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June 2015 Save Mount Diablo Monitors the Mountain’s Natural Regeneration By Jody Morgan
One month after the September 2013 Morgan Fire left 3,111 acres of the Diablo Wilderness black and seemingly barren, new growth was sprouting. Once firefighters from dozens of agencies had put down the blaze without loss of homes or human life, scientists felt free to celebrate the remarkable opportunity presented to study the natural succession of regeneration. Ongoing
Serving Alamo and Diablo Plans Proceeding for Westside Park By Sharon Burke
Exciting plans are underway for the newest park in Alamo, at the corner of Danville Boulevard and Hemme Avenue. The three quarter acre site was purchased last year by Contra Costa County using Alamo Park District (R-7) funds. The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council has been working with County Public Works on the design and choice of amenities at the park. No one wants to put more traffic at this busy site, so current plans call for a trailside park with amenities to serve the hundreds of people who pass by on the Iron Horse Trail daily. No parking is planned, and the park will be deemed a passive park, with no active sports activities or community-wide events to be held. Preliminary plans include restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, a shade structure, a small tot lot, many trees and a large meadow area. Plans are also being made to incorporate an educational element with a storyboard giving the history of the area. The park is across the street from the historical location of Hemme Station, the freight depot in Alamo which was used not for passengers but for shipping out the pears and walnuts which grew all over the westside of Alamo in the late 1800's. A fruit packing shed and freight depot were located where Creative Learning Center now stands. To honor this history, the landscape architecture and design of the park will reflect railroad themes and elements.
See Park continued on page 22
Counting species during BioBlitz 2015 are Joan Hamilton, environmental writer for Bay Natures Magazine and husband Bruce Hamilton, Deputy Executive Director for the Sierra Club with SMD Board President Scott Hein down photographing (photo by Paul Salemme,paulsalemme.com)
research confirms their belief that allowing the mountain to heal itself without human intervention is a boon to the biodiversity of healthy ecosystems and a blessing to species that depend on the effects of fire to restore their populations. Save Mount Diablo (SMD) is sponsoring study of the effects of the conflagration on ecosystems within the footprint of the fire through several three-year projects funded by the Mary Bowerman Scientific Research Grants introduced in 2014 and focusing their annual species count known as BioBlitz on that area. Overview of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
Panama-Pacific International Exposition Exhibit Continues in Danville By Jody Morgan
Celebration of the 100th anniversary of San Francisco’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) continues at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MuseSRV) through June 21st. The exhibit arrived May 5th in Danville after a yearlong run at the Capitol Museum in Sacramento. How did the San Ramon Valley’s own museum manage to acquire the Sacramento presentation? MuseSRV Executive Director Daniel Dunn explains, “We became aware of the exhibition ‘California Invites the World: the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition’ at the Capitol Museum due to our partnership with the PPIE100 organizing body.” After Dunn and several MuseSRV Board members visited Volume XV - Number 6 One month after the Morgan Fire, new growth sprouts in the natural process of regeneration the impressive display, they discovered 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, on Mount Diablo (photo by Brad Heckman) Alamo, CA 94507 that once “California Invites the World” See Regeneration continued on page 21 closed in Sacramento, no plans existed Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 for continuation at other venues. PRSRT STD Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher “I contacted Renato Consoli who is U.S. Postage Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com PAID Local the Exhibit Designer/Coordinator at the Sharon Burke ~ Writer Permit 263 State Capitol Museum,” Dunn recalls. The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Postal Customer Alamo CA necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today “As museum professionals, we have not is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising ECRWSS herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
See PPIE continued on page 25
Page 2 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Boulevard View
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
The old saying goes, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” In other words, it is easier to get what you want by being nice and polite rather than by being rude and making demands. I recently interacted with a service provider who noted he wanted to continue working on my project rather than go to his next job. When I inquired as to why, he said, “Because you’re nice.” Huh? I didn’t expect that for an answer, and my actions weren’t out of the ordinary. Sure, I always try to be nice, but what his answer was also telling me is that he dealt with a lot of people who just weren’t pleasant to be with. It was more a sad state of affairs to learn that being around grumpy and demanding people was more of the norm for him. The day after having received the comment above I had an equally odd conversation when I was shopping at a big-box store for a lot of tile. The staff graciously loaded my cart with several hundred pounds of the tile. As I started to push the load to the front of the store, I immediately received help from the staff with my lumbering barge of a cart. They pushed the cart to the checkout counter for me, and I then noted to the sales associate I could take over from there. Instead, the sales associate that said, “I want to hang with you; you’re friendly.” Again, while it was a nice compliment, I was perplexed. I didn’t feel I was doing anything out of the ordinary, but the response was more like it was a rare occurrence for the individual to just be treated nicely and with gratitude. As people, have we really lost all of our interpersonal skills and forgotten some of the basics? Friendliness? Appreciation? A nice smile? A good handshake? The ability to look someone in the eye? I recently finished reading the book Boys on Boat by Daniel James Brown. The book is about “nine Americans and their epic quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.” It might not be too difficult to figure out how the book ends, but the message throughout was one of working as a team. Rowing crew is not an individual sport; each member had to work in perfect harmony to achieve their goals. You can’t work in harmony if you are at war or at odds with even one person in a group. The American Olympic teams’ accomplish-
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ments were not a mistake and they did not accomplish their goals by being negative with each other. Each person had to have the other’s back and work together. An article I recently read stated, “Being nice to nice people is great, but being nice to those who are not nice to you is how the world becomes better. We should not want to defeat or humiliate those we don’t agree with but to win their friendship and understanding.” We need to learn to let the little things go. Minor irritations...bad traffic, long lines, no milk in the refrigerator for a morning coffee ... are not worth getting spun up over. Keeping the thought in mind that everyone is doing their best can put a new spin on a situation. The other day I got a call from “Windows” notifying me that my computer was infected and compromised. I was well aware of the scam and “called out” the person on the other end of the phone saying I knew he was lying. He assured me he was not, and we played a little “cat and mouse” until he finally realized the gig was up. The next thing he said surprised me. He asked if I knew where he could find a job. I am pretty sure he was calling from an overseas sweatshop, but his statement made me think he really wanted to be doing the right thing, but for him, the only opportunities available were to be doing something that in essence took advantage of others. At that point I felt more empathy towards his dilemma. As people, I think we have to learn to let the little things go and not get spun up about every perceived wrong doing. It takes a lot less effort to be happy than angry. However, possessing happiness and positivity is a choice you have to make for yourself. No one can dictate your feelings. You are wholly in charge of your outlook on life. You can wake up every day and be a grump, or you can put on a smile and look at life with a cheery perspective. I am not saying that I never get angry, have a bad day, or even throw a “tantrum,” but as I get older I am learning more and more that it benefits me to surround myself with the positive and walk away from the negative. How do you react when things aren’t going well? Are you demanding, loud, angry? Not everyone we encounter is going to be a good personality match, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be nice. If you need guidance you can even turn to the internet - there’s a “Wiki” page for that - www.wikihow.com/Be-Nice! You get back from the universe what you put into it. Honey or vinegar, what produces the best results for you?
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the
2015 Summer Concert Series
Fridays 6:30 6:30-- 8:30p.m. at Livorna Park
(At the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo) Admission is Free
June 19th: The Sun Kings
Performing the music of The Beatles with driving energy, authentic arrangements and spot-on harmonies.
Star
ting 9 A.M at .
“Kids on Bikes. Safe, Smart and Healthy” July 3rd: Mixed Nuts
Kick off the 4th of July weekend by listening to popular music that spans 7 decades. Bring your dancing shoes.
DIAMOND SPONSORS
PETE’S BRASS RAIL CAR WASH
AND
July 17th: The Houserockers
Doug and Cindy Gin
Timeless rock and blues classics come to life with a dynamic horn and rhythm section. PLATINUM SPONSORS
July 31st: The Fabulous CruiseTones Enjoy a wide variety of familiar dance songs from any decade up to the hits of today!
August 14th: Moonalice
This roots-rock band of seasoned musicians mixes a variety of genres with extended musical improvisations.
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks, family, and friends. For information call Recreation Staff at (925) 313-2272.
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSORS
Noon International Sweeney Kovar Financial Advisors Inc. Greenan Peffer Sallander & Lally LLP
Sunset Development Alamo World Travel Law Offices of Ken Begun First Choice Abbey Carpet
NBC Bay Area Talk Radio KSFO 560 Alamo Today/Danville Today The Valley Sentinel San Ramon Valley Times
For more information about the 2015 Kiwanis parade visit kiwanis-srv.org/parade.
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 3
Alamo ~ One Story Home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths in a Beautiful Setting! Spacious Yard w/Mature Trees. Sport Court, RV/ Boat Parking & Patio Areas. Large Living Room, Family Room with fireplace, Formal Dining Room with an Abundance of Natural Light. Asking $1,150,000 Tim Palumbo Russ Darby
925.314.7915 925.362.0460
Blackhawk Coming Soon! ~ Wonderful updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath home backing to the golf course at Blackhawk Country Club. Gorgeous backyard with pool, spa, many fruit trees, and a great VIEW of the Mt. Diablo Hills‌. Call Gretchen for a sneak preview! Listed at $1,295,000
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Gretchen Bryce ~ 925.683.2477 gretchenbryce@msn.com
PENDING
Alamo ~ GRACIOUS home on 1.08 Acre on PRIVATE LANE. Wonderful Oaks & MT. DIABLO Views. CUSTOM BUILT & REMODELED home. 3400 sq. ft, 4bdrms, Large Master Suite w/Fireplace. DBL FMLY RM w/picturesque windows & Fireplace. AWESOME HRDWD FLRING. Vaulted ceilings, large family dining rm. GORMET KITCHEN w/Granite slabs & SS appliances & 3 ovens! Flowing decks/patios, great natural light. Wonderful ALAMO OAKS, Close to all 12 grades of ALAMO SCHOOLS. Riding trails to Mt. Diablo. HORSES Permitted. Highly sought after Special Area, yet close to Downtown Alamo & Danville. $1,499,999 Jay Weymouth 925.915.1100 jayweymouth@yahoo.com
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Page 4 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents
2015 Movie Under the Stars Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. at Livorna Park in Alamo
(Located at the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue)
Admission is Free
RETRO NIGHT Friday, July 10th
FAMILY NIGHT Friday, July 24th
Submit your Applications for the 2015 Kiwanis Danville 4th of July Parade
The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Danville 4th of July Parade committee is accepting applications for entries now thru June 25, 6pm. The theme of the Parade, proudly presented by Alamo Ace Hardware, will be “Kids on Bikes - Smart, Safe, and Healthy.” In partnership with Street Smarts San Ramon Valley, the parade will highlight the fun, health benefits, and safety of bicycling, starting at a young age and potentially lasting a lifetime. Expect about 125 entries in 24 different categories. Register at www.kiwanis-srv. org/parade.asp today. Mark your calendars for the July 4th parade which will start at 9AM.
Diablo Choral Artists Concert
Diablo Valley’s own chamber choir presents Love, a concert featuring Johannes Brahms’ lovely “Liebeslieder Waltzes,” plus works by Whitacre, Stroope, Chatman, and Diemer. Mark Tuning is the music director, and John R.S. Walko is the accompanist. The event will take place on June 5th at 8PM at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek and on June 7th at 3PM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Orinda. Details and ticket information can be found at www.vmschorus.org.
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society
Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, snacks, family and friends. For information call Recreation Staff at (925) 313-2272.
Danville Community Band Performance
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society was formed in 1985 and now has over 170 members. The group meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except in August and December. The group gathers at the Danville Family History Center located at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. The group also conducts educational classes for its members and has various special interest groups. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc.org, or email SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
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As Summer Was Just Beginning
Escape spring and burst into summer with the Danville Community Band and their season finale performance on June 14 at 3PM. They’ll be playing some tunes that may remind you of summertime activities or vacations including “Sunday in the Park,” “Circus Galop,” “It’s A Small World,” Gershwin’s “Strike up the Band,” and more! Also featured is a percussion concerto and one of the pieces the band performed recently at the Association of Concert Band’s National Convention, Jan Van der Roost’s “Puszta.” Since 2005 the band has presented a new musical instrument to the winner of their annual Student Instrument Scholarship at their season finale concert. Candidates are nominated by their school music teacher, and the winner is selected from the group of applicants. This is the 11th year of the program, and the band has awarded more than 15 new instruments worth over $20,000. Come celebrate the start of summer with this free concert which will take place at the Community Presbyterian Church, located at 222 W. El Pintado Road in Danville. For more information about the band, visit www.danvilleband.org. The Danville Community Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area, a long time resident, newly retired, or empty-nester 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 in August. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Presents:
Along Hartz & Prospect Avenues
June 20 & 21 10am to 5pm
Great Food!
Great Art!
Great Music!
Classic Car Show! (Sunday Only)
www.danvillesummerfest.com
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 5
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Rotary Club of Alamo Honors Educators and Students of the Year from Five Local Schools
One of Alamo Rotary Club’s most rewarding and inspiring events is the annual awards presentation to the Educators of the Year and Students of the Year from five local schools. These include, Alamo Elementary School, Rancho Romero Elementary School, Stone Valley Middle School, Monte Vista High School, and San Ramon Valley High School. The Educator of the Year Award recognizes the personal commitment that the recipient demonstrates on a dayby-day basis. Based on academics, school activities, and community service teachers select the students of the year. The Rotary Club of Alamo has been sponsoring the Educators and Students of the Year Award program for over 30 years. Each year the Club is able to recognize and congratulate these outstanding Educators and Students of the Year along with their parents, grandparents, and friends. At the May 20th meeting over 62 people where in attendance to help congratulate these outstanding educators and students.
Alamo Summer Events Movie Under the Stars
Alamo Parks & Recreation, with support from the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, presents a “retro” movie night with the film Frozen on Friday, July 24 at Livorna Park, located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo. Showtime is at 8:45PM.
Summer Concert Series
This five-concert series, held at Livorna Park, features live music from a variety of genres. Concerts take place on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30PM and include the following. • June 19 ~ The Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band) • July 3 ~ Mixed Nuts (Classic Pop) • July 17 ~ Houserockers (Rock/Blues) • July 31 ~ The Fabulous CruiseTones (Classic Rock) • August 14 ~ Moonalice (Classic Rock) Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, snacks and flashlights, and enjoy a movie under the stars at Livorna Park. Snacks are available for purchase at the event. For details, contact Alamo Recreation Staff at (925) 313-2272, or visit the website at www.cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation.
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PRE-PLANNED FINAL ARRANGEMENTS Left to right: Connie Adelson, Educator of the Year from Rancho Romero Elementary School; Lori Poulleau, Educator of the Year from Alamo Elementary School; Heidi Stepp, Educator of the Year from San Ramon Valley High School; Stan Hitomi, principal at Alamo Elementary School; Cathy Powell, Student of the Year from Stone Valley Middle School; Lilly Van Wagenen, Student of the Year from Rancho Romero Elementary School; Madeleine Powell, Student of the year from San Ramon Valley High School; Amy Bone, Student of the Year from Alamo Elementary School; Maddie England, Student of the Year from Monte Vista High School; Ruth Steele, principal at San Ramon Valley High School; Karen Jacobs, Teacher of the Year from Stone Valley Middle School; Jenise Falk, interim principal at Stone Valley Middle School; Janet Terranova, principal at Monte Vista High School; and Bhupinder Anwar, Educator of the Year from Monte Vista High School.
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Page 6 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Fine Mexican Dining
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Enjoy Our Patio Dining Monday - Saturday: Lunch and Dinner Sunday: Dinner only We Offer a Full Bar and Lounge 3168 Danville Blvd, Alamo Margaritas are a House Specialty
Blue Star Mom Collections
The Blue Star Moms will be holding collection drives on the following dates. • June 6 ~ 10AM to 3PM ~ Veterans Memorial Blvd., Danville • June 20 ~ 10AM to approximately 2PM, care package packing/mailing at Camp Parks For more information or to find out how to drop off other donations, contact Linda Johnson at lcjassoc@gmail.com. Monetary donations are always appreciated to cover postage expenses. Checks can be made payable to and mailed to Blue Star Moms, PO Box 2537 San Ramon, CA 94538. For a list of items the group is looking for, visit www.bluestarmoms.org. The following event will be held to raise funds for Blue Star Moms. • June 29 from 5:30PM - 9PM ~ Gianni’s Restaurant, Tips for the Troops, 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. To make reservations, call (925) 820-6969 or visit www.opentable.com/giannis-italian-bistro?rid=108103& restref=108103. 8
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find her and your name is drawn!
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.
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
Ezekiel Christiansen is our winner
Sons in Retirement
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A non-profit public benefit organization for retired men San Ramon Valley - Branch 128
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 much more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. Our next monthly luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at 11AM at the San Ramon Golf Club, located at 9430 Fircrest Lane in San Ramon. The $23 fee includes luncheon, speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. Our June guest speaker will be Theresa Stern, Director of Alumni and Outreach Services for “Guide Dogs for the Blind.” To reserve a space, please email info@sir128.com by Thursday, June 11th. For more information about our Retirement branch and activities, please go visit www.SIR128.com.
Las Trampas - Branch 116
Sons In Retirement - Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize with us at our monthly luncheon beginning at 11:30AM on Monday, June 15th. The speaker, Duane Spencer, one of the few Forensic Dental Consultants in North America and a member of both State and Federal emergency response groups, will be discussing some of his most interesting events/cases. Duane has worked on a number of Bay Area tragedies, including the 1982 Caldecott Tunnel Fire, the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake/Cypress Freeway Collapse, the 1991 East Bay Firestorm, and the 2010 San Bruno PG&E pipeline explosion. He will briefly discuss these events as well other cases of interest, and you will find Duane’s “puzzle solving” experiences fascinating. Lunch is $15 and held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge located at 1475 Creekside Drive. Guests are welcome and may make reservations by calling 925-322-1160. 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, fishing, golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings and more fun things. In addition, we have special golf events and bridge tournaments where wives, partners and guests are welcome. 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 SIRs organization. For information about our activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org.
Treats for the Troops
Delta Nu Psi is collecting “gourmet junk food” to send to American troops in Afghanistan. The group will continue sending packages as long as American military members are in the War Zone. Much of the food sent is not normally available to the troops. So far Delta Nu Psi has sent 1,309 boxes weighing a total 31,497 pounds to the troops. On June 12th Delta Nu Psi members will be at Lunardi’s in Danville and on June 5th they will be at CVS Pharmacy in Alamo. Collections will be held from 11am to 2pm both days, rain or shine. Money for postage is also always appreciated. For more information, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
Loaves and Fishes Annual Fundraiser
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa will be holding their annual “Food for Thought” event on June 7th from 2PM to 5:30PM at The Hacienda De Las Flores, located at 2100 Donald Drive in Moraga. The event, held at a garden party venue, will feature food, wine, beer, auctions, and entertainment. Participating restaurants are Lark Creek, La Finestra, Rustic Tavern,The Cooperage American Grill, Walnut Creek Yacht Club, Corners Tavern, along with Loaves and Fishes own Chef, James Porter. The cost is $65 per person, or reserve a table of 10 for $650. Register at www.loavesfishescc.org or call 925-687-6760. The mission of Loaves and Fishes is to feed the hungry of Contra Costa County by providing free hot nutritious meals at five dining facilities. Proceeds from this event will help Loaves and Fishes raise funds to support their safety net program.
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San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation Awards $34,000 in Grants
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 7
The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation has awarded $34,000 in grants to 43 area non-profit agencies this year. The grants were presented at the club’s annual grants breakfast ceremony. Representatives of the recipient organizations made brief presentations on the programs the Kiwanis grants support. Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley has awarded nearly $700,000 through their grants program since 1995. This year, grant amounts ranged from $250 to $2,500, including a grant to the San Ramon Valley Educational Foundation for $2,500 for distribution to worthy school projects that the Education Foundation identifies. First time grant recipients this year included Gopher/Mole Removal EPIC Healthy Clinic, Hearing Loss Association of America, New Day for Children, and The Tri-Valley Youth Court. No Poison Other recipients included Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, Assistance Leagues of Amador Valley and Diablo Valley, Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Camp Camelot, Cancer Support Community, Care Parent Network of Contra Costa ARC, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa, Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, Court Appointed 925-765-4209 Special Advocates (CASA), Danville Community Band, Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation, Diablo Valley Quilters, Discovery Counseling Center of SRV, Down Syndrome Connection, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Hope Hospice, Inc., Hospice of the East Bay, Loaves & Fishes, Moment by Moment, Monument Crisis Center, Museum of the San Ramon Valley, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Nayeli Faith Foundation, Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa, Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes, St. Timothy’s Bicycle Program, San Ramon Historic Foundation, San Ramon Library Foundation, School of Imagination, Senior Helpline Services, Shelter Inc. of CCC, SonRise Equestrian Foundation, STAND! For Families Free of Violence, The Lucille Glass Mauzy Foundation, The Taylor Family Foundation, VESTIA, Inc. and We Care Services for Children. Funds for the annual grants program are raised by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, primarily through the solicitation of sponsorships of the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville, which the Kiwanis Club has been organizing and conducting since 1975. Grant applications are solicited in February of each year and awarded in May with an additional several thousand dollars held in reserve to provide emergency grants and fund additional Kiwanis community projects throughout the year. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915 and celebrating their 100th Anniversary, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service and community minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. More than 600,000 Kiwanis improve the world around them by addressing needs in their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World.” Additional information about the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley may be obtained at their website, www.kiwanis-srv.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at noon on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays, and a 6PM evening meeting on the 3rd Wednesdays, all at Round Hill Diablo Singles Dance Club Country Club in Alamo. Everyone is welcome to join the club for a meeting to find out more about the organization. Diablo Singles Dance Club holds a public
Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.
dance the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Shadelands Art Center located at 111 N. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek. There is live music, refreshments, and free parking. The cost is $8 for members and $12 for guests. For information, call (925) 837-2851.
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In Loehmann’s Shopping Center (next to Lucky’s)
2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Concord (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)
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Page 8 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Rancho Romero Elementary School
Alamo Elementary School
By Skye Larsh- Faraghan
A great teacher never strives to explain his vision. He simply invites you to stand beside him and see for yourself. ~ R. Inman Rancho Romero is closing the year with many reasons to celebrate. Here are a couple of events/information from the end of the of 2014-2015 school year.
Annual Walk-a-Thon: Walk For Nepal
The annual Student Council Walk-a-Thon was held to support Nepal after multiple devastating earthquakes. Student Council, coordinated by Deb Varo and Sandrine Wright and sponsored by Pledge to Humanity, under the direction of Gabi Ghorbani, made a conscious choice to raise money through the Walk-a-Thon to help the people of Nepal with essential items as they try to reassemble their lives. The goal was to raise over $6,000 - we are still counting the total raised.
Open House
Parents, families, and students attended the final Open House of the year, walking back in time from September to May. Each classroom was open for viewing the work of students over the year. Kindergarten and first grade extended the invitation to incoming families. Guests also had the opportunity to survey teaching and learning in the science lab, the music and art creative space, the technology lab and the Rainbow Social Skills Room. Many of these programs are funded through our Rancho Romero Education Fund.
Change
As we approach the end of the year we must brace for change. Five of our beloved staff members will be leaving Rancho. • Connie Adelson is retiring after serving over 30 years at the school as both parent, volunteer, and teacher. Connie has taught most of the primary grades, and as of late, has served as the Rancho Romero Reading Specialist. • Marisa Henrichs has accepted a position in the Calistoga School District, closer to her home. Marisa has served as a classroom teacher for the last 11 years in second and fifth grades. • Cynda Burton is retiring after 20 years as a classroom paraprofessional. • Michele Johnson is retiring, having served the last 10 years as a reading instructional aide. • Anne Marie Morgante is retiring after 15 years of service as a classroom paraprofessional. Thank you for all you have done for the students. You truly make a difference and will be greatly missed. It has been an amazing year at Rancho Romero. Due to the unmatched dedication and perseverance of the staff, parents, and volunteers working together to do whatever it takes, our students have blossomed academically, socially, and emotionally. This year’s push into new standards for college and career readiness has been a true success. On behalf of the school, have a wonderful summer break.
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 Avenue in Danville, on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at (925) 362-9806. Send mail to VFW Post 75 San Ramon Valley, P.O. Box 1092, Danville, CA 94526. Find out more about the VFW and our Post at www.vfwpost75.org.
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
Looking Back...and Remembering By Stan Hitomi, Principal
The end of the school year is a time for both reflection and celebration. In a few days our yearbooks will arrive, and it will start a rush to collect signatures of classmates, friends and staff. This ritual gives us a chance to say goodbye to each other and to look back on the year that has gone by. Before the celebrations begin, I would like to reflect upon some of the people who have made our school such a fun and interesting place to teach and learn. Each year we look back and recognize these special people with our PTA Honorary Service Awards. This year the PTA recognized the following individuals for their active involvement at Alamo School.
Very Special Person
• Karla Angle – Karla has been our instrumental music teacher at Alamo for the past six years. She directs the Chimes I & II programs, Beginning and Advanced Band and Beginning and Advanced Strings programs. Through her leadership, the instrumental music program has grown from a dozen students to over 40 students this year…and growing! She is beloved by students, parents and staff alike. • Kristin Bush – Kristin currently serves as the PTA Parliamentarian as well as co-coordinator for the Spring Book Fair. During her five years of involvement with the PTA, Kristin has also served as Family Reading Night Coordinator and Room Parent Coordinator. She has also been a Room Parent and helped to organize a Mom’s Hike. • Lisa Gartland-Dempster – Lisa has been a familiar face around the Alamo School campus for the past seven years. She has been quick to volunteer to help where needed, including PTA Office Assistant, Assemblies Coordinator, and Earth Day Coordinator. She has also helped with the Teaching Garden, the 5th grade act in the Talent Show, Recycling Program, and the Girl Scouts.
Continuing Service Award
• Cathy Bennett – Cathy has supported our school with her many talents. This year she stepped in as the PTA Treasurer as well as handled directory advertising. In the past Cathy has also coordinated the Reflections Program and Kids Generated Art. • Carol Berkowitz – This year Carol served as the EdFund Parliamentarian, Auction Co-Chair, and with Kids Generated Art. Carol has also served as publicity/ marquee and Room Parent. • Melissa Economos – This year Melissa started our first “Run Club” with over 50 students coming out each Wednesday morning for a healthy start to their day. Melissa has also coordinated the Run for Education, helped with the Auction Gala, and volunteers as the first grade PMT (perceptual motor training) coordinator. • Lindsay King – Lindsay served for two years as the coordinator of our annual spring Hoedown. This year she served as PTA 3rd Vice President and has also helped with Spirit Wear.
Honorary Service Award
• Ellen Jannetta – Ellen has served as the Alamo School PTA - 2nd Vice President and on the School Site Council for the past four years. She has also served as Room Parent and has served in a variety of voluntary roles over the years. • Jill Newcomer – Jill has served as a member of the EdFund Board. She has also served with the PTA as Sister School Coordinator, Spring Book Fair Coordinator, and Room Parent. She has also been a regular volunteer for Yard Duty. • Susanna Lee – Susanna has served the past two years as Ed Fund President. During that time, the Ed Fund continued to reach its goals for fundraising and providing our students with instructional materials, technology, science supplies, and recess and PE equipment. Under Susanna’s leadership the Ed Fund continued to support our music program as it grew in both vocal and instrumental music programs. Susanna has also coordinated Camp Alamo and a Reusable Bag Fundraiser. We are grateful to have such incredible volunteers that account for thousands of volunteer hours each year and provide for a wide variety of curricular and co-curricular experiences for our students. A special thank you goes to our PTA President Kristin Iribarren and Ed Fund President Susanna Lee for their leadership! The end of the year also provides us with the opportunity to recognize exemplary students and staff. This year our Rotary Student of the Year isAmy Bone, and our Rotary Educator of the Year is Lori Poulleau. Amy and Lori were honored at an Alamo Rotary Luncheon. I also would like to recognize Marcie Wehrley, our school librarian, who was honored as theAlamo School Classified Employee of the Year, and congratulations to Karyn Bergen (classroom paraeducator, parent volunteer) for receiving Alamo’s Shinning Star Award for 2015. This award recognizes an individual at each school who exemplifies going “above and beyond” in the support of the school and students. Looking back at 2014-2015, we will take into the summer many great memories and look forward to many more in the years to come. For much of this we owe the many parents, students, and staff who give generously of their time and energy. This is a tradition I hope we can sustain for years to come.
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Stone Valley Middle School By Jenise Falk, Principal
We are excited to welcome the newly selected principal, Mr. Jon Campopiano to Stone Valley. He has already met our staff and some students. Mr. Campopiano will begin his tenure at SVMS in August. It has been my pleasure to serve this wonderful community these past months, and I have enjoyed getting to know the staff, parents, and most especially our terrific student body. Our 8th graders promote June th 11 , and we wish them well as they head off to our local high schools. They are an amazingly talented class that is ready to achieve much. Congratulations to the high school graduating class of 2019! Below is a letter to the community from Mr. Campopiano. Have a wonderful summer!
Dear Stone Valley Community,
I would like to take this opportunity to express how excited I am to be the next principal of Stone Valley Middle School. Over the summer months, I will be spending a lot of time getting to know the school community as well as continuing to hear what makes Stone Valley such a unique and special place. One of the most important aspects of my work as principal is building solid relationships with staff, students, and families. It is very important for me to be in the hallways, lunch areas, classrooms, and school events getting to know the students. My past experiences have shown me that students greatly appreciate and do their best when they know that adults believe in
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 9
them. Together, we will continue to develop Personal Responsibility, Respect, Integrity, Dependability and Effort (PRIDE) in all our students to help prepare them for high school, college, and beyond. I have spent most of my life in the East Bay. After attending UC Davis for my undergraduate degree, I earned my Masters of Education from UC Santa Barbara and my Administrative degree from Cal State East Bay. My wife, Karna, and I have three amazing children, Sam (12), Matt (10), and Nico (6). I love reading, coaching youth sports, and capturing memories with family and friends. Professionally, I started my educational career in the Pittsburg Unified School District as a 7th grade CORE and AVID teacher. After three years of middle school, I taught social studies at Northgate High School, while also serving as the leadership teacher, athletic director, and varsity baseball coach. Over the past six years I served as a vice principal at both the middle and high school levels in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Currently, I am an Associate Principal at Miramonte High School in the Acalanes Union High School District. I am thrilled to join such a thriving school community and am deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our students. The first day of school can’t get here fast enough! Thank you for welcoming me into this great community! I wish you an excellent end of the school year and a summer filled with laughter and adventure. Sincerely, Jon Campopiano, Principal
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) 7362280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.
Page 10 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
San Ramon Valley High School
By Ruth Steele, Principal
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High school graduation is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the high school calendar. For hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the nation, the countdown began back in August. June 12th marks the culmination of 12 years of learning endless hours of classwork, homework, and test taking! Throughout SRVUSD the high school graduation rate is almost 100%. The majority of students go onto two or four year schools with some making the decision to enter the workforce or the service. These are impressive statistics and some of the highest in the nation. Whether or not students will graduate or take the next step after high school is not the issue in a school district as successful as ours (the average graduation rate across the US is 75%), but there is still an issue. The question now, as our graduates face an increasingly unclear future, is whether or not they are truly “college and career ready.” The question that I believe has to be asked is whether or not our education system has properly prepared students to cope with the challenges of college or the “real world.” Being able to excel on standardized tests, or memorize formulas, does not mean that students are effective learners. The characteristics below are listed by employers as being the most valuable in their employees. But are these the qualities that we are seeking to develop in our K-12 classrooms? Employers look for integrity, work ethic, team player, positive attitude and enthusiasm, adaptability and flexibility, effective communication and confidence, openness and receptivity to feedback, creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, conflict management and negotiation skills, resilience and perseverance. If these are not the qualities that we are instilling in our students, then we are short-changing them and losing sight of our primary responsibility. The purpose of school is not to make sure that students are “learned” but to prepare them to be successful “learners.” Failure is a good thing: if you can recover from it, struggling with complex concepts is vital if it helps you to problem solve and apply knowledge. As educators and parents, these are the lessons that will help our students and children to thrive as they prepare for a future that none of us have experienced or fully understand. I would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2015. My hope is that we (educators and parents) have been able to provide you with the tools to succeed no matter what path you take. Every single one of you has the capacity to be successful in whatever you choose to pursue. The path may not always be smooth, and you may stumble along the way, but it’s the journey that you should cherish. Good luck and enjoy the journey! I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. ~ Jimmy Dean
Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal
It is hard to believe that summer vacation is right around the corner. The gloomy May weather has helped keep students focused on school and less on the beach. As a society we continue to grabble with the benefits and the challenges of technology and social media. This month I was able to witness a phenomenal benefit of technology. Last semester we had an exchange student from Germany. She returned home in February, but before she left, the student, her history teacher, Ms. Perruso, and I discussed the possibility of a Skype lesson with her tenth grade class - Gymnasium Syke in Bremen, Germany. It was an amazing morning. Our students came at 7:30am to hear a presentation by the German students who had interviewed a World War II German soldier. Through their presentation our students learned about his life and service during the war, the rise of the Nazi party, and events like Kristallnacht from the perspective of a German soldier. His story included details about how confusing and difficult it was for German soldiers during and after the war years as he was not a supporter of the Nazi ideology. At first, students from both classes were hesitant to ask questions and delve into some of the deeper issues. But, with face-to-face contact, and seeing their former classmate, a wonderful conversation ensued. Our students asked questions about the war and its effects on German society today. Monte Vista students made connections between the oppression of Jews during the Nazi era and the oppression of Black Americans in the 19th and 20th century. Students from both countries commented that the persecution imposed upon others by previous generations was a burden and responsibility that their generation continued to carry even though the students had not participated in the prejudice or discrimination. To see the critical thinking skills demonstrated by our students was impressive. As the students become more familiar with each other, questions moved from history to current lifestyles. Students asked each other questions about learning a second or third language, music, school organization, etc. which helped students to see their similarities rather than their differences. Our students reflected that this exchange was fun, and all had a desire to meet with this class again. Our teachers from Germany and Monte Vista plan to continue the conversations next year and hope to include a discussion on literature as well as history. The end of the year is a busy time for our students. If you want to know more about Monte Vista and our activities, visit www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.
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Fun, Sun, and Music
Concerts in the Park By Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 11
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale
Summer is around the corner, Alamo - According to industry experts, away altogether. In most cases, you can and with it brings one of my favorite there are over 33 physical problems that make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself will come under scrutiny during a home if you know what you're looking for, and activities in our area of the County inspection when your home is for sale. knowing what you're looking for can help to enjoy with friends and family: A new report has been prepared which you prevent little problems from growing the Summer Concerts hosted by so identifies the 11 most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. many of our communities every year. Each has put together problems, and what you should know about To help home sellers deal with this issue a wide range of musical talents for everyone to enjoy, and them before you list your home for sale. before their homes are listed, a free report I thought it would be helpful to list them all in one place. Whether you own an old home or a brand entitled "11Things You Need to Know to The concerts are held on different nights of the week, and new one, there are a number of things Pass Your Home Inspection" has been the music reflects many different genres. The park settings that can fall short of requirements during a compiled which explains the issues involved. and a picnic dinner are perfect compliments to an evening home inspection. If not identified and dealt To hear a brief recorded message about of music outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your with, any of these 11 items could cost you how to order your FREE copy of this report, own community or visit a new one! It’s also a nice way to dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter support local businesses by purchasing your meal “to go” critical that you read this report before 2001. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, from one of our exceptional restaurants. you list your home. If you wait until the 7 days a week. Alamo – Held at Livorna Park, Friday evenings, 6:30PM – building inspector flags these issues for Get your free special report NOW to learn 8:30PM. Call (925) 313-2272 for information. you, you will almost certainly experience how to ensure a home inspection doesn't • June 19 ~ The Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band) costly delays in the close of your home cost you the sale of your home. • July 3 ~ Mixed Nuts (Classic Pop) sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors CalBRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2015 • July 17 ~ Houserockers (Rock/Blues) • July 31 ~ The Fabulous Cruise Tones (Classic Pop) • August 14 ~ Moonalice (Classic Rock) An Evening with the Stars By Jim Scala PM PM Danville – Held at Oak Hill Park, Saturday nights, 6 – 8 . Call (925) 314Drive up Mt. Diablo on June 20th, and arrive at the lower summit parking 3400 for information. lot by about 7:30PM for an inspiring evening with the stars. The program will • July 11 ~ Tainted Love (80’s Rock) begin at 8PM. You’ll see the universe as never before. Members of the Mt. • July 25 ~ Platinum Rockstars (Classic Rock Tribute) Diablo Astronomical society (MDAS) will be standing by their telescopes • August 8 ~ The Joy Drops (American/Bluegrass) to show you celestial objects. The views will capture your imagination, and • August 23 ~ Foreverland Band (14-piece Michael Jackson Tribute) the night sky will never be the same again. Every visitor says, “Wow!” many Lafayette – Rock the Plaza (at intersection of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo times during a viewing. Blvd.), Friday nights, 6:30PM - 8:30PM. Call (925) 284-7404 for information. Astronomy is called the “gateway science” because many scientists, en• June 5 ~ The 925 Band gineers, and medical doctors say their scientific curiosity was sparked and • June 12 ~ The Megatones nurtured by looking through an amateur’s telescope. MDAS’s main mission • June 19 ~ The Accents is outreach. Any member will say, “We like to show everyone what’s out • June 26 ~ Lamorinda Teen Idol Finalists there.” The programs for 2015 are outstanding. They will inspire anyone and PM San Ramon – Held in Central Park, Sunday nights, 6 . Call (925) 973-3200 cause many young people to think about science. for information. By about 11PM you’ll leave on an escorted drive down the mountain with PM • July 4 ~ California Beach Party - Featuring California Beach Boys (5 – 8 ) much to discuss. Return on one or all of the dates shown below for more • July 12 ~ Big Band Beat (Bay Area Favorite Party Band) inspiring evenings. • July 19 ~ Notorius (Pop & Rock Hits from the 90’s and Today) June 20, 8PM ~ Supernova! ~ Why do some stars explode? Which star is • July 26 ~ Elton John Tribute Band next? Would you exist without supernovae? Take home a sky map of stars • August 2 ~ Rebel Yell (80’s Music) that will explode as supernovae. • August 9 ~ ForeJour (Foreigner Tribute Band) July 18, 7:30PM ~ Explore our Sun ~ How does the Sun power Earth? Walnut Creek – Held in Stanford’s parking lot, the Thursday nights Sum- Arrive at 7:30 to safely view the Sun through telescopes. After sunset, view mer Concert Series and Block Party begins in August, from 6PM – 8:30PM. Call the rest of the stars in our Galaxy. (925) 939-7601 for information. August 15, 7:30PM ~ Our Place in our Galaxy ~ Build a mental model • August 6 ~ Petty Theft (Tom Petty Tribute Band) of our Milky Way Galaxy – and our place in it. Find the center of our galaxy. • August 13 ~ Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute Band) Tour the telescopes through our galaxy. • August 21 ~ Journey Revisited (Journey Tribute Band) September 19, 6:30PM ~ Moon: Earth’s Lost Rock ~ How would Earth be Have a great, safe summer and I hope you have a chance to take advantage different without the Moon? How is our Earth like our Moon? Explore the surof the free concerts with your family and friends in our wonderful communities. face of the Moon in telescopes. You’ll be ready for the eclipse of September 27th. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District October 17, 6PM ~ Search for Alien Worlds ~ What will the first alien 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, life we discover likely look like? Explore where weird life exists on Earth. Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate What does that tell us about life elsewhere in the galaxy? Which stars have to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic planets where life might exist? or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. For more information, visit www.mdas.net. Click on “Public Program” cccounty.us or (925) 957-8860. 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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Page 12 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Quick Trips By Linda Summers Pirkle Yountville
Whether traveling abroad or locally, if a walking tour is offered, I usually sign up. The passion of a successful guide is contagious; it’s fun to uncover little known facts about the location, and I enjoy meeting the other participants in the group. On a recent trip to Paris I scheduled nine walking tours within a period of ten days. It was a working trip and I was critiquing different companies; each trek was unique because of the perspectives of the guides, even the two that covered the same arrondissement. Closer to home, I was excited to hear that a docent led tour has recently (as of May, 2015) been added to the Art Walk -- one of the many activities in the beautiful town of Yountville. Located in the Napa Valley, Yountville is a destination for locals and visitors from all over the world. Nestled between the mountain ranges Mayacamos and Vaca, and surrounded by beautiful vineyards, this little town is a foodie’s paradise. Besides great restaurants and cute shops, downtown Yountville is home to some fun and engaging outdoor sculptures all located on a mile and half section of Washington St., the town’s main street. The new Art Walk tour meanders through Yountville while a docent shares interesting facts and backgrounds on the artists and sculptures. I spoke to Kimberly Cook, Chair of the Yountville Art Commission and manager of the Art Walk, who gave me information on its history. “The Art Walk was started in 2009 by four enthusiastic volunteers interested in adding something new to Yountville besides the food and wine that we are so famous for. We started with only two artists, Gordon Huether and Jack Chandler, both generously loaning us four pieces each. From these humble beginnings we have grown to over 24 sculptures by 20+ artists. We are thrilled to add another dimension to the Art Walk with our volunteer docent who is passionate about the project.” The unique sculptures are changed out after about two years and are all available for purchase. The Veterans Home of Yountville is a ten minute walk from downtown Yountville. Established by veterans in 1884, the Veterans Home has been operated by the State of California since 1900. The red tiled roofed dormitories are home to just under 1,000 veterans. I spoke to Craig Stratton, Admissions Counselor with the Veterans Home, “I love it here! It’s not Utopia, but it is a very special community. The public is always welcome. Check in at the Welcome Center located near the entrance, pick up a map, and explore the grounds on your own.” Throughout the summer the Avenue of the Flags, located at the top of the tree lined entrance to the Vets Home, is a beautiful sight. The red white and blues are rotated with state flags in a dramatic display. The flags fly from Memorial Day to Labor Day and then again for one special day, Veterans Day, November 11. The Napa Valley Museum, located at 55 Presidents Circle, on the grounds of the Veterans Home, will be one of three stops in the United States for the exhibit “do it.” Curated by Hans Ulrich Orbrist, do it is a conceptual, interactive exhibition built upon enacting artist’s written and drawn instructions. Some of the artists include Yoko Ono, Louise Bourgeois, and Sol LeWitt. do it will be on display from June 20-August 30. The Napa Valley Museum is open Wednesday-Sunday 11AM-4PM. Their website is www.NapaValleyMuseum.org. *The new docent led Art Walk tour in downtown Yountville is offered the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 10AM, May through October. Reservations are required; call 707-944-8712 for more information. Check out their website at www.townofyountville.com/artour. Linda Summers Pirkle has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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 how old you are. Join us at one of these upcoming activities: • June 9 ~ “A Stitch in Time” sewing group • June 10 ~ Officer Installation Luncheon at Roundhill Country Club • June 20 ~ “A Taste of Spain” Tapas, Paella Wine Pairing See our website www.alamowomensclub.org/events/calendars for details and to RSVP for the above activities, or call 925-820-1943.
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June 2015
Kitchen Counter Events Knife Skills Class
Thursday, June 4th ~ 5pm-7pm
Vibrant Summer Salads Thursday, June 18th 11:30am -2pm
Monthly Recipe Swap Chapter 1 ~ Starters
Wednesday, June 24th ~ 5pm-7pm Kitchen by
Sponsors: BIA |Emile Henry |Le Creuset | Lekue |USA Pans |Swiss Diamond |Wusthoff
We hope to see you at our Kitchen Counter Events! Call the Kitchen at 925-837-2420 to reserve your seat!
California Avenue, also known as the Avenue of Flags, on the grounds of the Veterans Home of California in Yountville. This display of flags only occurs during the summer months(May to September) and then on one additional day, Veterans Day, November 11.
Alamo Ace Hardware |3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo | 925.837.2420 www.AlamoHardware.com
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 13
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.
(925) 831-8310
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Page 14 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Cleaning the Chemicals out of your Home By Cynthia Ruzzi, President Sustainable Danville Area
Growing up, cleaning wasn’t just about removing the dust. Our house wasn’t clean until you could smell the Pine-Sol, Lysol, Windex, and Mr. Clean throughout. While many of us now use cleaning products that include enticing scents like magnolialily or jasmine-mint, these synthetic fragrances just mask the noxious solvents that we use in our households year-after-year. Many conventional cleaning products are based on petrochemical VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and create air pollution within your home. Unfortunately, these chemicals build up in your home each time you use these cleaners. As they evaporate, the can make their way into your body and are dangerous to your health, causing dizziness, eye irritation, skin rashes, and respiratory problems. I decided long ago that it isn’t worth risking my family’s health, and so I set out to find alternative products to make my home sparkle. Once I started my research, I couldn’t believe how many things could be cleaned with white vinegar. The magical elixir of half vinegar and half water cleans everything in my home from windows to toilets. I even add a little baking soda and grape seed oil to wash apples and other fruit before eating. Kids love the ‘science experiment’ caused when mixing these ingredients – just one tablespoon of baking soda added to the water and vinegar provides an entertaining show of foaming bubbles. For cooktop and oven cooking, you guessed it…vinegar and water works wonderfully for general cleaning, and for those stubborn stains – mix half sea salt and baking soda, add water to form a paste, cover the spot and let it sit for ten minutes and then spray with your vinegar mixture to scrub your ‘Comet’ clean. For the most serious gunk, I turn to Bon Ami, the “barkeepers’ friend” which is rated a 10 for health by GoodGuide.com. Since we’re talking ‘gunk,’ nothing is worse in my book than cleaning grout. For most situations, I find if I dampen the area with water and then sprinkle baking soda on the spot followed by a light scrubbing with an old toothbrush, things look as good as new. I read that one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water is great for getting rid of mold. Only mix what you’ll need for the current application as hydrogen peroxide loses effectiveness when exposed to light, air, and water. This explains why it’s sold in brown bottles. Hydrogen peroxide is also a wonderful alternative to bleach. Add a cup to your whites as you would bleach, and enjoy the whitening benefits without the problems associated with laundry bleach to you and your clothes. These problems include chemical off-gassing, possible eye irritation, and skin burns. Chlorine bleach is also harsh on the fibers of your favorite clothes, shortening their life. While we’re talking about laundry, use laundry soap without NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylate) which is an endocrine disrupter and estrogen mimic. In other words, it can mess with your hormones and reproductive functions. UnforCONVENIENT SHUTTLE SERVICE TO tunately, manufacturers’ aren’t required to disclose detailed ingredients and such HOME, THE OFFICE, BART AND BACK. information to consumers. Once again, I turned to GoodGuide.com for product reviews, and boy was I surprised to find that the brand with the cute snuggly bear fairs the worst in several environmental categories! ` Below are a few of my favorite ways to save money and reduce chemicals when FACTORY LUBE, OIL DIAGNOSIS/ SCHEDULED & FILTER CHECK ENGINE cleaning. MAINTENANCE LIGHT INSPECTION Multi-Point Performance Air Freshener: Add 10 drops lavender (or other essential oil) and 2 tablespoons Let our trained experts perform an Improve mileage and extend Inspection initial inspection and diagnosis. We’ll the life of your vehicle - follow Drain and Replace All Engine Oil baking soda to 2 cups hot water. Pour into spray bottle. 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I just pour it straight into the compartment for spot-free glasses and dinnerware. While we’re cleaning, there’s one more thing to ‘clean out’ of your routine -antibacterial soaps and hand-sanitizers. Most of these products rely on Triclosan, which is an active ingredient in pesticides. Triclosan is quickly absorbed into the skin, and when it enters the blood stream it is known to cause allergies and hormonal and neurological side effects. Our dear friend Peggy Yamamoto shares her secret LAFAYETTE SAN RAMON SINCE alternative as gifts in lovely blue glass bottles: Mix 3 ounces vodka, ½ teaspoon 3360 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 2151 San Ramon Valley Blvd. 1993 glycerin, 15 drops tea tree oil, 25 drops lavender oil. 925.283.3133 925.837.3000 Share your special natural cleaner with us at sustainabledanville@gmail.com, or THESERVICEOUTLET.COM friend us at www.facebook.com/sustainabledanville.
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 15
The Lure of the Big Island
By Lisa Kallen, Alamo World Travel
To those of us who have lived on the East Coast, Hawaii has always been an exotic destination that promises fragrant breezes and endless beaches. Now that I am a California girl, Hawaii has been that much easier to get to -- a weekend jaunt to Oahu, a hiking adventure on Kauai, a romantic getaway to Maui. And, there is the Big Island, inescapably huge and yet somehow bypassed. This year, when my 21-year-old twins and I had endured an unusually challenging winter, I thought of the Big Island as a respite, a cure for what ails us. From the moment we flew over from Maui, we could tell this island was different. Sprawling Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano and her lush green flanks, gave way to the dry, near-barren leeward side as we dipped down into Kona. Centuries of lava flows have hardened into fields of chocolatebrown and ash-black rock, swirled and cracked and starkly beautiful. The road up the coast to our hotel on Hapuna Beach cut through miles of these old lava fields, tufted with shrubs trying to take root. After driving north about 30 minutes, we turned away from the barren lava flows into the luxurious and garden-wrapped Hapuna Beach Prince Resort. The Prince hugs an intimate turquoise cove of bright sand and calm waves. Soothing breezes, birdsong and traditional Hawaiian music enwrapped us wherever we wandered on the resort. Every room enjoys an ocean view, service was beyond friendly, food was tropically-inspired, and our mid-May stay felt uncrowded, unhurried. Between lounging on the pristine beach and snorkeling nearby, we quickly relaxed into a Hawaiian state of mind and body. But we came to the Big Island for more than relaxation. We needed to see that huge volcano. Knowing that a trip from Hapuna Beach down to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was a three hour drive, we stopped along the way at Honaunau Bay, a prime snorkeling spot with an expansive reef. We snorkeled our way among the contours of the reef and its colorful population of fish until we came upon a lazy manta ray vacuuming a path along the bottom. Fifteen minutes later we pulled ourselves away from watching the manta and ended up hovering near a small family of green sea turtles, or honu, before we ended the day’s snorkeling. We timed our drive for a late-afternoon arrival at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and headed to the Jagger Museum, 4,000 feet up the side of Mauna Loa. The Jagger Museum features scientific and historic exhibits for all ages and is the staging area for observing the volcano’s activity at night. From dusk until the full dark of evening, light emanated from deep inside the crater, changing from a soft glow at first to a deep, bright orange that reflected up onto the evening fog. We drove back into the night thankful to Mauna Loa for sharing her dramatic brilliance with us. The other activity we were eager to try for the first time was zip lining, an adventure where you fly along metal “ropes” in a zigzag over rainforest and waterfalls. We chose a nine-line adventure over the Umauma River and Falls. Helmeted and harnessed at the top of the first tower, that first step is a bit daunting…until you take it. Then all we felt was the brush of the wind on our skin, hearing the roar of the falls below as we cut between mango trees, over cow pastures and guava orchards, and over waterfalls and lava tubes. We screamed all the way down to the first landing where some magical mechanism slowed our speed easily, and we were caught in the capable hands of our guides who unhooked us and cheered us on. At the end of each individual zip line, as we waited for our fellow zippers to have their ride, we enjoyed stunning views of the falls from decks set upon cliffs along the river chasm. In just under two hours the Big Island showed us some of the secrets she only used to reveal to intrepid hikers. But zip lining let us “soft adventurers” in on those secrets too. Mahalo, Hawaii; we will be back. Lisa Kallen is a Travel Consultant with Alamo World Travel, specializing in tours, cruises, and customized vacations to Europe, the Americas, South Pacific, and Asia. Visiting family in La Bella Italia is a favorite vacation along with “soft adventures” just about anywhere in the world. You can reach her at 925-837-874x18 or lkallen@alamoworld.com. Advertorial
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The Boy Scouts of America is proud to award the rank of Eagle Scout to Alamo residents, Brad Parese (left) and Andrew Lantzy (right), in recognition of successful completion of all the requirements of Scouting’s highest rank. Both of these young men, have completed multiple years of community involvement through Scouting and have completed individual service projects for the benefit Bay Area non-profit organizations. Brad is a senior at San Ramon Valley High School, and Andrew is a sophomore at Monte Vista High School. Both are members of local BSA Troop 803 Danville led by Scoutmaster, Steve Giampaoli. Please join us in congratulating these newest Eagles! For more information on Troop 803 email scoutmaster@danville803.mytroop.us.
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Page 16 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Page 18 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Life in the Alamo Garden
Outdoor Kitchens By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059
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We are gearing up for what is looking to be a wonderful Alamo summer. July 4th is the pinnacle of outdoor entertaining and family BBQ’s. So much of outdoor entertaining is built around cooking and eating that it has become a regular request by my clients to design outdoor kitchens into the hardscape. Our magnificent Alamo weather allows us to use the outdoors as an addition to our home. So, why not have an outdoor kitchen? An outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but it also can be! Outdoor kitchens range from the simple BBQ grill to a fully equipped kitchen. They are designed based on the way you entertain and cook. Starting with a simple approach, there is a huge market choice of portable or prefabricated BBQ equipment. Many portables are high-quality stainless steel products made by top brand names like Weber, Viking, DCS, and Wolf. Of course, there is still room for you die-hard Weber kettle fans! I have designed many outdoor kitchens for clients ranging from professional chefs to the guy who grills hamburgers and hot dogs. Like most kitchens in your Call for details home, the outdoor kitchen is the heart of your outdoor environment. As you 925.939.8300 think about what you want in an outdoor kitchen, many key elements must be solartechnologies.com considered: location, frequency of use, equipment, size and space, and integraLic. #932914 tion into the hardscape and landscape. Location is instrumental to how much you use your outdoor kitchen. For instance, many clients like to grill year-round, so the outdoor kitchen must be conveniently located and accessible to your indoor kitchen keeping in mind food prep, storage, and dinning. Choosing equipment is very important. Depending on your desired level of expertise, the market offers numerous choices and price points. First, consider the grill, the center piece to your outdoor kitchen. There are too many choices to mention in this article. Briefly, grills range from 18” to 60”, use charcoal, natural gas, or propane, and range from $1,000 to $13,000. The low-end uses charcoal and the high-end grill made by Kalamazoo is a hybrid that uses gas, charcoal, or wood depending on your grilling needs. Next, a side burner for boiling water, sautéing, and steaming is a good choice so you can cook your entire meal outdoors. Other cooking equipment includes lobster pots, wok burners, and countertop pizza ovens. Full-size pizza ovens are also a great addition. To keep things on the cool side, outdoor refrigerators of various configurations are available: wine fridges, keg-a-rators, ice makers, and now freezers. Storage is also an important aspect to the design of your outdoor kitchen. Again, all sorts of storage is available: stainless cupboards, drawer units, warming drawers, and complete cabinet units. Countertop space and materials are also an important consideration. A raised bar with stools, sink with hot and cold running water, and electrical outlets are considerations. The size and space of your outdoor kitchen depends on frequency and level of entertaining. Your love of cooking and entertaining will determine the size and space you need. One of my clients, a professional chef, prefers to use his outdoor kitchen over his indoor one. Designing the location so that the kitchen is located in the heart of the hardscape is most important. It is a social place connected to the dining area, patio, pool, and garden. Outdoor kitchens can be enclosed in a cabana or under an open trellis. Other essentials to consider are wood burning pizza ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, and living room. What you can imagine can be designed and built! A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Adding an outdoor kitchen to your new or existing hardscape requires creativity, design, planning, and budget experience. Gardening Quote of the Month: Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity - Voltaire If you would like me to write on any particular subject email your ideas to Advertorial jmontgomery@jm-la.com or visit www.jm-la.com.
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The Art of Screening
By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
Trees and shrubs provide many valuable services in the urban ecosystem. One of the most important, from the perspective of homeowners, is screening for privacy and to hide undesired objects. Well-placed foliage can keep out prying eyes and enhance personal safety, and a view of beautiful leaves and branches gives more pleasure than the view of a neighbor’s garage. Over the long run, preserving a living screen requires planning and judicious pruning. Plants grow toward the sun; they maximize foliage where there is most light. As trees mature, the density of the canopy can act as an umbrella and shade out the interior lower branches, which causes them to die. To see a clear example of this, look at a mature oak in the forest. The majority of foliage is in the outer shell; the interior is bare. This natural phenomenon works well for plants in the wild, but it may not succeed well for your screening needs. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this loss of valuable screening. All strategies for maintaining screen involve keeping sunlight flowing to interior branches. Sufficient light on the leaves reduces dieback. It is best to act before the screen is compromised (an ounce of pruning is better than a ton of replanting). In plants with latent buds, English laurels for example, trunks can re-sprout even after interior branches have withered. However, many species lack latent buds and are incapable of re-sprouting, and for those species preventative medicine is the only medicine. Even for species with latent buds, keeping branches healthy is much easier, and more effective, than reinvigorating them. • Eliminate light competition from surrounding plants. Evaluate the plants growing near your screen plants to see if they are casting a shadow on branches critical to screening. Plants shading out important screen plants can be removed, or they can be thinned and shaped to increase illumination of screening branches. • Thin the screen plants themselves. This may seem counter intuitive, but the exterior of the screen plant may be shading its interior. It is not uncommon to see 40-foot pittosporums that look like balloons, with the only green occurring in the canopy. To revitalize, it is generally best to remove all dead wood, thin the top heavily, and even thin the screen area. The goal is to maintain layers of green from the edge of the canopy through the interior. A thick, multi-layered screen is less prone to failure. If it is not acceptable to lose any bottom screen, even temporarily, a good compromise is to thin those portions above the screen area. Thinning only one portion of the tree is an aesthetic challenge, but it can be done. • Shape the tops of screen plants. It is sometimes possible to shape back the tops of screen plants to allow more light to reach the lower branches. Our philosophy of pruning requires that the overall beauty of the plants be considered in all pruning cuts. Because health and beauty are often synonymous, we have found that bringing light into the interior usually enhances tree aesthetics. What do you do if you have already lost the screen? It is difficult to get branches to grow back once they have died, but radically thinning or lowering the plant may induce growth in lower foliage. Unfortunately, this is hard to achieve without sacrificing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs. Sometimes it is possible to fill the gap with shade-loving plants. Other times the only solution might be to remove the plant and start over. Each case is different. If you need help, do not hesitate to give us a call, for advice or to do the work. At Brende and Lamb, we have 20 years of experience balancing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs and maintaining your screening needs. If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486TREE (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
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 19
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Page 20 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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helpdesk@theportablecio.com www.theportablecio.com Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
Fire was the most formidable agricultural tool of Native Americans who managed oak groves throughout the Western woodlands. Although their diet included products from 150-200 different plants, acorns often accounted for 50% of their caloric intake during the fall and winter. Eaten directly from the tree, most varieties contain tannins toxic to humans. Processed properly they provide gluten-free, flavorful flour. Archeological sites in California have yielded the remains of more acorns than any other edible food. For at least 9,000 years before Europeans arrived, Native Americans harvested and stored the nuts of some 30 different oak species. Endemic to California, the fast-growing Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) can live as long as 600 years. Also known as California White Oak, a mature specimen can yield 2,000 pounds of acorns in a good year. A typical family found 500 pounds adequate for their annual needs. By using controlled fires to keep oaks spaced so they could form a giant canopy, native arborists also encouraged the emergence of plant species that required fire to trigger germination. These in turn produced edible seeds, leaves, roots, and tubers. Fire cleared the ground from undesirable growth, simplifying the collection of acorns. It added nutrients to the soil and controlled insect and fungal pests that attacked the trees. Intense wildfires raging through flammable undergrowth would damage the valuable oaks, but light surface fires that removed those understory plants actually stimulated sprouting from the crown. Those new shoots were excellent for basketry, stirring sticks, construction materials, and even clothing. Each ethnic group had its own traditional means of “making acorn.” The use of long poles to knock acorns from the branches beginning a month before they fully ripened was a popular harvest strategy. Climbing up to clip acornladen branches efficiently brought down nuts and generated new growth. A portion of the mast, as the crop of an oak is called, was always left to nourish the wildlife equally dependent on the oaks’ bounty.
Processing acorns took time and patience. Once shelled, the acorns were pounded on a pounding rock, sifted in a basket, and leached by washing with successive applications of clean water in a sand basin to remove the tannins. When the bath of water ceased to be black and turned sweet and clear, the acorn meat was ready to be dried. In some cases, whole acorns were buried in a sandy leaching pit with grasses, charcoal, and ashes and rinsed repeatedly with fresh water to remove the tannins. Sometimes whole nuts were buried in a streambed for up to a year, allowing the natural flow of running water to do the work. If the resulting meal was boiled for mush or used in soup, any residual sand would sink to the bottom of the cooking vessel. A flatbread was also baked from the flour. Valley Oak acorns are extremely nutritious and have a high fat content important in a diet otherwise lacking in oils. On May 6, 1862, William Henry Brewer, the first botanist known to have collected specimens on Mount Diablo, wrote (in his journal later published as Up and Down California 1860-1864): “The plain is covered for miles with intervals of scattered oaks; not a forest, but scattered trees of the California white oak (Quercus hindsii) [now Qiuercus lobata], the most magnificent of trees, often four to five feet in diameter, branching low. They are worthless for timber, but grand, yes, magnificent, as ornamental trees, their great spreading branches often forming a head a hundred feet in diameter.” Drought was not an issue when Brewer first came to the San Ramon Valley in September 1861. He and his party camped beside a brook on Major Russell’s Forest Home Farms. “The brook had ‘broken out’ after the earthquake in June last – it is good water, and Russell says it is worth $5,000 to his farm. The ground had cracked quite extensively near our camp, and a number of good springs had broken out in the valley at that time.” Valley Oaks are adapted to thriving through hot dry summers and cool wet winters. They put down deep taproots to reach the water table, so they can survive several years of drought. Young trees need water to become established and can grow as ornamental specimens in a lawn if that’s their original location. Older trees die if a lawn is planted around their base. When the water table is lowered below 70 feet or so, mature trees are unable to adjust.
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Energy Matters
The Inevitable Partnership By Mark Becker, GoSimple Solar
Since 2005, there has been a 97% increase in American solar PV installations. Over 600,000 homes and tens of thousands of businesses have “gone solar.” The data shows that millions of tons of CO2 that would have been discharged into the environment from coal and natural gas power plants was negated by clean energy generation. The environmental benefits solar brings to the planet and its inhabitants are typically the “icing on the cake” to the financial advantages that solar brings to home and business owners. The rapid and widespread deployment of solar has mostly been driven by the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for clean energy technologies, which ends on December 31, 2016. A $30,000 solar project will have an after tax net cost to the customer of $21,000 and will typically payback in 5-6 years. Unlike other improvements, solar is also the only business or home improvement project that actually returns monies to the customer. A typical return on investment is >11%. Solar, done right, is a very safe investment. Long term, like the stock market, utility rates historically climb. Short term, unlike the stock market, utility rates never “correct” and decline. A safe and simple solar finance strategy: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) finance programs allow home and business owners to wrap the costs of their energy efficiency projects into their annual taxes. Five, ten, or twenty-year loan periods can be selected. No credit checks are required; three years of timely property tax payments qualify the home or business owner for this program. FYI: An existing roof warranty becomes void during a solar project unless the installer is a licensed roofer or has a special certification from the roofing product manufacturer. The best installers warrant their roof work against leaks for the life of the solar system. Damage due to water intrusion is the number one home insurance claim. Before you enter into a solar contract, get the following in writing: 1) A warrant against roof leaks surrounding the solar PV for the life of the system; 2) If a non-licensed roofer is performing the work, get a certification from the roofing manufacturer that the roof warranty will remain intact; 3) Confirm that general liability and workman’s compensation insurance is held by the contractor so claims can be paid by the contractor. The seemingly unstoppable increase in renewable energy electric generation has forced many utilities to embrace clean energy in policy and practice. Clean energy technology needs the utility grid for distribution of power. An inevitable partnership is reluctantly building due to a mutual reliance on each other’s services. Come see true energy independence in action: Our showroom in Danville has solar PV coupled with battery storage, which allows off grid operation. The project qualified for the 30% Federal tax credit, and the battery bank qualified for an additional $7,000 incentive. Memorial Day, redux: Last month I dedicated some space in this forum to fellow Marines with whom I served who died during training accidents or combat missions. After the tragic series of earthquakes in Nepal, we were recently reminded that our service members also die while serving others during humanitarian missions. These ambassadors of goodwill are the finest our nation has to offer. A wonderful yet under-utilized resource for home or business owners is the California Contractors State License Board website, www.cslb.ca.gov. The “Winter 2014-2015 Newsletter” documents deceptive practices of the solar industry. Lacking a mandate on how to model solar financials, contractor overstatement of solar energy production results in misrepresentation of savings and payback. It was also found that contractors do not communicate the onerous legalities associated with “power purchase” or “lease” solar agreements. Before you enter into a solar contract: 1) Ensure you know the exact layout and design of the panel array; 2) Ensure all conduits are hidden; 3) Ensure all broken roof tiles will be replaced, not “repaired” with caulk; 4) Ensure you know your responsibilities in a home sale if it’s a PPA or a lease; 5) The factors which drive solar investment returns must be accurately input into the financial pro-forma: Current utility rate and cost, the discount rate of money used, utility escalation rate, accurate production data via a nationally recognized calculator including site shading percentages orientation and tilt, panel and inverter product. Solar, done right, can be an aesthetically pleasing and a safe investment. If you would like GoSimpleSolar to demonstrate how a solar PV system can save you money for your home or business, please visit our showroom at 115 West Linda Mesa Avenue, Danville, or submit a quote request via www.GoSimpleSolar. com/getquote. Ask about our veteran’s and public service discounts. 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 925-331-8011. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 21
Regeneration continued from front page
“Botany and fire go hand in hand,” explains Heath Bartosh, SMD Board of Directors member and principal of Nomad Ecology. Ecologists establish plots called “quadrats” in order to quantify observations on cover, density and frequency of occurrence of a population. The size and shape of a given quadrat is scaled to the ecosystem being studied. Using 50 plots representative of the variety of vegetation communities found within the burn area - chaparral, deciduous oak, live oak, grassland, serpentine chaparral and grassland chaparral - Heath and his research partner Brian Peterson have collected 2,500 “quads” of data on the intricate relationships among species co-existing and thriving or marginally surviving in the aftermath of fire. Most colorful and easiest for the casual observer to embrace are plants whose existence depends in some way on fire to trigger germination whether it be intense heat, smoke, or ash. Some simply bask in the sunlight suddenly present when the dense growth of chaparral shrubs or forest trees disappears. Studies show that Whispering Bells require charred remnants of chamise, also known as greasewood, to jumpstart their growth. Many, like the Fire Poppies, are annuals abundant only in the first years following a major fire. Others are perennials, like Kellogg’s snapdragon that was last seen on Mount Diablo 80 years before the Morgan Fire. While several shrub and tree species are genetically programmed to re-sprout from lignotubers or roots, others, including most of the Manzanitas on the mountain, grow only from seed. Publicity on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the extremely showy fire-following wildflowers has kept phone lines buzzing at Save Mount Diablo as hikers eager to see species absent from the landscape for decades seek information on where to view the cyclical display. Bartosh welcomes the attention this fleeting abundance has generated. Writing follow-up comments on BioBlitz 2015 he says, “The phenomenon of fire-followers interests a broad array of folks who wouldn’t normally be on the mountain looking at native plants.” In hopes that their enthusiasm is not as fleeting as the transitory display of certain species he adds, “Believe it or not the peak and immediate foothills of the mountain harbor 10% of the flora of California.” Cataloguing plants on Mount Diablo began with William Brewer’s expeditions in September 1861 and May 1862. Assigned to study Mount Diablo vegetation in 1930 because, as she notes, she had a car, Mary Bowerman carried her relationship with the mountain far beyond her undergraduate UC Berkeley project and the doctoral dissertation she presented in 1936. British botanist Arthur Tansley is credited with introducing the term “ecosystem” in 1935, but Bowerman recognized independently the complex interconnection of the plant communities she observed with the geology, elevation, and exposure of their situation. She was at the forefront of scientific understanding of the critical contribution of each inconspicuous insect and ephemeral flower to the long-term health of the entire interdependent chain of habitats.
See Regeneration continued on page 28
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Page 22 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
One Second After
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Last month, I discussed the long chain of technological discoveries that have produced amazing devices such as the smartphone; we also took a little peek into the future. This month we’re going to go in a different direction. Imagine for a moment that all of your technology was taken away, and we had to create everything all over again. Basically, imagine that we had no electricity. There is a book I recommend called One Second After, which is written from the perspective of what would occur to civil society in the event of a nationwide electro-magnetic-pulse (EMP) event. It is a sobering but gripping book, which chronicles in detail the struggles our society would face if this happened. EMP’s occur naturally as a result of massive solar storms, or they can be man-made, specifically as a result of high-altitude nuclear detonations. Either way they occur they have devastating power, and our society is not well prepared. Solar storms happen all the time, but usually they’re not powerful enough to significantly disturb our planet’s magnetosphere. Sometimes they are, however, and in the last 160 years there have been three direct hits on Earth in particular worth noting. One was in 1859 and is called the “Carrington event.” Another was in 1921, and another in 1989 caused the great Quebec blackout. The Carrington event was so significant that the energy influx from the sun caused telegraph wires to spark and catch on fire across the US and Europe, and the Northern lights were visible as far south as Tahiti. Remember, in 1859 we were still a candle-lamp society, and transportation was via horse and buggy or steam locomotive. While a burning telegraph wire would be startling, it caused little damage because of how little electricity was in use. The Quebec event was much smaller than in 1859, but it was still significant enough to destroy electrical transformers, melt wires together, and cause widespread power outages for most of a day across the region, leaving six million people in the dark for over nine hours. The event in 1921 was ten times stronger than in 1989, and it is estimated that if it happened today, it would affect over 130 million people. Because of the distance between Earth and the Sun and how
Park continued from front page
Due to the current drought, the meadow area has been an item of discussion. Although no decisions have been made, Public Works has proposed the installation of artificial turf, which would save on water and lawn mowing expenses. Huge advances have been made in artificial turf in recent years, and current high end turf strongly resembles grass in color, feel and appearance. Other choices include the installation of drought resistant grass with underground irrigation pipes, more expensive than traditional sprinklers but which use less water, and with the added advantage of less sprinkler maintenance, and always being surface dry. Final decisions on park amenities, design and the name of the park will be up to the Alamo MAC. The MAC is discussing the park and its name at its June 2 meeting, beginning at 6pm at the Alamo Women's Club. Your input would be welcome. Come to the MAC meeting and hear the discussion.
long the solar wind takes to reach Earth, we would have up to three days warning if NASA alerted the public immediately that an event like this had occurred. That would be enough time to make some preparations, but not nearly enough. According to NASA, a Carrington-class event would cause extensive social and economic disruptions. Power outages would be accompanied by radio blackouts and satellite malfunctions. GPS, banking, finance, and transportation would all be affected. Some problems would correct themselves with the fading of the storm, but the physical damage would exceed $2 trillion, and that doesn’t factor the human costs. NASA has deployed an early warning system, called the Solar Dynamics Observatory. In 2012 the observatory captured a solar storm as large as the 1859 Carrington event as it occurred. Luckily it missed Earth’s orbit by a week, so you probably didn’t read about it. Depending on the year, your modern home was built to withstand a significant earthquake. Conversely, none of the electronics in your car, your house, your body (pacemaker), your watch, or your phone were built to withstand any type of magnetic pulse, and neither was our nation’s power infrastructure. The point is, this is not a theoretical problem; this is something that has happened before and will happen again. Because of our dependence on electronics, from our cars, to our banks, to our electrical grid, the event would significantly affect civil society. We would instantly be transported back a hundred years to when electricity had been invented, when there was little infrastructure and few if any modern conveniences. This means your power goes out, your car won’t start, your cell phone is dead, your radio won’t work, and your refrigerator stops. It means everything changes instantly, and it takes a long time to get back to anything that can be considered “normal.” This is the stuff that keeps FEMA awake at night. How could you better protect yourself from this sort of event? There are a plethora of resources written on the subject and several websites explaining steps you can take. Depending on the response I receive from this article, next month I will explore the steps you may take to better prepare yourself. Disaster Preparedness Planning is one of the services that Portable CIO offers, and if you would like to consider some of these questions in a business context for your organization, small or large, Portable CIO can help. Reach Advertorial us via email, info@theportablecio.com, or call (925)552-7953.
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.
Summer Programs
In more Alamo parks and recreation news, there is a full program of classes, camps and day trips for Alamo residents being offered by the Alamo Parks district. Camps include Mad Science Camp and Engineering Fundamentals using Legos, both held at Alamo School. Also being held at Alamo School are yoga and strength/balance classes for adults. A day trip to Livermore for wine tasting is scheduled for August 14. Registration is underway now for all these activities; visit www.alamorec.org for details and to register. Alamo recreation programs are made possible by a partnership between the Alamo MAC and the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA. Mark your calendars for Alamo Movie Nights. July 10th: E.T. the Extra Terrestrial; and July 24th, Frozen. Friday nights at 8:45pm at Livorna Park. Movies will be shown on a giant screen, bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks. And don't miss the popular Livorna Park Concert Series. Friday nights music begins at 6:30pm, ends at 8:30pm. Here's the schedule: June 19th The Sun Kings; July 3rd Mixed Nuts; July 17th Houserockers; July 31st The Fabulous Cruise Tones; and August 14th, Moonalice.
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 23
Summer Reds
Working with a Financial Advisor Six Steps to Help You Get the Most Out of the Relationship By Peter Waldron
Brought to you by Peter Waldron. In conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.
Would you trust your medical diagnosis to a casual acquaintance? Do you cut your own hair or dry clean your own clothes? For some services, it makes more sense to pay a professional who has the expertise to deliver the appropriate results. A professional financial advisor can help you build a sound estate plan, designed to help you toward your long-term financial planning goals. These six steps can help you locate and get the most out of this important relationship. 1. Choosing Your Financial Advisor - One of the best ways to find a financial advisor is through a referral of a friend or relative. Your accountant or lawyer may also be able to provide you with a referral. Since they come with a recommendation from someone you trust, referrals can help you feel more confident about your choice of a financial advisor. You can also find a financial advisor by attending an investment seminar or reading the business section of your local newspaper. 2. Set Up a Consultation - Your first meeting is an opportunity to become acquainted with the advisor and find out if you feel comfortable working together. You should make sure a prospective advisor is a good match for your financial outlook and personality. Ask the advisor about the types of clients he or she is currently working with and try to evaluate if your financial objectives are well matched to their areas of expertise. Follow up with questions about education, experience, and qualifications. Before selecting an advisor, you should feel confident that a prospective advisor can accurately explain the financial arena and the benefits of different financial planning tools. 3. Discuss Your Goals and Obligations - In order to help you clarify your financial goals, your financial advisor will need detailed information about you and your financial situation, philosophy, and risk tolerance. Be candid about your income, debts, future obligations, current assets, and anything else that may impact your financial situation. 4. Ask Plenty of Questions - The more you know about financial planning, the more control you have over your financial future. Use your financial advisor as a resource. Financial advisors have access to current information that can help you better understand their recommendations and the performance of your plan. And if you don’t understand something, make sure to ask. 5. Meet or Speak Regularly -Your financial advisor has the expertise and knowledge about financial planning, but won’t be able to fully understand the details of your financial situation unless you share them. In order to keep your estate plan moving in the right direction your advisor needs up-to-date information on life changes that may have financial implications, including: • Marriage or divorce • The birth or adoption of a child • The purchase of a home • A change in your work status, or that of your spouse • Additional current financial responsibilities, such as college payments or care for aging relatives • An inheritance or other financial windfall 6. Listen - Professional advisors can draw from years of experience and help you maintain a long-term perspective on your investment plan through good markets and bad. You’ll get more out of your relationship if you are open-minded about your advisor’s recommendations. While you may not agree with every idea your advisor presents, being a good listener can help increase your investment knowledge. Following these six steps can help you locate and have a successful relationship with a financial advisor. 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. Advertorial
By Monica Chappell
When we talk about white wines for summers, we implicitly understand the reference. Summer whites are bright, light, thirst quenching wines that are eminently drinkable. Sancerre, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio immediately come to mind. Summer reds are more difficult to define. We know we are not breaking out a pensive vintage Bordeaux for the family barbeque or uncorking a luscious California Cabernet Sauvignon with a bowl of chilled asparagus soup, but is it possible to reduce the entire universe of reds to a simple rule of thumb for the summer months?
Warm Climate
• One helpful idea is to think about the climate of the wine’s region of origin. Warm climate reds tend to be juicy with plenty of body and just enough acidity to be mouth-watering. Think Nero d’Avola from Sicily, Malbec from Mendoza, or Grenache from the southern Rhone Valley. These intensely flavorful wines will maintain their structure in the face of bold, smoky, spicy summer fare.
Cool Climate
• On the other end of the spectrum are the cool climate reds, what we call bistro wines, since they show so well served lightly chilled by the carafe. At their best, cool climate reds are youthful and delicious, tasting of fresh berries often with floral or mineral notes. They won’t overwhelm a fresh salad niçoise, spring pea soup or chicken paillard. Some very fine examples can be found in the Loire Valley, notably the Cabernet Franc from Chinon. Other sources worth seeking out are Pinot Noirs from Alsace. What are you pairing your red wine with this summer? Let us know at wineappreciation101@gmail.com. Monica Chappell teaches wine appreciation classes in Lafayette. For a class schedule visit www.wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.
Cinema Classics His Girl Friday By Peggy Horn
This month’s Cinema Classic is His Girl Friday, (1940) starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell and directed by Howard Hawks. This appealing movie is full of clever dialogue and comical scenes with a good dose of realism. The characters speak over one another, as happens in real life, and the actors, being who they are, carry it off very well. The title refers to a character named Friday, from Robinson Crusoe (1719) by Daniel DeFoe. Friday was a close working assistant to Robinson Crusoe. The plot features Cary Grant in the role of Walter Burns, a super smart, super savvy newspaper editor with a slight touch of megalomania thrown in for good measure. His ex-wife, Hildy Johnson, played by Rosalind Russell, shows up to tell him that she is going to be remarried to one Bruce Baldwin (played by Ralph Bellamy), an insurance salesman from Albany. Walter, however, is going to put a stop to that notion, and he proceeds to interfere with their engagement in a myriad of hilarious ways. In spite of the hilarity in this film, there are serious moments as well. Hildy is a talented journalist, admired by her colleagues (including Walter), and when she responds to Walter’s request for a temporary assignment with, “Don’t worry, I’m on the job!” she gets the job done. Sophisticated and funny, this movie is certain to entertain, but be prepared for fast paced dialogue that is actually worth hearing.
Musical Notes
The year His Girl Friday came out was also a great year in music. To get a flavor of the musical era, try,“Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, sung by Frank Sinatra and “The Java Jive,” by the Ink Spots. The fabulous Glenn Miller Orchestra released, “Tuxedo Junction” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000” in 1940, and, really, it doesn’t get any better or cooler than this. All four recommendations are available on YouTube for your listening ears!
Page 24 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Drought and Smart Water By Roger Smith
We now are in California’s worst drought in recorded history. As scary as this seems, there are many ways to deal with our water shortage emergency and learn from past experience, such as California’s drought in 1976-77. EBMUD Director, John Coleman recently provided a detailed summary of our State and Local water status at a meeting in Walnut Creek. The following points of interest and prospective also include comments by the Chair and Vice Chair of the California State Assembly Agricultural Committee in a recent San Francisco Chronicle Open Forum on Drought:
EBMUD
• 90% of EBMUD water supplies come from the Sierra Water Shed • Operates 167 reservoirs and 136 pumping stations • Projects replacing 40 miles of water pipelines each year • Considering development of a new reservoir in the Dry Creek area • Budget of 93% fixed expenses and 7% variable
Port of Oakland
• Port of Oakland currently exports 70% agriculture products, 30% nonagriculture products and 76,000 jobs at the Port of Oakland depend wholly or in part on agricultural products
1978-2013 Water Reduction and Actions
• $1.6 billion spent on California state improvements to water delivery infrastructure • California’s total population increased by 33% and residential water usage decreased by 40% • Through water conservation measures, California agriculture produces twice the output today using the same amount of land and water as in the 1960’s
Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment
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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• 500,000 acres of farmland are fallowed resulting in $2.2 billion in lost state revenue and 17,000 agricultural jobs are lost • California State Proposition 1 passes to supply $1.1 billion for new water storage facilities • EBMUD purchases 23,000 acre feet of water from Sacramento Water District as supplementary stock
2015 Water Reduction and Actions
• 500,000 acres of farmland continue to be fallowed resulting in a projected $2.2 billion in lost state revenue and 17,000 agricultural jobs remain lost • California enacts first ever 25% mandatory residential water reduction measure on April 1st • California can now also temporarily suspend pre-1914 water rights • EBMUD purchases 65,000 acre feet of water from the Mokelulmne River Water Shed at $800/acre ft. as supplementary stock • EBMUD projects passage of a 25% surcharge to residential billing in July. Residential billing is projected to increase by an average of $12/month during 2015 • No water times for lawns from 9AM – 6PM are projected to begin • Drip irrigation will be required for all new developments • Artificial turf may become a required alternative to natural grass lawns • Up to $2,500 in EBMUD rebates are now offered to change to qualifying drip irrigation/drought tolerant landscaping/lawn conversion and lesser amounts for changing to qualifying high efficiency washers and toilets
Other Water News
• Diablo Country Club will begin water recycling construction for use in golf course maintenance • Orange County recycles 100 million gallons of water each year • Department of Defense has desalination technology currently in use on US Army bases in Mid-East • Lawrence Livermore Labs is developing improvements to desalination technology • Pittsburg, CA is location for a pilot desalination plant. The $200 million project is projected to provide 2 million gallons of water daily Because a residence’s water leakage averages 10% of a residence’s total water usage, the EBMUD website www.ebmud.com/watersmart offers a number of tips for homeowners and HOA’s for locating and fixing leaks from faucets, showers, toilets, and water heaters, adjustment and repair of sprinklers, drip irrigation, and even has an on-line water use calculator. EBMUD customers can call (866) 403-2683 for a free home survey kit that provides the tools to evaluate your household’s water efficiency and identify the most common leaks and inefficient fixtures. Did you know that there are more than 650 low water-use native Californian and Mediterranean plant species? Order EBMUD’s book online for Plans and Landscapes for Summer – Dry Climates WC Emphasis. 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.” Please 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!
Alamo Police Statistics
Sheriff David Livingston for Alamo reported during the month of April, there were 44 reported crimes including alarm calls, auto burglary, burglary, civil crimes, disturbing the peace, found property, fraud/forgery, identity theft, lost property, medical hospitalization, mentally ill commitment, missing juvenile, outside assist, petty theft, prowler, service to citizen, suspicious circumstances, vandalism, and violation of court order. Some incidents are described below. • Danville Blvd., Missing Juvenile - There was a missing juvenile from the Martial Arts Studio in Alamo. When the juvenile never showed up at an agreed upon meeting point and the Martial Arts Studio stated that he had already left, the Sheriff’s Office was contacted. A search team was activated along with CHP’s air support to canvas the area. A few hours later the juvenile was located at a friend’s house, where he was fine and no foul play was suspected. Historically, burglaries are on the rise during the summer, which is just around the corner. Do not forget to secure your homes and cars, set alarms, and be vigilant by calling the Sheriff’s Office immediately when encountering suspicious activity. For non-emergencies call (925) 646-2441, and for emergencies call 911.
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Inheritance Jackpot: Will the Kids be Happy? By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
In our area, many people have sizable estates. Consequently, when they die and their children (or other loved ones) receive an inheritance, it can be analogous to hitting the jackpot. A primary goal of most clients - aside from important objectives, such as avoiding unnecessary taxes and estate administration costs - is to help make their children comfortable. Many say: “I just want my kids to be happy.” This begs the question, “Will the receipt of a substantial inheritance make the children happy?” The answer is “of course,” right? Interestingly, when looking at lottery winners, the happiness answer is not so clear. In a Wall St. Journal article from several years ago, the author wrote about “America’s Dangerous Powerball Economy.” He cited a famous 1978 study that found that after an initial “happiness boost” right after winning the lottery, within a few months the winners’ happiness had receded to a pre-lottery winning level. As more time passed, the winners were actually less happy than they had been before winning. The author rightfully points out that it would be misguided to conclude that money makes us unhappy. Rather, he refers to voluminous research demonstrating that money, when earned, is typically associated positively with happiness; but, conversely, when it is unearned and raw purchasing power is untethered from hard work and merit, people are much less likely to be happy and feel successful. These findings and principles are consistent with anecdotal evidence and my 22 years of experience helping people plan and administer their estates. During the estate planning process, it can help to ask clients about the legacy they wish to leave. A fascinating question is, “How much is too much to leave your children (or other loved ones)?” For some, the answer is $1 million, and for others, it might be significantly more or less. Still others answer that no amount is too much to leave their children. Might you feel better and your kids be just as happy if you leave them a bit less and give some portion to one or more worthwhile charitable organizations? Incidentally, there are a number of compelling types of irrevocable charitable trusts that have tax and non-tax advantages, known as “split interest” trusts.
PPIE continued from front page
an interest in having exhibitions that we have worked on have a life past our exhibit schedule.” MuseSRV obtained permission to borrow objects in the exhibit belonging to the California State Library and private collectors as well as components created by the Capitol Museum staff featuring items from their own collection. In 1915, local fairgoers boarded an electric rail car at the stop near the intersection of Hartz and Prospect, about a block from where MuseSRV now stands at 250 Railroad Avenue in Danville. The Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern Railroad electric trains ran parallel to Danville Boulevard providing fast and inexpensive service to the ferry in Oakland. The 1915 sign atop the Ferry Building welcoming travelers to San Francisco has been recently restored. In 2015, San Ramon Valley residents can get an overview of the exposition that covered 630-650 acres in what is now known as the Marina District by simply stepping into their own local museum. A color DVD takes 21st century patrons on a quick tour of the extensive exhibits. A vintage motion picture created to entice folks to visit the fair features the amusing antics of then popular comedians Mable Norman and Fatty Arbuckle. On Saturday, June 6th at 11am at MuseSRV, Marcia Harmon presents “1915 Fair, Fashion and Fun.” Included with admission to the exhibit, the program offers a lively introduction by a local antiques expert on attire, accoutrements and activities PPIE patrons preferred. Owner of Cottage Jewel in Danville, Harmon enjoys sharing her enthusiasm and expertise in interactive presentations. Winning over New Orleans in the competition to host the festivities, San Francisco seized the opportunity to become a showcase for the world’s latest technology. Recently resurrected from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake, the City on the Bay was eager to focus international attention on its potential as a center for innovation. Although the fair was dedicated to honoring completion of the Panama Canal, planning began long before the Canal opened on August 15, 1914. Construction of the fair officially commenced when President William Howard Taft broke ground for PPIE
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 25 In such trusts, the interest (i.e. assets) being gifted is split between charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries (e.g. the children), with each receiving a portion at different times. A crucial related question is, “When is the right time for your children to receive their inheritance outright, with no strings attached?” For clients who have minor or young adult children, I often include a living trust provision that: a) if a child has not reached a certain age when his or her parent (or last parent) dies, the trustee is to dole out trust funds for the child’s needs (e.g. “health, education, maintenance, and support”); and b) principal distributions beyond those needs are withheld until the child reaches a particular age, or a percentage at each of several ages. A parent’s decision about the right distribution age(s) may be based on any number of factors, such as when the child will likely handle a substantial distribution responsibly. Some people choose instead to create a lifetime trust for each child, in which varying standards of distribution may be established, without any mandated age for outright distribution. Besides potentially serving as a “happiness” tool for the children, this option can create helpful creditor protection. This protection can include shielding assets for any married child (or child who later marries) who might otherwise commingle the inheritance with his/her spouse and then later get divorced. In any event, once a child develops a solid work ethic and starts to experience successes based on the fruits of his or her own labor, the receipt of an inheritance is less likely to create problems. But choosing the right distribution age(s) in your living trust is often difficult and is a moving target. Your children change as do your assets and perhaps also your objectives. So, it’s important to have your estate plan reviewed regularly by an experienced estate planning attorney. This helps ensure that your trust distribution provisions (among other trust provisions and other estate planning documents) comport with your wishes and the law, as each evolve. It also just might help your loved ones avoid the inheritance “Powerball trap.” 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) 7054474; 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
on October 14, 1911. President Woodrow Wilson used a remote switch on opening day to start the generator that powered exhibits. Dramatic lighting synthesized a nightly aurora borealis effect. Mounted on a barge in the Bay, the “Scintillator” beamed lights in seven colors through the fog. When natural mist was insufficient, clouds of steam from an engine posted on the breakwater supplied sufficient moisture. Searchlights circling from hidden stations illuminated the 102,000 pieces of multicolored glass adorning the Tower of Jewels. Fairgoers could watch daredevil pilots doing loops and dives overhead or brave a 10-minute ride in a biplane for $10. Underwater adventure was supplied by a submarine ride. Visitors seeking a tamer experience could ride a moving platform through the five-acre reproduction of the Panama Canal. Ford Motor Company installed an assembly plant on site that churned out 18 Model T Fords each day except Sunday, selling for $490 apiece. Four thousand, four hundred cars were produced during the course of the exposition. Alexander Graham Bell made the first trans-continental telephone call from the fairgrounds before PPIE opened and a cross-country telephone call was placed every day during the exposition. Jerry Warren, MuseSRV Board President, sums up the lasting influence of San Francisco’s leading role in exposing the world to the newest inventions of the early twentieth century. “That same spirit of innovation drives San Francisco’s high tech world, and it is still a popular world famous destination.” He notes, “Every major cultural group in the Bay Area relives a part of that fair this year, and all have scheduled a wide variety of special events around the fair theme.” Visit www.museumsrv.org for more details and www.ppie100.org for related events around the Bay Area.
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Page 26 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
The Eye Opener
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Blepharitis
For those of you who have been diagnosed with blepharitis, you are aware that it is a chronic condition, and the symptoms and course can vary. Blepharitis symptoms wax and wane, but they never completely go away. However, with proper lid hygiene and treatment, the symptoms can be kept under control. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the top, bottom, or both of the eyelids. The oil glands that are on the edge of the eyelids become clogged and do not function properly. These glands produce the oily layer of the tears; and when they don’t do their job well, dry eyes and irritated lids develop. The main culprit in blepharitis is a bacterial infection. The normal bacteria that are found all around the eyes and face collects at the base of the lashes at the edge of the eyelids. These flakes accumulate at the base of the lashes and can actually be seen by the patient. When this occurs, there are effects on both the eyelids and the eye itself. These flakes on the lashes cause the lids to become red, irritated, itchy, and scaly. The residue from the flakes gets into the eyes which causes them to become red and watery, and to sting and burn. Pain and vision loss do not happen with blepharitis; however, this is one of the main reasons patients develop dry eyes, which can affect vision. Now that we have an idea of the signs and symptoms of blepharitis, we need to treat it. As stated before, blepharitis cannot be cured, but using a few techniques will limit the occurrence and severity of the flare-ups. The most important thing patients can do is to keep their lids as clean as possible. For women, this includes completely removing all make-up in the evening. Warm compresses with a clean washcloth used in a vertical motion in the morning and evening will help loosen the flakes that accumulate. I then recommend using a bland soap like Dove or Ivory to wash the eyes and face thoroughly. Keep in mind that any washes and soaps that smell fruity or tropical will generally burn and irritate the eyes further. In cases when the irritation and redness is worse, a short course of a topical antibiotic/steroid ointment or drops can be used to calm down the inflammation. Lubricating drops are always recommended because they help replenish the lacking tears in the eye and help to flush the irritants that are in the eye. Lastly, it is also important to treat any underlying skin conditions such as rosacea and dermatitis, as these are leading contributors to blepharitis. Any potential causal disorders that are at the root of the blepharitis must be dealt with and treated; if not, the eye and lid symptoms will likely never improve even with doing the recommended treatments. I see blepharitis in the office all of the time. Patients that have been diagnosed with it are aware of the necessity of lid hygiene. It is generally at times when hygiene becomes lax that a flare-up occurs. Proper diagnosis and treatment are key when keeping blepharitis and its associated burning, irritation, and redness at bay. Blepharitis can be diagnosed during a routine examination, or we are available to schedule office visits to help diagnose and treat any redness, irritation, and infection in an around the eyes. 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.
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.
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.
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Functional Fitness for LIFE! By Michelle Brown, C.P.T, C.G.T.
Functional fitness is a critical part of every day wellbeing. It’s not a trendy new form of exercise; it’s a simple fact! From a trip to the grocery store to a personal record on your deadlift, we all rely on it to support our activities of daily living (ADL) at every age and every stage. There are five primary movements of the human body: single leg movements, squatting, pushing, pulling, and rotation. All ADL involve these movements. Usually they are used in concert with each other, and ideally they are used in a flowing, rhythmic way. Think of loading and unloading a grocery cart into your car. Lean to one side, rotate, grab the groceries, pull the bag toward your body, rotate again, transfer weight onto your other foot, and push the groceries into place. Whoops! You dropped your receipt...squat down and pick it up, and in less than 20 seconds you have completed the five primary movements. This task relies on the stability, mobility, and strength that you have developed throughout your life. Tasks like this, though they may seem simple to many, become impossible to those who lack functional fitness. When just one of these movements becomes compromised, we take longer to accomplish ADL. We think carefully before we move, methodically working to avoid aggravating our injury. This inherently puts stress on joints and muscles that are not meant to be the primary mover in a given task. This is called compensation, and guess what--it causes even more injuries. This is why it is critical that your exercise program touch on the five foundational movements regularly and why it is essential that you are consistent with your exercise for your entire life. A functional fitness program may allow you to safely participate in activities that enhance wellbeing well into your golden years. Growing older gracefully is not done by chance. When you see a person in their 70’s playing with their grandchildren, hiking, playing golf, and going fishing without discomfort, you see a person that has worked on their functional fitness. If you are new to exercise or if you have been sedentary for a year or more, an assessment with a qualified Personal Trainer is a smart investment. It will help you better understand what areas you need to focus on, and it may also help you prevent injury. A good trainer will check postural alignment, stability, mobility, and strength before referring you to a suitable exercise program. If the assessment results in a need to continue Personal Training, make sure to review the programming and the plan with your trainer before beginning. Take time to ask questions and express concerns. It is imperative that you understand the plan so that you can apply the information in all your ADL. Your trainer may only see you for and hour or two per week, so it is critical that you are applying new habits in your ADL to make your progress as efficient as possible and to avoid setbacks. If you do have an injury, don’t lose hope! Many times a rehabilitation routine involving a combination of stretching, mobility, and strength training will get you moving functionally once more. If the damage is severe, surgery may be needed to resume ADL, though often times those who have had severe overuse or acute injuries will never be able to resume ADL without compensatory movements and pain. For this reason it is well worth it to start early on a functional fitness program and maintain the quality of life we all strive for. Michelle Brown is an ACE certified fitness professional, 2nd Degree Bok Fu Do Black Belt Disciple, Level 2 TRX certified, TRX Mind Body Certified, a Trigger Point Self Rehabilitation Therapist, board member on the CHMRC, blogger, inspirational speaker and owner of Gumsaba Outdoor Fitness Programs. Michelle has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba offers outdoor fitness programs year round in the great outdoors. Join Gumsaba for a FREE CLASS. Visit our website at gumsaba.com to get started. Use promo code SQUAT to redeem your free week. www.gumsaba.com (925) 683-5630. Advertorial
Meals on Wheels
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 27
“Doctor Flat Out Guarantees that he Will Not Cure You…” Dear Friend,
I could tell you story after story of how so many of the good people that come to see me throw away their pills, and feel better than they ever have. Or, I could tell you that I don’t cure anyone, and never have. And, both are true. Before I tell you how those two statements are possible, let me tell you a bit about me…Years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever. Years ago, I was an investigator for the U.S. government and all was fine. But then, I developed carpal tunnel syndrome. The shooting pain sometimes woke me up in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what to do. Finally, a friend of mine convinced me to give his chiropractor a try. I got relief, and shortly thereafter, I could use my hands again. I was so impressed that I went to chiropractic school myself. Now, people from Alamo come to see me with their carpal tunnel syndrome problems. They also come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, numbness in limbs athletic injuries, just to name a few. These neighbors of yours tell their stories: I have been able to stop taking pain medication. ~ (Kevin Ross, 8X World Muay Thai champion) My headaches are completely gone now! ~ (Jennifer Martin) Special Offer- I know you’re smart. You want to get to the cause of your problem, and not just cover it up with drugs. When you call to schedule a new patient exam by June 26, 2015 you’ll receive that entire exam for just $37. This includes x-rays, paraspinal thermal imaging...the whole ball of wax, and there are no hidden fees. But, call right away because on Friday, June 26th, 2015 at exactly 6pm, this offer will expire (by law, this offer excludes Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries). My assistants are Rachel and Linda and they are really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called THE SPINE and it is located at 170-B Alamo Plaza, Alamo (across from Rite Aid). Our phone number is 844-687-7746. Call Rachel, Linda, or me today for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you and God Bless. ~ TJ Bachmeyer, D.C. P.S. When a second family member accompanies the first, I am offering the second family member the same examination for only $17. P.P.S. Of course, all people respond differently to care.
Healing with Minimal Scarring
By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
As summer approaches, I find that my practice is busier than ever. Most people would think that plastic surgeons become busy in the summer because that’s the time of year when people want to look better in a bathing suit. While it’s true that summer does bring people into my office looking to enhance their appearance through cosmetic surgery, summer is also the time of year when I see more patients after being involved in an accident. Local emergency rooms are packed in the summertime with people who have been involved in accidents while participating in warm weather activities such as swimming, hiking, and biking. I have spent years during my training in trauma centers and emergency rooms, working in high-pressure situations, focusing my attention on saving lives and ensuring that patients are not at risk of serious illness or infection. My advanced training in aesthetics is an added benefit my patients receive. For example, repairs to facial lacerations from a biking accident can be done in a way that leaves minimal scarring. Please use me as a resource and give me a call, especially when kids are involved. I would be happy to help. Recently my patient’s sister was involved in a car accident. She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where they made sure she had no major injuries and evaluated her for a number of horrible lacerations on her forearm. My staff and I told our patient to call us if there was anything we could do for her sister. Two days later we were asked to take a look at her sister’s arm because it was painful and oozing. The woman had baseball type stitches in the largest laceration and 17 centimeters of cuts in a star-like pattern on her forearm. During my fellowship in hand and microsurgery, and other advanced training in cosmetic and maxillofacial surgery, I repaired countless traumatic injuries very similar to this woman’s. I consulted with her, and we agreed on a course of treatment that involved replacing the baseball stitches with 100 finer carefully placed sutures that will result in a more aesthetically pleasing and less painful repair. The result for this began with a consultation that allowed me to
improve her situation and offer her a more aesthetically pleasing result in my office … away from the long lines and crowds of the typical ER. As a mother I know first hand that the emotions involved when your child is injured are amplified on an exponential scale. The injury (especially facial laceration) itself is traumatic enough, but add to that a lengthy wait time in an unfamiliar environment, and what is already a scary experience can become almost unbearable. I treasure my involvement in this community, and I want to be used as a primary resource for these types of injuries. Please call me and I will ensure that it will be a calm and comfortable experience for your child. Most importantly, the injury will be optimally repaired the first time, avoiding the need for future scar revision. An additional note - It is a common misconception that lacerations must be repaired immediately. In some cases, if the laceration is cleaned well and kept moist, excellent results can be achieved days after the initial injury. Common sense must prevail with all bites, cuts, scrapes, or burns. Elevate and apply pressure for bleeding, ensure safety of the environment, and call 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency. The paramedics in our area are fantastic! Keep in mind that our office accepts most insurance plans, and even on a cash payment basis treatment at our office is likely to be a less expensive option. As always, it is my pleasure to offer my expertise, and I look forward to consulting with you soon. Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer season. 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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Page 28 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Your Personal Nutritionist
Lets Feed Our Kids Right this Summer By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
As parents we need to realize that eating right in childhood is the most powerful weapon against the growing epidemic of adult diabetes and cancer. Adopting sound eating habits early are the best bet for having healthy teens and adults tomorrow. Here are some healthy guidelines for meals and snacks this summer. Breakfast - I see kids being fed what I call paste and glue, sleepy foods - waffles, poptarts, bagels, sugary cereals, and juice for breakfast. There is absolutely no nutrition in these foods. The key is to make sure your child is fed a source of protein and fiber in the morning. Some popular good ideas are oatmeal with toppings such as brown sugar, honey, and raisins; Oatmeal Squares cold cereal or my family’s favorite – Kashi Go Lean; eggs with veggies and a sprinkle of cheese; vanilla Greek yogurt with berries and a touch of low sugar granola or cereal; or 100% whole wheat toast with peanut butter. It is fine to have some sugar in the meal as long as it is balanced with protein and fiber. Snacks - Snack time during the day when kids are at camp or on a road trip also needs to include protein and fiber. This will help improve your child’s focus on sports and in general keep their energy level and moods more balanced. Suggestions include an apple or celery with portable peanut butter pouches, beef or turkey jerky with a tangerine, hard boiled eggs with some grapes, Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares or Kashi Go Lean cereal with dried fruit in a Ziplock bag, or a PBJ sandwich. At home, after activities they can have a bean soup, low fat chili with shredded cheese and onions, a baked potato with broccoli and cheese, the sandwich they skipped at lunch, or even flavored oatmeal. Always have vegetables cut up on the counter or in eyesight when your child opens the refrigerator. They will eat red peppers, cucumbers with salt, jicama, carrots and sugar snap peas when they are hungry. Once in a while buy the veggie tray with ranch dressing, and add it to your dinner if you have not prepared vegetables for dinner. Beverages - Send a bottle of water and no sugar laden beverages to camps unless your child has an intense practice schedule. Being hydrated is very important for brain
Regeneration continued from page 21
Bowerman realized the parcel of land conserved within Mount Diablo State Park was woefully inadequate to protect the biodiversity of this extraordinary area. When she and Arthur Bonwell founded Save Mount Diablo in 1971, the park encompassed less than 7,000 acres. By partnering with other organizations to purchase properties ahead of development and transfer their management once secured, SMD has increased the amount of open land preserved for wildlife corridors and recreation to 110,000 acres held in more than 40 parks. Their efforts have protected property values and the quality of life in the shadow of the mountain while providing clean air and water for all manner of organisms from people to pollinators. BioBlitz began in 2007. In the 2012 Fall/Winter edition of Diablo Watch, SMD Land Conservation Associate George Phillips writes: “BioBlitz’s purpose is simple: performing ground level resource surveys provides important baseline species information, which guides stewardship and land management.” Strategies are targeted to each type of wildlife and vegetation. Motion/heat-activated camera traps capture images of fleet-footed mammals. State-of-the-art acoustic equipment elicits responses to recorded birdcalls and documents the presence of distinct species of bats through echolocation. From 2pm on April 24th to 2pm on April 25th, 2015, BioBlitz participants worked within the Morgan Fire Footprint in Mount Diablo State Park, SMD’s Viera North Peak property and a neighboring privately owned parcel. Approximately 50 individuals, including 40 scientific experts, members of the media, photographers, and volunteer supporters, collected data. Jim Cartan, SMD Land Conservation Associate, reports: “The 2015 Bioblitz is the second in a series of three designed to study fire recovery and regeneration on the mountain. Counts from across all three years will be utilized to manage sensitive and rare fire following species and invasive species, and account for changes over time.” Kip Will, Director of the Essig Museum of Entomology at UC Berkeley, comments on other factors clearly affecting the 2015 species count: “In general, the ongoing drought and then sudden cold spell with high winds and some
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function. Look closely at what their beverages are, and make sure you are reading the food label for sugar. I have seen many parents make the mistake of buying drinks like the Pure Leaf Iced Tea and not realizing it has lots of sugar. Lunch - Large amounts of protein and fiber are needed for lunch. Many kids are very busy at lunch time where they prefer playing than eating, saying that they are not hungry at that time. I tell all my families that when the kids come home from their activities they need a mini-meal like leftover chicken, steak or meat from last night with some added raw or cooked veggies. You can also add salsa or BBQ sauce. An option that holds up better in the warm weather for the lunchbox is a cup of grains such as quinoa, farro or whole wheat pasta with meat and veggies. Sandwiches get soggy and are often not eaten. This is not the time for lots of chips, crackers, dried fruits, or granola bars that lack in nutrition. Surprisingly, PBJ sandwiches are not adequate and do not fill you up. Dinner - If your child has been eating well during the day, they should not have a huge appetite for dinner. If dinner is too heavy, your child will tend to fall asleep and not wake up bouncing out of bed. This is the time that protein should be consumed in small amounts because protein is more difficult to digest when we tend to be sedentary and it does not burn off. You have probably heard that a good plate consists of half vegetables, one quarter meat, and one quarter grains – that is true. Vegetables stir fried with garlic and olive oil or roasted are good. Suggestions for dinner include a potato topped with chili, broccoli and cheese, cottage cheese and veggies or Greek yogurt and chives. Also, a cup of whole pasta with 2 cups of sauteed broccoli, spinach or fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil are quite popular. Desserts - I see a lot of families do not believe in desserts which often results in excessive consumption of too much pasta and garlic bread and little veggies. Children do like desserts and puddings and Fudgesicles and Skinny Cows are quite acceptable. Good desserts should also reduce the search for after dinner snacking. Exercise - Your child needs at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Please be a role model for your kids, and make sure there are different forms of exercise that they can enjoy on their own or as a family. I am glad to inform you that I am contracted with most insurance companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Hill Physicians and Sutter Health. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com and tell me your nutrition concerns. Refer to my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles, recipes and nutrition tips in my blog section. Advertorial
BioBlitz 2015 presented unexpected atmospheric factors to the 50 scientists and supporters who surveyed the Morgan Fire Footprint area in April (photo by Paul Salemme, paulsalemme.com)
rain greatly depressed insect activity this year.” Gordon Frankie, who has a Mary Bowerman Research Grant to study bees on Mount Diablo, noted that atmospheric conditions kept the bee count down to only two during the 24hour period. Returning another day, however, he had more encouraging results. Botanists had better luck. In response to what was most surprising, Bartosh answers: “The change in abundance from 2014 to 2015. In the second of these two post-fire years the abundance and distribution of much of the post-fire species is greater.” The delicate endemic Mount Diablo Jewel Flower that popped up in unexpected places in 2014 was back to shrinking from sight, and Brewer’s Red Maids were not as bountiful as in the previous year. But Western Morning Glories joined other fire-followers like Whispering Bells, Woodland Wooly Threads and Kellogg’s Snapdragon in their even more exuberant performance. Fire Poppies were out in force.
See Regeneration continued on page 29
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Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 29
Dr. Richard Long Joins Pacific Urology
Pacific Urology is pleased to announce the joining of Richard Long, MD to their specialty group. Dr. Long is accepting new patients and will practice at Pacific Urology’s San Ramon, Concord and Fremont locations. For 15 years, Dr. Long practiced adult and pediatric urology in Bangor, Maine. He has extensive experience in robotic procedures and was a leader in launching the robotic program at Eastern Main Medical Center. He moved his urologic practice to Fremont, California in 2013. He serves as the Vice Chief of Surgery at San Ramon Regional Medical Center and received the Top Urologist recognition from the Oakland Magazine in 2014. “I am very excited to join Pacific Urology’s large group and their parent company, Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group. Expanding to a group of seven urologists will allow each of us to focus more on our sub-specialty areas of interest which will translate into even better care for our patients,” states Dr. Long. Dr. Long’s areas of special interest are minimally invasive robotic surgery, prostate cancer and complex stone disease.“Robotic surgery expands the indications for laparoscopic surgery allowing almost any surgery, that used to be performed through an open incision, to be done endoscopically. Overall, this results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, less blood loss, and (for some surgeries) better cancer control,” continues Dr. Long. Dr. Long earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then completed a general surgery internship and urology residency at the University Minnesota Hospital and Clinics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Long is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Pacific Urology is the surgical division of Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. The multispecialty medical group specializes in treating urologic conditions and all forms of cancer and blood disorders. Locations include Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Livermore, Antioch, Brentwood and Fremont. For questions or to make an appointment, call 925-937-7740. Advertorial
Regeneration continued from page 28
Fire is not an unprecedented occurrence on Mount Diablo. Much of Bowerman’s original work was done after the 1931 blaze seared 25,000 acres. Following the 1977 fire that raged across 6,000 acres, well-meaning supporters wanted to raise money to plant the scorched earth with non-native Monterey Pines and Coast Redwoods. Fortunately better-informed botanists prevailed and native Foothill Pines and Blue Oaks were installed. This time the mountain is following the natural path of recovery. In ten years time the chaparral will be impenetrable once again, but in the meantime scientists are able to access areas previously unavailable for scrutiny as they build a database on post-fire recovery. Getting members of younger generations out to appreciate the remarkable recreation potential and incomparable importance of the Diablo Wilderness is a priority. “The family hikes are working as are some of the other things in our youth outreach program like the Scholastic Photo Contest and the new magazine for kids Devilish Details About Mount Diablo, reports Beryl Anderson, SMD Communications Manager. “We have a free family hike the last Saturday of every month.” To learn more about SMD and opportunities to explore, enjoy, and help preserve Mount SMD Board President Scott Hein captures a close-up of a D i a b l o , v i s i t w w w. Fire Poppy, abundant only after major fires (see more at savemountdiablo.org. www.heinphoto.com)
Thursday, June 18, 2015
6pm-8pm
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Pints Package $20 Donation includes beer, beer glass, and heavy hors d’ouevres. ‘Pints for Prostates’ is a 501c non-profit.
Mt. Diablo Branch California Writers Club
Novelist Joshua Mohr will present “Plarachterization: Intersection of Plot and Character” at the next luncheon meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, June 13 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, located at 611 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. Mohr will discuss how plot springs from the characters themselves, how our protagonists are sovereign beings, and how plot points can keep a reader turning the pages. Mohr is the author of four novels, including Damascus, Flight Songs, and Some Things that Meant the World to Me. His next novel, All This Life, is due to be published in summer 2015. Sign-in/Writers tables runs from 11:15am to noon, buffet luncheon from noon to 1PM (including a short business meeting), and the speaker from 1PM to 2PM. The cost is $20 for CWC members and $25 for guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, June 10th. Contact Robin Gigoux at ragig@aol.com, or phone (925) 933-9670. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation. The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/.
Scottish Country Dancing
Every Thursday evening, year-round (except Thanksgiving day) come dance! No partner is required and no Scottish ancestry is required. Adult beginner classes for Scottish Country Dancing take place each week with free lessons at 8PM. More experienced dancers also begin at 8PM. Once a month Ceilidh dancing will take place as well. Dancing will be held at the Danville Grange, located at 743 Diablo Rd in Danville. All dance nights are drop-in. The first beginner lesson is free, afterwards the cost is $8/night or $6/night if attending a 10-week session paid in advance. Call Witsie at (925) 676-3637 or Kathleen at (925) 934-6148 for more information. For children’s classes ages 7 and up, please contact Cathy at (925) 284-9068 for dates and fees.
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Page 30 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Scorpion Lacrosse Teams Take Four Titles
Two boys teams and two girls teams won their division titles at the recent Northern California Lacrosse Championships. There were five titles up for grabs and this group of kids won an unprecedented four!
2015 NCJLA Champion Girls 13A Venom - The girls rolled through the regular season posting a 14-0 record and outscoring their opponents 165-41. However, they faced a very strong Pleasanton team who wanted to knock them off their perch in the championship game. Down by one goal with two minutes to go, the Venom tied it up and then scored the game winner with 30 seconds on the clock for a 5-4 win in the championship game.
2015 NCJLA Champion Boys 13A Kings - The team was built on a tenacious defense, only surrendering an average two goals per game in their 14 regular season wins. Congratulations to Coach Colman, Coach Flanagan, Coach Braun and the players of the 13A Kings on an unbelievably successful season.
Kybella
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
In Aesthetic Medicine new developments occur all of the time. However, it is unusual to see something completely novel and exciting. In April the FDA approved a new injectable drug, Kybella, that should be a major break-through for the treatment of fat under the chin known as submental fat. Up until now the only way to treat this condition was with liposuction surgery. I believe this will be a dramatic new nonsurgical treatment option. Most people that I see would prefer to avoid major surgery if they can. Kybella is made of deoxycholic acid and was known as ATX-101. On April 29 it was approved by the FDA “for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fullness.” Prior to approval there were over 20 clinical studies in more than 2,600 patients. Most patients reported an improvement in the amount of fat under the chin. Kybella is injected in the fat under the chin. A typical treatment session is 1520 minutes. Up to six treatments may be needed. Once the desired result is obtained, retreatment is usually not required. As with any medication there are always potential side effects. The most common side effects with Kybella are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, and firmness around the treatment area. The overwhelming majority of side effects were reported as being mild in nature. As of this writing Kybella is not yet available. I expect it to become available in late June. It will help patients with excess fat under the chin. It is not a treatment for sagging skin nor is it intended to be injected elsewhere in the body. The first weekend in June I will be amongst a select group of physicians getting trained in San Diego. If you are interested in Kybella, feel free to call my office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information. Advertorial
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.
C L A S S I F I E D GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Dayton Geranen, General Contractor – Many years experience. Affordable prices for remodeling your residence. Small jobs are okay. Contacts available for all sub-contractors. Also can do earthquake retrofit of your home foundation. Licensed, insured, bonded. Contact me at cgeranen@comcast.net, 925-283-3434.
FOR RENT
2015 NCJLA Champion Girls 15A Venom - The team overcame adversity early in the season by losing their goalie in early February. Insert Reagan Bach, who was called up from 13B to fill some big shoes. The team came together as the season wore on, posting a 13-1 regular season record and avenging their one defeat in the championship game with a 9-8 victory over a very tough Novato team.
2015 NCJLA Champion Boys 15A Kings - The boys were led by two coaches who returned to the Scorpion program despite not having any sons involved in the youth game. Driven by the desire to coach this group of players, Coach Butler and Coach Nelson, joined by Coach Woerner, got the absolute most out of this team, posting a 17-0 regular season record and overcoming two 4+ goal deficits in the playoffs to beat an extremely talented El Dorado team in the finals by the score of 9-8.
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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Class IV Laser Therapy: A Revolutionary New Treatment for Pain By Dr. Kristin Moore, DC
(Formerly Dr. Kristin Hazleton, DC)
Nowadays, they have a laser for pretty much everything: laser hair removal, laser eye surgery, and laser tattoo removal. But have you ever heard of a laser that can help alleviate pain and eliminate discomfort? Well, you have now! It may sound like something out a science fiction movie. But Class IV laser therapy is a cutting edge technique that I use to help alleviate pain and discomfort and in most cases speed up the bodies ability to heal itself.
What Conditions does the Laser Treat?
Class IV laser therapy is an FDA approved treatment modality that can be used to treat musculoskeletal pain including but not limited to: • Back pain • Neck Pain • Sports Injuries • Sprain/strains • Whiplash Injuries
How Effective is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is incredibly effective at reducing and/or eliminating pain especially when it is coupled with other modalities. This can include gentle chiropractic care, spinal decompression, active release of tight muscles and ligaments, and at-home exercises and stretches.
Is Laser Therapy Painful?
Not at all! Laser therapy is an incredibly comfortable procedure that almost feels like a warm massage. It is applied to the site of pain in order to increase blood flow, decrease inflammation, and aid in pain reduction quickly. Most patients that receive this form of treatment end up feeling so relaxed that they fall asleep during the session.
Alamo Today ~ June 2015 - Page 31
How many Treatments will I need?
It’s hard to say how many treatments are necessary in order to alleviate your pain. However, it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to see a full recovery. That being said, I have seen people get better in as little as 3-4 treatments, while others can take longer. I will have a better idea of how long it will take for you to get better once I learn more about your specific condition. Usually, my patients see a decrease in the intensity of their pain or an increase in their body function within 1-3 treatments. The great news is that there is HOPE for a pain free life!!
How do I Learn More?
The best way to find out if laser therapy can help is to call my office and say that you read this article in the Alamo Today newspaper. Judy, our office manager, will then schedule you a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me. That will give me a chance to discuss your condition with you and to determine if I can help you. What have you got to lose but your pain? 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 Advertorial consultation today!
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.
Page 32 - June 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Alamo-Danville Real Estate Market: It’s Running Hot and Cold!
We’re near the end of May, so we have enough data to review this year’s market performance against the same time period last year (January 1-May 19) and be fairly confident that it has meaning. On average, home prices continue to rise both in Alamo and Danville. A key driver to that growth appears to be relatively low inventory at the mid to lower price points for homes as well as great interest rates for buyers. Low inventory coupled with steady demand has been the price driver in Danville and Alamo for four years. The Alamo homes that have sold so far in 2015 have sold on average within 23 days. Let’s contrast that with the 66 active listings (homes not sold) that carry an average of 70 days on market, with a list price ranging from $875,000 to $42 million. As I mentioned last month, it is indeed a tale of two markets. The dearth of inventory has not yet been resolved by market forces delivering a sufficient number of desirable properties for sale to tip the balance in the favor of buyers, although I am beginning to believe that change is much closer than it was in 2011. The upper price tiers are pretty much flooded with homes for sale, and last month I reported there is more than a year’s worth of inventory and a cold Alamo Luxury Home Market. Many of the Alamo homes listed in the upper price tiers are significantly overpriced. Some are listed above $1,000 per square foot. Of note, when and if these homes do sell, they will only need to fetch a little more than $500 per square foot, to drive average prices higher. I think it is also worth noting that some of the homes in this analysis sold for a lot less than $400 per square foot. This proves that not every Alamo home is worth the market average (mean) price in the minds of buyers and sellers. This is distressingly unlike Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon where every home is above average. Not listed on the chart is median price. Median price stands at $1,472,050 and is a really important number to aid our understanding of the Alamo market. It means simply that half of the 52 Alamo sold properties closed for more than this number and half sold for less. Shockingly, it is true that half of all Alamo sales were below median price, and significantly more than half were below the average (mean) price. Home sales declined in Alamo by 33% from the previous year, while average purchase price jumped 12% year-over-year. I attribute this to two things -- one, we have a lot of inventory that is priced well beyond what is achievable, and two, buyers are being very picky. They won’t pay too much, and they won’t buy just anything. They are content to wait until the right home comes along at the right price. So far rising interest rates are not concerning them. It appears that a great many
buyers are wanting exactly the same thing, so they are bidding up certain properties that meet their ideal while simultaneously ignoring those that don’t. Alamo dollars paid for square foot came in at a 13% increase. If it doesn’t sound like much growth, please think again. That’s more than 1% per month, although last year’s year-over-year rate of growth was a more impressive 18%. Remember too, as the base price grows, a single percentage point is worth more dollars. The average dollar growth, year-on-year is equal to $179,704. A percentage point last year was worth $15,230. Moving forward, a percentage point will be worth $17,289. We’re talking really big growth in terms of dollars. If we obtain the same level of growth next year as we did so far in 2015, Alamo average price will move to $1,924,266. Unless more Luxury homes begin to sell, I predict that will not happen. The market has run so hot and fast that it seems more likely that the rate of growth will steadily decelerate to a more normal 3-5% annual growth rate. Also, something of consequence worth noting is that actual selling price in Alamo is running above list price. That is a positive change from last year, when buyers were actually negotiating prices downward. Harkening back to a statement made earlier, what all this means is that homes that sell in first few days are selling above list price. Bottom line, if you have owned your Alamo home during the amazing run up of the last four years, you have done really well, and if you price it right, it will sell. It’s important to remember that there really is no “average” home and no two homes are exactly alike. Computer generated estimates of your home’s market value are probably wrong. If you would like multi-dimensional analysis of your home’s current market value, based on years of Alamo market experience, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@ thecombsteam.com. For more Alamo and Danville Real Estate articles, please visit our website at www.thecombsteam.com. Alamo Danville Single Family Home Sales Jan. 1-May 19 Sold DOM List Price Sold Price Sq. Foot Alamo 2014 78 38 $ 1,535,742 $ 1,523,186 $ 3,369 Alamo 2015 52 23 $ 1,673,849 $ 1,702,890 $ 3,472 % Change -33.0% -40.0% 9.0% 12.0% 3.0% Danville 2014 208 22 $ 1,109,124 $ 1,131,438 $ 2,668 Danville 2015 213 23 $ 1,190,570 $ 1,197,257 $ 2,758 % Change 2.0% 1% 7.0% 6.0% 3.0%
$ Sq. Foot $ 452 $ 512 13.0% $ 424 $ 446 5.0%
Alamo New Construction Views!
Executive Luxury Home
Views of Mt. Diablo from nearly every room. 5 bedrooms, spacious open and bright, estate vineyard, pool and pool house. Priced to sell $4,790,000.
Mt. Diablo views from this casually elegant & completely luxurious Braddock Logan model home. 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath. Priced to sell $1,950,000.
Blackhawk, Saddle Back Estate Home
Alamo, Whitegate Single Story
Alamo, Vineyard Estate
Private custom retreat on 2.27 Acres. 5 bedroom. Views! Soaring ceilings chef’s kitchen, large master bedroom suite. Priced to Sell at $2,599,000.
Stunning Mediterranean single story on nearly an acre. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2,946 square feet. Price to sell $1,435,000.
Classic Mediterranean home on 1 acre. Views! 4 bed plus office, large master suite, chef’s kitchen, amazing outdoor entertainment area, vineyard. Priced to sell $1,675,450.
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.
J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526