2025 FEBRUARY ~ Alamo Today and Danville Today News

DIABLO ORDER OF ZYMIRACLE ENTHUSIASTS

DIABLO VALLEY’S RESIDENT HOMEBREW CLUB

By Traci Wyss

Zymurgy is the study or practice of fermentation related to brewing, wine-making, or distilling. It is a science, but with a little art, magic, and miracle thrown into the mix—taking grain, hops, yeast, and water and, with a tweak here or there, creating a panorama of flavors, colors, and aromas. With this miraculous transformation in mind, the Diablo Valley’s resident homebrewing club imagined up their name in late 1996, just a few months after being founded by Olin Schultz, owner of Beer, Beer & More Beer in Concord.

The Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts, or DOZE for short, is a local club made up of homebrewers to share in their hobby, learn from one another and even make a positive impact in the community.

In the early days of DOZE, the 11 founding members started with basic beer-centered events—a group brew here, a bus trip to a brewery there. It was basically a way for like-minded people to share their love of brewing and tasting beer. As DOZE grew, so did the formality of the club, with more officers, monthly meetings, and a deeper focus on education.

Educating members comes in many forms for DOZE. Monthly meetings create an opportunity to host club member presentations and outside speakers, providing deeper information on brewing topics. Group brews pair novice members with more seasoned homebrewers to spend time brewing beer together to learn how to make different styles or brew using different equipment.

Competition is another way the club fosters education. Internal club competitions create space for members to fine tune their recipes and processes while gathering feedback on the beer they have made. These smaller competitions are usually limited to 50 maximum entries and are done in conjunction with local breweries. Danville Brewing of Danville, Del Cielo Brewing of Martinez,

See DOZE continued on page 20

FEBRUARY 2025

CONNECTING FELINE & HUMAN SENIORS THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE FOSTER PROGRAM

By Alisa Corstorphine

Are you a senior missing having a pet in your life? Would you like to share your love and time with a senior cat in need of a home? Danville-based rescue, Kim’s Nurturing Nest Animal Sanctuary (KNN) has found an innovative way to make a win-win partnership for both senior humans and senior felines.

Sometimes it happens that our animals outlive us and no family members can take them in. Sadly, due to lack of space and resources, these animals are often euthanized or spend the rest of their lives without a home. These cats have much to offer and make wonderful companions.

That’s where KNN steps in.

The Senior to Senior (StS) foster program through KNN is all about senior citizens rediscovering the joys of having a cat in their lives. The StS program is a long-term program that helps place senior cats, seven years of age and older, with senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older. There is no adoption fee if you are an approved senior citizen agreeing to foster a senior cat.

The goal of StS, is to remove barriers for these seniors being together.

GENEALOGY ANYONE?

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

Free Genealogy Research Assistance provided by the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS), in partnership with the Danville Library, will be held on Tuesday, February 11th from 10AM-1PM Bring your questions to the Danville Library, 400 Front Street, Danville. Genealogy docents from SRVGS will be available to help you take your research further with print resources from the library’s genealogy collection or online. For more information call (925)314-3750.

DOZE members gather in front of the DOZE homebrew tent, lovingly referred to as Tasty’s Tasting Room after the late Mike “Tasty” McDole, at the Spring Brew Festival.

Linda Bradshaw enjoys the company of her senior cat, Rocket, from the StS foster program.

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

The other night, I was watching a food show where journalist and author Michael Pollan was talking about our world and our food systems. He noted, “The one thing we can’t count on is predictability.” While our brains crave consistency, routines, patterns, and certainty, many things we know are not certain. And with that, the only thing we can control are our actions in the moment. Everything we know can change in an instant, as recently witnessed by the fires in Los Angeles, weather events across the country, and the Covid pandemic. People have had to pivot and shift for themselves, family members, co-workers, and others who find their lives and businesses turned upside down. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared.

Take the time now to go through various resources on preparedness. Video your home, office, and belongings - both inside and out. This issue contains numerous ideas and articles for preparing your landscape (see page 13), your digital life (see page 18), your insurance needs (see pages 11 and 17), and learning more about climate issues (see page 4). Take a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class offered by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) to understand what actions are put in place in local emergencies, what to expect, and what to do (see page 16). Visit Be Ready SRV, a “one-stop-shop” for the latest information on Emergency Preparedness -- firedepartment.org/community/be-ready-srv. Contra Costa County Fire (ConFire) as well as the non-profit Diablo Firesafe Council, also have websites chock-full of resources and information to reduce our fire risks. Learn more atcccfpd.org/wildfire-mitigation-program and diablofiresafe.org/getting-started

If fires or other tragedies strike locally, take evacuations and warnings seriously. Assume you will never see your home again and pack accordingly (if you have time to pack at all). There are great packing lists available for quick evacuations, and a good go-bag list from Sunset Magazine -- tinyurl.com/ywr2ttcw Having these lists immediately accessible can make a huge difference; in a panic situation our brains can’t process all that needs to be done. I keep our lists taped to the inside of my medicine cabinet. The items people tend to miss most aren’t the most valuable in terms of money, but in sentiment: family photos, keepsakes, heirlooms, even old clothes (that’s why it is recommended to bring the DIRTY laundry as it usually has our most comfy and favorite items).

Have an evacuation plan. Many of us live in areas where there are only one or two exits from our neighborhoods. Roads will become congested. If you didn’t prepare a go-bag, grab your wallet/purse, birth certificate, passport, deeds, insurance, and other legal papers (hopefully you have scanned and have most of these papers in a digital format already). Grab your computers and backup devices. Get and know your passwords to online backups. Grab prescription meds, eyeglasses, and charging cords for phones and laptops. Set up a safe meeting spot for everyone to gather. Leave early to avoid the rush.

If you know someone who lost everything, be patient. They have a lot on their plate. Ask them what they need and really listen. They don’t want or need piles of clothes, bedding, pots and pans, or canned food from the back of your pantry. Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery. But, beware. Sadly, in times of crisis scams and scammers are rampant, and fraudulent groups and websites will pop-up overnight.

Gift cards to big-box stores like Target, Walmart, or Safeway allow survivors to buy what they can use for their own diets and cultural needs. Our local community food rescue organization, White Pony Express (WPE), is collecting gift cards to distribute to fire survivors. The cards can be mailed or dropped off to the attention of Executive Director Eve Birge at WPE’s headquarters, 2470 Bates Ave Suite D Concord CA 94520. To learn about WPE notecard-making opportunities and other volunteer projects, email Volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org

After a disaster, people want to help those in need. To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. Don’t self deploy. For in-kind donations, confirm what, where, and when donated items are needed. Without thoughtful planning, donated goods can further burden a community that is already in crisis. Critical

Alamo-based charity, Bobby’s Brigade, held a care-package assembly event. In connection with the California Highway Patrol and LA Fire Departments, these items will get directly to vetted groups. For upcoming events or to donate, visit bobbysbrigade.com

needs change rapidly, and not everything is needed. Used clothing is never needed. The time it takes to collect, sort, ship, distribute --with correct sizing, and yes sadly, dispose of items makes their value negligible. Instead, hold a garage sale and donate proceeds to a fire-relief charity, or donate to a local thrift store that supports a cause important to you. Locally there are thrift stores supporting mental health, hospice, scholarships, schools, reassurance calls to homebound people, animal needs, and more. Recovery lasts a lot longer than media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months and years after the disaster.

Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed. Depending on the disaster and the current phase it is in, volunteers can be extremely helpful to ensure survivors can return to their new normal.

To find a list of trusted organizations, additional information on donations and other resources, visit nvoad.org, laworks.com, or fema.gov/disaster/recover/volunteer-donate After the Fire USA afterthefireusa.org is a great clearinghouse for firestorm-related information and resources. Editors note: Please do your own vetting of each resource. As of press-time the sites mentioned all appear legitimate.

MICHAEL CONNELLY & RICK JACKSON RETURN

Last year New York Times # 1 bestselling crime fiction author Michael Connelly was interviewed by retired LAPD homicide detective Rick Jackson. This time Michael and Rick will switch chairs. Michael will interview Rick and his coauthor Matthew McGough about their new nonfiction book Black Tunnel White Magic: A Murder, a Detective’s Obsession, and '90s Los Angeles at the Brink. A free copy will be given to all ticket buyers. Michael and Rick will also reminisce about their longtime collaboration that has included most of Connelly’s novels, the “Bosch” television series, and numerous other film and TV scripts. Another topic that is bound to come up is the different challenges involved in writing crime fiction as opposed to true crime.

Legendary crime fiction author Lee Child praises Black Tunnel White Magic as a “great true-crime story and a great cop memoir – about how they do it and, above all, why they do it.”

The talk will be held at the Village Theatre located at 233 Front St, Danville at 7:30PM, Saturday, April 5th. For tickets, visit https:// tinyurl.com/y5etntb5.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY IN FEBRUARY?

Get ready to cruise through the history of California and the car in the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) exhibit “The Road Ahead.” This exhibit will take visitors on a thrilling journey through time on how the automobile has shaped the Golden State. The car redefined how and where Californians live, work, and play. It has uniquely shaped the California lifestyle. “The Road Ahead” opens at MSRV on February 5th

Another form of transportation in the Golden State is the skateboard, and our exhibit “Skateboards in the San Ramon Valley” is on display in our waiting room!

On Thursday, February 20th at 11:30AM Dr David Schwartz will speak about earthquakes and fault lines in the San Ramon Valley. We live in earthquake country and this is a great opportunity to understand the science and the history of earthquakes. It will be an informative program on a topic of great importance.

The program is free, but registration is required. To attend, visit museumsrv.org, select “What’s On,” and then “Virtual Programs.”

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

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR TO SPEAK MARCH 2ND ON LIVING HUMANELY WHILE FACING THE REALITY OF THE CLIMATE CRISIS

Brian D. McLaren, noted author, speaker, and activist, pulls no punches in addressing the frightening realities of our time that center on climate change and consequent economic and civilizational upheaval. He writes that “we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet, and not enough of us seem to care enough to change deeply enough or quickly enough to save ourselves.”

On Sunday, March 2nd, 1:30-4PM, McLaren will talk about his most recent book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, in which he addresses our response to ecological overreach. While forms of denial might be the most common response, McLaren opts for facing reality and embracing the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of becoming and belonging in turbulent times.

The event includes audience engagement, book-signing, and networking with local environmental groups. The goal is to encourage community dialogue and increase local awareness and action.

The event is hosted by San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church at 902 Danville Rd., Alamo. For more information, visit www.srvumc.org/brianmclaren

SPRING FOR THE SYMPHONY

A LUNCHEON

TO SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION

Join in on Sunday, February 23rd for the California Symphony Alliance’s “Spring for the Symphony” luncheon fundraiser. Held at the elegant Chateau Hall at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, this cherished annual event brings together music enthusiasts, education supporters, and community leaders to support California Symphony’s acclaimed music education programs. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• 11AM - Registration, silent auction, raffle, and social hour, featuring a welcome glass of bubbly upon arrival.

• 12PM - Welcome remarks and a gourmet three-course meal with hosted wine.

• 1 PM - Presentation by students from the Sound Minds music education program, followed by a performance by Concertmaster Jennifer Cho.

• 2PM - Closing remarks.

All proceeds directly benefit the Symphony’s education initiatives, including the nationally recognized El Sistema-inspired Sound Minds program, which offers comprehensive music instruction to local underserved students. Ticket Options: Individual ticket: $100, Patron ticket: $150 (includes a $50 tax-deductible portion), Patron table for eight: $1,000 (includes a $200 tax-deductible portion).

Secure your tickets today at californiasymphony.org/Spring2025 or by calling 925-280-2490. Your participation ensures the continuation of vital music education programs that enrich our community.

TCHAIKOVSKY PASSION ~ MUSIC TO STIR THE SOUL

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique) is one of the most powerful and recognizable works in classical music. The final symphony Tchaikovsky ever wrote, it’s a deeply emotional work that reflects the range of human experience—from grief, to joy, tenderness, and triumph—and its sweeping melodies have made it a favorite in popular culture, from movies to TV shows.

The concert also features Grażyna Bacewicz’s Piano Concerto, a vibrant blend of Polish folk themes and virtuosic intensity, brought to life by internationally acclaimed pianist David Fung. The program opens with the world premiere of Fantasia for Strings by California Symphony resident composer Saad Haddad.

Enjoy signature cocktails, take selfies at the photo booth, and learn more about the music at a free 30-minute pre-concert talk starting one hour before the performance.

Add a little passion to your life! TCHAIKOVSKY PASSION: Saturday, March 22nd, at 7:30PM, and Sunday, March 23, at 4PM, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets, visit californiasymphony.org or call the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 925-943-7469 (open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 6PM). Prices start at $50 / $25 for students.

BE PREPARED!

SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS

Emergencies are inevitable; being prepared is paramount and can give you and your family an edge on knowing how to handle a situation.

The Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard community warning systems.

You can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and email from the CWS in times of local emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, hazardous material incidents, law enforcement activities, and more that will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lock-down, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) that are necessary to protect life and health. Register to receive emergency alerts, and learn more at cwsalerts.com

California Symphony. Photo by Kristen Loken

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

2025 is well underway, bringing new opportunities to our local real estate market. With the spring market just around the corner, and a new presidential administration in place, fresh policies are expected to impact the economic landscape in the coming months. As we anticipate these changes, we’re also excited to showcase a rare opportunity in Danville: a beautiful home on two lots near Charlotte Wood Middle School! Whether you’re considering selling or buying, the Gatti Team is here to help you navigate the evolving market. With over 60 years of combined experience in the Greater Danville Area, and the backing of Compass — the #1 real estate brokerage in the U.S. — we offer personalized, expert guidance tailored to your needs.

The Federal Reserve convened on January 28 th-29th, after the submission of this article. Leading up to the meeting, markets widely expected the Fed to keep interest rates steady, as inflation remained above its 2% target. On January 15 th, the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December triggered a surge in the stock market, with core inflation (excluding food and energy) coming in lower than expected at 3.2%. Overall inflation matched expectations at 2.9%. In the wake of the new administration’s inauguration on January 20 th, market attention is now shifting to the policies that will unfold in the months ahead, especially those affecting key sectors like real estate.

A key focus for the new administration is its approach to energy production, taxes, and tariffs, all of which could have significant implications for our local real estate market. Energy and tax policies are expected to benefit housing. With the administration’s promise to ramp up oil production, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has projected a 9% decrease in gasoline prices, which could help ease inflationary pressures. Additionally, if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is extended or expanded, consumers may see more post-tax income, increasing their ability for future real estate investment. However, tariff policies remain uncertain. Should tariffs be imposed, inflation could rise, potentially keeping mortgage rates higher for longer. Despite these uncertainties, real estate activity is expected to pick up in the coming months, particularly in the Greater Danville Area, where policies will shape seller and buyer expectations over the next four years.

Turning to our local market, one property that truly stands out is our listing at 431 Bolero Drive in Danville. Just a few blocks from Charlotte Wood Middle School and Osage Park, and only 2.9 miles from downtown, this home offers exceptional location and value. Listed as the best 5-bedroom home on over half an acre in Danville, the property spans two lots—431 and 401 Bolero Drive—totaling .65 of an acre, and has been thoughtfully remodeled with modern upgrades. Inside, you’ll find new engineered hardwood floors, sleekly updated bathrooms, custom closet systems, and stylish lighting. The kitchen features a new double wall oven and wine fridge, and the open layout is ideal for entertaining. Outdoors, the home transforms into a private oasis, complete with a resurfaced Pebble Tec pool, raised garden beds, a built-in BBQ, and extensive hardscaping. With expansive open space on two sides, this property offers stunning 180-degree views of Las Trampas and the San Ramon Valley. Modern updates, a prime location, and proximity to top-rated schools make this home the perfect blend of style and convenience. For those interested in experiencing this exceptional property firsthand, we invite you to join us at our open houses.

We’re here to help you achieve your real estate goals—whether you’re buying or selling. If you’re thinking of selling, contact us for a FREE, no-obligation estimate of your home’s value, and set up a private consultation today!

I hope you found this article helpful. With 13 years of experience serving our real estate community, I’m passionate about helping clients navigate our local market. My business partner and father, Ron Gatti, brings over 40 years of expertise in the Greater Danville Area, making our team a trusted resource for all of your real estate needs. As Associate Brokers with Compass, the Gatti Team is proudly located at the 760 Camino Ramon office in Danville. If you have any questions about this article or would like personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call me directly at 925-588-3590. We’re here to help!

JOE & RON GATTI

JOE GATTI Broker Assoc. 925.588.3590 DRE 01914487

RON GATTI Broker Assoc. 925.596.1972 DRE 00623995

JULIE CYGAN REALTOR® 510.501.5160 DRE 02059093

ANGELA LOTMAN

BELINDA DELGADO

BONNE WERSEL

BRETT BARNES

BRYAN HURLBUT

CANDI & JOHN HOYLE

2024 PRESIDENTS CLUB HONOREES

PRESIDENTS CLUB

PRESIDENTS CLUB

CAROL & SOOSH NASSAR

DARA BUZZARD &

RONNI SCHWARTZ

DENISEN HARTLOVE

DREW SHILLER

EMANUEL SAKKIS

SONS IN RETIREMENT

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

FONIA HUMPHRIES & SCOTT HUMPHRIES

JOHN & KIM SEFTON

KAREN GUARISCO

KAREN IVANKOVICH

Looking for ways to make your retirement years more fulfilling and fun? Explore SIR 128 San Ramon Valley! We’re a vibrant social group for men nearing or enjoying retirement, focused on building friendships, and keeping life active and engaging.

At SIR 128, there’s an activity for everyone; from walking groups and fishing to wine tastings, poker groups, hiking, tech groups, bocce ball, and cooking. Our calendar is packed with exciting options. Golfers can choose between 9- or 18-hole outings, and we also organize monthly trips to intriguing destinations. No matter your interests, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stay connected and involved.

More than just activities, SIR 128 is about creating a sense of community. Join us for our monthly luncheons on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30AM at Bridges in San Ramon. Enjoy a great meal, meet new friends, and listen to inspiring guest speakers.

Want to learn more? Guests are always welcome at our luncheons. Simply email membership@sir128.com to RSVP and experience what SIR 128 has to offer.

Ready to shake up your routine and dive into the fun with SIR 128? Visit our website at www. SIR128.com to explore more and join the excitement!

SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

Join the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) for a free Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, February 18th. Keynote speaker Scott Norrick, will present “Germans to the Midwest.” Scott is a professional genealogist and his company “Ancestral Past” provides assistance to others on their genealogy journey. To attend, email president@srvgensoc.org SRVGS was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter, has a dedicated website, and offers monthly special interest group (SIG) meetings. The society also provides monthly general meetings featuring nationally known professional speakers.

To learn more, or become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org. For questions, email president@srvgensoc.org.

DANVILLE COMMUNITY BAND

The Danville Community Band (DCB) invites all to “Remembering the Jazz Age,” a concert celebrating the music of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Louis Armstrong, Scott Joplin, Quincy Jones and Glenn Miller, featuring a soloist, Jodi Aldridge who will sing “Over the Rainbow” plus two more favorites. Mark your calendars for 3PM, March 15th for the concert to be held at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W El Pintado, Danville.

In addition, DCB conductor Robert Calonico, plans a teacher in-service on February 18th with DCB group as the “house band” for four teachers from SRVUSD. They will conduct the DCB, then Robert will offer comments and suggestions to each of them. What a way to help school teachers bring music to their students!

“Like” DCB on Facebook and stay tuned with Band happenings all year round! As a 501( c )(3) organization, you are invited to help the Band “play on” by sending a tax-deductible donation to Danville Community Band, P.O. Box 2276, Danville, CA 94526. To learn more, visit danvilleband.org.

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SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

By Hailey

Gunderson, San Ramon Valley High School, senior

The first month of 2025 went by quickly at San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS). Our winter sports played in many nail-biting games, students got back in the groove of school, our performing arts put on incredible performances, and leadership is hard at work planning many exciting events for February.

To recap January sports, Wrestling hosted their annual SRVHS Invitational Tournament for both girls and boys. The tournament had over 40 teams, 7 mats, and was held in two different gyms. Congrats to Judd Labarthe and Tabitha Maher who placed 3rd, Harvey Currie, Marcela Trejo-Barraza, and Kendra Koch who placed 4th, and Mateo Guerrero who placed 6th. Our Women’s Basketball team is currently ranked 4th in Norcal, beating highly ranked Carondelet at home in an intense game that went into overtime. The final score of 59-55 demonstrated our team’s ability to compete in high pressure situations. Shout-out to freshman Kaitlyn Mills who scored the game tying three point shot! Men’s Basketball is having a spectacular season as well. They played against highly ranked Dougherty Valley pulling out a win in a close game. Shout-out to the student section who came dressed up and ready to cheer on our team. Women’s Soccer beat Amador Valley in one of the toughest matches of the year, with a 1-0 win from a goal scored by Hailey Tyacke in the last 10 minutes. Men’s Soccer has been playing well and would love your support at their upcoming games.

Heading into February, spring sports are already beginning. It’s crazy how fast time goes! Spring sports are a busy time with many teams competing in baseball, softball, track and field, swim, lacrosse, badminton, men’s volleyball, tennis, and golf. Looking back on January, our students accomplished some amazing things in the classroom. Many of our English classes participated in the national “Poetry Out Loud” competition. This is where each student picks an authorized poem, and memorizes and performs the poem in front of their class. Selected students from each grade level then perform their poem for a panel of judges. Congratulations to Aliyah Houston for winning this year; we wish you the best of luck at the County competition. Also in January, our incredible dance department put on their annual benefit show where all the proceeds went to Youth Homes.

There are many exciting events planned in February. One of the most unique events of the year is SRVogue. SRVogue is an all-inclusive pageant put on by students at SRV. The show includes a formal wear section, a casual wear section, a talent section, and an SRV Spirit Wear section. Any profit from the show is donated to a charity - the Katie Nues Foundation. To learn more check out @katienuesfoundation on Instagram. SRV Leadership is working hard to put on this show, so if you can score a ticket, I highly recommend coming out to see the show on February 11th in the PAC. The contestants are sure to make you laugh!

On February 7th, we will hold our winter rally where we will honor all of our state championship teams, play exciting games, see performances from cheer and pom, honor leader of the packs and more. Later that night men’s basketball faces off against our rivals. Come out to support the Wolves! Following these events, on Saturday February 8th, Theater 4 will be putting on a show in the PAC at 7pm. They have been working hard during class and they would love for you to come watch it.

The week of February 10th is Love Week, where students can participate in a variety of dress up days and activities; one of the days there will be therapy llamas on campus for students to pet. February 13th is our annual blood drive, where students, who have permission and signed up, can donate blood. Looking towards the end of February on the 24th, we have our “Welcome to the Wolfpack” day for the class of 2029, where current eighth graders get to come see the campus and learn a little more about high school. How exciting! On the 26th and 27th at 7pm is the Choir Gala. Come out to hear the amazing voices of SRV. Lastly, February 27th marks 100 days until graduation for the senior class. At lunch seniors can get a 100 Grand bar and take pictures with their friends to start the countdown until graduation. I can’t believe we are already talking about graduation! It’s now the third quarter and SRVHS is buzzing with excitement and activities. I wish everyone a great February filled with love and laughter. See you next month! For a full list of what’s happening on campus, visit www.srvhs.net.

EXPLORING ISSUES OF IDENTITY IN OUR SCHOOLS

On Thursday, February 20th from 6PM-8PM, join in for an informative session looking at gender and identity issues from different perspectives. The panel, including parents, a 2020 Cal High grad, and the president of the SRV Council of PTAs, will share their viewpoints. There will be opportunity for Q&A from the audience. We hope you’ll attend.

This informative session is hosted by the Danville-Alamo -Walnut Creek (DAW) Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) in partnership with the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs.

The presentation will be held at the Danville Congregational Church located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville.

Everyone is welcome to attend, no RSVP is required. Learn more at daw-ca.aauw.net/2025february.

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

After the holidays and New Year’s break, Monte Vista’s (MV) students and faculty are excited for the start of Spring Semester 2025. While the first few days are always an adjustment from vacation mode to school mode, we’re now several weeks in, and the campus is alive with activity. Late January and early February are always busy at MV, with winter sports wrapping up their seasons and spring sports beginning. Our Visual Arts and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs continue to showcase their talents both locally and statewide, while our seniors celebrate their first college acceptance letters as they enjoy their final semester of high school. Additionally, we’re preparing to welcome the Class of 2029 at our annual Freshman Parent Night on March 3rd

MV’s winter athletic teams are bringing excitement and energy to campus as they make strong pushes for EBAL Championships and NCS Playoff spots. The Men’s Soccer team continues to perform at a high level, aiming for postseason success, while the Women’s Soccer team has rebounded from a slow start and is now well-positioned for a strong league finish and a deep playoff run. The Men’s Basketball team is excelling in a highly competitive EBAL, and we’re confident they’ll remain key contenders through the second half of the season and into the playoffs. The Women’s Basketball team is also climbing the EBAL standings and is poised to secure a postseason spot. Meanwhile, MVs Wrestling team is gaining momentum as they conclude their dual meet season and prepare for the EBAL and NCS tournaments. With spring sports kicking off on February 3rd, the campus is set to become even busier.

The VAPA programs also have an eventful schedule in the coming months. The Choir began their spring season by hosting the Area Choral Festival. It will be followed by the Chamber Singers’ Cabaret Show at the Danville Theater on February 7th. The Chamber Choir will also perform at the CSU East Bay Chambers Invitational on February 20th, while the Trebs Choir will tour San Luis Obispo from February 21st to 23rd

On February 26th, the entire VAPA department will proudly present the musical “Mamma Mia!” This exciting production, which includes contributions from all VAPA programs, will run through March 1st. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Visit the MV website to reserve your seats.

MV’s Instrumental Music program is equally busy, participating in competitions such as the Folsom Jazz Festival and the upcoming Woodcreek Jazz Festival on February 7th and 8th. The Speech and Debate team is in full swing with competitions at Santa Rosa Junior College, Los Lomas High School, the Cal Invitational from February 15th to 17th, and the State Qualifier Tournament at James Logan High School on March 1st and 2nd

Exciting things are happening at MV! We encourage everyone to attend these campus events and show support for our talented students as they continue to make remarkable accomplishments both at school and in our community.

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

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Discovery Counseling Center (DCC) is a nonprofit mental health clinic and training agency, that has been supporting our community for over 50 years, through direct school-based and clinic counseling services. DCC is announcing new group counseling sessions. The first six weeks are free for all participants. The cost is $40 per session thereafter for non-Danville residents, with the ability to apply for financial assistance as needed.

SENIOR SUPPORT GROUP

A supportive group environment for seniors to feel more connected by helping them gain new ideas on how to cope with challenges commonly faced by their age group, including issues of physical and mental health, coping with grief and loss, loneliness, stress, and life transitions. The goals of this group are to create connection, gain insight on common issues, build resilience, and foster community.

LGBTQ+ HIGH SCHOOL TEEN GROUP

A safe, inclusive space specifically for high schoolaged teens who identify within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a place to connect, share experiences, and receive support around LGBTQ+ related issues. The group fosters a sense of belonging, promoting both personal healing and collective growth through open communication and mutual understanding. With guidance from trained facilitators, the group offers structured opportunities for peer support, sharing coping strategies, and strengthening resilience in a way that is relatable and relevant to the challenges teens face.

GRIEF GROUP

Join a nurturing space to explore grief through authentic conversation, compassionate listening, and shared creative practices. Gatherings will include:

• Thoughtful discussions and weekly exploration topics.

• Gentle somatic movement and grounding exercises.

• Poetry and short writing prompts, with an open invitation to share.

• Insights and practices to engage with grief between sessions.

SIGN-UP

The programs are ongoing and held at the DCC offices located at 115A Town & Country Drive, Danville. To register and participate, call 925-8370505. To learn more about DCC, visit www.discoveryctr.net

and

Book your appointment online at ciao-bella-salon.com

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

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

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

Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community

by

for those

the

complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland

their

150D Alamo Plaza, Alamo (next to the US Post Office)

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025 By County Supervisor Candace Andersen

On Tuesday, January 14th, I was sworn in to my fourth term as a County Supervisor and as Chair of Board of Supervisors. I am honored to have the continued support of District Two residents and look forward to the next year as Chair. My priorities as Chair of the Board will remain focused on keeping our community safe, helping the most vulnerable in our County, building housing in the right places, transportation improvements, and economic development.

Public safety will always be a cornerstone of my work. My early career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Hawaii shaped my commitment to prioritizing victims’ well-being over perpetrators. With the passage of Proposition 36, we have an opportunity to bring greater accountability. However, success hinges on having the programs and facilities to support rehabilitation.

Public safety includes the work of our firefighters. Watching the fires ravage southern California has been sobering. We appreciate that all of our fire agencies have sent personnel to assist. For the past several years our fire districts – San Ramon Valley Fire, Contra Costa Fire, and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District have been doing a lot to address preparedness and prevention – but we need to heighten that awareness and the availability of resources in our community.

We also need to ensure that everyone is connected to our Contra Costa Community Warning System (cwsalerts.com) by enrolling their cell phones and email addresses. It’s important that public is aware of the resources available on that site to help them evacuate in a major disaster. My office is planning to host several town halls in the near future to discuss emergency planning.

Unfortunately, homelessness has increased by almost 20% in Contra Costa County over the past year. Over half of our homeless population deals with mental health or substance abuse challenges. Addressing these cycles requires targeted treatment, supportive housing, and services. Our A3 (Anyone, Anytime, Anyplace) program provides mental health crisis alternatives to police intervention. San Ramon Valley Fire’s Firefighter First program deploys paramedics and EMTs ahead of police when appropriate and is also proving to be very successful.

It is important that those who are most vulnerable take advantage of programs which can help them break the cycle they are in so they can become more self-sufficient. The County is lucky to have passed, Measure X in 2020, the ½ cent sales tax. It has allowed us to allocate an additional $2 million to partner with nonprofits to help County residents access and enroll in benefits they’re entitled to, and to find greater stability through job training and employment.

In December, we opened the first Family Justice Center in Danville to support those facing challenges such as domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse. Anyone can access the services for free. At the Family Justice Center there is a County Employment and Human Services Navigator dedicated to our district who can help anyone trying to access County Services.

Additionally, the County is opening Youth Centers in other parts of the County, and both the Probation and District Attorney’s offices are working to create restorative justice and prevention programs to keep vulnerable youth from entering our justice system. We hope to create a better life for them, and a safer community for all of us. Transportation and sustainability are also important priorities. The Iron Horse Trail (IHT) exemplifies our commitment to active transportation, reducing car dependency, and fostering a greener future. The 2020 Iron Horse Corridor Active Transportation Study highlighted the feasibility of creating trail separation, in essence a “bicycle express lane,” which will encourage more sustainable commuting options. I have allocated $500,000 to begin the design of the first segment of dual tracking which will be between Bollinger Canyon Road and Crow Canyon Road. Additional grants and funding are being sought to build out this second parallel trail so that those who wish to walk or leisurely ride on the IHT will not have their use and enjoyment interfered with by people who wish to ride much faster as they travel to work and school. Currently e-bikes are allowed on the trail provided they do not travel more than 15 mph.

The County continues to encourage the building of more housing in the right places. We need housing of all types, to address housing affordability. The Board approved our updated General Plan in 2024. We now have a road-map of where development should go and where high-density projects should be prohibited due to high fire danger and the protection of agricultural lands and open space.

This year I will also serve as the Chair of East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA). East Bay EDA is a public-private partnership focused on promoting economic development in the East Bay, specifically Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The group works to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life in the East Bay area by connecting businesses, government, and community leaders.

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

DANVILLE RECREATION EXPO & OPEN HOUSE RETURNS FEBRUARY 8 TH

The 15th annual Recreation Expo & Open House (REOH) is back, with a fun way for all ages to explore Danville camps, classes, and programs. Visit Downtown Danville Saturday, February 8th, from 10AM-1PM for a fun-filled event that will showcase the wide variety of activities offered by the Town’s Recreation, Arts, & Community Services Department.

This year’s event features a football-themed twist, with fun activities at three of Danville’s facilities: the Danville Community Center, Village Theatre & Art Gallery, and the Danville Senior Center. Visitors can participate in different activities at each site, all within a short walking distance of each other.

The REOH is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the spring and summer programs available to community members. From youth, adult, and senior activities such as art, cooking, fitness, and foreign languages, to exciting summer camps and swim lessons, instructors will be on hand to provide details and answer questions.

As you explore these sites, don’t forget to join in the adventure scavenger hunt hosted by the town’s mascot, Auggie the Acorn. Complete the hunt in order to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win priority registration, free

special event registration, and more.

The REOH will also coincide with the release of the Spring Activity Guide, which is available online at www.danville.ca.gov/activityguide . Registration for the programs, camps, and aquatics begins February 11 th for Danville residents and open registration begins February 18th .

Whether you’re planning summer activities or looking to try something new, the REOH is a fantastic opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun with family and friends. Don’t miss this chance to get a head start on your recreation plans for 2025!

For more information, visit www.danville.ca.gov/recexpo or contact the Danville Community Center at 925-314-3400 or recreation@danville.ca.gov

To place an ad, share a story, or find more information about our paper, contact us at 925.405.6397 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.

HOMEOWNER INSURANCE

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN “ADMITTED” COMPANY & A “NON-ADMITTED” COMPANY?

By William W. “Bill” White, Allstate Insurance

Frequently, I am asked about “admitted” and “non-admitted” insurance carriers. They are two different, but similar, ways to distribute casualty insurance. A non-admitted carrier is simply domiciled in another state and pays a fee (tax) to do business in California. They set their own rates, and have their own selection criteria, but must pass operational standards set by the California Department of Insurance. The perception of a non-admitted carrier has rightfully earned a bad reputation in the past, but that doesn’t mean a company cannot be reliable or actually do what they advertise to do and not be “admitted.” There are some companies that don’t show or prove their financial backing, claims paying ability, agency distribution, or servicing contact. They are “here today-gone tomorrow.”The public can only see what is on the Department of Insurance website or through a generic Google search to know the differences.

The Allstate Corporation purchased North Light Specialty Insurance Company (NLSIC), a non-admitted carrier, to address and market products that may not have the same limitations as admitted carriers do in California, such as the application and use of the “FireLine” scoring. We do have wildfire scoring but don’t use it to decline risk.

Everyday we hear of someone whose homeowners insurance was not renewed because of this generic “FireLine” score. Does that sound familiar to you? The use of a FireLine score is what is used to terminate homes in a so-called high wildfire area. This generic rule had to be applied to divest risk and avoid discrimination suits. Right now every insurance company has developed their own wildfire scoring underwriting criteria. A model that comprises brush or wildfire areas is currently being developed by the Department of Insurance so that everybody has the same rules to abide by.

Our current criteria is to look at each individual house for “defensibility.” This includes access for firefighting equipment, the width of a street, the time a fire department takes to react, and all of the structural materials of a home, as well as a fire score. This criteria is reviewed before a quote is offered. The admitted market is encumbered with outdated regulations, premium limitations, and the inclusion of taking market share of high risk homes. That is part of the industry debacle going on now. You couldn’t operate a business at a financial loss for very long, but the State was not allowing a proper rate and use of modern technology (last legal definition was in 1988, Proposition 103). Although regulated by the State, the only other benefit a client may see with an admitted carrier, is the presence of the California Guarantee Association which provides backup if a carrier defaults on paying claims.

Allstate Corporation directly backs the solicitation, execution of the product, and of course, claims of NLSIC. My agency’s standards for operations are 100% reviewed by the parent company and I can only offer products Allstate Corporation has vetted. WE HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH WILDFIRE AREAS!

I still think people want to trust their advisors; we prove ourselves in every single transaction. I heard something many years ago, that “Trust is not negotiable.” I live it and will demonstrate it as we work together.

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

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

CA Insurance Agent #0533649 Advertorial

INNOVATE TO ELEVATE ART EXHIBITION

Innovate to Elevate , a new art exhibition celebrating the creativity and innovation of students from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) is now open! From intricate paintings and detailed drawings to sculptures, Innovate to Elevate exemplifies the district’s commitment to fostering artistic expression among its students. This showcase is on display at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, located at 233 Front Street in Danville, through March 28th

The Art Gallery is open Monday and Tuesday by appointment only, Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5PM , and Saturday from 11AM to 3PM

For more information, visit www. danville.ca.gov/arts

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE

By Jill Appenzeller

I spent three days at the top of a ladder trying to prune an old apple tree. I say trying because it’s been a while. And yes, I know better.

I didn’t prune it last year because my husband couldn’t walk and needed tending (yes, he is walking now, and thank you for asking). The year before we had been out of town and it warmed up and started blooming while we were away. I tried, I really did, but it was a thicket of blooms and new leaves, and every move I made knocked off blooms, buds, and baby leaves.

The year before that I had hand surgery (pruning is hard on the joints) and I was in a cast. So, it’s been a few years, and the fruiting spurs were outnumbered by the water shoots, those vigorous branches that shoot for the sky. Apart from ruining the appearance, they are usually not fruitful (I’m looking at you, Eureka lemons) and since the whole point of growing fruit trees is, well, fruit, it was time to tackle that apple tree.

I used to have a row of espaliered apple trees along the fence outside my kitchen window, lovingly tended for fifteen years until a quince I was gifted brought fireblight, a bacterial disease that can kill. The most obvious symptoms are shoots and branches that wilt and droop, with leaves that turn black or dark brown. They look like they’ve been burned, hence, fireblight. Look around, lots of the ornamental pear trees in our valley have symptoms.

I had a respected arborist out. Sadly, there is no cure, and we were beyond just cutting out the infected bits and hoping for the best. So out came the espaliered apples. Out came the ornamental pears giving us privacy. Out came a Seckel pear and a Gravenstein apple that was so delicious.

But the one tree in the family Rosaceae that was symptom-free was an old Cox’s Orange Pippin apple from the Sonoma Antique Apple Nursery. Remember them? Terry and Carolyn Harrison were the owners and stalwarts of the Rare Fruit Growers. They hosted many a tasting and many a picnic in their Healds burg orchard. Long retired, the torch has been passed. You can still get lovely old apples and other rare fruit trees from Trees Of Antiquity (

WHY I STOPPED MAKING NEW

Roses are to be pruned to a fat, healthy, outward facing bud to keep the center open for good air circulation. It helps prevent a number of unpleasant diseases. I grow mostly Iceberg and David Austin roses, and Icebergs have a lot of real estate with no buds. The whole length of the branch I’m supposed to be pruning is as smooth as a polished rock. And the few buds I can find elsewhere are mostly pin sized, and will put out spindly skinny growth, not the thicker vigorous branches that would later be laden with flowers. Fortunately, they are otherwise not demanding, blooming in shade and not as susceptible to the host of horrors that afflict so many other roses.

So, today my apple looks a lot better; it can breathe. And my roses? I’m feeding and hoping. We will see in May.

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

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

giving up left me feeling frustrated and discouraged, and I began to wonder

One year, I decided to try something different. Instead of focusing on future goals, I turned my attention to the past. I took time to reflect on the year I had just lived. What had I accomplished? Where had I struggled? What had

That simple exercise shifted everything. Instead of feeling pressured to come up with an entirely new plan, I realized I already had unfinished ideas worth revisiting.

For example, one year I noticed I’d been telling myself I wanted to prioritize self-care, but I never followed through. Instead of resolving to overhaul my routine, I started by adding just 10 minutes of mindfulness practice each day. Another time, I decided to reconnect with friends and committed to writing one thoughtful email each week. These changes felt doable, and because they

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t require a dramatic reset. By reflecting on what worked and what didn’t in the past, I gain clarity on what truly matters. By focusing on progress instead of perfection, I avoid

So, if you’re tired of resolutions that don’t stick, consider this: Look back before you look ahead. As you make plans for 2025, take a moment to reflect on the year you’ve just lived. What went well? What did you learn? What’s

Then, choose one thing and start small. Real change doesn’t have to be big or flashy—it just has to be consistent. Remember, “every step is a victory.”

Dr. Naz Falahat is a psychologist and life coach in private practice located at 913 San Ramon Valley Blvd , Suite 280 in Danville. She can be reached at

Back to the pruning. I have been gardening for a while and I know my way around a pair of pruning shears. I know that apples are spur fruiting, so you prune to develop - fruiting spurs. If you don’t have a Carolyn and Terry in your life there is an excellent book on pruning, David Joyce and Christopher Brickell. It’s a great review for an experienced pruner, and has clear diagrams for the beginner, showing what to prune away in year one, year two, and from then on. It shows how to prune a new whip (that’s a skinny new baby tree and if you’ve ever bought one you’ll understand the name). It has diagrams for renovation pruning, and drawings showing how to espalier. They advise, “Always cut to a bud or shoot that will grow in the desired direction.” If only.

The problem: The buds you want to leave to grow are never in the right spot. Where the drawing shows a healthy upward facing bud on an apple, I have a downward facing bud. Not an upward facer in sight. Where a future fruiting spur should be, I have a water sprout.

FIRE SAFETY FOR TREES

By Joe Lamb, Brende & Lamb Tree Care

In the spring and early summer, the landscape grows lush, beautiful—and out of control. Our Mediterranean climate is blessed by sufficient winter rains to make plants grow, but our dry summers, and our even drier autumns, can make that new growth a fire hazard. In the greater Bay Area, we live surrounded by an ecosystem that has been shaped over the last 10,000 years by frequent wildfires. Because these woodland fires are inevitable, landscape trees, even healthy ones, require occasional pruning to prevent them from becoming fire ladders––bridges of flammable material that could carry flames from a woodland fire to your home.

The threat posed by fires in the greater Bay Area is real and significant. The Oakland/Berkeley Hills fire of 1991 caused $1.7 billion in property damage, and was the nation’s worst urban fire since the San Francisco fire of 1906. Those numbers have been dwarfed by the recent LA fires, where costs to insurance companies are expected to top $50 billion. Of course, the financial costs to homeowners will greatly exceed the costs to insurance companies, and the real costs, which can’t be calculated in money alone, are astronomical.

In the Berkeley Hills fire, as in the LA fires, failure to properly maintain landscape trees and shrubs played a significant role in allowing that fire to grow, intensify, and move. The Comprehensive Overview of the Berkeley/Oakland Hills Fire recommends that the risk of wildfire can be reduced by proper care of landscape plants:

• Break up fire ladders. • Limb trees back from structures.

• Reduce flammable biomass by thinning crowns.

• Remove dead trees and shrubs from the landscape.

• Remove deadwood from live trees and shrubs.

Of course, our knowledge of fire ecology has greatly increased since 1991. CalFire works hard to keep up with the ever-evolving fire landscape. Climate change has affected several of the key variables in urban wildfires, most notably seesaw precipitation (alternating periods of wet, causing increased plant growth, and drought, causing increasingly flammable plants) and changes in wind, in both direction and intensity. Blowing embers have been the main propagators of recent fires. For updates on increasing the fire safety of your landscape, visit www.fire.ca.gov/dspace. Two of their key recommendations are:

1) Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.) from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and any areas under your home.

2) Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet.

Many of the older recommendations are still valid. Breaking up fire ladders helps prevent a fire from moving easily from the woods, or from your neighbor’s property, to your house. To break up fire ladders, increase the space between plants, both vertically and horizontally. In the 1991 fire, blowing bands of flammable material landed on ground plants, and, if there was sufficient dry matter, caught the ground cover on fire. The fire burned along the ground plants horizontally for as long as it found material to burn. If it encountered trees with low branches, the fire would move vertically from the ground up into the crown of the tree. If those burning trees were close to a house, they would set the house on fire. If their crowns touched the crowns of other trees, the fire spread from crown to crown.

The fire hazard of landscape plants is greatly reduced IF properly maintained. “Properly maintained” includes watering the plant enough so that it’s sufficiently wet inside that it won’t catch fire from just an ember. The moisture content of a plant (MC) is one of the most critical factors affecting its ignitability. Any plant, even one with high moisture content, will burn if the fire gets hot enough, but a high moisture content plant resists fire.

Reducing biomass, regardless of the plant’s ignitability, helps fire personnel contain fires because the less biomass there is, the less there is to protect, or to put out if the plants catch fire. However, proper maintenance does not mean sacrificing a natural, woodland aesthetic. If the limbing up, dead-wooding, and crown thinning are done by a craftsman with a sensitivity to plant aesthetics, then the trees will look natural, even though they may have had 30% of their biomass removed.

Knowing how to identify potential hazards is important; but it is also important to know how to reduce those hazards in a manner that keeps your property looking natural, and that doesn’t sacrifice important screening plants. Brende & Lamb specializes in balancing the conflicting needs for privacy, fire safety, tree health, and landscape aesthetics. It is possible to improve the fire safety of your property while promoting the health and beauty of your plants.

Tree care is a craft requiring study and experience. Our trimmers are master craftsmen who understand that a well-pruned tree should not only be safer and healthier, it should look beautiful as well. At Brende and Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning.

If your trees need a little TLC, give us a call at 510 486-8733 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

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare? Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy. For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.

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

Mobility Matters (MM) is a nonprofit agency that has been serving otherwise homebound residents trying to age in place in Contra Costa County since 2004. MM provides free, door-through-door, one-on-one, escorted rides for seniors and disabled veterans with volunteer driver programs and they match riders to accessible transportation providers through their Transportation Information and Referrals Helpline.

Volunteer drivers (ages 25-75) are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call Mobility Matters at 925-284-2215 or visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com for more details.

QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle WALK YOUR WAY THROUGH THE DOGPATCH

A perfect antidote for exercising more in these resolution inspired days is to get out and see more of our beautiful Bay Area. If you love to walk, check out San Francisco City Guides, a not-for-profit San Francisco program that has been giving free tours to locals and out-of-towners for almost fifty years.

On a recent Sunday morning I met City Guide docent Carolyn Raisner for a Dogpatch neighborhood tour in San Francisco. Our group of ten spent 90 minutes walking at a leisurely pace and listening to stories about this historic area next to the Bay.

The City Guide program began back in 1976 when officials contacted San Francisco librarian Gladys Hansen with a request to find someone to give tours of City Hall. Hansen began training volunteers and two years later, in 1978, San Francisco City Guides was officially established.

As the program grew, it became a San Francisco Public Library program. Today, the organization is recognized as the official docent of San Francisco.

Our guide, Carolyn Raisner, an engineer by training shared, “As of my last count there are 82 different tours (not including online tours). I think we have roughly 325 or so guides, but that number changes each year. One interesting fact is that the guides are not just volunteers – we actually pay to be trained!”

City guides come from all walks of life – city planners, lawyers, doctors, geologists, engineers, opera singers, teachers, and more. In addition to the original script, guides often do their own research adding unique insights and expertise. In the quest to see all of San Francisco by City Guides, people often take the same tour by different docents for new perspectives.

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS! CAN YOU HELP?

The streets were all but empty, the parking lot had a handful of cars and the silence was only interrupted by loud calls from scavenging seagulls when we arrived at the Union Iron Works building, our first stop along our Dogpatch tour. So quiet today, this spot was once a hub of activity for thousands of people over the years who reported to work and, in their own way, were a part of history making events.

From the late 1800s and continuing to the 1960s, the Union Iron Works building, a beautiful brick building and National Landmark is, as we learned from our excellent guide, a building with many stories.

The Union Iron Works (it eventually was purchased by Bethlehem Steel but is known as the Union Iron Works) dates back to its steel ship building days where two of the most famous vessels of the Spanish American War, USS Olympia and USS Oregon were constructed. The USS Olympia was one of the early steel made ships when other ships at the time were wooden. It is said that the USS Olympia turned the tides of the Spanish-American War.

Besides steel ships, ferries and submarines which were built here during World War I and World War II, the Union Iron Works was where the one-of-akind Bay Area Rapid Transit 6-mile tube connecting Oakland and San Francisco was built. The 10,000-ton segments were assembled here, sealed shut at both ends, then towed into the Bay. The tubes were attached to cables, then gravel was piled on top to help them sink to a dredged trench at the bottom of the Bay.

Who knew there was so much history in one building! Today the public is welcome inside a part of this amazing historical light-filled building. Other stops on the Dogpatch tour include the Hells Angel Clubhouse, Tubbs Cordage Company, the Pelton Cottages, Esprit Park, and more.

City Guides tours run every day, rain or shine. Their website is SFcityguides. org. Tours are free but a donation is appreciated.

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

Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition – (CCIC) provides household essentials to folks moving from transitional housing to independent living accommodations. In the past three years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of requests received from non-profit social service agencies.

Between 2021 and the end of 2024, the average number of case referrals received and fulfilled has more than doubled. Clients can request beds, furnishings, linens, small appliances, kitchen kits, and food boxes – all of which need to be stored until delivery can be made.

Since its inception, CCIC has been using a 580sq.ft. commercial space in Walnut Creek provided by a generous donor to store and stage donations – and they’ve literally been bursting at the seams. CCIC is now at a critical juncture. Not only has increased demand outpaced the capacity they have for storage, but they are also faced with the real possibility of losing their current space in the near future.

CCIC is reaching out to the community to explore the possibility of finding a larger donated space in Contra Costa County (preferably in the Pittsburg/Concord/Walnut Creek area) that would allow them, to continue their critical mission and maximize their ability to meet the significant increase in needs they are working hard to meet.

Do you, or someone you know, have additional space they might use? As a 501c3, donated space is tax deductible for fair market value. Please reach out to Tania Hanson-De Young, President of Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition at 925-876-0433, taniahd@comcast.net or Susan Sheridan, Vice-President at 925-895-4423, sjba1962@gmail.com for further information.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND

Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified. This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www.assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.

Union Iron Works Building.

Pre-dawn, Union Iron Works Building

Photo by Reed Summers Pirkle, 2025.

VALLEY VIGNETTE By

Beverly Lane

THE ROAD BEHIND

The automobile! If ever there was a change in California life, it was the advent of the automobile. Henry Ford’s first Model T rolled off his new assembly lines in 1908 and, in no time, mobility possibilities were altered forever. The new internal combustion engine marked the demise of passenger rail transport and an end to horse-drawn ranch equipment. The revolution also helped reduce “the differences in outlook between the farmer and the city dweller,” according to historian Walton Bean.

Cars, trucks, and tractors began to appear in Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon after 1910, transforming agricultural practices. Use of the horse gradually declined along with the need for workers to tend them, although horses were still used regularly on valley farms and ranches well into the 1930s. Everyone remembered the first family car. Rose Bettencourt Ferreira said her father bought a Hudson to go to visit her brother at Camp Lewis, Washington during the Great War. In Sycamore Valley, the Woods bought a Chalmers as their first car in 1911. Young George Wood learned to drive it when he was 12 or 13, as soon as he could reach the pedals. The family took it on trips to Clear Lake and Yosemite around 1915 even though the roads were rough. At Clear Lake, George recalled that “the dust was so deep you couldn’t see the chuck-holes.”

The Woods also bought the first truck in Sycamore Valley. George again noted, “I’ll never forget when ol’ Charlie Goold saw that thing running down the road. He thought it was a runaway because it was going ten miles per hour. Teams never went more than two or three mile per hour.” Mr. Goold saw the top of the fast-moving load but, since the dirt road was recessed from use, he could not tell that a truck was carrying the load.

Hazel Wiester remembered that a 20% slope on a Danville hill became the testing ground for new automobiles. “If a car couldn’t make it up the hill, no one would buy it.”

In 1926, a Los Angeles Times article said it all: “Our forefathers in their immortal independence creed set forth ‘the pursuit of happiness’ as an inalienable right of mankind. And how can one pursue happiness by any swifter and surer means...than by the use of the automobile?”

Cars navigated the dirt roads and struggling with wet clay in the winter. The curbs on Hartz Avenue were about two feet high, a convenient height for horses and wagons but not for cars. After the Danville Grammar School moved in 1922, an auto camp appeared on the school site on Front Street where people parked their cars and put up tents for the night.

In this period, gasoline service stations appeared in each community. The Fereiras’ San Ramon General Store put two gas pumps out front. Oscar and Edwin Olsson opened a service station at Hartz Avenue and Diablo Street in Danville before 1920, where at first they wheeled a portable gas pump out to fill cars.

Station owners also sold cars. Locals would put in an order for a car and the station owner acting as agent would bring it out from Oakland or San Francisco. In 1919, Oscar Olsson, the Overland agent in Danville, advertised the Overland Roadster for $845, contending the ride gave the driver a “smooth sailing sensation instead of bouncing and swaying.”

Good Roads groups had originated in the 19th century when bicycle riders lobbied for a state bureau of highways. When the automobile became a reality after 1910, California voters supported better roads by approving $73 million for highway construction between 1910 and 1920. The first gas tax of two-cents was earmarked for roads and initiated by the state in 1923.

Danville’s Grange Master, Will Stewart, called a Martinez meeting in 1909 which initiated the first Good Roads league in the county. Stewart, who was involved in the Grange and other valley improvement groups, was responsible for laying out most of southern Contra Costa’s main roads. Beginning in 1933, Danville’s I. M. Osborn was the County road-master for the Valley.

In 1919, the local Good Roads Campaign Committee and County Board of Supervisors supported a County bond issue election for roads. This ad appeared in the Contra Costa Courier and Danville Journal:

VOTE FOR AND WORK FOR GOOD ROADS: Five Reasons Why

1. Because, good roads mean prosperity. Contra Costa is a wealthy county.

2. Because, good roads mean an annual saving of thousands of dollars to the taxpayers.

3. Because, under the proposed bond issues, we get good roads now.

4. Because, unless the bond issue is voted the Supervisors must increase the tax rate or curtail the road building program. This would be a calamity.

5. Our industries demand good roads, farmers require them; taxpayers are willing to pay for them.

On July 22, 1919 the bond issue passed easily, with Danville residents supporting it 182 to 1, Alamo 65 to 0, and Tassajara 58 to 1.

One of the first paved roads in the county was built between Walnut Creek and Danville. A concrete highway extended from Martinez to Dublin by 1920. The center of this highway had a raised bump, about six inches high and fifteen inches wide which was a real challenge to passing drivers. Ruth Boone said it was someone’s goofy experiment which didn’t work out; the hump was finally removed in 1930.

The road we know today as Danville Blvd., Hartz Ave., and San Ramon Valley Blvd. became State Highway 21 in 1935 and kept that designation until the I-680 freeway opened in 1964 (to Danville) and 1966 (to Dublin). Happily, the dusty and murky roads are now a thing of the past, although gas

Sources: Walton Bean and James Rawls, California An Interpretive History (p.304 ff), Contra Costa Courier and Danville Journal (1919), Beverly Lane, Yesteryear in the San Ramon Valley; John Mercurio and Steve Minniear Highway 21: the Farm Road That Became An Interstate, interviews with Rose Ferreira (1977), Hazel Wiester, George Wood (1984), and Ruth Boone (1990).

Mallorca, Spain

18 horses pulled the Wiedemann’s gas-engine powered harvester combine on the Sherburne hills, 1931.

wooden sidewalks, East Prospect and North Hartz, c. 1922.

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President CERT EMERGENCY TRAINING

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is centered around an all-risk, all-hazard training course. This valuable class is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your neighborhood in an emergency situation.

The CERT program educates community members about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area. CERT trains students in basic disaster response skills. During this 27-hour course students will learn: disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations and triage, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism and the incident command system. Upon completion of the program, CERT members will participate in a drill that will put all of their new skills to work.

Register for a class at www.firedepartment.org/community/outreach-programs/cert . For questions contact CERT Coordinator Danielle Bell at 925-838-6697.

Upcoming CERT Class #97 - Registration Pending

• Saturday, March 1 st 8 AM to 5:30 PM

• Sunday, March 2 nd 8 AM to 5:30 PM

• Saturday, March 8th 8 AM to 5:30 PM

All classes are held at San Ramon Valley Fire’s Administrative Building located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon, unless otherwise noted. You must be registered and have an email confirmation to attend class.

ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET

Please join us and your neighbors in experiencing live music at the Alamo Farmers Market, pick up some beautiful produce, ready-made food, and other goods, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us.

Stop by and say “Hi” to our vendors. They welcome the opportunity to discuss their work and produce with you. Their winter fare includes oranges, clementines, mandarins, grapes, persimmons, apples, pomegranates, and more!

The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is plenty of easy and free parking. Please look for updated Market information at NextDoor.com - search Alamo Improvement Association ENVISION 2040 ~ IS ALAMO A TARGET?

Be informed. Visit www.AlamoVision2040.org for more information on the General Plan for Alamo and Contra Costa County.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY!

Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can justifiably be proud to call “home.” Now in its 70th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has special history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out, now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!

BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY AN AMERICAN GUIDE TO WEALTH TRANSFER

By Waldron Partners

Dear hardworking American,

No one knows the value of hard work better than you. After years of toiling, saving, and investing, you’ve grown your wealth and are now well-prepared to pass on the fruits of your labor to your descendants. But, how can you help ensure that your wealth benefits your grandchildren effectively?

Proper wealth transfer isn’t just a simple transaction from one party to another. It requires keen planning, strategic execution, and thorough knowledge in finance and legal aspects. This is all about creating financial security and a legacy that lasts for generations.

As a grandparent, your endeavors have always been for the stability and prosperity of your grandchildren. Through thoughtful wealth transfer, you are not just offering them financial aid but also imparting the wisdom of financial responsibility and the close-knit value of family heritage. Indeed, your hardearned assets can become the catalyst for your grandchild’s journey—be it education, buying a house, or starting a business.

Options for wealth transfer are as diverse as America herself. From opening a 529 College Savings Plan for your grandkids’ education to setting up trusts that protect your assets and ensure a secured future for your descendants, the choices are varied and flexible.

Perhaps you’re considering direct gifting? There’s a tax exemption that allows for that! Or, maybe you’re leaning towards a family-based approach like setting up a Family Limited Partnership? All of these options are viable and are worth considering as you decide the best way to pass on your wealth.

Irrespective of what decision you make, two things remain crucial: starting early and open communication. Transferring wealth is a process that benefits greatly from early planning. Moreover, discussing your plans with your family not only ensures transparency but also reduces potential disputes in the future. Remember, your legacy is not simply the tangible assets you’ve accumulated, but also the values you pass on to the succeeding generations. Careful planning and strategic action can help ensure that your grandchildren appreciate and treasure your hard work.

Put your hard-earned American dollars to work for generations to come. For more personalized guidance on crafting a wealth transfer plan tailored to your family’s unique needs, consult with a financial planner or an estate planning attorney. They will help channel your hard-won wealth into the avenues that make the most significant impact on your family.

Your legacy has the potential to shape the lives of your grandchildren, and in turn, the future of this great country. As an unyielding American spirit, your ability to leave a legacy is not merely a possibility—it’s a certainty.

You’ve worked hard your whole life—now it’s time to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling present while securing your future. At Waldron Partners, we’re here to help grandparents live their best lives with tailored wealth management solutions. Make informed decisions for a worry-free future. Contact us at team@waldronpartners.com today—you deserve a sense of confidence. Disclosure: Osaic FA, Inc. and its representatives do not provide tax advice. You should consult a tax advisor regarding any tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

Peter Waldron CA Insurance License #0E47827. Securities offered through Osaic FA, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Sagemark Consulting, a marketing name for Osaic FA, Inc. Osaic FA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic FA. CRN-7524538-011325 Advertorial

Homeownership is often one of the most significant financial investments people make in their lifetime. Protecting that investment with homeowner’s insurance is not only wise but usually required if you have a mortgage. However, a little-known issue can arise when the title to a home is held in a living trust. If the property’s title is in the name of a trust, a mismatch can occur between the named insured under the policy - individual owner(s) - and the legal property owner, the living trust.

Particularly due to the recent devastating fires in Southern California, a few clients who understandably have their homes titled in a living trust, have inquired about this issue. Each was worried about the above-referenced mismatch as to their home and questioned whether this could put them at risk that a hypothetical fire insurance claim might be denied.

If the home is titled in the name of a living trust, but the insurance policy lists only the individual homeowner as the insured, the insurer may argue that the legal owner—the trust—is not covered under the policy. This could create a loophole for the insurer to deny claims or even cancel the policy outright.

A 2009 appellate case, Kwok vs. Transnation Title Insurance Company, involved a similar issue, except that: i) an LLC, not an individual, transferred title into the LLC owner’s trust); and ii) that case involved a title insurance policy; not a homeowner’s insurance policy. The court upheld the insurance company’s denial of the claim due to the trust transfer.

While this case caused considerable worry about titling of homes in one’s living trust, no mass (if any) denial of homeowner’s insurance claims has resulted. Since it is extremely common and beneficial to own a home in a living trust, many modern homeowner’s insurance policies expressly allow transfers into the homeowner’s living trust. In any event, I have not heard about, nor read in legal journals or other sources, about insurance companies attempting to deny fire or hazard claims on these grounds. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t need to speculate or worry about potential homeowner’s insurance policy claim denials or what any given court may or may not decide on this issue. Fortunately, this problem is avoidable with proper planning and communication. Here are some steps homeowners can take to ensure their insurance coverage aligns with their living trust:

1. Notify Your Insurance Company: Some insurance companies require you to notify them that you own your home in your living trust; hence, do so to be safe. Provide them with a copy of your Trust Certification and ask them to update your policy accordingly. Ask for verification that your policy coverage is secure, notwithstanding that your home is titled in your living trust.

2. Add the Trust as an Additional Insured: Virtually all insurers will allow you to add your living trust as an additional insured on the policy. This ensures that both the individual homeowner and the trust are covered.

3. Review Your Policy Regularly: Homeowner’s insurance policies (and related policies, including your umbrella policy, if any) should be reviewed with an experienced insurance agent annually and whenever a significant change, such as transferring the title to a trust, occurs. This helps catch potential gaps in coverage before they become problematic.

Many insurance companies have long ago addressed this issue by offering coverage, endorsements and/or riders specifically designed to cover properties held in trusts. These provide peace of mind to homeowners that their coverage is secure.

You should certainly be able to enjoy the benefits of your living trust without compromising your insurance protection. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business|

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

I am an attorney with Silverman & Jaffe, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@silvermanjaffe.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS THINKING AHEAD

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

It’s uncomfortable to discuss our mortality. As our digital assets have multiplied, we need to start thinking about what happens to our digital footprint when we’re gone or unable to manage. We’ve all seen how much online security has increased, and virtually every vendor we use has an online payment mechanism. Most people keep photos on their phone and in the cloud. You probably bank online, and maybe you have a Schwab investment account, and/or a cryptocurrency account with Coinbase. Maybe you have a social media account where everyone you know checks in. Maybe you also keep your old documents encrypted on a local computer. And, as online payment processors and vendor websites require two-factor authentication to access their site, that iPhone or Android phone you own is absolutely critical for using one of the many required Authenticator programs.

Now, think about your spouse or loved ones trying to get into your data and accounts without you around. You are the bill payer and handle everything financial in the family. All of these vendors are online, and all are highly skeptical of requests by family members to gain access. It can be awful for the survivors to navigate. If nobody knows the PIN code on your phone, obviously they can no longer access your face for phone facial recognition. If you were careful to encrypt your computer, but you never wrote down or communicated your PIN/password for that, the data is locked away. You didn’t expect the <insert calamity here>; nobody does. This is the nightmare scenario many of our clients have faced. It’s frustrating and time-consuming work to try and access the data, and success is not at all guaranteed.

At PCIO we’ve seen this scenario too many times, and again recently, so I thought a gentle reminder of some best-practices would be a good way to start the year. Here’s what we advise our clients, and what I’d like everyone to do.

1) If you’re 60 or younger and you’re comfortable with the idea, I recommend that you setup a password manager, such as LastPass, OnePass, Keeper, etc. to hold your passwords and credit card information. All of it. There are great password managers available for keeping our information safe and secure. These companies are experts at encryption and data storage. I use LastPass for our family information and I think they do a good job, and I also highly recommend Keeper. They’re all similar and have the same core features. Look for one that offers a family plan, and ensure your spouse, partner, or empowered child has the same level of access to your system as you do, AKA, the “master password.”

2) If you’re 61 or over, I suggest getting a little book and writing everything down. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Call it something nondescript, such as “change log,” and every time you change a password, write down the old password, the new password, and date you changed it. Tell your spouse, your kids, or other relevant adult where it’s kept and keep it up to date. The log should include:

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

Veteran Service Organizations meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted.

• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August and October). Odd numbered months at noon and even numbered months at 6PM. For information, visit www.americanlegionpost246.org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. For information, visit vfwpost75.org or email info@vfwpost75.org

• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at The Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. For information, visit http://vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.

• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. For information, visit www.mcldet942.org.

• Military Officers Association of America meets on the third Monday of each month at 5PM. For information email pattywernet@hotmail.com

• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.

• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon.

a) Your phone PIN

i) If Apple, your iCloud username (email address) and password

ii) If Android, the Gmail account your phone is registered to and password

b) Your Microsoft account(s) – for Office 365, Live, etc.

c) Your computer password, the one you use when you login

d) Your email accounts, passwords (every account!)

e) Your bank, the account number, online username and online password

f) Investment accounts, ditto (Schwab, Coinbase, Fidelity, etc.)

g) Credit card accounts, ditto (Chase, Citi, etc.)

Many experts will cringe at doing something as pedestrian as writing everything down. After all, a book can be stolen and then you can be unraveled, right? Weigh the risks. In my opinion, online theft is 100% more likely than burglary. Burglars look for cash, jewelry, firearms. It’s unlikely someone will be grabbing your little black book, particularly if it’s innocuously named and kept in a safe place away from your computer. How you proceed depends on your living situation.

3) Identify a relative, a friend, or perhaps your family attorney that you can trust. Make certain they have an updated copy of your credentials and a “Do Not Open Until I Am Gone” envelope. Death and disability do not ever visit when it is convenient; they come at the worst possible time, fast and hard. The best time to think this through and ensure your loved ones have access to the family or business “keys to the kingdom,” is right now.

4) Do not let “perfect” get the in the way of “good enough.” There have been many times when a single sliver of information someone had on a scrap of paper was the key that opened the first door and enabled us to recover client information. Start small and get started now. If you don’t want to use a book, try starting a Word document, or a simple spreadsheet with whatever information you have right now, and it will be a giant first step – but make a printed copy! Please remember that this is not a one-time event; this is a process and you’re creating a “living document” as passwords and access keys are continually updated. And when they are, you must discipline yourself to update your file right then, before doing something else and you forget.

If you follow these steps, you’re on the road to protecting your loved ones. PCIO can help if you get stuck. Just email info@pcioit.com or, call 888-552-7953 to contact our helpdesk. Advertorial

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. New and prospective members are welcome! The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and participates in many community service projects. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker. There is no charge for a guest lunch.

For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

The Rotary Club of Alamo meets the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club; visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets at Fat Maddie’s located at 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets Wednesdays from 5:15PM-6:40PM at Amador Rancho Community Center. For more information, call 925-998-2924. The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the LAB meeting room at Roundhouse located 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Meetings are held at 7AM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and no meetings in months with a 5th Tuesday. For more information call 925-997-6664.

EXCHANGE CLUB

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

HEALTHCARE, TAILORED JUST FOR

YOU

THE

By Ann Marie Giusto, RN

RISE OF CONCIERGE NURSING & MEDICINE

Imagine having a healthcare professional who knows your medical history inside and out, offers same-day appointments, and is accessible via their cell phones. This level of personalized, patient-centered care is the cornerstone of concierge nursing and medicine. As someone caring for aging parents and many families in our community, I know firsthand how complicated healthcare can be. Managing multiple specialists, navigating insurance, and ensuring they have the appropriate support at home can feel overwhelming. It requires time, attention to detail, and a level of advocacy that can often fall through the cracks in our complicated healthcare system. Add to that the emotional weight of helping them age safely, respectfully, and comfortably; it’s no small task. Concierge nursing services help fill these gaps, making it easier to coordinate care and provide peace of mind for both patients and their families.

Concierge medicine, also known as membership-based care, is an emerging and increasingly popular model in healthcare. Unlike traditional primary care, where physicians often manage thousands of patients annually, concierge doctors maintain smaller patient panels—sometimes as few as 400 individuals. Membership fees, which range from a few thousand dollars to higher tiers a year, provide patients with enhanced services, while insurance is typically used for the payment of covered medical services. This model enables longer, more in-depth appointments, highly personalized treatment plans, and enhanced access to direct communication with the physician.

Concierge nursing, also known as private nursing care, extends personalized healthcare into the home, including assistance via phone; all without requiring a membership. Registered Nurses serve as trusted partners for families, providing comprehensive coordination and oversight of care to deliver peace of mind. Services range from essential care navigation to hands-on, clinical support, addressing a wide variety of needs. By bridging gaps in the healthcare system, private nursing provides seamless, continuous care tailored to each individual. Additionally, private nursing is not just for the wealthy; many services are flexible and can be tailored to meet various budgets, making quality, personalized healthcare accessible. Support can be for just one time, short-term or long-term, as needs evolve. This flexible approach provides patients and their families with the appropriate level of care proactively. It also helps patients age in place safely while reducing the need for trips to the emergency department. Below are some of the essential services offered: CARE NAVIGATION & CASE MANAGEMENT

• Acting as advocates and liaisons between families and healthcare providers.

• Coordinating resources, services, and education to empower informed decisions.

• Assisting with important documents, such as Advance Directives or addressing insurance billing. IN-HOME SKILLED NURSING CARE

• Monitoring preventive health and chronic conditions to help patients maintain independence.

• Delivering hands-on medical care tailored to individual needs, from post-surgical recovery to complex chronic care.

• Providing support across the spectrum of life; from new beginnings to end-of-life care. MEDICATION SUPPORT, INCLUDING IV THERAPY

• Conducting medication reviews to increase safety and effectiveness.

• Administering medications, including IV infusions and injectables, in the comfort of the home.

• Simplifying administration, and exploring possible lower cost but effective options. SUPPORT WITH TRANSITIONS

• Referring patients to trusted caregivers, therapists, or community resources.

• Guiding safe transitions from hospital or rehab to home, minimizing the risk of readmissions.

• Assisting with placement into trusted new living situations, such as Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Board and Care homes to align with patients’ needs and goals.

• Suggesting appropriate equipment.

Concierge nursing is an extension of care that augments all health care providers while offering the convenience and comfort of being in your home. Whether you’re looking for short-term guidance or ongoing support, concierge nursing offers flexible, personalized care that’s accessible to many. My team and I are deeply committed to improving healthcare outcomes and tirelessly advocating for patients, keeping their voices central to every interaction.

If you’re curious about how concierge medicine and nursing can enhance your health and healthcare experience, reach out today. Be Well Nursing Solutions, 925575-5858 or BeWellRN.com. Our Registered Nurses serve as a trusted partner for families, coordinating and overseeing every aspect of care to ensure peace of mind.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For personalized guidance regarding legal or healthcare decisions, consult with your licensed attorney, financial advisor, or healthcare professional. We are not a nurse advice line. If you think you are having an emergency, please call 911

While foster cats will remain with their senior person for as long as they possibly can, they will still be owned by KNN, and can come back to the Sanctuary at anytime. If needed, food, litter, and medical needs for the cat that arise, can be covered.

Animals provide their humans friendship, improved physical and mental health, and opportunities for interaction which an older person may miss if family is not around on a regular basis. The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression and help people deal with loss and grief, and the quiet home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal looking for a new home and a less stressful environment.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a feline companion, or for more information, email KNNrescue@ gmail.com or visit www.kimsnurturingnest. org/senior-to-senior-program

VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE ‘OFFICE’ TO YOU

The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office offers a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience.

Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta. ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon.

For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.

SAFE MEDICINE, NEEDLE, & BATTERY DISPOSAL

If you have excess or expired medicines, used needles, syringes, or lancets, or have used batteries from hearing aids or other devices, there are disposal sites to safely discard of these items.

Working together, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, Allied Waste Services, and Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority hope to reduce the risk of needle sticks, improperly disposed of medications, and used batteries in our community.

Drop-boxes are available 24/7. The boxes provide for the safe, secure, and environmentally-responsible collection. Drop-boxes for all items can be found at the Town of Danville offices inside the Police Department entrance located at 500 La Gonda Way, and a drop box for needles can also be found near the front door of the Fire Protection Districts’ Administrative Office Building, located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

DOZE continued from front page

and Sidegate Brewery of Concord have been regular sponsors of these competitions within DOZE.

These competitions are a big draw because the final winner is invited to scale up their recipe and brew with the hosting brewery to create their own beer that will be sold at that location. While there is no monetary gain for winning club members, pride and bragging rights are abundant.

Local Alamo resident, Adam Wyss (and yes, full disclosure, he is married to this writer), has had the opportunity to brew at Danville Brewing Company not once, but twice. Most recently, in 2022 his beer named Aroma Focus was both on tap and canned for patrons to enjoy. As Adam shared, “The opportunity to brew with Matt Sager (head brewer) and the Danville Brewing team is amazing. It’s so much fun to see your beer available for anyone to enjoy.”

The club is also a supportive place to get involved in external competitions as well. The paramount competition of the year is the National Homebrew Competition (NHC) put on by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Founded in 1979 with only 34 entries, NHC has become the biggest homebrewing competition in the world, having evaluated 166,700 entries as of 2024.

First round judging is completed at regional locations across the US prior to top rated beers advancing to the yearly final rounds held in one US location for the year. DOZE has fine-tuned participation for their members, keeping a spreadsheet of member entries and coordinating as a group how to get their beer where it needs to be whether it be a first round in Seattle or a final round in Rhode Island. Sometimes this means pooling resources to ship entries, and sometimes it means chipping in and a couple of members load up a car for a two-day road trip to Denver. Whatever it takes, members work together to make it happen for the good of the club.

And the hard work pays off. A tangible measure of success toward the club’s first mission of sharing brewing knowledge and enthusiasm came in 2010. DOZE was awarded their first, of what would later become two (2021), American Homebrewers Association’s Homebrew Club of the Year awards at NHC. This award is presented to the homebrew club that makes an outstanding showing at the competition that year. DOZE typically has around 30 members sending in entries spanning many different beer, mead, and cider style categories, increasing the odds of the club making an impact at the national competition.

More recently, DOZE was awarded Homebrew Club of the Year at the 2024 California State Fair. DOZE club members walked away with a total of eight gold medals, six silver medals, and six bronze medals, bringing home a trophy for the club as well.

Beyond making great beer and winning awards, the club has grown and matured over the years toward another mission—being of service to the community. This includes the brewing community at large, but also the civic community in the Diablo Valley. DOZE’s streak of generosity and service to the community goes beyond mere philanthropy, though. Most of these causes hit home for DOZE members, their families, and neighbors. After a long-standing DOZE member and local homebrewing legend, See DOZE continued on page 22

UNDERSTANDING ACNE CAUSES & BENEFITS OF MEDICAL TREATMENT, & ADVANCES IN LASER THERAPIES

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. While it is often associated with adolescence, it can persist or even emerge in adulthood, impacting self-esteem and quality of life. Fortunately, in 2025 we have more treatment options than ever before to alleviate the great suffering that accompanies acne.

THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF ACNE

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This blockage creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to inflammation and the formation of pimples, blackheads, or cysts. Several factors contribute to the development of acne these include hormonal changes, genetics, diet, stress, and improper skincare.

THE BENEFITS OF MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR ACNE

Medical treatments offer targeted solutions that address the root causes of acne, providing relief and reducing the risk of scarring. There are many effective treatments that can be prescribed or directed by a board-certified dermatologist.

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY: THE ACCURE LASER

One of the most exciting advancements in acne treatment is the development of the Accure laser. This breakthrough technology targets sebaceous glands with unparalleled precision, reducing excessive sebum production—a key driver of acne—without damaging surrounding tissue. The Accure laser uses selective photothermolysis to deliver targeted energy to sebaceous glands. By heating these glands to a precise temperature, the laser effectively modulates their activity, reducing oil production over time. Unlike systemic treatments, such as oral medications, the Accure laser focuses solely on the treatment area, offering a localized solution. Amongst the benefits of the Accure laser are no systemic side effects or toxicities, lasting results, and minimal downtime with limited to no recovery.

THE VBEAM PULSED DYE LASER: TACKLING INFLAMMATORY ACNE AND RED SCARS

The VBeam pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a powerful tool for treating inflammatory acne and residual redness from acne scars. By targeting blood vessels in the skin, the VBeam laser reduces redness and inflammation, offering visible improvements in active acne and post-acne erythema. The VBeam laser is safe and gentle making it suitable for sensitive skin and requires virtually no downtime from work or social activities.

TREATING RESIDUAL SCARRING WITH THE FRAXEL DUAL LASER

Once active acne has been controlled, residual scarring can be addressed with the Fraxel Dual Laser. I don’t recommend attempting to treat acne scarring until the active acne is under control. This laser therapy stimulates collagen production, promoting skin renewal and reducing the appearance of scars. The Fraxel Dual Laser delivers microscopic columns of energy to the skin, creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing process. This process replaces damaged skin with new, healthy tissue, improving texture and tone. The Fraxel Laser addresses both surface irregularities and deeper scarring, in addition to treating scars it improves overall skin quality and texture. There is a short period of downtime lasting a few days after Fraxel treatments.

THE FUTURE OF ACNE MANAGEMENT

The integration of medical treatments and advanced laser therapies represents a promising future for acne management. Breakthrough technologies like the Accure laser, combined with the versatility of the VBeam pulsed dye laser and the Fraxel Dual Laser, offer a comprehensive approach to treating acne and its aftermath. By combining traditional approaches with cutting-edge technology, dermatologists can achieve optimal outcomes tailored to individual needs. If you’re struggling with acne or residual scarring, our amazing team at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology & Aesthetics are here to help. The path to clearer, healthier skin is closer than ever before.

Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www. MyBeautyMd.com Advertorial

DOZE was awarded 2024 Homebrew Club of the Year at the California Sate Fair.

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES

WITH ALL THIS EXERCISE WHY AM I NOT LOSING WEIGHT?

Many clients tell us that they are working out, making healthy food choices, and not losing weight. When a person seems to be doing the right things and not making any progress, below are some common hard truths why you are not losing weight. We are seeing many clients who are taking GLP 1 injections and still struggling with weight loss for the following reasons.

YOU EAT ALL OF THE CALORIES YOU BURN DURING WORKOUTS

When you work out you burn extra calories, but you overestimate how much you are burning. Saying “I exercised today so later I can overeat or over-drink today,” or “I’ll have this now, but work out extra hard tomorrow and burn it off” does not work. That three mile walk may burn 300 calories, but does not compensate for the 1,000 calorie restaurant meal you are about to have.

YOU

ARE RELYING ON EXERCISE ALONE TO LOSE WEIGHT

Exercising can help you lose weight, along with many other health benefits, because it helps you create the calorie deficit needed to drop body fat. But, exercise alone will not help you lose weight. Exercise does burn calories, but not as many as you think. A full hour of intense exercise may only burn 400-500 calories, but hundreds, even thousands, of calories can be consumed in a few minutes. It would take a lot of exercise to offset those calories. If you are not changing your diet and reducing your caloric intake, exercise alone will not help you lose weight. You must have both caloric reduction through diet and intense exercise for optimal weight loss results.

YOU ARE NOT EATING AS HEALTHY AS YOU THINK YOU ARE

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Often new clients come to my office with a food diary. They think they are eating healthy and are shocked to hear they are eating too much sugar and fat, and not enough protein and fiber. Recently, I had a pre-diabetic client that was eating a double serving of Raisin Bran (when he measured it) and a glass of orange juice for breakfast. I calculated that he was eating 800 calories, which contained 10 teaspoons of sugar in the two servings of cereal, 5 teaspoons of sugar from 1 1/2 cups of milk and 8 teaspoons of sugar from the orange juice for a grand total of 23 teaspoons of sugar! I also see clients that are not realizing how much fat they are consuming from olives, nuts, avocados, cheese, and beef. In addition, I see clients skipping meals and then eating up a days-worth of calories in the evening when our bodies process calories less efficiently. You may also be eating healthy foods, but your portions are too large for your age, height, and activity. You need nutrition plans that are individualized and based on all of these factors. YOU ARE NOT

BEING CONSISTENT ENOUGH

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When you are struggling to lose weight, consistency is very important. Clients tell me they are sticking to strict diets and exercise programs for a week, but cannot possibly continue this regimen without “cheating.” They try to eat “perfectly” and exercise “religiously.” When they do not lose weight they throw up their hands in frustration and never succeed. I also see clients that seem to be on a reasonable nutrition plan and then get totally off course with a family celebration or eating out at a restaurant. A restaurant dessert can be five times the standard portion size and alcohol consumption can easily be 500 calories. A significant part of my practice is providing strategies for how to manage these events to provide balance while enjoying goodies. It is easy to lose weight but not very easy to keep it off. It takes a reasonable nutrition plan, intense exercise, and consistency (with forgiveness for occasional lapses). NOT KEEPING

TRACK OF MINDLESS EATING

A recent Kaiser study tracked 1,685 overweight and obese adults (men and women), whose average weight was 212 pounds. They encouraged participants to adhere to a reduced-calorie, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)diet, and asked them to record their daily food intake and exercise minutes. After 20 weeks, the average weight loss was 13 pounds per person. But, researchers discovered something quite interesting - the more participants recorded what they ate, the more weight they lost in the end. Participants who did not keep a food diary lost about nine pounds over the course of the study, while those who recorded their food intake six or more days per week lost 18 pounds—twice as much as those who didn’t track any food!

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

DISCOVER DIABLO

Save Mount Diablo’s (SMD) Discover Diablo program offers a series of free activities that include hikes, family walks, rock climbing events, trail runs, mountain biking events, property tours, and more. Join SMD in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces!

Led by staff and volunteer naturalists, programs offer various outdoor activities including guided interpretive family walks, hikes, and property tours. These events are open to any and all trailblazers looking to get out in nature. All hikes are free, but in order to create the best experience and least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advanced registration is required.

Property tours are led on SMD conserved sites. These are unique opportunities to explore privately-held lands that are otherwise closed to the public. Join these tours to learn more about the special ecological and cultural features of each conserved site.

The goal of Discover Diablo is to connect people to nature through outdoor recreation and to build awareness of both the land conservation movement and the importance of permanently protecting open spaces. Through this program, the aim is to reach new audiences, grow the membership base, and spark a passion for Diablo’s wild, natural lands in the youngest of trailblazers. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/mt2tjpvp.

MOUNT DIABLO TRAIL DIG-DAYS

Join Mount Diablo Trails Alliance to help maintain and enhance the trails on Mount Diablo focusing on safety, preservation, and access.

• Camel Rock Trail Dig Day ~ Saturday, February 8th from 10AM to 3:15PM

Last season, over 450 volunteers logged more than 3,000 hours, repairing and maintaining trails at Mount Diablo. To learn more and join in, visit www.mountdiablotrailsalliance.org/dig-days.

JOINT PAIN, MEET YOUR MATCH

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND REGENERATIVE INJECTIONS

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

Joint pain can be debilitating, limiting your ability to move, work, and enjoy life. Traditional approaches to joint pain often involve temporary solutions like pain relievers, cortisone shots, or even surgery. But what if there was a way to address the root cause of your pain while also promoting long-term healing? That’s where the combination of functional medicine and regenerative joint injections comes into play, offering a robust, science-backed solution to joint pain and inflammation.

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than simply managing symptoms. This approach treats the body as an interconnected system, recognizing that inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin buildup often influence joint pain. By addressing these underlying contributors, functional medicine helps create an optimal environment for healing.

Key aspects of functional medicine include:

• Comprehensive Testing: Uncover hidden issues such as inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies.

• Personalized Nutrition Plans: Target deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for tissue repair and reducing inflammation.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporate stress management, exercise, and sleep optimization to support overall well-being.

WHAT ARE REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS?

Regenerative joint injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and exosomes, stimulate the body’s natural ability to reduce inflammation and heal itself. Unlike traditional cortisone injections, which reduce pain but may slow long-term healing and create joint compromise, regenerative therapies offer hope to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation at the source.

These injections work by:

• Stimulating Tissue Repair: Strengthening and rebuilding cartilage and soft tissue.

• Enhancing Blood Flow: Improving circulation to the injured area accelerates healing.

• Reducing Inflammation: Addressing chronic inflammation, a major contributor to joint degeneration.

DOZE continued from page 20

THE SYNERGY: FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE + REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS

Functional medicine and regenerative joint injections create a comprehensive approach to joint health. Here’s why this combination is so effective:

1. Combating Inflammation from Every Angle

Regenerative joint injections target and reduce inflammation directly within the joint, promoting localized healing and pain relief. Functional medicine complements this by addressing systemic inflammation caused by factors like an imbalanced diet, chronic stress, or poor gut health. Together, they work synergistically to calm the inflammatory processes contributing to pain and tissue damage.

2. Optimizing the Healing Environment

Your body needs abundant nutrients to repair and rebuild tissue for regenerative injections to deliver maximum benefit. Functional medicine identifies and addresses deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen-building amino acids. Through tailored dietary and supplementation strategies, functional medicine ensures your body is primed for optimal healing.

3. Supporting Long-Lasting Results

While regenerative injections provide a powerful jump-start to tissue repair, functional medicine extends those benefits by fostering a healthier overall environment. By tackling lifestyle factors like chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and toxin exposure, functional medicine helps safeguard your joints against future damage and supports sustained improvement.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS APPROACH?

Combining functional medicine and regenerative joint injections can be helpful for individuals experiencing:

• Arthritis or Joint Degeneration: Address the wear-and-tear damage while supporting overall joint health.

• Sports Injuries: Accelerate healing and prevent re-injury in active individuals.

• Chronic Joint Pain: Resolve the root causes of inflammation and pain without relying solely on medications.

• Failed Traditional Treatments: Provide new options for those who haven’t responded well to cortisone shots or surgery.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD PAIN-FREE LIVING

If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and embrace a comprehensive solution to joint pain, we’re here to help. By combining functional medicine with regenerative joint injections, we aim to help you reduce pain, restore mobility, and get back to the activities you love. Contact us today to learn more about this transformative approach. Call 925-362-8283 or book online at AlignHealingCenter.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and individual outcomes may vary. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Advertorial

Mike “Tasty” McDole, passed away, DOZE members raised funds to donate to cancer research in his memory. DOZE partnered with one club member whose daughter has Type 1 Diabetes to raise $2,000 for the Bay Area chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). And, in response to the Camp Fire in Paradise and the Coffey Fire in Sonoma County, DOZE took action to gather funds as well as needed goods to distribute to those in need. These are just a fraction of the examples in which the club has participated.

Then there are the annual events that DOZE contributes to, creating fun community events benefiting worthy causes. Hosted by The Brewing Network, The Spring Brews Festival in Concord on March 29th will benefit the Todos Santos Business Association Arts Foundation, which helps fund the summer music program in Todos Santos Park, as well as youth music programs around Concord. The Bay Area Craft Beer Festival at Martinez Waterfront Park on April 26th will benefit the non-profit Main Street Martinez which benefits economic vitality in downtown Martinez and offers support to local business owners and events. When you attend one of these events, keep an eye out for the DOZE tent—club members donate their beer, cider, or mead to the tent and attend to pour tastings of their creations. It’s a great way to try many different styles of beer and ask questions about the styles, ingredients, and processes used to make them. With all of the enthusiasm for education and community support offered by DOZE, it’s no wonder they gained their next accolade. In 2021, on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic shuttering in-person club meetings, DOZE rose above their challenges to develop a robust online connection between members—even going so far as to create portable tasting kits so members could still experience homebrew and discuss during their meetings together, even if they couldn’t be together in person. The club was awarded the Radegast Club of the Year Award by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). According to AHA, “the Radegast Award is named for the Slavic god of hospitality and the creator of beer and is an achievement not obtained through competition, but an award won for doing great things.” Often it is awarded to a homebrew club that has made great strides in the areas of experimentation, education, or philanthropy. DOZE was awarded after sharing their experiences overcoming isolation during COVID lockdowns as well as their philanthropic contributions. What is next for DOZE in 2025? The club is looking to continue these beautiful traditions of education and community by growing the club and welcoming new members. As DOZE president, Chris Lum, noted, “It can be intimidating coming into a group that knows a lot about brewing, but we are a group that is open to share information and experiences.” He continues, “whether you’ve brewed for 10 years or are just thinking about brewing your first batch, showing up to the first meeting you will meet people who have so many different experiences and you can bounce ideas off one another to learn something that applies to your brew day in one way or another.” The club even has several members who have gone on to become professional brewers and still return to socialize and share information.

See DOZE continued on page 23

THE EYE OPENER

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

WHY DO MY ARMS SEEM TO BE GETTING SHORTER WHEN DOING NEAR TASKS?

Now that I have turned 50, any up-close work mandates the need of my glasses. As much as we would all like to believe that the print is just getting smaller, deep down we know it is all about having more birthdays. For those of you who do not buy the conspiracy theory that print is made smaller on purpose by your younger colleagues and children, you can direct your anger at your eye lens. The lens changes shape when acted upon by the muscles within the eye, and that allows the eye to focus on different objects at different distances. The lens is one of the tissues in your body that continues to grow throughout life. As you age, it becomes thicker, denser, and less flexible. Presbyopia (the need for reading help) usually shows itself in your early 40s when it comes to the point where you notice things up close, are not as easy to see as they used to be. Now for the good news…there are many options to help with the “short arm syndrome.” Depending on your distance and reading prescription, reading and computer requirements, and personality, we can work to tailor a solution to this problem.

For glasses-wearers, progressive lenses are usually the choice. These lenses allow for sharp vision in the distance, intermediate, and reading areas. However, the area on the lens for each distance can be small depending on the type of lens used and the depth of the frame. Newer digital designs are allowing for wider corridors of usable vision, thereby making initial adaptation and vision much easier. Computer progressives are also great task-specific lenses that allow for vision at the computer and at near while reducing the need to search for the “sweet spot” for the intermediate area on the lenses used at the computer. The last option is a digital “bump” lens. These lenses are not progressives, but at the bottom of the lens there is an extra bump of reading power. These lenses have power restrictions (they do not go as high as progressives), but they work in most situations and allow for easier adaptation for first-time wearers. Since we need several different shoes for distinctive functions, that same need is why more than one pair of glasses is necessary; different visual tasks often require different lenses. It is possible to need full or occupational progressives, bifocals, computer bifocals, or single vision lenses to help achieve clear and comfortable vision at all near-point activities.

For contact lens wearers, there are many who believe that once presbyopia kicks in that they will no longer be able to wear contacts. While that might be the case for some patients, it does not have to be. Recent advances in multi-focal contact lenses allow for vision at all distances. However, these contacts are not used in the same way as progressive glasses. Since glasses are stationary, you can lower or raise your eyes to utilize a different portion of the lens depending on what you are viewing. With contacts that is not possible as the contact lens always moves with you, so you are always looking through the same part of the lens. Therefore, you are presented with both distance and near vision and you just pay attention to the clearer image. That may sound difficult, but it is easier to adapt to than mono-vision lenses, in which a distance contact is on one eye and a reading lens on the other. Depending on the prescription and the person, this modality works for people, but it does require an initial adaptation period.

Obviously, this discussion was not all inclusive, as there are other options available, including a combination of the above. I enjoy collaborating with patients to explore all available options to produce the best solution to fit each person’s needs.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 8206622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

DOZE continued from page 22

For anyone interested in attending, there are no real requirements, aside from being 21 years or older. Anyone can drop by to attend a meeting, whether they’ve brewed or not. The meeting kicks off with social time— members bring homebrew to share and might even ask for feedback on the spot. Members are very good about giving that feedback in a “kind and constructive manner,” Chris notes. If you have questions about a certain style and what you need to start brewing something different, it’s the perfect place to find your local club expert.

Following social time, the meeting usually involves official club business along with an educational speaker from within or external to the club. It is a wonderfully inclusive and kind place to learn a brand new hobby. As Chris put it, “No matter how long we’ve been attending DOZE meetings, we are all still learning, which is what makes it fun.”

Club meetings are held at 6:30 pm the last Monday of each month at Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek. If you would like to attend a DOZE meeting or learn more about the club, visitclubdoze.com. You can also follow DOZE on Instagram @clubdoze. To attend one of the spring beer festivals and try beer from the DOZE tent along with fantastic Bay Area breweries, visit downtownmartinez.org/bay-area-craft-beer-fest (@ bayareacraftbeerfestival on IG) or thebrewingnetwork.com/14th-annual-spring-brews-festival

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$15 will vaccinate a kitten

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$200 will sponsor an adoption

You can also help with supplies visit our Amazon wish list at https://shorturl.at/zTka6 or Chewy wish list at https://shorturl.at/2wfA5