally patients with recurrent glioblastoma receive chemotherapy, but she called me to ask if there were any other treatment options that she should consider. Over 10,000 people in the US are diagnosed with glioblastoma every year. The median survival for glioblastoma patients is 15 months, even with standard therapy. Many patients have a recurrence and are then confronted with similar options: more surgery, more radiation, and/or different chemotherapy. I was particularly interested in helping my patient quickly because people with recurrent glioblastoma have a poor prognosis, with a median survival of less than a year. While it’s not a silver bullet, there is an interesting new treatment available for patients with recurrent glioblastoma called “Optune.” It does not involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, and instead relies on generating low-intensity electrical fields in the brain called Tumor Treating Fields (called TTF). The TTFs seem to disrupt the ability of the cancer cells to divide so that the tumor cannot grow. Patients getting TTF have to shave their hair and place electrical transducers (similar to EKG pads) on their scalp for at least 18 hours a day. These transducers are hooked up to a device that generates the electrical fields. This is a tradeoff – while patients can avoid some of the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, they have to be willing to wear an apparatus on their head and carry around a six pound device. The FDA approved Optune in 2011 for patients with recurrent glioblastoma based on a study that showed comparable survival between patients treated with chemotherapy versus TTF. Patients in the TTF group reported fewer side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. The most common side effect was skin irritation on the scalp due to the transducer pads. Then last month, researchers presented an analysis of 700 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who were either assigned to one of two groups: (1) those who received TTF and temozolomide or (2) temozolomide alone. Patients treated with TTF had an improved median survival of 19.4 months, compared with 16.6 months for patients treated with temozolomide alone. The FDA is currently reviewing the data, but Optune may become a treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients in the future. Optune shows promise as an alternative to conventional treatments, or as a potential supplement to them. It has different side effects that many patients may find more manageable, and may help to extend patients’ lives in the future. Christine Chung, MD is a board certified Radiation Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and practices in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. Dr. Chung and her colleagues are certified providers of the Optune treatment therapy. For more information, please call 925-677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com. Advertorial
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.
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A Common Urologic Condition - Blood in Urine By Dr. Jeremy Lieb, Pacific Urology
Is there blood in your urine? Blood in urine, known medically as hematuria, is a symptom that is often painless and can come and go. Because of this, many individuals delay making a doctors appointment. However, this symptom should be taken seriously as it may be a red flag that something is wrong in your urinary tract. Hematuria is most often caused by kidney stones, bladder infections, or prostate problems. Symptoms often associated with kidney stones or bladder infections usually include a burning sensation when urinating and pain in the back, sides, lower abdomen or groin. Serious urinary tract infections usually cause pain, but sometimes patients do not have any discomfort and may only experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or rash. Enlarged prostate or chronic prostate infections usually have symptoms such as loss of urine control, difficulty passing urine, or frequent urination. Some medications and foods can change the color of urine to pink, red, maroon, or even a dark smoky color. Rifampin, pyridium, phenolphthalein, some laxatives, and vitamins B and C can make urine red or orange. Beets, rhubarb, blackberries, and large amounts of red food coloring can turn urine red also. Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer are less common reasons for blood in urine. Symptoms that typically accompany these conditions include unintentional weight loss, severe bone pain, and unusual fatigue. If kidney disease is the reason for blood in urine, the associated symptoms can include ankle, hand, or face swelling, sudden bloating or weight gain, new high blood pressure readings, and unusual headaches. If you notice blood in your urine and you are not eating or taking medications that can change the color of urine, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It is important for you to have a medical evaluation that will determine the reason for hematuria so that treatment can begin. Dr. Lieb is a Board Certified Urologist with Pacific Urology. He has extensive experience in treating all urologic conditions. Dr. Lieb has a special interest in treating pediatric urology, female urology and cancers of the prostate, bladder, and kidney. Pacific Urology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon Brentwood, Livermore, Fremont, and Antioch. Advertorial 925-937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com.
Is Food a Problem for You?
Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.
Hospice Volunteers Needed
Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients and their caregivers. Opportunities include: • Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling • Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy • Mobile Notaries to witness the signing of important documents • Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members after their loved one has died • Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance To apply for free training, call Hospice at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.
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Natural Health Care for Children By Dr. Kristin Moore, DC
(Formerly Dr. Kristin Hazleton, DC)
The demand for preventative health care is on the rise and many parents have jumped on the bandwagon. While chiropractic care has been around for over 100 years, it has become one of the top forms of natural health care in the U.S. over the last 20 years. The mind-set around healthcare has begun to shift. Instead of waiting for a health problem to arise, why not catch issues early and stop them from becoming a major life altering condition later down the road. This is exactly why I LOVE treating kids! When spinal dysfunction is found early enough, major issues can actually be prevented.
Is chiropractic care safe for kids?
Absolutely! There have been several research studies that have been conducted that prove the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. That being said, a chiropractic adjustment that is preformed on a child is much gentler and softer than an adjustment for an adult. The amount of pressure used can be as light as checking to see if a peach is ripe. An instrument called an Activator can also be used to gently realign the spine
Interested in Participating in Government?
Supervisor Candace Andersen is looking for interested, motivated residents to serve on a few Contra Costa County citizen advisory boards. These voluntary boards usually meet monthly and advise the Board of Supervisors on a variety of issues. They play a vital role in county government, and Andersen is grateful for the input they provide. Applications are currently being accepted from residents of District 2 for seats on the following boards. • Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County: Advisory body to the District 2 Supervisor on matters and issues relevant to Arts and Culture, to advance the arts in a way that promotes communication, education, appreciation and collaboration throughout Contra Costa County • In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee: Make recommendations to the BOS regarding the IHSS program. • County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee: Advisory body to the District 2 Supervisor and the Sheriff on the needs of the Roundhill, Regency Woods, and Windsor Green communities for extended police services. District 2 includes Alamo, Canyon, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Parkmead, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Saranap, and Walnut Creek (West of N. Main Street). For more information about each board, go to http://contra.napanet.net/maddybook/. For an application, visit http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/ DocumentCenter/View/6433, or contact Jill Ray at (925) 957-8860 or jill.ray@bos.cccounty.us.
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 27 without producing any “popping” or “clicking” noises.
Why do my kids need chiropractic care?
Proper joint function and movement is vital as the spine grows and develops throughout childhood. If there is a bony misalignment, the vertebrae and attached muscles may not form properly. Optimal alignment of the spine will also help increase the function of the nervous system (especially the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots) and ensure proper nerve communication to all of the muscles, tissues, organs, and glands inside the body.
What childhood conditions do you commonly treat in your office?
Aside from wellness check-ups, my care has been helpful in alleviating the symptoms of the following conditions: • Birthing trauma • Recurring ear infections • Constipation • Growing pains • Scoliosis • Bed wetting • Trouble learning to crawl or walk • Sports injuries
When should I start bringing my child in?
It is always best to catch spinal problems as early as possible. However, it is never too early or too late for someone to get checked. I have treated infants that are only a few days old and I have treated patients in their 90’s that have had spinal problems for most of their life. Chiropractic care can help people of all ages.
How often should they be adjusted?
Every child is different and every case is different but this is my typical protocol: • Adjust the infant in the first month of life • Every 4 months for the first year • Every 6-12 months after that Other times that I recommend a child get checked include: • Major falls or traumas • Milestones such as (crawling, walking, etc.) • Noticing any signs of imbalance (limping, poor posture, etc.)
How do I learn more?
The best way to learn more is to call our office and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation. That way, I can sit down with you and your child and determine if I can help. To learn more, please visit www.drkristinmooredc.com, call 925-3628283, e-mail drkristinmooredc@gmail.com, or visit our office located at 125-G Railroad Avenue in Danville to schedule your complimentary conAdvertorial sultation today!
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 925-646-4461.
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Page 28 - August 2015 ~ Alamo Today
The Eye Opener
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry The Optic Nerve and Glaucoma
The clinical signs of glaucoma are something that is evaluated at every comprehensive eye exam. Since the diagnosis of glaucoma is not necessarily an easy one to make, there are several things that need to be tested. I will discuss the etiology of the disease and then what we can do to diagnose and treat this disease. First of all, let’s talk about the definition of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that slowly kills your optic nerve and is a leading cause of blindness in the world. The typical age of onset is the late 60’s and later. Glaucoma affects about 4% of the population, however the actual number of people affected is higher because many cases are not diagnosed. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known at this time, but in the course of the disease, the optic nerve slowly dies. Therefore, the end-stage result of glaucoma is blindness, since the optic nerve is the wiring connection between your retina and brain. Glaucoma usually develops when the pressure in the eye becomes elevated. This can usually happen when too much fluid is produced, the drainage channels in the eye do not drain the fluid properly, or a combination of both. However, a patient does not have to have high pressures to have glaucoma. The eye pressure is one of the pieces of the glaucoma puzzle; but simply saying that patients that have high pressures have glaucoma and those that have normal pressures do not have glaucoma is false. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism that causes optic nerve death still eludes us. One of the big problems with glaucoma is that it is a “silent” killer. Symptoms don’t bring you into the optometry office. Glaucoma does not give you a headache, blur your vision, make your eye red, etc. I tell my patients that when you can start to appreciate some peripheral vision loss, you are already about 75% of the way to full progression of the disease. Therefore, annual exams are extremely important for early detection because we can only stretch out the course of the disease, not cure it. To help find patients in the early course of the disease, three clinical tests are done at the annual examination. First is the peripheral vision screening. In addition to potentially finding many ocular diseases, it can be one of the first clinical findings of glaucoma. A screening test is done on every patient, and if there are suspicious findings, then a more thorough test is done. Next, the eye pressure is taken. This is done mainly in two ways -- via the “air puff” or using the yellow drop and the blue light. Both methods yield similar results for most of the population; however, since the blue light method is the standard of care, that is what we use in our office. The third evaluation is of the optic nerve. Since glaucoma directly attacks the optic nerve, careful consideration is taken in evaluating and monitoring any changes that are noted. If any of these are cause for concern, then a referral to a glaucoma specialist is ordered. The difficulty with glaucoma is that the diagnosis is usually not definitive. Most patients I see are initially labeled as “glaucoma suspects,” pending further tests. When the diagnosis is not evident, we try to elicit some personal and family history that can help sway the verdict one way or the other. Information such as age, ethnicity, a family history of glaucoma, personal history of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can be instrumental in assessing a patient’s likelihood of needing treatment. Glaucoma is a disease that is difficult to diagnose and to treat because of the long-term care needed for the patient. I would much rather refer a patient to a specialist for an evaluation to determine that everything is fine, versus waiting several years to do so with the result of having irreparable damage done. 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 Advertorial @Alamo Optometry.
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AAUW Scholarship Recipients
Recently the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) gave scholarships totaling over $11,000 to four deserving young women. The Local Scholarship committee consisting of members: Robin Halloran, Martha Slavin and Gerry Washalawski along with Co-Chairs Mary Mix and Marcia Steinhardt. These scholarships were made possible through funds raised at the 2014 AAUW Holiday Home Tour. Recipients were: Megan Diane Petersdorf: Megan is currently studying at New York University seeking a PhD in Biological Anthropology. Her goal is to become a successful and effective scientist in biology, anthropology, and primatology. She is also passionate about mentoring and inspiring young women to follow their dreams. Carolyn Nicole Rocha (Jane Trittipo Honary Scholarship): Carolyn is studying Psychobiology as an under- Left to right - Nathalie Mae Villarpando and graduate at UCLA. Her professional Rachel Ivey Velazquez Bernhard. goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant or Certified Nurse Practitioner. She hopes to utilize her proficiency in the Spanish language and her love for Spanish culture in her work as a Physician’s Assistant. Rachel Ivey Velazquez Bernhard: Rachel is presently studying at Cal Berkeley pursuing a PhD in Political Science. Her professional goal is to become a college professor. She has conducted research projects both experimental and observational, which advocate women professionally and politically. Nathalie Mae Villarpando (Creative Endeavors Honorary Scholarship): Nathalie studied at Diablo Valley College and will be doing some upcoming international travel. Her goal is to complete an undergraduate degree in communications, which she will use to seek creative ways of changing social justice by means of art, media culture, and/or film.
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.
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.
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Breast Cancer, Reconstructing Female Form
By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
After the initial shock of diagnosis, a woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer is understandably overcome with disbelief and fear. Suddenly, she is faced with the question of how to preserve the essence of herself as a female and at the same time treat her cancer. Thankfully, advances in breast cancer treatments can often remove the cancer while preserving her shape. One option is reconstructive breast surgery, which can help maintain both personal and feminine identity, In many cases, breast reconstruction can be performed in conjunction with a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction rather than mastectomy alone can drastically improve a patient’s emotional and mental recovery. Many national studies support immediate reconstruction (done at the same time as the mastectomy) to preserve our sense of ourselves as women. Women who opt for immediate reconstruction can keep their physical form closer to what it was, never wake up without any breast form, and can feel more whole during their recovery. The challenges of possible chemotherapy or radiation are less daunting with breasts more intact. Based on the size and spread of the cancer, and patient’s intended therapy, a patient’s reconstructive surgery options vary widely. Many women can have a lumpectomy alone or a lumpectomy with radiation and be essentially cured of breast cancer. For others, the best treatment and chance of remission is with bilateral mastectomies, removal of the breasts and reconstruction with implants or with tissue flaps. The breast cancer team can help you decide what is best for you. This usually means seeing a general surgeon, who frequently performs breast surgery. This surgeon will refer you to the other doctors as required to treat your cancer. These include the oncologist, the radiation oncologist, the genetic counsellor, the radiologist, and the plastic surgeon. The entire reconstructive process, if a mastectomy is needed, generally takes three to twelve months and three surgeries - one major and two minor procedures for implant placement and nipple reconstruction.
Alamo Today ~ August 2015 - Page 29 If you do not need removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), lumpectomy, with or without radiation, may be used to treat your breast cancer. For larger lumpectomies, oncoplastic techniques are both therapeutic and breast-preserving. These techniques involve removal of the lump followed by local tissue rearrangement to fill the defect. For patients requiring mastectomy, it is the current standard of care to offer immediate initial reconstruction. This first stage reconstruction commonly involves placement of a special kind of breast implant, called a tissue expander, that can be expanded over time to create the look of a breast immediately following the breast removal. Unlike the final implant, this must be initially small in volume to protect the breast skin as it heals after the mastectomy. It can be expanded over a few months to the desired volume and changed out for a silicone gel implant in a minor surgery. If the nipple had to be removed, nipple reconstruction is the final stage of reconstruction, and this is performed as an outpatient surgery. In certain circumstances, the use of an implant is not ideal. In these cases, a flap reconstruction offers an effective and aesthetically acceptable alternative. Flaps utilize extra folds of muscle, muscle and skin, or fat and skin to create breast tissue post-therapeutic surgery. With this technique the breast can be created using a patient’s own tissue and with or without an implant. The lower abdominal wall, the back, the buttocks, and the hips are all viable donor sites for breast reconstruction. I work with a team of local doctors and surgeons in treating breast cancer. Your general surgeon will remove the involved breast tissue. If they feel that you need a mastectomy or that removal of the breast cancer will leave a defect, they will refer you to a plastic surgeon. This may lead you to see me. I see many breast cancer patients each week and maintain a steadfast commitment to my patients physical and mental wellbeing before, during, and after surgery. My staff and I recognize that finding and picking your team of surgeons is an important step in your recovery process. Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
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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.
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.
To advertise call 925.405.6397
Page 30 - July 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Lower Back Pain
Simple Facts and Sound Advice By Michelle Brown, C.P.T, C.G.T.
Lower back pain (LBP) is a significant source of disability in our nation. Over 80% of the U.S. population will suffer from at least one episode at some point in their lives. In addition, more scientific evidence is surfacing which links chronic LBP to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Steps toward preventing and rehabilitating this condition are clearly beneficial to our health and the health of our society. Believe it or not, exercise and lifting heavy objects are not common causes of lower back pain (LBP). Prolonged sitting, inactivity, poor posture, and lack of core strength are, and the millions of Americans who sit at work are a large part of the at-risk group. In fact, lower back pain and injury is the most common reason for disability in the workplace. Smart companies are
Twilight in August Written August 5, 1937
Long creeping Shadows from the hills Close August days at Alamo; A mellow breeze the Valley fills, Long creeping Shadows from the hills Rouse plaintive notes of whip-poor-wills, Low calls, as quail to coverts go; Long creeping Shadows from the hills
Close August days at Alamo. ~ From Poetic Years at Alamo by Benjamin Fred Hall, 1937
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realizing the value of exercise, providing fitness, stretching, and myofascial release programs to keep their employees remain healthy and happy at work. While exercise is the best way to prevent lower back pain, once it has become chronic it must be managed properly. Some forms of LBP may require exercises that promote stability of the spine, while some will require a mobility based program. Understanding the nature of the injury is an important part of relieving the cause and treating it. For these reasons, a consultation with your healthcare provider is a smart first step toward recovery. Once a doctor or nurse practitioner has assessed the issue, they will likely recommend rehabilitation with a Physical Therapist or Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist. This approach can help you manage pain and, depending on the severity of the issue, allow you to continue living and having an active life. The “no pain-no gain” approach does not apply to back pain. Pain is a clear indicator to stop the movement immediately and modify to a modality that does not cause the pain. The muscles surrounding the spinal column require endurance in order for us to enjoy activities of daily living like standing, walking, bending over, picking up groceries, and sitting. It is critical to promote endurance of these muscle before increasing their strength. Low impact cardiovascular exercise like walking or biking are proven to be beneficial to maintain back health and rehabilitate the back. If prolonged walking or sitting on a bike hurts, then these activities should be limited to smaller sessions throughout the day. Remaining sedentary has been proven to exacerbate symptoms for many people who suffer from LBP. It may take months to reduce pain and increase function, but more often than not, exercise has been shown as the best way to treat it. Because of the complex structure and specific task load that the back is responsible for, patience and consistency in retraining is critical. Fear of exercise is understandable when you are suffering from chronic back pain. A qualified professional will provide a safe and effective training program so that you make efficient progress while minimizing the risk of re-injury. Human evolution has blessed us with many wonderful ways to make life more convenient. While that is clearly a benefit to our society, it also requires us to make time to move. Prioritize your health early in life so you can enjoy the privilege of growing old gracefully, and be LPB free! Michelle Brown is an ACE certified fitness professional, 2nd Degree Kung Fu Black Belt Disciple, Level 2 certified TRX Functional Trainer, Certified Trigger Point Rehabilitation Therapist, a board member on the California Health Medical Reserve Corps, blogger, motivational speaker, and owner of Gumsaba Fitness programs. She has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba offers outdoor fitness programs, corporate fitness programs, personal, small group and sport specific training. Join Gumsaba for a FREE CLASS or contact us for a corporate fitness program consultation. Visit gumsaba.com and click get started to redeem your free week with promo code LBPFREE. www.gumsaba.com. Advertorial
C L A S S I F I E D FOR RENT
“Orchards still dominate the valley floor of Alamo in 1937...After World War II, the orchards were gradually sold for development.” ~ From Images of America, San Ramon Valley Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon by Beverly Lane and Ralph Cozine for the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Pick up the book for help in answering our Twenty Questions contest on the front page and test your knowledge of Alamo!
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.
CONDO VACATION RENTAL Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. New luxury 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo on 4th fairway. Minimum 3 night stay. Contact Alamo owners for discounted rate. (925)381-7042, Alamomgt@usa.net
Alamo Today Classifieds
Reach over 6,500 homes and businesses in Alamo & Diablo Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper. com. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Lafayette Today” or “Danville Today News” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
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Your Personal Nutritionist Why am I not Losing Weight? By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
One of my favorite challenges is seeing a client who is apparently doing the right things - tracking calories, exercising, and eating better – yet still not losing weight. When a new client calls me and says they are doing all the right things to lose weight and not making progress, a list of possible scenarios runs through my head.
You are eating back all of the calories you burn.
When you work out, you are burning extra calories. That is why exercise is so important in the weight-loss equation. However, a lot of people overestimate how much they burn -- and even use the “I exercised today” excuse to later overeat and drink. How many times have you faced a food temptation and thought, “Well, I worked out today, so it’s OK to splurge and eat something this time” or “I’ll have this now, but work out extra hard tomorrow.” If that sounds all-too-familiar, this is one major reason why you’re not losing weight. We overestimate how many calories we actually burn and underestimate how many calories we’re actually eating.
You’re relying on exercise alone to do the trick.
Yes, exercising can help you lose weight because it helps you create that calorie deficit needed to lose weight. The real truth is exercise alone will not help you lose weight. It takes a lot of time and effort to burn even a few calories. For many people a full hour of intense exercise may only burn 400-500 calories. On the flip side, it’s easy to eat hundreds or thousands of calories in even a few minutes, and it would take hours of exercise to offset those calories. If you are not changing your diet and reducing your calorie intake, exercise alone probably won’t help you lose weight.
You are not eating as healthy as you think.
Most people think they eat pretty well. However, the vast majority of people need to improve their diet. Often I see that those who exercise skimp on eating during the day after they exercise and eat heavier at night. It should
Alamo Today ~ July 2015 - Page 31
be the other way around. After you exercise your metabolism is sped up and calories are burned off at three times the rate compared to many hours later. We tend to eat late night meals because of our schedules which also can prevent weight loss. We enjoy our alcohol but those drinks consist of hundreds of calories. Common diet pitfalls include eating items we learn include “healthy fats” such as cheese, nuts, olives, and avocados. The issue is we eat too much of them.
You are doing the wrong kinds of exercise.
There is a lot of confusion surrounding exercise. One day you hear that strength training is the best way to lose weight. The next day you’re told to focus on cardio. Many of my clients focus only on walking. I tell them they must step it up and do interval training that will shock the metabolism. Cardio is the key for weight loss and strength training is the key to not turning soft and keeping your muscles looking toned and feeling strong.
You are not being consistent enough.
When you’re struggling to lose those final 5-10 pounds or trying to overcome a plateau, consistent efforts are more important. If you try to eat “perfectly” and exercise “religiously” for a whole week, only to step on the scale that weekend to see that you haven’t lost an ounce, you think, “what is the point?” Often this is when individuals go on an all-out eating feast and skip the gym for a couple days. They then call me and say its an emergency. It is my job to teach you how to enjoy your favorite things and lose the weight you want. You need a plan that includes your favorite foods and does not make you feel deprived, while receiving frequent advice and feedback. Many studies say that eight weeks of counselling produce the best weight loss results. My eight week Royal Treatment Program is my most popular plan for successful weight loss. It includes a visit a week as well as coaching you by text, phone, or email and a visit to the supermarket of your choice. Call me and I will tell you about the program and how it can work for you. I am glad to inform you that most insurance companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Health Net, Hill, and Sutter Health cover nutritional counseling. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutritional concerns or email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com. Check out my website at wwwLindaRD.com for nutrition tips and past articles in my blog section. Advertorial
Page 32 - July 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Nancy
The Combs Team
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Joe
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Alamo Real Estate: Strong in First Half of 2015
At the six month point we have enough market data to consider the Alamo Real Estate Market in its constituent parts. So, this month we will perform a simple review of Single Family Homes, Condos, Land, and Rents to see what is happening in the overall market. A quick glance at the included chart will show you what you need to know. The market continues to be strong this year. Single Family Homes, the majority of the Alamo Real Estate Market, have advanced 12% year-over-year in the first six months of 2015. Average price moved from $1,526,255 to $1,714,529 while dollars-paid-per-square-foot advanced a little less dramatically at 11.6%. Interesting to note is six fewer homes sold so far in 2015 than in 2014. That represents a 6% decrease in unit sales which was already down 15% from the previous year. In the first half of 2014, Alamo saw one distressed property sale. In 2015 that number remains the same. We are starting to see some homes sitting on the market for longer periods of time, suggesting that buyers are becoming picky or sellers are simply pricing their homes above market value. Townhome and Condo sales dropped from three to two and prices paid were significantly lower. The average condo/townhome is 19% less expensive in 2015 than it was in 2014. However, dollars-paid-per-square-foot jumped 13.8% from about $397 to $452. Alamo is not a big condo market, but it is a very desirable place to live. As the early wave of retiring Baby Boomers enter retirement and begin the process of downsizing we should expect prices to remain firm, even if they don’t advance much. Land is always the last recovery point in a real estate turnaround. During the first six months of 2014 five Alamo parcels sold. So far this year, three parcels have sold. The average purchase price for the Land has advanced from $890,200 in 2014 to $1,115,000 in 2015. This represents an increase of 25% in average price, and dollars-paid-per-square-foot increased by 61%. Undeveloped parcels are difficult to compare. What is most positive is the increase in dollars-paid-per-square-foot compared to last year and the average purchase price. Both these numbers are very positive indicators of a market recovery.
Alamo Rents as reAlamo Jan1-June30, 2015 ported on the MLS ser2014 2015 % Change vice are rising slowly. Homes Price $ 1,526,255 $ 1,714,529 12% The average rent paid $/Sq. Ft. $ 467.90 $ 521.00 11.6% in 2014 was $5,308 per month. In 2015 the averCondo Price $ 643,666 $ 520,000 -19% age has increased 1% to $/Sq. Ft. $ 397.55 $ 452.00 13.80% $5,354 per month. The dollars paid per square Price $ 890,200 $ 1,115,000 25% feet increased by 5% Land $/Sq. Ft. $ 15.52 $ 25.00 61% year over year to $1.98. Twelve properties ap$ 5,308 $ 5,354 1% peared on MLS in 2014 Rents Price compared to a total of $/Sq. Ft. $ 1.88 $ 1.98 5.00% 10 so far in 2015. I am beginning to think this market has just about normalized. The data for the first six months of the year are compelling. The Alamo Real Estate Market is showing continued strength upward and there appears to be nothing on the horizon to push it back down. A flood of available inventory might slow it a bit, but where would it come from? Until, a yet to be identified market force comes into play, we can probably expect more of the same. Nancy and I have more than 3,000 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of publication. You can add yourself to the list by sending me an email or signing up for it on our website www.thecombsteam.com. I assure you no spam will follow. Trying to figure out your next move? Need numbers and answers to make your decisions? Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a personal consultation to help you figure it out. No charge and no pressure, just our honest opinions. Please call 925-989-6086 or send me an email at joecombs@thecombsteam.com.
Alamo New Construction Views!
Executive Luxury Home
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Danville 4 Bedroom
Views of Mt. Diablo from nearly every room. 5 bedrooms, spacious open and bright, estate vineyard, pool and pool house. Priced to sell $4,125,000.
Mt. Diablo views from this casually elegant & completely luxurious Braddock Logan model home. 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath. Priced to sell $1,899,000.
Alamo, Whitegate Single Story
Alamo Single Story Ranch
D
SOL Nicely updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath in lovely Danville neighborhood. Community pool and tennis courts. Priced to sell $899,000.
Stunning Mediterranean single story on nearly an acre. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,946 square feet. Price to sell $1,435,000.
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.
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on flat half acre. Updated and ready to go. Priced to sell $1,275,000. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526