December 2017 Alamo Today & Danville Today News by The Editors, Inc

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1

& DECEMBER 2017

LOVE YOU MORE: ENTERPRISE WITH A HEART OF GOLD

By Jody Morgan

Launched to turn a profit marketing fine keepsake jewelry of gold and pearls, Love You More now offers a Bohemian Line of jewelry, purses, and clothing specifically designed to empower the women making these handcrafted items to reliably provide basic needs for their families. While the original Love You More Line donates 10-20% of profits to a variety of charities, the newly released portion of the business is dedicated to giving the ladies involved in putting each piece together both additional income and useful skills so that they can offer their children the opportunity for a future far brighter than the prospect they faced themselves. In 2009, Alamo resident Gaby Love You More gives mothers working on the new Ghorbani decided to exchange her Bohemian line lots of reasons to smile. financially remunerative role as a well-established entrepreneur to follow the personally rewarding path dictated by her heart. She longed to share with local youngsters the life-changing experience of discovering their own individual ability to positively impact the lives of others that she first embraced as a 10-year-old child growing up in Mexico. Riding home from school in her family car one day, she spotted a boy about her own age pedaling candy on the street and knew she somehow had to find the means to help him. Although involved from that day forward in supporting charitable endeavors in her spare time, she wanted to devote herself full-time to making a difference. Pledge to Humanity (PTH), the non-profit she founded, has grown exponentially. It teaches young people of all ages that helping others forms a sense of connection rather than a duty to fulfill service hour requirements and that in turn furnishes a remarkably powerful feeling of self worth and achievement. Ghorbani explains: “I believe in the innate compassion in the heart of every child. I know and believe in the ability they have to give, to love, to empower, and to make a significant impact in the world.” However, as Ghorbani remarks, she has an entrepreneurial nature that wasn’t fully satisfied and decided to build a new business. Still interested in conveying a

See More continued on page 18

Alamo Tree Lighting Festival Sunday, December 3, 4:30pm-6:30pm Andrew Young Park at the corner of Danville Blvd & Jackson Way

Local Postal Customer

RICHARDS ARTS AND CRAFTS WITH ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS OPEN POP-UP STORE TO SUPPORT NORTH BAY FIRE SURVIVORS

By Terri Delfosse of Richard’s Arts and Crafts

As the fires in the North Bay raged on for weeks, many of us found ourselves watching with aching hearts. As homes fell with no rhyme or reason, no care for how, what, or who was destroyed my husband and I talked about our own home and property. What would we do? What would we take? How do you decide? The owner of Alamo Today & Danville Today News, Alisa Corstorphine also had similar thoughts about how to help, where to look to reach out, and how to provide things most missed as well as most needed for the fire survivors. While there are places to look for help, actual physical wants are sometimes lost, and some things with special meaning cannot always be bought and are possibly simply not affordable. While insurance for some is one answer, many people, especially renters, had no insurance at all, and some precious possessions may be irreplaceable even with insurance.

See Purposes continued on page 22

ALAMO MAC DISCUSSES AIRBNB, CELL TOWER ISSUES By Sharon Burke

November’s regular meeting of the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) saw more than 40 Alamo residents turn out due to two controversial issues. First up, the MAC’s input was sought to guide County planning officials preparing a proposed short term rental ordinance for the Board of Supervisors. The County asked the MAC to complete a questionnaire with yes or no answers on options for Board consideration such as completely banning short term rentals, requiring short term rental businesses to obtain a business license, requiring owners to be on site (hosted rental), banning special events at short term rentals, restricting rentals to 90 days per year, and requiring the county hotel tax of 10% to be collected from the tenants. The MAC took public input from those present. Mike Gibson of the Alamo Improvement Association (AIA) presented research done by AIA as to how surrounding cities in Contra Costa County deal with short term rentals. Short term rentals are banned in residential areas in Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, and

See MAC continued on page 24

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA

ECRWSS

The Editors

Serving the combined communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville, Since October 2017

Volume XVII Number 10

Volume VIII Number 12

3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

In a few sentences I’d like you to STOP reading this, lift up your eyes, and take a look around at wherever you are. What material possessions do you see? Cups? Tea? A stapler? A computer? Grandma’s stack of letters to her husband off to war? A collection of holiday ornaments and decorations? A guitar? How about a jacket, or a picture, or a clock on the wall? Are you sitting in your car? Is there a cable to charge your cellphone? A backpack or purse?... Imagine if it were all gone. I have had the privilege to visit the North Bay recently and bring donations to those affected by the October fires. I have delivered computers, smartphones, instruments, tools, dance costumes, books, and soccer, baseball, and hockey equipment...and even a car. The items have gone to specific individuals and groups that I have been in touch with (the Santa Rosa Symphony was honored to pass on the precious vintage clarinet donated from someone in our community to a fire survivor who would treasure it and perhaps start to heal by playing beautiful music again). I brought a new duffel bag to a 21 year old uninsured adult who lost everything he owned. He is using it to take his laundry to the laundromat. His mother, a hairdresser of 35 years lost all of her hair cutting tools, and through the generosity of our community we have replaced the basics and given her a foundation so she can get back to work. The drives I have taken past the affected fire areas were mind blowing. No pictures can prepare you for the utter devastation. The sights, sounds, and smells are only captured when you are there. While fire damage is widespread, for many life goes on as usual. Most stores, wineries, and restaurants are fine. The pocketed fires often skipped over one home and neighborhood and utterly destroyed another. While driving in the area, one of the most poignant pictures I took was of a set of stairs. Where they once led to the front door of a home, they now lead to a tall drop into ash. The pictures and onsite visits have provided me with an insight as to what is going on and inspired me to see if there are ways I can use my strengths and resources to help people rebuild. I know I can’t help even a fraction of those that were affected, but I can help some and maybe my efforts will inspire others or be a link to provide others with ideas of ways they can help, if they choose. Through North Bay Facebook groups, I have sought out needs and chimed in where I felt I could make a difference. Anyone, anywhere can do the same. I recently went to a memorial for a woman who had been about my age and recently passed away from cancer. Speaker after speaker talked about the woman’s kind heart and generous spirit. I know that when I die I want to be remembered that way. The efforts to be kind and generous don’t necessarily take money. Time, coordination, cleaning through our excess, and sharing our resources can all make a difference.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Making a difference starts with an individual, but a village of people, each with their own skills and talents, can provide a team to tackle large challenges and move mountains. This to me is the true meaning of the “Spirit of Giving.” I don’t often post on Facebook, but if you are interested in reading my “proud mom story” about the healing gift of a guitar to a fire survivor, as well as to listen to a few bars of great music, look up my post on th November 11 at www.facebook.com/alisa.corstorphine. The holiday season is a great time to give to others, but also remember for our friends, families, and neighbors in the North Bay their needs will continue long past the holidays. Their rebuilding is a marathon and not a sprint. If you’d like to be added to my contact list to receive lists of needs (and wants) as they come to me, or if you have a laptop (PC - Windows 7 or above, or Mac less than 7 years old), Chromebook, iPad, tablet, or smartphone to be repurposed, please email me at editor@yourmonthlypaper. com, I can help get the items to those who could desperately use them. Please also visit the Caring Purposes pop-up store in the Alamo Plaza that Richard and Terri Delfosse of the former Richards Arts and Craft store are launching to help as well. Happy holidays to you and your families.

the many

of Leukemia Lymphoma & Myeloma

A WINTER WONDERLAND FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Danville Community Band (DCB) presents their annual Christmas Concert on the stage in the beautiful, 400-seat Performing Arts Center at San Ramon Valley High School, 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville, on Sunday, December 10. This year’s program features a broad selection of festive tunes including “Patapan,” “A Jubilant Overture,” “Maui Chimes,” “Christmas Music from Bach,” the ever-popular “Sleigh Ride,” and more. The concert will begin at 3PM. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more about the band and upcoming performances, see their website at www.danvilleband.org, or like the “Danville Community Band” on Facebook.

3491 Mt Diablo Blvd Lafayette, CA 94549

ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB

Are you a new resident of Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo, or Alamo; a longtime resident; newly retired; or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a woman’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a sociable manner. For December the Club is hosting a Welcome Evening Social on December 11th from 7PM to 9PM. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com. Check out all the Club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.

To RSVP: Call 925.677.5041 or visit www.bit.ly/manyfaceslls

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3

‘‘

In the spirit of celebrating Threads of Hope... At this time of year, we join with family and friends for Thanksgiving to reflect on what we are thankful for. This year, I’d like to offer a special thank you to all the firefighters who helped with our North Bay fires. Many worked tirelessly in fighting these fires risking their own lives. There is one person in particular that I would like to honor, Mark Ferreira of the Oakland Fire Department. Mark lives locally, and is a 20 year veteran of the Oakland Fire Department. Mark volunteered his own time when the fires first started. He spent 6 days helping the crews save homes and lives! I will be honoring Mark by making a donation to his favorite charity, Oakland Fire Random Acts of Kindness. If you would like to join me in saying thank you, you can donate by going to: www.ofrandomacts.org Thank you with much gratitude from my heart to yours! Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends, family and clients!

”

~Celeste Pacelli

33 Brightwood Lane East, Danville ... Pending 2506 Bonifacio Street, Concord ........ Pending 126 Oakridge Drive, Danville ...... Coming Soon

Celeste Pacelli, QSC,CDPE

Broker Associate | 925.395.1511 celeste@celestepacelli.com www.celestepacelli.com

220 Piedmont Lane, Danville....... $3,290,000 1625 Campesino Court, Alamo .... $2,998,000 1080 Victorine Road, Livermore.. $2,395,000 See Celeste’s 47 client reviews on Zillow.com To receive Up-To-Date Market Analysis Reports, email me today.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

AAUW’S 13TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) 13th Annual Holiday Home Tour will take place on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9 from 10AM - 4PM. Tickets are $35 if purchased by November 30 and $40 thereafter. Five festive Danville and Alamo homes will be featured. Mail your check payable to “Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW.” Include a business size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to AAUW Holiday Home Tour, PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. Tickets are also available for purchase at East Bay Flower Company at 206 Sycamore Valley Rd W. in Danville (Livery Shopping Center) with cash or checks only, or you can purchase them online at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/payment. E-mail questions to aauwhht@gmail.com. No children under 12 are permitted on the tour. Profits from the Holiday Home Tour go to Tech Trek, a week-long residential summer camp for middle school girls with interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at Sonoma State University, and to local scholarships for women to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley continues its long tradition of Christmas Memories this year, celebrating Christmas at the Tassajara One Room School House. Escape from the hustle and bustle of today’s holiday season, and step back in time to a Christmas past. This holiday exhibit will on display until December 31. The depot waiting room has been transformed into the Tassajara One Room School classroom of the late 1940’s. One of the highlights of the school year was a Christmas program presented by the students to family and friends that included readings, music, and plays. This was an important part of the community’s Christmas celebration. Returning to the Museum will be the popular antique sleigh, flying Santa, a 1940’s model train, the Polar Express Train, Father Christmas, decorated trees, toys, games, Christmas music items, a memory tree, and more. Please visit this exhibit, and share your special school Christmas or holiday memories. Bring the whole family! There are several model trains to see, toys everywhere, unique gifts in the museum store (including local history books), and a display of the original Father Christmas outfit worn by Carmine DeVivi to light the Old Danville Oak Tree. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville and is open 1-4PM on Tuesday-Friday, 10-1PM on Saturday, and 12-3PM on Sunday. Visit museumsrv.org for more information.

TREATS FOR THE TROOPS

Charity group Delta Nu Psi has now sent 37,842 pounds of gourmet junk food to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones. The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo on December 1 and Lunardi’s in Danville on December 8. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:30PM at both locations. Please shop for the men and women serving the United States. To learn more and see photos of recipients receiving packages, visit www.deltanupsi.org.

Ro u n d H i l l C o u n t r y C l u b

Offer Extended Through Jan.1

Renovation Special Renovate your lifestyle As our Clubhouse Renovation progresses, we still have a limited number of Memberships available. • Associate-Swim Membership: Initiation $2,500, receive a credit on the Member account of $1,250. • Social Membership: Initiation $1250 -Back for a very limited offering Available through January 1, 2018. Promotional credits are usable for any charges other than Initiation Fees. Admissions Requirements apply.

Please contact our Membership Office for more details at rhcc@roundhillcc.org or 925.314.2901 Offer subject to change without prior notice.

www.rhcountryclub.com

A NIGHT TO HONOR THE COMMUNITY

MAYOR’S INSTALLATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS DECEMBER 5

Danville Mayor Renee Morgan invites the community to come out Tuesday, December 5th for the 36th Annual Mayor's Installation and Community Service Awards. For the fourth year, the event will be held at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery, located at 233 Front Street in Danville Enjoy the sounds of the Monte Vista Chamber Singers during a Meet and Greet with the Town Council beginning at 6:30pm. The awards program begins at 7pm. Each year, the community gathers to honor individuals and organization who have made a difference in the Town of Danville. The Town Council will then elect the Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2018. After the event concludes, the community is invited to attend a reception in the Art Gallery. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.

DANVILLE LIONS CLUB FREE VISION SCREENING SERVICES

The Danville Lions Club, with certified Lion members, offers vision screening at no charge to public and private schools, senior care facilities, learning centers, and children’s centers in Danville and San Ramon. Danville Lions use the Spot infrared camera that combines auto-refraction and video retinoscopy to test the eyes. From three feet, the camera is used to take a digital photograph so the information acquired automatically assesses a person’s vision in as little as five seconds. The Spot camera is safe and quick, and can easily process 50 to 75 people in a short visit. The Spot camera screens for the following refractive errors and gaze analysis: irregularly shaped corneas or lenses, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. Danville Lions are most interested in using the Spot screening at public school locations and children’s learning centers. For more information and to schedule dates for screening, please contact Dr. Brent Waterman at (925) 352-6111 or watermanchiro@yahoo.com.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5

The Gothberg Team Wishes You

Happy Holidays D L SO 145 Camino Encanto Danville Asking Price $1,595,000

Scott

Brad

D L SO

Roberts

Wendy

Gothberg

Emett

The Gothberg Team 739 Center Drive Martinez

Asking Price $399,950 With over 30 years experience in the San Ramon Valley. Thinking of Buyer or Selling? Call Brad Today at 925-998-5151 * All comments are deemed true and are on record for the specific purposes for marketing and or advertising for Brad Gothberg, CA BRE# 00964026.

SINGLE FAMILY AREA ACTIVITY

Danville & Alamo

Danville: Detached Single-Family Homes

Alamo: Detached Single-Family Homes

Market Activity Summary: • Inventory: 90 units were listed for sale as of the last day of October. (approximately 2 months of inventory) • Sales Activity: 57 single-family detached units were sold during October. • Median Sales Price: $1,275,000 during October. • Average sales price was 99.5% of the average list price during October. Monthly Market Activity

Market Activity Summary: • Inventory: 54 units were listed for sale as of the last day of October. (approximately 4 months of inventory) • Sales Activity: 8 single-family detached units were sold during October. • Median Sales Price: $1,552,500 during October. • Days-on-Market (DOM) year-to-date is approximately 34 days. • Average sales price was 99.98% of the average list price during October. Monthly Market Activity

Active

Pending

Sold

Months Supply

Avg List Price

Median Sale Price

Avg Sale Price

Average DOM

Avg $ Sqft Listed

Avg $ Sqft Sold

Sale Price/ List Price

Oct 16

144

2.7

$1,243,843

$1,198,500

$1,227,444

$464

$458

98.68%

Nov 16

100

2.2

$1,358,195

$1,216,500

$1,324,223

$484

$474

97.50%

Nov 16

2.5

$1,912,943

$1,630,000

$1,847,571

$553

$537

96.58%

Dec 16

1.2

$1,448,285

$1,210,000

$1,392,717

$444

$430

96.16%

Dec 16

1.5

$2,158,818

$1,900,000

$2,100,614

$521

$509

97.30%

Jan 17

1.7

$1,268,918

$1,178,000

$1,246,591

$475

$468

Active Oct 16

Pending 14

Sold 13

Months Supply 2.7

Avg List Price

$1,552,600

Median Sale Price $1,520,000

Avg Sale Price

$1,569,108

Average DOM 33

Avg $ Sqft Listed $578

Avg $ Sqft Sold

Sale Price/ List Price

$584

101.06%

98.24%

Jan 17

1.8

$1,879,000

$1,600,000

$1,790,188

$488

$469

95.27%

2.1

$1,379,961

$1,282,500

$1,360,814

$498

$494

98.61%

Feb 17

21 42

Feb 17

3.6

$1,763,100

$1,787,500

$1,758,250

$548

$547

99.72%

Mar 17

2.3

$1,481,509

$1,330,000

$1,471,668

$495

99.34%

Mar 17

4.0

$2,046,229

$1,630,000

$2,036,520

$596

$593

99.53%

Apr 17

145

3.0

$1,366,201

$1,300,888

$1,375,223

$484

$490

100.66%

Apr 17

3.9

$1,851,817

$1,675,000

$1,862,261

$588

$595

100.56%

May 17

141

2.3

$1,438,719

$1,342,500

$1,444,409

$501

$505

100.40%

May 17

3.9

$1,890,768

$1,567,500

$1,857,863

$545

$543

98.26%

$1,349,500

$1,458,409

$482

$489

3.1

$1,870,565

$1,735,000

$1,838,995

$549

$539

98.31%

4.3

$2,019,419

$1,763,500

$1,993,159

$563

$554

Jun 17

126

1.9

$1,448,229

100.70%

Jun 17

60 55

Jul 17

120

1.9

$1,423,968

$1,338,000

$1,437,289

$495

$502

100.94%

Jul 17

Aug 17

103

1.7

$1,425,724

$1,365,000

$1,441,347

$506

$514

101.10%

Aug 17

3.1

$1,888,681

$1,665,000

$1,884,164

$605

$609

99.76%

Sep 17

112

2.0

$1,469,014

$1,320,000

$1,463,948

$511

$513

99.66%

Sep 17

3.4

$1,925,185

$1,676,250

$1,893,845

$544

$541

98.37%

Oct 17

1.7

$1,409,933

$1,275,000

$1,402,860

$502

99.50%

Oct 17

4.0

$1,903,438

$1,552,500

$1,903,125

$565

$582

99.98%

Month to Month

Sold

%Change

Avg List Price

% Change

Median Sale Price

% Change

Avg Sale Price

% Change

Avg DOM

% Change

Sale Price/ List Price

Month to Month

Sold

%Change

Avg List Price

% Change

Median Sale Price

Avg Sale Price

% Change

Avg DOM

% Change

Sale Price/ List Price

Oct 17

42.50%

$1,409,933

13.35%

$1,275,000

6.38%

$1,402,860

14.29%

-8.52%

99.50%

Oct 17

-38.46%

$1,903,438

22.60%

$1,552,500

2.14%

$1,903,125

21.29%

2.18%

99.98%

Oct 16

-25.93%

$1,243,843

-4.88%

$1,198,500

1.82%

$1,227,444

-5.64%

-8.17%

98.68%

Oct 16

-7.14%

$1,552,600

-37.83%

$1,520,000

-21.14%

$1,569,108

-35.85%

-52.88%

101.06%

Oct 15

-5.26%

$1,307,691

9.12%

$1,177,119

4.63%

$1,300,839

8.11%

17.47%

99.48%

Oct 15

-22.22%

$2,497,204

78.72%

$1,927,500

49.13%

$2,445,821

79.97%

14.20%

97.94%

Market Trends

Market Trends % Change

98.70%

PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

BLACKHAWK REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

The Blackhawk Republican Women cordially invite you to their Annual Christmas Luncheon featuring the installation of officers for 2018, a luncheon and Christmas caroling, and boutique shopping benefiting Livermore Veterans Center. The event will take place at 11:30AM on Thursday, December 14 at the Blackhawk Country Club. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $30. Once a year they say The ladies by the Bay Put politics away And have a very sociable day. Friends and family are invited Everyone is so excited For Christmas draws near And the caroling is so dear.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

HELP SAVE HOMELESS LIVES THROUGH COLD WEATHER CLOTHING PROGRAM

White Pony Express (WPE), headquartered in Pleasant Hill, has just launched its third Cold Weather Clothing Program (CWCP) for the upcoming winter. The program’s focus is to help the homeless in Contra Costa County endure the cold and often wet winter. WPE’s ambitious program, being handled by its “Free General Store” (FGS), hopes to distribute at least 10,000 articles such as warm coats, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear, and boots for the 2017-18 winter. White Pony Express’ CWCP originated in January 2016 when two homeless men died in Walnut Creek from exposure to very low temperatures. It was that sad situation that spurred WPE’s founder and Principal Advisor, Carol Weyland Conner, PhD, spiritual director of Sufism Reoriented, to ask that warm clothing be procured and provided to the homeless to enable them to endure the freezing cold. FGS was able to provide hundreds of items to many homeless persons who were most at risk.

See Cold Weather continued on page 20

ADOPT-A-FAMILY BIKE PROGRAM

In order to get into the Spirit of Giving Quality boutiques will be coming No worries about spending For we shan’t be offending As a portion of the proceeds Goes to those most deserving.

HELP A LESS FORTUNATE CHILD OR ADULT WITH THE GIFT OF A BICYCLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

So come share the cheer With those near and dear So we may wish a Merry Christmas to all And to all a happy new year. Reservations, cancellations, and payment can be made by visiting www. blackhawkrepublicanwomen.com or by contacting Jane Parish at janeparish@ sbcglobal.net or (925) 216-6663 and then mailing a check made payable to “Blackhawk Republican Women” to her at 366 Jacaranda Drive, Danville 94506th 2125, to arrive by noon on Tuesday, December 12th.

Used bikes are needed for the 16th annual Adopt-a-Family bike program. Donate a bike that your child has outgrown or an adult bike that you no longer use. Bikes will be cleaned, minor repairs made, safety checked, and distributed to Contra Costa schools and local nonprofit agencies. Please drop off bikes to Bishop Ranch 15, located at 12647 Alcosta Blvd., Suite 100, in San Ramon on Saturdays and Sundays December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 from 10AM-4PM.

See Bikes continued on page 23 15 Annual Adopt-a-Family

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7

The Cox Team REAL ESTATE

LE SA

N PE

N DI

145 Sugar Creek Ln, Alamo Roundhill North! Completely remodeled property with breathtaking views from nearly every room! 4BR/3.5BA offers fine finishes & designer touches throughout! Spectacular island kitchen, formal dining room, & huge master suite all overlooking rolling hills & magical sunsets! Cul-de-sac location! Offered at $1,899,000

Pat Cox 925-963-6404 pat@thecoxteam.com

DANVILLE

www.thecoxteam.com 601 Sycamore Valley Road West

925.314.1111

SING-ALONG MESSIAH

The San Ramon Arts Council will hold choral workshops for those wishing to practice and perform in a Sing-Along Messiah. The performance continues a decades-long tradition in San Ramon. The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, with their sparkling clarity and beauty, will also join in the fun. The soloists are fabulous, and the group is hopeful that members of the community who enjoy this great music will join in the singing and listening. Workshop rehearsals will be held November 28 and December 5 at 7:30pm, December 9 at 9:30am, and December 12 at 7:30pm at the San Ramon Community Center Fountain Room, located at 12501 Alcosta Blvd. in San Ramon. The performance will be held Sunday, December 17 at 7pm, also at the San Ramon Community Center Fountain Room. For more information, contact Will at 415-860-3609, will@willdoerlich.com, or visit www.sanramonarts.org/events.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF DIABLO VALLEY PROSPECTIVE MEMBER COFFEE

Since 1967, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, a nonprofit member volunteer organization, has improved lives in the local community through hands-on programs. You might have heard of its primary fundraiser, Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located in Lafayette. In response to the needs of a growing client base, Assistance League of Diablo Valley is also reaching out to community members who would enjoy clothing elementary school children, performing educational puppet shows for schoolchildren, reading to second grade students, or helping in supplying emergency clothing, food, and supplies to those in crisis. Two additional philanthropic programs concern implementing art in the classroom and staffing the Listen Program which helps identified students with verbal expression. Two other programs address the needs of seniors in the community. If you are interested in spending quality time and meeting energetic and upbeat people while helping those who are vulnerable, please phone (925) 934-0901 by Wednesday, January 10 to reserve a spot at the Prospective Member Coffee which will take place on Wednesday, January 17, at 9AM.

HOSPICE EAST BAY'S ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHTS

For thirty one years, Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered community members a way to honor the lives of friends and loved ones. This year, there will be eleven Tree Lighting Ceremonies. For further information about these special events, visit https://hospiceeastbay.org/. • Walnut Creek Tree ~ Wednesday, December 6 ~ 6PM, John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road • Blackhawk Tree ~ Friday, December 1 ~ 5PM, Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, all medically qualified patients are accepted, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Proceeds from their thrift shoppes benefit patients and their families.

VOLUNTEER WITH AARP TAX-AIDE FOR 2018 TAX SEASON

Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? Contra Costa County AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages. Tax-Aide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by the IRS, and Client Facilitators who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is held in November 2017, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2018. Service is provided from February through April 15, 2018. If you are interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call LaVerne Gordon at (925) 726-3199 for additional information.

PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

DANVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming! And, to celebrate, the Danville Women’s Club is hoping that you and your friends and family (yes, men are welcome!) will join us at the Blackhawk Country Club Main Dining Room (Lakeside Dining) as club members ring in the holidays on Thursday, December 7th. All of the festivities will begin at 11:30AM and should wind down by 2:30PM. There will be opportunity drawings (10 tickets for $5) and at least one fun Christmas-oriented game. The recipient of funds from ticket purchases for the opportunity drawings will be the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County. The Club is also requesting that you bring two unwrapped gifts (especially some for boys). These gifts will go to Monument Crisis Center. The cost for the luncheon is $40/person. Guests may contact Denise at denisemclark@me.com or call her at (925) 7192348 to make a reservation and choose your meal. Club members look forward to meeting you!

SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY

Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. The group has monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities including golf, bowling, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, bridge, reading, computers, and much more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. In lieu of a December luncheon, the group will celebrate the holidays with their annual Dinner Dance at Diablo Country Club on December 6th. The next monthly luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 17th at 11AM. The guest speaker for the January meeting will be Rob Silverman, an attorney who handles matters involving trusts and estates, including estate planning, trust administration, and probate. He will be presenting on the topic of Estate Planning Fundamentals, including important recent developments. Be ready for a very interesting presentation. Your $25 luncheon includes a meal, guest speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 170 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email by Thursday, January13th to www.info@SIR128.com. Meetings are held at The Bridges, 9000 S. Gale Ridge in San Ramon. For more information about this retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com.

VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville offers a Historic Military Museum & Library as well as a Veteran Resource Center. The Museum & Library is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 3PM. Every Saturday from 8AM to 11AM a Veteran Coffee and Pastry social is held. To access resources for Veterans you can connect with a County Veteran Service Officer every Wednesday from 10AM to 2PM. For an appointment call 925-313-1481. To learn more about the Veteran’s facility and programs visit www. vmbsrv.org or email info@vmbsrv.org.

THURSDAYS @ THE VT SERIES PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS STORY

Thursdays @ the VT is a unique live music and cult classic film series held at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery. The fall entertainment series will continue with a film screening of traditional holiday favorite, A Christmas Story, on December 7. The cult classic A Christmas Story (1983, Rated PG, 1h 34min) is sure to put you in a festive mood and fill you with holiday cheer! Set in the 1940’s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that he deserves to receive a Red Ryder B.B. gun for Christmas. Though everyone tells him that he’ll shoot his eye out, Ralphie never wavers from his idea of the perfect Christmas gift. The showing of A Christmas Story will begin at 7:30PM at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery, 233 Front St. Doors open at 7PM. Tickets for the film screening are $5 and can be purchased by calling (925) 314-3400 or visiting www.villagetheatreshows.com. For more information, contact Village Theatre Box Office at (925) 314-3400 or vtboxoffice@danville.ca.gov.

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IT’S A HOMEMADE HOLIDAY

TWEENS CREATE GIFTS AT ANNUAL EVENT

Gift-giving can be a challenge for tweens, so the Town of Danville is offering a fun afternoon program to allow them the chance to make creative gifts for the holidays. Bring your young one to the Homemade Holiday on December 7 from 4PM to 5:30PM at the Danville Community Center located at 420 Front Street. Participants between the ages of 8 and 12 can get into the holiday spirit by creating personalized gifts for their friends and family at this holiday craft workshop. Parents are welcome to stay and craft with their child throughout the event. Tweens will also have the chance to package their crafts at the giftwrapping station. In addition to holiday crafts and good cheer, refreshments will also be served. Pre-registration is required at www.danvillerecguide.com using activity code #13839. For more information, contact the Danville Community Center at (925) 314-3400, or email recreation@danville.ca.gov.

DIABLO CHORAL ARTISTS CONCERT

Diablo Choral Artists presents Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest by Conrad Susa, with harp, guitar, and marimba playing three settings of “Ave Maria” (by Verdi, Victoria, and Biebl), Ola Gjiello’s “A Spotless Rose,” Eric Whitacre’s “Alleluia,” and more. The evening will also include a carol sing-along. • Friday, Dec. 1 ~ 8PM ~ St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Hill •Sunday, December 3 ~ 4PM ~ Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Walnut Creek. For tickets and more information, visit www.dcachorus.org, call (925) 680-7089, or e-mail info@dcachorus.org.There will be a reception after the Sunday concert and a drawing for a gift basket at each concert.

RANCHO ROMERO ELEMENTARY

By Sandy Kontilis, Principal

November was a month of thankfulness. Sharing a few of Rancho Romero’s thankful moments is the overarching purpose of this month’s newsletter. Our fifth-grade teacher team (Jennifer Clausen, Sandrine Wright, and Allie Raney) took 85 students to Camp Loma Mar. Rancho Romero has been sending its 5th graders to Camp Loma Mar for more than 20 years. Situated right outside of Pescadero, the camp offered students the opportunity to fully unplug from technology and spend a week discovering the beauty of the outdoors. Trained naturalists introduced the students to the local redwoods, coastal marshes, organic gardens, and the Pescadero creek on daily outings. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of engaging activities including a night hike, a town hall meeting where students debated an environmental issue, a Barnyard boogie where students dressed up in crazy costumes and danced the night away, and a skit night where students performed an act with their cabin group. Each day students wound down with a campfire and music. Students came back from camp with a greater appreciation for nature and long-lasting memories with their classmates. The fall Rancho Giving Night was nothing short of spectacular. The week prior to the event, students of all grades generously donated food items and Safeway gift cards. We were able to deliver 43 dinners to our Sister School. In addition to reaching our goal for Coronado Elementary (Richmond), we delivered 75 dinners to the Contra Costa Food Bank. We exceeded our goal by quite a bit! Thank you to Wendy Higgins (Outreach) and Gaby Ghorbani (Pledge to Humanity). Our 24 GATE students and parent chaperones visited the S. F. Exploratorium. For some students, this was their first trip to San Francisco and using public transportation. Thanks to Sandrine Wright (teacher advisor) and Francisca Segovia (parent advisor) for giving our students the chance to explore at the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is a museum in San Francisco that allows visitors to explore the world through science, art, and human perception. Its mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide. The day was a hit, and our students can’t wait to return. The end of the first trimester of school resulted in the sending of report cards to parents. Dedicated teachers and staff make an incredible effort to educate our students. As we move towards the end of the year, it’s important to remember that students learn at their own unique pace. The triumphs and challenges are part of the learning process. We look forward to learning and growing our students for the future. Thank you to the Alamo community for the opportunity to work with Rancho Romero.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9

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ALAMO ELEMENTARY

By Stan Hitomi, Principal

For me, it just wouldn’t seem like the Holiday Season without music. Regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, each of us associates the holidays with music. This is especially true at Alamo School where music is woven into our lives each and every day! When Karla Angle, our current instrumental music director, arrived at Alamo School nine years ago, the program had fewer than 20 members. Today, the program boasts closer to 100 members performing in one of three programs: band, strings, or chimes. Students can start with chimes in 3rd grade, and in the 4th and 5th grades expand to band and/or strings. As a career educator, I am amazed to watch Mrs. Angle in our packed music room with dozens of beginning musicians. I often compare it to teaching foreign language in a room where every student is trying to learn a different language! By herself, she is guiding students to play the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Students receive a half hour of instruction two times a week. Performances include SRVEF Run for Education Spirit Day, Winter Concert and Assembly, Area Band Festival, Alamo Hoedown, District String Festival, and the Spring Concert and Assembly. Together, Mrs. Angle and Mrs. Raaum (vocal music) provide Alamo School with a musical program that is second-to-none in the area. This is validated by the fact that over half of our students participate in either chorus or instrumental music. As a principal, I feel that music programs are so important during the early years of education and essential for our school culture. As we enter this holiday season, there will be many opportunities to enjoy our incredible musical programs. I hope you get a chance to experience the charm of their sounds and the brightness they will bring to your holidays! Enjoy.

HOLIDAY MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

December 3: Alamo Tree Lighting (chorus) December 8: PTA Holiday Luncheon (chimes) December 13: District EdCenter (chorus & chimes) December 19: Alamo School Winter Concert (chorus, instrumental, chimes)

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LOS CERROS MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Evan Powell, Principal

Los Cerros Middle School had another successful Basket Brigade. Our students and families donated items for 300 local families to have food and supplies for Thanksgiving. We thank everyone for their time and efforts in supporting our 23rd Basket Brigade. Our teachers have been busy this year writing grants to purchase classroom supplies and devices. Thanks to the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation and Donors Choose, our school benefited from nearly $15,000 in grant money/donations to support Science, Music, Video Production, STEM, AVID, Math, and Core. We look forward to the new curricular supports and devices for our students. Around the classrooms, students are participating in rich discussions involving teen issues, along with researching and writing their supporting evidence. Students in seventh grade have benefited from working with our Teacher Librarian in researching different types of fuel in Science and working on literature circles in Core. Students have been learning physics and are using Tinkercad to develop chairs in 3D. Our students in Leadership participated in the district wide Gopher/Mole Removal Leadership Day, and No Poison we are very excited to bring new lunch Tri-Valley Trapper time activities and school spirit ideas to our campus.

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PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

By Jamie Westgate, Principal

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...” I think this might be every student’s favorite season, and it is such a privilege to be in a school where we can celebrate the reason for the season with such fanfare! If you were to stop on campus, you’d see signs of Christmas all around. Our K-8 classes revisit the story of Jesus’s birth, recalling kings, shepherds, and angels who remind us that His Son was a gift to all humanity regardless of wealth, social status, or race. His plan was to deliver us from our sinful nature, ultimately releasing us from it’s guilt and shame, a wonderful gift for every adult and child. What a great message to reinforce! Because Christmas is such a meaningful season for the Christian faith, we make an intentional effort to include it in the curriculum of some of our specialty classes. Our K-5th grade classes will be expanding their Spanish vocabulary by learning about the Advent wreath and its symbolism. They will not only learn Spanish words for peace, joy, hope, and love; but they will also memorize in Spanish John 8:12 which reminds us that Jesus was the light of the world. Our K-5th grade music classes are currently preparing for two musicals, guaranteed to warm hearts and induce smiles on all who come to watch. Consider joining us December 5 at 7PM in the sanctuary at Community Presbyterian Church for the 3rd-5th grade performance, Miracle on Main Street. Our K-2nd grade students will share their performance, Christmas in Kid City at chapel on Friday, December 15 at 9AM. While there, stop by our library for our SRVCA Book Faire where you can pick up a gift for the inquisitive readers in your home. Please join us for one of these festive events! When we return from Christmas vacation, our focus will be to welcome prospective families with tours and special events. We want the world to meet Jesus Christ through our students - the next generation of leaders - by inspiring them to love God, love others, and love learning. We partner with parents to provide an excellent foundation in which your child will succeed. Be sure to visit our website for upcoming events, www.srvca.org. May your home be filled with peace, joy, hope, and love this Christmas.

STONE VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL By Jon Campopiano, Principal

With the weather becoming wet and getting darker earlier, many students and families (myself included) turn to their devices and technology for entertainment. Common Sense Media has great tools to help with balanced use of technology at home. At Stone Valley, we are meeting with students three to five times a year to explicitly teach standards focused on creating cyber-safe children. Additionally, we will have a parent education night in January to help adults better understand how our children are using technology. Below is an article and short video from Common Sense Media that may be helpful in discussing balanced technology at home. • “5 Simple Steps to a Healthy Media Diet”- article: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/5-simple-steps-to-a-healthy-family-media-diet; video: https://www. commonsensemedia.org/technology-addiction I wish I could share all of the rigorous, relevant, collaborative, and creative units that are occurring at Stone Valley. I wanted to highlight and share our 20% time project that all 7th grade students are engaged in. 20% Time (sometimes called Genius Hour or Passion Projects) is a chance for kids to take 20% of their time in class to explore and create the project of their choice. This concept comes from the business world where companies like Google, 3M, and others give their employees time to work on projects of their choice as long as it can benefit the company. Companies and teachers who have done this 20% Time have found that the workers/students are more engaged in everyday activities. I highly recommend viewing the Stone Valley 20% Time web page. You will be amazed and inspired. 20timeprojects.weebly.com. Our community always responds to families and groups in need, and this year was no different. In November, our student body donated over eighty pounds of candy to the Blue Stars Moms organization and thirty complete meals and gift cards to our sister school, Riverview Middle School in Bay Point. Thank you to our leadership class and PTA for spearheading these activities. I am honored to work with such a generous community.

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

Fall semester is winding down as Monte Vista (MV)’s students and faculty are preparing for Thanksgiving Break. When we all return, it will be a short three and a half weeks until Winter Break, so there are all kinds of activities and events happening on our campus. On November 8th, Monte Vista honored eleven student-athletes from the Class of 2018 at our annual Early Signing Ceremony. Our students signed National Letters of Intent in baseball, cross country, lacrosse, swimming, volleyball, and water polo. Next year, these athletes will compete at California Baptist College, Rutgers, San Jose State, Stanford, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC. These young men and women are outstanding representatives of our school, and we look forward to more great things on our campus and hearing about their future accolades. Stay tuned: MV will have another round of signings in February. Monte Vista’s Visual and Performing Arts Departments continued to dazzle through November and into December. On November 1st, over twenty of Monte Vista’s visual artists were featured at SRVUSD and the Town of Danville’s “Face It” exhibit. The exhibit is being held at the Village Theater in Danville and will run through December 17th. MV’s Drama Department performed the Edgar Allen Poe classic The Fall of the House of Usher over the first weekend in November to three packed houses. The new sound and lighting systems in our Theater fully complemented the outstanding acting and set design to make the performance one of the best ever at MV. In mid-November, MV’s Dance program, led by our new dance director Annie Connors, performed Plus One to three sold-out audiences. Once again, MV’s dancers gave our community amazing performances that covered multiple genres and styles. Monte Vista’s Marching Band has flexed its muscles over the past few weeks as well. MV musicians took first place honors at the Folsom Fall Festival on November 4th and the Merced Field Show Competition on November 12th. All of MV’s Bands will perform their annual Holiday Concert on December 7th and 9th. Also, MV’s Choir Program will be performing their Winter Holiday Concerts on November 30th, December 1st and 2nd, also in the Al Gentile Theater at 7PM. Monte Vista Athletics have represented the school well, earning our 4th consecutive NCS Titles in Women’s Tennis and Women’s Volleyball as well as a strong showing by Women’s Water Polo in the section final. MV’s Tennis team shook off two regular season losses to Dougherty Valley with a resounding 6-1 victory in the final. MV’s Volleyball team defeated James Logan in a thrilling five set match which featured the best volleyball seen all season. MV Women’s Water Polo put up a great fight before losing a tough match in the final to Miramonte. All three teams are now starting the CIF-State playoffs. It has been a great couple of weeks for Monte Vista. Come out and support our amazing students. Finally, the Stone Valley Kindness team met to plan activities to increase kindness and respect on campus and has partnered with our grade Core teachers to promote acts of kindness on campus. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -Aesop Here is a snapshot of the challenge our students have taken: Being kind to someone does not require a grand act; sometimes it is as easy as smiling. Inside all of us is the power to brighten someone’s day and make their life a little bit better. Below is a list of different things you can do to be kind and be a bright spot in someone’s life. • Pick up something that someone drops • Give a smile • Help carry something if someone has their hands full • Say “Hi” to someone new • Ask someone, “How are you?” • Give a specific and genuine compliments • Hold the door for someone • Sit next to someone who looks like they could use a friend • Invite others to sit/work with you • Make a card for a friend • Let someone in line in front of you • Pick up litter on campus • Talk to someone you have not talked to in a while • Thank someone for something that they do • Cheer up someone who is having a bad day • Help straighten up the classroom • Offer to put away someone’s computer for them Thank you for partnering with us in our acts of kindness to each other in our community, and I hope you each have a fantastic Thanksgiving and an amazing December.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11

QUICK TRIPS

By Linda Summers Pirkle SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM POP-UP

A beautiful and stately historic bank building from the early 1900’s, located in the financial district of San Francisco, is the temporary location for an unquestionably charming pop-up museum all about the history of ice cream. Ice cream is a favorite treat for many people. I try to limit my ice cream consumption to one day a week, and Sunday is my current day to indulge. I have a favorite ice cream shop. Since I’m there with embarrassing regularity, as I am about to order I frequently am asked, “Would you like your usual?” Both of my daughters share the same ice cream habit, so when my oldest daughter Lindsay discovered that the Ice Cream Museum was coming to San Francisco, she immediately purchased tickets. Tickets are only sold online, and with millennials vying over this extremely popular event, she was ecstatic when she was able to get the $38 passes for a Monday at 1PM. We took Bart to Montgomery Street station and walked the few blocks to the Museum. Bright pink banners and a line of patrons queuing up for their timed entrance were unmistakable signs that we were in the right place. In the summer of 2016, Ice Cream Museum founders Maryellis Bunn and Manish Vora, two young professionals in their 20’s who happen to be passionate about ice cream, partnered with New York City ice cream and ice cream related companies (think companies that manufacture sprinkles, toppings, and sugary sweets) and launched the first pop-up museum all about ice cream. It was a huge success. Their next stop was Los Angeles, and in September 2017 the team arrived in San Francisco. Every location is given a theme. The rainbow was chosen for San Francisco, and their message reads, “Rainbow commemoThe "Sprinkle Pool" filed with 100 million rates the city’s beautiful message of cohesion, diversity, and inclusivity.” A crowd favorite in the Ice Cream Museum is a room set up like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with a counter, swivel artificial sprinkles in the History of Ice Cream museum. stools, a juke box with music blaring, and old-style records displayed on the walls. Strawberry flavored ice cream sandwiches from local company It’s-It Ice Cream Co. are given out to everyone. The most talked about room is the “Sprinkle Pool” which is a three-foot “pool” filled with 100 million artificial sprinkles. We joined little kids, moms and dads, lots of twenty something’s, and seniors in the sprinkle experience. Of course, like everyone else in the museum, we were guilty of taking tons of selfies. I was most impressed with the lively and enthusiastic curators who, with their mostly pink outfits, greeted patrons and explained the intricacies of each of the eight rooms of the museum. “Bubble Gum Brendon,” a local actor and employee, shared a museum motto: “Flavors are mysteries, topping are toys, and sprinkles make the world a better place.” Museum of Ice Cream is located at 1 Grant Street in San Francisco. Their website is museumoficecream. com, and their phone number is (855)258-0719. Tickets are only sold online. No tickets are sold at the door. Museum of Ice Cream San Francisco is open through the end of February 2018. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danvill. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13

WINDSTAR MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE: 180º FROM ORDINARY By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel

We have cruised quite a bit but had never cruised with Windstar. We had heard great reports from past cruisers and wanted to try it ourselves. Windstar, a market leader in small ship cruising operates three luxury sailing yachts: Wind Surf, Wind Spirit, and Wind Star; and three all-suite power yachts, Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend. With fewer than 310 guests onboard, Windstar can visit hidden harbors and secluded coves that larger ships can’t reach. On our cruise, Venetian Passageways on the Star Legend, we flew into Venice which is known for romance with its canals, gondolas, and walking bridges; history at places such as Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco, and the Grand Canal; and culture with art and museums. Other notable spots include Hvar where we walked to a medieval fortress with a beautiful view of the city and the port. In Kotor, we walked 1,350 steps to a fortress with a breathtaking view. In Dubrovnik, possibly the best known walled city, we walked the wall. In Corfu, we took a very good shore excursion to the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint, another UNESCO site in Albania. Two things well illustrated the small ship advantage. We cruised the Corinth Canal, which was only slightly wider than our ship and is a very interesting passage between steep rock walls. In Nafplio, Greece, we were the only ship in port the whole day. We really enjoyed the beautiful town, a very worthwhile stop with beautiful views from an ancient fortress. We walked the 900 steps up the hill, but others from the ship took a bus to a site near the top. This town was unspoiled; there were no stores all over selling junky souvenirs. Our cruise ended in Athens, a great city steeped in history. We had been in Athens before and really enjoyed it, but the Acropolis Museum was not completed. It is now open and was very good to visit. We really enjoyed our Windstar cruise. We were on a power yacht, but we would also like to try a Windstar sailing yacht.

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JOIN US FOR TWO UPCOMING SPECIAL ALAMO WORLD TRAVEL CRUISES

1. Join Host Narsai David - Famed chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, TV and radio personality on board the all-inclusive Crystal Serenity on August 19, 2018 for a 12 night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Venice. For more information, visit www.alamoworld. com/narsai_david/cruise.pdf. 2. Join Ilene and Mike of Alamo World Travel on board the all-inclusive Crystal Serenity from September 30 through October 7, 2018 for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Marseille to Barcelona with stops in France, Italy, and Spain. For more on Windstar and other travel, visit, call, or email Alamo World Travel & Tours at 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 255 (between Ace Hardware and Peasant’s Courtyard Restaurant) Alamo, call (925) 837-8742 x14 or email mike@alamoworld.com. Visit our website at www.alamoworld.com. Advertorial

LUMINOSITY ART EXHIBIT AND OPENING RECEPTION AT BLACKHAWK GALLERY

The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) will host the opening of Blackhawk Gallery’s new Exhibit, Luminosity. A Gala Reception will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 5 to 7PM, with wine and hors d’oeuvre. The exhibit will be on view seven days a week from December 1 to February 11, 2018. The Reception and Exhibit are free and open to the public. The Luminosity exhibit features one guest artist and forty member artists. Guest artist Marty Jonas will be showing her metal screen sculptures. Members’ artworks include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and wearable art. The exhibit is curated by Debby Koonce, Kerima Swain, and Beverly Turner. The Blackhawk Gallery is located at 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Metal Sculptures by Blackhawk Gallery Guest Artist Marty Danville, in the Blackhawk Plaza. Jonas. Regular Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday from 10AM-8PM and Sunday from AM PM 11 -6 . Holiday hours are 10AM-5PM on December 24, closed on December 25, 10AM-5PM on December 31, and closed on January 1. For additional information, visit www.BlackhawkGallery.org, www. ADAS4art.org, or https://www.facebook.com/AlamoDanvilleArtistsSociety; call (925) 648-8023; or contact Blackhawk Gallery Director Kerima Swain at swain. kerima@gmail.com.

DIABLO ACTORS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS

Diablo Actors Ensemble (DAE) celebrates the holiday season and its 40th anniversary with Scott Fryer’s delightful holiday story, An Appalachian Christmas. Set in the Appalachian Mountains in 1938, the play concerns a young boy, living with his two spinster aunts, who learns the meaning of Christmas. Through some very difficult lessons, he learns about the gift of giving and gratefulness in hard times. This warm holiday play promises to be an enjoyable evening of theatre. Production dates are December 1 - 16. Friday through Sunday evening shows begin at 8PM. Matinees on Saturdays, December 2 and 9, and Sundays, December 3 and 10 begin at 2PM. Performances will be held at B8 Theatre, located at 2292 Concord Blvd in Concord. Tickets costing $25 are available by visiting www.diabloactors.org or calling (925) 305-6171. The cast includes DAE favorite Ann Kendrick (Driving Miss Daisy and Grace and Glorie) as well as local favorites Beth Chastain and Campbell Zeigler. The cast also includes Beth Bemis, Ollie Wise, Sadie Henderson, Danielle Tortalani, William McNeil, and Austin Pierce. DAE’s Scott Fryer directs his world premiere script. His directing credits here include Driving Miss Daisy, Grace and Glorie, A Few Good Men, The Gin Game, Educating Rita, and many more. Mr. Fryer has received 10 Shellie Awards for his work as a producer and director.

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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

ERGONOMICS By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

After a career of working with computers in all sorts of situations, I think I’ve broken every rule when it comes to ergonomics. Because of that I’ve paid the price, and now I have some earnest advice to offer. First let’s talk about your smartphone. Many of us, myself included, are guilty of holding the phone in our lap while bending our head to look down at the screen. I’ve tried to change that, however, because the abuse of my neck has accumulated over the years. The best way to use your phone is to hold it up in front of your face like you would hold a mirror. You don’t want to strain or stretch your neck downwards as it wrecks havoc with one’s sensitive cervical spine. The truth is, we’re destroying our necks with these phones, and our kids are too. Their young bodies need to learn good habits, and we’re training their bodies incorrectly. Have you seen the neck-hump on the back of some kids necks? That can be from chronic phone use. My doctor says medical practitioners are seeing tremendous amounts of upper spinal problems in kids because of phones. These problems include headaches, neck aches, and a stretching of the ligaments which helps us to hold up our heads. This is an avoidable problem, so get your phone out of your lap. Speaking of unfortunate habits with smartphones, I probably don’t need to spend too much time covering the well-worn ground of texting and driving. Could anything you have to say would be worth someone’s life if you accidentally mowed them down while glancing at your screen? Enough said; please don’t do it. What about using your phone while walking? Think again! Let me start by saying that I am a card-carrying member of the “I should be dead because I’m stupid” club. When I was working in San Francisco in 1999, I was walking down Montgomery street while carrying on an “urgent” work conversation, completely oblivious to my surroundings. At Montgomery and Clay, I stepped off the curb right into the path of an oncoming car. I remember it clear as day. If a guardian angel hadn’t grabbed my arm right as a car blared its horn, I would certainly have been killed. The lesson here? Be mindful. If you’re going to walk, walk and be present and thoughtful in that moment. If you’re going to talk, go to a safe spot and talk.

Again, nothing in the conversation was worth my life, which I damn near gave up. In our office we have tried various ways to make our work environments more ergonomically friendly. Sitting all day is bad enough for us, not to mention that most of us slouch which cups our spines into the shape of a “C” instead of the lovely “S” it was meant to be. The result is having one’s shoulders cave forward, and a lot of extra stress is being placed on our lower backs and necks. To combat this, we’ve added adjustable desks and adjustable dual-monitor stands for our employees. Now they can sit or stand at their desk and ensure their monitor is at the optimal height so that they’re not looking down at it like one may do with their smartphone. Standing is a great way to work, because it keeps us invigorated and changes the way we breathe. Because I over-used my right arm by carrying around a heavy laptop and then using a mouse all day, I’ve trained myself to use a left-handed mouse, and that’s my normal mode now. I encourage you to try this if you have any elbow problems, because it saved mine. It was an easy fix. I recommend considering a backpack instead of a laptop bag if you must transport your gear. Wear it fully across your back, not across one shoulder. We tend to overlook how hard it is on our arms to swing a 10lb laptop bag or a 20lb backpack around on one arm. This is exactly how I irritated my right arm, I and I could have avoided it by leaving my computer at work or wearing a a backpack instead of using a laptop bag for a briefcase. Finally, and what spurred me to write on this topic, is I wanted to show you this new iPad stand. It is 35”, floor-standing, and adjustable, allowing me to sit in a chair, relax on a couch, or lie on my bed with my tablet in perfect viewing range while I read or watch a show. This completely revolutionizes the way I use the tablet because I don’t have to hold it in my lap to use it. Check out this link to the stand at Amazon.com http:// tinyurl.com/viozonstand. I know these aren’t glamorous suggestions, but they all make a difference. Little things like this help us use technology in a beneficial and sustainable manner. If you need support or a suggestion on where to find your own ergonomic solutions, you can always reach our team at support@ pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953. Advertorial

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15

Season’s Greetings Stone Valley Center in the Heart of Downtown Alamo

Support Local Businesses-Shop and Dine CVS Pharmacy…………..……………………….314-9710 Forli Restaurant & Bar………………………….854-2638 Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant…………….…..743-8997 Aqua Salon & Spa…………..…………………...837-7884 MD Liquors………………………………….…...838-1888 RJ’s Asian Fusion Bistro………………………..984-2486 Fred’s Cleaner.…………………………………..837-1180 Coffee Shop Alamo (Drive Thru)……………….820-0400 Hospice Thrift Shoppe………………………….820-6525 Taco Bell Express………………………………..406-0185 Custom Nails……………………………………..831-9839 Subway-Eat Fresh……………………………….362-1520

Lots of Free Parking  Easy Access from I‐680  Located at Stone Valley Road & Danville Blvd. The Lineweaver Trust, Owner  (925) 837‐3665  www.diabloholdings.com

PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

CLIP NOTES By Jody Morgan

DICKENS

The December holiday season rarely fails to provide an opportunity to enjoy an adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Released on December 19, 1843, the first edition of the novella was sold out by Christmas Eve. Horticulture has nothing to do with the story, but some sources believe Charles Dickens refers wistfully to Gads Hill Place, an estate he began admiring as a 9-year-old boy, when describing the red brick mansion Scrooge visits with the Spirit of Christmas Past. On March 14, 1856, Dickens finally acquired that property, permitting him to become acquainted with the Green Spirits of Gardening Present and Future. In The Writer’s Garden, Jackie Bennett notes: “Plenty of evidence indicates that Dickens loved his garden. There was a vinery, which he heated for his tender plants, and a croquet lawn. Most important to Dickens, however, was the use of colour in the planting schemes. Beneath both ground floor bay windows, he put up staging for a ‘Geranium Theatre’ in which he grew ranks of bright red Pelargonium ‘Mrs. Pollack.’ He always wore one in his buttonhole, and buttonholes were made up for dinner guests.” Bennett remarks that before sitting down to write each morning, Dickens toured the house and gardens armed with tools to execute minor repairs and tidy the flowerbeds. He left notes for his gardener on problems he could not immediately correct. The formal gardens on the estate included a lawn with a central laurel bed bordered by colorful summer floral displays. The orchard and vegetable garden supplied homegrown produce. Across the busy road from the house was an area Dickens dubbed the “Wilderness.” In 1859, Dickens obtained permission to create a tunnel under the road, allowing him safe access to the wooded parcel. By the time Swiss actor Charles Fletcher gifted Dickens a miniature Swiss chalet for Christmas 1864, the Wilderness was a carefully laid-out network of shrubbery and paths. The chalet arrived in 94 pieces with directions for assembly in French. Dickens quickly abandoned hope that he and his holiday houseguests could piece it together and summoned stage carpenter M. Godin from London’s Lyceum

HOL I DAY W I N E S U RV I VA L GUIDE

By Monica Chappell

With the holiday season upon us, I often feel the need to stock the wine cupboard with a variety of wines. A selection of wines poured in elegant glasses can add that special touch that transforms any special event into a truly great celebration. If you’re not sure how much to buy, no worries: this party planning survival guide can help you through the holidays.

NUMBER OF SERVINGS IN A BOTTLE OF WINE

The standard wine bottle is 750 milliliters, which is about 25 ounces. That translates to five 5-ounce pours, which is considered the correct amount, no matter the size of the glass.

HOW MUCH WINE TO BUY

• Holiday Brunch for 8-10 3 bottles of sparkling wine, 1 bottle of white, and 1 bottle of red • Dinner for 12 3 bottles of sparkling wine, 2-3 bottles of each white and red wine. Food friendly whites might include a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or a non-oaked Chardonnay from France. Dinner reds to think about include Merlot from Washington State or a Pinot Noir from California or Oregon. 1-2 bottles of dessert wine such as late-harvest Riesling, Sauterne, or Port would be a nice addition. • Cocktail Party for 25 8-12 bottles of red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile and Shiraz from Australia are both great options; 6-8 bottles of white wine: Italian whites or a South American Chardonnay are excellent options for a crowd. 1 1/2 to 2 cases of beer, 1 bottle each of Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Tequila, plus mixers; and finally, don’t forget to stock the bar with non-alcoholics as well.

WINE SERVING TIPS

Be aware of the temperature of the wine served.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Theatre to set up the structure in the Wilderness. Hence forth, it became a favorite retreat where Dickens could write in a peaceful place shaded by cedars. The second floor looked out on the River Thames. At some point, Dickens and his eldest daughter Mamie contracted the passion for collecting ferns sweeping across England. In 1856, by attaching the Latin label for the fern family to the common term for mental illness, Charles Kingsley coined the word “pteridomania” to describe the craze. Fern fever caused Dickens to invest in two remarkable specimens: a Tasmanian tree fern (Dicksonia Antarctica) and a silver tree fern (Cyathea dealbata). Tasmanian tree ferns, native to Australia, are slow growing. In California they top out at 15 feet. This tough species is hardy and evergreen to Fahrenheit temperatures in the 20’s, even surviving defoliation at 19º. Used as ballast to prevent cargoes from shifting in heavy seas on the voyage from Australia, tree fern trunks offloaded at English seaports surprised dockhands by sprouting new leaves. Tasmanian Aborigines appreciated the nutritional virtues of the high starch content of the trunks. Indigenous to New Zealand, silver tree ferns serve as a national emblem for military units and sports teams. Rarely grown outside of Australia and New Zealand, this species has arching fronds up to 12’ long. The silver underside of the fronds made it an ideal night–time trail marker for native people. The Maori also used the soft foliage as bedding. Three individuals are credited with infecting the British population with fern fever: Nathaniel Ward, George Loddiges, and Edward Newman. Invented by Ward in 1829, Wardian cases served on plant-collecting voyages to bring back exotic specimens and also protect prize ferns in fashionable Victorian parlors. Loddiges, Ward’s assistant, spread a rumor that fascination with ferns was a mark of intelligence. In 1840, Ward’s neighbor Newman published a book glorifying the culture of ferns. Nurseries all over England began stocking ferns to supply pteridomaniacs with the product they craved. Sensitive specimens wanted a secure home. Dickens longed to install a conservatory at Gads Hill, but he lacked sufficient means until completing his final American tour in 1867-1868. The conservatory addition to his home was completed just two days before his death. On the evening of June 7, 1870, Charles hung Chinese lanterns in the space. On June 9, he succumbed to a stroke. • White wines should be served at about 55° • Sparkling wines should be served the coldest at about 50° and kept in an ice bucket • Red wines should be served at about 65° Happy Holidays! The shopping days are dwindling, so whether you’re looking for an affordable stocking stuffer or a bank-breaking indulgence for your sweetheart, spread a little holiday cheer. Cheers! Monica Chappell is a wine writer and educator, and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.

BLACKHAWK “FIRST SUNDAY” CARS & COFFEE

Blackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event year round for all car enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, starting at 8AM and going to 10AM, the Museum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts. On Cars & Coffee Sundays, the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets. The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html, call (925) 736-2280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.

BOOKS FOR THE HOMEBOUND

If you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 314-3756 for more information.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17

PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

JOINT TITLING – PANACEA OR PROBLEM?

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

It is common to title assets jointly. Often it’s perfectly appropriate to do so; but frequently, it is not. Most importantly, people who own assets in joint form should be aware of the potential pitfalls and alternatives.

MARRIED COUPLES

If you are married and do not have a revocable living trust (“Trust”), you and your spouse likely own your bank and brokerage accounts jointly and own your home in either joint tenancy or community property with right of survivorship. On the surface, from a management and succession standpoint, this makes sense. If one spouse dies, the other spouse automatically and seamlessly owns 100% of the asset (by “right of survivorship”), and the deceased spouse’s interest is not subject to probate. Nevertheless, there are two major potential problems with joint titling. First, upon a spouse’s incapacity, it is difficult and expensive for the non-incapacitated spouse to refinance or sell real estate (typically, a court conservatorship proceeding is required). Helpfully, the problem can be avoided if an incapacitated spouse established a properly drafted power of attorney before becoming incapacitated. Second, notwithstanding the benefit of the right of survivorship, the property must eventually go through Probate - a long, expensive and inconvenient court-supervised estate administration proceeding: a) if both spouses die in a common accident OR b) upon the death of the surviving spouse. So, even for married couples, titling assets jointly can be problematic. Fortunately, there is a great alternative: a Trust. If a Trust is established and substantially all assets are titled in the Trust, each spouse has access and control as they would if the assets were titled jointly. Moreover, upon the incapacity or death of one or both spouses, no Probate or court intervention should be required.

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JOINT OWNERS WHO ARE NOT MARRIED TO EACH OTHER

Here, the potential problems are magnified. I constantly see bank accounts, and sometimes real estate, owned in joint form between parent and child or between other relatives. I’m usually told that the owner put the other person (“joint owner”) on title for convenience. Generally, this means that the owner wants the joint owner to have access to the asset if the owner becomes incapacitated. This arrangement may be convenient and appear harmless, but it can be dangerous. Potential perils: i) the joint owner withdraws funds from a joint account for himself (or if it’s real estate, the joint owner forces the sale of the property and takes half of the sales proceeds); ii) the joint owner’s creditors execute a judgment or lien against the asset. Owners are seldom aware of another important consequence of joint titling: upon the owner’s death, the joint owner automatically owns 100% of the asset. This can cause serious conflicts, damaged relationships and sometimes litigation. Here’s an example. Facts - an owner has: a) two children; b) a Will bequeathing all assets to her two children, equally; c) a $50,000 bank account jointly titled with one child. Result on owner’s death - Per the Owner’s Will, she wanted and expected all assets to be split equally $25,000 each - between her two children; however, by operation of law, the joint owner child will be entitled to the entire $50,000. The foregoing demonstrates that, despite the popularity of joint titling, the potential unintended consequences and costs can be significant. Proper estate planning provides appealing alternatives. A well-conceived and well-drafted Trust and Power of Attorney offer control and convenience without the kind of serious potential detriment illustrated above. Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * Business * Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group which is located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial

message of heartfelt connection, she created a collection of gold and pearl jewelry to be given and cherished as an expression of love. She named the line Love You More. Not surprisingly for those acquainted with Ghorbani’s capacity for multitasking, releasing the Love You More line did not keep her from continuing her PTH work both at home and abroad. Her Love You More venture was only a few months old when she identified the means to utilize her for-profit start up to serve a need PTH could not address. PTH was working in Gardenia, a Mexican village near Puerto Vallarta, to improve deficient dwellings by replacing porous walls, roofs, and floors with materials that would protect residents from the elements. The village was known as “Dump Town” because of its proximity to the adjacent odoriferous space. When Gaby learned the dump was being moved away, she was happy for the residents. Soon they would have cleaner air to breathe. Then Ghorbani discovered the women of the village were heartbroken by the news. Gleaning from the dump was a major source of livelihood. They wouldn’t Women crafting jewelry and bags learn marketable skills while earning income to support have enough money to buy the supplies their children required to attend school, their families. never mind to pay for basic clothing and food needs. She spoke with the local pastor and leader in that community. He had already started helping some of the women to make small items they could sell at nearby beaches. She decided to train the women to make a special line of jewelry and bags that would give them a dependable source of income. Love You More would handle sales. Ghorbani emphasizes that Love You More is in no way connected with Pledge to Humanity. The next step was working out designs and finding materials. Teaching the ladies to make quality products was essential. Mistakes made by trainees learning proper techniques with genuine leather proved costly. After providing the ladies with vinyl for practicing new skills, Gaby realized how many of her vegan friends actually purchased only faux-leather and designed a selection of vegan bags especially for them. Having heavy, valuable finishing details like chains and charms added closer to her Alamo residence not only saves on shipping costs, but it also helps to generate extra income for women working from their homes in California. Always ready to turn an unpleasant experience into a source of inspiration, Gaby is excited about the Bohemian Line’s concert and game ready purses now in stock for holiday gift giving. Gaby and her daughter learned for the first time that many venues are not allowing women to bring in any purse exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” when they had the frustrating experience of being turned back to their car to deposit their oversize bags (just 2’’ over the approved dimensions) after waiting in a long concert entrance line in Santa Fe. Some sports stadiums have the same rule. If you show up with an oversize purse, you may have the option of checking it with all of your valuables in a tent outside the grounds. But wouldn’t you rather be prepared with a bag just big enough for cell phone, keys, credits cards, and a bit of cash? Recently Gaby discovered a sewing school in Puerto Vallarta. She decided to give these women the chance to earn extra income by making clothing, primarily in one size to fit most with a few pieces offered in a limited size range. Cotton and linen fabric for the original pieces comes from Guadalajara. Ghorbani is currently researching additional sources. Teachers from the United States conduct a free daily after school enrichment program at a nearby school where the sewing ladies’ children can learn computer skills, English, and music. Gaby is determined to help fund the salary of at least one of the American teachers. Helping others is a way of life for Ghorbani. As all of her PTH children learn, if you keep your eyes and heart See More continued on page 23

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TA X P L A N N I N G : DONATING MONEY TO PEOPLE WHO NEED IT

By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19

Compass proudly welcomes Don Magalhaes

As we wrap up the year, our North Bay community is still recovering from the devastating fires in the wine country. The recovery efforts have led to an increase in charitable giving in my network and beyond to the communities directly affected by the fires. At a recent Advisors and Philanthropy meeting, we discussed the change that the fires have made in regards to our giving: shifting from cash donations to goods or services donations. We also discussed the fact that on average people only give away 2% of their income to charity, and this is becoming a systematic problem for most charities. The charities are no longer receiving enough in charitable donations from the community to continue as they have grown accustomed to. This may likely be due to the fact that our tax bills are so high. The positive impact charitable giving can have, not only to the charity and to your legacy as a human on this earth, but to your tax bill, is not completely understood. One of the things that my firm tries to help clients understand is how much they can give away on an annual basis without impacting their financial objectives or their family objectives, while still allowing them to leave a legacy of giving. More importantly, we look at strategic tax decisions with regards to how we give and to meet our client’s objectives. • We could accomplish our client’s strategic tax goals by straight giving on an annual basis, which is limited at 50% of AGI for cash gifts or 30% of AGI for stock, or appreciated asset gifting. • Then we could look at donor-advised funds. These funds are designed for the person who may not have built a philanthropic objective yet, but wants to benefit from the income tax benefit and to build a pool of assets. Donor-advised funds can be a very straight forward tool for future giving. • We could also consider foundation building. The threshold for foundation building is quite often in the $5 million to $10 million range, as there are many legal and administrative costs associated with foundation building. The tax benefits are also a consideration as they are not necessarily as high as the two previously mentioned strategies but can still be a great vehicle to build a philanthropic war chest. • Clients with high W-2 incomes in a given year, because of stock options or large cash bonuses, could look to a Charitable Lead Grantor Trust, either unit or annuity. We would assess the impact of setting up this type of vehicle where you get a charitable deduction in the year that you add to the trust. Then, over the term of the trust, you give a percentage or a dollar amount, to a charity of your choice. At the end of a term, you or your family will receive back the assets that you put in the trust. Income taxes on any taxes created by the trust are paid as you go. • Next, we could look at a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) for those clients that have a highly appreciated stock position and want to avoid paying capital gains. You may be able to place a highly appreciated asset inside of a CRT, execute the capital gains transaction, and pay zero taxes on that transaction. You may also receive a deduction for the contribution of the asset to the trust and then, over time, you may receive income back from that trust. There are several variations of the CRT, all with various benefits. CRTs have fallen out of favor because Applicable Federal Rates are so low, but CRTs can still be a magnificent tool for someone who doesn’t necessarily have heirs and wants an income stream available for the rest of their life. • Finally, we could look at Permanent Life Insurance as another option for charitable giving. Life Insurance, where the charity is the ultimate beneficiary may be a good long-term giving option or a way to supercharge any of the

“Results Pure and Simple” The future of real estate has arrived in the East Bay.

Don Magalhaes 925.786.1855 don@compass.com CalBRE 00897221

above mentioned techniques. As you can see, there are many ways to strategically give back. If you’re interested in giving more to your community, our firm can help you build a strategic and long term giving plan. Please reach out to us if you are interested in learning more. There is also a great book called Inspired Philanthropy by Gary Adess that could help you learn more about building out your charitable legacy. Please contact me at (925) 786-7686 or peter.waldron@lfg.com to schedule your complimentary review of your financial situation. We are located at 3201 Danville Blvd. Ste 190, Alamo. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker-dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor, offering insurance through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates InsuranceAgency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstances. CRN1900732-091917 Advertorial

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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

SHOULD YOU GET A PERMIT FOR THAT HOME REMODEL PROJECT?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CODE ENFORCEMENT By Supervisor Candace Andersen

We live in an area where people like to improve their homes. I frequently speak to community members who have remodeled their bathroom or kitchen, or replaced the windows in their homes, often without getting a permit. Sometimes they are not even aware that a permit is required (most don’t know that one is needed for window or water heater replacement). Sometimes they just don’t want to deal with the inconvenience or expense of permit fees. Some people erroneously assume their entire house will be reassessed to the full current market value, resulting in a huge increase in their property taxes. In actuality, when a building permit is issued, a value is attached to only the improvements. This may trigger an increase in the assessed valuation but add only slightly to the overall home valuation. There are many drawbacks to remodeling without proper permitting. Several problems could come back to haunt a homeowner who decides to move forward on a remodeling project without the necessary permits. When reselling your home, unpermitted additions to square footage could be left out of the appraisal, resulting in the home appraising for much less. The unpermitted construction would need to be disclosed, and potential buyers may refuse to move forward with a sale because of potential liability for your failure to pull permits and have the work inspected. If a hired contractor performs the work without permits, that means that the work is not being inspected and may not be performed to codes, which are created to ensure the safety of your dwelling. A very important detail that isn’t considered is the nullification of homeowner’s insurance if proper permits have not been obtained. Homeowner’s insurance might not cover a defect, such as faulty wiring that could cause a fire destroying the entire house, for non-permitted remodeling. Attempting to save money on permits could cost more in fines and penalties for failure to obtain a permit at the start of a remodel or construction. If local building officials determine after the fact that a remodel project was built without permits, they may require that walls be opened up and other improvements removed so that they can adequately inspect the work done. If an addition is built into a setback or utility easement area, they could require that the entire structure be removed. Periodically, my office receives inquiries about the objectives of County code enforcement in the unincorporated areas of District 2. What do they look out for? What do they really do? Code Enforcement’s role is to improve the safety, health, and welfare of all citizens living within local governmental jurisdictions. Cities, and the County for unincorporated areas, have the authority to impose administrative fines when a code violation presents itself. While every governing body has its own procedures for addressing noncompliance, it is common to issue notices of violation to the offending property owner. If the property owner does not correct the violation or obtain a permit where necessary within a given time frame, fines are imposed and a lien can be recorded against the property. In recent years, the County’s team has been lightly staffed due to budgetary cut backs, but just recently Code enforcement has hired four officers to begin their training. My office gets questions about the placement of realtors’ signs, the parking of an RV or boat, an inoperable vehicle in someone’s yard, or construction being done without the receipt of a building permit. Most cities and the County do not have the manpower to actively patrol neighborhoods looking for code violations. They rely upon citizens to report problems. Deciding whether to complain about violations observed may be a difficult decision. Most of us want to be kind neighbors, but we also want to maintain the quality of our community. How does the Code Enforcement process work after a complaint is received? An inspection of the property is conducted to see if the complaint is valid. In most cases, if a violation is found, a letter is prepared and mailed to the property owner with time enough to correct the violation. If there is a hazardous or unsafe condition, immediate action may take place, and the property owner is issued a “stop work order.” If you are concerned about a potential code violation within your community, here is the contact information for local agencies Code Enforcement Teams: Contra Costa County (925) 674-7210, City of San Ramon (925) 973-2590, Town of Danville (925) 314-3335 My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or (925) 957-8860.

Cold Weather continued from page 6

Earlier that winter, “Roy,” a man without shelter, had told a WPE volunteer that he was looking for some thermal pants, as he knew that a very cold weather was coming and that he was sleeping out in the open. WPE happened to have a large thermal jumpsuit that had just been donated to the Free General Store, which the volunteer gave him. A year later, as the same volunteer was giving a new pair of jeans to a man who had been wearing the same pants every day for three months, Roy came on the scene and exclaimed, “White Pony Express saved my life last winter. You gave me that thermal jumpsuit!” WPE is primarily asking for monetary donations to help with purchases of clothing for WPE’s CWCP. These can be sent to White Pony Express, 1966 Tice Valley Blvd., #101, Walnut Creek, CA 94595. Donations of coats, etc., are also being accepted, but they need to be new or like-new donations of cold weather clothing. This excludes stained, torn, or clothing that shows wear

(clothing that is faded or has worn collars, cuffs, or hems). Garments should be in a condition that might be given to a close family member. Donations of new or like-new clothing can be delivered to Suite 101, 3380 Vincent Road, Pleasant Hill during hours of operation listed at http://www.whiteponyexpress.org/ donateclothes/. Volunteers are also needed for WPE’s Food Rescue program, which picks up 5,000 lb. of surplus fresh food (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, deli, dry goods, bread, pastries, and eggs) every day and then delivers it to nonprofits that feed the hungry in our county—all free of charge. In just over four years, WPE has rescued more than 5,200,000 lb. of quality, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste. For more information about WPE’s Cold Weather Clothing Program or its Food Rescue, contact Mandy Nakaya at (925) 818-6361 or at Mandy@ whiteponyexpress.org. For more information about WPE, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Neighborhood Watch is a Community Action and Problem-Solving Program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. Meetings can be held by a Crime Prevention Specialist who will share more information about the program. Please contact Christina Lind-Winters (925) 313-2682 or clind001@so.cccounty.us for more information.

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HEALTHY HOLIDAY HABITS FOR THE WIN!

By Michelle Brown, Gumsaba Custom Fitness

It’s no secret: the holidays have a way of sabotaging even the healthiest people. Come new year, gym memberships spike with resolution-seekers doing all-out damage control. Indulgence has become a signature of the holiday experience. Whether it’s the one-two combo of massive meals and no exercise, or late night parties and libations, holiday habits have a domino effect that can make or break your 2018. Be proactive rather than reactive, and find your balance now. You can enjoy this wonderful time of celebration without regret by implementing a few simple, healthy habits for the WIN. When deciding how to draw the lines down the road of 2017 holiday cheer, consider a few things. One, it’s critical that the new habit is realistic. Two, it should be something that you enjoy! Three, tell people in your life who are affected, so you have support you need to succeed. The holidays are no time to be tired or low on energy. Fill those reserves. Start your bedtime routine 20 minutes earlier. If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning off all electronic screens after 8PM for one week. Listening to calming music, practicing meditation, and reading are great ways to bring your body down from a busy day. If one week feels good, try two. Let the habit build, and notice how it affects your morning. Drink a lot of water. When it’s cold, many people tend to drink less. Water is water, not coffee or tea. A good guideline is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. If your body weighs 150 lbs., then drink 75 fl oz. of water. Hydration is a key component to staying healthy during the holidays. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables is another excellent way to up your water intake, along with adding those necessary vitamins and minerals to your diet. These foods help to boost your immune system during the cold and flu season. When you decide to go out, prepare. Starving yourself all day so you can eat a huge meal is a great way to sabotage healthy habits. When eating out, focus on vegetables first – even make them the bulk of your plate! Along with bountiful phytonutrients, there’s a healthy dose of filling fiber along with natural sugar to help stave off those dessert cravings. Don’t feel bad about replying “maybe” to that Evite. Avoid going to parties because you feel you owe it to someone else. Over commitment leaves us feeling rushed and anxious. Put a cap on the number of events to which you are willing to commit your time and energy. This can go a long way in making your holiday season merry and bright. Remember, there is always next year! All too often exercise gets pushed aside during the holiday season with the excuse being lack of time. Everyone can dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to mindful movement. If you are not in the habit of exercising, this is the perfect time to start! Think of this as a “warm up” for your best year yet. Form one healthy habit, and a few others will hitch a ride. The right habit at the right time can change your life for the better. Don’t know where to start? Contact me today for a free consult at my new gym right here in Alamo. To your health, Coach Michelle Michelle Brown is owner of Gumsaba Custom Fitness Studio in Alamo. She is an ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, ACE Subject Matter Expert, ACE certified Personal Trainer, Martial Arts & Self Defense Expert and Spartan SGX Coach. Michelle has been helping people in our community surpass their goals for 20 years. To learn more about her programs visit Advertorial gumsaba.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch every Thursday at noon in Danville at Black Bear Diner, located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch (up to three visits). For more information, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21

Join Us in Our Mission to

REMEMBER HONOR TEACH ✦

✦

Join us on December 16, 2017 National Wreaths Across America Day

Held at Alamo Cemetery El Portal off Danville Blvd.

November 16, 2017 12:00 o’clock/Noon

W REATHS A CROSS A MERICA . ORG

#SayTheirNames

ELKS CELEBRATE 1 ST ANNIVERSARY OF HEARTS-AT-HOME COLLABORATION WITH MARTINEZ VETERANS HOSPITAL

October 1 marked the one-year anniversary of a collaboration with the Martinez Veteran’s Hospital’s Hearts-at-Home program and the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge. On this anniversary day, the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge served its 65th veteran by filling a previously homeless veteran’s new apartment with living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture. The Walnut Creek Elks started this program by giving six veterans boxes of dishware, flatware, glassware, pots and pans, new towels, cleaning supplies, and assorted small appliances. A social worker with the VA asked Elks members, “Do you ever get furniture?” With that one question the Elks expanded their program to include furniture. Through this collaboration, and community support through social media (mainly Nextdoor.com and word of mouth), 65 veterans’ lives have been changed by giving them what most take for granted: a furnished home. The Heartsat-Home program serves veterans in both Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Elk members pick up donations, store them, and deliver them to veterans. The Elks thank the many communities that have supported them with donations. If you would like to donate to the program or would like to volunteer to help pick up and deliver furniture, please call Walnut Creek Elks Hearts-at-Home Program Chairperson, Denise Silva at (925) 787-2478 or e-mail her at denise_silva@comcast.net. With nearly 900,000 members and more than 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities across the United States. The Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. To learn more, visit www.elks.org/enf.org.

PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

By Roger Smith, Alamo Improvement Association CORNICOPIA OF FRUIT AT ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET

Your Alamo Farmers’ Market has a great selection of fall and winter produce options. Start looking for oranges, clementines, mandarins, grapefruit, pomelos, grapes, persimmons, apples, and pomegranates. Also be on the lookout for authentic Italian biscotti and cannolis from Il Biscotto. All biscotti is packaged for gift giving, and owner/operator Franco can fill your favorite cannolis on the spot, too! In addition to food, there are specialty vendors like SIP Tea Towels. Owner/operator Julia can help you find a unique gift. There is something for everyone. Heidi’s EZ Wear Jewelry will be present just in time for your holiday shopping needs. Heidi can help you find the perfect necklace, bracelet, earrings, and sets of all three for that special person on your list. The Alamo Certified Farmers’ Market is open year-round, 9AM to 2PM, in the Wells Fargo parking lot located at 120 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. There is plenty of easy and free parking and live music. The market is held rain or shine.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING (CERT)

The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. The Wittier Narrows Earthquake in 1987 and the North Ridge Earthquake in 1993 underscored the need for coordinated community response to major disasters in California. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 states (including our San Ramon Valley area) have conducted CERT training. The training is delivered in our community by both the San Ramon Valley and Contra Costa County Fire Protection Districts and includes courses on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Basic Emergency Medical Assessment and Treatment, Basic Search and Rescue, Psychology and Team Organization and Disaster Simulation, and Building a Disaster Response Kit. There are more than 200 CERT volunteers in the Alamo/Danville area, and we need more. Become a CERT volunteer now, and know what you can do in an emergency.

UPCOMING CERT CLASSES

The CERT Class #79 three-day session will be held Friday, February 23 from 6PM to 9:30PM, Saturday, February 24 from 8AM to 5PM, and Sunday, February 25 from 8AM to 5PM. The CERT Class #80 three-day session will be

Purposes continued from front page

This was why Alisa searched out and found some solutions for ways to help. In the course of her reaching out, she met a family who lost their backyard which housed their workshop and winemaking supplies to the fire. Their home was gratefully saved, but their neighbors weren’t so fortunate. The family was kind enough to show her around the area and share some of the surviving materials from their property including discolored wine bottles that were charred but not destroyed, melted aluminum from wheel rims, and the steel belt of a tire. When Alisa posted the picture of the bottle and aluminum on her Facebook wall, my creative juices immediately began flowing. Why can’t we take these testaments to survival and repurpose them, instead of them going to a landfill? Why couldn’t we create new works of art, décor items, and more? Why can’t we then sell them and give all proceeds to individuals and families who lost everything? Why can’t we use our collective resources and leverage all of these ideas to help as many people as possible? Richard’s Crafts storefront was in the Alamo, Livermore, and San Ramon communities for 33 years. Richard and I always felt it was important to give back in any way possible to help others. To that end, Richards will temporarily REOPEN a part of their store, selling holiday items as well as handcrafts made from some of the rescued items. All net proceeds will be donated to benefit North Bay fire survivors. There will be the repurposed wine bottles as well as jewelry, Christmas décor, gifts, and more. The store will open December 5th at 170A Alamo Plaza (near the post

www.yourmonthlypaper.com held Friday, March 16 from 6PM to 9:30PM, Saturday, March 17 from 8AM to 5PM, and Saturday, March 24 from 8AM to 5PM. All classes are held at San Ramon Valley Fire’s Administrative Building, located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. Alamo resident Joe Bologna, a CERT volunteer since 2010, notes that the CERT model’s mission is to do the most good for the greatest number of people needing help during a disaster. CERT is all about being prepared in advance for natural disasters. The Alamo/Danville/San Ramon area is in an earthquake zone, and we have also recently seen the disastrous impact of wildfires driven by extreme wind conditions impacting both Napa and Sonoma counties. We need to be able to survive a minimum of the first three days of a natural disaster before expecting support systems from the National Guard and Red Cross to be in place. Communication is key to knowing hospital and temporary medical treatment field treatment access routes that are not blocked by fallen trees or other obstacles. Residents have to be able to get word outside of our area to relay status of how we are hurt, how badly we are hurt, and how much help we need. Phone service may not be available, so radio communication is more reliable in a disaster. CERT teaches the use of FRS radios for short distance communication. They also offer a basic Amateur (HAM) Radio course (8-12 hour) to be licensed for HAM Radio communication for a much greater range. CERT classes also stress the importance of a Family Disaster Kit. In addition to having food, water, first aid, flashlights, sleeping bags, and other basic supplies, learn what else you should pack by visiting FEMA at https:// www.fema.gov/disaster/4085/updates/building-supply-kit-your-family.

PIPELINE SAFETY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG)

The Alamo Improvement Association (AIA) is honored to be one of only 12 recipients nationwide for the 2017 Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program. AIA is pleased to announce their successful application for a $100,000 TAG from the PHMSA to promote pipeline safety in our Alamo/Danville Area. AIA, through a previous grant in 2015, provided a series of Petroleum Pipeline Safety workshops for both the Alamo/Danville communities as well as for people in the Martinez area. This current grant will be used to provide a series of Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Workshops for our area, Martinez, and Richmond in addition to providing Pipeline Emergency Response Training for our First Responders and new Gas Monitor Sensing Units for their equipment. Visit www.AlamoCA.org for more information on what AIA is doing for our area and to become a member! AIA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We have no employees, so 100% of your dues/ donations benefit our community. office and big Christmas Tree) in Alamo. Richard and I are excited to have an opportunity to see the many people we have missed for the last year and half since our store closed. A hearty THANK YOU is extended to the owners of the Plaza for working to make this possible! Stop by to shop or check hours by visiting “Connecting Purposes” Facebook page, email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or call 925-718-6487 for more information and updates. Together we can make a difference.

Contra Costa County Sonata Contest Winners - Two Alamo students took home first and third place at the recently held 2017 Contra Costa County Sonata Contest. The contest is an annual piano competition sponsored the Contra Costa branch of the Music Teacher's Association of California (MTAC). The MTAC is a musical organization, founded in 1897, to promote and encourage the highest standard in music education. The Sonata contest consists of 10 major levels of difficulty. A total of 208 students from 35 studios competed for 20 different categories. Theo Lee (left), age 11, won first place for the level 7b competition, and Emiliana Lee (right), age 9, won third place for level 4b competition.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23

THE EYE OPENER

H A P P Y H O L I DAYS 2017 & THE YEAR IN REVIEW By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

We have come to the end of another year at Alamo Optometry. I like to revisit the year just passed and look forward to the next year. We have made some positive changes this year to improve the office, patient care, and choices for our patients when considering lenses for their computer glasses. Our major addition to the office in 2017 for improved patient care was the implementation of improved technology and automation. Our new auto-refractor can obtain much more information than our prior version. Additional data such as corneal maps and topography, determination of higher-order aberrations, and prescriptions in both normal and dim illuminations can now be ascertained. This data can now be used to determine the best prescription and vision that patients can achieve. In addition, we now have an automated phoropter in our main exam room. The data from our new instrument gets downloaded directly into the phoropter, and fine-tuning is done to come to the best prescription that gives the best and most comfortable vision. The lenses inside the instrument are high-definition and will match the quality lenses we will put in your glasses. In addition to improving patient care and the patient experience, there have also been improvements in the field of lenses to help patients see better and more comfortably. Lens designs specifically for the computer and other near tasks to help combat fatigue have made strides in the past year. These hybrid lenses are not progressive lenses, but they can be worn full time if wanted and allow the patient to see their computer screen and phone with less strain while not making the distance blurry as in your traditional computer lenses. In addition, the anti-glare coatings with blue light protection can severely limit the amount of harmful blue light getting to the eye from prolonged use of the computer, phone, or gaming device. As the holiday season approaches, it is important to remember to exhaust your flexible spending accounts (FSA) before the end of the year. The government has a wide range of specified costs that qualify as a medical expense. Included in that list is any vision correction device (glasses, computer glasses, contact lenses, sports goggles, etc.) and sunglasses. If your purchase is made by the end of the year, it will count on your 2017 account balance. Our office has grown again this year thanks to our patients. You continually support us and go above and beyond by recommending us to your friends and family. We believe in providing quality service and care, and this is what our patients deserve and have come to expect from us. Our office extends best wishes for a happy holiday and prosperous new year to all of our patients and the local community. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, Advertorial and Twitter @Alamo Optometry.

FAMILY HISTORY CENTER

The Danville Family History Center has been open and serving the community for almost two decades. Everyone is welcome during library hours to use the resources available. There is a friendly and experienced staff who volunteer to help you to utilize the materials, including the Family Search web portal to over a dozen subscription-based genealogical research services, such as Ancestry.com. In addition, you may order online and have films or microfiche shipped from the main Salt Lake Library for viewing in our center. We are located inside the LDS building at 2949 Stone Valley Road. Enter the left side of the building. Hours are Monday 1-4pm, Tuesday 7-9pm, and Wednesday 10-4pm and 7-9pm. For questions, call 925-552-5920.

More continued from page 18

open to the needs of others, you will find endless opportunities to improve their lives. The approach of the holiday season is a stressful time for mothers struggling to make ends meet. Gaby knows the ladies crafting items for the Bohemian Line would do anything in their power to give their children presents and a holiday feast. Even though the new enterprise has yet to yield a profit, she is committed to making sure the ladies working on the line have pantries stocked with food and special gifts for each family member this Christmas. When Gaby explained what she was providing to Lupe, one of the women on the Gardenia crew, Lupe replied, “You have brightened my day! Thank you so much!” To date, The Bohemian Line has only been seen at a few select trunk shows. The Phoenix Salon in Walnut Creek is generously giving space for display so East Bay customers can see the quality of the pieces in person. A full range of products can be purchased online for the holidays at www.loveyoumore.com. Stock is already on hand in Alamo. Empowering more women to support their families is Gaby Ghorbani’s goal. As soon as the Bohemian Line has profits to share, a significant portion will be channeled to the educational needs of the children of the women working on the line. Erica, who has been with the Bohemian Line since its inception and supervises the Gardenia workers, knows what the success of the project will mean to all of them. She says: “Gaby, I know you want to help us so much. We are extremely grateful to you for believing in us. We hope to see this grow for the benefit of all of us because you have worked so hard to make this happen.”

Bikes continued from page 6 A $15 donation with each bike to help cover cost of helmets, parts, and locks is greatly appreciated! The program operates under St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Danville but is a community program inviting all to participate. Please make checks payable to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Danville. Truck Needed - The group is in desperate need of a covered truck, with a ramp, to make approximately 18 deliveries during December and January. Pat Abshire of Keller Williams Realty graciously donated his truck for over 12 years but no longer has it. Volunteers Needed - Help clean and tune bikes! No experience is required; group members will train you. Join the group on Volunteer Days (drop-in for an hour or two, or stay all day!). Find the volunteer schedule at www. AdoptAFamilyBikes.org, Please check frequently for expanded dates and hours, or email adoptafamilybikes@gmail.com. “Like” the group on Facebook at Adopt-A-Family Bikes.

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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

MAC continued from front page

Danville. They are unregulated in Moraga, Orinda (debating the issue now), and Martinez, and they are allowed in Walnut Creek with payment of hotel tax. Three speakers spoke in opposition to short term rentals. Opponents cited the need to maintain Alamo’s single family zoning, the fact that they had relied on that zoning when they purchased their homes and they had the right to expect the County to enforce the zoning and ban commercial businesses in a residential area. A speaker whose home is directly across from an Airbnb relayed stories of tenants arriving at all hours of the night, housekeepers adding to traffic, and feeling insecure about not knowing who exactly was being housed nearby. Six speakers spoke in favor of allowing short term rentals. Supporters listed private property rights, necessity to make additional income to keep living in Alamo, opportunity to meet travelers from around the world and the ability to have visiting friends and family accommodated close by in Alamo as reasons to support short term rentals. Some noted that problems with neighbors should be worked out on a neighbor-to-neighbor basis. Critics contend enforcement of any Airbnb regulations would be difficult. Although the Town of Danville outright banned Airbnbs 18 months ago, there are currently eight listings on the Airbnb website for short term rentals in the Town boundaries. There are also numerous listings in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill which have a ban in effect. No action was taken by the MAC other than garnering public input which will inform their answers to the questionnaire. The proposed ordinance will be on a future Board of Supervisors agenda. Supervisors have stated publicly they may adopt differing conditions and restrictions for different unincorporated areas of the County depending on local conditions.

CELL TOWERS

A Verizon representative then made a presentation seeking the MAC’s approval of permit applications for 4’ antenna extensions on top of existing telephone/utility poles at nine different Alamo intersections. The 4’ extension comes after a mandatory 6’ distance above the power lines for 10’ total added in height to the utility poles. Proposed intersections are Stone Valley Road and Round Hill Drive, Granite Drive and Round Hill, Livorna Road and Grand Royale Court, Danville Boulevard and Francesca Lane, Green Valley Road and Oak Glen Court, Erselia Trail and Bunce Meadows Drive, Livorna Road and Vernal Drive, Danville Boulevard and Sunnybrook Road (fronting New Life Church), and Miranda Avenue and Granite Drive (fronting Stone

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Valley Middle School). In addition to an antenna, the modifications to the utility poles include 15 assorted boxes comprised of power supply units, switches, radio units, and power meters. Nineteen speakers spoke in opposition to the Verizon application. Speakers cited arguments such as health concerns, children nearby, schools nearby, the unattractive appearance of the proposed modifications, and adverse impact on property values from nearby cell antenna installations. By far the leading concern for most Alamo residents speaking against the cell towers were health concerns. Many questioned the need for the new equipment, citing excellent existing cell phone reception. No speakers supported the Verizon application. The MAC noted that the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 prohibited local jurisdictions such as cities and counties from denying cellular installations due to health reasons so long as such installations meet federal standards for exposure and signal strength. At the end of the public input period, the MAC voted unanimously to recommend to the County Board of Supervisors that the Verizon application be denied for failure to avoid adverse visual and aesthetic impacts, failure to explore colocation wherever feasible, and failure to comply with design requirements that mandate a wireless facility must be designed to minimize visual and aesthetic impacts on the surrounding area. All of these criteria are required by existing County codes governing wireless permit applications. The applications will next go before the County Zoning Administrator, where Alamo residents concerned about the cell towers are expected to make an appearance to voice their objections. Because Alamo is unincorporated and the Alamo MAC is advisory only, the MAC’s action is not final, and the County could still approve the Verizon applications. The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council is composed of seven Alamo residents who advise Supervisor Candace Andersen on issues in Alamo. The MAC frequently considers items that impact Alamo citizens such as short term rentals and the cell phone tower. All Alamo residents are welcome to attend MAC meetings, set for the first Tuesday of every month beginning at 6PM at the Alamo Women’s Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd. in Alamo.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call (925) 646-4461.

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

The Iron Horse Trail is a great venue for running, walking, biking, skating, and more to enjoy our beautiful fall and winter weather. The trail between runs between the cities of Concord and Pleasanton and follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1977. The Trail spans a distance of 32 miles.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25

WHAT’S NEW FOR ROSACEA?

By Dr. Jerome Potozkin

Rosacea is one of the most common problems for which patients seek our expertise. Some people notice some facial redness with visible blood vessels, while others may suffer from pustules and nodules on the skin. It can be a source of great embarrassment and in some instances has held people back professionally as some people incorrectly assume that the facial redness is from excessive alcohol intake. It can cause great frustration for those who suffer. The good news is that there is effective treatment for this annoying condition. Fortunately, modern medicine has solutions for the patients with facial redness or Rosacea. Recent medical advances include two topical gels that are applied to the skin to decrease the appearance of facial redness. Mirvaso and Rhofade are two prescription medications that can help. They work by narrowing the tiny vessels of the skin, decreasing the blood flow and minimizing the diffuse redness. These are applied in the morning and can last for hours. One of the biggest challenges with patients getting these medicines is that they are not inexpensive, and many insurance plans make it difficult for people to get them. Some plans don’t cover the medicines, and others require a cumbersome prior-authorization process. For many, the best way to solve the problem of facial redness and visible facial blood vessels is treatment with a vascular laser or light based device. We use the VBeam Perfecta Pulsed Dye Laser as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat blood vessels on the nose and face. This type of laser was initially invented to treat kids and newborns with large vascular birthmarks known as Port Wine Stains because of their resemblance to port wine. Most people will require more than one treatment. Treatments only last a few minutes and do not require any anesthesia. Most people are thrilled when the vessels are gone. Many people note an increase in confidence as now they don’t feel people would assume they are an alcoholic because of their red nose or facial redness. The VBeam laser specifically targets things that are red in the skin. IPL uses a broader spectrum of light and is our most popular skin rejuvenation treatment. It can treat facial redness, blood vessels, brown spots, and discolorations. Although neither device is specifically designed to treat wrinkles, they can stimulate collagen which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you suffer from Rosacea or have any blood vessels or other skin issues that bother you, please contact our office as we are likely to have a solution to your problem. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 Advertorial or visit www.Potozkin.com for more information.

DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE

Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist will now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a video-recorded space. Besides taking place right outside police headquarters, the spaces are under constant video recording, helping to create an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers and dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. “Having the Exchange Zone should help prevent residents from being the victim of a crime using a classified ad site,” said Police Chief Steve Simpkins. “This should help us continue to convince criminals that Danville is not a good place to operate.” To learn more about the safe zone, contact Detective Sargent Brian Sliger at (925) 314-3700 or bsliger@danville.ca.gov.

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ACTION POOL REPAIR

Serving Alamo & Danville Since 1979!

925.820.3640 www.actionpoolrepair.com Contractor Lic# 978033-C53

ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL’S VETER ANS DAY ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AMERICAN HEROES

For over a decade, St. Isidore School has honored veterans with a celebration through stories, songs, and posting of the colors. Recently, over 40 veterans from all branches of service were represented and celebrated at St. Isidore’s school. Made up of grandparents and parents, as well as St. Isidore teachers, the veterans look forward to returning each year. Each veteran stands and introduces themselves; they have an immediate camaraderie. World War II Navy Veteran Michael Socash, age 90, noted that the ceremony was particularly touching as all his former shipmates have passed away. He said it meant a lot for him to be with other veterans from WWII. As a former teacher he said, “It was fun to join with the kids in the celebration.” Guest speaker Colonel Erich C. Novak excited students with stories about his career in the Air Force that have taken him around the world flying the T-37, T-38, KC-135R/T, KC-10A, B737, B757, B767, and C-130H. He let the students know how much it means to a veteran to have someone say something as simple as “Thank you for your service.” California 16th District Assemblywoman Catharine Baker was an honorable guest speaker. She helped the students better understand her role in the state legislature and the importance of using our voice in our democracy. In celebration of freedom made possible by American veterans, she shared a story about visiting the Soviet Union as a teenager. This glimpse into a totalitarian government at such a young age helped her paint a picture for the students of the simple freedoms many can take for granted. Assemblywoman Baker commended the students who have already participated in the legislative process. For example, the Giorgi family of the Natalie Giorgi Sunshine Foundation pushed SB 1266 into law requiring stocking epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) in all California public schools as nearly 25 percent of allergic reactions that occur for the first time happen in schools. Also, the Helfer family worked with Decoding Dyslexia to put AB 1369 into law as the first step for dyslexia to be assessed, identified and remediated in public schools. St. Isidore’s school is eternally grateful for our veterans.

SAN RAMON VALLEY CHORALE

The San Ramon Valley Chorale is a professional-caliber choral group for adult singers in the San Ramon Valley who work to increase appreciation for music in the community. Directed by Bruce Koliha, former Director of the Monte Vista High School choirs, the San Ramon Valley Chorale has two goals: to make great music and to spread the love of choral music to the community. The group is currently underway with their Fall 2017 session, preparing for several concerts to be held in the month of December. The Chorale’s main concert will be held Sunday, December 3rd at 4PM in the Performing Arts Center at Dublin High School, followed by two performances later in December in collaboration with the Diablo Symphony, Diablo Choral Artists, and Chromatica. For further information, please visit www.srvchorale.com or e-mail srvchorale@gmail.com.

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PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

PUBLIC SPEAKING WITH TOASTMASTERS

Do you hate speaking in front of a group? You’re not alone. However, good presentation skills are demanded by nearly every employer these days. Toastmasters can help you overcome your public speaking challenges! Toastmasters is an organization where people can fine-tune their speaking skills and receive valuable feedback. Beginning and advanced speakers are welcome. Local chapter Danville AM Toastmasters meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30AM in downtown Danville. For the location and other details, please visit 4143.toastmastersclubs.org, or email DanvilleAMToastmasters@gmail.com.

MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Looking to get involved in the community? The Museum of the San Ramon Valley needs your help. Volunteer positions are available in the following areas: • Walking Tour Docents • Museum Docents • Events Committee • Greeters • Educational Programs (One Room School/Indian Life) Call Eve or Donna at 552-9693, or email srvmuseum@sbcglobal.net for additional information. Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

The Danville Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. For information, contact Bob Chace at bchace@pacbell.net or by phone at (925)838-7007. If you are interested in visiting the Danville/ Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Jim Coleman at coleman_jd@pacbell. net. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM at Crow Canyon Country Club. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets for dinner every Wednesday night at the Blackhawk Country Club, located at 599 Blackhawk Club Drive in Danville. Networking and social time starts at 6pm with the meeting starting at 7pm and ending at 8:30pm. A sit-down dinner and cocktails are served, and the weekly program features interesting guest speakers. Guests attend free of charge and are always welcome! For more information, call Laura Montalvo at (925) 437-2445 or send her an e-mail at winechickathome@gmail.com. You can also visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch every Thursday at noon in Danville at Black Bear Diner, 807 Camino Ramon (corner Sycamore). The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch (up to 3x). For more information, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www. srvkiwanis.org.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Come dance every Thursday evening, year-round. No partner is required and no Scottish ancestry is needed. This dancing is aerobic and very sociable. Adult beginners are welcome anytime. Classes take place each week at 8PM. More experienced dancers also begin at 8PM in a separate class. All classes are held at the Danville Grange, located at 743 Diablo Road in Danville. All dance nights are drop-in. The first beginner lesson is free; afterwards the cost is $8/night or $6/night if attending a 10-week session paid in advance. Call Witsie at (925) 676-3637 for more information.

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EXCHANGE CLUB

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.

DANVILLE LIONS CLUB

The Danville Lions Club meets for dinner at the on the first Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club supports blind charities, Guide Dogs, Sight First, and has interesting speakers at meetings. Contact Truman Howard (925) 787-2565 or truman.howard@gmail.com for reservations. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more information, visit www. danvillelionsclub.org.

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST

H O W T O SURVIVE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITHOUT GAINING WEIGHT By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin Offering treatments for: Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Keloid and Scar Revisions Moles Physician-Strength Skin Care Products Precancerous Lesions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Skin Cancer Underarm Sweating Warts, Molluscum

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available. At this time of year, my clients often ask Cosmetic Dermatology Call for For Beautiful Skin and comment, “How can I enjoy the holidays consultation! Offering treatments for: without overeating and gaining weigh?” Body Sculpting or, “Oh! I just will start my diet again on Eyebag Reduction st January 1 ,” or “How can I say no to all the Introducing Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, and Rejuvenation goodies offered?” Below are a few tips that Women’s Wellness Frown Lines and Jawline/Jowl have proven successful to survive the holiday Center, featuring Vlase Reduction season without gaining weight. Hair Removal nonablative laser for feminine Pigmentation and Melasma The key to success during the holiday dryness, atrophy, and stressRosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and madness is to become mindful of your eating. induced urinary incontinence, Post-injection Bruising What does this mean? It means developing a Sun Damage and Scars and PRP for hair thinning Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars moment-to-moment awareness of what you and rejuvenation. Thinning Hair and/or Balding are eating without judging yourself. It means Technology & Procedures paying attention to your thoughts about the Offered A place where beauty food, taste, aroma, and the sensation it has Cellfina in your mouth. It means becoming aware of Cool Mini for neck and healthy skin meet Coolsculpting how you eat and what you eat. For example, Visit us at our Center of Excellence Cryoshape when you are eating quickly without savoring Diolite 532 laser with a 10,000 square foot, the food and then taking another serving, you Enlighten Pico Genesis Laser state of the art, newly renovated Excel V Laser are not eating mindfully. suite. We are dedicated to Excimer Laser When you arrive at the party and prepare a Medical, Cosmetic, and Surgical Fractional CO2 Laser plate, first think, “Do I really like this food? GenesisPlus Laser Dermatology and are a place for Infini Microneedling RF Is it one of my favorites, and is it as good as I medical skin consultation, Kybella thought it would be?” This is mindful eating. aesthetic rejuvenation, and Liposonix Practice moderation, not deprivation, because face and body contouring. Microneedling MiraDry deprivation will only cause a backlash of Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com Mohs Micrographic Surgery binging and overeating. Some of my clients NBUVB Phototherapy for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, are chronic dieters who are so focused on the PicoSure Laser product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation role that food plays in losing weight they do Schedule your free consultation appointment today! Vbeam Laser not allow themselves to enjoy their food. Spectra Laser I teach my clients to enjoy the holiday Superficial Radiotherapy Dr. William Ting, MD Thermage™ Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon parties and learn to recognize that occasionUltherapy™ al overeating does not mean instant weight 2262 Camino Ramon 500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 Vaginal Rejuvenation San Ramon, CA 94583 Hercules, CA 94547 gain. If you overeat one day, follow up the Vaser Shape Tel: (925) 328-0255 Tel: (510) 669-5700 VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation next day by returning to eating mindfully, *Welcoming new Medicare patients Email: staff@CalDermCare.com and you will be eating less. Too many clients www.DrWilliamTing.com throw in the towel when they overeat at a party and get upset with themselves and end in a tomato or an egg-white omelet with diced ham and veggies. up doing it again. If you are asked to bring a dish, bring one that will help you through the One effective tool to not overeat is to observe what you do with your silverware when you are eating. Do you keep it in your hand the entire meal, event. Bring a shrimp cocktail or skewered shrimp, roasted veggies or grilled or do you put it down between bites? Do you prepare another bite while you asparagus with balsamic glaze. These items will balance your meal especially are still chewing the last one? You are not eating mindfully when there is when other offerings are starch and fat laden. Make time for your exercise program. You can burn off 300-500 calories attention to the next bite instead of focusing on what is in your mouth. Put your fork down when you are chewing. If you have a finger food, put with an intense hour of exercise. Arrive fashionably late and create a plan it down in between bites. You should sit down and eat at a party instead of when you walk in that is based on the offerings such as having a few appetizers and two holiday cookies. standing up because you will be more mindful. I counsel my clients during the holiday season by phone or e-mail. We Become aware of your hunger signals. Eat when you are hungry, and stop speak often, and I try to “hold their hand” through holiday parties. My clients when you are satisfied. There is no need to eat until you are uncomfortable give me an idea of what will be served, and we role play the event starting to enjoy the party. It is OK to say, “No thank you,” when offered an appetizer that you do from the beginning of the day through the feast. It gives them a sense of not like. Do not overeat from pressure at a party, and do all you can to be confidence to attend the party with a plan in mind. It is a constant thrill for me to hear how compared to past years they have been able to sail through true to yourself and not give in. parties with even more enjoyment and without overeating. The number one party rule is not to arrive at the event too hungry. If you Nutritional counseling is often covered by medical insurance such as arrive hungry, you are setting yourself up to fail where you will inevitably Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, UHC, and Sutter. Please visit LindaRD. overeat. Have a substantial lunch the day of the party. Don’t just have a bowl of soup or salad. Have at least 4-6 oz. of protein and a cup of veggies and com for more information about your nutritional concerns. Call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com. Advertorial skip the breads which you will certainly have at the party. Have tuna stuffed ®

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THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT WANTS YOU!

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) includes 65 regional parks in its two-county jurisdiction, covering more than 113,000 miles and 1,200 miles of trail. Helping to oversee and manage this vast recreational territory are nearly 200 volunteers from all over the Bay Area. EBRPD offers a volunteer position for nearly every interest. Consider work in the Botanic Garden, or help with a Coastal Clean-up Day. Become a Regional Parks ambassador, or participate in the companion dog patrol. Help with trail maintenance, or walk the trails as part of the safety patrol. Whether you may seek a special one-time volunteer job or ongoing yearround programs, EBRPD would love to hear from you. Positions are offered for all ages and can be tailored for school groups, students, corporate groups, and Scouting and service clubs. They also offer company team-building service projects. Those seeking to help restore parklands to their original state can help replace non-native plants with natives, or work with staff to restore vital habitats. EBRPD volunteers help lead tours, take photos, distribute flyers, serve as hosts and greeters, and help with recycling activities. Volunteering with EBRPD can provide new skills, new friends, a greater knowledge of natural and cultural resources, and the personal satisfaction of making a difference in the community. For information, email Volunteers@EBParks.org, or visit www. ebparks.org/about/getinvolved/volunteer. (Some events require registration and some programs require training, fingerprinting, background checks, or TB testing.)

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MENOPAUSE MATTERS

By Timothy Leach, MD, FACOG, CNMP

The North American Menopause Society (menopause.org) recently published an updated 2017 position statement on the risk/benefit use of hormone therapy (HT). In my last article, I reviewed hormones’ effects on hot flashes, bone health, genitourinary health, sexual function, sleep, skin, and hair. If you missed this article, visit my website, leachobgyn.com. This month I will review HT effect on mood & cognition, cancer, and cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality. Mood/Depression/Cognition: For postmenopausal women without clinical depression, evidence is mixed concerning the effects of HT on mood, with small, short-term trials suggesting that HT improves mood, whereas others show no change. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are the gold standard when evaluating the efficacy of medicine as a treatment for a specific problem, and three large RCT’s demonstrate neutral effects of HT on cognitive function. In the absence of more definitive findings, HT cannot be recommended at any age for the primary treatment of mood disorders like anxiety and depression or prevent a decline in cognitive function or reduce the risk for dementia. Cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: Newer observational data and reanalysis of older studies by age or time since menopause, including the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) from 2002, suggests that for healthy, recently menopausal women, the benefits of HT (estrogen alone or with progesterone) outweigh its risks, with fewer cardiovascular events in younger vs older women. You will have to remember that the average age of women in the 2002 WHI trial was 63 years and that initiating HT in younger symptomatic menopausal women (~early 50’s) is not the same risk/benefit ratio as starting HT in women who are in their early 60’s or more then 10 years since menopause. HT represents a safe and effective option for the treatment of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, when initiated in healthy postmenopausal women aged younger then 60 years or are within 10 years of menopause onset. Summary of several RCT’s report a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in symptomatic women who initiate HT when aged less then 60 years (timing hypothesis) and/or are within 10 years from menopause onset. Women who initiate HT older then 60 years and/or who are more than 10 years, and clearly by 20 years, from menopause onset are at higher risk for cardiac events, blood clots, and stroke compared to younger women initiating HT. Cancer: The initiation of HT in breast cancer survivors (especially estrogen receptor positive) is generally not advised. The effect of HT on breast cancer risk depends on the type of HT (estrogen alone or estrogen + progesterone), dose, route of administration, duration of use, regimen, prior exposure, and individual patient characteristics. It is not easy to give this a simple thumb up or down, but rather using HT is nuanced, and every patient has her own unique set of variables that makes that decision very individualized. With respect to endometrial cancer, it is without question that unopposed systemic estrogen in postmenopausal women with an intact uterus increases the risk of endometrial cancer. This is why a woman with a uterus should always be on a balanced regimen of estrogen and progesterone. There are no convincing data that estrogen initiates or promotes ovarian cancer. Observational trials suggest a reduced risk or colorectal cancer in HT users, particularly if initiated early in menopause. There appears to be an overall neutral effect of HT on lung cancer. In summary, in the 15 years since the publication of the WHI trial on HT use in menopausal women, much has been learned, yet much controversy remains. What is now clear is that individualization with shared decision making remains key along with periodic reevaluation to determine an individual woman’s unique benefit-risk profile. Having this discussion with a certified menopausal practitioner gives you the best margin for safety. Call for an appointment if you have questions. Visit my website at www.leachobgyn.com for links to resources and our Facebook page, Timothy Leach MD, for more information. My office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Please call us at Advertorial 925-935-6952.

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PREGNANCY MATTERS

BACK PAIN By Theresa Gipps, MD

Each week pregnant women tell me at their visit, “I feel fine, just the usual pregnancy problems.” Back pain is one of the most common daily concerns for pregnant women. There are many causes of back pain in pregnancy, and they can change throughout your pregnancy course. But that doesn’t mean there’s no relief.

WHY DO PREGNANT WOMEN HAVE BACK PAIN?

As your baby and your belly grow, your center of gravity shifts forward. Your ligaments stretch in response to hormone changes. Your spine actually changes shape during pregnancy, with an increased curve in the lower or lumbar spine. Your weight may increase 30 lbs. or more in a few months, putting more pressure on your spine and hips.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY BACK PAIN?

Lots! Good posture is important. Don’t lean back as your belly grows; stand up straight. When sitting and standing, a wider stance may not be ladylike, but it is more stable, especially as pregnancy progresses. Sleep on your side rather than your back, with one or both knees bent. Place a pillow between your knees. Wear shoes with good arch support. A low heel may suit you better than flats. Maintaining and improving your core strength helps support your back. Exercise is usually a key part of treating back pain. Decreasing activity will often make pain worse. Ice or heat may relieve your pain. You can alternate ice and heat, 20 minutes at a time. Massage and gentle stretching can relieve tight muscles. Be sure to let your doctor know if back pain is affecting your day-to-day activities.

IS ALL BACK PAIN THE SAME?

No! Here are a few common causes. 1. The Sacro-Iliac, or SI, joint is the joint between the tailbone and the hip bones in the back. SI joint pain is about four times more common than lumbar pain in pregnant women. It can affect one side or both. It may feel like a deep, boring, or burning pain in the very low back or hips, or a pain shooting towards the groin or thighs. Ice, heat, and massage help. Strengthening the muscles of the core, trunk, buttocks, and legs all support the SI joint. Gentle stretches, like those in yoga or Pilates, are very helpful. You can purchase an SI belt like the Serola* to stabilize the joint. 2. Muscle or ligament strains often start after a sudden movement. The site is tender to touch and may be associated with muscle spasms or worse pain with certain movements. Ice, massage, and warm compress can soothe symptoms. Medication can relieve painful spasms if needed. This pain will typically improve with time and rest, but it can take a month or longer. 3. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve leaving the spine which travels towards the buttocks and to each leg. Sciatic pain is usually one sided. It starts at the buttocks and can shoot down the back of the leg. It may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness and may go directly to the foot or toes. Pain can be worse when sitting. Heat, ice, stretching, and strengthening are all treatment options for sciatic pain. Women with pre-existing back pain are likely to see it worsen during pregnancy. Sometimes continuing your previous regimen will be acceptable, but sometimes it needs to be modified for pregnancy. Talk to your doctor, physical therapist, or other team members early on during your pregnancy.

COULD IT BE SOMETHING ELSE?

Sometimes back pain can be a sign of another problem. Back pain, fever, and pain with urination may be associated with a kidney infection. Back pain that is rhythmic, coming and going with a pattern, or associated with vaginal bleeding can be a sign of labor. Call your doctor right away if you have these symptoms with back pain. If you have a fever and the back pain is unilateral and in your flank/upper back, a kidney infection/stone needs to be ruled out. Don’t be shy and speak up if back pain is a bothersome ‘normal pregnancy’ symptom for you! *I’m not financially invested in Serola brand (www.serola.net), but I do have personal experience with how helpful the belt can be, so I’m happy to support the company.

Dr Gripps practices at Leach OBGYN. For questions and information call 925-935-6952, email leachobgyn@gmail.com, or visit their NEW website www. leachobgyn.com for articles and other important health education information. The office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Advertorial

DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 29

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You only have until the end of the year to spend your FSA money. Otherwise you lose it. Give the gift of vision this holiday season with a gift certificate. Come visit us in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Located between Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Panera Bread 215 Alamo Plaza Suite D Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 202-2846 www.poplarspecs.com Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-4

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

The following class will be held at the Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Ave in Walnut Creek. Classes are free of charge and for cancer patients and caregivers. For more information or to reserve a place in a class, please call (925) 933-0107. From Panic To Powerful: Saturday, December 2 ~ 11AM - 1PM ~ Shariann Tom, cancer coach and five-time cancer survivor. Feeling a sense of control while your world is whirling with chaos might sound impossible. When you’re overwhelmed by anxiety, it’s hard to calm down and carry on. This workshop will show you a way out of panic toward a new sense of empowerment. You will learn ways to release your panic and feel more confident with the Cancer Journey Roadmap as you travel on your own journey.

GROUP HELPS PEOPLE COPE WITH DEATH OF PETS

When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief. Hospice of the East Bay (HoEB) and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at HoEB (925) 887-5681. HoEB Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

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PAGE 30 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

MOM M Y M A K EOV E R : YOU DESERVE IT

SANTA’S MAILBOX

Santa has a mailbox at the Danville Community Center located at 420 Front St. in Danville. Bring your letters to Santa any time up to December 8th and receive a letter in return by December 24th. Be sure to include your name and return address.

CARING HANDS

REACHING OUT TO SENIORS ONE AT A TIME

Life at any age involves challenges, but these intensify as we age. The first concern may be that it becomes too difficult to drive to the doctor, the grocery, or to just get a haircut. Support systems change, neighbors and friends may not help as expected, and loneliness may put a damper on daily routine. Caring Hands volunteers offer friendship which makes an extraordinary difference in the quality of life for many seniors. Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program, a collaborative community outreach program between John Muir Health, social service agencies, congregations of various faiths and the communityat-large, creates finely-tuned one-on-one matches. The Caring Hands Program is dedicated to helping aging adults in Contra Costa County remain independent as long as safely possible. Isolation and loneliness shorten lives and may make health problems worse. If making time to volunteer is on your to-do list, consider joining Caring Hands as a caregiver or even as an occasional driver. Enriching matches are created; loving friendships and deep relationships are formed. Care receivers treasure a friendly visit, a walk in the park or other social outing. Reading mail, letter writing, or providing respite care to give a break to a family member are thoughtful services which can make a big difference to a frail or isolated senior. Since so many older adults need transportation to doctor’s appointments or stores, the best volunteer for Caring Hands is someone who is available once a week for 1-3 hours on a weekday and who can provide transportation. Volunteers receive ongoing education, support, and recognition of their efforts. Perhaps you can be that friend who gives a waiting senior hope and help. For a volunteer application or for more information about Caring Hands, please contact Stacy Appel, Volunteer Coordinator, at (925) 952-2999.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers. We need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients and their caregivers. Opportunities include: Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling, Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy, Administrative Support Volunteers to assist in the Pleasant Hill office, Thrift Shoppe Volunteers to work in one of the organization’s five stores which are located in Alamo, Concord, Martinez, Danville, and Walnut Creek, Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members after their loved one has died, and Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance To apply for free training, call Hospice at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

By Dr. Barbara Persons

I recently mentioned to a friend that I had my hair and nails done, and without thinking I immediately rationalized all of the reasons why I had to do it for work. “You don’t need to justify pampering yourself. You work hard. You deserve it,” my friend said. She was right. As a mother of three, I understand what it is to be a busy mom and feel guilty or forget to treat yourself- whether it is a quick trip to the nail salon or even getting a “Mommy Makeover.” We all deserve to be pampered and most of all to feel good, especially in our own skin. I’ve witnessed countless patients at Persons Plastic Surgery improve their quality of life and self-image after plastic surgery; particularly following pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, when diet or exercise no longer changes the number on your scale or even gets you close to your pre-baby body. The mommy makeover helps to reverse the rapid post-baby changes to the breasts, abdomen, waist, genitalia, and buttocks. At Persons Plastic Surgery, because the mommy makeover is typically performed as a single stage procedure, we offer package-deal type surgeries, which typically include a breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, and sometimes vaginal rejuvenation.

BREAST LIFT & AUGMENTATION

Breast Augmentation surgery and Breast Mastopexy, also known as a Breast Lift, can be considered as early as six months following the completion of breastfeeding. A breast lift restores the shape of the breasts and the size and location of the nipple. Although a breast lift without implants may be just right for many women, some may want breast augmentation for additional size and projection. The augmentation can be achieved with a silicone or saline implant, or with autologous fat grafting or fat transfer. I recommend fat grafting for women who desire a relatively small increase in size without the use of implants. The procedure entails liposuction of areas in which you have excess fat such as the outer thighs or flanks, and then transferring the fat to your breasts. The procedure achieves about half a bra cup size per fat grafting session and is roughly the same price as augmentation with implants. To achieve maximal results, most patients report that two sessions of fat transfer for breast augmentation is ideal. The second session should be completed within six weeks to a year after the first fat transfer.

TUMMY TUCK

An abdominoplasty, commonly called a “Tummy Tuck,” is a plastic surgery procedure which flattens the abdomen by tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. It involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and stretch marks. The abdomen tends to take on a rounded appearance as we age, as our weight fluctuates, and after events such as childbirth. A tummy tuck can re-contour and reposition the tissues, with the added benefit of removing any pre-existing scars from the lower abdomen and even improving back pain.

LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction techniques can alter the shape of the body through the removal and transfer of fat. Vaser Liposuction, an alternative to traditional liposuction, uses advanced ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape the body. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted through small probes that diffuse the ultrasound waves and liquefy the fat for easy removal. We use Vaser Liposuction to achieve a natural appearance with less skin laxity. I am passionate about helping my patients achieve realistic goals. Plastic surgery shouldn’t come before a good exercise routine and healthy diet. First, eat clean and hit the gym to work off post-pregnancy weight. I always tell my patients “Liposuction is a shape changer, not a weight changer.” The best plastic surgery candidates are those who are physically fit and healthy. Also, fit patients are more likely to retain better results. A mommy makeover is meant to correct imperfections that exercise cannot. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss if a mommy makeover is the right procedure for you. 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

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DECEMBER 2017 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 31

SURVIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL: CELEBRATE PAIN-FREE!

By Dr. Melissa Ko, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic

Many of us are enjoying holiday travel to see our friends and families. However, traveling can be rough on the body. Long hours in a car or airplane can leave you stressed, tired, stiff, and sore. “Prolonged sitting can wreak havoc on your body,” says Scott Bautch, DC, a member of the American Chiropractic Association’s Council on Occupational Health. “Even if you travel in the most comfortable car or opt to fly first class, certain pressures and forces from awkward positions can result in restricted blood flow.” Here are some tips and advice to fight the strains of travel before they occur.

IN AN AIRPLANE

• Use pillows or blankets to help maintain a neutral “S” curve in your spine (you can feel this when standing or sitting up straight) when you are in your seat. Sit on a blanket or pillow if the cushion is worn down. • Check all bags heavier than 5-10% of your body weight to reduce strain when moving, lifting, and carrying personal bags. Never lift and twist at the same time when lifting your bags. • When in flight, change your position periodically to improve circulation and avoid cramps and tight muscles. Massage legs and calves. Prop your feet up on a bag to take pressure off your low back. Stretch head to toe in your seat, and, when permitted, stand up and make trips to the lavatory to get in some walking.

TRAVEL BY CAR

• Adjust the seat so you are as close to the steering wheel as comfortably possible. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. • Use a pillow or back support if your seat does not provide enough support for your low back. • Exercise your legs while driving to reduce the risk of any swelling, fatigue, or discomfort. Open your toes as wide as you can, and count to 10. Count to five while you tighten your calf muscles, then thigh muscles, then your gluteal muscles. Roll your shoulders forward and back, making sure to keep your hands on the steering wheel. • Minimize arm and shoulder tension by holding the steering wheel at the 3 and 7 o’clock position, periodically switching to the 10 and 5 o’clock position. Keep a loose, relaxed grip on the steering wheel. • Take frequent rest breaks to fill up on gas, use the bathroom, grab something to eat, or have a coffee break. Take a few extra minutes to walk and move around before getting back on the road. “If you follow these simple tips, you can enjoy pain-free, safe travel,” says Dr. Bautch. “If you do experience pain and stress on your back, Doctors of Chiropractic are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat problems of the spine and nervous system.” Who do you know who travels with aches and pains? They would be a great referral to our office, and we are here to help them get back on track and enjoying the holiday season! Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www.sycamorevalleychiropractic. com or call (925)837-5595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Advertorial

ROUND THE MOUNTAIN MOUNT DIABLO HIKE

Join hike leader Jake Van Akkeren (jvanakkeren@comcast.net) December 29 from 10am-5pm on a hike on Mount Diablo. The classic hiking loop will provide views in all directions as the group circles the Park’s dominant peak via Deer Flat, Prospector’s Gap. and Oak Knoll. Parts of this hike will pass through burn areas of the September 2013 Morgan Fire. Late spring wildflowers should still be abundant on parts of the route. Allow seven hours for this 8.5 mile hike with a total elevation gain of about 2,300 feet. The hike will be at a steady relaxed pace with a 30-minute lunch and other rest breaks. Bring layered clothing and plenty of water. Be prepared for poison oak. This hike will be shortened in case of extreme heat. Meet at the Juniper trailhead (take either North or South Gate Roads to their junction and continue up Summit Rd. until the large parking lot on the left at the entrance to Juniper Camp). The fee is $10 per vehicle. For more information visit www.mdia.org/site/mdia-event-calendar/ event/490-round-the-mountain-hike. th

HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION

Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted. An assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or (925) 264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org for more information.

IS FOOD A PROBLEM FOR YOU?

Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.

C L A S S I F I E D AUTOS WANTED We Will Buy or Consign Your Car. All cars displayed in our private and secure showroom. We are a locally family owned dealership serving the Lamorinda and San Ramon Valley for over 30 years in a very relaxed atmosphere. Free pick-up and delivery. 925-820-1188.

Place Your Classified

Reach over 21,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies...$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 words.Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117,Alamo,CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. Payment by check made out to “The Editors”,or credit card placed on file by calling 925-405-6397 must be received before ad will print. Your canceled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.

PAGE 32 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • DECEMBER 2017

The Combs Team

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

Professionals You Can Count On

Nancy

Joe

Call the Combs Team

This is Rockcliff Country

92 5 -9 8 9 -6 0 8 6 www.TheCombsTeam.com

DANVILLE / ALAMO AREA REAL ESTATE: LUXURY HOME MARKET ANOTHER SOLID YEAR

Last year, 2016, was another solid year for Luxury Homes sales in our area. I have defined Luxury Homes to include homes that are 5,000 square feet and larger sitting on a premium lot that is between a half and one full acre, and equipped with a pool. This definition has been overlain on the geographies including Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, and Diablo, basically what in my personal view comprises the Danville Area. The Luxury Home Market bottomed in 2010 both in terms of average price and dollars paid per square feet. At that time, you could have bought a 5,800 square ft. home for an average price of about $1.9 million with a value of $327 per square foot. Those prices were nearly 64% below the current market for a Luxury Home. During the Luxury Home Market peak in 2007, only 14 homes sold, but they did so with an impressive average price of $2,920,833 and an average square foot price of $506. Technically speaking, the Luxury Market in our area recovered completely last year. This year, the upward trend continues. Unit sales are down from last year by about 32%, but with four homes currently under contract, the gap appears to be closing. During the past seven years, the number of sales in this category has fluctuated between 14 and 25 sales. Days-on-market has extended a wee bit, from 75 days on average to 78 days which is still under three months. Average sales price is up nearly 17% year-over-year advancing from $2,761,008 to $3,235,987. Dollars

-paid-per-square-foot are up about 2% from last year. When I first started writing this column many years ago, I defined a Luxury Home to be any home selling for $2 million or more, and there were always homes to write about. During the down turn, I revised the data to its current definition which is now related to size and amenities because I was unable to find sales at that price level. For me, it’s good to see the Luxury Home Market back to where it once was and advancing again. There are currently 13 Luxury Homes on the market. This is down two homes from 2016. Their total days-on-market range from 13 to 159 days. This is fewer than last year. These active listings carry an average list price of $4,466,901 compared to last year’s list price of $3,212,187 and an average square foot price of $572 compared to $537 last year. This market has moved very far, very fast, and may actually be as normal as it can be. The good news for Luxury Home sellers is that the market has recovered from the downturn, homes are selling at a normal rate, and the market is not flooded. Appreciation appears to be at a normal if not an exciting level. Nancy and I have more than 3,000 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of publication. You can add yourself to the list by sending me an email or signing up for it on our website, www.thecombsteam.com. I assure you no spam will follow. You can also follow us on Facebook at “Real Estate Services for Danville, Alamo and more.”

West Side Alamo Single Story

Alamo 10 Acre Estate

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Beautiful custom home with views, gardens, huge master, 3 ensuite bedrooms, bonus room/au pair suite with private entrance. Priced to sell $5,950,000.

Enchanting updated 3 bedroom single story on a Private drive. Private gate to the Iron Horse Trail. Sold in six days for $1,550,000.

Luxury Mediterranean Resort Living in Alamo. We represented the buyer and the seller. We have more buyers. Price $3,195,000.

Alamo Custom Luxury Home

Danville Single Story

West Side Alamo $307/sq. ft.

Charming 3 bedroom 2.5 bath with 3 car garage, large, lot, pool and spa. Priced to Sell! $899,000.

Unbelievable value on this 4 bed, 6.5 bath home in Jones Ranch. Pool, Spa, Au Pair Suite Priced to Sell! $2,045,000.

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Stonegate 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath with 1 bedroom downstairs. Pool/spa, BBQ, putting green. Priced to sell $2,000,000

Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.

J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526