KIM’S NURTURING NEST ANIMAL SANCTUARY: WHERE SKILLED CARE COMES BUNDLED WITH LOVE
By Jody Morgan
At Kim’s Nurturing Nest Animal Sanctuary (KNNAS), chickens came first. Farm animals with special needs and feral cats followed. Retired from her full-time career as a pediatric critical care nurse in 2019, founder Kim Kunst transformed their Danville property into a full-fledged sanctuary with her husband’s blessing. Officially registered as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit on March 26, 2021, KNNAS has helped 522 animals and spayed/neutered 341. There are 64 animals currently in residence housed in eight immaculate structures designed for their specific needs. The number of animals changes day to day as some move on to adoption or foster care in other places and new animals arrive. Some special warriors live out their lives at the shelter surrounded by loving humans and animal friends.
2024 EUGENE O’NEILL FESTIVAL TO FEATURE PLAYWRIGHT’S DANVILLE HOME IN HEADLINER PLAY
For the Eugene O’Neill Festival 2024 to be held in September, the Nobel Prize-winning playwright’s gracious home in the hills above Danville will play a unique role in Mourning Becomes Electra, one of his most ambitious, enthralling, and action-packed dramas.
The eight performances over three weekends, September 14th-29th, will begin and end in the courtyard of O’Neill’s Tao House, as the National Historic Site stands in for the grand New England mansion owned by the rich and powerful Mannon family. In a play that’s a captivating mix of Greek tragedy, soap opera, and even noir crime thriller, the Mannon family dynasty starts to come apart in the weeks after the end of the Civil War.
The first four chicks Kim acquired in 2010 weren’t rescues. She loved to garden and had space to add chickens. Kim describes her horror at discovering that males, banned from many towns as disruptive to the peace because they crow at the crack of dawn, are macerated the day after they hatch. Kim began volunteering at Animal Place Sanctuary in 2015 after her husband spotted an article about their factory farm rescue.
Kim explains: “These chickens have been suspended off the ground in battery cages their entire lives so they don’t know how to roost safely at night and pile on top of each other at night. The ones on the bottom suffocate. Volunteers are needed to move them off each other so no one is in a pile. Once they are asleep and it’s dark, they don’t move around but its stressful to keep them from piling up. This needs to be done for a few weeks until they relearn to be safe and to perch normally. They also can’t perch high off the ground since their bones aren’t strong enough to support them. It takes time to build their bodies to be strong since they are fed such minimal amounts and have no ability to exercise their muscles.”
See KNNAS cont. on page 16
When the play opens, the four Mannon family members – mother Christine, daughter Lavinia, father Ezra, a Union brigadier general, and son Orin, a wounded veteran – are each consumed with their own demons, which include the incestuous family dynamics suggested by the play’s title. Sweeping passions lead to adultery, jealousy, and despair, as well as to increasingly shocking acts of
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See O’Neill continued on page
Kim spent 10 days bottle-feeding Nimbus so he was strong enough to move to another sanctuary to bond with other lambs. Photo courtesy of KNNAS.
Rosie, Kim Kunst's first special needs rescue, played a leading role in making other hens with mobility issues feel loved. Photo courtesy of KNNAS.
The SRV 10-Year-Old District All-Star Team celebrates with their newly won Section 3 banner—the first Section title for the league at any age since 2004. Photo by K&D.
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
I recently received a video of my 1 1/2 year old grandson shouting at a living room speaker, “Alexa! Alexa!” he called in his sweet little babble. But then I thought, “Oh my, please hold off on his immersion of all-things-electronic for just a little while longer!” I know my hope is probably in vain as kids are sponges to what they see and many, from a very young age are highly adept with technology and “swiping up” to access a phone, play games, and even make a call.
I again reflected back to my youthful days where we were often occupied by the non-electronic things that surrounded us.
Our summers were spent reading, exploring, crafting, camping in the backyard, listening to record albums, baking up batches of chocolate chip cookies, and flying kites and paper airplanes.
On a recent trip to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, there was a kids section with a display of how to fold a paper airplane.
Folding paper airplanes and flying balsa wood ones, some with wheels and rubber band wind-up propellers kept us kids entertained for hours. There were so many variations of design and materials, and I joyfully passed on the folding craft to our children when they were growing up.
I encourage you, when you are done reading the paper, to please repurpose it into something fun! I’d love to see pictures of paper airplanes, paper mache creations, a folded “sailors hat,” a woven newspaper basket, or whatever other creative uses you can dream up.
When I have extra papers from the press, some are donated to a local store so they can wrap products to ship and avoid plastics. Other extras are donated to animal shelters to help provide easy-to-clean cage liners. Most shelters these days are desperate for any donations...and any adopters or fosters.
Please consider adopting a pet this month. They make great study and reading buddies for school-age children, and provide heaps of companionship and exercise for those of us past our school age years.
Many children return back to school on August 14 th . Before then, I encourage you to visit the Totally Trains exhibit at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, submit a photograph for the “Sweeping Passions” exhibit mentioned on page 5, and mark your calendars for upcoming Eugene O’Neill Festival events throughout August and September. Also, make an entry to stop by the 11 th annual Autos of Alamo Festival on September 5 th as we head into fall.
Lucky for me, I get to watch and be with my grandson this month. He doesn’t live nearby and all time with him is precious. I have my “Mary Poppins” bag full of planes, bubbles, and non-electronic gadgets to lead us on new adventures.
MOUNT DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Mount Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) was formed in 1957 as part of the National “Moonwatch” program established to time the first man-made satellites so accurate orbits could be calculated. Within months of the club’s formation, astronomy and space science made a giant leap into the households and classrooms of Americans with the launching of Sputnik, and soon afterwards Explorer I. The space race was on, kindling a desire in many to understand more about space and astronomy, and what the newly formed NASA was planning.
Monthly Club meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month (January to October and third Tuesday in November) at Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, and free monthly public and society astronomy programs take place on Mt. Diablo and the surrounding area from March to October. The events feature many telescopes and binoculars provided and operated by members for education and enjoyment.
To view the upcoming program schedule and learn more, visit mdas.net.
POETRY IN PLACE A FREE WORKSHOP AUGUST 18TH AT TAO HOUSE
Led by creator of Poetry in the Parks and artist in residence Jodie Hollander, Poetry in Place will kick off the O’Neill Festival 2024. Register for the Sunday, 2pm August 18th workshop at eugeneoneill.org/event/poetryin-place-a-workshop . Participants will use Tao House surroundings as inspiration as they receive writing prompts to create a poem about the significance of place. The importance of place is central in this year's performance.
WHATS HAPPENING AT MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY IN AUGUST?
Get ready for summer fun at Totally Trains!
Explore amazing model train layouts featuring iconic buildings from Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon, like the beautiful Danville Presbyterian Church, Elliotts Bar, and the Tassajara One Room School. Watch in awe as miniature trains chug over bridges, through mountains, across trestles, and past merry go rounds – it’s a train adventure right in the museum!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids can even become junior train conductors sorting mail on the special mail train. Also, don’t miss the chance for little engineers to fuel the mighty steam engine with coal.
Totally Trains closes on August 25 th. Grab your all-access Train Pass for just $20 and visit as many times as you want.
On August 31 st the museum will have an exhibit celebrating the 90 th anniversary of East Bay Regional Parks. This pop up exhibit will be held in the waiting room.
Totally Trains is located at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Ave, Danville, open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
All aboard for a summer bursting with train fun! It’s a perfect outing for train lovers of all ages!
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLASSES
Are you looking for a fun and energetic exercise routine? Adult beginner’s Scottish Country Dance classes are starting on September 5 th ! Classes for both beginners and intermediate dancers are held weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM at the Danville Grange, located at 743 Diablo Road.
No partner is needed. Wear comfortable clothing and flat softsole shoes; no heels! Fees are $8 per class.
For more information contact Monica at monica.van.eck@gmail. com
ALL BEAUTIFUL COSTUME JEWELRY STARTING AT JUST $5 DESIGNER JEWELRY 50% OFF (unless marked “priced as marked”)
ALAMO WOMEN’S CLUB 1401 Danville Blvd. Alamo
Please come and shop!
Proceeds will benefit AWC & scholarships as we
TWELFTH NIGHT
The Town of Danville, in collaboration with SPARC Theater, is excited to announce the summer production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the Village Theatre. Performances are scheduled weekends from August 9th to August 25th, with evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM and matinees on Sundays at 2PM. Tickets and more information about the production are available at www.danville.ca.gov/sparc.
Directed by Lisa A. Tromovitch and adapted by Jennifer Le Blanc, Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy suitable for ages 12 and up and runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
The Village Theatre & Art Gallery building dates back to 1913 and has been part of the community since its start as the Grange Hall. The building hosts quarterly art exhibitions and numerous live performances annually. The Art Gallery and theatre box office are open Wednesday-Friday, noon to 5PM and Saturday 11AMto 3PM. The box office is also open one hour prior to any live performance start time.
The Village Theatre is located at 233 Front Street in downtown Danville. For more information, please contact John Dunn, Program Coordinator for Performing Arts, at jdunn@danville.ca.gov or 925-314-3418. Tickets available now at www.danville.ca.gov/sparc.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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 in 2013 and now headquartered in Concord, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry free of charge.
Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. 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.
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. New and prospective members are welcome!
The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and participates in many community service projects. 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.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club; visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets at Fat Maddie’s located at 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays 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 Wednesdays from 5:15PM-6:40PM at Amador Rancho Community Center. For more information, call 925-998-2924. The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the LAB meeting room at Roundhouse located 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Meetings are held at 7AM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and no meetings in months with a 5th Tuesday. For more information call 925-997-6664.
EXCHANGE CLUB
SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128
Looking for some fun activities in retirement? Look no further than SIR 128 San Ramon Valley! We’re a vibrant social group specifically designed for men approaching, or already enjoying, their retirement years. At SIR 128, retirement is an opportunity to discover new passions and form lasting friendships. Our diverse calendar of activities caters to every interest. Whether you’re seeking adventure with our hiking, cycling, and fishing groups, or you prefer a more leisurely pace with book clubs, walking, or card games we have something for everyone. Plus, for those who love a bit of competition, we offer bocce ball and both 9- and 18-hole golf.
But it’s not just about activities! SIR 128 creates a genuine sense of community. Our monthly luncheons, held on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30AM at Bridges in San Ramon. Luncheons are a chance to connect over a delicious meal and enjoy fascinating guest speakers.
Feeling curious? Guests are welcome at our luncheons – email membership@ sir128.com to RSVP.
Ready to break the routine and explore the vibrant world of SIR 128? Visit our website at www.SIR128.com to learn more and see how you can join the fun!
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at The Grille at Blackhawk, located at 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle 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 $30. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com
Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program, and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within the community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address community issues of concern.
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
SWEEPING PASSIONS
PHOTOGRAPHY ENTRIES DUE
SUBMISSION DEADLINE AUGUST 10
Photographers and digital artists are invited to submit no more than five images of their artwork for possible inclusion in the Eugene O’Neill Sweeping Passions showcase. Selected images will be displayed at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley during the Eugene O’Neill Festival in September 2024.
The theme is the artist’s interpretation of the sweeping hills and house of the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site that inspired O’Neill to write his greatest plays. The photography showcase is a visual tribute to Danville's historic treasure as Tao House takes center stage in this year’s featured production, Mourning Becomes Electra. Photos may include the landscape and buildings, on site. Photos may be taken outside and inside the Eugene O’Neill home during tours open to the public. No tripods please.
Submission of digital images for evaluation must be received by August 10th. The images will be evaluated for inclusion in the Eugene O’Neill Festival 2024 Photography Showcase.
For entries and information, visit https://eugeneoneill. org/event/sweeping-passions-photography-showcase
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly news letter, has a dedicated website, and offers monthly special interest group (SIG) meetings. The society also provides monthly general meetings featuring nationally known professional speakers.
The Society does not meet in August, so stay tuned for our announcement on the September 17 keynote speaker, Liza Vogele present ing “Finding Your Ancestor’s Village.”
To learn more, or become a member of SRVGS, visit org. For questions, email president@srvgensoc.org
BE A FRIEND OF THE LIBRARY!
Classics, Custom, Vintage, Hot Rods, 1980 & Older Plus Exotics
For over 60 years, the Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) has generously contributed to the Library through its membership dues, sales in its Bookstore as well as its monthly book sales events. All proceeds benefit the Library’s adult and children’s programs, its fabulous special events, as well as the purchase of new books and materials benefiting all our patrons. We are grateful for our loyal community of booklovers! But we need YOU to continue that support. You’ll enjoy all our member benefits:
BE PREPARED! SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS
• Free book coupon with membership (up to a $4 value),
• Discount on the Friends’ book bag,
• “Book Wanted” request service where we find books for you,
• Email notices on all upcoming special offers and events—plus, the Friends’ online newsletter.
So pick up a membership form in the Danville Library Bookstore, located at 400 Front St., Danville, today—and thank you for being a Friend!
Emergencies are inevitable, being prepared is paramount and can give you and your family an edge on knowing how to handle a situation. The Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard community warning systems. You can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and email from the CWS in times of local emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, hazardous material incidents, law enforcement activities, and more that will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lock-down, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) that are necessary to protect life and health.
Register to receive emergency alerts, and learn more at cwsalerts.com
CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS A MONTH TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS & VETERANS?
Mobility Matters (MM) is a nonprofit agency that has been serving otherwise homebound residents trying to age in place in Contra Costa County since 2004. MM provides free, door-throughdoor, one-on-one, escorted rides for seniors and disabled veterans with volunteer driver programs and they match riders to accessible transportation providers through their Transportation Information and Referrals Helpline.
Volunteer drivers (ages 25-75) are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call Mobility Matters at 925-2842215 or visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com for more details.
CCIC NEEDS YOUR HELP
Volunteers, including new Vice President Susan Sheridan of Danville (in middle) help pick up donations and make deliveries.
Last year the all-volunteer, grassroots, non-profit Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition (CCIC) fulfilled 149 client referrals from county social service agencies, serving 428 people who may have otherwise “slipped through the cracks.” CCIC helps folks striving to secure self-sufficiency and a brighter future for themselves and their families. Their biggest challenge is finding volunteers to pick up donations and make deliveries to clients. The commitment is minimal, averaging 2-3 hours a week. Can you spare some time?
Donations of usable household goods such as linens, dressers, small tables, small appliances, and cookware for people starting over are appreciated as well. Visit www.ccichope.org and click on “What We Need” to find a list of items most desired by clients as well as volunteering opportunities. To offer your donations and/or service as a volunteer email contracostainterfaithcoalition@gmail.com .
THRIFT STATION SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville. This year the store celebrates over 50 years of serving the local community, selling new and gently used donations. Store proceeds support the exceptional, low-cost, broad-reaching mental health services provided by Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Discovery’s mental health services are integrated into all San Ramon Valley public schools.
The Thrift Station is an all-volunteer organization of dedicated, welcoming, and enthusiastic volunteers supported by a large, loyal customer base.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, and is located at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Danville -- next to Los Panchos restaurant. The phone number is 925-820-1988. If you are interested in joining the warm and welcoming volunteer family, please complete the application form at www.discoveryctr.net/ the-thrift-station or email the Membership VP at Thriftvols@gmail.com. You can also stop by the store and apply in person by filling out a blue form kept near the front register. Volunteers agree to work two 3-hour shifts a month. Come join the family of volunteers!
BOTANICA MURAL
Visitors to the Village Theatre & Art Gallery located at 233 Front Street in downtown Danville have a new experience awaiting them, with a large scale mural in place outside of the theatre building. "Woven Blossoms Still Life" stands as a vibrant testament to the fusion of traditional art and modern expression. This impressive 8-foot by 24-foot exterior acrylic mural on an aluminum panel, created by Elliot “Trent” Thompson, serves as the centerpiece of the Town’s 14th Annual Juried Exhibition: Botanica. Transforming the Danville Village Theatre Art Gallery’s facade into a canvas that captures the essence of nature's beauty, the mural offers a contemporary twist on still life. With the help of Danville floral designer and Urban Blossom owner, Robin Moody, all reference imagery for the mural was cultivated locally.
The Botanica exhibition and mural will be on view at the Village Theatre Art Gallery until September 20th. The gallery is open Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment, Wednesdays through Fridays from noon to 5PM, and Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. For more information, visit www.danville.ca.gov/art.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE ‘OFFICE’ TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office offers 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.
For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE
By Joe Gatti
T he Greater Danville Area is in the heart of summer! Thankfully inflation has continued to cool over the past three months and we’re reaching a point where markets are anticipating the Federal Reserve will begin trending downward on interest rates soon. American politics has been front and center so I’ll touch on how our local real estate market fares during presidential electio n cycles. If you’re considering selling or buying before or after the election this year, please reach out to the Gatti team. Our team with Compass combines 60+ years of Greater Danville Area experience with the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the United States. We strive for personalized, local, and proven real estate expertise tailored just for you.
On July 11th, we saw the third consecutive month of cooling inflation news. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June came out and inflation came in lower again. The official CPI number came in at 3%, .3% below the previous month’s reading of 3.3%. The Federal Reserve will meet on July 30 th-31 st (after the submission of this article) and market anticipation is more expectant that the Fed will need to lower their base rate coming up this year. They’ll likely pause at the July meeting, but traders see a high chance of a possible downward move at their September meeting or at a meeting soon after.*
In regards to our local real estate conditions, our team has guided multiple clients through escrow in the Greater Danville Area over the past month. If you look below we have one new Westside Danville property, a pending property in San Ramon, and I represented buyers on a recent Magee Ranch closing in Danville. The market direction has been more typical of summer’s past, pre-Covid. Active property inventory levels rise at the end of June, going into July and August, with buyers still having strong interest, but a portion of them shift their focus to time off, vacations, and schools being out. The median days on market for active listings in the Greater Danville Area (Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon) is currently 21 days.** Expect that to hold steady until we reach the fall selling season. With the potential for lower interest rates and a volatile election season ahead of us, the months ahe ad are not expected to be dull.
As a graduate of UC Davis with a political science degree, I would be missing an opportunity if I did not speak about the curre nt political conditions. We’re entering one of the more unpredictable presidential election cycles in the past 60 years. The last time a sitting president did not run for a possible second term was Lydon Johnson in 1968. Presidential election years historically are favorable to real estate in our area. This year is progressing in a way more encouraging way than last year. US GDP came in at 2.8% during the second quarter, which just ended. It is higher than expected and showing the economy is strong. We will definitely have some intense political theater in the months ahead, but I can say our local market for real estate will be stable, predictable, and will likely receive a nice boost when the Federal Reserve decides to reduce interest rates at some point in the not so dist ant future.
If you’re thinking of selling and have any questions on real estate, please contact us for a FREE no obligation estimate of the value of your home. We are here to help!
I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 12 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!
**Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
The Monte Vista (MV) campus is gradually coming to life as we approach the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. While there have been several camps, practices, and activities through the summer break, the vibe around campus has been very quiet. This always changes in the lead-up to the first day of school as our students, office staff, counselors, and teachers return to campus.
On July 29th, MV hosted SRVUSD’s annual New Teacher U which serves as an orientation for all the new teachers in our district. New MV faculty members include Sandra Crowder and Marjorie Hart in Special Education, Rexford Osei-Ansah in Spanish, Rachel Knowles in Social Science, Sarah Woodworth in Ceramics, and Shannon Moore as a new School Psychologist. In addition, Sandra Paek is joining MV as a member of our attendance team and Tina Wilkins is taking over as our new Textbook Clerk. There are still a few more open positions, so we look forward to introducing these staff members soon. We welcome all of these new staff members to the MV community.
The MV Main Office officially reopens for business on Monday, August 5th. It will be nice to see the whole office team rested, ready, and together again.
On August 7th, our Mustang Mentors will spend the day preparing to be group leaders for Freshman Orientation. Our student volunteers spend several hours discussing what every new Mustang needs to be successful in their transition to high school as well as what it means to be a MV Mustang. On Friday, August 9th, the team will put their training into action and officially welcome the Class of 2028 to our campus. We look forward to Freshman Orientation which is always well attended, well organized, and a tremendous success. A special thanks to the MV Leadership Team of Adrianne Bright, Tommy Greenless, and Chris Connor as well as our Mustang Mentors for putting together this amazing event.
On Thursday, August 8th we will celebrate our community’s return to campus at MV’s annual Stampede Day. Students and parents will pick-up school related materials, take school pictures, receive their school IDs, purchase spirit wear, and can make donations to a variety of booster organizations. A huge thanks to the many students, staff, parents, and community volunteers who continue to make Stampede Day a major success.
MV’s fall athletic programs began their tryouts and practices in early August. Many of our student-athletes have been hard at work throughout the summer (and well before) preparing for the beginning of our fall season. It is great to see all of that energy finally directed at the upcoming season. We are excited for a great year of athletics.
Over the course of the summer, our custodial team has put in a lot of work to get things ready for the first day of school – and the campus is looking great. Hats off to our site custodial, landscaping, and maintenance teams for all of their efforts.
The school year officially kicks off on August 14th. We look forward to another awesome year at Monte Vista.
SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
By Hailey Gunderson, San Ramon Valley High School, senior
As the month of August begins, students, staff, and the community are preparing to embark on another amazing school year. School officially starts with a minimum day on Wednesday, August 14th. Leading up to the start of school, we have school photos for returning 10th-11th graders on August 12th. Following that, on August 13th, is our annual Freshman Orientation called “Link Crew” along with school photos for 9th graders and new students. Seniors are currently taking their senior portraits for the yearbook!
As we anticipate the start of school, many clubs, classes, and sports are preparing for their events and activities in the first few months. Marching band will host their camp at SRVHS on August 7th-8th, preparing for the first rally and football games. Cheer and Pom have begun choreographing and practicing their routines for the school year. Waterpolo, Cross Country, Football, and Flag Football have all started pre-season training and are gearing up for the season ahead. The first home football game is August 30th against St. Ignatius. Come out, cheer on our team, and show support for our veterans by wearing red, white, and blue!
The Leadership class has been working hard all summer to prepare for the school year. On their annual leadership retreat in August they will finalize the Welcome Back rally and Homecoming, as well as plan for events and activities later in the year. Specifically, the Welcome Back Rally and Dance is scheduled for the first Friday we return to school. We hope to see everyone there to kick off the school year right!
SRVHS Choir recently went on tour to South Africa. They collaborated with local choirs in South Africa to sing with them and learn about their culture. To see videos from the trip and learn more about this incredible experience check out @srvhschoir on Instagram!
Quick reminder for students who drive to campus, parking pass applications are open. The SRV Spirit Wear store is open until August 9th. Stop by for spirit items including class homecoming t-shirts. Lastly, for parents, Back to School Night is August 28th at 6:30pm
Enjoy the last few minutes of summer. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus in just a few days!
TASSAJARA 4-H
Tassajara 4-H is a youth development program for individuals ages 5 to 19 serving San Ramon, Danville, and Alamo. We are a welcoming group, catering to a variety of interests through our projects, such as livestock, arts, public speaking, archery, beekeeping, and more! Members learn citizenship, leadership, and life skills through a “learn by doing” model. With roots in agriculture and rural America, 4-H is now the leading youth organization in the country, with over six million youth and 500,000 adult volunteers. The Tassajara 4-H program year aligns with the school year, beginning in August and ending in June. Our program is unique, as the true leaders of the organization are the youth members who are charged with leading meetings, making executive decisions, organizing community service and outreach, and planning small and large scale events. Adult volunteers serve as project leaders, in tandem with a youth leader, as well as in an advisory capacity, offering support to allow the youth leadership team to try out new ideas and improve existing systems. The 4-H motto is “To Make the Best Better,” and we pride ourselves on the skills youth attain through the program. Alumni have gone on to become veterinarians, engineers, scientists, programmers, accountants, teachers, event planners, and more, utilizing the skills they learned and the sparks they developed during their time as Tassajara 4-H members.
For more information on Tassajara 4-H and how to enroll, visit tassajara4h. org or attend one of the following Prospective Member Information meetings: Tuesday, August 20 at 6pm at the Danville Grange (743 Diablo Rd, Danville) or, Tuesday, August 27 at 6pm via Zoom (link can be found on the website calendar)
To sign up for the club information email list, visit tassajara4h.org/ contact
For
Veneers
Custom Teeth Whitening • Digital X-Rays
Invisalign Clear Braces
220 Alamo Plaza, Suite E, Alamo Next to Safeway
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturdays of each month.
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 three-year 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. 925-831-8310
FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER COMING TO THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
For victims of domestic violence in the southern part of Contra Costa County, much needed help is on its way.
$2.5 million of Measure X funding, the County’s ½ cents sales tax, has been dedicated to opening a branch of the Family Justice Center in the San Ramon Valley.
The non-profit Family Justice Center, which currently has locations in Richmond, Concord, and Antioch is set to open another location in the San Ramon Valley by the end of this year. The Center serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. These services are long overdue in District Two.
The Contra Costa Family Justice Center envisions a vibrant community free from coercion and fear. A place where people can come to the centers for education, opportunity, and comprehensive and integrated services in the pursuit of justice, hope, and healing.
Victims of abuse have the ability to consult with over 30 different agencies for assistance to get the help they need. The Family Justice Center has found success in bringing together public and private entities under one roof to provide services for maximum efficiency. The Center utilizes on-site partners coming from law enforcement, County staff, and non-profits. Help is delivered through entering a single door.
The Center’s Crisis Support Programs act as the backbone of services. Clients at the new San Ramon Valley location will be able work with a Justice Center navigator, who is intended to be a client’s most entrusted advisor throughout the process at the Family Justice Center. After addressing their crisis, clients make long-term safety plans with their navigators, who connect them with services to enhance their long-term self-sufficiency and ensure they will have the resources to live free of violence.
Free legal advice is also offered to clients, as well as Multidisciplinary Teams, for domestic violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking cases, which brings together law enforcement agencies with victim advocates for monthly case
review meetings for cases considered extremely dangerous.
There will also be a county Employment and Human Services navigator embedded in this location. With Measure X dollars, each county district is being assigned a navigator to assist residents who are in need of “safety net” services. It is often assumed that people living in Lamorinda or the San Ramon Valley do not need assistance, when in fact they often do.
The planning of the South County Family Justices Center has included many community partners, including representatives from the City of San Ramon, Town of Danville, Discovery Counseling Center, Narika, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, San Ramon Valley Fire, County Office of Education, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), San Ramon Valley Diversity Council, Being Well California, and first responder agencies.
The Family Justice Center clientele share common traits. As many as 98% of clients worry about their safety, 84% are women, 64% earn less than $2,000 a month, 60% have children, and 18% are disabled. Their reasons for seeking help range, but domestic violence is said to comprise 68% of clientele, with sexual assault next at 13%. Last year, close to 200 reports of domestic violence were filed with Danville and San Ramon police. Sadly, many more cases go unreported because of fear by victims.
The Family Justice Center is also focused on long-term solutions and is equipped with programs that seek to fulfill that outcome. The Center focuses on Safety, Healing, and Community. One program of note is “WINGS” –Women INspired to Grow and Succeed. The program was designed to increase self-sufficiency and leaderships skills of survivors of interpersonal violence.
The San Ramon Valley facility is still in the early stages. Please check back with my office for more information later this year. There will be many opportunities to volunteer when the office opens. Information can also be found on the Family Justice Center website cocofamilyjustice.org.
My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty. us or 925-655-2300.
VALLEY VIGNETTE
By Ned MacKay, edited by Beverly Lane
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT: 90 YEARS OF BIG PARKS
From sunlit shores to magnificent ridge-tops, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) spans 126,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, offering experiences as diverse as the land itself. With 73 parks, over 1,330 miles of trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, historic sites, lakes, and shorelines the District’s mission is to provide recreational opportunities, ensure the natural beauty and cultural history of the land, and protect wildlife habitat.
This story is an inspirational one in which citizens during the toughest of economic times in the 1930s created the EBRPD, the first regional park district in the nation.
In the late 1920s thousands of acres of surplus watershed land became available for development. Far-sighted civic leaders sought to preserve this land and retain a balance of recreation and wilderness features, ideas unheard of at the time. In 1934, members of a grass-roots land preservation movement placed a measure on the ballot which passed by a resounding 71%, during the depths of the Great Depression. The vote created the East Bay Regional Park District. On the same ballot, voters elected the first Board of Directors: which included Major Charles Lee Tilden, August Vollmer, Leroy Goodrich, Thomas Roberts, and Dr. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt.
FORMATIVE YEARS: FOUR PARKS (1934-1945)
Monday, October 21 Castlewood Country Club
At the outset, the District included only seven Alameda County communities and no parks. By 1936, it was able to purchase enough land to create three parks: Upper Wildcat Canyon (renamed “Tilden” as a 79th birthday surprise), Roundtop (now Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve) and Lake Temescal, home of one of the East Bay’s first reservoirs. The first three parks were opened with great fanfare on October 18, 1936. They were soon followed by Redwood Regional Park in 1939. In the 1940s, the start of World War II halted Park District growth and much of Tilden Regional Park was turned over the U.S. Army Defense Command.
9 You may register as an individual and attempt the 100 holes on your own; or, split the challenge among friends.
AFTER THE WAR: SEVEN CITIES AND EIGHT PARKS (1946-1961)
At the end of the war, under the leadership of general manager Richard Walpole, the District began to grow as people returned to the parks seeking family recreation. Concessions such as Tilden’s steam train, carousel, and pony ride were added. This growth continued into the 1950s with Roberts Regional Park’s swimming pool, baseball field, picnic areas, and trails. The District opened its sixth park, Grass Valley (Anthony Chabot) and Little Farm was added to Tilden. The post-war era created a population shift as residents moved to the suburbs. Southern Alameda County was annexed in 1956, and recreation areas Don Castro and Cull Canyon opened.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY JOINS THE DISTRICT; 32 NEW PARKS (1962 TO 1987)
In the 1960s, William Penn Mott, Jr. became general manager as the East Bay’s population exploded. The Park District Directors and staff leaders Richard Trudeau and Hulet Hornbek shared an enthusiastic vision of a grand system of hilltop and shoreline parks, and regional trails, in the entire East Bay. In 1964, most of Contra Costa County was annexed to the District. Some new parks included Sunol, Lake Chabot, Briones, Las Trampas, Crown Beach, and Coyote Hills, showing the diversity of the expanding park district.
Trudeau became general manager in 1968. The District faced the challenges of rising land costs and evolving recreational demands from the public. Then Proposition 13 and the California taxpayers’ revolt of 1978 restricted funds for agencies dependent on the property tax. Future funding for land acquisition and development were limited.
There was a major transformation in public involvement during these two decades by residents, open space advocates, and organized environmentalists
9 The event has a quick pace of play. Most people complete 18 holes every two hours.
9 Your registration is a display of your intent to raise a minimum of $2,500 in support toward Hope’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 A new half-day addition to the Hope 100, the skills challenge runs concurrent to the marathon and offers a chance to compete for prizes and bragging rights in a series of 10 trials including putts, chips, and drives.
9 Register a foursome for $2,000 total; or, sign up as a single for $500 and we’ll pair you up.
9 Snacks and course beverages are provided at no charge. An optional buy-in to the attend the closing reception and dinner with the marathon players is available.
829-8770 Register today!
Briones Regional Wilderness looking toward Mount Diablo.
Portable CIO
QUICK TRIPS By Linda
Summers Pirkle
PANORAMIC VIEW FROM YERBA BUENA’S NEWEST PARK
“Who wants a hot dog and some Doritos?” I would ask, knowing full well the answer. It was the 90s. My kids were little and easy to bribe. I’d turn off at the Yerba Buena exit, take the hairpin turn, doing my best to rapidly reduce speed to the required 15mph, and wind down the road to the Treasure Island parking lot facing the San Francisco skyline. Invariably, a food truck was parked at the same location beaconing base workers or visitors like me.
In those days, Treasure Island was an active Navy base and, being a Navy wife, I had my trusty I.D. which allowed me entry through gate security. Even so, my preferred place to be was in that parking spot looking out towards the water, marveling at the incredible views of the City and the glorious Golden Gate and Bay bridges. If it weren’t for the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridge,Treasure Island might not exist. It was in 1933 that an idea was proposed in the form of a letter published in the “Pulse of the Public’’ column of the San Francisco News suggesting an Exposition to celebrate the completion of the construction of the San Francisco bridges. “How about a World’s Fair to commemorate the engineering genius of the two new bay spans?” The “crackpot idea,” as it was called by some in the media, nevertheless, took hold and a site was chosen: Yerba Buena Shoals, an area adjacent to Yerba Buena Island consisting of approximately 735 acres of tidelands and submerged shallows that could be turned into a man-made island: the future Treasure Island. And, the rest is history.
In February, 1939, despite the Great Depression and on the eve of World War II, the Pan American Exposition opened on the newly created Treasure Island. Scientists, engineers, politicians, and ordinary citizens had worked together to create the huge
celebration honoring the completion of the two bridges.
Treasure Island has been my hands-down favorite place for great views. On a recent weekend, my now-grown children (who thankfully survived my questionable nutrition choices) and I discovered what might be the new contender for great views, and it’s only 1/3 of a mile from my original Treasure Island vantage point.
At the top of a hill, on the Yerba Buena portion of the island, among decommissioned water tanks, is San Francisco’s newest open space, aptly named “Panorama Park.” Sweeping 360-degree views of the San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Clipper Cove Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, both spans of the Bay Bridge, and the greater Bay Area are undeniably awe inspiring.
Panorama Park, besides the awesome views, is home to a new artwork called “Point of Infinity” by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. Installed in May 2023, this huge sculpture starts at a width of 23 feet at the base then rises to a height of 69 feet and tapers to a diameter of ⅞ inch. Made out of eight glass fiber reinforced concrete panels, it transitions to mirror polished marine grade stainless steel for another 50 feet. The sculpture, according to their press release “acts as a monumental sundial, evoking the Tower of the Sun Sculpture from the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island.”
Panorama Park is located on Yerba Buena Road, San Francisco. Treasure Island, “The Magic City,” 1939-1940;The Story of the Golden Gate International Exposition by James Jack and Earle Vonard Weller, is a treasure trove for information about the Exposition and creation of Treasure Island. Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
Hiroshi Sugimoto, Point of Infinity:Surface Revolution with Constant Negative Curvature (2023) on Yerba Buena Island. Photo copyright Sugimoto Studio.
POST-HIGH SCHOOL
PATHWAYS: PURSUING THE POSSIBILITIES
By Grace Tseng, Monte Vista High School, senior
Attend a four-year university, earn a degree, and start a job. This has become the traditional pathway for students upon graduating from high school. While this four-year plan works well for many students, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But, many students are reluctant to break the mold because to do so has become somewhat stigmatized. This is detrimental, as we are seeing a decline in professions that are less mainstream but equally necessary. According to Forbes, in 2023, the construction industry faced a deficit of over 500,000 workers. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Defense reports that in the fiscal year 2023, military services fell short of their goal by nearly 41,000 recruits. It is evident that we need more young people to go into these professions. There exists a plethora of post-high school pathways, and students should consider all of them as options, just as much as the traditional way.
First, pursuing a trade. One such example of this is machinist Chris Shaffer, who works as an apprentice at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Shaffer recalls when his passion for machining began when he was a student at San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS). “I always knew that I’m not super good at school, and I wasn’t sure if college was going to be good for me. So, I started looking into the trades.” He took part in SRVHS’s Auto Shop program, where he and his classmates learned to build and take apart machines. In addition, the summer before his senior year, he did a one-week camp at the University of Tennessee, essentially a crash course in machining. When he returned, he began working at a machining shop in Hayward.
That year, while many of his peers were applying to four-year universities, Shaffer applied to the four-year paid apprenticeship program offered by LLNL, which he had heard about from a neighbor. Given his experience, he was accepted.
Shaffer explains what he does at LLNL, “Here at the shop, I’ve got a foreman. He’ll assess my skill level and delegate work to me as needed. I’ll make that part, learn new machines. Other journeyman machinists here on the floor are also able to help me out. Whatever the engineers need, we make.” In addition to on-the-job training, Shaffer had to take specialized courses at Chabot College, a community college in Hayward. All of his schooling there was paid for by LLNL.
JULIUS ELMER
“JOEL” M. MAGBITANG, CFP NAMED TO FORBES TOP FINANCIAL SECURITY PROFESSIONALS
BEST-IN-STATE LIST 2024
Julius Elmer “Joel” M. Magbitang, CFP, from the San Francisco General Office of New York Life has been listed on the top 10 of the 2024 Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals Best-in-State list. The individuals named to this list of distinguished professionals were chosen based on many criteria considered by an independent research firm.
A New York Life advisor for 20 years, Mr. Magbitang received this recognition for helping his clients in a world in which wealth preservation and protection matter more than ever.
“We are honored that Joel appears on this prestigious list,” said Kevin H. Choi, managing partner of the San Francisco General Office. “New York Life has known for quite some time what a valuable asset Joel has been to our family and to many families and businesses in our community.”
Joel Magbitang graduated from Saint Mary’s College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and Business Administration, after which he earned his LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow) designation at The American College. He has also completed San Francisco State University’s Executive Certificate in Financial Planning and passed the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Board Exam, making him a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). Joel Magbitang has been a Partner at Magbitang Financial & Insurance Solutions since 2003, and he is an Eagle Strategies LLC Financial Advisor and a member of the Advanced Planning Nautilus Group. Joel is a resident of Alamo. Magbitang Financial & Insurance Solutions is located at 3000 Danville Blvd, Suite L, Alamo. The office can be reached at 925-552-7152.
Data provided by SHOOK®Research, LLC. Data as of 12/31/23. Source: Forbes.com (July, 2024).
Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receives any compensation in exchange for placement on its Top Financial Security Professional (FSP) rankings, which are determined independently (see methodology). FSP refers to professionals who are properly licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. FSPs may also hold other credentials and licenses which would allow them to offer investments and securities products through those licenses. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures learned through telephone, virtual and in-person interviews to measure best practices. Also considered: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management, sales figures and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and audited performance reports are rare. Individuals must carefully choose the right FSP for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help individuals choose the right FSP and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch. com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Currently, Shaffer has completed two of the four years of the apprenticeship. Once he is finished, he will receive a certificate naming him a journeyman. From there, he hopes to continue his career at LLNL. In his words, “I enjoy it. It’s a lot of fun. You end up learning a lot quickly. We’re all learning together as a team. That’s just a factor of being a machinist at the Lab.”
Next, joining the military. One young woman who is pursuing this path is Ella Stolarzyk. An avid watcher of NCIS growing up, Stolarzyk knew she wanted to join the military in some capacity. Her junior year at Monte Vista High School (MVHS), she did a joint academies program, which included the Air Force, West Point, and Coast Guard. That was when she knew she wanted to join the Coast Guard. “After hearing their mission, I fell in love with the branch—the Coast Guard’s humanitarian aspect and the idea of you always being ready. You’re willing to risk your life for someone else. And the idea of you getting to help people on the worst days of their life. You get to be that shining light.” Last summer, she applied to the United States Coast Guard Academy. In December, she was thrilled to receive her acceptance. She is doing the Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program (CGAS): her first year of school is at Georgia Military College and is sponsored by the Coast Guard, and afterwards, she will complete four years at the Academy. She explains, “At the Academy, I’m going to be a government major. During my time there, I’ll be studying that, as well as taking courses in leadership, oceanography, and navigation.” After graduation, officers can choose a career afloat or in the air. Stolarzyk says, “I love being on the water, so I’d love to become a deck watch officer on one of the national security cutters.” Officers are also required to complete five years of service after graduating. Stolarzyk states, “Eighty percent of officers stay after the five years. I’m hoping that I can make a whole career out of it afterwards, because I think that would be incredible.”
Finally, attending community college. For MVHS alumnus Sasha Gusev, when he did not at first get into any of the Universities of California (UCs) that he had wanted to, Diablo Valley College (DVC) was a good alternative. He had already completed five computer science classes there and had taken many Advanced Placement classes at MVHS, and thus had a lot of credits. Because of this, Gusev says, “I was able to spend only a year there [at DVC] and do a junior transfer. I got into all the UCs I applied to, and ended up going to UC Berkeley.”
Gusev lists the benefits of attending a community college like DVC before transferring to a university. “Any full-time student can attend for free through the 4CD Full-Time Free Tuition Program. If you are a student athlete, travel expenses, equipment, and facilities are all funded by the school.” He continues, See Possibilities continued on page 22
Machinist apprentice Chris Shaffer and his current project car, a 1969 Datsun 2000.
CLIP NOTES By
Jody Morgan
Dedicated as I am to cultivating native plants, I still grow many exotics in my garden. Topping that list are culinary herbs including parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, tarragon, and basil. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is another of my non-native favorites. Indigenous to the Mediterranean region and Asia Minor, bay laurel, also known as sweet bay, is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 60 feet in its home territory. I control mine as a manageable shrub in a large container. My friends are happy to receive branches when I prune it. I use the fragrant leaves fresh for poaching fish and cooking pot roast. My friends dry or sometimes freeze them to flavor stews and soups. Bay leaves are a traditional ingredient in the French herbal blend known as “bouquet garni.” Greek mythology explains why Apollo, god of archery, agriculture, music, poetry, and prophecy, is depicted wearing a crown of laurel leaves. As the story goes, Eros (aka Cupid), the mischievous god of love, pierced Apollo’s heart with an arrow making him fall madly in love with a beautiful nymph named Daphne. Then Eros shot a lead arrow through Daphne’s heart causing her to abhor Apollo. Relentlessly pursued by the ardent Apollo, Daphne begged help from her father. His unlikely solution was to turn her shapely form into a lovely laurel tree. Sup-
O’Neill continued from front page revenge, murder, and suicide, until there is only one Mannon left standing.
As the production unfolds in a trilogy of one-act plays, it provides a showcase for two of O’Neill’s most intriguing female characters: the beautiful, independent-minded Christine and her willful daughter, Lavinia. With tragic consequences, these women draw the men in their lives into their epic conflict, including Adam Brant, the Byronically attractive ship’s captain, who is the object of both women’s desire and who harbors a devastating secret of his own.
While first performed nearly 100 years ago, Mourning Becomes Electra offers a wild and entertaining experience for contemporary audiences, especially for those who love over-the-top melodrama. Sometimes though, the melodrama gives way to profoundly moving moments, powered by O’Neill’s beautiful language and insights into what it means to be human.
Mourning Becomes Electra is being presented as the showcase for this year’s “Sweeping Passions” festival, which also features a range of other events to delight O’Neill fans and to introduce everyone else to the playwright’s legacy and to the town he called home from 1937 to 1944.
Performing Mourning Becomes Electra represents a challenging but rewarding undertaking for the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, the nonprofit that hosts productions of the playwright’s work at his former property. Not only does the play have a large cast, Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes said the Foundation was interested in staging part of the production outside to take advantage of the scenic grounds.
Tao House itself offered the perfect setting for scenes when the stately, columned facade of the Mannon family mansion stands in the background. Hayes said the play calls upon its characters and setting to take on the mythic proportions of a Greek tragedy. To Hayes, Tao House fits the bill for a mythic place.
The three-hour production will open and close in the Tao House courtyard, while the other scenes will be performed in O’Neill’s old barn, which has been converted into a theater. Because the final scenes will be staged in the natural light, performance start times have been moved up to 6PM on Fridays and 4PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
As with all events at Tao House, visitors must catch a shuttle at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley to bring them up to the property. Light snacks are included in the ticket price; visitors also are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds before the show.
Tickets and information for all festival events are available at https://eugeneoneill. org/productions/festival
posedly, in his despair, Apollo vowed, “If I cannot have you for my wife, I shall always have you as my tree. I will wear your leaves in my hair and on my quiver.”
Winners at the Pythian Games played every four years at Delphi to honor Apollo, were awarded a wreath of bay laurel leaves - no medals, no money. Somehow that circlet of foliage was considered a sufficient prize. At the Olympic Games where a wreath of olive leaves went to the victors, competition was limited to athletic events. The Pythian Games included contests in music, dance, poetry, art, and eventually theater, as well as sports. Even more unusual for the era, women were permitted to enter contests appropriate to their skills. The official time-frame for the quadrennial event runs from 582 BC-394 AD, although musical completions pre-date the more extensive Pythian Games.
Thus, the term poet laureate originated with winner of the laurel prize. The baccalaureate service references the use of laurel to celebrate achievements. Resting on one’s laurels is indicative of dependence on past accomplishments.
My cats dive under the bed at the first rumble of thunder. Roman Emperor Tiberius (42 BC-37 AD) took the same precaution. But as a safeguard against lightening, he always crowned his head with a wreath of bay laurel leaves before diving under his bed.
Superstitions attributing magical powers to bay laurel persisted through many centuries. In Discovering the Folklore of Plants, Margret Baker writes: “ A bay tree planted at the house door kept plague away, perhaps because of the tree’s markedly aromatic scent, and deflected the ill-disposed possessors of the Evil Eye. The modern convention of a clipped bay tree outside hotels and restaurants (places where strangers gather) could well be an expression of this usage. Under the pillow, a bay leaf secures pleasant dreams and gives extra strength to athletes and wrestlers.”
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs describes what happened when the charmed bay laurel suffered an untimely demise. “Perhaps it is because bay was revered so highly as a protector and as a symbol of greatness and honor that the death of this tree was considered an evil omen. In fact, in 1629 pestilence broke out in Padua, Italy after the bay trees of the city had died. Shakespeare wrote in Richard II:
‘Tis thought the king is dead; we will not stay.
The bay trees in our country are all wither’d.”
I’m uncertain of the value of medicinal uses of sweet bay, but Alice Thoms Vitale provides this information in Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine. “Considered a potent medicine, laurel leaves in teas, baths, poultices, and ointments healed the ‘stingings of bees and wasps,’ helped to ‘weish out freckles,’ were effective for removing pimples, for banishing rheumatism ... The list of its reputed powers has over time included curing pain, deafness, sprains, headache, colic, coughs, obstructed livers, even epilepsy.”
Bay laurel foliage lasts a long time in floral arrangements. New leaves sprouting at the tips provide a ruddy contrast to the deep green mature foliage. Rooting cuttings takes a year of patient care.
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
WE NEED A BEEKEEPER
TABLES | HEATERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
It seems that every day we field calls from people who are dealing with phishing emails, con-artist phone calls, and online scams. The bad guys have figured out that using social engineering to separate you from your money is a lot more lucrative than writing a better computer virus. Viruses work well, but conning someone into giving you their money willingly via fake alerts is so much more effective.
Most people by now have experienced first-hand or through a friend, the fake Windows emergency pop-up with blinking colors and an alert horn telling you to quickly(!) call the 800 number shown. It’s a browser-based pop-up, and it comes from compromised websites. All the bad guys have to do is hack a legitimate website, insert a line or two of their fake code into the front page, and let nature take its course. When an unsuspecting user goes to that web page, Bam! All hell breaks loose. Interesting side-note – this happens with Mac users too, even though the message clearly says it’s a Windows error. It’s all so alarming that this is often not noticed by the user.
The fake alerts vary. I encourage you to search on Bing or Google for the search term “fake malware alert.” From there click on ‘images’ to see the plethora of visual examples of scary things they say are happening. They’re all false. There’s a good website to check out as well: https://malwaretips. com/blogs/fake-microsoft-security-alerts/.
It’s not a coincidence that you’re greeted with on-screen mayhem. The blinking lights, alarming text, and sometimes a klaxon horn in your speakers is all meant to jar you, to disorient and frighten you, and to create artificial urgency that immediate action must be taken or serious consequences will occur. Sometimes they have a countdown timer that says your data will be lost if you don’t act in the next 60 minutes. If they trick you into calling that number on the screen, you will be speaking to someone in a “boiler room,” usually in an office building somewhere, who’s just waiting to capitalize on all of your worst fears. They are professional con-artists and have fooled a lot of intelligent people. Everyone feels so dumb when they fall for these hoaxes, but they have to remember that these guys are slimy crooks and have practiced this on hundreds or thousands of previous victims. They know how to size you up, exploit your fears, and to throw enough half-truths at you to sound legitimate and establish themselves as “experts.” They tell you so many convincing lies that you don’t know which end is up. First off, NEVER call a phone number that pops-up on your screen. If the call has been already placed, and you’re thick in the hoax, cut off the phone call and shut down the computer immediately. Just hold down the power button until the machine turns off (about 30 seconds). The bad guys will probably call back a few times to reconnect; block their number. Next, bring your system to PCIO so that we can remove any remote connection software, or anything else they may have left on your computer, and ensure it’s OK to resume using. We’ll also clean off the fake virus alert warning that started the problem. If you’re a self-sufficient user, you go into your browser and clear your cache of anything you’ve done in the last 24 hours, that should remove the problem. The fake virus alert runs from within the browser cache, so clearing the cache erases it. If you’re wondering why I titled this article “We need a beekeeper,” it’s because of a movie that was recently released on Amazon Prime Video, starring Jason Statham. Titled The Beekeeper, it describes the precise scenario I’ve outlined above. Only, because it’s a Jason Statham film, it involves a bit of payback to some very deserving criminals. To see how the con artists in the call center work, watch starting at timestamp 00:05:00 and for the next few minutes. It brilliantly describes what happens when someone gets this pop-up and calls the number in the fake alert, and just how craven these people are. While some of the movie visuals are jazzed up Hollywood-style, the research I’ve performed indicates the director got many more things right than wrong. And, the casting and acting for the call-center staff roles are perfect. The devastation these crooks leave behind is unfortunately just as bad or worse than it is portrayed. Our laws aren’t made for this type of crime, and too many people are badly hurt. So, in my opinion, we really need a Beekeeper. How do you avoid becoming a victim? First, slow down, breathe, and realize whatever pops up is probably a scam. They want you to act rashly, hastily. Don’t. Second, take a picture of your screen with your phone so we know exactly which ploy you got. Third, shut down your computer. Fourth, call PCIO. Do not under any circumstance call that number blinking on your screen. Instead, call your trusted friends and neighbors at PCIO. We will help sort out if what you’re experiencing is a real problem, or if someone is trying to hoax you. The best way to reach us is at 888-552-7953, or by email at support@pcioit.com. Follow these steps and you’ll be OK. Advertorial
ADVANCED ESTATE PLANNING – MIGHT IT BENEFIT LOVED ONES?
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Silverman & Jaffe
For a large majority of people, core estate planning (e.g. Trust, Will, Power of Attorney & Advance Health Care Directive) is all they need. But, a significant number of readers and their loved ones would also benefit by engaging in “advanced planning.”
In this article, I’ll cover, very generally: a) What is advanced planning? b) How do you know if you need it?, and c) If you need it, what does it entail?
Essentially, advanced planning enables people who have a very high net worth to transfer their assets, legally and tax-efficiently, to loved ones and/or charities during their life and/or upon their passing.
Do you need it? Unfortunately, it’s not a simple question. It’s largely a function of federal estate and gift tax mitigation – a moving target, as you’ll read below. Let’s first examine the basic rules of this complex federal tax system.
Each taxpayer currently has a “unified” gift tax exemption and estate tax exemption (collectively “transfer tax”) of $13.61 million per person. In January, it is projected to adjust for inflation to about $14 million. This means one can make lifetime gifts and/or distribute upon death up to this amount without incurring any transfer tax liability. Some exceptions apply (e.g. “annual exclusion gifts”) but are beyond the scope of this article.
Once a person transfers an aggregate of more than the exemption amount, transfer tax is due (the flat estate tax rate is 40%!) So far, you might conclude that since you will never have $14 million in net assets (or you and your spouse will never have more than a combined $28 million), you will never need to do any advanced planning. Not so fast; I urge you to read on.
The current transfer tax law “sunsets” at the end of 2025. If no applicable tax legislation passes before the end of next year (reasonably likely, given political polarization), the exemption is scheduled to be cut by 50% - to about $7 million per person. Even this lower exemption limit would affect a very small percentage of people in the U.S. Nevertheless, if your net worth is above this threshold, or if you may exceed it during your lifetime, the stakes for your loved ones are dramatic.
Given the upcoming transfer tax law “sunset” and related political/legislative uncertainty, it’s difficult to set any hard and fast rules about whether advanced planning is necessary or appropriate. The analysis may depend on factors, including your: age and life expectancy, current net worth, projected income and asset appreciation, health, loved ones and their situation, philosophy, type of assets, spending habits and plans, potential long-term health care expenses, and projected income tax (and if real estate is involved, property tax) implications.
If advanced planning is or may be prudent for you, what does it entail? Your estate planning attorney, financial advisor, and CPA should help you: a) Quantify how much you and your loved ones might benefit from gifting, b) Determine how you can best control the gifts, particularly for minors, young adults and loved ones with disabilities; c) Decide what assets are optimal to gift, and d) Identify which particular advanced planning strategies are optimal (most involving specialized irrevocable trusts) to shift assets to your loved ones and/or charities in a highly tax-favored manner, when and how you wish.
Finally, why not just wait and see what happens next year? The short answer is that by doing so, you risk the passage of new legislation (some of which has long been threatened) that would limit or eliminate currently available tax mitigation strategies. So, time is of the essence! |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 Silverman & Jaffe, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@silvermanjaffe.com. Advertorial 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.
KNNAS continued from front page
Rosie, a Buff Orpington hen, was Kim’s first truly special needs rescue. Unable to stand or walk when rescued from a hoarding situation in March 2016, Rosie slowly improved as Kim fed her a high-quality diet and provided physical therapy. Rosie loved to cuddle. Kim says, “She ran, jumped, and snuggled into any chicken in her flock that had mobility issues and made them feel safe.” Erin Namdaran worked with Kim for many years before Kim retired. She recalls, “Kim started rescuing chickens long before she created her fullfledged sanctuary. One day while we were nursing together, she brought a special needs chicken to work in her car. She had to go out to feed it every couple of hours.”
courtesy of KNNAS.
Erin notes that Kim keeps medical records and medication schedules for each of her animals needing intensive care. Veterinary specialists diagnose the ailments of the special needs animals brought to KNNAS and determine the treatment that will best enable them to live the fullest lives possible. The website includes an “Education and Instructional Content” section describing how many of these problems are treated. KNNAS cares for all kinds of farm animals in need from goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens to water buffalo calves.
Hens and roosters, much like dogs and cats, instinctively know which humans will befriend them. Colonel Joe hobbled up to Kim when she arrived at a hay barn in Tracy to deliver kittens. The 6–7-year-old rooster was suffering from bumble foot and arthritis. Now that his bumble has been removed, he has custom booties to help him heal along with antibiotics and pain medication.
Erin, who volunteers at KNNAS when time permits, observes, “Kim gives her heart to all her animals, but still manages to help them move on when that’s best for them. She keeps the flow of animals arriving and departing going so she always has room to accept the ones that need her care because no one else will take them.”
Nimbus, a lamb rejected by his mother and left to die, reached KNNAS at only 28 hours old. For 10 days he slept in the house in a playpen, bottle fed every 2-3 hours before he was strong enough to move to Goatlandia Animal Sanctuary to bond with other lambs and sheep.
See KNNAS continued on page 18
Renee McComb helps Jerome learn to use his legs so he can romp with other goats. Photo
AVOIDING PAIN
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Waldron Partners
The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain. ~ Aristotle
While time is the great equalizer of fortunes, it is thought and reason that can stand the test of time. In these unprecedented times, fear has driven a lot of decisions. These actions have resulted in outcomes that were defined by emotion, not logic. Planning involves logic and thought, which leads to well-informed decision making. This month, I will tackle the idea of pain avoidance, the actions that occur as a result of it, and how planning can breed confidence and success.
We must first understand fear, which is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. It is the fear of pain that drives most people to make decisions that lack logic. It is logical that if a bear is attacking you, you should run. However, in your financial life, fear can drive illogical decisions that aren’t rooted in reason. It is extremely difficult to delineate between right and wrong when you do not have enough or accurate information. Most people presume risk or fear of loss when there is market volatility.
This fear of loss leads people to act irrationally. While these acts seem to create a loss avoidance benefit, most actions are taken when the loss has already occurred: the age-old adage of buy high, sell low. When confronted with the reality of the poor decisions, human rationale leads to justifying the actions. While that justification seems logical, it is usually an illustration of the fallacy that timing the market is a high probability outcome and that there is still more downside protection. What if the action wasn’t necessary and you could still derive the outcome of loss protection?
What is loss protection in the financial markets? Plainly, it is the ability to achieve your objectives with a high degree of certainty. While you can’t control the markets, you can test a variety of different strategies to understand which one helps you achieve your objectives. An example of a tested objective would be your ability to retire on time. If you have all your money in a concentrated position and that position went down by twenty percent, how did that impact your ability to retire on time? Even worse, you then sold that position to avoid further loss, the market rebounded, and you didn’t get back in on time, missing all the recovery. Wouldn’t a more logical or rational approach be to understand your return need and then set volatility, return, income, and tax expectations for the money you are investing?
From that point of understanding, you could then determine how (based on historical information and expectations) your portfolio would react given the predetermined expectations. If you knew that your portfolio would go up and down and you could still achieve all your objectives, would that reduce your fear? What about if you knew what pain you could expect and, more importantly, if you could determine the pain tolerance you can handle? Understanding the potential outcomes of the market before they happen will increase your ability to employ logic and reason in times of extreme volatility.
The financial world will always encompass pain and fear; that is something you must adjust to living with when it comes to your finances. Understanding your pain tolerance and how the pain will impact your ability to achieve your financial objectives will lead to greater confidence in your planning. The other desired outcome is that it will give you the ability to refrain from irrational and emotional decisions. The ability to think and act rationally will allow your fortunes to grow and stand the test of time.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles. ~ Sun Tzu
We can help you with your financial situation. You do not want to go through life wondering what could have been. Contact us today at 925-7087397 or peter@waldronpartners.com.
Disclosure: Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding any tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
who looked to the District to protect the Bay shoreline, preserve historic sites, provide environmental education. Industrial and filled lands along the shoreline were acquired and rehabilitated – a new idea. Trail use grew rapidly with an increase in walking, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking as the “exercise-for-health” generation became active park users.
COMING OF AGE: 73 TOTAL PARKS (1988 TO 2024)
In 1988, District voters approved the passage of Measure AA, a $225 million bond to provide funding for both regional and local park acquisition and projects. Pat O’Brien became general manager that year. With these new funds, the District added 15 new regional parks and an additional 34,000 acres of open space. This was also the time for expanding park and recreation services for the public, incorporating volunteer programs, and offering a subsidized bus program for seniors, low income, and disabled residents.
The District built and opened Camp Arroyo, a state-of-the-art environmental education and youth camp in Livermore near Lake Del Valle. Some of the other parks opened during these decades were Brushy Peak, Round Valley, Sycamore Valley, Eastshore, Bay Point, Pleasanton Ridge, Big Break on the Delta, and Dumbarton Campground. The first part of the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park (formerly part of the Concord Naval Weapons Station) is scheduled to open in 2025. The Iron Horse Regional Trail began in the eighties and became a recreational and commuter parkway through Contra Costa. It was recognized as a Millennial Trail in 2000.
The Park District will always remain a work in progress as it strives to acquire and operate regional parks and trails to serve the population. Bob Doyle’s leadership, first in land acquisition and then as General Manger (2010 to 2020), was pivotal for the parks. The District has relied heavily on funds from Measure WW to purchase targeted open space, a $500 million bond measure extension approved by voters at the end of 2008. Regardless of future challenges and opportunities, the East Bay Regional Park District is committed to providing East Bay residents with recreation opportunities and open space preserves close to home. Visit the EBRPD website at ebparks.org for more information.
From August 30 to September 15, 2024 the MuseumSRV located at 205 Railroad Ave., Danville, will host an EBRPD 90th pop-up celebration exhibit with some special displays on the Iron Horse Regional Trail. Visit museumsrv.org to learn more.
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ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President
SAVE THE DATE! AUTOS OF ALAMO FESTIVAL ~ SEPTEMBER 5TH
Save the date for the 11th annual Autos of Alamo Festival to be held September 5th from 4pm-8pm. Admission is free. Come enjoy live music and locally owned hot rods, vintage, classic, exotic, custom, and muscle cars manufactured before 1980.
Show off your car! Auto registration is only $30 and includes a gift bag of special items. Preregister www.AlamoCA.org or by calling 925-247-8081.
This local, community event also includes a fun Kid’s Zone and Short Line Model Railroad exhibit.
Come mingle with your neighbors and have a wonderful evening out!
ALAMO
FARMER’S MARKET
Come enjoy an amazing selection of melons, stone fruit, berries, veggies, corn, fish, baked goods, locally roasted coffee beans, local eggs, and more! Hear live music while strolling amongst vendors including Barbara the Tea Lady, Bay Fresh Berry Producer, Brioche de Paris, Clara’s Egg Farm, Dani’s Fancy Fudge, Dragon Baby Seafood, Esquivel Family Farm, Forever Honey, Hummus Heaven, J&J Ramos, J&M Ibarra Kem Farm, Liv’s Library, Mossy Stick Garden, Old World Pottery, Pastarey, Foods Pizza Shop 209, Reiki Harmony Wellness, Renewal by Anderson, Resendiz Fruit Barn, Rose Famous Lumpia, UR Worth It, and Wolfsen’s Sausage and Meat Co.
The Alamo Farmer’s Market, sponsored by AIA, is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. Look for updated information about the Market on NextDoor. If you have any questions or suggestions, call or text Heather (Manager) at 669-237-5564. WELCOME YOUR 2024 AIA BOARD MEMBERS!
• Sandy Fink, 50 year resident, AIA Board Member, Transportation Committee member, co-chair Community Affairs committee, AIA liaison to Tri-Valley Transportation Committee
• Mike Gibson, 39 year resident, architect/planner, AIA Board of Directors, AIA Transportation committee chair, liaison to Alamo MAC, past AIA Board President and Planning Chair, Association for the Preservation of Danville Blvd. Board of Directors, past vice-president San Ramon Planning Commission, 1994-2010 Alamo Road Improvement Committee, 1993-2004 Alamo Road Advisory Committee, 2005 Alamo Citizen of the Year
• Alex Meyer, 4 year resident, Senior Director Greystar, Planning Committee member, community proponent
• Steven Meyers, 14 year resident, attorney, Planning Committee president, Tree Preservation, community proponent
• Lou Plummer, 72 year resident, realtor, Community Affairs committee member, Alamo Rotary, community proponent
• Roger Smith, 32 year resident, businessman, current AIA President, 2011 Alamo Citizen of the Year
Thanks to each for their interest in AIA and willingness to volunteer their valuable time to preserve our Alamo community, the place we love to live! ENVISION 2040 AND POTENTIAL IMPACT
You can only visualize the future of a community by examining its history and the forces that led to the present. What created this community and what are its particular attributes and characteristics? What attracts people to live here, buy a home and raise their families? How will future economic and political trends and dynamics of demography affect the community and to what extent should those forces of change be embraced, controlled, mitigated, challenged or rejected? Visit www.AlamoCA.org and www.AlamoVision2040.org for more information.
HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY
AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization, has 69 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
KNNAS continued from page 16
Renee McComb concurs. “Kim dedicates her time, heart, and experience to animals left to die or suffer and provides them a nurturing setting and a chance at life.” With 40+ years of experience in veterinary medicine and managing veterinary hospitals, Renee wanted to visit Kim’s Nurturing Nest as soon as she heard about the sanctuary. Renee recalls, “It was an ‘Ah moment’ when I reached to top of the mountain and saw the sanctuary for the first time. I realized Kim had created a heaven on earth for underserved animals.”
Although in-person tours are currently suspended, you can see the amazing facilities at KNNAS by taking the virtual tour. Currently there are eight structures designed to accommodate specific animals. A new facility for the feral cat spay/neuter program is planned once grant funding is received. McComb relates, “Kim and I have formed a kind of partnership. She knows she can call on me for anything. When Kim collaborated with another rescue to bring home a baby goat that was unable to use his legs, we combined our medical knowledge and found a way to build a trapeze/ sling to help him build his strength so he could have a chance to run and play with other goats. The progress and watching him grow stronger was incredible and a miracle to witness.” Jerome’s rehabilitation will continue at Genevieve’s Gentle Heart Rescue.
Bryn Lux started helping Kim with dog walking and volunteering at the shelter before accepting the challenge of enriching and refreshing the website. She works with Kim on writing a biography for any animal residing at the shelter for more than a day or so and photographs them, too. Lucy’s life story reads: “Lucy was found after being abandoned by her mom at a week old. Lucy is quite a character, sassy, sweet, loving, confident and cuddly. Lucy has been welcomed with open arms by a family in San Francisco and has become best friends with their other cat.”
Socializing cats and kittens is a task Bryn especially enjoys. Some felines come to the shelter with medical issues, others arrive as foundlings. The feral cat program brings in mothers with their litters. Cats that have lost their owners are rehomed. The Senior to Senior Program places senior cats with senior citizens as foster kitties still owned by KNNAS. Should their new foster person become unable to care for them, the cats return to Kim’s Nurturing Nest.
Volunteers are always needed to help with adoption events for cats and kittens held at Pet Food Express in Danville and Concord Feed in Dublin. They’re also needed to socialize cats and kittens for adoption once they’ve received any essential medical treatment and have been spayed or neutered.
See KNNAS continued on page 20
The chicken coop is one of eight specially designed structures housing animals at KNNAS. Photo courtesy of KNNAS.
Bryn Lux loves socializing cats and kittens for adoption. Photo courtesy of KNNAS.
WHAT CAN JUVEDERM DO FOR YOU?
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
Juvederm is a popular injectable filler that can be used in a variety of ways. There are several different Juvederm products each composed of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body, particularly in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. It plays a critical role in retaining moisture, providing hydration, and maintaining the skin’s elasticity and plumpness. As we age, the production of hyaluronic acid diminishes, leading to dryness, loss of volume, and the formation of wrinkles. This is where HA-based dermal fillers, like those in the Juvederm family, come into play.
The Juvederm line of fillers, developed by Allergan, utilizes HA to address various aesthetic concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to volume loss in different areas of the face. Each product in the Juvederm family is designed for specific purposes, ensuring tailored treatments that can provide natural and youthful results. Aesthetic medicine has evolved over time from focusing on tiny wrinkles to reshaping the aging face.
Juvederm Voluma is specifically formulated to add volume to the midface, particularly the cheeks and chin. As we age, the cheeks can lose their youthful fullness, leading to a sagging or hollow appearance. Juvederm Voluma’s thick, gel-like consistency allows it to be injected deeply into the dermis or on bone, where it lifts and contours the cheeks, creating a more youthful and rejuvenated look. The key is to add the correct amount. Not too little and certainly not too much. The biggest fear patients have is the overinflated look which is not flattering on any face. However, once a person decides to reflate their cheek it usually has a “wow” effect!
In addition to the cheeks, Juvederm Voluma is also effective for enhancing the chin. A well-defined chin can significantly improve the overall balance and proportion of the face. By adding volume to the chin, Juvederm Voluma helps to create a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing facial profile. Some people have a genetically weak chin whereas others lose bony volume as they age. Juvederm Voluma can help in either case.
The recent FDA approval of Juvederm Volux has introduced a new trend in aesthetic treatments – the snap jawline. Juvederm Volux is designed to restore lost volume in the jawline, providing a sharper, more defined look that is often associated with youth and attractiveness.
As we age, the jawline can become less defined due to volume loss and skin laxity. Juvederm Volux, with its thicker and more cohesive formulation, is ideal for this area. It can create a stronger, more structured jawline, enhancing the overall facial contour and contributing to a more youthful appearance.
One of the most popular uses of Juvederm fillers is for lip augmentation. Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Volbella are commonly used to restore lost volume in the lips and enhance their shape and definition. When properly injected, these fillers can create a natural look that enhances the lips without appearing overdone. Juvederm Volbella, in particular, is known for its ability to provide subtle and smooth results. Its finer consistency allows for precise shaping and definition, making it perfect for adding volume to the lips while maintaining a soft and natural appearance. Patients new to fillers know what they don’t want. They often equate the overfilled, unnatural duck lip with filler. That can happen when one receives treatment via a Groupon deal, or those seeking bargains which are often offered by unskilled practitioners some of whom may use illegally imported or counterfeit product. The key to achieving natural and desirable results with Juvederm fillers lies in the skill and expertise of the injector. Proper injection techniques ensure that the filler is placed at the correct depth and in the right areas to achieve the desired effect. An experienced injector can customize the treatment to suit the individual needs of each patient, enhancing their natural beauty and restoring youthful volume in a way that looks harmonious and balanced.
The Juvederm family of fillers offers a range of solutions for those looking to combat the signs of aging and enhance their natural features. From restoring volume in the cheeks and chin with Juvederm Voluma, to defining the jawline with Juvederm Volux, and achieving natural-looking lips with Juvederm Ultra and Volbella, these versatile fillers can help individuals look and feel their best. With the proper application, Juvederm fillers can provide stunning, natural results that rejuvenate and refresh the face. If you’re interested in looking your best call us today.
Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
jennifer.lopez@fora.travel
Instagram: @2ndwindtravel
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted. For more information, call the VSO at 925-313-1481.
• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August) at noon. For information, visit www.americanlegionpost246. org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. For information, visit vmbsrv. org or email info@vfwpost75.org
• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at The Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. For information, visit http://vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.
• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM. For information, visit www.mcldet942.org .
• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.
• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon.
vaccinated, & microchipped.
Mallorca, Spain
Some feral kitties refuse to be socialized. KNNAS often finds working homes for them at area hay barns and private residences.
Bryn praises Kim’s tireless devotion. “What drives Kim is her love of animals. Her sanctuary is more than a full-time job. She has long-term permanent residents that need daily medical attention along with all the normal feeding and care of fosters and animals ready for adoption. She invests time and resources in the long-term residents that often live their lives out at the sanctuary. Kim also handles the non-profit’s business requirements and connects with other sanctuaries asking for her help.”
Erin Andrews, owner of Sideboard Restaurants in Danville and Lafayette, adds: “Kim wants to help everybody. Whenever I text her with a question about my chickens, she answers right away. It’s good to have a human like that in your life.” Andrews first connected with Kim when she discovered her baby chickens were males prohibited by zoning restrictions from living on her property. Kim found them a bachelor coop and helped Erin acquire the Silkie hens she wanted.
of KNNAS.
Once she realized the abuse many animals are made to endure to provide food for human consumption, Kim turned to a plant-based diet. She demonstrates some easy and delicious recipes in videos posted on the KNNAS website. You can also see photos of vegetables she’s growing. Kim’s vegetarian Powerball recipe includes honey made by bees, but for vegans like herself, she describes a simple substitute. How can you help? Monetary donations are always welcome for the spay/ neuter program for cats and the KNNAS medical fund. Photos and biographies of animals available for adoption are posted on the KNNAS website: www.kimsnurturingnest.org. Kim currently has a full staff of volunteers at the sanctuary. If you want to adopt an animal, assist at adoption events, foster animals, or offer help as needed, email your interest to KNNrescue@ gmail.com
UNVEILING THE HIDDEN LINK
ORAL
MICROBIOME & PANCREATIC
CANCER By Diablo Dental Group
Cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide, is often attributed to a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Recently, scientists have turned their attention to a surprising potential player in the development of certain cancers: the bacteria living in our mouths. Could the microbes responsible for gum disease also be linked to one of the deadliest cancers—pancreatic cancer? A widely circulating systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies suggest this might be the case.
INVESTIGATING THE CONNECTION
In 2022, a team of researchers conducted a comprehensive review of studies examining the relationship between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer. They analyzed data from six studies, encompassing 863 pancreatic cancer cases and 906 controls. Their findings were revealing: several specific types of oral bacteria were consistently associated with pancreatic cancer.
The studies identified 12 to 17 bacterial species or clusters that showed a correlation with pancreatic cancer. Notably, pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, known for causing gum disease, were frequently linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. These bacteria are known to induce systemic inflammation, which could potentially contribute to cancer development.
BEYOND THE MOUTH: SYSTEMIC IMPACTS
The link between oral bacteria and systemic diseases isn’t entirely new. Oral pathogens have been implicated in conditions such as diabetes, pulmonary diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. The chronic inflammation they cause is a significant factor in the development of these diseases. In the context of cancer, inflammation creates an environment conducive to tumor growth and progression. Researchers suggest that the bacteria from the mouth may reach the pancreas through the bloodstream or digestive tract, leading to local inflammation and potentially promoting cancerous changes. This theory aligns with the concept of the “mouth-gut axis,” where oral health impacts the gut and vice versa.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SCREENING AND PREVENTION
The association between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer opens up exciting possibilities for early detection and prevention. If specific oral bacteria are proven to be reliable biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, it could lead to non-invasive screening methods. This is particularly crucial for pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited.
PANCREATIC CANCER
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, with a grim prognosis that often leaves patients and their families facing a difficult journey. Despite advancements in medical research and treatment, the survival rates for pancreatic cancer remain alarmingly low. The American Cancer Society estimates that the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is just around 10%, highlighting the urgent need for better detection and treatment strategies. Understanding how oral bacteria may contribute to or indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer could lead to the development of new biomarkers for early detection, potentially catching the disease at a more treatable stage.
MOVING FORWARD
The mouth’s microbiome may play a more significant role in our overall health than previously thought. As researchers continue to unravel the complex interactions between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer, we move closer to potentially life-saving advancements in cancer screening and prevention. The humble microbes in our mouths might one day help us catch pancreatic cancer early, improving outcomes and saving lives.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare? Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy. For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and recent studies suggest that the bacteria living in our mouths could be linked to the development of certain cancers, including pancreatic cancer. The oral microbiome, responsible for maintaining oral health, can also cause diseases such as gum disease, which is now being investigated for its potential connection to pancreatic cancer.
At Diablo Dental Group, we understand the critical role that oral health plays in your overall well-being. Our comprehensive dental care services not only help prevent gum disease but also contribute to reducing the risk of serious systemic conditions.
Don’t wait to take action. Protect your health by ensuring your oral hygiene is at its best. Schedule an appointment with us today and take a proactive step towards maintaining both your oral and overall health. Early detection and prevention can make all the difference.
Diablo Dental Group is located at 156 Diablo Rd., Suite 202, Danville. For more information call 925-837-1742 or visit thediablodentalgroup.com. Advertorial
Kim gives her heart to all the animals including this muscovy drake McQuack. Photo courtesy
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS
NUTRITION FOR NEW WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, please work with your medical provider. Taking medications is serious, and for most people these are lifelong medications.
Endocrinologists are referring patients to us that are taking one of the weekly weight loss injections including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The medications all work by simultaneously slowing digestion, increasing insulin secretion by the pancreas, increasing insulin sensitivity, and mimicking the appetite-suppressing hormone GLP-1. Mounjaro is a little different since this medication also targets a second type of hormone receptor (GPI).
Zepbound (Mounjaro) has just been approved by the FDA for weight loss without the Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. For insurance purposes, you have to have a BMI greater than 30, or a BMI over 27 with another medical condition such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. to be covered.
Much of the commentary on these drugs is raising the question whether they will be abused as a “quick fix” for rapid weight loss as an “easy way out.” We are seeing that these medications can be extremely beneficial for patients that have exhausted all options including lifestyle changes and regular exercise, but still have no improvements in their A1c, blood sugar, insulin levels, or inflammation in their body.
However, there are potential dangers and side effects of these drugs which include nausea/vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal pain, and other GI issues. Not everyone experiences these side effects, but they are real and should seriously be taken into consideration when deciding to start these medications. We can teach you ways to mitigate side effects, such as adequate hydration and protein intake, and sleep.
TIPS FOR MITIGATING SIDE EFFECTS
1. When eating less, many people don’t drink enough water. Each day, you may need to add an electrolyte packet to your water.
2. It is recommended to eat one hour after waking and then every 3-4 hours. With these medications, you cannot physically intake the same amount of food as before as it will not move through you the same way. Upon starting these medications, most people can go all day without eating. Under-eating is almost guaranteed if you are not paying attention to your food intake. Under-eating is unhealthy and not what these medications are meant to do. You can still eat an appropriate amount of food and experience the benefits with these medications.
3. Patients taking these medications are prioritizing the wrong kind of food intake. While on these medications it is tough to tolerate high-fat, fried foods, and alcohol. You must focus on the nutritional value of each food, because you cannot eat the same quantity anymore.
4. We see significant muscle loss with patients on these medications. It is crucial to ensure you are focusing on your protein intake and eating enough because muscle loss happens much faster while on these medications. Do not use these drugs as a magic pill to starve yourself and under-eat.
We were working with a 30 year old woman with insulin resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She was experiencing extreme amounts of pain, swelling in her hands, and horrible joint pain. A fasting insulin level of less than 4 is good; her level was 30. She had been diagnosed with insulin resistant PCOS since the age of 13 and had tried many lifestyle changes. Not uncommonly, nothing helped. She was not solely concerned about her weight; she was more focused on improving her fasting insulin lab levels to get rid of her excruciating pain and swelling. As dietitians, we cannot prescribe medications, but since her prior steps were exhausted we recommended working with a doctor who could prescribe a weight loss medication for her situation. We ensured she was aware of the side effects and the importance of eating well and adequate hydration. After starting Mounjaro, her insulin levels started to come down, weight started to come off, and joint pain subsided. She was able to reduce her dosage of Mounjaro to a maintenance level which provides her with weight loss benefits with the least amount of side effects. If you feel you have exhausted every option for weight loss, consider talking to your doctor and we can work together.
The good news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, UHC, UMR, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email us at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or 925-855-0150 to tell us about your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you. Advertorial
WEIGHT LOSS WINS, BUT YOUR SKIN LOSES
By Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS
Dropping pounds is fantastic, but rapid weight loss can leave your skin sagging and stretched. Don’t let loose skin dampen your confidence.
At Persons Plastic Surgery we specialize in restoring your body’s contours after weight loss. Our advanced in-office procedures, including Laser Genesis, Fraxel, and routine HydraFacials, can all help with skin tightening. Also, Botox, Daxxify, Xeomin, and Dysport are a great defense against wrinkles and sagging skin. In our surgery center we offer liposuction, fat transfer, body contouring, and much more. You can find all of what we offer on our website at www.personsplasticsurgery. com. These procedures can help you achieve a toned, sculpted appearance. Individual results may vary.
Tips to maintain skin elasticity:
1. Stay hydrated, eat protein rich foods
2. Incorporate strength training
3. Use collagen boosting skin care
4. Consider non-invasive skin tightening treatments such as laser treatments and increase the frequency of your injectable routine.
5. Sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential; it’s a daily defense against harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and wrinkles. Don’t let the sun steal your glow – slather on that SPF!
Rediscover your body’s natural beauty and schedule a consultation today!
Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@ personsplasticsurgery.com . Advertorial
3 WAYS TO SUPPORT A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS SCHOOL
YEAR By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
As the school year begins, keeping our immune systems strong and resilient is more critical than ever. Supporting the immune system is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially during increased exposure to pathogens or stress. Staying healthy can be challenging with the hustle and bustle of classes, activities, and changing seasons. Here are three essential ways to support a robust immune system: taking supportive supplements, ensuring quality sleep, and using immunity vitamin IVs.
TAKE DAILY SUPPORTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
Taking the right supplements can make a big difference in maintaining a robust immune system. Here are some essential nutrients to consider:
• Vitamin C: Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, it helps protect cells from damage and boosts the production and function of white blood cells, which fight infections. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and supplements.
• Zinc: This essential mineral supports the development and function of immune cells. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses. Zinc-rich foods include meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
• B Complex Vitamins: These vitamins are crucial for energy production and help maintain a healthy nervous system. They also affect the body’s stress response, impacting immune function. Foods rich in B vitamins include whole grains, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
• L-Lysine: An essential amino acid, L-Lysine has antiviral properties and supports collagen production, which helps maintain the integrity of the skin and other tissues. It’s found in meat, fish, dairy, and supplements.
Regular supplements can help bolster your immune defenses and keep you feeling your best throughout the year.
GET QUALITY SLEEP
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Sleep is critical for maintaining a strong immune system and overall health. Here’s why quality sleep matters:
• Immune Function: During sleep, your body produces and releases cytokines,
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a protein that targets infection and inflammation. Lack of sleep can decrease the production of these protective cytokines, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
• Stress Reduction: Adequate sleep helps regulate stress hormones, which can otherwise suppress immune function. When well-rested, your body is better equipped to handle daily stressors without compromising health.
• Cell Repair and Regeneration: Sleep is when your body repairs and regenerates immune cells. This process is essential for maintaining a solid defense against pathogens. To improve sleep quality, establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a relaxing sleep environment, limit screen time before bed, and avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
GET EXTRA SUPPORT WITH IMMUNITY IVS
Immunity vitamin IVs are a fantastic option for a more immediate and potent boost. Here’s how they work and why they’re beneficial:
• Direct Nutrient Delivery: IV therapy delivers vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption. This method ensures that your body gets the full benefit of the nutrients quickly.
• High-Dose Nutrients: Our Immunity IVs include high doses of vitamin C, zinc, B complex vitamins, and l-lysine. These concentrated doses can help strengthen your immune system, especially during increased exposure to viruses and bacteria.
• Immediate Benefits: IV therapy can provide rapid relief and support, particularly useful during the back-to-school season when you might be exposed to new pathogens and stressors daily. IVs help reduce the severity and duration of illnesses, keeping you healthier and more resilient.
Regular IV therapy sessions, especially during high-risk periods, can protect and support your immune system.
You can significantly enhance your immune system’s strength and resilience by incorporating supportive supplements, prioritizing quality sleep, and utilizing immunity vitamin IVs. These strategies will help you and your family stay healthy and thrive throughout the year.
At Align, we’re helping you stay proactive, take care of your body, and enjoy a successful, illness-free school year!
For more information, supplements, or to schedule your IV, find us online at AlignHealingCenter.com or call 925-362-8283. Advertorial
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
“You also have the ability to stay at home with your family and save money on food and housing. I had no expenses besides gas and eating out. By staying within my community, I was also able to stay on my club swim team and continue my lifeguarding job.”
This past May, Gusev graduated from UC Berkeley with a double major in applied mathematics and computer science. He now works as a software engineer at a startup. Given all that he has been able to accomplish, he says, “Community college was a great experience and prepared me well for UC Berkeley and the real world.”
It is clear that there is a variety of options for students when it comes to post-high school pathways. Students should pursue whichever fits them best, whether that be attending a four-year university, becoming an apprentice, joining the military, or starting with community college. To younger students, Stolarzyk gives parting advice: “One hundred percent work hard. If you dream you can do it, you can be there. I love to say that everything does happen for a reason. So, I know I got into and am going to be in the Coast Guard for a reason. I’m going to make a difference.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ADULT DAY CARE IN DANVILLE
Valley Oak Respite Center (now managed by Danville Dementia Day Care) has provided day care for local memory impaired adults for over 30 years. Caring for loved ones with dementia is a 24/7 responsibility. Respite care allows caregivers freedom for four hours a day that they would not otherwise enjoy.
The program helps dementia sufferers to be more social and outgoing. Activities include games, crafts, painting, drawing, exercise, sing-along music, BINGO, and daily facts and memory joggers.
New volunteers are needed to assist the program. Volunteers must be age 18 or over. Occasionally children of volunteers stop by to get the experience of helping seniors with Alzheimer’s. Volunteers are requested to commit to at least two days a month from 10 AM till 3 PM on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Helpers must have a genuine love for the older adult. Interaction with clients requires patience and the ability to converse with individuals whose response may sometimes be limited!
The Center (located at Danville Congregational Church - 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in Danville) is currently open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Participants bring their own lunch and a morning snack is provided. The cost is $60 per session.
To volunteer, or for more information, call 925-915-0030 or email ValleyOakRespiteCenter@gmail.com
Ella Stolarzyk at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, with Capt. Huberty of Danville as the Commanding Officer.
THE EYE OPENER
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
MEDICAL VISITS
As your local full-service eye care office, we strive to address all medical issues with the eyes, along with meeting your primary eye-care needs. Most common issues that need immediate attention can be completely managed and treated at our office. Other long-term medical conditions are also monitored for both acute and chronic ocular complications. We are in-network for Medicare and most major PPO medical plans. These plans will cover your visit minus any office co-pay and deductible like it would for your regular medical exams and specialist visits.
For ocular medical visits, it is always advisable to see an eye care professional. We are specifically trained to treat eye disorders and infections better than pediatricians, internists, and emergency room physicians. We see patients of all ages from kids to adults, and have both the equipment, and knowledge, along with the best treatment options, to manage most eye conditions. Our microscopes, dyes, drops, and tools allow us to fully view and assess the eye to help reach the correct diagnosis and proper treatment. In our office we routinely diagnose and treat conjunctivitis, corneal infections, flashes/floaters, styes, foreign bodies, corneal abrasions, and allergies. These conditions are effectively managed and resolved for the patient within a short period of time.
In addition to these more common acute conditions, we manage patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and longterm medication use such as prednisone and Plaquenil. All of these can have both short and long-term visual and ocular manifestations that need both constant monitoring and/or a speedy referral to ensure vision is not permanently lost. Issues such as retinal hemorrhages and stroke can be both sight-threatening and an indication of an underlying undiagnosed systemic issue, or a poorly controlled condition that has already been diagnosed. Our office can accurately diagnose these and other issues of the retina as well as educate and begin the proper course of treatment or referral to a specialist as needed.
Some conditions such as retinal detachments and glaucoma can be diagnosed at our office, but would generally require a referral to an ophthalmological specialist for surgery or further treatment. These certain situations would require a visit to a specialist regardless of which type of doctor is seen first, i.e., an optometrist, general ophthalmologist, internal medicine, or emergency room physician. However, eye care doctors should be the first-line doctor to see the patient as they are more likely to correctly diagnose and are able to refer to the proper specialist to manage the patient.
Appointments for red eyes, floaters, allergies, etc. generally can be seen by the next day or same day as needed depending on the severity of the situation. We ask that you call when the symptoms arise, and we will do our best to triage the situation and accommodate you as soon as we can. Even if you are squeezed into the schedule and have to wait for a little while, it is better than having to sit in an emergency room for a few hours. Since the eyes can be extremely sensitive, a quick diagnosis and initiation of treatment is paramount for a full and speedy recovery.
In addition to providing primary eye care including glasses and contact lenses, our services include medical care for our patients. Next time any medical situation with the eyes arises, give our office a call and we will try to get you a quick appointment to help treat your ailing eyes.
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 , or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
