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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& AUGUST 2021
KEEPING NATURE'S AVIAN WORKFORCE ON CULINARY ANGELS Founded by Lisa THE WING McNaney in November
By Jody Morgan
The California Condor, North America’s largest terrestrial bird, boasts a wingspread of over nine feet. Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated scientists, the iconic bird of prey was saved from near extinction in the late 1980s. Still critically endangered with only 504 known survivors at the Kestrel Banding: Carie Battistone bands an American Kestrel chick as part of a nest box monitoring study. (Photo close of 2020, the condor courtesy of CA Department of Fish and Wildlife) symbolizes what is possible and what must be achieved to put other diminishing species on the rebound and stabilize populations of non-endangered raptors facing the same threats that make the continued existence of the California Condor problematic. Teams of citizen scientists are helping professional ornithologists document and respond to the complex factors involved in keeping raptors on the wing. Thanks to their contributions, there’s lots of good news to temper the bad. Raptors are key members of nature’s pest control workforce. Their prey ranges from rodents to insects. Carrion consumers, including condors, prevent the spread of disease by cleaning up decaying carcasses. But how can you get a bald-headed bird that relishes rotten meat to solicit support? In Nature’s Flying Janitor, Victoria Cox and Stan Applebaum succeed in introducing children to an essential avian helpmate. “For years, I have been portrayed as The American Kestrel is North America's smallest a villain. In Western movies, I am usually seen perched on a daytime-foraging falcon. (Photo by Greg Cochran) cactus or a dead tree, waiting for a lost prospector to give up and die. ... But I am not really a villain. I almost never attack a living creature. I just wait around to do my part in Nature’s Sanitation Corps. I help to keep the landscape tidy. You could call me a ‘flying janitor,’ but my name is Turkey Vulture.”
See Raptors continued on page 20
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
By Fran Miller
of 2016, Culinary Angels is a volunteer, donationbased organization that provides nutrient-rich meals and nutrition education to those facing serious health challenges. Meals are delivered free-of-charge throughout Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and Danville; about 95% of recipients are undergoing cancer treatment. Michelle Bradley and Nafisa Lillie Culinary Angels was created to not only provide hope, health and wellness, but to give the opportunity to exemplify nutritional education to its recipients. Volunteers are trained to cook with as many organic ingredients as possible with a focus on nutrient-rich, plant-based, seasonal ingredients. Culinary Angels believes this helps promote health, wellness, and hope to people who are compromised by their challenge. McNaney shares more:
See Angels continued on page 12
BEYOND THE HORIZON AND TINY HORIZON STORIES
EUGENE O’NEILL FESTIVAL SEASON 2021
Just beyond the horizon this September is the exciting return of The Eugene O’Neill Festival. The 2021 Festival Season has offerings for all individuals to get involved – both virtual and live. The festival’s centerpiece will be a filmed version of O’Neill’s first great drama, Beyond the Horizon will be released on October 2nd, via the Eugene O’Neill Foundation (EONF), Tao House website. Supporting the unique
See O’Neill continued on page 6
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XXI Number 8
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XII Number 8
The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
SALE TO SUPPORT DIABLO VALLEY QUILTERS PROJECTS
Diablo Valley Quilters is ready for “Fabric Follies & More,” their sale to help support the ongoing activities and community outreach projects of the group. St op by t h e Danville Congregational Church, located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville, on Saturday, September 18th between 9:30AM and 3:30PM. There you will find outrageous bargains on many fabrics including batiks, florals, juvenile, holiday-themed, specialty, and more priced at just $3/ yard. In addition, there will be books, patterns, tools, notions, kits, batting, yarn, and other accessories for sale. Bring your friends, and find some great deals that help support a worthy cause. Check, cash, and credit cards will be accepted. Mask wearing is requested. To learn more, visit www.diablovalleyquilters.org or call Pauline O’Connell at 925-323-5550 or Mayann Maiorana at 925-918-1259.
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT? please consider… THE ALAMO WOMEN’S CLUB | 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo Amenities Include: • 2,700 sq. ft. building with capacity for 144 guests • Commercial kitchen • Tables and chairs • Discount given to weekly, monthly, multi-day, and 501c renters • State of the art sound system, wireless microphone and speakers, Airplay, Wi-Fi • 60 parking spaces and easy access to freeways • ADA compliant For more information, or to see the facility, please contact Robert Read rental@alamowomensclub.org or 925 322-0736 All proceeds are used to maintain the club house, scholarships, and supporting our community.
BACK TO SCHOOL UNDER THE STARS
A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
Building on the fun and success of last year’s gala, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will again be hosting its signature fundraising event “Back to School Under the Stars.” The free, virtual Zoom event is scheduled for August 14th from 6-7PM and will be hosted by ABC Channel 7 news anchor, Dan Ashley. Join in for a fun and entertaining hour with a few surprises! There will be an exciting online auction that will allow you to bid on everything from vacation home rentals, fun experiences, and restaurant gift cards, to gift baskets filled with your favorite things. Starting on August 1st, you can browse the exciting items. The auction will open for bidding on Monday, August 9th. To register to bid and/or attend the event, go to the museum’s website museumsrv.org. Once registered, you will be set to bid, and you will receive an email on how to attend the online program. If you have any questions, please contact the museum at info@museumsrv. org or call 925-837-3750. Sign up and attend to enjoy a fun and entertaining evening in support of the Museum.
Spending many days at home in the last year, I started to see my belongings in a new light. I have stacks of books on the nightstand, and still I buy more. I am fortunate and have a full pantry and fridge, yet still I feel the need to “stock up.” I have craft projects sitting unfinished, specifically a handmade rug my daughter and I started years ago. The rug is made out of T-shirts from her San Ramon Valley high school and UC Davis college days. She wanted something to remember the time and activities but was no longer interested in wearing the shirts. We cut the old shirts into strips, braided them together, and then started hand-sewing the long “rope” into the rug shape. However, as the rug got bigger and bigger, it got lumpy...too lumpy to be useful or to easily correct. In frustration of having to redo a lot of our work, it got thrown in a box and sat unfinished. We lacked the heart and energy to take it apart and start over. It sat and sat...for years. The project moved with her to various states as she planned on hunkering down in the cold winters to finish it up. It didn’t happen. It came back home to California and sat some more. I just finished reading the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Dan and Chip Heath. (The book is off the nightstand pile!) In the book, it notes that one “way to shrink change is to think of small wins - milestones that are within reach.” They note, “Our dad, Fred Heath, who worked over thirty years for IBM, would tell his teams that when ‘milestones’ seemed too distant, they should look for the ‘inch pebbles.’ Breaking down the task and rewarding little bitty steps...can help with all sorts of things (such as housecleaning, weight loss, financial goals, unread books on the nightstand, and long-lingering craft projects).” I made a goal and set a time line, and I had my baby-steps in place. Our daughter was coming home after months away visiting her brother in Colorado. I would surprise her with the finished rug! I was driven, I was focused. I had my goal line. I ripped out the old work and started over. I got advice from my seamstress sister on how I could improve and avoid the lumpy mess again. I started hand stitching the rug together. I worked and worked, even to the point where my hand was protesting from the stitching. I had one day before she and her brother would arrive and about three hours more work to finish it up. It would be done in time! And then, the doorbell rang...surprise! They had planned on spending the night in Reno and arriving the next day. However, when they got to Reno at 1:30 in the afternoon, they decided to push on and arrive early...argh. The surprise couldn’t be hidden quickly enough. Hustle and bustle interrupted my even best laid plans. While I didn’t quite make my goal, and the rug has sat again while the kids were here, the finish-line is now in sight. By this time next month, I anticipate it will be finished, in-place, and in-use, and another project will be accomplished-- a milestone reached! As students head back to the classroom this month, hopefully parents may find a little breathing room to Tri-Valley Trapper tackle their own projects or participate in one of the many activities, events, or groups featured within these pages. Our area truly has so much to offer.
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
WHAT’S THE VALUE DIFFERENCE OF MY HOME FROM 2019 TO TODAY?
By Joe Gatti
In this article, we will look at the median price appreciation for our greater Danville area (which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon) homes. In the chart below, I show the amount of properties sold from June 21st to July 21st in 2019, 2020, and 2021. When I first viewed the price percentage increases from 2019 to 2021, I sat up in my chair and took a moment, but after some further research into Contra Costa County as a whole, the data holds up. Between 2019-2021, of the 11 counties considered as part of the greater Bay Area, Contra Costa homes had the largest appreciation level at 39%. Counties with large urban centers or counties that suffered from recent wildfire issues had the least, but as a whole, all the counties saw some form of home value appreciation. See the Compass table at right. Why Contra Costa? Before the pandemic, homes in our county were at a much more affordable price-point than counties with a large urban city center like San Francisco, San Jose, or adjacent counties that allow short travel access to these business centers like Marin or San Mateo. I can’t help but emphasize that during the pandemic, buyer’s shifted their perspective home buying interests to exactly what our area does best regarding detached homes. This includes properties that have larger lots for a pool, BBQ, or dining space; a larger bedroom count for use as an office or offices; more interior square footage space for a great room (kitchen/family combo) that allows for family events and entertaining; a high safety rating pertaining to crime; and vicinity to great schools, restaurants, and entertainment but not too close to city/venue areas with extensive crowds and congested spaces. Below, you will see the table of our local communities, with the corresponding home value appreciations from 2019-2021.* Our local table is very detailed and could be used as a dissertation topic let alone a single newspaper page. Look at the row corresponding to where your home is located, and look back online at properties sold in your neighborhood to see where prices have ended up in each period of the past three years. I have a short synopsis below of where the home value appreciation path has taken each area. Alamo: Its larger, flat lots and lower property taxes due to its classification as a town have always been a big attraction. In July 2019, its median price was $1,803,500, and by this past July, the median had increased to $2,637,500, an appreciation of 46.2%! Blackhawk: The Blackhawk gates provide privacy and boasts homes of an upscale design and the opportunity for private amenities to match. It had a median As ofDanville Natives, Know Danville and the San Ramon Valley sold price $1,545,000 in 2019, whichWe reached a median of $2,100,000 now. That’s an appreciation of 35.9%. Danville: Boasting a vibrant downtown with short distances between restaurants and shops. Danville has the second most homes sold in the table above and the highest appreciation level of 56.4%. It consists of a spectrum of home values from entry-priced homes, for young buyers looking for quality schools,Sold! to private Active New on Rep luxury estates. The 2019 median price of $1,310,000 Contingent Market! reached $2,050,000 this July. Buyer Diablo: Historically, the area contains the highest priced homes for the greater Danville area. Diablo has custom homes of unique character and private estates. The median home price for July 2019 was $2,781,250. The price dipped to $2,400,000 in 2020 and went back up to a median of $2,800,000 in July 2021. The small sample size in the table above for Diablo likely explains the 2020 dip. If an entire year of sales in Diablo were considered, the median price would be higher. San Ramon: With the most homes sold in our table of the greater Danville area, San Ramon has been an attraction for buyers coming up from the San Jose area who are looking for a more suburban home setting. The median home price in 2019 of $1,180,000, reached $1,700,000 this past July. That’s an appreciation of 44%. Our Totals: When combined, the greater Danville area appreciated 49.1% in sold home value from 2019 to 2021. The 2019 July median was $1,327,500 and it reached $1,980,000 in July 2021. In short, the value of a local detached property has increased significantly since 2019! I hope found article helpful. I’ve been serving our estateDrive, community for close to 10 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a 357real Cordell Danville 413 Verona Ave, Danville 140 you Clover Hillthis Court, Danville 4 Beds | Danville 3 Baths | 2,666 Ft both | $2,195,000 Beds Compass | 1 Baths | and 997 Sq Ft | $1,508,000 3 Beds 2.5 Baths | 2,126 Sq Ft for | $1,525,000 full-time real| estate professional over 40 years, all in the greater area.SqWe are Associate Brokers3with work out of the office located Westside Danville location on one of the most soughtNegotiated the winning offer for our buyer in a competitive Fantastic Sycamore single story combining unique at 15 Railroad Ave. in If you have any after real streets. estateLocated questions during thistheextraordinary time 5+ oroffer havesituation. questions about this article, please email on a flat 1/2 acre, future home A fantastic opportunity in Westside interior elegance anddowntown private end ofDanville. cul de sac location. possibilities are endless. shortfor distance Danville. A block from the Iron Horse Trail, SRV High School, The tastefully updated backyard is the quintessential GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are Ahere you! from the Iron
Recent Activity in Your Community!
Horse Trail, award-winning *Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the schools, article. and Downtown Danville. entertainer’s dream.
Call us regarding how our Compass Concierge and Bridge Loan programs can help you!
and downtown Danville. We can’t wait to see what our buyer does with this property!
Joe Gatti Broker Associate 925.588.3590 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 01914487
Ron Gatti Broker Associate 925.596.1972 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 00623995
gattirealestate.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
Grand Opening
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READY TO SPARKLE, INSIDE AND OUT?
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DANVILLE-ALAMO-WALNUT CREEK BRANCH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
ALL ABOARD FOR ‘TOTALLY TRAINS’
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley train exhibit is about to leave the station! Stop by while there is still time to enjoy this popular event at the Museum, located at 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. The main layout features a village scene with models of Danville and San Ramon’s present and past buildings. The newest addition is the Danville Presbyterian Church, which was located on Front Street from 1876 to 1932. The trains will travel over trestles, bridges, and through a mountain. The exhibit closes August 22nd. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM-1PM and Sunday noon-3PM. Contact the Museum at museumsrv.org, or call 925-837-3750 for more information.
SONS IN RETIREMENT (SIR)
SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH
Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining SIR San Ramon Valley Branch #128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have fun participating in a variety of Zoom related activities including investing, book groups, fantasy football, technology, wine tastings, and more. Members are also now participating in various outdoor activities including golf, bocce ball, bicycling, and hiking. The August meeting will be a virtual event via Zoom. The speaker will be Mr. Ron Baskett, Certified Consulting Meteorologist and Chair of the Tri-Valley Air Quality Community Alliance. Ron will present on “The Impact of Air Pollution in the San Ramon Valley.” Be ready for an interesting presentation. The presentation will be held Wednesday, August 18th at 11AM. To access the virtual meeting as a guest, please email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the Retirement branch, please visit www.SIR128.com.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has worked to empower women since 1881 by advocating for equal rights, gender equity, and education for women and girls. Members are tenacious and trailblazing! The group sponsors and raises funds for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education through TechTrek and Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) for local girls. Scholarships are also awarded to local women to help them complete academic degrees and graduate programs. Besides a love for community, members enjoy a rich social event calendar as well as a broad selection of Members (from left to right) Lisa Simone, Chris Ritter, Debbie Block, Joanne Quijano, Wendi interest groups such as Books, Whitcomb, and Claudia Schwarz at a recent Meet Movies, Bridge, Gourmet, and Greet event. Writing, Art and Garden, Mah Jongg, Hiking, and Great Decisions. Please explore the website (or join!) at daw-ca.aauw.net/membershippayment, or contact Claudia Schwarz, Membership VP at claudiaschwarz@ comcast.net to learn more.
JEWELRY FUNDRAISER FAIRE
The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) is hosting a Jewelry Furndraiser Faire on Thursday, August 26th from 10AM-7PM, and Friday, August 27th from 10AM4PM. The event will be held at the AWC, located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. Beautiful costume jewelry starts at just $5, and designer jewelry is 50% off. Proceeds benefit AWC and local scholarships. Please note, all shoppers and staff are required to wear masks and follow distancing protocol.
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
2470 CABALLO RANCHERO, DIABLO 4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 5,081 SF, 1.33 ACRE LOT OFFERED AT $3,895,000
695 CHRISTINE DRIVE, DANVILLE 3 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,470 SF, 0.37 ACRE LOT
475 LAKEWOOD CIRCLE, WALNUT CREEK 4 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 2,585 SF, 0.43 ACRE LOT
22 PINEVIEW COURT, PLEASANT HILL 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2201 SF, 0.16 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $1,825,000
OFFERED AT $1,789,000
OFFERED AT $1,248,000
BRYAN HURLBUT | 925.383.5500
BONNE WERSEL | 510.304.3303
BRYAN HURLBUT | 925.383.5500
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
JUST LISTED
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
231 MASTERS COURT #1, WALNUT CREEK 2 BEDS, 1 BATHS, 871 SF
3549 ROSINCRESS DRIVE, SAN RAMON 6 BEDS, 5 BATHS, 3,847SF, 0.30 ACRE LOT
151 KELL COURT, ALAMO 5 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,932 SF, 0.41 ACRE LOT
2567 SHADOW MOUNTAIN DRIVE, SAN RAMON 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,238 SF, 0.20 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $495,000 EVA ELDERTS | 925.726.9409
SOLD FOR $2,815,000
SOLD FOR $1,749,000
SOLD FOR $1,650,000
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
KORY MADGE | 925.366.9899
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
24 ALTA HILL WAY, WALNUT CREEK 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1670 SF, 0.33 ACRE LOT
166 MADELIA PLACE, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,368 SF, 0.17 ACRE LOT
110 SAINT ALICIA COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,925 SF, 0.48 ACRE LOT
62 MIRAMONTE DRIVE, MORAGA 3 BEDS, 1.5 BATHS, 1,248 SF, 0.03 ACRE LOT
SOLD FOR $1,460,000
SOLD FOR $1,260,166
SOLD FOR $2,300,000
SOLD FOR $750,000
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
SUZY PECK | 925.200.2988
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214
BONNE WERSEL 510.304.3303
BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500
DANI O’CONNELL 925.786.2176
REALTOR® | DRE#01177737
REALTOR® | DRE# 01173288
REALTOR® | DRE# 01347508
BROKER ASSOCIATE DRE# 01892167
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142
EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409 REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328
REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181
JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053
KORY MADGE 925.366.9899
MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380
REALTOR® | DRE# 01938194
REALTOR® | DRE# 01345227
REALTOR® | DRE# 02067680
DRE# 01882902
WWW.DUDUM.COM
DANVILLE
WALNUT CREEK
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES 925.298.2249 925.998.4444
REALTORS® DRE# 00905114 / 01364056
REALTOR® / BROKER DRE# 02078065 / 01019063
LAMORINDA
BRENTWOOD
SIERRA TAHOE
SUZY PECK 925.200.2988 REALTOR® | DRE# 01224695
Distinctive Properties
©2021 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
REGISTER NOW FOR THE DANVILLE PARADE!
The rescheduled, annual Kiwanis 4th of July parade will take place Saturday, September 4th in downtown Danville! The theme of the jointly-planned event with the Town of Danville is “Honoring our Healthcare Workers.” Registration to be in the parade closes on August 18th. Sign up or learn more at www.srvkiwanis.org/store/2021-parade-registration.
BUZZ SESSIONS RETURN TO DANVILLE SENIOR CENTER
FREE BI-WEEKLY LECTURE SERIES COVERS A RANGE OF TOPICS FOR SENIORS
With in-person programming coming back to the Danville Senior Center, the Town is excited to announce the return of the popular free lecture series “Buzz Sessions.” Seniors are invited to the Danville Senior Center on Tuesday mornings at 10AM, for free bi-weekly lectures on an assortment of topics. Topics can be educational, medical, some good old-fashioned fun, and anything in between. Upcoming topics include a 2021 Income and Estate Tax Survival Workshop, Technology Tools for the Caregiver, Journey to Wellness-A Functional Medicine Approach Using Natural Treatments, Premier Travel 2021, and How to Avoid Holiday Scammers. A complete list of Buzz Sessions, dates, and topics through the end of the year can be found at www.danville.ca.gov/seniors. The Danville Senior Center will be offering two lectures per month through the end of the year. In January 2022, Buzz Sessions will return to a weekly Tuesday morning schedule. All participants, age 55 and up are welcome. To register, call (925) 314-3430 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/recguide. The latest information on all Town events can be found on the website calendar at www.danville.ca.gov/calendar.
Feral Cat Foundation
Kitten and Cat Adoptions Saturdays 11AM-3PM | Petco 2005 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon All cats will be spayed or neutered, receive FVRCP shots, feline testing, microchip
Learn more at feralcatfoundation.org 925-829-9098
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O’Neill continued from front page
film offering will be two live performances at Tao House on September 25th and 26th. Beyond the Horizon was the playwright’s first play to appear on Broadway and won him the first of his four Pulitzer-prizes. In the play, young Robert Mayo dreams of adventure and a life beyond his family’s farm, but an unexpected romance shakes up the family and alters the future of the farm forever. “The fields, fences, and rustic, natural beauty of Tao House and the surrounding Las Trampas Wilderness will provide a fantastic backdrop for our filmed production,” says EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. A special virtual preview of Beyond the Horizon will be hosted by EONF with Eugene O’Neill scholar and production dramaturg Beth Wynstra on August 18th. The 2021 Festival Season will also debut a lively theatrical lecture entitled “Eugene O’Neill: 51 Plays in 51 Minutes” by Artistic Director Hayes on September 30th and October 1st. Having directed 27 of O’Neill’s 51 plays, Hayes’ presentation promises to be an informative and playful overview of the playwright’s entire body of work in less than an hour. The show will travel to Ireland to be featured at the Eugene International Festival of Theatre in October. Continuing the lead up to the premier film release of Beyond the Horizon, participate in a historic walking tour of downtown Danville on Saturday, September 18th, and learn about when Eugene O’Neill lived at Tao House. Then, on the morning of the premier film release, Saturday, October 2nd, come join the EONF for the Annual Hike to Tao House. Want to get engaged with the 2021 festival season now? You can participate today by submitting a “Tiny Horizon Story.” In Beyond the Horizon, young Robert Mayo dreams of what awaits him just over the horizon. We invite you to imagine what possibilities and dreams await you “LICKING LEMONS” just beyond the horizon. A TINY STORY “Tiny Horizon Stories” by Warren Cain, Danville can be about any theme I wish I could meet 50 people at one time. I that inspires you. Next, want to play with them all in my backyard. We write a tiny story about don’t have enough balls, so we will share them that future you envision because we can. We will throw them into the in 100 words or less. basketball hoop and kick them to each other, Then, send in your “Tiny and we will have five or six teams to play soccer. Horizon Story” using After, we will drink water together and share our the form found at www. snacks. We will lick lemons together and make eugeneoneill.org. sour faces. And when we are done, I will say “bye, Visit www. bye” and kiss them...all 50. eugeneoneill.org for a full calendar of events, to purchase access to the film premier on October 2nd, and to purchase tickets for the supporting live performances once available. Engage with EONF on Facebook and Instagram: @eugene_oneill_foundation, #BeyondTheHorizon, and #EONF2021Festival.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS AND VETERANS
Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that gives rides to seniors and veterans in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old. Please call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for more details. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.com.
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By Jamie Westgate, Principal
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7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Danville-Alamo Home Up for Sale Danville-Alamo - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7
deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar". To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1844-941-0941 and enter 2500. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.
This summer, I was really looking forward to “getting back to normal!” For the past 16 months, most of us have postponed traveling, missed visiting with extended family members, and broken summer holiday traditions that had been in place for years. There is something so special about the familiar. We like routines, predictability, and the chance to recreate memories that we revisit on This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2020 an annual basis. Lake Tahoe has been a special place for my family to revisit each summer, and interestingly, we find ourselves CATCH UP ON SOME “Zs” repeating our favorite activities each year. We bask in the sun on the beach BACK TO SCHOOL and help the nearby kids hunt crayfish. We spend all day hiking to Squaw By Jaime Kaiman, Monte Vista High, sophomore Valley’s high camp. The vintage mini-golf course in Kings Beach coerces us to It’s hard to believe that summer vacation is almost find who’s best at unique challenges. And we always eat fried chicken on the over. It feels like time flew by so quickly! Although I 4th of July. With so many activities at our fingertips, I sometimes wonder why am a bit disappointed that days of binge watching telewe retreat to the same activities each year! vision shows and sleeping in until ten in the morning Familiarity brings a sense of comfort and belonging that we crave. When we are almost up, I am pretty excited for school to start up begin something new, we work hard to fit in, but when we feel we belong, we again. At this time last year, my classmates and I were can let down our guard, be ourselves, and enjoy the experience, even when it’s preparing for a school year completely online. This year, repeated time after time. we are looking forward to stepping foot in a classroom and being able to see our The theme for our upcoming school year is “In my Father’s House.” Using 1 friends and teachers in person again. Corinthians 12:27 as our guide, God reminds us, “You are the body of Christ, and One way I always get the message that school is creeping around the corner again each one of you is a part of it.” We want every student, parent, and teacher to let is by seeing “Back to School” ads on the TV. When I see those commercials, I always down their guards, be themselves, and enjoy the experience knowing they already seem to get a pit in my stomach. It’s a mixture of bittersweet emotions. For a lot of belong in our Father’s House. Every student has been gifted with the ability to people my age, summer vacation is a nice break from the stress of studying and learn, socialize, move, and create, but our giftedness looks different. In my Father’s homework. This is why, when talks of going back to school come up, some people House, everyone can appreciate the gifts others bring to the table rather than my age get annoyed or want to change the subject as quickly as possible. Even though express envy for not having it for oneself. In my Father’s House, we celebrate that many kids aren’t always the most giddy about getting back into the swing of things, we look different, knowing we are made in the same human image. In my Father’s there are a lot of things we are thrilled for. I, for one, have always been excited to House, we consider others’ needs before our own, demonstrating genuine care and learn new things, to get my schedule, and to see my friends in-person again! unconditional love. In my Father’s House, we come with different opinions, but we Speaking of reuniting with friends again, this is just one of several things that listen, respect, and point one another back to God’s Word for help and comfort. are extremely different about this school year compared to the last. Last year, I am excited to see how God draws us physically, spiritually, and symbolically “passing periods” were spent trying to find the link to get to our next class, but into His house as we draw back to school. Our students return to campus August this year, passing periods will return to what they used to be (talking to a friend 10, and I can’t wait for our family reunion! in the hallway for most of the time, and hustling like crazy to get to your next class before the bell rings). Another thing that will be different is that we’ll be able to have a real classroom environment again. That means we won’t have to PANCAKE BREAKFAST RAISES $2,500 FOR worry about choppy audio or getting randomly kicked out of the classroom due LOCAL NON-PROFITS to internet issues. Being in a classroom with classmates is completely different For many years, a pancake breakfast was held in Danville before the than being with students in a Zoom classroom. When we’re actually in-person, annual 4th of July parade. everything feels less awkward than it does online. Because there was no parade on July 4th this year, the Kiwanis Club of All in all, this school year should have a completely different feel than the one San Ramon Valley decided to put their efforts toward a pancake breakfast we had last year. Although it’s sad that vacation is coming to an end and that instead. In partnership with the Town of Danville and Luna Loca restaurant, hard work and late night study sessions are coming up, lots of people my age are extremely happy to be able to actually go back to school this year. over 300 people showed up for pancakes on July 4th. All of the food was donated by Luna Loca restaurant, except for an COUNTY HEALTH RESOURCES anonymous donor who provided the breakfast sausage. Below are resources to get updated COVID-19 health information in The event raised over $2,500 for local non-profits in the San Ramon Valley. Contra Costa County. The Club gives a huge “thank you” to everyone who showed up to re-live • Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org for updated and comprehensive inforthe tradition and support the Kiwanis Foundation Grants Program. mation and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Please visit srvkiwanis.org/grants for more information on the groups they • Additional resources of all kinds can be found at contracosta.ca.gov. support. A 2021 downtown parade is scheduled for 9am on September 4th, • Email Supervisor Andersen at supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us, or with the theme of Honoring our Healthcare Heroes and all First Responders. call her office at (925) 957-8860. The Supervisor is able to respond to questions you have that cannot be answered at the County Health website.
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
LOCAL SOCCER LEGEND RETIRES
By Melissa Durkee
To many, John Doyle has played multiple positions in his lifelong soccer career: U.S. Men’s National Team and World Cup member, Olympian, teammate, coach, and Earthquakes General Manager to name a few. But to countless families in the Danville and Alamo communities, he has been the strongest influencer on why the Mustang Soccer Club exists today. Now, after 21 years as the Director of Coaching, John Doyle has stepped away from his Mustang Soccer duties and moved to Copperopolis, CA. Mustang Soccer’s current Board of Directors President, Richard Northing, recently commented, “John’s wonderful leadership as our Director of Coaching has instilled his ‘player first philosophy’ within the Mustang coaching curriculum, where it will live forever. I can’t thank John enough for all his contributions to the club.” Scott MacDougall, a longtime friend of John’s and alumnus of the Mustang Soccer Board of Directors, shared the same sentiments. “John took a flawed competitive program at Mustang and changed it to be a community-first minded program; rules centered around providing players within our community the opportunity to play within their hometown, with their friends, and at the playing level of their choosing.” John would like to be remembered for “helping to create a community-based culture where our players and families were always put first. Our competitive program grew to 50+ teams, all with professional coaches that care about our players’ development on and off the field, who cultivate these players to be adaptable in any system or style of play. It is important to lead by example, I always tried to treat everyone with respect as relationships matter more than wins, reminded everyone that family should come first and before soccer, to have fun, and that we are all in the same Mustang family, so let’s be kind to one another.” John Doyle, the Mustang Soccer community is blessed to have had your presence for 21 years. Thank you for all you have done and for making Mustang the great place it is today!
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program, and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@so.cccounty.us.
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VALLEY OAK ADULT DAY/RESPITE CENTER REOPENED IN DANVILLE
Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging’s (DVFA) mission is to provide compassionate services to help seniors maintain independence, dignity, and peace of mind. Since 1975, the focus of the organization is to prevent inappropriate institutionalization of elders by providing the necessary support to maintain them in the community. Comprised of dedicated professionals and volunteers, the group enables older adults to live with as much independence and freedom as possible. The group is pleased to announce the long-awaited reopening of the Valley Oak Adult Day/Respite Center. It is at the same location as pre-Covid, in the Danville Congregational Church, located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. The Valley Oak Adult Day/Respite Center offers an interactive program for frail seniors and also provides much-needed respite for family caregivers. The facility is open five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 10:30AM to 2:30PM. There are many attendance options available to clients. Drop-ins will not be available due to staffing and CDC restrictions. Participants bring their own lunch. Participants’ physicians must complete a form, a copy of the client’s Covid shot card which is required, as well as a copy of an updated clear TB test. For more information, contact Jean Morrison at jean@dv-fa.org or by phone at 925-915-0030.
FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED
Food insecurity for many is becoming more dire. Stepping up and helping out with food drives are members of St. Timothy’s Church, located at 1550 Diablo Rd., Danville. The food drives support the Monument Crisis Center (MCC). MCC is a community-based non-profit family resource center which offers food, resources, and referrals to low-income individuals and families in order to help them become stable and secure in the community. The next food drive will be held August 8th from noon-1pm. Of particular need are tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetable, pasta, canned meats, rice, beans, oatmeal, soups, ethnic foods, and baby food. In addition, pet food and diapers are appreciated. Items in glass containers cannot be accepted. Monetary donations can also be made directly to MCC via www.monumentcrisiscenter.org/donate. Your contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn more about the drives at www.sainttimothysdanville.org.
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
CLIP NOTES
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By Jody Morgan
Danville Glass Shower & Windows
I’m practicing a new mantra as I move about my Best Quality, Prices, & Service gardens: “Blessings on thee bugs of mine. While you All types of residential glass work, my garden’s fine.” Although unable to identify Fogged Dual Panes • Mirrors the majority of the dozen or more insects toiling Broken Glass • Shower Doors recently on a small clump of native flowers, I know that all of them are playing important roles, whether they are pollinators, predators, or even parasites. By appointment only: Ladybugs, for example, are predators. If I don’t have 4115 Blackhawk Plaza Cir #100, Danville aphids, what are they going to eat? I used to hose the 925-277-0555 aphids off my plants, thinking that was the appropriately organic solution. Sho Now, I try to await the arrival of winged garden helpers, hoping my neighbors p Lo cal! will stop using the pesticides that threaten their existence. danvilleglasscompany.com I began seriously tempering the “Squish it before it multiplies!” response Email for free estimates Licensed and Insured I learned in childhood when I discovered I was making an egregious error. dgc94526@gmail.com #795837 Imagine my remorse when I realized that the ugly little pre-historic-looking elongated bugs I’d just killed were ladybug larvae, each capable of consuming its weight in aphids every day. Once you understand the labor-saving benefits of welcoming a free workforce to your yard, you’ll enjoy pausing to observe and appreciate the intricate time-honored relationships making your garden grow without applications of costly chemicals. In Trowel and Error, Sharon Lovejoy explains: “If you’re like me, you can use all the allies you can get to defeat the critters destroying your plants. First, you’ll need to keep your environment poison-free. Then, to keep everybody happy, it takes food (a diverse array of plants), water, and an assortment of simple and seductive lures.” You may not have enough space to leave a dead tree stump standing to provide food for insect-eating birds and homes for rodent-eating owls and hawks, but you can probably make use of several of Lovejoy’s lures. For example: “Feed the birds and foil your foes by placing a board in a shaded moist area of your garden. Slugs and bugs seek shelter beneath such a hideout. Turn the board over each morning, and allow the birds to pick it clean for you.” Unfortunately, natural processes don’t provide the kind of instant gratification laboratory-generated toxins offer. The history of the long-term effects of DDT, banned in the U.S. in 1972 for causing the near extinction of non-targeted species including our National Bird, the Bald Eagle, seems to have been forgotten. Dan Charles titled his NPR report (August 6, 2019) “New Evidence Shows Popular Pesticides Could Cause Unintended Harm to Insects.” Alejandra Tena’s study at the Valencia Institute of Agricultural Research found that mealybugs attacking clementine trees that had absorbed a neonicotinoid pesticide (“neonic”) through their roots died as desired. But so did wasps and hoverflies that fed on the honeydew excreted by the contaminated mealybugs. “Wasps and hoverflies are a fruit grower’s friends because they help fight harmful insects,” Charles noted. Quoted by Charles, Christian Krupke, an entomologist at Purdue University, explains, “This is the problem with water-soluble pesticides like neonics. It’s very hard to predict where they’ll go and what will happen when they’re out in the environment.” Yet most corn and soybean seeds planted in the U.S. today are coated with neonics. Published in PLOS One just prior to Charles’s presentation, a study co-authored by Kendra Klein, a senior staff scientist at Friends of the Earth, found U.S. agriculture to be 48 times as deadly to insects today as it was a quarter century ago. Yale Environment 360 published Christian Schwargerl’s paper (July 6, 2016) entitled “What’s Causing the Sharp Decline in Insects, and Why It Matters.” Schwargerl writes: “Scientists cite many factors in the fall-off of the world’s insect populations, but chief among them are the ubiquitous use of pesticides, the spread of monoculture crops such as corn and soybeans, urbanization, and habitat destruction.” Schwargerl continues: “A 2014 study in Science documented a steep drop in insect and invertebrate populations worldwide. By combining data from the few comprehensive studies that exist, lead author Rodolfo Dirzo, an ecologist at Stanford University, developed a global index for invertebrate abundance that showed a 45 percent decline over the last four decades.” Insects often toil unseen like the elves aiding the shoemaker’s in a Grimms’ fairy tale. Doug Tallamy describes the critical ecological services they perform in a chapter in Nature’s Best Hope entitled “Restoring Insects, the Little Things That Run the World.” He carefully documents why respecting their contributions and providing what insects need to thrive is imperative to sustaining human life on earth.
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Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE). WPE, founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This nutritious food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge. Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. They volunteer because they believe in the mission and know they are helping others who have urgent needs at this critical time in their lives. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org.
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
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TOE THE LINE: A LOOK INTO COUNTY REDISTRICTING
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
On the heels of the 2020 Census Count, the Board of Supervisors will soon begin the process of redrawing our five supervisorial district lines. While the Board is ultimately responsible for approving the final map of new district boundaries, there are many opportunities for public input and even the drawing of alternative maps. The task we are embarking upon is only for County Supervisor Districts. A similar process will be taking place simultaneously for State Senate, Assembly, and Congressional seats lead by the State’s “Citizen’s Redistricting Commission. “Some cities, school boards, community colleges, and other special districts will also be involved with their own redistricting. The effort will be supported by a multi-disciplinary team of staff from the County Administrator’s Office, Elections, Conservation and Development (Planning), Information and Technology, and other departments. Redistricting occurs after every Census Count, and as such, we will now use the 2020 data scheduled to be released by September 30, 2021. Although we do not yet have the full results of the 2020 census count, our County has seen a substantial growth in population since 2010. And considering our County’s strong performance in the recent census that was more than five points greater than in 2010, and the third highest self-response rate of all California counties, we are confident such participation will allow for more accurate and equitable redistricting. Redistricting is important because it ensures that each Supervisor represents approximately the same number of people. With our County population of around 1.1 million, all district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality and voting rights protections. We are not allowed to have more than a 10% cumulative discrepancy in the numbers between districts. As it currently stands, my district, District II, is comprised of San Ramon, Danville (incorporated), Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, a portion of Walnut Creek, and the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Parkmead, Saranap, and Canyon. Blackhawk, Diablo, unincorporated Danville and the Tassajara Valley are currently in District 3. Many residents in those communities have already expressed a desire to be drawn into District 2 because of their geographic proximity, shared school district, and feeling of being part of the same “community of interest.” There are several laws and requirements that we must take into account when we begin redistricting. The Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the California Elections Code, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will guide redistricting. To the extent practicable, in accordance with the FAIRMAPS Act (AB 849) and as amended by AB 1276, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria in ranked order: 1. To the extent practicable, supervisorial districts shall be geographically contiguous. 2. The geographic integrity of any local neighborhood or local Community of Interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. 3. The geographic integrity of a city or census designated place shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. 4. Supervisorial district boundaries should be easily identifiable and understandable by residents and bounded by natural and artificial barriers, by streets, or by the boundaries of the county. 5. To the extent practicable, and where it does not conflict with the preceding criteria, supervisorial districts shall be drawn to encourage geographical compactness in a manner that nearby areas of population are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations. Furthermore, we are not allowed to draw boundaries for partisan political purposes. Given our highly polarized partisan climate, redistricting will be a heavily scrutinized process, with many residents rightly urging transparency and opportunities for participation. As set forth in the FAIRMAPS Act, we are planning additional outreach, public transparency, and more opportunities for engagement than ever before. New requirements include holding at least four public hearings before a final map adoption, with at least one held before the board draws even a first draft map of the proposed supervisorial district boundaries. Each Supervisor will be holding at least one workshop in their district to discuss potential boundaries. An online mapmaking tool will become available to the public as soon as Census numbers arrive at the end of September. Hard copies of proposed maps will also be accepted. Current Law requires that our redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021. Our first public hearing on redistricting will take place on Tuesday, August 10th at our regular Board of Supervisors Meeting which can be viewed online or on CCTV. Comments may be made by phone or Zoom. You can sign up for redistricting alerts, read about the process and the timeline, provide your input, and submit a map on our restricting website, which will be going live close to the time of our August 10th initial hearing. Please visit the site at www.CoCoRedistricting.org. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
Angels continued from front page
What was your inspiration for starting Culinary Angels, and how did you get started? LM: I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. My mom had cancer twice before she passed to ovarian cancer six years ago, and our daughter, two weeks after graduating high school, found a lump in her breast at the age of 18. She is also a survivor. I realized after sitting in a lot of doctor offices that the medical teams were not focused on nutrition but on calories. There wasn’t a lot of discussion on how a person can support and fortify their body in conjunction with their medical treatment. I began researching and started cooking using cruciferous vegetables, bone broths, and seasonal, local and organic vegetables. A dear family friend was then diagnosed with brain cancer, and I started cooking for him and his family using the information of which I’d become aware. Slowly, word got out, I gathered a few friends, and we started kitchen hopping. One of us would pay for the entree, the other the side dish, and the concept began to grow. We quickly realized there was a huge need and approached a church kitchen in Livermore out of which we cooked and Plating a beautiful meal operated until December of 2020. Culinary Angels was founded in November of 2016, and we received our 501(c)3 status in November of 2019. We expanded our partnership with Sunflower Hill Gardens and re-located to their commercial kitchen at Irby Ranch last February. What was your vocation prior to starting culinary angels? LM: I had a marketing and graphic design business from 1996 until 2019. I then decided to pivot 100% to Culinary Angels. Are you currently seeking new volunteers? Petra Boyle LM: We have close to 80 active volunteers and a multitude of volunteer opportunities. We are always happy to have new volunteers, and honestly, the heart and soul of this organization lives in our volunteer family. We are still 98% volunteer-led and have an amazing amount of retention. I realize there are a lot of places to plug in, but once people volunteer with us, they seem to stay. We are really good people, and we have a lot of fun!
See Angels continued on page 16
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
925-831-8310 Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful threeyear post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction. Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturday’s of each month.
PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
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VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
THE ALAMO CEMETERY
Today, the Alamo Cemetery is a quiet, wooded spot at the border of Danville and Alamo, located off Danville Blvd. on El Portal. However, in the 1850s, there was plenty going on. Located midway between the small downtowns of Alamo and Danville, in the fifties, there were annual religious camp meetings, two schools, a church, a parsonage, and the cemetery. In the early 1850s, several religious camp meetings were organized and managed by Mary Ann Jones and others. In her biography, Mrs. Jones stated that people decided to host a camp meeting which they hoped would lead to the building of a church. She wrote that the first camp meeting lasted ten days, and “people came from every place in reach.” In a church history, Rev. Wesley Van Derlinder wrote that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized at a camp meeting in the winter of 1850. James Smith later recalled people coming from Santa Clara, Napa, and Sonoma counties. He said the meetings were full of religious fervor and included three daily services, four or five preachers (described as “wonderful exhorters”), and baptisms in the valley’s best swimming hole on San Ramon Creek. In 1856, twenty-year-old Bret Harte probably came to the camp meeting when he was a tutor for Abner Bryant’s boys in the Tassajara Valley. Bryant was a devout Christian concerned that his four sons not grow up “like range cattle.” Harte later described such a revival in his story An Apostle of the Tules. Also in 1856, about ten people organized and built the Cumberland Presbyterian Church “on a lot which is now a driveway leading to the cemetery,” according to Mary Ann Jones. That year, the land was donated by John Watson. The Church met on the second and fourth Sundays and shared its sanctuary with Methodists on the first Sunday and Baptists on the third. One of the first grammar schools in the valley was placed near the cemetery in 1854. Mrs. Jones said Richard Webster was the first teacher. Smith (who was one of the students) said that Webster “was popular with the pupils. He had good discipline, but I never knew of his punishing a pupil.” In 1858, the Union Academy was established across from the church on the west side of the Martinez Road (today’s Danville Blvd.). After a protracted County-wide debate over the high school location, leaders from Alamo and Danville organized the Contra Costa Education Association and built the three-story Union Academy for boarding and day students. The first trustees were John M. Jones (Mary Ann’s husband), Silas Stone, and Robert Love. It opened for classes in 1859. The Union Academy was the largest building in the valley, and ranchers came regularly to meetings, church services, and other events. During the 1861-2 floods, residents took refuge in the Academy. After it burned down in 1868, students who went beyond grammar school boarded in Oakland and elsewhere for their high school education. In addition, in 1861 a newspaper, the Pacific Cumberland Presbyter, was published in Alamo by the Rev. T. M. Johnston. He might have produced it out of the Academy or the Church since he lived across from the church during the 1860s. By the 1860s valley residents and visitors frequented the small downtowns in Alamo, Danville, and Limerick/San Ramon to use the general stores, post offices, blacksmith shops, and one-room grammar schools. Disagreements over the Civil War created widespread debates during these years. But the existence of the Union Academy, church, and cemetery clustered on the Alamo-Danville border helped gather people together and nurtured the new communities. In the 1850s, the Alamo Cemetery was placed on a gentle hill east of San Ramon Creek, again on land donated by John B. Watson. There might have been earlier burials, but the first recorded one was that of six-year old Callie Chrisman in 1856. Today, no burial sites are available for new residents. The cemetery’s southern boundary for eligible niche interments requires that people must reside in an area based on the original nineteenth century Alamo, Danville, Green Valley, and Sycamore Grammar School districts. (The exact cemetery boundaries were established in a 1937 tax district.) The cemetery is owned and managed by the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District which also has a cemetery in Lafayette. The office is located at 3285 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in the back of the Lafayette Cemetery. The phone number is 925-284-1353. The San Ramon Valley Historical Society recognized the cemetery’s long history shortly after the society began. A program to dedicate this historical society plaque took place on May 31, 1980, with the Presbyterian Church’s pastor Rev. Orville Shick presiding. Sources: Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District; Virgie V. Jones, Be It Ever So Humble; drawing by Paul Dunlap; James Smith, Recollections, Museum of the San Ramon Valley archives.
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
WHO DO YOU TRUST? By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
Please, stop calling random companies from the internet that you think are legitimate sources for tech support, and instead speak only with firms you know and trust. If you think you are contacting a hardware company such as HP, Epson, or Dell, verify the website you reach is really theirs and not a third-party posing as help for their products. There is only one IT company you should call, and that is Portable CIO (PCIO), 925-552-7953. We’re local, we’re outstanding, and you can trust us to give you safe and sane advice at a reasonable rate. There are so many scam companies on the internet that prey on good people just like you. The internet is not a safe place. Here’s a recent example. This week, a client was bombarded with fraud messages from their credit card companies. It was all of their credit cards, and it was all of them at once. These were not scams; there were actual charges. The client immediately knew something was wrong. After some trial and error, they realized their email was also compromised. Once they grasped the severity of the issue and contacted us, our technician found their computer had been hacked from top to bottom. One of our techs put it like this: the snooping software left on this computer was similar to walking down a beach with a palm leaf dragging behind you to cover up your tracks. In other words, the attack was sophisticated, intrusive, and gave 100% visibility into what was being typed and read on the computer – and had been for over two months.
The hack started on May 10th, after the client had called “HP” to get help installing a printer. Instead, she reached a third-party vendor that posed as HP Support. While they helped her install the printer, they also kept access to her system. The bad guys used the next couple months to collect data from the computer files, typed keystrokes, and their email account. Remember, our client invited them onto the computer to fix their printer with full administrative access. With that access, the bad guys could install whatever they wanted. The printer did get installed. However, all of this other junk was happening behind the scenes. Why did our client search the internet looking for printer help? Because they erroneously thought they were a) sophisticated enough to spot a scam (and this company looked legitimate), and b) thought they could save some money. Unfortunately, neither assumption was accurate. After our client suspected they were hacked, they canceled their credit cards and asked for replacements. Then they called us, and our technician found the computer was so thoroughly compromised that they did not want it connected to any part of our internal network. Instead, we had to take apart the system, remove the hard disk, and back up their files minus the malicious software. Then, we rebuilt the system, reinstalled the software, and reloaded the backed-up data. What would have cost this client about $40 for a short phone call to our remote support to install their printer now cost them a few hundred dollars. It also caused vast amounts of inconvenience and stress. Just dealing with canceled credit cards and auto-payments is a hassle by itself. The bad guys’ tactics grow ever more sophisticated and challenging to identify, while also doing more damage than ever. Having a computer costs money and is like owning a pet or a new car. It needs
See Trust continued on page 18
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
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QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle
MCEVOY RANCH PETALUMA
The Bay Area has always been home to individuals who strive to push boundaries whether it be in science, technology, or the arts. Alice Waters; American chef, innovator, activist, and owner of beloved Berkeley restaurant Chez Panisse which she opened in 1971; is one of those people who is high on the list of trail blazers. Her latest book, We Are What We Eat, is one of my favorite summertime reads. In 1965, Waters visited France where she fell in love with the way the French shopped, the way they cooked, and the way they ate. Her description of her days abroad had me craving a fresh baked croissant and asking my smart-speaker to play songs by Jane Birkin. Thinking back on her student days in France, she writes, “The whole time for me really comes down to the taste of a wild strawberry, a fraise des bois, on my plate. I had never encountered anything like that before. When most people think of beauty, they think of what can be seen or heard. But I believe smell, touch, and taste are more intimate.” Waters explains that when she was a student at UC Berkeley in the late 60’s, the Free Speech Movement and anti-war and civil rights movements were going on all around her. She witnessed César Chávez’s grape strike which focused people’s attention on the rights of farmworkers who grow our food. “These were the biggest issues of our time,” she writes. “I opened Chez Panisse because feeding people good food felt like the only hopeful thing I could do.” Fifty years later, Chez Panisse is known all over the world as the restaurant famous for creating the farm-to-table movement. Through Chez Panisse Foundation, Waters founded Edible Schoolyard Project where students learn to grow their own food and prepare it. The food education model has spread to more than 5,000 schools. Nan Tucker McEvoy (1919-2015), who founded McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, was another trailblazer. She was known for her forward thinking even before she began her adventure as an olive tree grower in 1991 at the age of 72 when she purchased 550 acres on the hillsides of Marin County. On a recent visit to McEvoy Ranch, I was able to tour the beautiful grounds
How it works 9 The event has a quick pace of play. Most people complete 18 holes every two hours. Although score is not of primary importance, we will award prizes related to your score. 9 You may register as an individual and attempt the 100 holes on your own; or, split the challenge among friends. 9 Your registration is a display of your heartfelt generosity to raise a minimum of $2,500 in support toward Hope Hospice’s mission of care and service to our community. Your green fees, cart rental, three meals, and course beverages are all covered by your registration fee. 9 Some players pay their own registration; others seek sponsorship from friends and family.
on an hourlong walkab out and have a taste of the fine organic extra virgin olive oils made on site. Our guide gave us some history about Nan. She was a McEvoy Ranch Peace Corps official, women’s rights activist, an assistant to First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, an art patron, and publisher and chairwoman of the San Francisco Chronicle Board for 14 years. After her retirement, while on a drive in the winding hills of Marin, she spotted a ranch she liked and decided to purchase it. The story about growing Tuscan olive trees on the Petaluma ranch goes like this: none of the local farmers were growing olives, and some said it could not be done. Nan’s son, Nion, gave her a book, The Feast of the Olive by Maggie Klein, and through that book, Nan discovered Maurizio Castelli, an expert on Tuscan olives. A friendship developed, and together they imported more than 1,000 olive tree seedlings from Tuscany. These seedlings were the start of what is now a flourishing organic olive ranch and olive oil producer. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous views of Morelli Pond, rolling hills, and Tuscan olive orchards on Summer Sipping Wednesdays at the ranch from the Tasting Room patio from 4PM-6PM. The ranch’s small lot and estate wines are served by the glass. Reservations are required. Check out their website mcevoyranch. com for special events. The address is 5935 Red Hill Rd., Petaluma. Their phone number is 866-617-6779. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel writer, Francophile, consultant and long-term Danville resident has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
Angels continued from page 12
How does one sign-up to receive meals, and what is the frequency of meals delivered? LM: A person signs up for a meal at culinaryangels.org by choosing “Request a Meal.” Our amazing Volunteer Coordinator will personally contact you to get you set up in our system. Meals consist of a protein or vegetarian entree, two side dishes, a pint of bone broth upon request, a healthy soup, and a nutritious dessert. Meals are delivered to your door, free of charge throughout Danville, San Ramon, Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton every other week. With whom do you partner for ingredients, and where is the cooking done? Who cooks? LM: We partner with three local, organic gardens: Fertile Groundworks, Sunflower Hill, and Clare’s Fare. We also have a donation drive at the Livermore Farmer’s market where the general public can purchase organic ingredients for our meals. The cooking is done at Sunflower Hill Irby Ranch Community in Pleasanton. Our chef, Claudia splits her time between both organizations, and we do offer Irby Ranch residents our meals as well. Our volunteers who sign up to do meal prep do the cooking at the direction of our chef and are Claudia Castillo and Michelle Bradley required to take a food handler’s certification class before working in the kitchen. Do you have any current needs that readership might be able to assist with? LM: We are looking for help on our Development/Fundraising Team. We have two board openings, and we are always looking for great people to join in any aspect of our program. Our annual fundraising event will be held Saturday, September 11th at McGrail Vineyards and Winery in Livermore from 6PM-10PM. More information and tickets for the event are available at culinaryangels.org. We rely solely on private donations and mini-grants in order to operate, so this annual event is very important to our sustainability. What would you most like readers to know about your organization? LM: We have this amazing opportunity to educate people about the health benefits of food and are hoping to create a Nutritional Empowerment Program soon. You don’t need to be going through a serious health challenge to benefit from locally sourced, organic foods. Often, when someone is newly diagnosed, they are driven by fear to react by going vegan or another extreme, eliminating all dairy, carbs, sugars, etc. Our approach is really well-balanced and simple. Whole ingredients plucked from the garden, thoughtfully prepared and sprinkled with a lot of love goes far in providing health, hope and wellness, especially during a challenging time. We have the capacity for more recipients, so it would be great if we could provide our service to more individuals in the area as well. We serve both the person going through the health challenge and their caregiver.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience. Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon. Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
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WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE “THE TALK” WITH YOUR CHILDREN? By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Clients often ask: “When should we talk to our children about our estate plan?,” or “Should we give our kids a copy of our documents?” Of course, each person and each family is different, so these questions have no universally correct answers. Many factors should be weighed when considering whether to discuss these matters with your loved ones and whether to let them see your estate planning documents. These factors may include, among many others, whether you have a blended family, the age and maturity of your children, whether or not you are treating children equally in your Will and/or Living Trust (“estate planning documents”), whether one (vs. others or all) of your children is nominated to serve as the Executor and/or Successor Trustee, how large your estate is, whether any beneficiaries other than children (individuals and/or charities) will receive a portion of your assets, and how likely you are to make substantial changes to your documents in the future. By discussing your estate plan, your family might benefit in any number of ways. Perhaps most importantly, your children will know before you’re gone - even if they don’t agree - what you’re planning and why. Even if you have a conventional plan, under which your estate planning documents provide that all children will inherit equally, the failure to communicate could result in a missed opportunity to discuss related issues and impart insight about your thoughts and values. The case for communicating may be more compelling when your estate planning documents depart from the norm in any significant way. This is particularly true when you have a blended family or when your distribution and/or management provisions are unconventional. Often, these situations merit talking with your children candidly about your decisions as soon as you feel it’s appropriate. Sometimes, it’s helpful for your estate planning attorney to facilitate or be involved in such discussions. Of course, communicating with children may be very useful when you have carved out certain tangible gifts or real property or closely held business interests for one or more specific children. Maybe, you’ve chosen one child ahead of others to play a key role in the administration of your trust or estate. Some matters you perceive to be minor may be perceived by your children as a bigger deal. Your reaction to the above may be that these are your assets, it’s your estate, and you can choose to do whatever you want - whether or not such decisions are, or appear to be, objectively reasonable or fair to your children! If so, I agree wholeheartedly. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t deceive yourself that your children are certain to see things this way. In fact, they may take great umbrage upon learning what you’ve decided. Their reaction may result in friction among your children and/or resentment of a certain child who is viewed as being “favored.” This friction too frequently damages or destroys cherished familial relationships. Query: might it be better to communicate about potentially sensitive matters during your lifetime rather than leaving your children with no explanation, potentially leading to anger and guilt when you’re gone? Even if one or more of your children believes certain decisions you’ve made are unfair, disappointing or illogical, at least they’ll know what to expect, and they’ll have some basis for understanding why you made those decisions. Naturally, discussion about these issues is rarely comfortable or stressfree. But deciding when to “have the talk” and what to reveal and discuss with the children is not a subject to be taken lightly or ignored. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business| Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, (please note new address) 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.
This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
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I TOLD YOU SO
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” - Abraham Lincoln There are only a few things that I dislike about my job. One is the “I told you so” moment, which can be painful for both me and my client. I’m referring to when I tell my client over and over to do something, but they don’t follow through or heed my guidance, and it comes back to bite them. While I have never been calloused or obtuse enough to point out these failures in person, this month we will go over a few of the classic moments. While this is cathartic for me, I’m also glad to have the opportunity to help you learn from the shortcomings of others. While we don’t draft legal documents (we leave that to attorneys), we do educate clients on designs and the various roles and responsibilities of an estate plan. Most estate plans include a document called a power of attorney. In short, this document gives someone the authority to act for another person in legal and financial matters. If someone has a health event (stroke/dementia) or is traveling overseas without a power of attorney, legal and financial actions may not be completed. The reasons most people don’t have this document is because of either the cost or the effort it takes to have it created. The fact is that for only a small cost or quick meeting you can potentially prevent chaos and stress for your spouse or children. Another example of an “I told you so” moment is when someone holds cash through a market cycle or pulls out of the market altogether. This is always the toughest one for us because we believe in long-term investing. Investing involves so much emotion, and people don’t always want to be guided by facts; instead, they would rather be emotionally satisfied. Although cash generates a negative real return (against inflation), holding it creates a sense of security for many. The fact is it’s nearly impossible to time the market, whether it’s on the way up or the way down. The economy and the stock market are cyclical. You are better off selecting one strategy and sticking to it for the long-term versus moving in and out of different strategies. The last “I told you so” item pertains to communication, especially when it comes to communicating with your family, business partners, or your charity of choice about what you are planning for transitions (retirement, gifting at death, or if you are unable to care for yourself). While there are legal documents that assist people in navigating most issues, it is best to verbally communicate with the people in your life. This can be difficult for many because we are taught and conditioned to keep money and personal matters private. In the book, Being Mortal, author Atul Gawande discusses the importance of conveying your death plan, which would outline specifically how you want your last days to be spent (in the event of a terminal illness). This can be adapted to the final days of your career or the first days of your retirement. Communicating your vision to others will help you refine it and help the people around you understand what you need from them. While I always wish that I could do more for my clients so they might avoid the “I told you so” moments in life, the reality is that you can only do as much as someone is open to doing for themselves. We are constantly faced with deadlines, distractions, and obligations, but it is our willpower that will help us cross the finish line. Anxiety can be caused by big events or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations, so to avoid the “I told you so” moments and rid yourself of anxiety, cross some of these tasks off your list. Oh, and I hope you are all having a great summer! “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” - Charles Spurgeon To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com.
Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory services through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 190 PO Box 528, Alamo, CA 94507. Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Insurance is offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This material is for use with the general public and is designed for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax or direct investment advice. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-3671492-071421 Advertorial
PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
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KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President 8TH ANNUAL AUTOS OF ALAMO FESTIVAL THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 4 – 8PM
Alamo’s eighth annual “Autos of Alamo” car show will be held on Thursday, September 9th from 4PM to 8PM in Alamo Plaza. The event is fre, so please stop by for live music and to see and enjoy locally-owned vintage, classic, custom, and muscle cars and hot rods from the years of 1980 and before. If you’d like to show off your car or exotic, registration is only $25, and you will receive a gift bag of special items as well. Please pre-register by calling (925) 247-8081.
ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET
Watch for fresh strawberries, peaches, nectarines, plouts, and melons as well as wonderful other produce, prepared foods, dairy items, and more at the Alamo Farmer’s Market! All produce is picked fresh and is at the Market within 24-48 hours. The Market is open Sundays from 9AM – 2PM, in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is free parking, live music, and friendly vendors.
THE PERPLEXING 5G WIRELESS ISSUE (PART 2 OF 3)
Since the 1990’s, Americans have paid fees on their phone bills that were meant to bring broadband to every American home using fiber optics. A 2020 court case [Irregulators v. FCC; DC Circuit Court of Appeals, 2020 Mar 13 ]revealed that the industry siphoned these fees through an accounting scheme and instead used these funds to build out cheaper, more profitable, and less regulated, wireless infrastructure. Not providing fiber to every home allowed the digital divide to come into existence. Fast forward to today, and the telecom industry is pushing three bills through the California legislature to allow them to bridge the digital divide. SB 556, SB 378, and AB 537 will remove local control over how and where wireless infrastructure can be placed. The industry claims this will allow them to more quickly install wireless infrastructure, thus bridging the digital divide. However, nothing in the language of the bills ensures that the infrastructure will be placed in economically challenged areas. The focus of these bills is on small-cell antennas to be placed atop utility poles, street lamps, and traffic lights as part of the anticipated 5G roll-out. How can we know what industry will actually do? We already have the example of misappropriating funds intended for installation of fiber optics. Also during the pandemic, when the FCC was given $3.2 billion to distribute among low-income Americans for broadband assistance, they told customers they would give them a $50 per month credit toward their wireless plans. Ironically, in order to access these credits, customers had to switch to costlier plans. The telecom industry appears more motivated by money than by the altruistic goal of “bridging the digital divide.” Their true intent with these bills is to remove local control to cut the costs of going through the local permitting process. The League of California Cities opposes SB 556 due to removal of local control, allowing small cell antennas to be installed over local objection. Why should we care? Along with removing local control, the bills shift expensive legal remedies from industry to local governments should any disputes arise, including safety disputes. Wireless antenna equipment pose fire hazards when installed atop utility poles. Scientific studies increasingly show adverse biologic effects from wireless radiation (radio waves and microwaves). The American Academy of Pediatrics has petitioned the FCC to update their wireless radiation exposure limits. Talk to your local representative. For more information, visit www.americansforresponsibletech.org/california. Senate Bill - SB 556 & Assembly Bill - AB 537 and current regulations, visit https://cal4safetech.org/ab-537-%26-sb-556/. To talk to a local resident about updates, contact cal4safetech@gmail.com
AIA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Now in its 66th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo (and Danville) residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo (including Danville and Walnut Creek) residents, membership forms, and more.
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner, located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets virtually at 6:30PM on the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club raises funds and provide services to those in need, both locally and worldwide, through fun and gratifying projects. Lions are well known for successful initiatives in vision health. Please contact Nancy for a guest connection to the next Zoom meeting at nbircher@ mac.com. Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca to learn more. For club information, contact Truman Howard at 925-787-2565.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets virtually on Wednesdays at 12:15PM. For information about the group, visit alamorotary. org, email alamorotary@hotmail.com, or call 925-718-6601. The Danville Rotary Club meets virtually every Monday at noon. Learn more at danvillerotary.org. If you are interested in the Danville/ Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary. com, call 925-336-0000, or visit dsvrotary.com. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets via Zoom every Wednesday night from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www. sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets via Zoom, on Wednesdays from 5:30PM-6:40PM. For more information, call 925-998-2924. Rotary Club of San Ramon meets via Zoom every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm. For more information, visit sanramonrotary.org, email chris@gallagherwealth.com, or call 925-831-3043.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant, located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.
Trust continued from page 14
care and maintenance to stay healthy throughout its life. Suppose you ignore the threats in the environment that exists today and take a chance on unknown characters to save a few dollars. In that case, you will probably end up like our client, or worse (lost data, encrypted data...). Would you have the kid down the street do surgery on your dog? Would you also let him work on your new Lexus? No, you would take your dog to a licensed veterinarian and your car to the Lexus dealership. Your computer is a highly technical and personal device containing your finances, family information, correspondence, pictures, business and/or work files, and much more. Seriously, doesn’t it deserve a professional, too? For 20 years, PCIO has been helping clients nationwide with all types of computer problems. Our Helpdesk can fix almost anything. Call us at 925-552-7953 or email support@pcioit.com to work with our outstanding technicians. Advertorial
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
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EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MELANOMA BUT ARE AFRAID TO ASK
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
Can I get melanoma? That is something many of us worry about. The short answer is anyone can get melanoma. However, some people such as red heads with fair skin and blue eyes, have the highest chance of getting it. Overall, the lifetime risk for developing melanoma amongst Caucasians is 1 in 34 or about 2.6%, but melanoma can strike anyone. There are factors that you can control to minimize your risk. While melanoma can be a lethal skin cancer, most patients that I treat are curable. This month, we will discuss what you need to know with respect to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In medicine, we look at risk factors for a particular illness and condition. There are certain risk factors that we can control and others that we cannot. As of 2021, we cannot alter our genetic make-up. We know that there are genetic factors that contribute to melanoma, and this skin cancer tends to run in certain families. People with a weakened immune system are at increased risk. This usually effects individuals with organ transplants who are on medicines to suppress the immune system to decrease the risk of organ rejection. If you have many atypical or strange looking moles, you are at increased risk. One risk factor that you can control is how much ultraviolet light you are exposed to. That is why I recommend doing what you love to do outdoors but avoiding peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm, applying and reapplying sunscreen, and covering up with protective clothing. Lastly, avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds increase your risk of developing several different types of skin cancer. If you want a safe tan, get a spray tan. With melanoma, early diagnosis leads to cure, whereas delayed diagnosis can have far greater repercussions. We tell our patients to check their skin once a month, so they are somewhat familiar with their moles and growths. If you have a new dark, pink, changing, or bleeding mole, we recommended having it evaluated sooner rather than later. In looking at a suspicious lesion, most of the time we will examine it using an instrument known as a dermatoscope. A
dermtoscope employs magnification and polarized light, allowing us to see the pigment pattern with greater detail. If the lesion is suspicious, we will perform a skin biopsy which is a simple in-office procedure that takes a few minutes. In our practice, the specimen is sent off to UCSF where it will be evaluated under the microscope by a board-certified dermatopathologist. If the lesion is benign, then no more treatment is needed. Typically, we recommend an annual full body skin exam at your dermatologist’s office. What happens if the biopsy shows melanoma? Fortunately, most patients we see have early-stage melanoma which is cured by excising a margin of normal skin around the biopsy site. This is usually performed in the office with local anesthesia. I recommend that most people avoid “Dr. Google” if they are diagnosed with melanoma. “Dr. Google” tends to only stoke one’s fear and anxiety. It is best that you find an expert that you know and trust to be your primary source of information. For melanomas that are of greater risk, we might refer a patient for a sentinel lymph node biopsy where a radioactive dye is injected at the site of the melanoma at the time of removal. The surgeon then removes a few lymph nodes where the dye is detected. These lymph nodes are then evaluated microscopically to see if the tumor has spread. For patients with only local disease that has not spread, no further treatment is needed beyond surgical removal. For those patients who have melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes, or if there is evidence of distant spread, systemic treatment is indicated. This is an area that has seen major improvements. At the beginning of my career, there were not many options for patients with positive lymph nodes or distant spread. It was rare that a patient did well. The good news is that today there are multiple options, tailored to the specific type of melanoma you have that can even cure late-stage disease. Immunotherapies that boost our bodies immune system have become the mainstay of therapy, and new discoveries are being pioneered every day. Of course, the sooner we diagnose melanoma, the better the outcome. The bad news is that melanoma is a potentially lethal skin cancer, and the number of cases we diagnose has increased over time. The good news is that we are now better equipped to treat melanoma than at any other time in history. If you have a spot on your skin, the worst thing to do is wait and worry. Call today and get it evaluated. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The practice is accepting new patients and Advertorial can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com.
PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
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Raptors continued from front page
Their featherless heads, that remind people of turkeys, allow these birds to dive into a messy Medical & Surgical Dermatology meal without getting soiled. Their immunity For Healthy Skin to many pathogens allows them to remove Offering Treatments for: tainted meat from the environment before Skin Cancer other animals are infected. Although Turkey Moles Precancerous Lesions Vulture populations are growing, Hawk Watch G INTRODUCIN Acne, Eczema, and Rashes International reports: “Vulture populations have Warts, Molluscum EMSCULPT D drastically declined over the past three decades. Keloid and Scar Revisions ONLY FDA CLEARE Psoriasis and Vitiligo They are now the world’s most threatened group Cysts and Lipoma ECTROMAGNETIC EL of birds with 73% of species around the world ING ET RG TA Hair and Nail Disorder GY LO NO TECH vulnerable to extinction and 77% experiencing D Underarm Sweating AN L NA MI DO AB Physician-Strength DY BO R FO population declines.” GLUTEUS MUSCLES Skin Care Products D PA Condors once inhabited a vast territory from CONTOURING, FAT Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: T! LIF TT British Columbia to northern Baja California, REDUCTION AND BU Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E but by 1987, only 27 birds existed in the wild. All Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, were brought into captivity to save them from and Rejuvenation extinction. More than 200 chicks were bred in Frown Lines and Jawline Reduction captivity from 1988 t0 2002. 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Eagles sometimes feed on for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, MiraDry carrion, but they more often ingest lead when Mohs Micrographic Surgery product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. consuming fish that have swallowed lead sinkers. NBUVB Phototherapy Pico Genesis Asked what raptor facts she most enjoys Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! PicoSure Laser educating people about, Carie Battistone, William Ting, M.D., PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon California Department of Fish and Wildlife Vbeam Laser 2262 Camino Ramon Silhouette InstaLift Statewide Raptor Conservation Coordinator, San Ramon, CA 94583 Spectra Laser Tel: (925) 328-0255 responds: “I probably end up talking about the Superficial Radiotherapy TEXT us at (925) 328-0255 24/7 threats raptors face. Since the public is drawn to Thermage™ Email: staff@caldermcare.com Ultherapy™ raptors, we can use them to show the impacts of Vaser Shape drwilliamting.com contaminants like lead and rodenticides. Anyone VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation *Welcoming new Medicare patients who sees an eagle go through the effects of lead toxicosis --which can include seizures and ultimately death -- will get the message about the need to protect them from this outcome.” Hawk Watch International explains: “Threats to raptors come primarily from humans. While all animals are subject to natural threats such as disease and predation, raptors suffer far greater harm from human causes.” Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation; climate change; poisoning; and collision (vehicles, wind turbines, powerlines, windows) top the list. As Director of Golden Gate Raptor Observatory (GGRO) since 1984, Allen Fish has been tracking the seasonal migration of birds of prey along the Pacific Coast, particularly over the Marin Headlands, for decades. In years not impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, 250 volunteer citizen scientists aid in banding birds, recording observations, and giving free informative presentations. As part of the National Park Service, GGRO awaits government agency permission to resume training volunteers and offering Hawk Talks during the fall raptor migration. However, Hawk Hill in Sausalito within Golden Gate Recreational Area is open to the public. The best time to see the migration is usually mid-August through mid-September. For more information, visit wwwparksconservancy.org/programs/golden-gate-raptor-observatory. Asked about species of concern, Fish comments: “American Kestrels, a small once-common falcon, has been slowly declining at GGRO and across most of the US. There are numerous theories about this, but I am sure that our massive poisoning of insects is a major contributor. Kestrels eat large insects along with small herps [reptiles and amphibians] and mammals/birds.” A White-tailed kite hovers 80 feet above the earth before The American Kestrel, our continent’s smallest daytime forager, is not endangered -- yet. But plummeting in a cloud of dust to come back up with a mouse in its talons. (Photo by Greg Cochran)
See Raptors continued on page 22
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August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS WHAT TO EAT IF YOU HAVE PREDIABETES
Post pandemic, I am seeing many clients getting routine blood work run that they skipped having drawn in the last year. From being sedentary and eating more mindlessly, we can move into the undesired prediabetic range. Do you not know what to eat because carbs are everywhere? Do you need to cut out carrots, bread, pasta, or wine? The good news is that you can eat a lot more than you think. By making simple tweaks in your diet, you will be able to prevent and/or reverse prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It is important that you know your blood sugar numbers. If your fasting blood sugar is 100-125, it is called prediabetes. If it is over 126, it is diabetes. After helping clients for 30 years, I can guarantee you will bring your blood sugar back into the normal range, if you follow these guidelines. 1. Consume mixed meals that include protein, fiber, fat, and sugar which will slow down the rise and fall of blood sugar. Do not eat fruit first thing in the morning or alone in between meals because at those times, your blood sugars are often high. Eat fruit along with a meal or as a dessert. The best breakfasts are eggs with veggies, cottage cheese on whole wheat toast with veggies, and oatmeal with added egg whites. For lunch, always have at least 4 oz. of protein, a cup of veggies, and a carb. For snacks, always have a protein with a fruit or veggies. You can have a dessert if it comes after a meal and not on an empty stomach. 2. Choose healthier types of carbs. Sugary or processed “white carbs” cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Carbs that come from the ground such as legumes, quinoa, barley, whole wheat breads, potatoes, non-starchy veggies such as broccoli and string beans cause a slower rise of blood sugar. If pizza or a pasta dish is planned for the day, enjoy it as long as you balance it out with lots of veggies that will prevent high blood sugars. At the next meal, do not have any carbs to balance the day out. 3. Eat more fiber. When they first come in, I often learn that my prediabetic clients do not eat any fiber until dinner. You must have fiber at each meal to keep the blood sugar stable throughout the day and avoid highs. Add veggies to breakfast, always have a veggie or salad at lunch, and even ask for extra veggies on your sandwich or double veggies in a restaurant. You can eat carrots. It is a misconception they are bad for you. For dinner, you can feel good about using Birds Eye, Green Giant, or Cascadian Farms quality steamed veggies that are lightly seasoned. 4. Get exercise into your day. Often, I will get a call in the morning from a client saying their blood sugar is unusually high, and they know they over indulged the night before. I tell them the best thing to do is to go for a strenuous half hour walk, and the blood sugar will drop about 50 points. Exercise builds lean body mass which will cause your body to process sugar more quickly. 5. Alcohol. Yes, you can have wine, but remember, it is like a dessert. It is best to drink a dry red or white wine. Have a glass of sparkling water next to your wine to allow for alternating consumption. Also, realize that hard liquor such as vodka or gin has no sugar, and there are sugar-free mixers to go along with it. Prediabetes is an epidemic. There are no symptoms. I am proud to say that I have helped hundreds of clients with prediabetes and even reversed type 2 diabetes. I cannot stress the importance of working with a dietitian when you are diagnosed with either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. My clients are thrilled to see the successful results after working with me. Nutritional counseling can be covered by health insurance such as ABMG, AETNA, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, CIGNA, Sutter, and UHC. Feel free to call me and I will check with your insurance and see what the exact coverage is in terms of your deductible, copays, and how many visits are allowed. Please email me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, call me at 925-855-0150, or refer to my website www.LindaRD.com. Advertorial
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PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • August 2021
THE EYE OPENER
SCHOOL AND VISION
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By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
It is hard to believe that most of summer vacation is behind us, and school is almost back in session. We hope that students of all ages will be able to attend classes in the fall and have a pseudo-normal year assuming the COVID infection rate does not go too high. Since August is the month where parents prep their children for the upcoming school year, I wanted to emphasize the importance of vision and eye health. It is vitally important for your child to be able to see well at all distances and have good eye-teaming skills to be able to learn and prosper at school. I will cover some of the main eye issues related to difficulty at school including refractive error such as myopia and hyperopia, and binocular vision disorders. The most common diagnosis I find at the office is myopia, or near-sightedness. For students that sit far away from the board or in the back of a large lecture hall, having uncorrected or under-corrected myopia will lead to blurry vision and an inability to see the material on the board or screen. These students are unable to take notes off the board and therefore often fall behind in class and miss assignments. For those students that experience a rapid change in their vision, we now have tools to help slow down the progression of myopia. Contact lenses such as CRT (corneal refractive therapy), MiSight, along with some other options are FDA-approved options to combat this issue. These options will be discussed as treatment options at the exam if warranted. At the opposite end of myopia is hyperopia, or far-sightedness. These students are in a constant state of focusing to allow clear vision. The closer the point of focus, the more work that is necessary to clear the image; that is why distance objects are easier to see than near ones. A low amount of hyperopia is desirable, since near-sightedness tends to evolve as the child enters adolescence, it gives them a little head start. However, in larger prescriptions, hyperopia can cause near avoidance, headaches, fatigue, eye turns, and an overall indifference to sustained up-close tasks. This can easily be diagnosed in the office as part of a comprehensive examination. The last prescription issue that can be a hindrance to vision is astigmatism. This is caused by the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, not being completely round. An easy analogy is that it is shaped more like an egg than a ball. Astigmatism will generally degrade both distance and near vision; however, distance is usually a little more affected. It is important to note that this is not a disease; it is just the way the eye is shaped and can be treated with glasses or contact lenses just like myopia and hyperopia. In addition to refractive error, all patients, including children, should have their binocular vision status evaluated. It is quite possible to not have any of the above-mentioned prescription issues but have poor eye teaming skills. If the eyes are not aligned properly and do not work well as a team, there will be learning and reading issues. These tend to present themselves more for reading than distance, but they can definitely affect both. When the eyes do not work as a unit, a child might experience double vision, “stretching” or “ghost images” of letters, skipping of letters or lines of text, eyestrain, headaches, near avoidance, or any combination of these. Depending on the exact diagnosis, the condition can be treated with glasses or vision therapy. I recommend having your child’s vision checked by an eye care professional instead of just relying on a school or pediatrician screening. The comprehensive evaluation I give at the office not only encompasses vision and binocular vision, but also includes neurological testing, color vision, peripheral vision, and an ocular health examination of both the front and back portions of the eye. Our staff looks forward to seeing your students in the office soon. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and join in on Facebook, Instagram, Advertorial and Twitter @Alamo Optometry.
Raptors continued from page 20
small population losses per year from 1966 to 2017 have caused a cumulative decline of 51%. According to the Peregrine Fund, the kestrel population declined 69% along coastal California from 1968-2017. Concerned researchers and volunteers with American Kestrel Partnership, a Peregrine Fund project, are engaged in a variety of projects to halt that trend. Building and monitoring nesting boxes is an important aspect of citizen science efforts. The Adopt-a-Box Program invites participation by the entire community. Visit https:/kestrel. peregrinefund.org/nest-monitoring. Carie Battistone works with the American Kestrel Partnership on banding nestlings and trapping and banding adult birds in the winter. She also monitors other banded species. She explains: “We often band raptors to learn about dispersal and other movements, and about longevity of the individual.” Occasionally, raptors preying on other birds at risk are relocated. “We band these raptors and sometimes place telemetry on them before they are re-released. It’s been really interesting to see what happens – some birds we never see again, some disappear Turkey Vulture’s featherless visage keeps it for a time and show back up as a band re-sighting, some travel around and settle elsewhere, and some return The disease free when cleaning up the landscape as to the site of origin. Of those that return, some go back to their old ways, wreaking havoc on terns and plovers, “Nature's Flying Janitor.” (Photo by Greg Cochran) but more interesting, some end up at the same site and do not target terns and plovers again. Another really interesting finding in general is how long some marked raptors live in the wild and how far away from the banding site they are re-sighted again.” Fish adds: “Sharp-shinned Hawks, a forest dwelling small bird hunter, have also been declining since the 2000s. I suspect that their dependence on insect-eating songbirds is causing this.” In Raptors of North America, Noel and Helen Snyder write: “On the mainland, the sharp-shinned Hawk is a relatively common species, although it was one of the species to suffer a major decline during the organochlorine pesticide era. Its major dietary emphasis on insectivorous birds places the species in a relatively vulnerable position with respect to toxic materials that increase in concentrations up the food chain, and it is accordingly a species that deserves continued close study in the future.” “Vanishing: More Than 1 in 4 Birds Has Disappeared in the Last 50 Years,” Gustave Axelson’s report on the findings of a team of international scientists from seven institutions led by Cornell’s Ken Rosenberg, was published by The Cornell Lab (September 19, 2019). Insects, a major dietary staple for many birds as well as essential pollinators for plants; which lifeforms, including humans, depend upon for survival; are facing similar catastrophic population declines. While the New York Times headline of November 27, 2018 (“The Insect Apocalypse Is Here”) may have sensationalized findings from a small research group, no one can dispute dramatic losses in populations of honeybees and butterflies. Not to worry, unless you recall how quickly Passenger Pigeons became extinct. “The Passenger Pigeon,” posted by Smithsonian, relates: “It is estimated that there were three billion to five billion Passenger Pigeons at the time Europeans discovered America.” By 1900, only a few survivors existed in captivity. Captive breeding programs failed. Named for Martha Washington, the last Passenger Pigeon died at the age of 29 on September 1, 1914. White-tailed Kites are also showing a slow decline in GGRO counts. Mice, their favored prey, pass on the toxin before succumbing to rodenticide poisoning. Mice also require a bit of cover to feel secure. Photographer and Danville resident, Greg Cochran, frequently spots White-tailed Hawks hovering locally over the rough along the Crow Canyon Golf Course. No one wants mice or other rodents entering their homes. You can keep the whole food chain (including your pets) safe with best practice advice on the Raptors Are the Solution website: www.raptorsarethesolution.org. Organic products to control insect pests are available at Ace Hardware and many local retailers.
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ARE SCARS LIMITING YOUR LIFE?
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
In 2004, Align Healing Center began using laser therapy to help patients relieve their muscle, joint, and nerve pain. Due to the near miraculous results that laser can provide to a sprain, strain, or chronic pain, our patients began to ask, “What else can laser help heal?” Wondering the same thing, we began to branch out and use laser on any and all injuries and wounds that our patients were presented with. We have literally watched the healing process occur right before our very eyes. We have treated scars that are 18 years old, bright red, and have never healed properly, and seen them begin to flatten and become less noticeable after the first treatment. Swelling reduces within minutes, severe bruises dissipate with no visible sign within a day or two, and surgical wounds become painless, with minimal scarring and redness. We have had patients that have had knee surgery and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, breast augmentation and reconstruction, rhinoplasty, face-lifts, and c-sections that heal in a fraction of the time typical without the use of laser therapy. If you are intending on having surgery or have a stubborn injury that has taken longer to heal than you would have expected, it is worth your while to explore the benefits of Class IV laser therapy.
HOW LASER THERAPY SPEEDS TISSUE HEALING AND REDUCES SCARING
Injuries and surgery cause tissue damage and inflammation, which reduces the circulation to the injured tissue thereby impeding the nutrition and energy available to the damaged area. Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Therapeutic lasers do not cut or burn, but instead, they supply energy to the body in the form of photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis, and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin). The wavelength of the Class IV Laser allows these photons to travel deep
August 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
into the body, up to 8-9 inches. When laser light penetrates into the body, it stimulates damaged cells to start producing ATP. ATP is the “fuel” or energy source that all cells need to function and repair. When damaged cells have the energy they need to function properly, they can immediately start the repair process. Laser therapy accelerates the healing of injured tissue, decreases inflammation, minimizes scarring, and eliminates pain, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO WORK?
Ninety-five percent of our patients notice improvement after the very first treatment. However, some conditions may take a few treatments to respond. Each laser treatment is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on the previous. The doctors at Align personally work with you each visit to ensure that you are progressing as quickly as possible. For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you, contact Align Healing Center to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Niele Maimone at (925)362-8283, or visit www.AlignHealingCenter.com. Advertorial
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Coldwell Banker is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
