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September 2012 Reading is Relaxing with Paws to Read Pups By Jody Morgan Registration for Paws to Read at the Danville Library begins on September 10th. Reading aloud to a companionable canine builds confidence in children who fear making mistakes in front of a teacher or peers. Open to students in grades 1-5, the program encourages young readers because they feel the reward of a dog’s affection, even when they stumble over a word. Avid readers improve skills that translate to public speaking. Children who don’t have a dog at home enjoy the chance to spend time getting to know one. Set up with blankets for readers, dogs and handlers, the Mount Diablo Room accommodates eight children per 25-minute period, sixteen readers per session. Youth Services Librarian Kathleen Baritell covers a long table with book selections, most featuring animals. Some children prefer to bring books from home, but many eagerly eye the array on the table looking for the one their fourlegged audience will most enjoy. Colleen, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, begins wagging her tail as soon as she arrives. Hardy, a Golden Lab, stretches out on his blanket with head cocked. Is he actually grinning? Valley Humane Society (VHS) currently has 75 dog/handler teams participating in Paws to Read. Interested volunteers attend an orientation session to learn about VHS Canine Comfort Programs. Next, the VHS Dog Trainer gives each dog an individual Canine Good Citizen assessment test. Finally, dog and handler shadow a team already certified for Paws to Read. Handlers maintain a low profile. VHS volunteer Sharon Mosbaugh notes, “We are just there to supervise the dog. I try not to say anything about the reading unless the child asks for help. I don’t look at the book, so they know I don’t know what the words say. The child feels more at ease reading to a dog that will never correct them or criticize them.” If a child asks for help, handlers express aid from the dog’s perspective. They might say, “Someone read Rover this book last week, and he thinks this is the way you say that word.” Liz Clark and her dog Tater enjoy their sessions at the Danville Library. “I love the program because I can see the positive affect on the children,” Clark explains. “When one girl first started reading, she was visibly shaken by reading out loud. She was introverted and you could barely hear her when she read. Now she comes into the room with confidence and reads with enthusiasm … very cool!”
Local Postal Customer
Seventeen
Serving Danville Point Two Million
By Ashley Hagin Seventeen point two million. This is the number of households in 2011 that faced food insecurity, an ungainly term that the United States Department of Agriculture uses to describe hunger. Seventeen point two million families, or one out of every six Americans, have inconsistent access to adequate food; families depending on food assistance programs are typically limited to poor food options. So what can be done? The Urban Farmers, a Lafayette based non-profit organization that uses fruit trees to highlight the plight of the unsustainable industrial food system, is tackling the problem of hunger head on. Siamack Sioshansi, executive director of The Urban Farmers, explains that the organization’s goal is “to feed the poor the good food we want to eat: fresh, healthy, local.” The process is simple. Local residents register backyard fruit trees with the organization, and volunteers visit the homes to harvest excess fruit for donation to hunger relief agencies such as Loaves and Fishes and Monument Crisis Center. Imperfect pieces of fruit are donated to animal hospitals such as Walnut Creek’s Lindsay Wildlife Museum. “We are developing a new social production framework to address the
See Glean continued on page 18
Eugene O’Neill Festival Celebrates 75th Anniversary of Tao House By Jody Morgan
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, the National Parks Service, Role Players Ensemble Theatre, Alamo-Danville Artists Society and the Museum of the San Ramon Valley are collaborating on a month-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Danville home where Eugene and Carlotta O’Neill lived from 1937-1944. The event began with the August 24th opening at the Village Theatre Gallery of Tao House Through Artists Eyes and culminates in the production at the Tao House Barn the final weekend of September of A Moon for the Misbegotten. The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, responsible for creating programs that promote O’Neill’s vision and generate understanding of the legacy of the Nobel Laureate and four-time Pulitzer Prize winning Volume III - Number 11 American playwright, invites patrons to a pre- 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 performance event. Enter the world of Eugene (925) 405-6397 and Carlotta O’Neill as you gather with other Fax (925) 406-0547 guests in the Tao House courtyard on September 28th and 29th in support of the Foundation’s Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher See Read continued on page 21 mission. Included in the $75 ticket price, in editor@ PRSRT STD addition to a deli-box dinner, wine, beer, des- yourmonthlypaper.com U.S. Postage serts and music, are an introduction to A Moon The opinions expressed herein belong PAID and do not necessarily for the Misbegotten by O’Neill scholar Dan torefltheectwriters, that of Danville Today News. Permit 263 Cawthon and priority seating. Transportation Danville Today News is not Alamo CA for the content of any of to Tao House is provided free of charge by the responsible the advertising herein, nor does ECRWSS publication imply endorsement.
See O’Neill continued on page 9
Page 2 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
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Boulevard View By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor A few weeks ago I got a call from my sister inviting me to a Luau celebration at the Los Altos Historical Society in the South Bay. My sister was taking our 95-year-old grandmother to the event and had an extra ticket. To add to the excitement, it was Grandma’s actual birth day and she was born in Hawaii so a luau was a most fitting party! A week before, our entire family had celebrated Grandma’s birthday by bringing the Islands to her (You know... if you can’t bring Mohammed to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed!). We decked out the yard in tiki torches, hibiscus plants, and we brought in a small inflatable wading pool filled with some sand, plastic fish, and seashells so she could dip her toes in the water. She loved having the backyard beach. At the Historical Society celebration, they presented Grandma with a lei fresh from the Islands, and we were seated at the VIP table as Grandma was a guest of honor. Our table was rounded out by the mayor and members of the Historical Society. The woman seated next to me was from the Historical Society. I shared with her that my four sisters and I had grown up in Los Altos. I also noted that my father-in-law had been a Lieutenant with the Los Altos Police Department where he had worked for 25 years. I mentioned to her how I had pictures and documents from the 1950’s through the 1980’s when he had worked on the force. I don’t know why it hadn’t “clicked” before, but the woman noted that the Historical Society would love to see and duplicate the pictures in my collection. As I have noted before, I am a big believer in memorabilia not being shoved in a drawer or hidden in a closet to rarely be seen again. Personally,
I love going to museums and seeing pictures and artifacts from days gone by. I look at the picture of my father-inlaw typing his reports on his typewriter, the rotary dial phone and teletype machine at his side, and he is surrounded by a wall of metal filing cabinets. I feel the need to contribute photos like these when I have the resources to do so so others can see how the times have changed as well. Over the years I have become the historian for my husband’s family and the keeper of most of the photos, mementos, and family paperwork. I have personally scanned a lot of these items, but the pile of material is large. I started emailing the president of the Los Altos Historical Society about the items I had and how to get them to her. I offered to let them have the originals of the items so long as I got high resolution digital copies of everything. I figured they have the resources to do the job right and having the material digitally fulfills my needs. The President of the Historical Society invited us to visit, and hand-off of the material, and in addition she contacted the Police Department and put me in touch with their historian. Alyssa at the Police Department was thrilled to hear of what I had and noted she’d like to add historical photos to their lobby. Upon hearing this, my husband reflected on the hours he had spent in that very lobby waiting for his father to get off work or to visit him during the business day. He hadn’t been in the building in over 30 years, but our visit brought him back in time. Do you have photos or memorabilia shoved in a closet or piled in a drawer? I am sure a Historical Society or archivist would love to share your memories of the past with the rest of the world.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 3
'(67,1$7,21
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Avg Closed Sales Price April May June July
$843,502 $871,911 $885,608 $903,252
Danville Real Estate Activity
Average Price UP 7% in Danville e
YTD through July 2012
Average Closed Sales Price: $903,252 Average Days on Market: 48 Total Closed Sales YTD: 359 Number YTD Closed Sales Under $1M: 264 Number YTD Closed Sales Over $1M: 88
Ultra-low interest rates continue to stimulate demand and the inventory shortage promotes multiple offers for many properties.
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SRV Republican Women Federated Presents The European Credit Crisis & Mitt Romney with John Hanson The San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated are proud to present John Jonas Hanson as our Tuesday, September 25th luncheon speaker! His topic is “The European Credit Crisis and Mitt Romney.” Mr. Hanson, successful businessman and political commentator, campaigned for Margaret Thatcher, Meg Whitman, Michelle Bachmann, and Mitt Romney. He is a highly recommended speaker on both Europe and China. The luncheon takes place Tuesday, September 25th at Crow Canyon Country Club located at 711 Silver Lake Drive in Danville. Social time begins at 11:30am followed by the lunch and speaker beginning at noon. The cost is $25. For reservations, call Mary at 925.837.5465 or e-mail srvrwf.lunch@gmail. com by Thursday, September 20th. For more information, visit www.srvrwf.org.
Blackhawk Republican Women Dr. L. Lynn Cleland, PhD will be the featured speaker for the September 12th general meeting. A university professor, Dr. Cleland will provide research and observations of a changing nation moving away from its roots. Dr. Cleland will explore the key problems that plague our current political climate and solutions to what it will take to return our nation to the underlying principles. Check-in is at 5:30PM and the social hour and program begins at 6:30PM. The talk and dinner costs $25 and will be held at Blackhawk Country Club, located at Blackhawk Club Drive in Danville, For reservations, email Marianne Lyons rlyons1009@sbcglobal.net.
Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club The non-profit Wind ‘n Sea Sailing Club is holding sailing training classes at member’s homes in Danville starting Wednesday, September 19th at 7PM. The first class will be “Introduction to Sailing on San Francisco Bay.” This class will be followed by classes in general sailing skills. Contact Jan at 925-837-3381 for information.
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Page 4 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
9-11 Remembrance Ceremony
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The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley along with local Veterans’ organizations is hosting the Annual 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony on Tuesday, September 11th. The Remembrance begins at 5:50PM and concludes at 6:40PM at the All Wars Memorial in Oak Hill Park located at 3005 Stone Valley Rd in Danville. This event will feature prominent guest speakers, hundreds of Scouts with an array of American Flags, joint Police and Fire Department Honor Guard, a bagpiper, a flight of doves, and many other patriotic contributions. Immediately following the ceremony there will be free ice cream, Crackerjacks, and bottled water.
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Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, located on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. The next meeting will be held on September 19th. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Post Commander Nathan Greene at (925) 8751747. Mail to: VFW Post 75 San Ramon Valley, P.O. Box 1092, Danville, CA 94526. Find out more about the VFW and our Post on the internet at www.vfwpost75.org.
Join the Classical Chorus Chromatica
Sports Events Support Sentinels of Freedom
Chromatica, a classical chorus in the San Ramon Valley, is looking for male and female singers (all parts: S,A,T,B) for its second semester beginning October 1st. Directed by San Francisco Opera tenor David Huff and accompanied by noted pianist Randall Benway, Chromatica completed its first semester in May of this year with an open rehearsal/musicale featuring music by Schubert, Mozart, Fauré, and others. Chromatica’s fall semester will end with concerts in January/February 2013; there will be a two week break over the winter holidays 2012. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings in Danville from 7-9PM. We are seeking to grow to 24 singers. We promise a high quality and eminently enjoyable experience. Ability to read music and prior experience are important. Please contact Chromatica’s director David Huff at david.huff@pacbell.net. Please mention Chromatica Audition in the subject line.
Whether you prefer golf, cycling, or congenial company in a formal dinner setting with a world-renowned speaker or a picnic with casual acquaintances and friends, you can support the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund while having lots of FUN! Sentinels of Freedom invests in the future of our nation by offering highly motivated, but severely injured, members of the American Armed Forces mentoring, financial aid, and community support to achieve their goals in civilian life.
Baskets Exhibit: Basic, Beautiful, Bold A new exhibit featuring Washoe Indian baskets continues through November 4th at the Museum of San Ramon Valley. These are not just any baskets. These are baskets woven by California Indians who were, and are, some of the most accomplished basket weavers in the world. Twenty baskets from The Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City have been loaned to the Museum. Museum hours are 1-4 Tuesday-Friday, 10-1 Saturday, and 12-3 on Sunday. This exhibit will accompany the Museum’s Indian Life Program for fourth graders at the museum each morning from September 13 to November 2. Please contact the museum directly to enroll a class in these programs at 837-3750 or go to the website at museumsrv.org for further information.
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Lost Dog! $50 REWARD
If you find him and your name is drawn!
Danville Dog is Missing He has become lost in this paper!
He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507
Nancy Childs is our winner!
5th Annual Golf and Dinner September 16-17 Visit www.sentinelsoffreedom.org for multiple golfing options and/or dinner with guest speaker Col. Danny McKnight, author of Streets of Mogadishu and combatant in the incident upon which both the book and movie Blackhawk Down were based.
Veterans Victory Velo Bike Ride September 22 Olympic cyclist Christine Thorburn is coming to lend her support. Participant in both the 2004 and 2008 games, she is a Rheumatologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Registration for cycling and all race routes begins at 2678 Bishop Drive on September 22nd starting at 6am. Lunch tickets are provided for cyclists and available for supporters for $5. 100 Mile Century Ride - $50 Begins at 7am 60 Mile Ride - $50 Begins at 9am 30 Mile Ride - $50 Begins at 10am 15 Mile Family Fun Ride -$50 Begins at 11am To encourage your favorite cyclist, simply contribute to the cause, or get additional information, contact Carla Goulart at carlagoulart@sentinelsoffreedom.org.
Drop Zone - Saturday, September 8th, 10am to 2:30pm The East Bay Chapter 101 Blue Star Moms is having a Drop Zone to collect donations for their upcoming “Holiday Hugs” care package mailing to our Troops. We are glad to be back at the Veterans Building located at 400 Hartz Avenue, in downtown Danville. While you are out shopping, please consider picking up an item or two and dropping it off. Our goal is to send out 2,500 care packages, and we cannot do it without the generous support of our community. All donations will be mailed to our brave men and women serving our country overseas. Come say hello, sponsor a care package mailing ($12.80), make a postcard or two, or drop off a donation to show your gratitude for what our brave troops do for all Americans each and every day! Go to www.bluestarmoms.org and click on care packages for more information, including a list of donation items desired.
Delta Nu Psi Collects Treats for the Troops Delta Nu Psi has now sent 961 boxes of “gourmet junk food” weighing 4,335 pounds to the service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Representatives from Delta Nu Psi will be at CVS in Alamo on September 7th and Lunardi’s September 14th from 11AM to 2PM at both places to collect donations. Please visit deltanupsi.org to find out more. Thank you for your support.
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When is a Tomato not a Tomato?
Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 5
By Cynthia Ruzzi, President Sustainable Danville Area
Do you eat those mealy, tasteless slices of tomato tucked into your sandwich, or like me, do you open and remove them immediately? I can’t eat the anemic looking fruit that graces the side plate with bits of lettuce from the deli, and I definitely will not buy artificially ripened supermarket tomatoes. While the tomatoes in our supermarkets are seaSaturday, Sept. 15th 10-7 PM Sunday, Sept. 16th 10-6 PM sonally grown in California, they are picked when Downtown Lafayette considered “mature green,” just starting to turn color but still firm. Discovery News recently did a story reporting that the modern tomato has nual 17th an been cultivated to ripen evenly to uniform the harvest, and it this gene mutation is to blame for tasteless tomatoes. I’m sure it doesn’t help that these green, firm tomatoes are packed into ethylene (a flammable gas derived from petroleum) storage for three days to change the starch of the tomato to sugar forcing it to turn red. While visually appealing, this process does nothing to enhance the taste. The blandness is further cemented by shipping tomatoes in cold storage, putting an immediate end to further ripening. How do you get a tomato that tastes like a tomato? One solution is to shop the local farmer’s market for organic produce. Look for tomatoes grown sustainably since farmers that use these practices haven’t depleted the soil with chemical products. These tomatoes are sure to be rich in magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc – all trace minerals that help maintain our good health and give our fruits and FREE vegetables their flavor. When selecting tomatoes, sniff the blossom end, not the •Admission • ke Ta stem end, for a rich aroma. Store fresh, ripe, tomatoes stem-side down in a cool, RT way •Parking at BART • dark place, and use within a few days. Please don’t put them in the refrigerator. Bst A1 block a •Shuttle to event • u J Considering the journey out-of-season Arizona and Mexican tomatoes take to get to 15 & 16 •Bike Valet Parking • our grocery stores and my uneasiness with BPA in most aluminum cans, I’m going to can any summer bounty from my garden, plus search out extras for the winter season. 4 LIVE STAGES 2 FULL DAYS Inspired by our summer days picking unwanted Danville and Alamo backyard s ZEBOP s THE SUN KINGS s AJA VU s ZYDECO FLAMES s EAST BAY MUDD s BOB ATHAYDE & FRIENDS fruit for the local food pantries, we longed for more time “on the farm” before the s THE SPAZMATICS s BAUTISTA s THE VOLTONES s BELL BROTHERS s SAVANNAH BLUE s COVER 2 COVER s RED HOUSE GANG s PAT KELLEY s RED WING BLUE GRASS BAND seriousness of autumn. So, we decided to take a road trip, and we’re inviting you s DOMINANT 7 s MERSEY BEACH s DRASTIC VOODOO s DREAM POSSE to join us “on the road” as we tour Wild Boar Farms in Suisun Valley. Festival Sponsor Presenting Sponsor Festival Sponsor Festival Sponsor
Wild Boar Farms: Sun, Wind, Dust and Dirt - Good Food and Great Tomatoes
Join us on Sunday, September 9th from 11am to 2pm for an adventure to Wild Boar Farms. Bring a hat, flat shoes, camera, reusable bag for tomatoes, and an appetite. Wild Boar Farms is not just any farm – it’s a tomato breeding ground for 12,000 certified, organic tomato plants located in ‘tomato terroir’ Suisun Valley. They are growing a rare, exotic gourmet collection of heirloom and future heirloom tomatoes. Our special For further information, please visit our Website: www.lafayettefestival.com day will include an exclusive tomato tour and talk by farmer Brad Gates, tomato and wine Also look for us on: & tasting, lunch provided by Fume Bistro & Bar of Napa, and one pound of tomatoes to take home. There will also be time to pick and purchase enough tomatoes to preserve for the winter season. Come and enjoy an informative and fun day with your friends and family. The event is accessible for all ages and benefits The Urban Farmers Fruit Gleaning Program (www.theurbanfarmers.org). Visit www.sustainabledanville.com for more details and a link to purchase tickets. The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children. If preserving tomatoes is what you have in mind, but you don’t know where to start, join us on Saturday, September 8th from 9am-noon at The Garden at Heather Farm for a class on canning and preserving your seasons bounty. Patrice Hanlon, Garden Director, who has been canning her favorite vegetables for over 25 years, will introduce us to different methods of preserving, with a particular focus on waterbath canning. It’s a hands-on class with each participant making a jar of dill and a jar of sweet and sour pickles to take home. The cost for the class is $35 and there is a $10 materials fee. Register at www.gardenshf.org/adult-classes.html or call (925) 947-1678. ai` W`fWd
APARTMENTS
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Public Workshop Did you know that as of July 1, 2012 Assembly Bill 341 requires that California businesses and multi-family homes recycle? Did you know that as a Danville or Alamo resident our separated yard clippings are used as daily alternative cover in the landfill and not composted? Do you know that neighboring communities from Lafayette to San Ramon keep food scraps out of the landfill by putting them directly into their green waste bins, but we can’t? Central Contra Costa Solid Waste and the Town of Danville are hosting a public workshop at the Danville Town Hall located at 201 Front Street on September 19th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. We will be gathering feedback on current and future services. Help us improve waste and recyclingservicesforbusinessesandresidentsin Danville, Diablo, Blackhawk, andAlamo. Forinformation,visitwww.wastediversion. org. If you cannot attend, take a moment to answer the simple nine question survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CCCSWA_feedback by October 1st. For questions for Sustainable Danville, email Cynthia@sustainabledanville.com.
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Page 6 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Charlotte Wood Middle School By Christopher George, Principal It is with great pleasure that we welcome our students, parents, and neighbors back to Charlotte Wood Middle School for the 2012- 2013 school year. We are very excited about the upcoming year. Educationally, we are on the cusp of many great changes at our school site, at the district, state, and nationwide that we believe we are exceptionally well prepared for. We welcome our incoming 6th graders. This year we are fortunate to have grown almost 10% from last year’s student enrollment, and with an incoming 6th grade class of 367 students, our total student population at the beginning of the year is 1,053. While that is a challenge in many ways, it also allows us to expand and to keep many programs that we may not otherwise have had. This year we welcome four new teachers to our staff. As we indicated last month, we start the year by beginning to discuss the coming Common Core State Standards. These national standards are the culmination of years of work by national organizations and promise a deeper and richer education for our students, with an all important goal of both college and career readiness. These standards are relevant to everyone, whether you have students in the schools or not, and I urge you to read up on them where you can (www. corestandards.org is a good place to start). At Charlotte Wood, we will begin learning about these standards together and will begin introducing and creating lessons that involve these concepts over the next two years. In the meantime, we continue to introduce technologically relevant lessons to our classrooms. Our ability to do this is 100% dependent on our parent community and the support they are able to provide. This year, we hope to complete our goal of providing one class set of devices for every department. More importantly, however, we hope to continually design lessons that stress critical thinking and collaboration in order to further engage and prepare students for their world. Lastly, we stress that our greatest strengths as a school are the relationships we have, both with our families and our community. We look forward to building these as we go forward, both by welcoming our sixth grade students and by preparing our eighth grade students for their high school years. We always welcome feedback as to how we can improve on all these fronts throughout the year. Welcome to the 2012- 2013 school year. It promises to be a great one.
SRV Christian Academy By Jan Brunkal, Principal The new school year has begun, and there is a lot of excitement that goes with it. What a great year we are planning to have. Not only do we have an amazing returning staff, but we have three fabulous new teachers: Julianne Grinstead, Haley Pray, and Jayne Managan. Welcome, gals, to our school community. The theme for our 2012-2013 school year is “Follow the Way.” Our theme is taken from Isaiah 26:8. Life is definitely a journey, a path, if you will. It’s not always easy or smooth, but we are never alone when we face tough times. God is always there to help us through difficulties, to comfort us, and to guide us. Not only will our students be made aware of this theme through conversation, discussion and chapels, but students can also participate in a t-shirt/sweatshirt contest expressing the theme. We started our year with orientations for our new students and parents as well as one for our 6th graders entering junior high. What an exciting time; new curriculum, new friends, and wonderful teachers who have been planning for their students’ return. I know that January is technically the real start of a new year, but I have always thought that when school starts, that’s the real New Year! Our students have always been encouraged to give to those who are less fortunate. Using our talents, time, and resources to help others has always been a priority. As a ministry of Community Presbyterian Church, we will be partnering with CPC this year to help raise funds and awareness with their various Mission Partners. Some of the organizations are local and state-wide, such as the Richmond Rescue Mission, City Team in San Francisco, and Shepherd’s Gate in Livermore. Other mission partners are around the world in Uganda, South Africa, the Philippines, Mexico, Haiti, Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Each class will select a ministry to support, pray for, and give to financially. Students will learn about the specific missionaries that serve in these areas and also the organization and country that they are supporting. I am so excited to see, not only what we can do for these people, but what our students will learn about themselves in the process. I am always so proud of our students; I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this year.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 7
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www.primosrun.com Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun K. McElroy, Principal Fall Brings Great Changes for Stone Valley When we closed the doors in June, three staff had announced their retirement and another was moving out of the area leaving us four positions to fill. By the end of June the number had grown to a total of 10 staffing changes. The process for selecting employees that meet Stone Valley criteria is arduous, and the applicant pools were very deep, some nearly 100 people, reflecting the state of our economy. Here is our new staff. • Luom Huynh – Head Custodian - Served 15 years as night custodian at Stone Valley. • Chris Sherwood – Math 6/7 - Was long-term substitute teacher at Walnut Creek Intermediate and favorite substitute teacher at Stone Valley. • Karen Johnson - Assistant Principal - Was teacher on special assignment (administration) at Country Club and Greenbrook Elementary. • Spencer Erikson – Spanish - Taught at St. Isadores and College Park H.S. • Jenna Ray – Algebra I/Pre-Algebra - From California High and Iron Horse Middle School. • Sandi Moeller Counselor Tech/Registrar - From Gale Ranch Middle and Live Oak Elementary. • Lisa Knebel Attendance Secretary – From Del Rey Elementary in Orinda. Former PTA President at Los Cerros Middle. Still open as of this writing: Night custodian and Librarian
Get Involved in Middle School Middle school is often perceived as the time for parents to let go versus staying involved and maybe sometimes becoming over involved. So, where’s the balance? We want our children to grow up to be strong independent thinkers. We need to ask ourselves, “Are we getting in their way or supporting them properly?” Bay Area therapist and author Madeline Levine provides us with some insight in her new book Teach Your Children Well. To read an excerpt from Levine’s book, visit www.nytimes.com/2012/08/05/ opinion/sunday/raising-successful-children.html?pagewanted=all. I recommend reading the article with your parenting partner or with another par-
ent, and discuss the merits as you see them and apply them to your parenting style. If you would like the view from the front lines at school, I recommend that you contact our Ed Fund President Gary Zilk at gary@zebedo.com or PTA President Janet Nunan at janetnunan@aol.com to find a way to get involved at school. We are always looking for help in the office or during lunch supervision. If you can spare 30 minutes once a week, please let us know and we’ll sign you up for a shift during 6th,7th, or 8th grade lunch. Contact Lisa Knebel at lknebel@srvusd. net or Karen Johnson at kcjohnson@srvusd.net. Volunteering at school is a great way to support your student. Stone Valley averages over 5,000 volunteer hours each year. This is the equivalent of 3.5 full time employees each day.
Class Size Reduction Programs is in need of your Support Middle school is the only level K-12 that receives no class size reduction from the state or federal government. Middle School also has the highest staffing ratio of all grades levels. Creating a level academic playing field for middle school students has been the focus of our class size reduction program for many years. To date we have collected about 65% of our goal. We need your assistance in maintaining this successful program. Your contribution to our class size reduction program will reduce the number of students in language arts and math classes by an average of five students per class. Donations can be made online at http:// stonevalleyms.revtrak.net/tek9.asp<%22>. CSR donations are tax deductible.
Stone Valley Algebra I Scores are Near the Top in SRVUSD Last year Stone Valley’s 8th grade Algebra I program changed from a two track system to a one track system by eliminating the Advanced Algebra I class. The decision was based on the research of Stanford Professor of Mathematics, Jo Boaler. The research findings indicated that mixed ability classrooms can perform at or near the same level as advanced classes. The results of the STAR examinations have provided us with significant feedback on our first year of this developing this program. In past years the highest percentage of proficient and advanced students in our Advanced Algebra I program was 92%. Overall our total percentage students for advanced and grade level Algebra I has hovered around the high 70’s and low 80’s. Our inaugural mixed ability class scored 94.5% proficient and advanced. This pass rate ranks us third among the eight middle schools which moves us up from the lower third where we ranked in years past. We are pleased with this early result, and we will continue to examine our teaching practices to improve.
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Page 8 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Monte Vista High School
By Janet Terranova, Principal
Walk into any store in August and you know that school is about to start as merchants begin their “Back to School Sales.” Monte Vista has been busy with registration, new student orientation, and our new student dance. It was amazing to watch the energy of our students, staff, and parent volunteers as we all worked together to make our back-to-school one of the best. Thank you to students and staff who organized a wonderful New Student Orientation. Thanks to our Link Crew club and their advisors our new students were welcomed, fed, given tours of the school, and generally made to feel like true Mustangs! As usual our parents came through and volunteered hundreds of hours to help with registration. Thank you so much for your help. We are very excited to begin an Advisory program with our students. Students will be assigned an Advisory class. This class will meet for 30 minutes every other Tuesday. Students will be assigned to Advisory classes by grade with the idea that they will stay in the same Advisory class for all four years of high school. The purpose of Advisory is to develop positive relationships with staff and students that are outside the academic realm and to provide lessons that reinforce that goal. Each class will have a specific lesson relating to our MV Pride Program (Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, and Integrity), cyber-bullying, goal setting, or study skills. Additionally, the Advisory class will provide an opportunity for students to participate in school-wide activities such as Adopt-a-Family, Homecoming, and other ASB activities. If you have ever been by a school during drop-off or pick-up you know the area around the school is very congested. This year we will have two buses coming from the Diablo Vista area. The Town of Danville is a participating member of the Measure J Traffic Congestion Relief Agency which helps to fund the buses. With the number of students and cars coming from the Diablo Vista Middle School area, two buses will definitely reduce the traffic around our campus community. With the beginning of the school year underway, we have many activities and opportunities for community involvement. For more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.
Del Amigo Continuation High School By Joe Ianora, Principal Welcome back to another school year in the San Ramon Valley. Summer was wonderful and Del Amigo is ready to start the educational process we commonly call “school.” Many of you are used to me writing to you as Principal of San Ramon Valley High School. While I am still in your community, I am writing to you from a new position – Principal of Del Amigo Continuation High School. Club ub b Z! 1-On-1 Tuttorin ng A continuation high school (you may have heard this rumor) I n Y o u r H o m e ! is for “those” students labeled as unsuccessful at the compres All Subjects s PreK-Adult hensive high schools for a variety of reasons. Del Amigo is able to meet the needs of those students who need something s Reading s Writing s Math different for their high school experience. These students turn to us to help them explore s LD/ADD/ADHD s SAT/ACT Prep and unlock their many passions and talents…and to earn a high school diploma. s Study Skills Program s Affordable Rates Why would you send your student to Del Amigo? What are the advantages? s Degreed Professionals s Flexible Schedules • Smaller class sizes • Individualized learning • A safe school learning environst ment • 21 Century technology and learning • Wireless environment • Cyber High Call to Reserve Your Tutor Today! (online learning) • 210 graduation requirement • A dedicated staff Del Amigo has been a haven for students in our district for almost 50 years, providing a solid educational foundation and a place to call home. I am looking forward to www.clubz.com expanding our programs as well as increasing our positive image within the SRV community. If you would like to know more about us, please contact me jianora@srvusd.net. and opportunities for students to learn about how everything works at SRVHS. San Ramon Valley High School The students did an amazing job welcoming the freshmen. It was wonderful to By Ruth Steele, Principal see how proud they are of SRVHS and how much school spirit they have. This first month at San Ramon has been a busy one Before school began we had a staff development day, and the purpose of this compounded of course by the fact that I am in the process was to set the tone for the school year ahead and outline our goals. As a new Prinof learning a new school, a new staff, new students, new cipal, it’s difficult to determine exactly how to do this when you don’t know where parents, and a new community. It’s amazing how many growth areas might be, so I asked that the staff reflect on their teaching strategies, people there are to meet! However, the one thing that has policies and practices, and look for areas where changes could be made. The goal stood out for me so far is the kindness and the support that was to look at how we can ensure that students are not only learning the required everyone has shown me. I have heard many people talk curriculum in their classes, but also developing the skills that they will need about the unique spirit that is to be found on the SRVHS beyond high school. Being active and effective “learners” will prepare students campus, and I have been the lucky recipient of a very warm welcome. for the challenges of college and the world beyond, simply being “learned” will One of the biggest events of the school year is student registration. Over 2,000 stu- not. So, it is not enough that students leave SRVHS full of information, facts, and dents came through a sequence of stations with their parents to turn in required forms, figures. Students need to be able to apply the knowledge that they have acquired have their pictures taken, and pick up initial class schedules. This, as you can imagine, and adapt theories to solve new problems as they face them. requires extensive organization and co-ordination, and it is PTSA who takes on the SRVHS is fortunate to have a staff of educators who are able to ensure that our lion’s share of the work. There were dozens of parent volunteers working alongside students are prepared to meet those challenges when they graduate. school staff and leadership students to ensure that everything went smoothly. Without My first month at the Home of Champions has flown by, but I have already been that support and level of community involvement it would be impossible to success- able to meet many of the people that make SRVHS such a special place. Through the fully run an event of this size, and I am extremely grateful for everyone’s participation. various events in August I have seen how hard everyone is willing to work to make Two other events that particularly stood out for me amongst the many things hap- SRVHS the wonderful school that it is. The staff, parents, students, and community pening were the freshman orientation and the student leadership retreat. The Friday all go that extra step to make sure that the school is the most positive, successful, before school started, all incoming freshmen were invited to come to SRVHS and and welcoming place it can be. I am looking forward to working with each group as be welcomed by LINK crew. The day involved a range of team building activities we move forward through this school year and continuing to build on that culture.
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Making the Best Even Better By Dwight Winn I am Dwight Winn, a 32 year resident of Danville and a candidate for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) School Board. Last October, as I was completing classes at UC Berkeley Extension, I reflected on my goal to return to school on a full-time basis and prepare for my next endeavor. With urging from friends and colleagues, and as a lifetime learner with an interest in education, I decided to run for a position on the SRVUSD School Board. After additional discussions with my wife Beverly (a teacher with 20 years of experience at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy) and adult children, (Randy and Kyle, who both graduated with honors from SRVUSD schools), I felt well advised to move forward. It is known in the Bay Area community that our son Randy has been a very successful professional baseball player with the San Francisco Giants. Beverly and I are incredibly proud of his athletic achievements. We are also equally and extremely proud of Randy because of his academic achievements in the same district in which I am seeking election. Beverly and I are extremely grateful to the many educators that had such a positive influence on our son that allowed him to become a highly educated professional baseball player which has prepared him for a future beyond professional sports. If you forgive the pun in advance, in our household, it has been a “Winn Win” situation. Thus in many ways, I am grateful for the opportunities that my family and I have been afforded by the significant educational foundation our sons (Kyle graduated from Santa Clara University in 1999), as well as the many other fine young men that I have coached, have been given by being educated in the SRVUSD. The balance of academics which includes student activities such as drama, arts, and athletics provides a foundation with flexibility and leverage. SRVUSD has high standards, and our students perform at the highest levels within the state and nationwide. We want to continue this trend. As a school board member, I will use experiences gained in 30 years of business working at IBM and New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., youth coaching, and other volunteer activities to meet the needs of all students within the district. Given my interest in education, I have become well acquainted with the many issues affecting our educational system. I have attended many school board meetings and read many educational references and recommendations about the needs of the current system and the schools of the future. All of these have given me a variety of perspectives on future models for education. Below is a recap of some of the issues as I see them: • Declining California revenues • Debts from previous state budget shortfalls • School population continues to grow forcing a capacity issue • Facilities are aging • Compensation for teachers and classified • Allocation to SRVUSD schools based on low wealth formula • Structure and Strategy for 21st Century success I will use my extensive private sector experiences to balance the financial demands of a large school district while providing a high quality education for our children in order to provide resources for our student needs. The proposed bond measure must pass in order to build new schools and facilities as well as address safety and efficiency requirements throughout the district. In order to accomplish our objectives, “we must invest in that which we value.” Ultimately, we must decide what is the long-term strategy and structure to support our goals and needs. What does this involve, and what are the costs/benefits? The answer will require a collective/collaborative approach. But for now, the short-term solution is to balance the needs of our students and teachers. I am prepared to take on the many responsibilities and challenges of being a member of the SRVUSD School Board team. I have courage to support and make the tough decisions that accompany school board membership. I also have the empathy to understand the many demands placed on the wonderful dedicated teachers of our district. Lastly, I have the passion to provide our many children with the necessary foundation to be successful students and prepare them for success in their future endeavors. For more information, visit my website www.thinkwinn.net or email me at drwinn1@comcast.net. Advertorial paid for by Winn candidate for SRVUSD
Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 9
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O’Neill continued from front page Service, which maintains the property. Those attending the fundraiser will be picked up at 5:45pm in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Regular price tickets for performances at 8pm on September 27th, 28th, and 29th and 3pm on September 30th cost $35 and also include transportation. Departure time from the Museum will be assigned as tickets are purchased. To buy tickets, visit www.eugeneoneill.org or call 925-820-1818. Staging of A Moon for the Misbegotten in the barn theatre on the Tao House property coincides with the rising of the full harvest moon. Written at Tao House between 1941 and 1943, the script was first performed in 1947. Like the theatrical masks O’Neill collected and incorporated into his productions, the plays chosen for the Festival display two different facets of the playwright’s genius. Tragedy is the mask most often associated with Eugene. A Moon for the Misbegotten is no exception. But the play opening the celebration shows a talent for comic relief otherwise unknown in O’Neill’s work. A review by Brooks Atkinson of the opening production from The New York Times, October 3, 1937 (available online courtesy of www.eoneill.com) reads: “And in spite of its dreadful title, Ah! Wilderness! is a true and congenial comedy. If Mr. O’Neill can write with as much clarity as this, it is hard to understand why he has held up the grim mask so long.” The play tracks the fictitious Miller family’s small town escapades on the sweltering July 4th in 1906. Spurned by his one true love, 17-year-old Richard Miller goes out looking for trouble and finds it. After encountering a number of colorful characters and questionable situations and struggling through some youthful confusions, Richard eventually lands on his feet with the help of his slightly offbeat, but well-intended family. Ah! Wilderness! will be performed at Danville’s Village Theatre September 7th-22nd. Tickets for the play can be purchased at www.danvilletheatre.com or call 925-314-3400. Concerts featuring music of the O’Neill era will be performed at Father Nature’s Restaurant, 172 Prospect Street, Danville at 8pm on September 13th and 20th. The cabaret seating fills quickly. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. What was Danville like when Eugene and Carlotta O’Neill decided to settle here? Beverly Lane, Curator of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley and former mayor of Danville, will present O’Neill’s Danville 1937-1944 at the Village Theatre at 10am on September 15th. Admission is free. Also free is Saturday shuttle transportation for self-guided Tao House tours. The National Park Service mini-bus departs from Railroad Avenue in front of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 10am, Noon, and 2pm.
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Page 10 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
New School Jitters By Susan Bray, Ph.D. Children’s Counseling and Assessment
Specializing in Interior & Exterior
I remember the day I started third grade. I was going to a new school, and I didn't • Power Washing Prep know anyone (except my big brother, who told me how horrible things would be). • Painting I couldn’t sleep the night before, and when it was time to walk into the classroom, • Spray-Enamel Finish my feet felt like lead bricks. Everyone around me seemed to know exactly what • Restaining Decks they were doing, and I felt horribly out of place and very conspicuous. So, I stared Since 1970 at the ground all day and tried to be invisible. I didn’t make any friends that day Free Estimates and went home crying to my mother about how much I hated school. Every child gets at least a little anxious in a new situation like the start of the Tim O’Halloran • 925.743.9535 school year. But, what if your child feels overwhelmed, like I did, or it doesn’t seem to get better with time? There are a few things we can do as parents to help them through it. First of all, reassure your child that it’s normal to feel nervous about any new or unfamiliar situation. This is actually our brain’s way of getting us ready for handle whatever may come up. Encourage them to talk about any worries or fears they’re having. Just putting it into words can help, and you may find that they have some misconceptions you can help clear up. Another great tool, particularly for younger kids, is a comfort object. This can be anything from a small stuffed animal to a little smooth pebble in their pocket that they can rub. The idea is to find some object that they like, and to talk a bit about it as a symbol of having you there with them. Then, when they’re feeling nervous or unsure, they can touch or look at their comfort object and remember your love and the security that comes from home and family. You can also help your kids plan specific actions to be prepared for the situation. If they’re going to be with people they don’t know, help them come up with some good opening lines - things like “What did you do over the summer?” or “Who was your teacher last year?”or even as simple as “I’m Joey. What’s your name?” Remind them of the importance of a smile and making eye contact when they talk to someone. Talk about how to join in with other kids on the playground. And finally, it can really help to remind your child of past successes. Bring up last school year, DT or a time they met a new friend in the neighborhood, or when they joined a new class or sports team. This helps kids remember that the nervous feeling is just temporary, and that they can and will get through it and on to the fun of new friends and new experiences. If you’ve tried everything and your child’s still struggling, it may be time to get help. Start by asking your pediatrician; they see hundreds of kids and have a good sense of what's normal. And assess the four “D’s”: is your child’s response disproportionate to the situation; is it disruptive to your child or family; is the feeling distressing to your child; and is the duration more than would be expected. Just as we teach our kids skills for studying, for time management, and for healthy eating, we can teach them skills for healthy management of emotions. And let them get back to enjoying a new school year! Susan Bray, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Danville. She specializes in the treatment of childhood anxiety and behavioral issues. You can contact her at (925) 322-3767 or via email at drbray@ccaeastbay.com. Advertorial
Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 2 Are You Ready For Disasters – Get Connected! By Candace Andersen In light of the recent fire at the Chevron refinery in Martinez, I thought it would be timely to provide information about disaster preparedness and emergency warning systems in Contra Costa County. Even if you don’t live or work near a refinery, it is important to be informed about other disasters that could impact your neighborhood such as wildfires, gas line ruptures, earthquakes, or floods. I have also included other relevant emergency and disaster preparedness events and resources in our area. The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) issues alerts about situations in the County that pose an imminent threat to life or health. The CWS is operated by the Office of the Sheriff in partnership with the county’s Department of Health Services and its business and industry partners. Visit their website at www. cws.cccounty.us/register to enroll your cell phone number in the service. There is no charge from the County for these alerts,however your service provider may charge you depending upon your individual plan. If you are social media savvy, you can receive alerts in your Twitter feed and get text messages on your phone. Go to Twitter and follow @CoCoCWS, and set your cell phone to receive a text alert. If you are looking for a fun family event to help get you better prepared for disasters, come to the September 15th San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair. The City of San Ramon, Town of Danville, San Ramon Valley Fire, and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, along with various community, county, state and federal agencies, will be showcasing their response resources and programs for preparedness on Saturday, September 15th from 9am to 2pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 655 Old Orchard Road in Danville. Event attendees will enjoy viewing a Jaws of Life demonstration, a tour
of a Red Cross Shelter, the Second Military Medical Brigade from Camp Parks, a presentation by the San Ramon Police canine team, and a display from the National Guard Civil Support Team. There will be a free BBQ lunch, free emergency supply kits for the first 500 guests, and many activities geared toward kids and pet safety. Find more information at www.bereadysrv.org. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District offers free emergency response training to interested community members. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. See their website at www.firedepartment.org and click on “community outreach” for more information and to sign up for classes. Are you CPR-trained? Do you have an iPhone or Android Smartphone? If so, make sure to install the “PulsePoint” mobile app today. The app supports a growing nation-wide service and was developed by our own San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. This app is connected to the 9-1-1 emergency communications center and allows the Fire District to notify you if someone nearby is having a cardiac arrest and may need CPR. It also alerts you to local fire and medical events and traffic accidents so even if you are not trained in CPR, you will find the app useful. Install the free app from your phone’s app store, or read more about it at www.pulsepoint.org.You can also receive SRV Fire alerts into your Twitter feed. Their Twitter account is @srvfpd. During a disaster, for those who are living or working in the San Ramon Valley, turn your AM radio to 1610 for regular updates. This is a radio system used by Danville, San Ramon and the Fire District to provide regularly updated emergency information. The key to surviving any disaster is to be informed and more importantly, be prepared! If you have any issues of concern or questions about Contra Costa County, or would like to sign up for my monthly e-Newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact my staff or me at 925.957.8860, or Dist2@bos.ccccounty.us. We are here to serve you.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 11
Mini-Van Needed
The Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Family Services (BAAYFS) is a residential program providing for teenage girls in Contra Costa and Bay Area communities. BAAYFS was founded in 2001 with the purpose of providing support services and residential care to teenage girls, between the ages of 10 and 17 who have been removed by court action from their biological family due to negligence and/ or physical abuse, violence, and/or substance abuse. Residential and support services (e.g mentorYour MINI-VAN donation will be serving a vital need! Mini-Van Essentials: ing, social work, and counseling) are provided to girls whose family For 10 YEARS now we have ts been Seats 7 or 8 adul successfully achieving our vision is in need of help in order to reunify children with their biological of “instilling a sense of meanin Less than 100,000 g, significance, purpose and vision” with family or with a relative or foster parent. BAAYFS also works with each s mile child we serve. the girls toward independent responsible living in the community. In Good working One of the essential needs we provide is transportation for activiti condition es, apAt this time BAAYFS is looking for a donation of a used mini pointments, school, family visits and Clear title the like. van to be used for transporting the girls to school and to after school activities, as well as to their doctor, therapy, and court appointments. To donate, help, or learn more, visit www.baayfs.org, or call (925) 325-4449 or 925-609-6990.
AAUW Membership Brunch
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Come to the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of American Association of University Women Membership Brunch on Saturday, September 15th, from 9:30AM -12:30PM at Round Hill Country Club located at 3169 Roundhill Road in Alamo. Renew acquaintances, make new friends, sign up for interest groups, donate and purchase used books, meet Tech Trekkers and prospective branch members, and listen to our guest speaker, Alicia Hetman, CAAAUW president. Cost per person is $30 if received before September 10th. For details and reservations, look for the Membership Brunch link at www.aauw-daw.org. For more information, contact Tena Gallagher at (925) 8370826/ membershipvp@aauw-da.org or Liz Williams at (925) 389-0152.
Please join us at a Welcome Coffee on Thursday, September 27th from 10AM to noon. Both those who are new to the area or long time residents will be able to learn about the Club and the many facets of club membership. You can meet members, find new friends, and discover the many activities offered through Newcomers. For information, call (925) 281-1307, email alamodanvillenewcomers@yahoo. com, or visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.
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Town of Danville Presents: Thursdays @ the VT Music Series
Come enjoy a music series at the historic Village Theatre in Downtown Danville on September 20th and October 4th. Each night features incredible regional talent. Drew Harrison’s “In The Spirit of Lennon” will be presented in September, and jazz groove stars “Socket” will perform on October 4th. All tickets are $10 each in advance and $15 at the door. More information can be found at http://www. ci.danville.ca.us/PageLayout/TopBox_3SideBox_Contact.aspx?pageid=1471 or by calling (925) 314-3400. Village Theatre is located at 233 Front Street in Danville. Photoshop, you are aware of how complicated a program it is. If you don’t have Reinventing Education the time to read the entire manual, you can use a service like www.Lynda.com to By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO identify the specific task you want to learn and watch a short video that explains When I was in college I studied the processes how it works. For $25/month you gain access to thousands of instructional and mechanisms by which goods moved through the videos covering 1,430 separate technical and business topics. If you don’t need manufacturing process. I learned how to balance raw that much, just peruse www.YouTube.com and find a video someone has already inputs into a production line to ensure the right stuff got made on the topic you want to learn. You can find almost anything on that site. to the right place, at the right time, so a product could There are many free courses online that have been made available by prestigious be created. Personal computers were still in their infancy, private and public universities. One (www.khanacademy.org) was designed from and we used programs on larger computers running the start to be an internet-only university and has no official “campus.” They offer “MRP” software (Materials Requirements Planning) over 3,000 instructional videos covering a full range of high-school and college-level that helped manage the flow of materials. We also studied Japanese manufacturing curriculum. Many universities including Stanford, MIT, and Harvard offer large methods, because under the tutelage of the great American Edward Deming they parts of their world-class curriculum to the public over the internet, free of charge, had completely revolutionized their means of production in the Post WW2 era. One including streaming recorded lectures and downloadable PDF’s of the course notes. of the concepts that came out of this era was of “Just In Time (JIT)” manufacturing. MIT (http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/) seemed the best organized and easiest to access The JIT concept was pioneered at the Toyota Motor Company, and it of the three. With very little effort I found Stanford engineering curriculum at http:// was the philosophy of having a tightly integrated chain of suppliers in the see.stanford.edu/see/courses.aspx. One of Harvard’s public portals can be accessed manufacturing process for a given product. If everything was working correctly at www.extension.harvard.edu/open-learning-initiative. I found these by typing in and everyone was doing their part, inventory levels at the factory could be the following search: “free <name of the school> courses.” Not too tricky! kept at a minimum, while component parts of the manufacturing process You can get any education you want “Just In Time,” when and where you arrived “just in time” at the point in the process where they were required. need it, and you no longer have to suffer through the expense or the obligation This process dramatically increased the efficiency of the manufacturing line of a semester of coursework to get the kernel of wisdom you’re looking for. and decreased holding costs of expensive and space-consuming raw materials. There’s more coursework available to the prospective student than anyone could Now that you’ve had a lesson in 1970’s Japanese manufacturing philosophy, possibly take advantage of in a lifetime, and it’s just getting better every day. I’ll get to the point of this article. I think education is beginning to adopt this Does it take the place of an instructor and a butt-in-seat education? Not yet. But philosophy, and the internet is the reason why. Let me give you some examples. it fills a huge gap in information delivery and individual enablement. In our profession we are expected to be experts in countless technologies. Unlike If I could wish one thing for you, it would be that you take a moment out of the human body that a doctor must master, the technologies we must master are your busy schedule to think of something you want to learn a bit more about, and constantly evolving. For example, the muscles of the human shoulder haven’t go use one of these resources to expand your horizons or reignite your interest in changed in millennia, but the technology used in computer networking has been some long buried passion. It’s all out there waiting for you. Go take a 30 minute completely revamped over the last two decades. To stay up with the constantly class in a topic you love, and re-light your fire! evolving landscape, we need access to education and peer experiences. The Portable CIO is a local computer consulting firm, specializing in business modern search engines (Bing, Google) have revolutionized our ability to access this technology and medical infrastructure management, and who brings this passion and knowledge to the residential arena. Contact us via phone or email, education. We don’t have to know everything: we just have to know where to look. Advertorial The second example is application specific. If you’ve ever used Adobe helpdesk@theportablecio.com or 925-552-7953.
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Page 12 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Quick Trips
By Linda Summers Pirkle Jack London State Historic Park My husband and I spent about an hour in the very interesting Jack London Museum, located in the Jack London State Historic Park, in Glen Ellen, a twenty minutes drive from Sonoma. We started our tour in the Happy Walls Museum, a lovely two story home designed by Charmian London. It has a collection of photographs and exhibits about the life and adventures of her husband, Jack London, the famous author and adventurer. After exploring the museum, we took the Wolf House trail through redwood trees, manzanita, shrubs and grasses, turned a bend, and there it was - the magnificent Wolf House ruins. The Wolf House is amazing even in its ruined state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a grand and dignified home - our Hearst Castle - had it not burned down. It was built in Craftsman Style, out of redwood and stone. It was large and grand but also very simple in its magnificence,â&#x20AC;? says Michelle Milne, Park Aide and Merchandising Manager at the site. Tragically, on a hot August night in 1913, just days before the Londons were scheduled to move into the Wolf House, it burned down. London vowed he would rebuild, but unfortunately this never happened. The hike to the Wolf house ruins is a 1.2 mile circuit and worth the walk. The Cottage, the principal home for the Londons, is a short trek from the museum. It is a favorite spot of Milneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because it truly reflects Jack London. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if he has just stepped out for a cup of tea; his hat, his gloves, and his desk where he did his work are just as they were when he lived here.â&#x20AC;? It is full of the finds from the Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seven years they spent in the South Seas. Jack London called his ranch the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty Ranch,â&#x20AC;? and it is appropriate. The park is low key and peaceful, a spot you can spend an hour or so but leave time for hiking. I wandered up a trail towards the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pig Palace,â&#x20AC;? Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s piggery he designed and built in 1915. I came upon the beautiful sight of a horse with a bright pink blanket grazing on the grasses with the Mayacamas Mountains in the background. In the summertime it can get very hot, so the best time to go is when they open at 10AM. Springtime is a nice time to visit with the many wildflowers in bloom. Docent led tours are available for groups on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. They offer four different types of tours - call for more information. Advance reservations are required. Only twenty minutes away is the town of Sonoma, with many restaurants and nice shops. My favorite restaurant is The Girl and the Fig - best burgers ever! La Salette, a Portuguese restaurant, is also nice. For good coffee and baked goods, try Basque bakery. All of these and more are located on the town square of Sonoma. The Jack London Historic State park ADDITIONAL is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesdays (and major holidays) from 9:30AM to 5PM. The museum in the House of Happy Walls is open from 10AM to 5PM. The Cottage is open from noon to 4PM on weekend days. The address is 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, California 95442, and they can be reached at (707) 938-5216 on all Telescope or at www.jacklondonpark.com. Furniture Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consulGood thru 9/30/12 tant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for +HU]PSSL groups or for friends and family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it's a *HTPUV ;HZZHQHYH trip for my husband and me, my husband drives and I talk (heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a captive audience) - the perfect combination! What a great (SHTV place to live, so much to see, so much to Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 +HU]PSSL )V\SL]HYK do.â&#x20AC;? To share your â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quick Tripsâ&#x20AC;? ideas, :\UKH` [V Â&#x2039; *SVZLK 4VUKH` email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 13
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Page 14 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Solar Currents 6,616 and Counting By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar Lest we forget: there’s a war going on, and it’s in Afghanistan. What does this have to do with solar or energy matters? We’ll get to that. America is losing, on average, one Marine, airman, soldier, or sailor per day. It’s upsetting that during election time it seems the politicians aren’t even acknowledging the war. Perhaps it’s convenient and easy to ignore the war and its challenges unless political gain can be achieved. The lesson from the Vietnam War, which took America many years to learn, was to never forget those who served. “Support Our Troops” should run deeper than a bumper sticker. Last month I mentioned I’d continue the discussion on how to achieve the highest level of success in any contracting project. Remember to perform a contractor insurance and license check at www.cslb.ca.gov. Also, check the contractor’s record at the Better Business Bureau; a references check is of the greatest importance. After deciding on a contractor, a DETAILED contract with all the necessary verbiage as outlined on the CSLB website will be the only reference needed should scope of work or pricing disagreements arise between you and the contractor. The U.S. Constitution requires the Armed Forces of the United States of America to follow the orders of our elected civilian leadership. The military leadership has a responsibility to its members to minimize loss of life while accomplishing the assigned mission. On strategic levels and tactical levels, the Pentagon has prioritized finding alternative sources of energy; the military has recognized that long-term reliance on fossil fuels is a security threat to its members and our nation. Many in our elected civilian leadership are trying to put a stop to this forward vision of the Pentagon. Coal state Democrats and oil state Republicans are equally responsible. In this election year, the loss of American jobs is politically more important than the loss of American lives. California Senate Bill 843 proposes that California consumers can buy a portion of a solar energy system and be credited their portion of the savings to their own electric costs. SB 843 will be advantageous to urban consumers who don’t have the opportunity to benefit from their own solar system. Per-
www.yourmonthlypaper.com haps suburbanites can also benefit; if a neighbor has some land they would like to dedicate to a solar array, multiple investors can share in the savings. At forward operating bases in Afghanistan, it’s encouraging to be able to say that solar energy is playing a part in protecting and saving the lives our servicemen. The concept is a very simple one: Production of one’s own energy reduces the reliance of others to provide it. In PG&E territory, this saves the homeowner or business owner money. In Afghanistan, this principle saves service members’ lives. The facts: Tanker truck convoys ship the fuel required to supply forward bases. One out of every 24 convoy resupply missions is attacked by the enemy, and in half of those attacks a casualty results. Many forward operating bases in Afghanistan now generate a significant amount of power with solar energy. Fewer tanker convoys mean fewer posthumous purple hearts. In America, greater energy independence achieved through a combination of domestic sources (oil, natural gas and renewables) will improve our national security. PG&E Business Electric Rates: Come November, all PG&E commercial electric rates will change to a “time of use” rate. If your business is utilizing most of its power during the day, and consumes more electricity in the summer months than in the winter months, this will probably result in higher monthly electric costs for your business. PG&E hopes to achieve electric usage reductions by making usage more expensive during the peak hours. If the business has a solar array, all electricity generated during these times and sent back to the grid will be credited at bonus rates. Forward Thinking: Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. Military has been on the “progressive side” of many social issues. Women officers were promoted and put in leadership positions much sooner than were their private sector counterparts. The military racially integrated its ranks before America became desegregated. Recently an Army General had her new rank “pinned on” by her same sex spouse. The Pentagon is now taking the lead on alternative energy deployment for national security reasons. As one drives along Highway 24, a stark visual reminder of our recent war losses looms on the northern hillside, 6,616 and counting. Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm. Mark can be reached at 925.915.9252. Come visit GoSimpleSolar’s new showroom at 114 West Prospect Ave. in Danville to see, touch, and discuss solar and energy efficiency products. For more details, see www.GoSimpleSolar.com or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com. Advertorial
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 15
Life in the Danville Garden California Casual! By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect Over the past 20 years, the introduction of drought tolerant, Mediterranean-based plant material has infiltrated the main-stream landscape design styles. The days of junipers, oleanders, Monterey pines, ivy, and oh yes, agapanthus are long gone. When I interview my clients one of the questions I ask is, “What plants do you absolutely hate?” The above list always contains the unmentionable plants of the 60’s drought genre. With California’s sensitive water issues, our firm has always integrated water conserving measures into our design styles as a general practice. As a result of this approach, our landscapes are being planted with a much more diverse plant palette. Nursery growers are cultivating a broader spectrum of plant species as well as sub-species and cultivars. What that means in common terms is we have a better selection of plants to be creative with. These new selections are not only showing up in boutique nurseries like Orchard Nursery in Lafayette, but they are also showing up at warehouse stores. The result is a landscape style that I call “California Casual” which enhances the home environment with color, texture, and fragrance. The overall look is a mix of mildly manicured plants and structure in the background, an open sprawling look in the foreground, and interesting focal points for directed interest. “California Casual” is a much more relaxed landscape style in comparison to the landscapes of the East Coast, Europe, and landscapes of the 50’s and 60’s. While looking beautiful they conserve our precious water resources. Background planting is so important because it is what shows off the color, texture, and focal interest. Some good water conserving examples of background plantings are Abelia x grandiflora ‘Sherwoodii,’ Choisya ternata ‘Aztec Beauty’ – Mexican Orange, and Rhamnus californica ‘Mound San Bruno’- Coffeeberry to name a few. Creating a focal point of interest is very important to creating landscape style. You’ve seen those landscapes that you can’t put your finger on why you don’t quite like it. Well it’s because what you are seeing is a mix of one of these, and one of those, and two of these, and three of those. Everything is homogeneous...boring! Create a focal point by bringing your attention to a beautiful multi-trunk tree like Olea europa ‘Swan Hill’ – fruitless olive, Vitex agnus-castus – Chaste Tree, Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ – Ninebark, a gloriously blooming shrub, or a change of texture. You don’t need just one focal point, turn a corner and there, another surprise! Make it fun! What really brings the “California Casual” style together is the color, texture, and fragrance. Use lots of perennials for color, grasses for texture, and shrubs and vines for smelly stuff. Lavender, catmint, germander, hardy geraniums, hellebores, and day lilies add vivid color in an open-sprawling manner when set off by that structured background. Ornamental grasses can add the dramatic texture that will set any landscape apart from the homogeneous one. With a wide selection of Phormiums – New Zealand flax, Carex - sedge, Festuca - fescues, Iris and sub-tropical grasses like Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum Dwarf’ – red fountain grass, a planting design can have drama from spring to late winter with arching blades in various color schemes to whimsical movement of the seed heads. Bring on the fragrance - daphne, lilac, gardenia, Mexican orange, citrus, lavender, and jasmine can delight your senses from winter to fall. Fragrance adds pleasure to your landscape experience. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Deadhead (clip off the dying flowers) as the blooms begin to fade to encourage plants to produce more flowers. Also, tell your gardener to leave the power hedge trimmers at home. A “California Casual” landscape requires less watering, pruning,
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fertilizing, and spraying thus lowering operating costs and use of resources. Gardening Quote of the Month: “If a person cannot love a plant after he has pruned it, then he has either done a poor job or is devoid of emotion.” ~ Liberty Hyde Bailey If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial
Page 16 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
The Incense-Cedar By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb The incense-cedar graces many Bay Area gardens with its shade, beauty, and intriguing fragrance. Calocedrus decurrens, its Latin name, means beautiful cedar. The striking contrast between the vibrant greens of its leaves and the trunk’s rich reds creates a pleasing aesthetic further enhanced by the relaxed elegance of the weeping foliage. The beauty of this tree is not confined to the realm of the visual. The incense-cedar gives off a distinctive fragrance that fills the air with a pungent aroma strongly reminiscent of grade-school classrooms and the unforgettable smell of the pencil sharpener. In my youth, and still largely today, pencils were made from the soft, and distinctively fragrant wood of Calocedrus decurrens. The incense-cedar is not a true cedar (thus the hyphen). The so-called “true cedars” are native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas, and are members of the genus Cedrus. These include the majestic Deodora and Atlas cedars, as well as the famous Cedar of Lebanon. The incense-cedar, which may live a thousand years and attain a height of 150 feet, is a true California native. It evolved in North America, and its current range extends from the Cascade Mountains in northern Oregon, through the Sierra Nevadas, down to the Sierra San Pedro Matir of Baja California. Throughout its range it has been important in the lives of Native Americans. The Klamath tribe of Oregon wove its bark into baskets. The California Paiutes made infusions of its leaves for colds. The Round Valley tribe of Mendocino Country used leaflets as flavoring when leaching acorn meal. This species has provided Native Americans with food, shelter, clothing, and music. The incense-cedar’s natural resistance to rot made it very useful both in antiquity and in modern times. Homebuilders use it for siding, decking, moulding, and interior paneling. Landscapers use its chips and bark for mulch. Its wood is made into furniture, shingles, and railway ties. Sawdust and wood scraps help fuel cogeneration of electricity. The softness of the wood and its resistance to splintering make the incense-cedar
Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
Are plants actually social beings? Although being rooted in place makes getting together more difficult, given enough time and freedom to connect they readily lean toward one another intertwining tendrils and clasping branches. The most exuberant plant hugger in my yard came to me as a friendship specimen from Jan Hamby’s glorious garden. One of about 400 South American species sharing the genus name Passiflora, my Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) enthusiastically embraces its neighbors adorning their foliage with its own exotic three-inch blooms throughout the summer. In its native rain forest it blooms year round. Here in Danville it is cold tolerant, but a bit ragged in winter. That makes pruning the vine back into its proper personal space easy. One resource describes the flowers as so otherworldly they seem synthetic. Inside the circle of ten alabaster petals is a delicate corona of radiant filaments with amethyst centers turning to pearl and finishing in sapphire at their outer edges. Even the five stamens and three prominent stigmas are colorful. The flowers each remain open for a single day. After reading about a method for preserving them, I experimented. I cut four blooms before they began closing for the night, put the floral stems in a shallow dish of water and refrigerated them. All remained open, but one lasted only part way through the day. Another went by the following day. Two continued to put on a show for three days. I did bring them out into the daylight each day to enjoy their display. The small egg-shaped fruits are filled with seed. Some of my Blue Passion Flower’s relatives, however, bear delectable fruits used in South America to make juice and desserts. I am eager to taste passion fruit mousse! The common name has nothing to do with my passion for the jewel-like blossoms, nor the plant’s propensity to love its neighbors. Spanish Christian missionaries encountering Passion Flowers for the first time thought nature had given them the perfect visual means for communicating the crucifixion story to the native people. Each portion of the vine told its part. The ten
www.yourmonthlypaper.com ideal for encasing pencil lead. However, these qualities also make the wood fragile and brittle, and potentially somewhat problematic as an urban landscape tree. When it grows as one trunk from a thick base to a single pyramid-shaped crown, the incensecedar is relatively stable; it requires little work other than the periodic removal of deadwood. But if the trunk of the tree divides into multiple columns, or has large branches which turn up and rise parallel to the trunk, the tree has structural problems that make it vulnerable to column failure. After some recent winter storms, Brende & Lamb looked at many incense-cedars that had shed branches and sometimes entire columns. Most of the failed trees suffered from a malady of tree anatomy called included bark. This structural defect occurs when the bark at the crotch folds inward, and interrupts the continuity of the fibers supporting the columns. Good pruning can ameliorate many structural problems. Co-dominant stems (more than one column of roughly the same diameter) are more likely to fail than trees with a single leading column. Sometimes reducing one of the competing leaders can minimize the hazard. If column removal is not advisable for aesthetic or functional reasons, it is often possible to cable the multiple stems together. However, individual trees are so unstable that removal is the safest alternative. Whatever you do, do not top these trees. Topping a cedar will eventually produce many unstable columns multiplying the risk and, ultimately, the expense of keeping the tree. Preventative medicine is almost always less expensive and more effective than later surgery. If you plant an incense-cedar, choose nursery stock with only one trunk and no crotches with included bark. Remember that a seedling cedar can grow to over a hundred feet and that tall trees may cause view concerns for yourself and your neighbors. Calocedrus has graced the California landscape for almost 200 million years. With a little forethought and good pruning, it can continue to bless Bay Area gardens with the subtle fragrance of childhood. It takes a little effort to live at peace with this large California native, but its bounty of colors, shapes, and scents make that effort worthwhile. If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www. brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial petals represented the ten apostles who remained faithful. The corolla was reminiscent of the crown of thorns. The five-fingered leaves depicted the hands of the persecutors. Somewhat less demonstrative of its affection for its garden companions, Skyflower, Duranta erecta, tends to give them a friendly tap on the shoulder or wave floral wands before them to get their attention. The somewhat unruly behavior of this shrub is easily forgiven when it’s in full flower. I have a cultivar called ‘Sweet Memories’ bought as a part of a farewell gift from my Pennsylvania tennis group. In its warmer native habitats – the West Indies, Central and South America – this shrub will bloom almost year round. I bought it as a late-summer flowering specimen, but this year it began blooming in late spring. It is a bit cold sensitive, so despite the cautionary advice on exuberant growth rate I first read, there’s no need as I did initially to confine it to a pot. When it gets tired and stressed in winter, keep your twitchy clipping fingers under control. This year’s burst of incredible beauty, I believe, is the result of waiting to prune dead tips until warm enough weather arrived for new growth to thrive. White scallop edging accents the delicate violet flowers. Mine has never fruited (blame the cold), but other names for this species are Golden Dewdrop and Pigeon Berry. In the right climate, this shrub sports ornamental golden orange berries attractive to songbirds. I’m not sorry to be missing out on the additional display. The fruits are toxic to humans and pets. The genus is named after the Italian physician, botanist, and poet Castor Durantes. Born in 1529, Durantes completed his medical education in Perugia before moving to Rome. His Herbarium novo, published in 1585, describes the medicinal properties of plants from the East and West Indies as well as Europe. The following year, he published another tome containing folk remedies and dietary advice. Neither of the above socially inclined specimens is suitable for the kind of garden where discipline in etiquette is taught with hedge shears on a regular basis. Formal gardens favor upright posture and impeccable grooming. In the kind of casual everyday landscape I favor, I encourage plants to get acquainted with one another. The blurring of distinctions and intertwining of desirable attributes stimulates my senses and soothes my soul.
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Why Women Need to Take Their Finances Seriously By Sima Alefi, AAMS Financial Advisor, Edward Jones As a woman, you may be too busy working, taking care of the kids, taking care of your families, taking care of the chores around the house, and worrying about much more. Have you ever stopped to think about your financial future? As life progresses, who will take care of you when you become elderly? How much income will you need upon retirement to live comfortably and enjoy the next stage of your life? What tax bracket will you be in when you retire? Will the income you receive after you pay taxes be sufficient? Will Social Security be there to meet your income needs? Here are some statistical facts to think about: • Nearly one third of women will live into their 90’s, according to Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. • On average, (boomer)women will be widowed at age 67, according to author, Marti Barletta, Marketing to Women 2nd Edition 2006. • When a woman is widowed, her income decreases by 50% on average, but her expenses decrease by only 20%, a study done by The Hartford, Why Women Worry in 2007. • 60% of family caregivers are women who leave their paid labor force for 14 years on average to raise families and tend to ill friends and family members, according to author, Molley Prues, Caring for Caregivers. • 25% of those ages 45 and older are sandwiched (Simultaneously caring for aging parents and their own children). “The majority of the care giving falls to women,” according to an article, The Sandwich Generation: The Hartford’s Global Research Finds Many Baby Boomers Squeezed-Reuters, April 7,2008. Here are some steps that you can take to help you save for your financial future: Pay Yourself First - My theory is if you don’t pay your water bill, you won’t have water in your home. If you don’t pay your retirement bill, you will
Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 17 not have a retirement to enjoy! When you pay yourself first, you are preparing yourself for financial security. Have a Budget - Over spending can cause restitution. You don’t want to over spend now and have to go back and double up on your savings later in life. You don’t want to face difficult and challenging financial times when you are older. Taxes - Speak to your tax consultant and financial advisor about ways to save in a tax deferred/tax efficient manner. Keep more of what you save. The power of compounding and tax savings can go along way. Have Open Communication with Your Spouse/Partner - Many women rely on their spouses to take care of the finances. What if he doesn’t wake up one day, and you don’t know what he has done to plan for your financial security? I encourage you to sit down and have a open dialogue with your spouse about the household budget, your retirement goals, and college education funding for your children or grandchildren. Do you have a living trust in place, and do you have enough insurance in place to replace the income you would lose? What kind of investments do you have in your portfolio, and how have they performed in the last three, five and ten years? Do you understand the fee structure? Do you feel comfortable asking your financial advisor questions? Are you getting the right answers? Both you and your spouse will feel assured that you both are striving together toward a successful future. Buy and Hold, Don’t Buy and Ignore - In todays economic times, it is crucial that you review your plan and investments at least once a year. In my practice, I strive to ensure my clients are receiving at minimum six months reviews. This is important due to the inevitable changes that can happen in life. Some key questions to keep in mind when I perform my routine semi annual check ups with my clients are: Has the purpose of the funds or time horizon changed? Has their risk tolerance changed? Are the portfolio allocations and objectives appropriate for this client? By taking the right steps, you can de-stress your self and look forward to a fruitful and thriving years ahead. A serious financial review can uncover your needs! To contact Sima at Edward Jones call (925) 648-2590. Her office is located at 3472 Camino Tassajara, Danville in the Blackhawk Safeway Shopping Advertorial Center. For more information visit www.edwardjones.com.
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Page 18 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Protecting a Child’s Inheritance By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law People spend a considerable amount of time thinking (and stressing) about how to best protect their minor children - from themselves and others. Of course, neither the protection instinct nor the need goes away when a child reaches 18. Prudent parents of minors and/or young adults ask themselves, or are asked by their estate planning attorney, when and how they want their children to inherit their assets. If any children are then minors or young adults, the parents face the disturbing, yet important, hypothetical question – “What would happen if we died prematurely?” Depending on many personal and familial factors, many related questions may be asked, but these are among the most common: i) what is an appropriate age, or ages, to distribute assets to a child: ii) what might happen if the child marries, and then divorces; iii) and how might the inheritance be vulnerable to the child’s creditors. The first question - an appropriate asset distribution age - has no “one size fits all” answer. When children are very young, and even during and after adolescence, parents can’t be sure how responsible and financially capable their children will be as young adults. In my experience, the most common reaction to an appropriate age for outright inheritance (i.e. “no strings attached”) is 21 or 25. Gut instinct should not be ignored; however, parents might want to factor into their decision recent research about “emerging adulthood” (roughly between the ages of 18-29) and how the brain develops. A number of scientists have concluded that until the late 20’s, young adults tend to be biologically more predisposed to instability, which can manifest itself in a number of potentially harmful ways [see the August 21st Wall Street Journal article, entitled “Delayed Development: 20-Somethings Blame the Brain”]. Given the foregoing, and to be safer and more conservative, it’s rational to gravitate toward waiting until a child is a bit older to distribute substantial amounts of principal. If a trust is structured properly, it usually provides that a young adult is to receive as much income and principal as necessary to cover the child’s basic needs – without necessarily distributing any additional principal outright until the child reaches an age(s) at which he or she is anticipated to be able to manage it properly.
Glean continued from front page issue of hunger in America. The framework is designed to lower the barriers to entry and enable many communities to harvest backyard fruit for donation,” says Sioshansi. The project welcomes individual volunteers. “Last year when my parents came to visit us, my sister and I organized our families, nine of us, to help The Urban Farmers harvest pears,” says Danville resident Colette Kuhnsman. “It was a fun outing with three generations of gleaners in one spot.” The strength of the project is in its support for self-organizing teams from a variety of organizations. Any group such as students, members of garden clubs, civic organizations, local charities, houses of worship, scouts, or local businesses looking to serve the community can organize a harvest. “When working with groups, we provide the ‘common resources’ that any backyard harvest team needs, such as a truck, ladders, harvest equipment, registration software and, most importantly, the insurance coverage. In turn, each team provides the ‘community resources’ such as volunteers to work and an outreach effort to identify fruit trees to harvest,” says Jeffrey Goodfriend, a member of the Urban Farmers board of directors. Local community groups extend the reach of the project and amount of food that can be harvested. Cindy Egan, one of the founders of Sustainable Danville Area, has partnered with The Urban Farmers and has already helped organize two harvests in Danville and Alamo. “It bothers me to see fresh fruit go to waste, but without the infrastructure that The Urban Farmers shares, we could not justify setting up a backyard harvest project for our town,” she says. She is also working to secure a gleaning shed, where self-harvesting homeowners can deposit their fresh fruit for pick up by The Urban Farmers. Aleenah Mehta, a recent Saint Mary’s College graduate, says, “The model is working. For example, in the past three weekends we have harvested 938, 790 and 630 pounds of fruit respectively, working only four hours per shift. Our average operating cost of ‘producing’ and delivering this food is around 12 cents per pound.” Mehta helped develop the framework and continues to help with the project. There are many organizations that are helping The Urban Farmers achieve its goal. “We are fortunate that one of the most efficient and respected backyard harvest operations in the country is in San Jose. Craig Diserens, the founder of
www.yourmonthlypaper.com Another sensible precaution is to provide for multiple distributions, so that a certain percentage is distributed outright upon the child reaching a particular age, with the remaining principal to be distributed at one or more later ages. Thus, if the child happens to mishandle the inherited funds after receiving the first distribution, he has a chance to mature and get it right before receiving the next distribution. With divorce rates high, many people are concerned about the possibility that their child might inherit assets, commingle the assets with the child’s spouse (the potential in-law, or sometimes facetiously referred to as the “outlaw”!), get divorced, and lose half or more of the inherited assets in the divorce. How does a parent help a child avoid that predicament? A similar question arises in connection with a child’s potential creditors. For example, a child may be in an accident or failed business transaction that results in a creditor obtaining a large judgment against him. In such an event, most parents would prefer to shelter the child’s inheritance from that creditor, if possible. A number of alternatives should be explored. One that has become more and more popular in recent years is to create a trust under which the child’s inheritance is never distributed outright, but rather kept in trust for the child’s entire lifetime. Distribution by the trustee - the “manager” of the trust (who can even ultimately become the child herself) for the child’s needs is usually permitted. Most importantly, whatever amounts are not distributed to the child for such needs generally remain well protected from a child’s creditors (and spouse) inside the trust. Another option in terms of “outlaw” protection is to include a specific trust provision, stating that it’s the parent’s strong desire that the inheriting child (and/ or any other loved one inheriting from the trust) keep any and all inheritance distributions in a separate property account (i.e. not titled jointly with the child’s spouse). Without handcuffing the child, he or she is empowered to withstand possible spousal pressure by insisting on keeping these inherited assets segregated to honor his or parents’ express wishes. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@ sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business. Mr. Silverman offers a free introductory consultation. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein. Advertorial
Village Harvest, has helped us streamline our plans and operations. Currently, the number one area of improvement for our project is to increase fruit tree registration density,” Sioshansi says. “It’s easy to see that when we have a lot of trees in close proximity to each other, we can ‘produce’ more goods in less time and less cost.” In addition to providing fresh fruit to local hunger relief agencies, The Urban Farmers organizes a group purchase of antique, heirloom fruit trees each fall. Seven hundred and fifty fruit trees have been planted in the past three years. The organization also provides hands-on workshops to help homeowners succeed in growing local fruit. “Planting fruit trees is good for people and the planet,” Urban Farmers co-founder Cameron Sioshansi points out. “It provides homeowners with zero-mile food, a tool to teach children where food comes from, and many environmental benefits including carbon sequestration.” This is a full circle project: Share what you can, and plant trees so there will be fruit to share in the future. So how can you get involved? Residents can register a backyard fruit tree by visiting The Urban Farmers’ website (www.theurbanfarmers.org) and clicking the registration button on the front page. The process is quick and simple. Of course, no harvest can be complete without the help of volunteers. Individuals and groups can register via the webpage to join in on a harvest. Want friends to get involved? Use the “tell a friend” button on the front page of the website. Downloadable black-and-white flyers can also be printed and dropped off to neighbors, and color PDF files are available to e-mail. You can keep up to date with the organization’s developments by “liking” The Urban Farmers Facebook page. The Urban Farmers can also be reached via telephone at (415) 806-7005. Cindy Egan, SDA Fruit Gleaning Leader
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Vanity For Charity By Dr. Jerome Potozkin When I was a child my parents, who are now retired school teachers, ran a summer camp for inner city kids from New York. I learned invaluable lessons about life at that camp where we spent our summers. Most of the kids were from poor single parent family homes who could not afford to go to summer camp. Children of all ethnic backgrounds attended what was basically a “color blind” environment. That is where I learned some great lessons that are not taught in school. I learned to treat all people with respect, and that in life we actually get more out of giving to others than receiving from others. The Taylor Family Foundation sponsors summer camps at Camp Arroyo for children with chronic and life threatening illness. For many of these children it is their only opportunity in life to feel like a “normal kid” as they share their summer experience with other children just like them. They don’t have to worry about “being different” or “weird” compared to other kids.
Mommy Makeover By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. As a mother of three and a Plastic Surgeon, I am acutely sensitive to how pregnancy effects our bodies. The experience of having three children has given me a unique perspective regarding how we view ourselves as women and mothers. I understand what it is to be a busy mother and what it is to want my body to look and feel like it did before I had children. I understand the work of trying diet and exercise and the limitations of the abdominal muscles that are simply in need of a little work that even a million sit-ups will not provide. A Mommy Makeover surgery at Persons Plastic Surgery takes place at our certified surgery center, the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Center in Lafayette, over the course of a morning or afternoon. It is performed under a light sleep anesthesia. After surgery, you will be able to go home or to a recovery suite in town with a private nurse. A patient is required to take two weeks off from work and other duties in order to recover. I stay in close contact with each patient. A Mommy Makeover is not just one procedure, but it’s a combination of individualized procedures (outlined below) that lift, tighten, and shape your body to help reverse the rapid changes that occur during and following pregnancy and breast feeding.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift) and Augmentation Breast surgery can be considered as early as six months following the completion of breast feeding. A mastopexy, or breast lift, restores the shape of the breast and also the size and location of the nipple. Although a breast lift without implant may be just right for many women, some women may want a mastopexy augmentation for additional size and projection. The augmentation can be achieved with a silicone or saline implant, or with autologous fat grafting.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) An abdominoplasty, commonly called a “tummy tuck,” is a plastic surgery procedure which flattens the abdomen by tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall, and it involves removing excess skin, fat, and stretch marks. The abdomen tends to take on a rounded appearance as we age, as our weight fluctuates, and after such events as childbirth. The muscle and tissues of the abdomen are weakened, and the skin becomes stretched, so no amount of sit-ups or leg raises can remove this shape. A Tummy Tuck can re-contour and reposition these tissues with the added benefit of removing any pre-existing scars from the lower abdomen.
Reshaping of Buttocks and Flanks (Vaser, Laser and Traditional Liposuction) A trained plastic surgeon with the right tools is able to use liposuction techniques to alter the shape of the body through
Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 19 The experience they have is priceless. The Taylor Family Foundation has a dramatic impact on these kids and their families. This year I have chosen the Taylor Family Foundation as my “Vanity for Charity” recipient. After hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans we held our first Vanity for Charity Event in which we had a day dedicated to cosmetic treatments such as Botox, Dysport, as well as injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. All the revenue (not a percentage of revenue) went to help the victims of Katrina. Through the participation and generosity of our patients, we were able to raise over $18,000. We have hosted other events since then and hope to raise money for the Taylor Family Foundation and have our total contributions of our events to exceed $100,000. Please join us on Thursday, September 27th when we will donate all revenue from our cosmetic injectables to the Taylor Family Foundation. This will give you the unique opportunity to help others while doing something for yourself. Please call us today at (925) 838-4900 to schedule your treatment. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the Danville community since 1993. He is accepting new patients at (925) 838-4900. You Advertorial may also visit his website at Potozkin.com for more information. the removal and transfer of fat. An alternative to traditional liposuction, Vaser Liposuction uses advanced ultrasound technology designed to gently reshape the body. Sound energy is transmitted through small probes that diffuse the ultrasound waves and liquefy the fat for easy removal. I combine Vaser Liposuction with Laser Liposuction to achieve a result which is natural appearing and with less skin laxity. One more thing…the natural childbirth experience or just genetics can weaken and alter the shape and aesthetics of the female pelvic floor. When these structures are weakened vaginal rejuvenation surgery is an option. This can be used to improve the aesthetic appearance of the labia and can also rejuvenate to improve sexual function. There is also a G spot shot and a C spot shot of natural filler. These are the not often talked about, but they are highly satisfying procedures. Motherhood is wonderful and my children are the joy of my life. I am passionate about helping my patients achieve realistic goals through plastic surgery. My patients tell me every day that they are thankful for the changes we accomplished together. They tell me they wish they had done it sooner. I would be happy to consult with you about your desires and goals concerning the rejuvenation of your body. Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@ personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
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Page 20 - September 2012 ~ Danville Today News
Learn, Listen, Act.... For Women By Gigi Chen, MD September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer reminds everyone that it is important to LEARN about risk factors and symptoms of gynecologic cancers, LISTEN to your body for symptoms, andACT to reduce your risk and take preventive steps. Steady medical progress has been made in the field of gynecologic cancers. Of particular promise is better understanding of the risks, symptoms, and prevention of the three most prevalent gynecologic cancers: cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer. Cervical cancer is preventable and most often caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Most often there are no symptoms. Watch for bleeding after intercourse or excessive discharge or bleeding between periods. It is recommended to get vaccinated for the HPV virus before you become sexually active, to get pap tests regularly when recommended, and stop smoking. Uterine/Endometrial Cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. It usually occurs around the time of menopause, but younger women are also at risk. The pap test does not screen for uterine cancer, so knowing one’s family history of endometrial or colon cancer is important information to share with your primary care physician. The use of estrogen alone or tamoxifen have proven to be possible risk factors as well. Listen to your body for these symptoms: bleeding after menopause and abnormal, irregular, or very heavy vaginal bleeding in younger women. If you have these symptoms, you should receive an endometrial biopsy. You can also reduce your risk by managing your weight and keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control. One in 71 women will develop ovarian cancer. There is no screening for ovarian cancer, and only 15% are detected at the earliest most curable stage. Knowing one’s family history of ovarian and breast cancer is important. Infertility and not bearing children are risk factors while pregnancy and the use of birth control pills decrease risk. If you have bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, urinary urgency or frequency symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks, and they are persistent and unusual for you, it is important to report these symptoms to your primary care physician. Help the women in your life understand and reduce the risks for these cancers. It is through symptom recognition that the earliest possible diagnosis can be made. Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. Dr. Chen focuses on treating patients with gynecologic cancer, lung cancers, and blood disorders. Diablo Valley Oncology’s comprehensive cancer center is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call (925) 677-5041. Advertorial
Youth Injury Trends By Jeffrey Johnson, D.C. Every Monday at my clinic at least a few of my patients will politely ask me what I did over the weekend. For some reason, the first one who asks always seems to catch me off guard. Most of the time, it’ll take me a few moments to even recall what I did. Like many of you with young kids, my wife and I spend most of our time franticly racing our kids from one sporting event to another. By Monday the weekend is simply a blurry memory! Our children are very fortunate to live in a community where so many sports are available. Gone are the days when they have to wait for a season to play a sport. Now, children can join a club team where they’ll receive a high level of coaching and can play the sport year ‘round if they choose. I have no doubt that the increase in youth sports injuries is due to the participation in year round sports and the frequent overlapping of one sport with another. Today, like never before, children are using their bodies’ in highly refined and repetitive ways without the benefit of appropriate rest and downtime between sports. It used to be that most sports injuries resulted from trauma that led to an injury of a joint complex or ligamentous structure, like an ankle sprain/strain. While this type of injury is still common, what I am seeing more frequently in my clinic are injuries secondary to OVERUSE. Swimmer’s shoulder, pitcher’s shoulder/ elbow, IT band syndrome, runner’s knee, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis used to be injuries found in some high school athletes, but mostly they occurred in college and older athletes. Now, I frequently treat middle school aged kids for these injuries, and the phone continues to ring more and more often. What seems to be common in most of these cases is the fact that kids are playing multiple sports at one time and/or they are playing the same sport, year
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Please join our staff on September 22nd from 9:30-11:30AM to learn about a simple, safe, and effective 14-day detoxification program. Get back in shape this fall after all those summer barbecues! Detoxification is the most exciting tool in natural medicine for its simplicity, low cost, and superior therapeutic results. It’s actually fun and you feel the results almost immediately on this 14-day easy-to-follow program. A carefully planned detoxification program can offer you more energy, softer hair, improved mood, allergic relief, better focus, weight loss, more creativity, more productivity, clear skin and eyes. The following symptoms may be relieved by following a detoxificaiton program: digestive problems, headaches, pallor, general malaise, skin rashes, irritability, joint pain, bad breath, and fatigue. Please join us on September 22nd from 9:30-11:30AM to learn why regular detoxification is important, how to detoxify safely, and to get started on the 14-Day Detox Program! Samples will be provided. Please call Nancy at 925-788-6358 with questions and to register. round. As a result, their muscles and connective tissue (fascia) are being overused and stressed in a manner that exceeds the healing capacity of their bodies’. What compounds the problem is the fact that most coaches, parents, and kids have little to no understanding of the importance of proper stretching and mobilization of their soft tissues. Nor do they feel they have the time to spend on it, when they’re already pressed to get through their skill development drills and practice plays in a limited amount of time. All of this seems to be adding up to the perfect storm. Now, with all of these great sporting options, it’s just too easy to overschedule our kids. It’s also too easy to leave out the necessary rest and supportive stretches and exercises that would actually prevent these painful, debilitating overuse injuries from occurring. Efficient muscles have the ability to fully contract and fully relax, repetitively, over and over again. When muscles are overused they typically become shorter and tighter. This decreases the efficiency of the muscle and leads to a loss of mobility, weakness, and pain in most cases. It also increases the likelihood of a compromise to the joint complex that the muscle is supposed to be moving and stabilizing. Muscles in this situation are also primed to be strained as they are more likely to be overloaded, leading to a tearing of muscle fibers and the resultant development of scar tissue. As this cycle repeats itself, over and over, the injury spreads undetected until enough of the muscle has been affected. Failure of muscle tissue leads to pain, inflammation, weakness, loss of mobility, and ultimately a bummed out kid in my office. Over the next few months I plan to provide you with an in-depth look at proper prevention and treatment of the most common sports injuries affecting the youth of our community. Year round sports are here to stay. It’s time to get into the game and prepare your children accordingly. For more information, go to www.movepastyourpain.com, visit us on Facebook, or contact Dr. Johnson at Johnson Chiropractic Group, 115 Town & Country Dr., Suite E in Danville. 925.743.8210. Advertorial
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Your Personal Nutritionist By Linda Michaelis, RD. MS. Simply Lowering High Blood Pressure Lately I am seeing clients that wish to get off of their blood pressure medication because of side effects. Many feel that they have to resort to eating a bland diet. I am thrilled to be able to show them that dining can be enjoyable, especially when they are well educated. Let me tell you about my client John and his wife Adelle who were referred by a local physician.The doctor was inclined to increase John’s medication because his blood pressure numbers were not in the normal range but said, “If you see Linda, we’ll wait two months (before starting medication).” John and Adelle are retired, and their kids have moved out. Adelle wanted a break from cooking, and they felt that this was finally the time to enjoy more restaurants and travel but John expressed some nervousness in going to restaurants because of a realistic fear the food could raise his blood pressure. After seeing John’s food diary, I decided our basic strategy was to limit his salt intake to 2,000mg of sodium per day which is equal to a teaspoon of salt. I saw that his choice of foods – breads, bacon, soups, chips, deli meats - included heavy doses of salt, so we first focused on how to read food labels, pointing out that in spite of claims on packages, a low sodium product is 140mg per serving. As I always do in my counseling, I strive to take what my clients enjoy and set up plans based on favorite foods. I introduced John to breakfast options that have no salt such as oatmeal or even a slice of salt-free bread with unsalted almond or peanut butter. I also recommended that John enjoy an omelet made with unsalted butter, Swiss cheese (that is naturally low in salt at 60mg/slice), spinach and mushrooms, along with fresh salsa that has very little salt. I also introduced him to Kashi Go Lean cereal as the best cold cereal with 80mg of sodium per cup. I told Adelle that although I appreciate her desire to go out, there is a short list of foods that must be prepared at home to avoid salt traps. The foods to prepare at home include homemade soups (where you can easily can substitute wonderful fresh herbs and spices for salt), baked turkey breast, chicken with BBQ sauce, vinaigrette salad dressings, and marinara and cheese sauces that John loves. I introduced Adelle to salt free chicken stock as well as vinegars
Read continued from front page Waiting outside while the sessions are in progress, parents praise the program. Jan’s son Lucas is a regular attendee. Jan believes Paws to Read is responsible for the way “reading really clicked for him” last year. Kaitlyn and Lauryn are back for a second session. “They haven’t stopped talking about it,” their mother remarks. Tatum and Carly go through their books to decide whether one is too advanced or another too scary for a dog. They insist Colleen barked in fear at a picture of a shark and returned to tail wagging when the page was turned. Lori’s daughter Alyssa is working on showing enough responsibility to have a pet. Impressed by her child’s response to the program, Lori wondered if the same principle would get Alyssa to practice math facts, so she borrowed a friend’s Yorkshire Terrier. Now Alyssa boasts, “I read to dogs and I teach them math.” VHS Executive Director Melanie Sadek paraphrases one of many letters of thanks from parents. ‘Our child could not and would not read until we tried Paws to Read. Now we can’t get her to put a book down.’ At Pleasanton Library where Paws to Read debuted in November 2002, 300 places are filled as soon as registration opens. Reading Specialists have a two-week window to recommend students for preferential placement, but their parents have to take advantage of the enrollment option. The first program of its kind offered in California and the third in the nation, the Paws to Read model has been followed by libraries and schools throughout the country. In 1999, Utah critical care nurse, Sandi Martin, envisioned engaging the scientifically documented canine capacity for lowering blood pressure and relieving stress in a structured reading support project. An Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA) Board member, Martin was personal witness to the way dogs helped heal children in physical or psychological crisis. That October, Sue Jones, volunteer Director of Humane Education for VHS and Library Assistant at the newly opened Pleasanton Library, was invited to Salt Lake City by Best Friends Animals to give a presentation to other humane educators. Paired with some of the ITA dog teams, Sue joined them
Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 21 that provide a terrific flavor when splashed onto cooked veggies. Adelle now cooks a great sauce for John’s beloved spaghetti consisting of chopped tomatoes along with fresh basil, oregano, and garlic, adding some aged Parmesan cheese which only has 75mg of sodium per tablespoon. Adelle also loves to make beans soups, and I told her she can buy salt free beans or dried beans and soak them overnight to cook them the next day. Adelle and John did not realize that all breads have an average of 150mg of sodium per slice, so I suggested using salt-free bread for their sandwiches and adding yellow mustard (55mg of sodium per teaspoon) for a spread. In addition, John was happy to learn he could still enjoy his snacks such as unsalted baked chips, unsalted nuts, or even dry cereal that is low in salt. I told Adelle and John that it would be my job to make sure they will enjoy their glorious retirement in restaurants and become more comfortable travelling. We have discussed the advantages of ordering fish, beef, or chicken that is freshly cooked without salt, instead using olive oil, lemon, pepper, and herbs which are now very popular. Though salt is a favorite addition of many cooks to veggies, we discussed the need to be firm with the waiter that you cannot have salt. A side salad is great to order, and many restaurants will bring you a decanter of oil and vinegar. I emphasized to John that he can still enjoy a restaurant meal with salt if he keeps the other meals of the day relatively salt free in order to meet the 2,000mg sodium goal. We also discussed the advantages of staying in condos with kitchens which will allow for eating breakfast and some lunches in and then going out for dinner. I also advised John that he must begin drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water each day to help get rid of salt intake as well as begin a 30 minute per day walking program. These two changes in itself can easily bring his blood pressure down. I am glad to inform you that after working with John for a month his blood pressure is the best it has been in years, and he has lost 10 pounds. John and Adelle have decided to go visit their kids in Texas, and John says he is not scared of eating in restaurants anymore. I will continue to follow John thru phone and e-mail, even in Texas, and assist him with eating while at his daughter’s home. The good news is that John’s visits were covered by his Aetna PPO insurance with a small copay. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at Lifeweight1@yahoo.com and tell me about your nutritional concerns. Refer to my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles, recipes and nutrition tips in my blog section. Advertorial at lunch. “One team member mentioned ‘something special’ they were going to do that evening. She told me that considering I worked with children and books, I may want to come see what they were going to try for the first time at a local book store … allowing children to read to dogs.” Sue returned home anxious to inaugurate a reading-to-dogs project in Pleasanton. Persuading the community took two long years. At first, parents were reluctant to enroll their children. Then Reading Specialist Ellen Waskey signed her own dog up to volunteer with Paws to Read, lending professional credence to the program. When Associated Press picked up Dana Perrigan’s October 15, 2004 San Francisco Chronicle article, Jones received phone calls from across the country as well as inquiries from England, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and Australia. Chicago research conducted by doctoral candidate Corinne Serra Smith in 2009 showed an oral reading fluency increase of 20% by children reading to dogs. In 2010 UC Davis researchers reported similar improvement in reading performance by children who read to a dog for 15 minutes each week over a 10-week period as compared to the control group who did not. LibraryAssistant Renee Freidus, involved since its inception, now coordinates the Pleasanton Library Paws to Read Program. “If children believe they are teaching the dogs rather than being judged by them. It works wonders,” Freidus reports. “Children gain confidence reading in a nurturing, non-judgmental environment.They are often self-motivated to practice their reading at home as they want to read better to the dog at their next session.” Children leave notes for the dogs in a guest book. Addressing an older chocolate lab, one boy wrote: “Dear Charlie, You totally rock! Brush your teeth once and a while, O.K. Your friend, Derek” When a patron suggested the Danville Library offer Paws to Read, Kathleen Baritell studied the Pleasanton plan thoroughly. Leslie Graham and Arbuckle were one of the first teams to volunteer. Deemed too distractible to be a Guide Dog, Arbuckle is an excellent reading partner. Graham relates that her favorite Paws to Read moment came “when a girl repeated to me my belief about the power of the program. She said, ‘I really like reading to a dog because he doesn’t correct me or tell me to read it again. Then I can relax and just enjoy reading.’” The fall Danville Paws to Read sessions run Mondays, October 8,15,22,29 and November 5 from 4-4:25pm and 4:35-5pm. Parents may visit the library or call 925-837-4889 to register. Each child may be enrolled for two dates.
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Girls Night Out Event to Benefit Foundation Gather your girlfriends and reserve a couple hours to be pampered and catered to, and get the scoop on the latest home, fashion, beauty tips, and secrets while enjoying wine tasting, small bites, music, and raffle prizes. On Thursday, September 20th, from 6pm – 8pm, participating merchants of the Danville Livery and local fashion consultant, personal shopper, and Best of Diablo winner, Carolyn Rovner, will be on hand to help you look your best, while enjoying shopping, mini-manicures, blow-outs, dry comb-out styling, interior design consultations, and product demonstrations. Meet Kristi Yamaguchi, learn more about her Foundation, and get a preview of her new active wear line. Tickets are $10 and 100% of ticket sales and 10% of merchant sales during the event will be donated to Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation. Founded in 1996 as a 501c (3), non-profit, public charity, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation’s goal is to empower children to reach their dreams through education and inspiration. Recently, the Foundation has turned its focus toward early childhood literacy. The Foundation has set its sights on dramatically improving access by children of low-income families to books and technology. For tickets and information about Girls Night Out, visit www.danvillelivery.com/blog. For information about the Always Dream Foundation, visit www.alwaysdream.org.
Sophia Nunes of Troop 30623 recently planted a native oak tree at Green Valley School to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts. The motto of Las Trampas Girl Scout Association is “Where girls grow strong as oaks.” Local scout members will take care of the tree as it matures.
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Corneal Abrasions and Infections We have had a larger than normal amount of patients with corneal infections and abrasions in the past few weeks. Some of the cases had a known reason (sleeping with contacts), but others were confusing as to how they occurred. Since these conditions cause pain, extreme light sensitivity, and decreased vision, the exact reason is not as paramount as getting the proper diagnosis and treatment. First of all, the cornea is the clear front part of the eye. It does about 2/3 of the focusing of the eye, contains no blood vessels, and is one of the most highly innervated tissues in the body with nerves. Therefore, just the slightest insult will cause the eye to be red, painful, and light sensitive. The good thing about the cornea is that it does heal pretty quickly, and usually with proper and aggressive treatment, the patient will start to feel some relief in 24 to 48 hours. The cornea has many ways to keep infections away, so thankfully infections do not occur that often. However, your susceptibility increases with contact lens wear, and it increases even more so with non-compliant contact lens wear and care. The most common cause for infections is due to sleeping in your lenses. The patient will go to bed feeling fine, and then the infection will form overnight as the cornea becomes compromised and more susceptible to bacterial infections from normal bacteria on and around the eyes. Patients will then wake up with a red, painful, eye and will usually call the office first thing in the morning. Corneal infections need to be treated quickly and aggressively. By the time the patient comes to the office, the infection is already proceeding rapidly and needs to be managed quickly. Treatment consists of high dose antibiotic drops and follow-up within 1 to 2 days. Without proper treatment, the cornea can deteriorate very quickly and can lead to permanent decreased vision depending on the exact location and area infected. The patient cannot wear their contacts for about a week, so this is a great example of why a reliable pair of back-up glasses is mandatory for all contact lens wearers. We will see the patient back until the infection resolves and then they can start wearing their lenses again. Our office policy is that once a corneal infection is directly related to sleeping in your lenses, you are not allowed to do so going forward. Wearing your lenses daily is not a problem, but sleeping in them is not allowed. Most patients are absolutely fine with this considering the pain and associated issues with the infection. Corneal abrasions are just as painful as infections, and they cause very similar symptoms for the patient. The “advantage” of an abrasion vs. an infection is that the contact lenses did not cause the problem; therefore they are an extremely useful tool in the treatment. I often use a contact lens as a bandage on the cornea, which allows for some protection for the scratch so every time you blink, the lids touch the lens, not the abrasion. This leads to immediate relief for the patient, and it allows for treatment with the contact lens on, as the lens will be disposed in a day or so. Depending on the size of the abrasion, these patients generally heal quicker than those with infections because they are just waiting for the scratch to close instead of additionally waiting for a bacteria infection to resolve. Patients that come into the office for a corneal infection or abrasion all present the same. They are all wearing dark sunglasses, carrying a handy tissue for the constant tearing, usually wearing a hat, and covering their face because of the light sensitivity. Regardless of the exact cause or diagnosis, these need to be treated. Again, the “good” thing about these patients is that they are in a decent amount of pain, so they will seek care very soon after the onset of their symptoms. We are more than happy to see you in the office on the same day to start the healing process. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our newly updated website at www.alamooptometry.com, and become a fan on our Advertorial Alamo Optometry Facebook page.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2012 - Page 23
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Fall into Fashion Benefits Valley Oak Respite Center SonRise Equestrian Foundation Fundraiser A“Fall into Fashion” show featuring the latest styles from Coldwater Creek in Walnut Creek takes place from 11:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday, September 8th, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive in Danville. A $45 admission price includes lunch and refreshments. Attendees can take part in a silent auction, and “opportunity tickets” will be available. Proceeds will benefit the Valley Oak Respite Center. “We hope to provide additional scholarships for needy families in the Tri-Valley area,” said Carmen McCarthy, center director. The Respite Center has provided a social day program for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias at the Danville Congregational Church since 1987, and is sponsored by the nonprofit Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging. Mother-daughter duos from the National Charitable League’s Lamorinda chapter will volunteer their services for the event. Additional volunteers will model dressy and casual outfits. To obtain fashion show tickets, call (925) 956-9269 or (925) 945-8400. Tickets also may be purchased at Coldwater Creek, 1280 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek.
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EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL! Need new light fixtures, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, or track lighting installed? Need a dimmer switch or GFCI installed? Do you want to change the color of your outlets in your kitchen or install 220V power for the new hot tub or stove? I also troubleshoot electrical problems. FREE ESTIMATES. Licensed and bonded. 30 years experience. CALL 925-389-6964.
On Saturday, October 20th at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo SonRise Equestrian Foundation will hold its Annual Wine and Equine Fundraiser. Enjoy wines, dinner, dancing, and entertainment. SonRise will also be offering a wine cellar raffle and exciting live and silent auctions. SonRise continues to seek donors and sponsors for this event. All proceeds will provide support to children who are facing social, emotional, and physical challenges as well as help rehabilitate horses in need. Tickets cost $125. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 925-838-RIDE (7433) or visit www.sonriseequestrianfoundation.org. SonRise Equestrian Foundation is a volunteer-based non-profit organization making a positive difference for children ages 6 to 18 living with social, emotional, or physical challenges including life limiting illnesses. Participating children develop confidence, integrity, and responsibility through mentoring and peer relationships centered around the care and enjoyment of horses.
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Page 24 - September 20 2012 ~ Danville Today News
The Combs Team Professionals You Can Count On
Nancy
Joe
Call the Combs Team
®
925- 9 8 9 - 6 0 8 6 www.TheCombsTeam.com Luxury Home Market Hits Bottom… Turns Up…Slips Again
historical lows. Look closely at the data chart, and you will see that 21 units sold in $3,000,000 Luxury Home Market Price 2011, nearly matching the 1998 peak and significantly eclipsing 14 of the 15 years $2,500,000 reported. During 2011, unit sales were up $2,000,000 a full 50% over 2010. With approximately two thirds of the current sales year behind $1,500,000 us and 13 Luxury Home sales already $1,000,000 booked, it’s highly likely that unit volume will finish within the normal range for our $500,000 market but well behind 2011. $My personal view of the current 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 luxury market is that it is bumpy but generally headed in the right direction …upward. The inventory right now is very tight. Only six Luxury Homes are currently listed. They range in price from $1.8 million all the way up to $4.9 million. They carry an average square foot price of $514.50, significantly above the average of $337 per square foot most recently obtained. Interestingly, only one property sold in 2012 year-to-date sold for more than $400 dollars per square foot. This over-the-top pricing probably explains the average of 213 days on market for these outsized homes. Also of interest is that there are no active properties matching the specific Luxury Home criteria in Alamo, at least for the moment. If you are looking to acquire a Luxury Home in the months ahead, you may want to contact your lender who can bring you up to speed on the great loan products out there. If you don’t have a lender, please give Nancy or me a call, and we will point you in the right direction. At this moment Nancy and I are working with a couple of serious buyers who have not yet found the perfect Luxury Home among those available in inventory. If you are looking to sell a Luxury Home and you want your transaction handled discretely, we can help you with that as well. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in 2012 or 2013 and you would like to talk it over please give us a call at 925-989-6086 or email me at joecombs@thecombsteam. com. Nancy and I will be happy to visit with you in your home and help you decide how to best prepare and price your home for the market.
The road to a full real estate recovery is proving to be a bumpy one, especially for Luxury Homes. For the purpose of this review, as with my last, I have defined Luxury Homes to include homes that are 5,000 square feet and larger sitting on a premium lot that is between ½ and one full acre and is equipped with a pool. This definition has been overlain on the geographies including Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville and Diablo, basically what in my personal view comprises the Danville Area. I have included a chart and a graph with this review that display the sales history for this slice of the market dating back to 1997. Look at the last couple of bars on the chart, and you will see that sales prices for Luxury Homes, after having risen in 2011, have dropped once again. Average Sales Price in 2010 was $1,908,000. In 2011 the number climbed to $2,163,102, and in 2012 it has sagged to $2,062,975. That’s a disappointing drop of 5% or a little over a $100,000 decrease in the year-to-date numbers. If these numbers hold throughout the remainder of the year, it is likely that 2010 will still represent the absolute market bottom for our Luxury Home market. Only time will tell. Striking in these data is the absolute size of the homes sold so far this year. They are averaging more than 6,121 square feet compared to 5,894 last year. That’s quite a size difference. During 2012 about 4% more house was purchased for 5% less Luxury Home Mkt. Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo money. That fact is born out clearly in the Year Units Sold DOM Sold Price $/Sq. Foot Avg Size 97 11 94 $ 1,452,481 $ 215 6755 dollars paid per square foot comparison. 98 22 60 $ 1,505,111 $ 239 6297 Last year Luxury Homes logged an aver99 18 72 $ 1,674,375 $ 289 5793 00 14 64 $ 2,119,346 $ 362 5854 age per square foot price of $367 which 01 15 31 $ 2,065,833 $ 354 5835 has slipped to $337 so far this year. That’s 02 17 47 $ 1,847,000 $ 334 5529 about an 8% decline in absolute value when 03 16 51 $ 2,404,718 $ 368 6534 measured from this perspective. This is not 04 17 37 $ 2,606,029 $ 433 6085 05 16 17 $ 2,760,392 $ 489 5644 the case with smaller homes which are still 06 12 41 $ 2,707,125 $ 451 6002 showing strong price gains for the year. 07 14 41 $ 2,920,833 $ 506 5772 Also interesting is that the sales history on 08 8 82 $ 2,859,375 $ 510 5606 09 11 175 $ 2,551,388 $ 431 5919 number of units sold in the Danville Area is 10 14 91 $ 1,908,000 $ 327 5834 fairly consistent year-on-year with the excep11 21 98 $ 2,163,102 $ 367 5894 tion of 1998 and 2008, the former reaching 12 13 213 $ 2,062,975 $ 337 6121 historical highs and the latter dropping to
Custom Luxury Contemporary
West Side Alamo Single Story
LD
SO
Blackhawk 5 Bedroom
LD
SO
Dramatic, one-of-a-kind luxury home with amazing views. $1,499,000
Perfect throughout. 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. Huge outdoor entertainment area and pool. $1,370,000.
Blackhawk five bedroom 2 story. $1,279,000. We represented the buyer. We have more buyers.
Danville 4 Bedroom
Blackhawk Single Story
Build Your Dream Home
LD
LD
SO
Lovely home in beautiful Danville neighborhood $985,000. We represented the buyer. We have other buyers.
SO
Completely renovated single story on Golf Course. $1,399,000
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe and Nancy Combs, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
7 acre lot, 11 acre lot, 1.2 acre lot with utilities at street. Call for details and pricing. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526