2024 DECEMBER ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

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LITTLE MIRACLES MAKES BIG IMPACT

It was 2021 and Melissa Dantzig was volunteering with Trinity Lutheran Church of Pleasanton’s outreach committee at a non-profit organization. The non-profit had gathered essential items for babies and children and the public was able to come to take what they needed. One woman at the event set her sights on a stroller and crib mattress for her baby—she was thrilled to see these essentials available, as the cost to purchase these brand new were out of reach for her at the time.

Melissa watched as the organization regretfully informed the woman that these items were mistakenly left with them, but they were not allowed to donate the stroller and crib mattress. For safety and liability reasons, many organizations do not accept or provide donations of some baby items such as cribs, crib mattresses, and car seats. In that moment, the disappointment was palpable. When relaying this story, Melissa said, “I’m the mother of four and grandmother to one and I was astounded and perplexed that those items couldn’t be provided to people in need and were ending up in landfills.”

Learning more about the staggering needs in surrounding communities paired with the understanding of limitations many non-profits face in accepting these essential items, Melissa, along with another church member and friend, Diana Keller, founded Little Miracles.

Little Miracles Inc. aims to provide essential baby supplies and clothing to every Tri-Valley parent in need for their babies, newborn to 36 months. Working on Trinity Lutheran’s outreach committee with many non-profits helped Melissa and Diana fully understand the gap in assistance that existed for families in need. Larger items and closely regulated items like cribs and

See Miracles continued on page 13

DECEMBER 2024

WHATS HAPPENING AT MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY IN DECEMBER?

Museum of the San Ramon Valley’s “Holidays in the Valley” exhibit is now open and offers a journey through cherished traditions and symbols that capture the essence of this season. It features a variety of items that people feel represent the holidays: classic decorations to personal mementos. Visitors can explore the unique ways people celebrate the holidays. A special focus on Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) offers insights into its customs and meaning. A beautifully crafted model train display will be running, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder for all ages.

Also, join in on December 19th at 11:30AM for a virtual program on the history of Mount Diablo State Park, one of California’s first state parks, established even before the State Park Commission in 1921! The talk will be led by John Gallagher, board member of Save Mount Diablo. He will dive into the fascinating politics and strong public support that helped shape California’s remarkable state park system. Don’t miss out—sign up today! The program is free, but registration is required. To attend, visit museumsrv.org, select “What’s On,” and then “Virtual Programs.”

Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave, Danville. It is open Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM , Saturday 10AM-2PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

SAN RAMON CREEK

San Ramon Valley High School senior Residents of Danville and Alamo are likely aware of the creek that runs through our valley. San Ramon Creek is possibly the only local natural body of water that is reliably full year-round, even in droughts. It carves a thin but deep path right through the middle of our semi-urban towns. It flows from Bollinger Canyon, through the heart of Danville and Alamo, before joining with Las Trampas Creek up north in Walnut Creek. Several tributaries of the creek come off the hills to our west and east, some all the way from parts of Mount Diablo. Many of us may have grown up around the creek.

The San Ramon Creek Watershed covers 54 square miles and is part of the larger Walnut Creek Watershed. Headwaters are in Bollinger and San Catanio Creeks, fed by springs and creeks from Las Trampas and Mount Diablo. The San Ramon Creek runs 18.89 miles in length.

See Creek continued on page 20

A Little Miracles volunteer prepares to wheel out an order to a client.
A group of Little Miracles volunteers proudly shows the beautifully packaged orders ready for pick up.

BOULEVARD VIEW

The world was introduced to a portly little bear named Winnie-the-Pooh as part of a children’s story commissioned by London’s Evening News for Christmas Eve 1925. Pooh, along with his young friends, Christopher Robin,Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and Roo, became part of a collection of stories, poems, and eventually movies telling the delightful tales and adventures of the crew. One memorable section from the A.A. Milne classic, The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh reads:

“What day is it?” asked Pooh.“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.“My favorite day,” said Pooh. We live in an area that easily lends itself to “favorite days.”

There are fabulous sites all around us, with trails, views, and landmarks to explore that people the world-over scrimp and save to come and see.

Recent stunning morning sunrises, and East-Coast-worthy leaf displays, have helped kick-start my days as we head into colder weather, the change of seasons, and holiday excitement.

December highlights how our communities provide opportunities to gather and enjoy what’s around us. Leaf through these pages to find the plethora of concerts, celebrations, and other holiday events to attend -- many are free. If you are gift-giving this season, consider hand-crafting something, or harken back to the classics and make old traditions new again. Children still enjoy books, teddy bears, and wooden toys. For meal-time gatherings, break out the china instead of disposable dishes and cups. The “fine” stuff is not meant to just sit in the cupboard to look at.

If you’d rather give of your time, in this issue you will find opportunities to donate or volunteer with one of the many groups that bring help and joy to others. They are listed throughout these pages, as well as a great article by Supervisor Andersen on ways to help on page 10.

I hope you are able to start each day with amazement and focused on what matters most to you. In 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently the authors note, “If you worry too much about what might be, and wonder too long about what might have been, you will ignore and completely miss what is.” Don't miss out on all we have.

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Make each day a “favorite day.”

WINTER BELLS CONCERT

The Danville Community Band invites you to their holiday concert, “Winter Bells,” taking place at 3PM, Sunday, December 15th at Las Lomas High School Performing Arts Center located at 1460 S. Main St., Walnut Creek. Festive tunes will include March of the Toys, A Calypso Christmas , and many more, wrapping up with the popular Sleigh Ride

Enjoy this free “holiday for your ears” concert!

Stay tuned for upcoming 2025 concerts including “Remembering the Jazz Age” at 3PM, Saturday March 15th at the Community Presbyterian Church in Danville and “Fifty Years of Pop Culture” at 3PM, Sunday, May 18th at the Lesher Center for the Arts, in Walnut Creek.

The Danville Community Band is a 501(c) (3) non-profit and is completely dependent upon tax-deductible financial donations from individuals and corporations. Please consider making a donation. Learn more at danvilleband.org and ‘Like’ the Danville Community Band on Facebook!

AlamoRotary is delighted to invite you tothe

ALAMO TREE LIGHTINGFESTIVAL 2024

Sunday, December 8th

4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Andrew H. Young Park 3000 Danville Blvd., Alamo

Music from local schools | Santa Claus | Hot Chocolate

Everyone is welcome!

Why Do Some Homes Sell for Less?

• The property was priced too high Ironically overpricing can stigmatize a property and reduce the eventual sales price to less than it would have been with more realistic pricing.

• The property was sold “off market”. Don’t let a real estate agent talk you into selling to their buyer Your home deserves maximum exposure to attract offers and healthy competition!

• The home was not staged and made “show ready”. Let me handle the heavy-lifting to bring you the highest possible price.

It’s About You, Not Me

FREE ~ CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Celebrate an evening of musical joy! The free, 24th annual Celebration of Christmas concert is returning to The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, located at 655 Old Orchard Dr, Danville on Sunday, December th PM. Kick off your and merriment. If you have never been, the artistry and talent of the youth will astound and delight you. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to attend this free event. As part of the concert this year we are hosting a t-shirt drive to support Set to Thrive, a local nonprofit that supports families experiencing foster care and homelessness. Please bring t-shirts* of all sizes to donate at the Celebration of Christmas Concert (*no red or blue shirts due to gang colors).

THE BLACKHAWK CHORUS CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH SONG

Entering its 33rd year, the Blackhawk Chorus is a 100-voice community chorus, based in Danville. The chorus is led by local favorite Ken Abrams, who became its artistic director in 2021 after a 36-year career as head of San Ramon High School’s much-acclaimed vocal music program.

The Blackhawk Chorus is set to present its holiday concert, “Now Is the Caroling Season,” on December 13th in Walnut Creek and December 14th in Dublin. This will be a festive and family-friendly program, with just the right mix of traditional, popular, whimsical, classic, and expressive holiday selections. You’ll hear traditional carols like “Silent Night,” sentimental favorites from holiday movies such as White Christmas, a few jazzy toe-tappers, and even arrangements inspired by classical composers like Ravel and Tchaikovsky.

The chorus is especially thrilled to be joined by the Blackhawk String Quartet. There’s no better way to ring in the holidays! Information and tickets for the upcoming concerts can be found at www.blackhawkchorus.com/events

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

On Sunday, December 8th at 4PM, the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, with Music Director and Conductor Geoffrey Gallegos, will join forces with the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Chorus, directed by Stan Fong, and soloists Elizabeth Hunter Ashley, soprano; Viva Millan, contralto; Gabriel Liboiron Cohen, tenor; and Kevin Brown, bass, in a performance of George Frideric Handel’s beloved masterwork Messiah. The concert will take place at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Drive, Orinda. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at www.ContraCostaChamberOrchestra.org or at the door. Come celebrate the holiday season with this great annual favorite! Please contact Geoffrey Gallegos at gbgalleg@pacificbell.net for further information.

ONE WARM COAT ~ FINAL COLLECTION

Clean your closets and help others in need! Gather your (clean) cold-weather wear including coats, sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves, and mittens to help keep others warm this winter. All sizes are needed for adults, teens, children, and infants.

The Alamo Women’s Club will be holding their 5th One Warm Coat donation drive as part of their Together We Give projects initiative. Drive in, drop off, and donate items at the Clubhouse located at 1401 Danville Blvd. in Alamo on Friday, December 6th from 3-5PM. Tax receipts will be available at the event.

Distribution of items will be made to local shelters, Food Bank clients, homeless camps and agencies, and Christmas for Everyone in Martinez.

For questions or more information, contact Dany at 925-899-6771 or email OneWarmCoatRotary@gmail.com.

FREE GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE

Are you looking for your ancestors? Do you want to do a little genealogy research? Could you use some help or direction?

Remember Honor Teach

Wreaths Across America Day

Bring your questions to the Danville Library, located at 400 Front Street, Danville on December 10th from 10am-1pm Genealogy docents from the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society will be available to help you take your research further with print resources from the library’s genealogy collection or online material. The free genealogy research assistance is provided by the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society in partnership with the Danville Library. For questions, call 925-314-3750 or visit srvgensoc.org

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Since 2002, Adopt a Family Bikes (AAFB) has refurbished and donated thousands of bikes to adults and youth in need. This year’s collection drive has ended but the work continues with hopes of fulfilling many new requests from counselors in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, in addition to clients of numerous Bay Area non-profit agencies serving our communities.

AAFB has a temporary space in the Alamo Plaza shopping center next door to Rite Aid. The address is 140 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Adults, unaccompanied minors 16 and older, and younger children with parents are all invited through the beginning of January; just show up! The biggest task requires no experience! It involves just cleaning and shining up the bikes.

Cash and donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off or mailed to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, (memo field “Adopt-A-Family Bikes”), 1550 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526. The money goes towards purchasing helmets, U-locks, and parts.

For updated information visit the “Adopt-A-Family Bikes” Facebook page, or www.adoptafamilybikes.org.

CALLING ALL BEANIE BABIES!

Alamo-based non-profit, Bobby’s Brigade, has been working with the California Highway Patrol for over 10 years supplying over 13,000 Teddy Bear care packages. The care packages can help comfort children involved in auto accidents, domestic abuse, child neglect, or any time a parent and child are separated and a child is in CHP custody. The packages come with a Teddy Bear, coloring book, coloring pencils, and a special message from children that help assemble the packages.

Beanie Babies make an excellent second stuffed animal that fits in the packaging in case there’s more than one child involved. The bears and Beanie Babies give children something to hold onto until additional help arrives and the coloring book is something to help distract the child from what’s going on outside the first responder vehicle. It’s that time of year, where we pull decorations out of the attic. If you have a box of Beanie Babies collecting dust, please give them another mission in life. Put them to good use and help comfort a child in need. Do you have any to contribute? If so, please call Mark Redman at 925-336-9425. For more information about Bobby’s Brigade, visit www.bobbysbrigade.com.

December 14 2024

Help San Ramon Valley Republican Women Honor Local Heroes!

Help SRV Republican Women Federated honor local heroes!

Sponsor a wreath today to be placed on a veteran’s grave this December at Alamo Cemetery

Sponsor a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave. Please send checks to “Wreaths Across America” c/o SRVRWF, PO Box 1, Danville, CA 94526. Please indicate CA0722 in the subject line. Join the remembrance on Saturday, December 14th at 11AM at the Alamo Cemetery located at 130 El Portal, Danville to help place wreaths for our heroes!

Scan the QR code to make a donation online or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0722

FIND YOUR CALM IN MOZART SERENITY

The California Symphony invites you to an evening of serene beauty and awe-inspiring artistry, perfect for both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers.

The program begins with Breathe , a meditative work by American composer Carlos Simon, inspired by theologian Howard Thurman’s call to pause, reflect, and “stay put for a while.”

Next, journey to Spain with Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez , featuring renowned guitarist Meng Su. Though composer Joaquín Rodrigo lost his sight at a young age, his timeless concerto, with its rich melodies and stirring guitar solos, vividly evokes the sun-drenched gardens of Aranjuez.

The concert concludes with Mozart’s exhilarating Symphony No. 41—the “Jupiter Symphony.” The final symphony he ever wrote, this majestic masterpiece showcases the composer’s genius in full bloom.

Enjoy a drink at your seat and snap a photo at our selfie station. Your ticket includes a free 30-minute pre-concert talk, starting one hour before the show, where you’ll gain deeper insights into the music.

MOZART SERENITY: Saturday, February 1st, at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 2nd, at 4pm at the Hofmann Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets, visit CaliforniaSymphony.org or call 925-943-7469. Tickets start at $50, $25 for students.

California Symphony. Photo by Kristen Loken

DIABLO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra (DSO) will be joined by the Fratello Marionettes and the San Ramon Valley Chorale in a holiday concert to be held at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 14th, at 2PM. Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto”—“written for Christmas night”—and its musical image of shepherds rejoicing, captures the joy of the season, a joy also reflected in Pergolesi’s choral setting of the Magnificat (now often attributed to Pergolesi’s teacher Durante). The Fratello Marionettes will bring scenes from The Nutcracker to life, in interpretations by both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington! Completing the celebration, the orchestra and choir present holiday favorites that will delight listeners of all ages. For more information and tickets, visit www.diablosymphony.org or call the Lesher Center box office at 925943-7469. Tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for youth 13–17. Children 12 and under are free, but a ticket is needed to have a seat. Discounted tickets of $35 are available for groups of 10 or more seniors (62 and up). Ticket prices include all processing fees. Tickets will also be available at the door.

DIABLO WOMEN'S CHORALE IS FEELIN' GOOD!! THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Experience the wonder of music with Diablo Women’s Chorale’s (DWC) Feelin’ Good!!, a celebration of jazzy and seasonal favorites featuring songs from Nina Simone, Spice Girls, Elton John, and many more. Performed with live musicians, including a brass ensemble, their program showcases vibrant and uplifting harmonies celebrating life’s simple pleasures.

Director Erin Fishler brings passion into each piece, drawing from her extensive performance and teaching experience. Accompanist Rebecca Hass contributes her talent and experience as an accomplished recording artist, pianist, teacher, and composer.

Founded amidst the turmoil of World War II, this secular choir has been a musical treasure in the East Bay for over eight decades. It now comprises sixty women of all ages, united by their passion for music and harmony.

“For 36 seasons, I’ve experienced the joy of singing and making music with DWC friends,” says Danville resident, Hildy DeFrisco. Fellow member and Danville resident, Sherry Dorfman adds, “Our togetherness crosses boundaries that might otherwise divide us. DWC celebrates the joy we share in singing together.”

Performances are presented on Friday, December 13 th, at 7 PM and Sunday, December 15 th , at 3 PM , at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Tickets are available at diablowomenschorale.org and on Facebook at Diablo Women’s Chorale.

The DWC welcomes new members each January and August and presents concerts in the spring and fall each year. The DWC is a 501(c)(3).

San Ramon Valley Chorale Director, Bruce Koliha.

SONS IN RETIREMENT

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

Looking for some fun activities in retirement? Look no further than SIR 128 San Ramon Valley! We’re a vibrant social group for men approaching, or already enjoying, their retirement years.

SIR128 is all about building strong friendships, and keeping life exciting. Our calendar is packed with fun activities for every interest, from walking, fishing, wine tastings and book clubs to technology groups, bocce ball, and hiking. If you’re a golfing enthusiast we offer options for both 9 and 18 holes! In addition we have monthly trips to various places. We’ve got something for you.

But it’s not just about activities! SIR 128 creates a sense of community. Our monthly luncheons, held on the third Wednesday at 11:30AM at Bridges in San Ramon, are a chance to connect over a delicious meal and enjoy fascinating guest speakers.

Interested? Guests are welcome at our luncheons. Just send an email to membership@sir128.com to RSVP and see what SIR 128 is all about.

Ready to break the routine and explore the vibrant world of SIR 128? Visit our website at www.SIR128.com to learn more and see how you can join the fun!

SWING INTO DANVILLE WITH HOLIDAY FUN, MUSIC, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Town of Danville invites the community to celebrate the holiday season with “Swing into Danville,” a vibrant mix of holiday activities lasting into the new year. Whether you want to take a stroll through a holiday downtown wonderland, or get an important request to Santa, Danville is the place to be this season.

Unique, charming shops owned by local residents line the downtown streets, and finding the perfect gift is as easy as taking a walk. The celebrations continue with live swing and jazz performances every Saturday through December 21st from 1 to 3PM at the new Prospect Park Plaza (at the corner of Hartz and Prospect), creating a lively atmosphere for holiday shopping. Visitors can also enjoy the Storefront Decorating Contest, which runs through January 4th, where beautifully decorated windows offer a festive backdrop for the season. Vote for your favorite shop’s holiday window display and enter to win a free weekly drawing for prizes from local businesses!

Families can create lasting memories with activities such as Santa’s Mailbox, where children can drop off letters to Santa through December 13th and receive replies from the big man himself by Christmas Eve. The Elf Workshop event with multiple sessions on December 13th and 14th invites kids to enjoy holiday crafts and a chance to take a photo with Santa. Tweens will love the Holiday Hangout December 12th, featuring fun games, challenges, crafts, and prizes. More information about these events can be found at www.danville.ca.gov/recguide.

With so many activities to enjoy, Swing into Danville offers a perfect way to celebrate the holidays. From the dazzling lights of the Old Oak Tree to unique events fun for the whole family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.danville.ca.gov/ shoplocal for more details on this exciting seasonal celebration.

The CookieBots, an all-Girl Scout, First Lego League (FLL) team from Danville had an amazing performance at a recent tournament. FLL is an international program that focuses on STEM exploration and learning through friendly competition for students in grades 4-8.

The 5th grade team from Creekside Elementary participated in events involving a timed robot match where their autonomous robot tried to solve as many challenges as possible, as well as a session where the team presented to a panel of judges.

The CookieBots worked on designing, building, and coding an autonomous Lego robot. They devised attachments to interact and solve challenges, wrote and debugged code to control the robot, and practiced extensively to improve their timing and coordination.

All of this culminated in a day-long qualifying competition where the girls competed against other teams from across the Bay Area. The CookieBots were awarded the trophy for Best Robot Design and they were selected as one of four teams from the event to move on to the next level and compete in the District Championship tournament in early 2025!

Alamo’s favorite donut bakers, Sandy and Chan Chao, have retired as the owners of Great Donuts in Alamo Plaza. Sandy and Chan started their business in 1989, getting up at 3AM to make sure the donuts were freshly made. Many Alamo residents remember a friendly greeting from Sandy as they stopped by before a long drive to fuel up on fresh yummy donuts. A group of Alamo residents gathered at the shop the last week in October to present a retirement gift and say thank you to Sandy and Chan for their many years serving Alamo and wish them well on their retirement. Alamo Improvement Association honored them with a plaque. New owner Tim Huynh will be operating the shop with the same fresh donuts under the name Dainty Donuts.

2025 Holiday Tree Collection Schedule

Your tree pickup will be on the same day as your regular garbage service but by a separate truck. Christmas and New Year’s Day are on Wednesdays this year; therefore Wednesday, Thursday and Friday customers will be pushed one day later both weeks to accomodate the holiday for drivers. (Wednesday customers will be serviced on Thursday, etc. and Friday customers will be serviced Saturday December 28 and January 4.)

Week of Jan 6–10

Week of Jan 13–1

in Walnut Creek, Danville , Alamo, Diablo, and Blackhawk (including unincorporated areas)

Customers in Lafayette , Orinda , and Moraga (including unincorporated areas)

Week of Jan 20–24 Any customers who missed prior tree collection.

AFTER Jan 24 If possible, cut tree and place in organics cart with lid closed, or call 925.685.4711 to schedule a pick-up for a fee.

and

• Flocked

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! December is here already! Since Election Day, key economic indicators impacting our local real estate market have emerged. The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25 basis points, and the bond market, specifically the 10-year treasury, rose from 3.7% in October to 4.4% on November 20 th. Let’s review the Greater Danville Area’s current inventory and its implications for local real estate at the beginning of 2025. If you’re considering selling or buying in the new year, please reach out to the Gatti team. Our Team with Compass, combines 60+ years of Greater Danville Area experience with the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the United States. We strive for personalized, local, and proven real estate expertise tailored just for you.

The Federal Reserve’s first post-election meeting on November 7 th resulted in a 0.25 basis point rate cut. Shortly after, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.6% on November 13 th, a 0.2% increase from the previous month’s 2.4% reading, aligning with market expectations. Following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, markets shifted focus to potential tariff policies and their impact on inflation. This led to a surge in the 10-year treasury yield from 3.7% on October 1 st to 4.4% on November 20 th, with mortgage rates jumping from 6.25% to 7.05% during the same period. As the January 20 th , 2025 inauguration approaches, tariff policy speculation will be crucial to monitor for bonds and mortgage interest rates.

With bonds and interest rates elevated, the Greater Danville Area’s winter market landscape is taking shape. Currently, there are 128 active detached properties in Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon, with a median price of $2,249,000, averaging 35 days on the market, and $807.74 price per square foot. In contrast, pending properties total 72, with a lower median price of $1,997,000, reduced days-on-market at 19, and $753.79 price per square foot. If interest rates remain elevated into the New Year, expect future pricing and time on market to align with these pending figures.

When looking at sold properties that have closed escrow in the last 30 days, the numbers are similar if not better than the pending column. This is likely due to current pending properties going into contract during a slower period just before the election. The Greater Danville Area has seen 82 detached properties sold, with a median listing price of $2,069,000 and a final median sold price of $2,045,000. The days on market was 13, and the sold price per square foot was $781.88. Look for January’s market to begin with these pending and sold prices as the baseline for the rest of 2025 to build on. As we approach the Christmas season, we wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday with friends and family! We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

If you’re thinking of selling and have any questions on real estate, please contact us for a FREE no obligation estimate of the value of your home. We are here to help!

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 12 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!

1https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/13/cpi-inflation-october-2024.html?&qsearchterm=cpi%20report

2https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/US10Y?qsearchterm=

3Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM JOE & RON GATTI

Private-Practice Dentist • Dental Implants

Advanced Periodontal Therapy • Porcelain Veneers

Custom Teeth Whitening • Digital X-Rays

Invisalign Clear Braces

220 Alamo Plaza, Suite E, Alamo Next to Safeway

Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturdays of each month.

Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family

Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful three-year post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction.

Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF. 925-831-8310

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

With only 14 instructional days in the month, November flew by and now at press-time we are preparing for a welldeserved Thanksgiving Break. This time of year is also a time of transition as fall athletic seasons come to a close, winter sports programs begin, and our visual and performing arts (VAPA) programs start their fall and holiday performances.

As in past years, Monte Vista’s (MV) Speech and Debate program enjoyed another strong season. After several successful weekend tournaments, the team capped off its fall campaign with a visit to the Glenbrooks Invitational in Chicago. Congratulations to Dave Matley, our Speech and Debate coach, and his amazing team of students.

MV’s Dance program, led by Dance Director Ryane Siegel, performed to three sold-out audiences. They covered a wide variety of dance genres - everything from classical dance, to bollywood, to hip hop. What makes our program even more unique is that nearly all of the choreography is designed by our students, who take great pride in developing a creative and professional performance. Congratulations to this amazing group of MV students.

MV's Marching Band closed out their season with a final competition at the Lincoln Review of Champions in Lincoln, CA. Our band took second place overall, with both the Drumline and Jazz Band earning first-place finishes in their respective categories. Shout outs to Ed Cloyd, MV’s Band Director, and this awesome group of musicians. Marching Band will conclude its fall season with a performance at the San Ramon City Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. In addition, MV's Orchestra, Jazz, and Concert Bands will be performing their Winter Concert on December 11th and 13th.

MV’s Choir program is also enjoying a busy holiday season. Our Chamber Singers performed at the Danville Oak Tree Lighting Ceremony and a variety of different groups will be performing throughout our community over the first three weeks of December. MV Choir’s annual Holiday Concerts will be held on December 6th and 7th in the MV theater.

The beginning of December brought us another art exhibition - this time by our photography students. The

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR DANVILLE-ALAMO-WALNUT CREEK WOMEN

The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek (DAW) branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering college scholarships to individuals who identify as women who will be juniors, seniors, or graduate students at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025. Applicants must have attended high school in Danville, Alamo, or Walnut Creek, or currently reside or work in these communities. Applications are open now and are due by March 1, 2025.

Scholarship awardees will be selected in April-May 2025. Awards, in the amount of $2,000 or more, will be issued in June 2025. To apply, see the AAUW DAW Local Scholarships webpage at https://daw-ca.aauw.net/local-scholarships.

expo provided us with incredible photography that made our entire community proud. Congrats to Tom Soucy, our Photo teacher, and his amazing group of artists.

The 2024 Fall Sports Season was also very successful. MV Women’s Tennis and Women’s Cross Country both took home EBAL Championship banners. MV Tennis made it to the NCS semi-finals before succumbing to Redwood High School 4-3. MV Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams are now deep into their preparations for upcoming NCS and state meets. Overall, the Mustangs made a strong showing this fall with Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams both making runs into the NCS playoffs before losing close quarter-final matches. Women’s Volleyball upset 2nd-seeded Windsor High School 3-0 before falling in their NCS semi-final match and football lost their NCS opener 31-28 in a heartbreaking overtime game at Bishop O-Dowd.

MV’s Sonia Sharma was recently honored with the Dreammakers and Risk Takers award presented by the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership group. This award recognizes Sonia for her work in launching Project emPOWER Train the Trainer, a program making self-defense education accessible in schools. Her model trains PE teachers to integrate self-defense skills into their curriculum and has reached approximately 25,000 students across several Bay Area school districts.

We are so proud of our students’ achievements this fall, and we wish everyone in the MV community a safe and peaceful holiday season

To learn more about upcoming events, please check mvhs.srvusd.net

GIVING BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS By County Supervisor

With the holiday season upon us, many residents in Contra Costa County are interested in helping those in need throughout the community. There are many impactful ways to give back during the holidays ranging from volunteering your time to making donations. Contra Costa County (CCC) has a substantial population facing significant challenges. Many residents experience homelessness, food insecurity, and financial instability. The County partners with several programs, outlined below.

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties is an essential service that distributes food directly to people in need through their many programs. One in nine residents look to the food bank for emergency and supplemental food. There are several ways to donate and help. Visit foodbankccs.org to learn more about hosting a virtual food drive, making a monetary or food donation, or advocating on behalf of the food bank. Monetary donations are preferred over canned goods. With special deals, industry partnerships, and bulk buying power, they can provide two meals for $1.

VESTIA (Volunteer & Emergency Services Team in Action), is a non-profit organization that serves individuals and families receiving safety-net benefits from CCC’s Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD). VESTIA helps low-income children and families in CCC and provides supplemental support to clients when other resources are not available.

In CCC, approximately 1,800 children are in the foster care system. The holidays are a particularly difficult time for foster kids. VESTIA’s Angel Tree program was created in 1990 to provide gifts, including specific requests of children. Each child is asked what his or her gift wishes are, and generous “angels” provide those gifts in response to the wishes. Due to the generosity of donors in local communities, over the past two decades, thousands of foster children and teenagers have received gifts and the acknowledgment that they are not forgotten. If you would like to be involved in the Angel Tree program, call 925-521-5064. For more information, call VESTIA at 925-655-1208 or visit www.vestiainc.org

The Winter Nights Family Shelter program helps to protect, shelter, and support homeless families throughout CCC. Many religious congregations throughout our County provide space, meals, and volunteers on a two-week rotating basis to homeless families. Shelters are always supervised by professional staff. The Winter Nights program has family-centric goals and works to provide shelter and food to homeless families throughout the winter, helps homeless families find sustainable housing, keeps homeless children in school and helps them achieve at grade level, and keeps homeless families together during the stressful period of homelessness. To donate or for more information about the program, visit www.cccwinternights.org, or call 925-933-6030.

The Contra Costa Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization committed to providing free 24/7 services to everyone in need. Staff respond to those who call both 988 (suicide and crisis lifeline) and 211 (information about health and social services), grief support, and family support. Volunteers work year-round to keep people alive and safe, helping them work through crises, and connecting them with culturally relevant resources in the community. The organization also sponsors the Help Me Grow program – a system focused on early detection, referral, and treatment for children with developmental or behavioral concerns, and the Share the Spirit Grant Making Project.

You can donate to the Contra Costa Crisis Center with a monetary gift or by shopping at their Leftovers Thrift Shop, which is a mini-department store benefiting the Crisis Center located at 2281 Olympic Boulevard in Walnut Creek. To donate online, visit www.crisis-center.org.

The Contra Costa Housing Security Fund (CCHSF) is a county-wide community fund that covers costs that would prevent many residents from getting back into housing. The program works with seniors, veterans, and families to put a stop to homelessness throughout the County. The fund also protects participating property owners who offer screened renters an opportunity for housing. The Contra Costa Continuum of Care homeless service providers distribute the funds. Donations to the CCHSF can help end homelessness. To donate online, visit www.fundraise.richmondcf.org/give/99297/#!/donation/checkout. For questions about the fund, please email homelessprogram@hsd.cccounty.us

The Monument Crisis Center located in Concord, offers food and resources to people in need living in Central and East CCC. They have begun their Holiday Food Box drive. To see the list of suggested items for a trimming box, or for more information about the organization, visit www.monumentcrisiscenter.org. All boxes will be provided to the working poor and low income with support, addressing essential needs that can include providing food and medical or dental care.

These are just a few of the many organizations making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community. There are many other groups that could also use your support. If you have the means to do so, please don’t hesitate to generously give to those, as well, this holiday season.

My team and I are here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-655-2300.

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

As the year comes to a close, San Ramon Valley High School (SRV) students are busy finishing strong in a variety of areas, including academics, athletics, performing arts, marching band, and more.

Looking back at November, SRV held some exciting events. SRV hosted the annual Special Olympics where Comrades (Special Education students) from over 20 schools came and competed in friendly games of soccer. The Sophomore Cruise was a success, as students enjoyed a night on the Bay, sailing from Alameda to the Bay Bridge, enjoying dinner, dessert, dancing, karaoke, and a casino. Our incredible dance department put on their annual winter dance show, a cumulation of their hard work this semester. All dances were choreographed and performed by the students themselves.

Our Marching Band and Color Guard has had a successful season. They placed in all three of their competitions this year. Most recently, at the toughest competition of the season, the Lincoln Review of Champions competition, they placed 2nd in Parade, 2nd in Percussion, and 3rd in Color Guard. Earlier in the season, at the Foothill Review competition, Parade and Percussion both took 1st place and Color Guard finished 3rd. We are so proud of our Marching Band and Color Guard.

Our College and Career teacher, Ms. Harding has been working diligently the past few weeks to help seniors finish their college applications. She has been holding workshops during lunch and gives support to review students’ essays and applications.

As fall sports are wrapping up, SRV is proud to announce that the Women’s Water Polo team won NCS and is on the road to state. Monika Tekic is the Women’s Tennis NCS champion. The Volleyball team won the Norcal Championships and will be playing in the state championship game. SRV Football has been on a roll after beating Monte Vista in our “rivalry” game for the 8th year in a row. They are

now on the road to state. Cross Country is racing at the NCS Championships looking to advance to state.

Winter sports are beginning (soccer, basketball, and wrestling) as rosters are finalized, teams are gearing up for their first competitions of the season. For current team updates follow @srvhs.athletics on Instagram.

Looking into December, SRV Leadership is hosting a Toy Drive for our sister school, Peres Elementary. On December 13th, SRV students will visit Peres and deliver the toys to the students.

With the end of first semester and Winter Break only three weeks away, students and teachers are in the home stretch. The week of December 9th-13th is Winter Spirit Week, and includes dress-up days like Ugly Sweaters Day, Flannel Day, PJ Day, and more. I wish everyone Happy Holidays!

For a full list of what’s happening on campus, visit www.srvhs.net

jennifer.lopez@fora.travel

DRE 01169357 925.838.9999 jon@ahernregroup.com ahernrealestategroup.com

DRE 01865464 925.963.0068 camille@ahernregroup.com

VALLEY VIGNETTE

THE TOWN MEETING HALL – A HISTORY

Let’s talk historic buildings; there are still several throughout the San Ramon Valley, primarily houses. However, some are civic buildings such as the twentieth-century Veterans’ Hall, the Village Theatre, and Danville’s Town Meeting Hall.

The Town Meeting Hall, located at 201 Front Street, Danville, is on the site where two Presbyterian churches once stood. The current building was constructed in 1933 and became the Town Meeting Hall when it was dedicated on December 4, 1989. At that dedication, several people spoke about the building’s history and their involvement over the years.

First Wilson Close spoke. Wilson had been born in Danville, owned his family’s extensive property at Diablo Road and Front Street, and loved local history. He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1928 as a 12-year old.

CHURCH BUILDINGS

Wilson noted, “The first Presbyterian Church was built in June of 1876 at a cost of $3,000. Thirteen members paid for the entire church. It was a beautiful colonial style. The first pastor was Rev. Symington. A redwood tree was planted in front of the church as part of an anniversary ceremony which had a plaque honoring the pastor. On May 27, 1932, the original church burned down. The second Presbyterian Church cost $6,000 and opened in 1933. It was used until 1950 when the congregation outgrew the building. Then, Presbyterian church members bought five acres on El Pintado Road. I was in charge of a dinner at Diablo Country Club to raise funds for that new church. 140 people attended and we received $85,000 in pledges. The new church was completed in December of 1951.”

DANVILLE YOUTH CENTER

Wilson continued, “Beginning in 1951, Betty Engelhart, a wealthy woman from Alamo, wanted to open a Youth Center in the vacant church on Front St. I set a price of $17,000. A committee was organized consisting of Betty, Ivan Chapell (Superintendent of the Danville School District), June Ramos, myself, and others. We held a large bazaar and raised $5,000.” Tennis champion Clubby LaCroix came to work there. Diverse activities for teens were available at the Center which operated for about three years.

Ken Sandy, who was the Danville Police Chief in 1989 also talked about the Youth Center. He noted,“I grew up in the valley and worked at the Danville Youth Center in high school. I worked here in the summer of 1951, the first paid job I ever had. LaCroix was conned into being a youth leader. He was in charge of the Center and hired Nels Johnson who worked evenings and weekends. Nels hired me to hand out badminton equipment, volleyballs, pool cues, and things like that for 35 cents an hour.”

LYNN DAY SCHOOL 1955-1984

Elree Langford, a parent and teacher at the school, also spoke. “In 1954 a family was thinking of moving to this area from San Francisco but was concerned about finding a school for their young daughter with Down syndrome. The best advice they got was to start a school themselves, so that’s just what they did. That year a classroom opened at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek with 13 children.

“In 1955 an offer was made by Betty Engelhart to rent a building in Danville for $1 a year as long as it was needed. During the summer of 1955, parents scrubbed, painted, and fixed the building, making it ready for a school. In September an open house was held to acquaint the medical profession,

“The handsomest church in the County.” (From the Contra Costa Gazette).
Danville Presbyterian Church circa 1945. See Hall
on page 12

QUICK TRIPS By

TIMELESS PURSUITS - DISCOVERING YOUR TRUE CALLING AT ANY AGE

“Mom, you can’t take away my markers! Art is MY LIFE!” cried my granddaughter Ev, who was “negotiating” bedtime with her mom. Ev, who is five years old, knows what she wants to be when she grows up: an artist, a veterinarian, and a superhero. My hope is that she is all three!

We all know people who were certain at a young age about their career goals. Our neighbor Bill, a retired pilot, knew at age seven he would fly. My daughter Lindsay, who owns a bake shop, knew at age nine she wanted to be a baker.

Janet Sobel (1894-1968) may have known what she wanted to do when she was a child, but, not until she was in her mid-forties and a mother as well as a grandmother would she start her career as a ground-breaking modern artist. Today, self-taught Janet Sobel is considered the artist whose innovative techniques played a pivotal role in the development of drip-painted abstraction.

Janet Sobel (née Jennie Lechovsky) was born in Ukraine and in 1908 immigrated to the U.S. with her family after her father was killed in a Russian pogrom. She married Max Sobel and the couple raised five children in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. In 1939, when Janet was 45 years old, her 19 year old son Sol, who was studying art at the Art Students League of New York, showed her some of his work. She gave him some comments about the work and he suggested if she could do better, she should try. She did, and the rest is history. Using Sol’s art materials, Janet started painting on anything she could find, including envelopes, paper scraps, and shells scavenged from the nearby beach.

Hall continued from page 11

Making Their Art at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) showcases one of Janet Sobel’s works as well as 70 other artists’ works in the exhibit’s first public presentation,

which, according to their press release, “emphasizes the intergenerational dialogues between artists who circumvent and break through conventions in art-making, embracing craft techniques, unconventional supports, and alternative materials.”

Sobel is quoted as saying, “It is not easy to paint. It is very strenuous. But, it’s something you’ve got to do if you have the urge.”

If you have a young artist in your life, check out family-friendly Gallery and Studio Days Dots and Circles, a free two-part workshop on January 11, 2025 at BAMPFA. The session integrates an interactive gallery tour of the Making Their Art exhibit with a related art project led by a professional artist. Sign up in the Art Lab 10 minutes ahead of the session, which begins with a short gallery tour that starts at 11:30AM. The program lasts about 90 minutes.

A second family-friendly program, Macrame for Architecture, is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Family Art sessions are for ages 6-12 with an accompanying adult(s).

Art making opportunities in BAMPFA’s Art Lab space, a drop-in art studio, is open to all ages at regular intervals throughout the week. Check the website for details.

Making Their Art at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive runs through April 20, 2025. BAMPFA is located at 2155 Oxford Street, Berkeley. Hours are Wednesdays-Sundays, 11AM to 7PM.Their website is bampfa.org

Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

community, parents, and friends with the school. The following Monday the doors of the sparkling new school were opened to 13 special needs preschoolers. The teacher was Lynn Scarlsboro and the school was named for her. 201 Front Street was home to the Lynn Center for the next 29 years.” In 1962, Engelhart was so pleased with the program at the Center that she donated the building and land to the “Council for Retarded Children of East County.”

“In 1984 we (Lynn Center) moved to Pittsburg. Our program has grown and we now serve 40 children from East and Central County. Although we’ve been in Pittsburg five years, a part of Lynn Center will always be in Danville and in this building.”

ZION FELLOWSHIP CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL 1984-1988

Elaine Collins, coordinator of Children’s Ministries, was the final speaker. “I have very fond memories of this building. It is good I knew it was on this street or I wouldn’t have recognized the building. I recognize the beams and that’s about it. I became intimately associated with this building. We often joked when we came in on a Sunday morning whether we would find puddles on the floor from the roof leaking, whether we’d be able to get the heaters warm enough to get the little bodies warm that came in here in the morning.”

“For hundreds of us that are parents of children who made use of this facility, we have a very warm place in our hearts for it. I can hear little voices ringing out and songs being sung as the children came each Sunday morning to learn God loved them and cared about each one of them.

“I’m very pleased that the Town of Danville purchased the building and so lovingly rehabilitated it so that it will be available once more for public use. A big part of our heart stays with it.”

In the eighties, after Danville incorporated, the first Town Council met regularly at the Education Center. As Commissions were appointed and the needs and desires of the community were evaluated, the Council began to discuss the possible renovation of two historic properties on Front Street. The Village Theatre and 1933 church building were owned then by the Zion Fellowship Church and they needed more space. After negotiations, the Town bought the buildings from them in the eighties.

Today the Town Meeting Hall provides Council and Commission meeting space and symbolizes the first Council’s desire to save and restore historic buildings for public use.

Sources: History of Contra Costa County (1882), Contra Costa Gazette from 1870s, transcription of Town Meeting Hall dedication on Dec. 4, 1989 by Beverly Lane.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE). WPE, founded in 2013 and now headquartered in Concord, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry free of charge. Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org .

Drew Altizer Photography, courtesy of BAMPFA.
Iwan Baan Photography, courtesy of BAMPFA.
Town Council in front of the Meeting Hall, 1990

Miracles continued from front page

car seats can be hard to come by secondhand in good quality condition, and especially not for free.

Many wonder, why don’t other organizations help people get cribs, car seats, and other baby gear secondhand? Car seats have expiration dates, typically 6-10 years after they are manufactured, so they should be disposed of after that date. The reason for this is that the materials in car seats can break down over time. Unseen parts within may degrade or become damaged through normal wear and tear, environmental conditions, or cleaning solutions, so car seats are not safe to use indefinitely. If they have been in an accident, they should be disposed of immediately. Additionally, safety regulations and designs of car seats are updated based on the latest safety standards, so an outdated seat may not be as safe. Other baby gear, like strollers and cribs, may have safety recalls, so having an item secondhand can be a potential risk, which is why most organizations refuse to accept these donations. It creates an extra, sometimes cumbersome, step in the process of accepting donations to confirm that items are safe to use so they can be passed on to a family in need. Creating a safe place to obtain free, used baby essentials like this is what grew the idea for Little Miracles.

clients.

Little Miracles started with an 8-foot by 20-foot storage container in a parking space at Melissa and Diana’s church. They had once weekly use of the fellowship hall for sorting through donations and packaging up items for giving. As awareness of the local needs grew, so did the Little Miracles organization. Operating in such a small space was no longer feasible, so Melissa and Diana set their sights on growing Little Miracles to a space where they could keep up with both the needs of the community and the pace of the donations being given. They settled in a large office space in Pleasanton where they could provide both a storefront look for clients coming in to pick up needed items as well as a warehouse area around back for donation drop-offs and a full-time space for sorting and packaging. Since the move, their growth has been exponential. In 2023, Little Miracles was able to fill 479 orders to help babies in need, but by the end of 2024, they are projected to have filled 1,000 orders. Roughly 50% of clients come to Little Miracles after a referral from a social worker. These may be domestic violence situations, homelessness, unexpected pregnancies, illnesses—there are so many reasons parents may need a little extra help to prepare for or continue to care for their babies through various stages of growth. The cost of living is high; for some of the families coming for help there are months where the choice may be between baby essentials, like diapers, and paying for rent or childcare that month. Some of the requests can be urgent, as parents can’t leave the hospital with their new baby until they have a car seat. Little Miracles has been able to pull off one day turnaround in that type of emergency, but typically orders take around one week to fulfill. What exactly does an order look like? It goes beyond a family coming in for a single item—a typical order is a full support package averaging $505. It doesn’t just include a major item like crib or car seat, but daily care items needed like diapers, wipes, formula, baby wash, clothes, and any other essential items. Each family is first fully vetted by filling out an application on the Little Miracles website. All families must live in the areas of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, or San Ramon. They answer some demographic questions and then provide information about their baby or babies like due date or birth date, sizes needed for diapers or clothes, formula needs and additional needs for essentials or any larger items like crib, crib mattress, or car seat. Each order is then beautifully packaged so when clients arrive for their items they know that someone has lovingly assembled them for their baby. Families can reapply 90 days later if they have additional needs.

See Miracles continued on page 22

Little Miracles volunteers ready to hand out some greatly needed strollers to

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE

MAY YOUR DAYS BE MERRY AND BRIGHT

I’ve been thinking about holiday traditions and plants. I know a fair bit about the origins of the Christmas tree because my ancestors are from lands full of forests and superstition (yes, grandma, I’m looking at you). There were many more trees than people there, and dark forests can be scary, filled with wolves and other creatures that do not wish you well, so I get being afraid of the dark. It’s in our DNA. My sister the science teacher says it’s a survival skill, not a character flaw. Good to know.

Somewhere I learned about Druids, who believed trees were sacred, and who, legend has it, brought evergreens inside in the deep of winter. Bringing an evergreen inside because it was green and looked alive when other things looked dead seemed like magic to them. Me too.

Other evergreens were brought in too, but the most sacred to Druids was mistletoe. Did you know mistletoe is poisonous and parasitic? If you see it growing in your yard please call an arborist and see if you can have it removed before it kills your tree. It’s a complicated process and involves more than snipping it off for decorating. Sorry, Druids.

Do you decorate with holly? So many cultures, especially Nordic ones, consider it sacred. I used to put holly on the mantle, and on my holiday table, but it fights back, and I got tired of being poked and scratched. Now I use magnolia branches thanks to my generous friend Maryam. It was her idea. The first time I went to pick up the magnolia she had her gardener cut for me, I looked at the pile, marched into her house, and said “Maryam, I’m going to need a bigger car!” I still use it, it dries beautifully, and it reminds me to be generous and kind, like Maryam.

So many traditions we associate with our holiday festivals incorporated older traditions and festivals, from the Roman Saturnalia celebrating Saturn, god of agriculture and harvest, to the Egyptians with their sun worship and belief in an afterlife, to the Druids and their belief in the sacredness and protective qualities of trees. And, winter solstice, of course. In some quiet way I wait for solstice, relishing the resting garden, taking time to visit the forgotten corners and sit in a place I usually walk past with an armful of plants or a determination to root out that ivy.

Ivy is also a winter tradition. I fight the big leaf Algerian ivy that some bird planted in my neighbor’s yard right next to our shared fence. It’s trying to devour a tall hedge I planted years ago along that fence. I am determined to rescue the hedge, and I know well that rats inhabit that kind of ivy. If you live next to a neighbor with Algerian ivy or a golf course with that ivy, you know what I’m talking about.

I do have a small leafed ivy growing down a concrete wall, and one in a pot for covering that unattractive wall and for something to fill a small vase in winter when flowers are sparse. It lasts and lasts, and will even root in water. And then that becomes another dilemma: find a home for it or kill it? I have a garden full of things that root and self seed, a plant orphanage.

I keep the small leafed ivy trimmed so it won’t take over the roses or the lime tree, and so far it’s not big enough to harbor rats. I know, I checked. Fun facts: Did you know celebrating Christmas was once outlawed in Massachusetts for about a generation? The penalty was a five shilling fine. And, the custom of lights on the tree only came to America (from England) in the mid eighteen hundreds? Me neither.

My favorite part of this time of year is the little ones at the Christmas tree lot looking up with wonder and choosing a tree based on what it looks like at their level. Never mind the crooked top or the big gap in branches above their level. We always let our nephew choose the tree, a responsibility he took very seriously. We had a few wonky trees and so many happy memories. One year he chose where all the ornaments would go, he was quite serious about it, and we had a band of loveliness up to about three feet, and bare upper reaches. It’s still my favorite tree ever.

You can reach me via the editor at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Jill Appenzeller has lived and gardened in Danville for longer than she cares to admit.

GALAPAGOS A BUCKET LIST CRUISE WITH HX

By Ilene Ferguson, Alamo World Travel

In the last few years my husband and I cruised two of my bucket list destinationsAntarctica and most recently the Galapagos Islands.

We cruised the Galapagos with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). Expedition ships are smaller than most cruise ships. Our ship, Santa Cruz II, held 90 passengers which lent itself to very good service. We found HX to be a great cruise value and found our experience with them to be extremely enjoyable.

We flew into Quito, a beautiful Spanish Colonial city located at 9,000 ft., and stayed at the JW Marriott. In Quito, we toured Independence Square, the Presidential Palace, the Basilica (largest neo-Gothic in the Americas) and other memorable sites. We also took an Ecuadoran chocolate tasting tour and visited Middle of the World monument at the equator. We then flew to Baltra, in the Galapagos.

We took Zodiac boats to the ship where those that wanted to snorkel were outfitted with gear including wet suits. In addition to snorkeling, HX offers kayaking, hiking, and glass bottom boat rides.

It was very obvious why Darwin was so excited about the Galapagos and spent so much time there. It is a nature wonderland with fascinating, indigenous, and unique wildlife. There are 15 “must see” Galapagos Island animals that land on a unique list, the “Big 15,” and we saw most of the list. Some of our favorites were the Galapagos giant tortoise, Blue- and red-footed boobys, Galapagos albatross, frigatebirds, and iguanas, especially the Christmas iguana. We did not snorkel, but those that did saw a fascinating number of exotic fish and marine turtles.

Each day we visited a different Galapagos Island. We saw unique animals and we were accompanied by very knowledgeable Galapagos-born guides. The cruise was all-inclusive with amazing food, beverages, tours, and lectures.

We really enjoyed our latest trip to the Galapagos Islands and will always remember it. We had no trouble getting in and out of Zodiacs, and kayaking and hiking on the islands. It was the trip of a lifetime.

We would love to help with your next cruise, tour, or resort stay. We have over 44 years of luxury travel experience. Stop by our office located between Ace Hardware and Peasants Courtyard restaurant at 3201 Danville Blvd #255, Alamo. Contact us at 925-837-8742 or info@alamoworld.com. Visit our website at www.alamoworld.com Advertorial

CCIC CLEAN TOWEL PROGRAM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that doesn’t take “loads” of time? Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition (CCIC) is looking for volunteers that can help with our Clean Towel Program. Working with county social service agencies to fulfill requests from members of our community, we gather donated towels, wash, and bundle them into sets that are put into Cleaning Kits. This is a very low-intensity, minimal time commitment volunteer opportunity.

If this sounds like something you’d like to help with, please reach out to Susan Sheridan, Volunteer Coordinator, at sjba1962@gmail.com or text 925-895-4423. To learn more about how we are helping the community, visit us at www.ccichope.org

MONTEREY CYPRESS

Bonsai artists work on trees, sometimes for many generations, to attain forms which look as if they were sculpted by age and environment. The prized specimens display Sabi, a type of beauty found only in aging. The strange grace accomplished by many years of painstaking pruning occurs naturally in the Monterey Cypress when it grows in its native habitat along the Monterey coast. Before it was widely cultivated, the Monterey Cypress always grew within a half a mile of high tide in a small area between Monterey and Point Lobos. There, sea winds twisted and thickened the trunks into fantastic, whimsical shapes giving the wild cypress a mystical, elfin appearance.

Because the tree is fast growing and durable it has become widely cultivated for wind rows and is a common tree in the East Bay. When grown away from the salt spray and tortuous winds of the coast it grows in a tamer fashion, and though handsome in its own right, the garden cypress little resembles its bewitched wild brethren.

In the urban forest, the Monterey Cypress requires some tending for its own health and beauty, and for human safety. Out of its native habitat this cypress can be devastated by Coryneum canker, a fungal disease which may girdle branches and cause them to yellow and die. The drier and the hotter the habitat, the more susceptible Monterey Cypress becomes to Coryneum. Along the mild fog-shrouded coast, the trees have the disease but are able to overcome it and rarely display the symptoms of dead tips and oozing trunks. Little can be done for infected trees besides pruning out the dead areas and giving the tree a good soaking once a month in the summer.

You will see many Monterey cypresses if you drive through the Montclair hills in Oakland, and you won’t have to look hard to notice ones with broken and hanging branches. When grown away from the windy coast, the Monterey cypress often produces branches that are too long to be supported by the branch diameter. The concentration of weight toward the end of the branch causes them to shatter. Preventative pruning, in which the branch tips are lightened, leaves a natural looking tree, and yet reduces the chance of branch failure. Reducing end-weight in an artful fashion requires a good eye. A poorly pruned tree, one that has been hacked back, can be an eyesore and can produce waterspouts that are themselves unsafe. Cypresses that haven’t been cared for tend to have loads of dead wood which can be a fire hazard depending on the tree location.

It is rare, but Cypresses do occasionally fail. It is important to thin the foliage in the crown to reduce pressure from winter winds. Imagine reducing the number of sails on a ship.

Protecting the roots greatly reduces the odds of tree failure as well. Like most trees, the cypress needs well-aerated soil for healthy root structures. When correctly pruned, when growing in a healthy soil environment, and when given enough room to attain its natural size, the Monterey Cypress can be a lovely complement to local gardens. It is also a wildlife-friendly tree that supports diverse animals including hawks, owls, finches, sparrows, cormorants, and warblers who sometimes nest in its dense canopy. Insects, including bark beetles, butterflies, and moths, shelter within its bark and foliage. Small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks use its branches for nesting. Bats often roost in Cypress groves, and lizards and amphibians find refuge in the shaded understory.

At Brende and Lamb we have made a science of pruning trees to balance the needs of health and safety while, at the same time, enhancing beauty. A well pruned landscape is good investment for the homeowner, for the larger community, and for Nature herself.

When you wander in your yard and look at your trees you should feel good about the ecosystem services you facilitate by protecting and preserving your own living sculpture garden that is also a little nature preserve.

If you want a free estimate for enhancing and protecting your landscape, call 510 486-8733 and have one of our certified arborists visit your trees. Advertorial

CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER INSURANCE NEWS UPDATE

NON-RENEWED?

Are you or someone you know having trouble finding a policy? Many insurance companies are leaving California due to catastrophes, market saturation, and inflation. Others are offering a renewal, but the price is very high and the main coverage for fire is being excluded. WHERE DO YOU GO TO FIND A POLICY & WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

Many people are turning to the California Fair Plan for fire coverage, but then they also have to buy a companion, “wrap policy” to get personal liability protection, and other coverages not available with the Fair Plan policy. That is a costly way to buy insurance, and there can be gaps in coverage that put you at risk with two different companies handling the risk.

WE HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH WILDFIRE AREAS!

Our Agency offers a single policy with Allstate Insurance Company that allows for high wildfire areas. We are helping many families throughout the State of California protect their homes.

The William White Insurance Agency is located at 472 Hartz Avenue in Danville. To learn more or get a quote, call us at 925-820-7220.

CA Insurance Agent #0533649 Advertorial

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

ENJOY EUROPEAN MODEL TRAINS AT ALAMO PLAZA FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

European Train Enthusiasts (ETE), in association with AIA, has returned for another holiday season and operating model trains on a beautiful European themed layout. Stop by 170A Alamo Plaza (near Orange Theory) on Wednesdays through Sundays 10AM-5PM through January 5 (closed December 25 and January 1). The display is a delight for all ages.

Admission $5, under 6 free. Proceeds benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

ALAMO

FARMER’S MARKET

Please join us and your neighbors in experiencing live music at the Alamo Farmers Market, pick up some beautiful produce, ready-made food, and other goods, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us. Stop by and say “Hi” to our new vendors, Bay Area Harvest and Bundtiful Bundts! Our vendors welcome the opportunity to discuss their work and produce with you

The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America.

HOLIDAY PARKING LOT SAFETY

Parking lots are riskier than you think. Here are some parking safety tips for drivers and pedestrians to help this season.

Focus on driving. Your main focus should be on parking lot safety, not finding a great parking spot.

Keep it moving. Follow traffic signs inside the parking lot and avoid sudden stops, which could get your vehicle rear-ended. If you do stop, scan for pedestrians and cars before you accelerate.

Park farther away. Areas close to the store are typically the most congested. Make sure the area is well-lit if you are shopping at dark.

Back into spots. Backing out of a parking spot is difficult and can be dangerous, especially when you’re between two large vehicles. Backing into a spot can make it easier and safer when it’s time to leave.

Avoid road rage. Incessant honking, yelling and spot stealing are aggravating, but try not to let your emotions get the better of you. Don’t escalate a frustrating situation because you never know what the other driver will do. Be tolerant and forgiving and remember that the best “revenge” against someone who is driving aggressively is not to respond or engage.

Make yourself visible. About 80% of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur when it’s dark. Wear bright clothing and walk in well-lit areas if you’re shopping early or at night. Before crossing in front of a vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver so you know he or she can see you.

Ignore your phone. Keep your cellphone – and anything else that could be considered a distraction – in your pocket.

Pick safe spots. Walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks whenever possible. If you need to walk in the road, walk facing traffic. Do not dart across the street wherever you feel like it.

AIA CELEBRATING 69 YEARS

AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has 69years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out, now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!

REVISE YOUR ESTATE PLAN WHEN YOU MARRY!

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Silverman & Jaffe

Many people make a big mistake when they: a) execute a Will (and/or a Living Trust); b) subsequently marry; and c) don’t review and revise those documents after their marriage.

California’s “pretermitted spouse” law is a vital legal safeguard that provides recourse for someone who is unintentionally left out of his or her spouse’s estate plan. However, it can also lead to legal disputes and unintended consequences if proper estate planning is not undertaken.

A pretermitted (omitted) spouse is a person who marries someone with a last will and testament (a “testator”) and is not mentioned in the testator’s will or living trust. California law presumes that when a spouse is not mentioned, the omission is unintentional, unless there is clear evidence to the contrary. Although it may seem harsh, this law applies even when a will or living trust was executed before the marriage or even before the testator even knew the future spouse.

The presumptively omitted spouse is entitled to receive a substantial share of the testator’s estate. Importantly, if one of three exceptions apply, the spouse may not have a valid claim to a share:

1. The will (or trust) explicitly states that the omission of the spouse was intentional;

2. A legal agreement (e.g. “prenup”) is executed that expressly waives the right of a spouse to inherit;

3. The spouse is already provided for through other means, such as joint tenancy property, life insurance policies, or retirement accounts.

Consider the following case I handled (facts and names changed). I represented Dana in handling a probate of the estate of her late mother, Millie. Millie’s twenty-year old will provided that Dana would receive her entire estate. Five years before Millie died, she married Gus. Millie and Gus discussed and agreed informally not to provide for the other upon death; rather, that their respective children would inherit from each of them. But, neither spouse ever established any estate planning documents expressing that intent.

Under the pretermitted spouse law, Gus was entitled to half of Millie’s assets because he wasn’t mentioned in her (old) will. Dana was understandably distraught when she learned about this problem. Thankfully, Gus did the honorable thing by not pursuing a claim; however, as you might imagine, cases like this tend to have a heartbreaking, rather than heartwarming, end.

The above case demonstrates that failing to update one’s estate plan after marriage can result in significant, if not tragic, problems. The family may become involved in expensive, time-consuming and relationship-damaging, litigation to determine whether the omission was intentional or accidental. The battle often pits the spouse against the testator’s children from a prior marriage.

Marriage is just one of many significant life changes that warrant an immediate review of your estate plan. If you choose not to include your spouse in your estate plan or to include your spouse in a very modest way, explicitly stating this in your will and/or living trust is critical. Obviously, if you never update your will or trust after you marry, you miss this critical opportunity.

After you marry, it’s also important to update and integrate into your overall estate plan your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts (which pass directly to designated beneficiaries upon your death and are not governed by your will or trust).

For people who plan to be married, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement should be considered so that expectations are clarified and future claims avoided.

The lesson here is that regular and comprehensive estate planning plays a key role in protecting loved ones and mitigating risk.

|Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business|

Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting.

I am an attorney with Silverman & Jaffe, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@silvermanjaffe.com Advertorial

NAVIGATING THE POST-ELECTION ECONOMY WITH A FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM

As the post-election landscape unfolds, individuals and families are keenly focused on the future. With new leadership in place, there’s an understandable mix of anticipation and uncertainty about potential policy changes. Economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and tax laws are shifting, presenting both challenges and opportunities. These changes can affect everything from household budgets to long-term investment strategies. In such a dynamic environment, partnering with a reliable financial planning firm can be crucial. Financial advisors offer personalized strategies designed to protect and grow your financial assets, whether it’s adjusting to new tax implications or re-evaluating investment portfolios.

INFLATION AND YOUR FINANCES

Inflation has become a primary concern, affecting the cost of everyday essentials such as groceries, gasoline, and household items. As prices rise, the purchasing power of your money diminishes, stretching budgets tighter than ever. Inflation can also impact savings and investments if not managed wisely. Diversifying investments into asset classes that typically perform well during inflationary periods have the potential to reduce risk. A financial planner helps you understand these opportunities and adjust your portfolio, accordingly, providing insights on market trends and crafting a balanced investment strategy aligned with your financial goals.

NAVIGATING TAX LAW CHANGES

The landscape of tax laws can be complex and unpredictable, with significant changes impacting both corporate and individual taxpayers. Understanding these changes without professional guidance can be daunting. A financial planner offers the knowledge and foresight needed to strategically plan for potential shifts in income and estate taxes, helping you optimize your financial situation. By working with a professional, you gain clarity and confidence in your long-term financial strategy.

INTEREST RATES AND FISCAL POLICY IMPACTS

Recent moves by the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates aim to stimulate the economy by making borrowing more affordable. Lower rates can encourage spending and investment, boosting economic growth. However, fiscal policies like government spending or tax law changes might counteract this trend. Understanding the implications of these fluctuations is crucial. For example, lower interest rates might reduce loan costs, making it an ideal time to consider refinancing. Conversely, they might also lower returns on savings. A financial planner can provide valuable insights on leveraging interest rate changes to your benefit, guiding you on refinancing or investment strategy adjustments.

UNDERSTANDING THE STOCK AND BOND MARKET

Political shifts can cause significant volatility in the stock and bond markets. While it may be tempting to react quickly to the latest news, experienced financial planners emphasize a long-term perspective. They help clients build comprehensive strategies that align with individual financial goals and risk tolerance, aiding to ensure decisions are not swayed by temporary events. By focusing on a well-considered plan, you can navigate market fluctuations and work towards achieving financial objectives over time.

THE VALUE OF A FINANCIAL PLANNER

In uncertain times, a financial planner becomes more than just an advisor—they’re a partner in your financial journey. They provide a rational perspective, drawing from historical trends to anticipate future movements and focusing on a long-term plan. This helps you stay the course, offering clarity and a sense of security. Whether planning for college, retirement, or unforeseen expenses, a financial planner helps you chart a course through post-election economic complexities, preparing you for whatever comes next.

Navigating these economic waters can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a trusted financial planner today and take the first step toward securing your financial future, helping to ensure both you and your loved ones are well-prepared for what’s ahead. We are committed to securing a better future for a more fulfilling today. Embrace the chance to live your best life now. Our team provides tailored, cross-disciplinary wealth management solutions, empowering you to make informed decisions for a secure future. Reach out to Waldron Partners today! Contact team@waldronpartners.com.

Disclosure: Osaic FA, Inc. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

Peter Waldron CA Insurance License #0E47827.

CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS A MONTH TO HELP SENIORS & VETERANS?

Mobility Matters (MM) is a nonprofit agency that has been serving otherwise homebound residents trying to age in place in Contra Costa County since 2004. MM provides free, door-through-door, one-onone, escorted rides for seniors and disabled veterans with volunteer driver programs and they match riders to accessible transportation providers through their Transportation Information and Referrals Helpline. Volunteer drivers (ages 25-75) are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call Mobility Matters at 925-284-2215 or visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com for more details.

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

Many businesses purchase new equipment at the end of the year because it’s financially advantageous. Your purchase increases expenses, decreases profits, and if the numbers work right, you pay less taxes and obtain an asset you can use for the business. Today we’ll cover both sides of the new equipment process: One of the first things that people say to me when we talk about a new computer for them is, “I really don’t need much, I just read email, surf the web, and do a few spreadsheets. I’m not a gamer!” In other words, you’re like everyone else. What you need is a strong and reliable computer that is going to last for at least the full expected five-year lifespan.

Because of ever-expanding software capabilities and the growth of Microsoft and Apple's operating systems, computers only get slower with age. Computer hardware maintains the same capability (except the disk), but the amount of effort the computer uses to deliver your web pages and email grows in size with every software update. This means you need to purchase well and stay ahead of the performance curve. What does that mean?

Purchasing well means buying something that will last, not something that’s simply functional. We have helped a lot of clients who mistakenly purchased a new PC that we call “Walmart specials,” and are disappointed when they fizzle after a couple of years. Today, a well-built computer will have a terabyte (1TB) of NVME/ SSD storage, at least 16GB (gigabytes) of RAM (preferably 32GB), and an i7 or i9 processor or the AMD equivalent, Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9. The brands we recommend are Dell, Lenovo, and Apple. The screen size, keyboard, mouse, and physical size of the computer are all important, but not as important for this discussion.

As computer users we interact with the keyboard, the mouse, the screen, and how fast everything happens (speed). Speed is ultimately what people consider the most important element of their computer. When the computer is overloaded and it lags when we’re typing, opening files, or going page-to-page on the web, it’s annoying and counter-productive. So, it’s not just about whether the computer works, it’s about whether it works well. A lot of computers being sold today fill the

“works” category, and we must be more discriminating to find one that “works well.” That’s where PCIO can help you and, of course, with the process of transitioning from the old to the new and disposing of the older unit if you desire.

Most people are rightly concerned about online privacy and keeping their data out of the wrong hands. It’s not terribly common, however, it is possible to harvest files from recycled machines if the disks were not properly wiped or destroyed. In the world of all things to worry about, I would put this one pretty low and unlikely, yet because it has happened, it warrants thought if you keep important financial or other data on your system.

There are many ways to ensure your data doesn’t land in the wrong hands. We employ different methods depending on the brand and style of your computer’s storage device. Until a few years ago, the most common type of storage has been the spindle hardisk. It’s like a sealed record player spinning at super high speeds. These are fragile mechanical devices. We destroy them with a mechanical punch that shatters, bends, and breaks the disk platters on which data resides. Some people hit these disks with hammers, throw them on the cement, or otherwise abuse them until there is no chance of retrieving data from them. Our method is best, because data recovery from a punched disk is both physically impossible and financially ridiculous for anyone but a top-tier government agency. What I mean is, the NSA could maybe pull bits of data from a punched disk. It would have to concern national security and the data would be incomplete. It is highly unlikely the NSA will be inspecting your old computer hardware.

If your computer uses a SSD (solid state storage device), it’s a judgment call whether it’s better to attempt to wipe the disk electronically, or to remove the disk and destroy it. SSD’s have a different set of rules because they are an electronic storage versus physical storage device. The act of “wiping” an SSD will in fact shorten its life unless it’s done using special software. This should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of data that was stored, your risk aversion, and your goals. PCIO can help you figure all of that out.

In summary, if you were thinking about getting a new computer and charging it to your business, do it! Let’s chat about your choice before you pull the trigger to ensure we get the right computer for your situation. And, before we throw out your old one, let’s have the conversation about what you stored, and your level of concern about how the disk is repurposed, recycled, or destroyed. We’re here to help through email at support@pcioit.com, or you can always call, 925-552-7953. Advertorial

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS

RECOGNIZING YOUR HUNGER SIGNALS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Do you remember a time when you were so hungry for dinner and after eating you ended up feeling uncomfortably full?

One reason that many of us are not at a healthy weight is because we stopped listening to our body signals that naturally tell us when we’re hungry and when we’re full.

The signals are there, but we’re out of practice when it comes to paying attention to them. As babies we ate intuitively: we fussed when we were hungry and stopped eating when we were full. The world around us has influenced us by advertising, imposed meal times, holiday meals, and grandma’s comfort foods. We confuse cravings with hunger and end up overeating.

Learning to recognize the signals again can help you get to a healthy weight and stay there.

The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that is responsible for controlling feelings of hunger, appetite, and satisfaction one feels after eating a meal. Did you know that it takes 20 minutes for the hypothalamus to send signals that you are full?

We have all experienced the feeling of being incredibly hungry, and then, quickly after eating, uncomfortably full. To prevent overeating you must reset your hypothalamus and control it by eating more slowly. This is a painless way to achieve weight loss this new year.

Hunger is a painful sensation caused by the need for food. There is a signal from the brain and stomach that food is needed for energy. Signals from your stomach may be growling, an empty hollow feeling, or hunger pangs. Your brain may send signals such as headache, trouble concentrating, irritability, or fogginess. True hunger does not go away over time-- it only gets worse.

Cravings, unlike hunger signals, do not serve a life-sustaining need. They often last over a period of 10 minutes and are usually triggered by emotions such as stress, boredom, or sadness. With hunger, any food will quell the sensation. With cravings, only one specific food such as chocolate will satisfy the pangs. Have you fallen into the habit of ignoring hunger cues and eating a meal when you are not hungry, or fallen into the craving arena too often? When we work with clients, we have them keep a journal to track their hunger and satiety before, and after, eating. Sometimes it takes them a day or two to feel real hunger. In the past, they ate meals before they received hunger signals. Truly, food tastes better when you are hungry.

We give clients a hunger scale (see graphic at right) and have them keep track of how they are feeling - again - before and after they eat. We tell them that it is best to eat when their hunger level is at a level 3 or 4, and not to wait until they are at a 1 or 2 and feeling extremely hungry. At that point, they will most likely overeat and choose unhealthy foods. At a 3 or 4 you can make conscious decisions to eat the right amount of healthy and tasty foods. We take a lot of pride in teaching our clients this important skill for successful weight loss. However, it does take a lot of attention and practice.

Food is a celebration of life. Cravings typically are foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. Cravings are normal and can have a place in a healthy balanced diet. You still can lose weight with tasty food that even has some fat. We teach our clients how to enjoy treats without guilt and then bring the day back into balance.

Weight loss is a process and program that teaches you how to lose weight and keep it off forever while still eating your favorite foods.

The good news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brown and Toland, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, UHC, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email us at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or 925-855-0150 to tell us about your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you. Advertorial

THE EYE OPENER

We have come to the end of another exciting year at Alamo Optometry! We like to take this time to look in the rear-view mirror at 2024, and look forward to what to expect in 2025.

As always, we need to appreciate that we are still operational, and our patients continue to recommend our practice to their friends and family. Whether it be by word of mouth, online reviews, or NextDoor, without our loyal patient base we would not be able to provide quality eye-care to our community. It always feels good to know our team members' hard work and dedication to quality patient care and exceptional service is appreciated and valued by our patients. This year we decided to tackle an issue that affects most of our patients: dry eyes. For those of you who suffer from dry eyes, you are aware of the impact the condition has on your daily lives, not just your vision. We realized this prominent condition was not being addressed as well as it should have, so we have added several new instruments to the office to help aid in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes. Every patient now receives a dry eye screening as part of their comprehensive exam. Even though this is just a screening, the goal is to find patients that may be asymptomatic, along with patients that are already suffering, so that we can recommend further testing to help improve their situation before it becomes more serious. Our new instrument, made by Oculus, allows us to take images and videos of the eye and lids that will help diagnose the exact reason(s) for dry eye symptoms. With this data, we can devise a plan to address the root issues of this bothersome condition. Once we have determined the cause/s, we have several in-office procedures and at-home remedies to combat dry eyes. Since it is a complicated and often multi-factorial condition, it often requires several different treatments. At the office, we often employ our IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) which targets inflammation and other lid conditions that reduce oil secretion from the lids. Reduced or poor oil secretions lead to reduced tear quality and therefore a gritty,

burning sensation. TearCare accomplishes better flow of oil by warming the lids and thus allowing the stagnant oils in the eyelids to be expressed. We have several lid cleaners, goggles, drops, and vitamin supplements for at-home treatment as well. As patients go through the evaluation and treatment of their dry eyes, they notice an improvement in their symptoms. Even though there is no cure for dry eyes, the goal is to minimize the effects of this condition, so they do not hinder everyday life.

As the holiday season approaches, it is important to remember to exhaust your flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and any vision benefits 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, and sunglasses. If your purchase is made by the end of the year, it will count on your 2024 account balance. Please contact our office so we may assist you in utilizing all of your benefits before they expire.

We understand that our patients have many options when it comes to their eye care. We pride ourselves on customer service and patient satisfaction, and we are dedicated to continuing that commitment moving forward. Our office extends best holiday wishes and a prosperous 2025 to all 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 (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

CRISIS CENTER HELP

Sometimes we all need a little help. The Contra Costa Crisis Center volunteers are available to listen, help, and provide resources, support, counseling, and hope 24/7 to assist people in emotional or psychological distress. Their mission is to keep people alive and safe to help them through crises, and to provide or connect them with culturally relevant services in the community.

Services are free and confidential. They can be reached by dialing 211, calling 811833-2900, or texting “HOPE” to 20121. For more information, visit crisis-center.org

THE KEY INGREDIENT TO HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS IN LIFE

We all aspire to lead happy, successful lives. We try to eat well, exercise, read self-help books, listen to podcasts— the list goes on. While these habits are valuable, if I had to choose one factor that most contributes to happiness and success, it would be emotional intelligence (EI).

Emotional intelligence, a concept popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman in 1995, is our ability to identify and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others. People with high emotional intelligence understand how they’re feeling, what those feelings mean, the impact of those emotions on their behavior and relationships, and, lastly, how to regulate those emotions.

There are four key components of emotional intelligence: (1) Self-Awareness, (2) Self-Management, (3) Social Awareness, and (4) Relationship Management. Self-awareness and self-management form the foundation of emotional intelligence. The ability to recognize our emotions and understand why we feel a certain way, along with knowing how to manage distressing emotions, is invaluable, especially under pressure. In challenging moments, people with high emotional intelligence stay calm and make thoughtful, balanced decisions rather than impulsive, emotionally charged ones. This helps them handle stress, setbacks, and disappointments more effectively, allowing them to navigate life’s ups and downs with a clear mind and effective approach.

Social awareness, the third component, is the ability to accurately recognize the emotions of others and understand social cues. Sensing what other people are thinking and feeling helps guide our interactions with them. People with high emotional intelligence connect well with others by showing empathy and making an effort to understand different perspectives. This builds strong, positive relationships in both personal and professional settings.

Finally, relationship management brings the other three skills together. Relationship management is the ability to consider both our own emotions and the emotions of others to manage social interactions effectively. Those

Creek continued from front page

Some may remember New Years Eve 2022, when the creek flooded its banks. But, the creek also protected the towns from worse flooding by channeling the excess water away. The creek is part of our area, but it is also a key part of something much bigger, the rich but divided ecosystem around us.

with strong relationship management motivate and inspire others, navigate conflicts constructively, communicate empathy, and build trust, fostering collaboration and harmony. In both personal and professional settings, these individuals become “connectors” who create a positive impact.

Ultimately, emotional intelligence helps us handle life’s challenges with grace and effectiveness. On a personal level, it allows us to have difficult conversations without hurting others, manage our emotions under stress, and nurture healthy relationships. In the workplace, emotional intelligence enables us to resolve conflicts, coach and motivate others, and foster a culture of collaboration.

The good news is that emotional intelligence isn’t fixed; it’s a skill that can be developed and improved. Techniques like deep breathing, taking a moment to pause before reacting, meditating, journaling, practicing empathy, and learning to listen actively can all increase our emotional awareness and regulation. Additionally, working with a coach can provide invaluable support for those looking to make real progress. A coach offers personalized strategies, helps identify areas for growth, and provides guidance through challenges as you work to strengthen your emotional intelligence.

By cultivating our emotional intelligence, we invest in our own happiness, resilience, and capacity for connection—ultimately paving the way to a more fulfilling and successful life.

Dr. Naz Falahat is a psychologist and life coach in private practice located at 913 San Ramon Valley Blvd , Suite 280 in Danville. She can be reached at 925-831-1283, Nazfalahat.com, Instagram @nazfalahat. Advertorial

ACTION POOL REPAIR

925.820.3640

The hills and mountains that make up the East Bay are incredibly diverse. The odd combination of micro-climates unique to California allows surprisingly moist California laurel forests to grow less than a mile from baked dry oak grasslands. Mount Diablo’s height and access to cooling coastal fog, while also being right next to the blazing Central Valley, makes for a dramatic mix of forests and chaparral. Redwood forests grow within 10 miles west of us. Our hills have at least three distinct environments mixed together. Our surrounding environment is incredible, but in danger. The entire valley and coastal flats around us are heavily developed. Neighborhoods, downtowns, highways, shopping centers, roads, everything that comes with a wealthy economic center. This development is (mostly) necessary for us, but has led this incredibly diverse and interconnected ecosystem to become fragmented. This negatively affects these now smaller wild areas’ diversity. Large animals that need to move across large areas have trouble crossing our developed areas. Key parts of each ecosystem become isolated behind dangerous crossings. Fortunately it isn’t a done deal, there are ways for these animals to cross from place to place. Wildlife corridors are a concept that allows human development while also preventing the fragmentation of ecosystems. Sometimes they are artificial, like tunnels and/or bridges that allow animals to cross highways. Other times they are natural, like slivers of wild-land, or, like in our case, a well protected waterway.

The San Ramon Creek is prime riparian habitat. Its banks have been left undeveloped and as a result are essentially natural spaces. Since the creek is a natural area and is full of water year-round, it is the perfect place for animals to use as a corridor -- a highway and a sanctuary. During the dry season animals are happy to follow the water in the creek across the valley to avoid the dangers posed by human development. Most species that live here likely depend on the creek as a corridor either directly or indirectly. There is even the possibility that rare but essential mountain lions use the creek for travel.

In the spring, I worked to try and find evidence of wild animals using the creek. I placed a camera to capture images of the animals passing by and also went in search of tracks, trails, and other signs. Most of the footage of animals was either of deer or raccoon. I also found tracks and a trail through dense grass that likely belonged to some of the small predators that inhabit the hills -- possibly coyote and fox (or perhaps, domestic dogs), bobcat and/or lynx. Additionally, I heard coyote calls in the neighborhood on some nights, most likely coming from the creek.

The importance of the creek is clear. Without it, not only will a prime riparian habitat be lost, but our local ecosystems will become more severed. Severed ecosystems lead to a decrease in biodiversity which can have cascading effects not only on nature, but on ourselves. While it might not seem like much on the surface, it is imperative that we protect the creek and the habitat it creates. One of the best things we can do is leave the creek natural. We need to avoid unnecessary development on its banks, avoid littering around it, encourage respect of it, and support local organizations that work to protect and improve it. If you live near the creek, encourage family members and children to play respectfully in and around it so they can learn to enjoy nature without harming it. If you see animals along the creek, don’t bother them, let them pass or go about their business.

Without San Ramon Creek, not only are we quite literally swamped, but the unique and incredible ecosystems around us will struggle. Of course it is not just us, everyone everywhere needs to do their part. But, we have a chance to do some of our part right here in our towns.

For more information about the creek or to learn how you can help, visit www.wcwatershed. org/friends-of-san-ramon-creek.html.

Article reference credit to Bay Area Nature Magazine, ‘Through the Eyes of the Lion’ by Joan Hamilton.

A deer followed by her fawn are caught on camera around 1AM walking down a slope toward the creek.

UNCOVER THE CONNECTION

HOW BRUXISM AND SLEEP APNEA IMPACT YOUR HEALTH

In the world of dental and sleep health, two conditions might seem to stand alone but are actually intricately connected—bruxism and sleep apnea. If you’ve ever woken up with sore jaws or a headache, or if a partner has told you about strange grinding noises in the night, you may be experiencing bruxism. But, there could be a deeper cause lurking behind those clenched teeth. At Diablo Dental Group, we believe in exploring this critical connection to provide holistic care that addresses not just your smile but your overall well-being.

Let’s start with a quick overview. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition where you unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, often during sleep. This habit can lead to a range of issues—worn teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and sometimes even disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and a host of health risks.

These two conditions, while seemingly unrelated, are often intertwined in a fascinating way. Studies have shown that bruxism can be a natural response to a blocked airway. When your airway closes, as it often does with sleep apnea, your brain sends a signal to tighten the jaw muscles, an unconscious attempt to reopen the airway. This response often results in grinding or clenching. So while bruxism may seem like a dental issue, it’s sometimes an early warning sign of an underlying sleep disorder.

At Diablo Dental Group, we recognize how vital it is to understand this link. Many people with bruxism may have undiagnosed sleep apnea, a condition that can have serious health implications if left untreated. By investigating both bruxism and potential signs of sleep apnea, we’re able to approach treatment with a comprehensive understanding of your health.

The consequences of untreated bruxism and sleep apnea extend far beyond an aching jaw or a restless night. Sleep apnea, for instance, has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These repeated interruptions in breathing prevent your body from achieving deep, restorative sleep, which is essential for overall health. Bruxism, on its own, can lead to significant dental wear, broken teeth, jaw disorders, and even chronic headaches. Together, these conditions can take a toll on both your quality of life and your long-term health.

When you visit us at Diablo Dental Group, we’re committed to looking beyond just the symptoms to identify root causes. If we notice signs of teeth grinding, we may suggest a sleep study to check for sleep apnea. This approach allows us to create a treatment plan that not only protects your teeth but also addresses any underlying sleep issues that could be impacting your health.

Treatment for bruxism and sleep apnea can vary depending on the severity of each condition. For mild cases, a custom night guard can provide significant relief by protecting your teeth from grinding while keeping your jaw in a more relaxed position, which may reduce clenching. For those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, other interventions may be recommended, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or an oral appliance specifically designed to keep the airway open while you sleep.

At Diablo Dental Group, we believe that patient education is essential. We want to empower you with knowledge about the connection between oral health and sleep health. By understanding how bruxism and sleep apnea are linked, you can make informed decisions about your care. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering compassionate, personalized treatment that considers your unique needs. So, what steps can you take to protect your smile and your health? Start with a comprehensive dental exam, where we can assess any signs of bruxism or potential risk factors for sleep apnea. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as chronic headaches, jaw pain, or extreme daytime fatigue, don’t ignore them—they may be clues to a larger issue. Taking action today can make a significant difference in your overall wellness. In conclusion, the connection between bruxism and sleep apnea is a powerful reminder of the intricate links within our bodies. Addressing these conditions together allows us to support not only your oral health but also your quality of sleep and total body wellness. At Diablo Dental Group, we’re dedicated to offering you a holistic approach to care that considers every aspect of your health. Don’t let bruxism or sleep apnea go unchecked—reach out to us and take the first step towards a healthier, more restful life. Together, let’s ensure that every night of sleep brings you closer to lasting wellness and vitality.

Diablo Dental Group is located at 156 Diablo Rd., Suite 202, Danville. For more information call 925-837-1742 or visit thediablodentalgroup.com. Advertorial

What are you thankful for?

We are thankful for the ability to support cancer patients and caregivers during the most difficult time in their

Please make a donation at cancersupport.net and give the gift of support and hope this holiday season.

215 Alamo Plaza, Suite D Alamo 925-202-2846 www.poplarspecs.com

THE POWERFUL COMBINATION OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND PEPTIDE THERAPY

If you’re struggling with chronic health issues like fatigue, pain, or hormonal imbalances, you may feel like you’ve tried everything without finding real relief. Functional medicine and peptide therapy are two powerful approaches that can help address underlying health challenges and support long-term wellness. Here’s how these innovative therapies can work together to transform your health.

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

Functional medicine takes a personalized, root-cause approach to healthcare. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, it examines how various factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle contribute to health challenges. This holistic approach aims to restore balance and optimize the body’s natural ability to heal.

THE BENEFITS OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

• Individualized Care: Functional medicine recognizes that everyone is unique, tailoring treatments to your specific health history, lab results, and goals.

• Preventative Focus: By addressing potential health risks early, functional medicine helps prevent chronic conditions before they develop.

• Holistic Approach: It looks at all aspects of your health—nutrition, stress, sleep, deficiencies and physical activity—ensuring comprehensive care.

• Chronic Condition Support: Functional medicine is particularly effective for managing long-term conditions like autoimmune disorders, metabolic dysfunction, and digestive issues by targeting their underlying causes.

WHAT IS PEPTIDE THERAPY?

Peptide therapy involves using short chains of amino acids that act as natural messengers in the body. These compounds help regulate and enhance various biological processes, offering a safe and targeted way to support healing, repair tissues, and improve overall well-being.

Miracles continued from page 13

KEY BENEFITS OF PEPTIDE THERAPY

• Tissue Repair: Certain peptides accelerate healing by promoting cellular regeneration and reducing inflammation.

• Immune Boost: Some peptides strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight infections and chronic conditions.

• Hormonal Balance: Peptides that stimulate growth factors can enhance energy levels, improve sleep quality, and support healthy body composition.

• Anti-Aging Support: Many peptides play a role in improving skin elasticity, reducing signs of aging, and supporting joint health.

HOW THESE THERAPIES WORK TOGETHER

The combination of functional medicine and peptide therapy provides a comprehensive solution for addressing chronic health issues. Functional medicine identifies the root causes of your symptoms, while peptide therapy offers targeted support to repair and restore balance in the body. For example:

• Fatigue and Low Energy: Functional medicine may uncover issues like nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, while peptides that promote energy production and cellular repair can help restore vitality.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Functional medicine addresses triggers such as inflammation and gut health, and immune-supporting peptides can enhance the body’s ability to regulate and heal.

• Injury Recovery: Functional medicine ensures proper nutrition and inflammation management, while peptides that accelerate tissue repair help you recover faster and more effectively.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

If you’re ready to feel your best, functional medicine and peptide therapy offer powerful tools to support your journey. These therapies empower you to take an active role in your health, providing personalized care that addresses your unique needs and goals.

By combining these approaches, you can experience improved energy, better immune function, and enhanced overall wellness. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or looking to optimize your health, these therapies can help you thrive.

At Align Healing Center, we specialize in providing cutting-edge functional medicine and peptide therapy designed to help you look, feel, and live your best. Reach out today to learn how these therapies can make a difference in your life. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to unlock your full potential! Visit us at alignhealingcenter.com or call 925-362-8283 to learn more. Our office is located at 125 Railroad Ave, Suite G, Danville. Advertorial These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

But how does Little Miracles pull off donating the types of items other organizations shy away from? Due diligence is the first step. It starts before donors even bring an item to Little Miracles—they have clear guidelines on what items are accepted and the condition items should be in. They do not accept any items that are missing parts, even if that part isn’t integral to the working order of an item. Melissa explained, “even if it is just the cupholder for a car seat, these families deserve to have items that are not only fully functional and safe, but also that are in the best possible condition—we ask that people donate items that they would be comfortable passing to a dear friend.”

Once items are brought to Little Miracles, volunteers do a full check of all car seats, cribs, mattresses, swings, and more to ensure there have been no recalls on the items. All car seats must have visible labels to ensure they have not passed their expiration dates and that they have a reasonable amount of time before hitting that date, so families don’t need to dispose of the seat while their child still needs it. Despite all the checks, Little Miracles also requires clients to sign a liability waiver just so they are aware of the checks that have been completed by Little Miracles and the client is aware of their responsibility to keep up on any further checks to monitor for recalls.

Clients who have been assisted by Little Miracles are so grateful to receive this help. As parent D.K. put it, “To see my baby girl smile playing with her toys, or knowing I have soap to bathe her has been such a blessing in a turbulent time for us. It has given me moments of joy and motivation knowing I will overcome this.” As another client, Linda, put it, “I am deeply grateful for the generosity that Little Miracles has shown me, as well as to all the families in need who have also benefited from their kindness.” Little Miracles does much more than just providing essentials, they also provide hope as well. With the need being beyond what was first understood and the commitment to ensuring items are top notch taking extra time, Little Miracles couldn’t do it without the support of the community. The organization is small, run by a core of seven volunteers. Upwards of 300 volunteers will join throughout the year to assist with sorting donations, packaging items, and helping clients pick up orders. National Charity League, churches, and corporate volunteer events as well as individuals returning to volunteer on a regular basis help keep the organization running along.

There are so many ways our community can help Little Miracles continue to support babies in the Tri-Valley area. Volunteer shifts are available four days a week to accept donations, check items for suitability and recalls, and package and distribute orders. Aside from volunteering, many parents and grandparents are excited to find Little Miracles. Often, we make a connection with those special baby items that our children slept in or enjoyed and it’s great to find a place to donate those valued items to bring joy and comfort to another child while keeping it out of the landfill.

Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated to help Little Miracles purchase essentials that aren’t donated, but are greatly needed like diapers, wipes, formula, and more. They also use the donations to purchase any items that are needed that they have not received, like a car seat for a child in need. Some churches and organizations have also held diaper drives and fundraisers to support Little Miracles. Melissa recalled one young boy who held a lemonade stand just to raise money for the babies in need and proudly donated his hard-earned $76 to Little Miracles. There is also the Brownie group who held a pajama drive to collect sleepwear for the babies. As Melissa put it, “It’s such a beautiful representation of community—people yearn for this and they are excited to help knowing that children are struggling.”

If you would like to help Little Miracles by donating or getting involved as a volunteer, please visit https://littlemiraclespleasanton.org

HYDRAFACIAL ~ A PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT

The HydraFacial is a non-invasive skin treatment that has gained widespread popularity for its ability to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin in one session. This medical-grade facial uses patented technology to cleanse and infuse the skin with potent serums, leaving it instantly refreshed and glowing. It is gentle enough for all skin types and provides immediate results without downtime, making it one of the most sought-after treatments in the world of skincare.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR HYDRAFACIAL?

The HydraFacial is ideal for almost anyone looking to improve their skin’s appearance. Because it is highly customizable, this treatment suits a wide range of skin types and concerns, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: The treatment’s hydration and antioxidant infusion help smooth and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.

• Oily and congested skin: HydraFacial helps to clear clogged pores and control excess oil, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin.

• Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation: With regular treatments, it can help reduce dark spots and improve skin tone and texture.

• Dull or dehydrated skin: The hydrating serums used in the procedure leave the skin deeply moisturized and radiant.

If you’re concerned about sensitive skin, the HydraFacial can be adjusted to ensure that even those with the most delicate skin experience its benefits without irritation. It’s an excellent treatment for someone looking for an immediate glow before an event or anyone seeking long-term improvements through regular treatments. BENEFITS OF HYDRAFACIAL

The HydraFacial stands out because of its ability to deliver noticeable improvements in skin health and appearance after just one session. Key benefits include:

• Instant hydration: Your skin is infused with moisture, which results in an immediate dewy, healthy-looking glow.

• Deep cleansing: The treatment gently removes dirt, oil, and other impurities while also unclogging pores.

• Exfoliation without irritation: Dead skin cells are sloughed away, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion without the irritation that traditional facials can cause.

• Customizable for all skin types: It can be tailored to address specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging, using targeted boosters and serums.

• No downtime: You can return to your normal activities right after the treatment, as the skin is left looking fresh and rejuvenated, not red or swollen. WHY HYDRAFACIAL MAKES THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT

Finding the perfect gift for someone who has everything can be a challenge, but the gift of glowing skin is always a welcome surprise. A HydraFacial makes a thoughtful, luxurious holiday gift that offers immediate results and long-term benefits. Whether it’s a single treatment or a package for monthly treatments, this skincare experience is something that will make anyone feel pampered and refreshed.

For those who want to go the extra mile, consider gifting a year-long HydraFacial package, allowing the recipient to enjoy glowing, healthy skin all year round. This makes it an ideal gift for the person who’s hard to shop for, as it provides them with self-care, relaxation, and beautiful skin—a gift that keeps on giving! HydraFacial gift packages are available at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology and Aesthetics and can be tailored to suit any budget. Whether it’s a one-time indulgence or a monthly skincare ritual, the recipient will thank you for this thoughtful gesture that enhances their well-being and confidence. Call us today! Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com Advertorial

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