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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& JANUARY 2021
THE CRAYON INITIATIVE OF DANVILLE SENDS BIG HEARTS, TINY HOUSE By Fran Miller RAINBOWS COAST TO COAST
By Jody Morgan
Each crayon carton produced by The Crayon Initiative (TCI) holds the hope and promise of a rainbow. Delivered to 248 pediatric care facilities across the country, the specially designed crayons help young patients cope with the stress of extended hospital stays or unexpected emergency room visits. Each pack also proves that popular products like crayons can be transformed into treasure rather than being treated as trash. Thanks to the ingenious process TCI Founder Bryan Ware developed, instead of lingering as Susan Woo pours wax into the crayon mold. Photo provided a waxy sludge clogging by Kristen Hoffman. landfills, recycled crayons collected by TCI give hundreds of thousands of pediatric patients the chance to put their imaginations into play and enjoy a normal childhood activity. During a 2011 birthday celebration with his family, Bryan Ware asked what happened to crayons the restaurant gave young diners. Health code mandated that even unused crayons once placed on a customer’s table had to be thrown out. Restaurants discarded an estimated 150 million crayons annually. Made of paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product, they do not biodegrade. Crayola alone manufactures nearly three billion crayons a year TCI crayons include all the colors children need to color -enough to circle the globe their favorite superheroes and express their fears and six times! Impelled to do dreams. Photo provided by TCI.
See Crayons continued on page 10
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
When friends Lexi Gates and Abbie Bly sought a meaningful project to undertake, they examined their respective strengths. The 16-yearold Danville residents, who are juniors at The Athenian School, share a natural curiosity for engineering, design, environmentalism, and service. They both had been trained at school on machinery, and Abbie had previously participated in building projects. The combination of their shared interests and experiences led them to the Tiny House Initiative, and they are now in the process of building a tiny home that they will donate to Operation Dignity, an organization dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. The non-profit works with the City of Oakland to operate sites that provide very low-barrier shelter, basic needs (food, water, hygiene supplies), and services to help people connect to housing and other community resources. “We both knew right off the bat that we wanted to donate the house to someone in need,” said Lexi. “COVID has exacerbated the homelessness crisis with a lot of people losing their jobs and homes, so we are hoping that this tiny house provides a small solution in helping people out. Through some research, we found Operation Dignity. They were super open to the idea and gave us freedom for what we wanted to build. We
Lexi Gates and Abbie Bly sit on the utility trailer that will hold the tiny home build.
went to visit the site, and they showed us where the tiny house would go and what its intended use would be. The organization wants to use the tiny house as a community center so everyone can use the house. We will build the tiny house with a loft for a bed, just in case they want to use it as a resident home in the future.” The girls are building the house on an 18-foot utility trailer, which will allow for easy transport to Oakland. The house will have a kitchen area, couch, desk area, storage, and a loft. In the interest of environ-
See House continued on page 18
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XXI Number 1
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XII Number 1
The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
AMERICAN LEGION MT. DIABLO POST 246
NO CRAB CRABFEED SILENT AUCTION
H e l p su p p or t o u r v et era n s a nd th e y o ut h o f o ur c o m mu n it y b y p ro vi di ng a d o na t i o n fo r o u r s i le nt v ir t ua l a uc t io n ! ! A uc t i o n 2 4 to 3 1 Ja nuary , 2 0 2 1 www.AmericanLegionPost246.org
CALL 277-7775 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE OR EMAIL EARDELL@AOL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
T HA
“Raindrops and roses and whiskers on kittens; Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens; Brown paper packages tied up with strings; These are a few of my favorite things,” sang Julie Andrews in the movie classic, The Sound of Music. As we start a new year in these different times, focusing on the positive can give us hope and inspiration. When my mother was in her teens, she put together a “favorite things list.” It included entries such as baked potatoes roasted in coals, watching a snail eat a blade of grass, a train’s whistle, the roar of the sea, the smell of pines, good hot soup, big puffy white clouds, the toothless grins of babies, and the muscles of a running horse. I reflect on her list and realize that even in these crazy times, there are still a lot of things we can enjoy and treasure. I started my own favorite things list which includes my advertisers and you, the reader, at the top. This paper wouldn’t exist without either. The wonderful press in Union City that has been printing the paper for over two decades, is high on the list as well! I’d love to start and share a local list of favorites. To begin, I include our beautiful places to walk, run, bike, hike, and horseback ride, including the Las Trampas Hills, Mt. Diablo, and the Iron Horse Trail. Additionally, the ability to do most of those activities year-round is noted. The special nearby places we have to explore (even virtually for now); like Museum of the San Ramon Valley (museumsrv.org), Eugene O’Neill Tao House (eugeneoneill.org) and Blackhawk Museum (blackhawkmuseum. org); make the list. Continuing on, I jot down the wild animals in our hills such as bobcats and coyotes, and the farm animals such as horses, goats, and cattle. “Surprise animals” including a zebra and camel that can be spotted grazing off of 680 near the Stone Valley Road exit are added. My list also includes our local and unique businesses that are finding ways to pivot and reinvent themselves, new businesses that are boldly venturing into the marketplace at one of the most difficult times, and cheerful employees looking to make our shopping experiences the best they can be. I urge you to find ways to support our businesses, especially in the less-busy winter months. Even if funds are tight, there are things you can do. Some ideas include writing a positive review, telling your friends and family about a business or experience, following the business on their social media page, and engaging on their posts. Our climate which creates a wonderful place for growing gardens, flowers, a n d s u c c u l e nt s a l s o m a ke s t h e list. Sharing our g a r d e n b o u nt y The front bench is a great place to share our garden bounty. with folks in the area by leaving extra produce on our front porch is added to the favorite list as well. Creating new connections, even if I only interact via email or social media, lightens up my days and definitely are another favorite. Now more than ever, when many aspects of our lives may feel unfair, uncertain, unexpected, lonely, or uneasy, making the best of what comes our way, embracing the experiences life gives us, and staying positive, optimistic, and forward-focused on our favorite things can make our days a little brighter. Julie Andrews wraps up the “My Favorite Things” song by singing, “When the dog bites; When the bee stings; When I’m feeling sad; I simply remember my favorite things; And then I don’t feel so bad.” I’d love to hear from you. What are your local favorite things? Drop me a line at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.
NK
Y OU !
The Fostering Wishes team would like to thank our community for everyone's efforts to brighten a foster child’s holiday. Our collective impact was huge! We were able to contribute presents to six foster care and several non-profit agencies.
We thank the local businesses and individuals for the help they provided in promoting our cause. We appreciate young children who made Santa's mailbox presents, high school groups who helped with fulfillment, and our local paper that wrote an article to introduce us. We appreciate our great local businesses that allowed us to use their storefronts for trees and tags; those that gave donations of new clothes, make-up, and grocery bags; and to 41 nearby Starbucks stores that provided space for donations. We thank the individuals that donated presents and financial contributions. The foster care agencies have reported back on the amazing gifts and how happy the kids are! A deep appreciation is extended to the volunteers of Fostering Wishes, that helped get us where we are! Without their help, Fostering Wishes could never have blossomed as it has! ~ Sabine Lemmo, founder Fostering Wishes
~ Together We Can Make A Difference ~
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
What’s Your Home Worth?
Visit www.assessmyequity.com to find out for FREE! Jon Ahern, Real Estate Broker 925.838.9999 | jon@ahernregroup.com
Camille Ahern, CLHMS, Real Estate Professional
DRE# 01169357
Coming Soon
DRE# 01865464
Active
2054 Hermine Ave. Walnut Creek
31 Kimberley Pl. Alamo
5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 4,458 SQ FT Luxury New Construction Napa Farm House single level on a large secluded lot in one of South Walnut Creek’s best locations.
5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 5,126 SQ FT Fautt Homes New Construction Luxury Estate, on a sprawling .77 acre lot in the Alamo Springs gated community at the end of a cul-de-sac. Offered at $3,595,000
Offered at $2,795,000
Active
925.963.0068 | camille@ahernregroup.com
Fabulous New Price
Coming Soon
Sold
2378 Heritage Oaks Dr. Alamo Lot A
1225 Monticello Rd. Lafayette
Lunada Ln. Alamo
Yelland Way. Brentwood
APPROXIMATE LOT SIZE: 5.34 ACRES Unique opportunity on this estate lot which offers majestic views with 3 potential building locations to build your dream home. Offered at $1,049,000
5 BED | 3.5 BATH | 4,200± SQ FT Spectacular Happy Valley Glen home on over an acre surrounded by breath-taking views!
5 BED | 3 BATH | 3,800+/- SQ FT
Offered at $2,695,000
Offered at $2,795,000
5 BED | 3.5 BATH | 4,910 SQ FT Immaculate 5 bdrm+office Verona estate situated on resort like grounds. A property that truly has it all with over $350k in upgrades! Sold at $1,310,000
Almost brand new! Completely remodeled Westside Alamo home that sits on a ½ acre lot with side access. Close to Iron Horse Trail and Walking distance to Alamo Plaza.
Coldwell Banker is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
VETERANS GROUP TURNS THE TABLES ON LOCAL RESTAURANT
For six years, San Ramon restaurant Gianni’s Italian Bistro has been on the forefront in giving to local non-profits with their “Tips for Change” Monday night events. Since 2014, Gianni’s has raised $618,000 for a multitude of worthy causes in the Valley. Even in this pandemic year of “take-out,” where restaurants are struggling to stay afloat, they have still managed to raise $66,000. The Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV) have been on the receiving end of this fundraising event, and Gianni himself has for years been supplying his pasta and sauce for VNVDV crab feeds, as well as donating endless gift certificates to their fundraisers. The Veterans organization decided that it is time to reciprocate. On February 1st, the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley are scheduled to be the Tips for Change recipients. Instead, they ask that you order take out from Gianni’s Italian Bistro that night and leave a tip to say “thanks” to Gianni’s. It is well deserved. Please order meals online or by phone by Thursday January 28th for pick-up February 1st. VNVDV board members will be there to bring out your orders and say thanks. Gianni’s Italian Bistro is located at 2065 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. View their menu and order online at www.giannissanramon.com or call 925-820-6969.
“THE SECRET HISTORY OF SAN RAMON” PRESENTATION
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will hold a free virtual presentation titled, “The Secret History of San Ramon.” On January 21st at 11:30AM, the museum is honored to host Bill Clarkson the former mayor of San Ramon and noted local historian, for an informative and entertaining virtual presentation on the secret history of the city of San Ramon. Learn about the only graveyard in San Ramon which dates from 1858. You will also learn of a visible fault line in San Ramon and where the boundary oak is located. These and many more interesting facts and stories will be covered in Mayor Clarkson’s virtual presentation. To attend this free online event, visit museumsrv.org and go to the “Events” section, or call 925-837-3750. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave., Danville. The Museum is presently closed due to Covid county restrictions.
AAUW SEMINAR
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch, will present a free seminar, titled “Race and Racism - Deepening Your Personal Understanding and Consciousness,” on Wednesday, January 27th from 5-6:30PM. Speaker Dr. Lori A. Watson will introduce participants to the needed skills of anti-racism. Participants will be guided through personally reflective exercises and engage in thought-provoking dialogue, first to examine their own personal beliefs about race and racism; second, to recognize the impact of race in their own lives; and last, to acquire a tool which will support them in engaging in challenging conversations about race. Learn more about the speaker and her work at www.race-work.com. Register for the seminar at daw-ca.aauw.net.
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison Tri-Valley Trapper
925-765-4209
PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
MEALS ON WHEELS
FRIENDLY HELPER PROGRAM
Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region is launching the “Friendly Helper Program (FHP)” to assist seniors with their everyday errands, such as grocery shopping and picking up medications at a local pharmacy. This pilot program will make it easier for seniors to remain at home, especially during Covid-19. “With most of our seniors sheltering-in-place, MOW Diablo Region can now provide another essential service that our seniors truly need,” said MOW Diablo Region Health and Wellness Division Manager, Cynthia Black. The guidelines below determine if a senior is eligible for the Friendly Helpers Program: • Seniors must be a participant in the existing Friendly Visitors or Friendly Callers program. If this new program is successful, it is hoped to be able to expand this pilot beyond existing clients. • Seniors must provide at least a four-day notice before the errand is to be completed. • Weekend errands may be available with a seven-day notice. • If the volunteer pays for any item on behalf of the senior, the volunteer must be reimbursed at the time the item is delivered (cash or checks only). • There is a $50 limit on all purchases. • MOW Diablo Region requires all seniors and volunteers to adhere to the Contra Costa County Department of Health guidelines pertaining to COVID. For more information on the Friendly Helper Program, contact Eileen Stephens, estephens@mowdr.org, 925-482-2622; or Tuyet Iaconis, tiaco-nis@ mowdr.org, 925-891-4872.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express. White Pony Express, founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This nutritious food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge. The goal of White Pony Express is to uplift lives. The group believes we are all part of one human family, and when one of us moves forward, everyone does. Hundreds of volunteers make White Pony Express possible. They volunteer because they believe in the mission and know they are helping others who have urgent needs at this critical time in their lives. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/ volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org.
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CRAB FEED 2021 AUCTION
The Legionnaires of American Legion Mount Diablo Post 246 and the community programs they support are funded in large part by contributors such as yourself. The group would like to express their sincerest thanks for your past support. This year, their Crab Feed event has transitioned to a virtual online auction. The public is invited to bid on a variety of items during the online auction which will be held from January 24th to January 31st. The public can access the auction website via the Post 246 website, www.AmericanLegionPost246.org. The Legionnaires are a 100% volunteer organization with the motto of “Continuing to Serve.” Programs and organizations that Post 246 sponsors and supports include California Boys State, California Girls State, Boy Scout Troops 60 & 888, Cub Scout Packs 995 & 997, Oakland Military Institute, Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, Livermore Veterans Hospital, Martinez VA Clinic, VA Concord Veterans Center, California Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office, American Legion High School Oratorical Contest, East Bay Standdown, military families at Camp Parks, and Contra Costa County Community college student Veterans groups. The funds raised are spent in the local community for the community, and your participation in the online virtual auction can aide these local groups. Bidders can access the auction from www.AmericanLegionPost246.org. There will be gift certificates, goods, and services to bid on. For more information or to make a donation, call 925-277-7775 or email commanderpost246@gmail.com. Donations are tax deductible. Mt Diablo Post 246 is a 501(c) Non-Profit Organization, Tax Exempt Corporation I.D.: 23-7085781. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) invites you to attend their upcoming Zoom meeting on Tuesday, January 19th at 10am. The speaker, Dr. Jan M. Joyce, will talk about “Creative Hypotheses Development to Solve Your Brick Wall Challenges.” Dr. Joyce will help attendees explore all possibilities and open up thinking to arrive at successful conclusions in this area. The SRVGS provides resources, assistance, and educational opportunities to allow its members to successfully research their ancestry. The group offers monthly meetings with speakers who present topics covering various aspects of genealogical research. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers several groups where members with common interests can meet and discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books to information on local genealogical libraries. Classes are offered for the beginning researcher and those interested in genetic DNA. There are many educational opportunities and Zoom presentations currently available to explore genealogy from the safety of your own home. To join the Zoom meeting, send an email to president@srvgensoc.org. To learn more about SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org.
MT. DIABLO BRANCH CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB
Frederick Foote will discuss “Creating Diverse Characters” at the next Zoom workshop of the Mt. Diablo branch of the California Writers Club on Saturday, January 8th. The workshop begins at 9:30AM with “breakout rooms,” followed at 9:45AM by a short meeting, “Writers Table” at 10AM, and the speaker presentation at 11:15AM. Frederick’s talk will be a reflection on creating diverse characters in short stories from his African American perspective. It will look at character creation using demographics, dialogue, situation, relationships, and history. He’ll sprinkle in some of his background and conclude with a summary to bring it all together. Frederick has published over 300 poems, stories, and essays, including literary, science fiction, fables, and horror stories. His latest book, The Maroon, Fables and Revelations, was published on election day. To register online, visit cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting. The meeting cost is $5 for members and $10 for guests. Once registered, you will receive a link to join the Zoom meeting. To learn more about the Club, visit cwcmtdiablowriters.org.
Do you have a story idea or local news to share? Do you have an ad you’d like to place? Call us at 925.405.6397 or email Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com.
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
Wishing You Peace, Hope, and a Bright 2021 BEAUTIFUL NEW SINGLE STORY WITH VIEWS
JUST SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS
JUST SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS
1698 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette
148 Alamo Springs Drive, Alamo
339 Corrie Place, Alamo
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 4,026 Sq Ft +/- | 1.3+ Acre +/-
5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 5,718 Sq Ft +/- | 1.14 Acre Lot +/-
5 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 5,966 Sq Ft +/- | 0.58 Acre +/-
$2,995,000 | 1698ReliezValleyRoad.com
$3,300,000 | 148AlamoSpringsDrive.com
$3,210,000 | 339CorriePlace.com
Celeste’s clients say:
Celeste Pacelli Broker Associate 925.395.1511 celestepacelli.com DRE 01862387
“We chose Celeste to represent us when selling our home. She is a consummate professional, and as one of the top agents in our area, she did not disappoint. She paid attention to every stage of the transaction, from market research to photography and staging, listing, and closing. We received multiple offers within a short period. She instinctively knew how to market our home’s unique features to bring us the highest return on our investment. Home-selling is stressful; Celeste’s responsiveness and calm demeanor eased the tension and got us through it. We highly recommend Celeste Pacelli.” See my 62 Zillow Reviews
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY
Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. NOTE: Due to current Coronavirus challenges, and for the safety and well being of members and guests, the SIR128 January meeting will be a virtual event using Zoom. The guest speaker will be Mr. Scott Horton, President and CEO at J.P. King Advisors, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisory firm serving as fiduciaries for approximately 400 client households. Scott will provide a 2021 outlook on the economy and the stock market. You won’t want to miss this informative and timely talk. The presentation will be held Wednesday, January 20th at 11AM. If you’re interested in accessing the virtual meeting as a guest, please email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the Retirement branch, please visit www.SIR128.com.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU
With the COVID-19 County Health Order making it more challenging to get services from government offices, the Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening 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. Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
THE THRIFT STATION IN DANVILLE SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS
TREATS FOR THE TROOPS
Service group Delta Nu Psi has been collecting and sending fun foods and coffee to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones. To date, over 42,000 pounds of goodies have been sent! Unfortunately, with COVID in our midst, collections have been halted. However, a few packages are still being shipped. If you’d like to make a contribution to support the shipping of goodies, visit www. deltanupsi.org to learn more.
GO '10-8' WITH CHIEF SHIELDS
Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:45AM to 2:15PM. The shop is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM – 2PM. The Thrift Station has been a valued member of the local community for more than 46 years, selling new and gently used donations to raise funds in support of The Thrift in Danville Seeks New the exceptional low-cost, broad-reaching, mental health services provided byStation the Discovery Counseling Center to residents of the San Ramon Valley. The all-volunteer organization is comprised of dedicated Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville T and enthusiastic volunteers, many of whom have served for years. The large, loyal customer base loves 2:15 PM. The Shop is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 AM to visit the store and look for new-found treasures. The personal safety and wellbeing of volunteers is paramount. Health Theand Thriftcustomers Station (the Shop) has been a valued memberand of thesafety local communi and gently used donations to raise funds in support of the exceptional low-cos devices and procedures have been set up for everyone’s protection. services provided by the Discovery Center to residents of the San Are you interested in joining this warm and welcoming volunteer family?Counseling Please complete the apvolunteer organization of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, many of whom plication form at www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-station. stopbase by during also have aYou large,can loyalalso customer who love normal to visit thebusiness Shop looking for n hours and submit an application in person. personal safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and customers are foremo The Thrift Station is located at 486 San Ramon The Valley Blvd., Crossroad Center, Danville.
10-8
devices and procedures have been set up for everyone’s protection.
Interested in joining our warmwith and welcoming volunteer family? Please comp The ongoing Shelter in Place order has prevented the Danville Police Department from continuing programs like Coffee webpage (https://www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-station). You can also stop b the Cops, which allowed police a chance to directly interact with the community in a non-threatening environment. business hours and submit an application in person. Not to be deterred, Danville Police Chief Allan Shields is coming to you via Facebook Live in a new community program called “10-8.” “10-8” is the radio code every officer says at the start of their shift and every time they finish helping someone andThe areThrift ready to help someone else. Blvd., “10-8” Station, 486 San Ramon Valley Crossroad seemed to be a great title for the weekly program to reinforce to residents and businesses that the officers in Danville are here Area in service community. Winner of the Danville Chamberto ofthe Commerce Non-Profit Busine https://www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-statio Come join the “10-8” meeting every Wednesday at 5PM on Facebook Live. Each program will have updates on what is happening in the Town of Danville, crime prevention tips, and answers to viewer questions. Community members can email questions to mailbag@danville.ca.gov. Questions can also be asked in the comment section on the Facebook Live. The Facebook page is “Danville Police Department.”
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices, 510 La Gonda Way, to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the police department has designated parking spaces to conduct transactions in a constantly video-recorded space. The goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@so.cccounty.us.
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
DEDICATED. CONNECTED. RESULTS DRIVEN
IN 2020 OVER 40 DREAMS CAME TRUE. WILL YOURS BE NEXT? SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
1408 Oak Vista Way, Pleasanton 2498 Allegro St, Livermore 2421 Lunada Ln, Alamo Sold for $1,751,000 Sold for $1,910,000 Sold for $2,550,000 $106,000 Over Asking! $221,000 Over Asking! $200,000 Over Asking! Highest Sale in the Neighborhood! Highest Sale in the Neighborhood! Highest Sale in the Neighborhood!
SOLD
SOLD
1415 Livorna Rd, Alamo Sold for $2,260,568 Buyer Represented
2499 Lunada Ln, Alamo Sold for $2,378,000 $150,000 Over Asking!
SOLD
SOLD
1155 Shady Pond Ln, Pleasanton Sold for $2,080,000 Multiple Offers!
606 Rosincress Ct, San Ramon Sold for $2,260,000 Buyer Represented
SOLD
827 Sunny Brook Way, Pleasanton Sold for $2,070,000 Buyer Represented
SOLD
SOLD
8107 Regency Dr, Pleasanton Sold for $2,125,000 Buyer Represented
2410 Lunada Ln, Alamo Sold for $2,325,000 Multiple Offers!
SOLD
8511 Deervale Rd, Dublin Sold for $1,165,000 $167,000 Over Asking! Highest Sale in the Neighborhood!
SOLD
4792 Canary Dr, Pleasanton Sold for $1,320,000 Multiple Offers!
Our business is built on relationships and we cherish each and every one! We extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support and trust. From our family to yours, we wish you a renewed and prosperous New Year! Stacy Gilbert
Sarah Gilbert
Global Real Estate Advisor
Global Real Estate Advisor
925.487.4883
Stacy@Venturesir.com DRE: 01350631
925.487.0067
Sarah@Venturesir.com DRE: 02050532
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PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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A YEAR IN REVIEW: THE ALAMO MAC By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
Though 2020 was a year unlike any other, the uncertainty and setbacks didn’t prevent the Alamo Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) from fulfilling its duties. Thanks to the hard work of the MAC members, the community of Alamo, and efforts of my staff member, Cameron Collins, who handles Alamo matters in my office, the MAC saw yet another successful year. The MAC had a busy year considering eight land-use applications. Members considered public comment and provided recommendations to my office as well as County Planning and the Department of Conservation and Development. Chair Clark Johnson and Vice Chair Dave Barclay conducted field reviews as well. This year, under the leadership of incoming 2021 Chair David Barclay and Vice-Chair Sanjiv Bhandari, the MAC will continue the mission of carefully evaluating and developing recommendations for land-use applications, ensuring compliance with code requirements and consistency with the community of Alamo. They will work to make sure that public concerns and opinions are heard. Every year, the MAC offers suggestions on how to spend the Alamo Parks and Recreation budgets as well as budgets for Landscape and Lighting Zones 36, 45, and 54. Though community events serve as a staple for the residents of Alamo, most were unfortunately but understandably canceled due to COVID-19. In 2021, the MAC plans to provide recreation programming including movie nights and the Summer Concert Series at Livorna Park, as well as events such as the Alamo Rotary Club’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. We all truly hope 2021 will see a resumption of these great Alamo traditions. The long-anticipated downtown Alamo roundabout, first approved by the MAC in 2015, was also addressed. The MAC continued communication with Public Works on the roundabout timeline. Despite the economic impacts of COVID, the project is fully funded at this time with the design phase underway, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2022. The MAC plans to continue working with Public Works on the design and implementation of the roundabout, with significant community and local business communication anticipated in the next year. Significant areas of concern for Alamo residents brought to the MAC included school traffic and the overall safety of the community. Of course, with COVID, most of the school related issues were not relevant since schools were not in session for in-person instruction. However, there continues to be concerns about how to best keep Alamo the safe community it currently is. In 2021, the MAC will work with the Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (P2B) in considering a potential parcel tax increase from the current $18 P2B tax collected from some, but not all, Alamo residents to continue funding an Alamo-based officer. The community is invited to a Town Hall Meeting on the topic of Public Safety in Alamo. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13th, at 6PM via Zoom, using this link: https://cccounty-us. zoom.us/j/89821290868. Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston and San Ramon Valley Fire Chief Paige Meyer will both be discussing how we are keeping the Alamo community safe. Several unique projects were also addressed this year. The MAC worked with County Public Works staff to add a shade sail for the children’s play area and a tree at Hemme Station Park. The MAC also gathered input from members of the public on the Iron Horse Corridor Active Transportation study, with recommendations being made by the MAC about how the pedestrian and bicyclist experience could be improved in Alamo. This year, the MAC will continue to provide input on Alamo parks and other trails. The MAC will also continue to offer insight and guidance for the County’s General Plan Update, the Envision 2040 Plan. The Alamo MAC is comprised of seven members who serve as an advisory body to Supervisor Andersen and the entire Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Their recommendations on planning issues go directly to County Planning staff. Members are appointed to the Council by the Board of Supervisors to serve the Alamo community. The appointment period of each MAC member coincides with the County Supervisor’s term. Since Supervisor Andersen was just sworn in for her next four-year term, MAC members are also starting new terms, as well. Supervisor Andersen has interviewed many enthusiastic and qualified applicants for this council and will be appointing several new members in early 2021. The Council also convenes several subcommittees, including the Alamo Area of Benefit Fund (AOB) Subcommittee for Schools, Alamo AOB Subcommittee for Downtown, Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (P2B), Land Use Planning Subcommittee, Parks and Recreation Subcommittee, and Trees and Landscape Subcommittee. The Alamo MAC generally meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6PM. Due to the Coronavirus, all meetings will be held via Zoom until further notice. For agendas, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/3595/Alamo. The next MAC meeting will be held on January 5th. Although the application process for new members has closed, please contact my office at 925-957-8860 for questions about future eligibility or if you have any other questions related to the MAC or Alamo, or any other county issue.
ALAMO ROTARIANS CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Rotary Club of Alamo had a very productive summer and fall, despite Covid-19 restrictions. The Club took the lead in sponsoring a District Grant application for 20202021 District Designated Funds in the amount of $15,000 to equip the three RotaCare Free Medical Clinics in Contra Costa County (Pittsburg, Concord, and Richmond) with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that should cover needs over a two-year period. In addition to the District Grant funds, the Alamo Club raised an additional $37,000 from 29 local Rotary Clubs, foundations, and several individual donations for the PPE project totaling over $50,000. Working with the John Muir Health purchasing department, Alamo Rotary was then able to buy an initial three-month supply of the PPE through their suppliers. The plan is to purchase PPE supplies every three months or request a project scope change to redirect some funds for Telemedicine since clinics aren’t able to currently operate at full capacity. In addition to the PPE project, Alamo Rotarians worked on cleaning up the Stone Valley/680 Interchange, volunteered at the Contra Costa Food Bank, continued regular deliveries to Meals on Wheels customers, organized a paper shredding event, and held a virtual Tree Lighting event on November 29th. The Club thanks the Alamo Oak Tree Plaza (Brent and Terri Tucker), Round Hill Country Club, John Lineweaver, John Muir Health, and Brian and Carolyn Thiessen for their sponsorship of the annual Tree Lighting event. The virtual Tree Lighting event, which featured a Zoom message from Candace Andersen and songs from members of the Alamo Elementary School chorus, can be viewed on the “Rotary Club of Alamo” Facebook page and also at www.alamorotary.org. The Rotary Club of Alamo continues with its commitment to international projects including One Story at a Time, a group that works with women and children at the border in Mexico, the Wheelchair Foundation which delivers wheelchairs throughout the world to people in need, and Rotary International Global Grant, “Care for Kidney for Life,” sponsored by the Rotary E Club 9920, Francophone France, and the Rotary Club of Bangkok Pattanakarn, Thailand, which purchased four kidney dialysis machines and developed an educational and training program for two hospitals in Thailand. Recently, the Club became the international Club sponsor for a Global Grant with the Rotary Club of Tiruchengode for a Solid Waste Management Project in Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India. The Club is also participating in a global grant sponsored by the Rotary Club of Danville Sycamore Valley to utilize Telehealth to educate medical providers in Northeast Mexico on liver diseases and how to prevent the disease. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Alamo is announcing the cancellation of the 2021 Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day which is normally held at Livorna Park. In its place, a virtual event will be held, and details will follow at a later date. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971, and has 45 members. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary in May 2021. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found on the Club’s Facebook page and Club website.
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
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COMING SOON - NEW CONSTRUCTION
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UPPER HAPPY VALLEY, LAFAYETTE MAIN HOUSE 5,300 SF, ADU 750 SF, 0.90 ACRE LOT OFFERED AT $5,000,000+
6686 CABARET STREET, SAN DIEGO 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,306 SF, 6,200 SF, POOL
915 CARNELIAN CIRCLE, CARNELIAN BAY 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,440 SF, 0.31 ACRE LOT
3000 STONEGATE DRIVE, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3,462 SF, 0.36 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $849,000
OFFERED AT $740,000
SOLD FOR $1,960,000
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS | 925.765.9095
ALISON PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
JOHN FONDNAZIO | 925.817.9053
SUZY PECK | 925.200.2988
SOLD IN 5 DAYS - $117,000 OVER ASKING
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520 FALLEN LEAF CIRCLE, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,739 SF, 0.13 ACRE LOT
5327 SAN SIMEON PLACE, CASTRO VALLEY
3619 CROW CANYON ROAD, SAN RAMON 2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,107 SF, CONDO
101 CAMARITAS COURT, DANVILLE 2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 945 SF, CONDO
3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 1,640 SF, TOWNHOME SOLD FOR $786,000
SOLD FOR $1,135,000
SOLD FOR $630,000
SOLD FOR $1,800,000
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES | 925.298.2249
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
ALISON PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYERS
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYERS
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYERS
262 DAVEY CROCKETT COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 2,533 SF, 0.67 ACRE LOT
7265 HANSEN DRIVE, DUBLIN 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,772 SF, 0.17 ACRE LOT
2318 HERITAGE HILLS DRIVE, PLEASANT HILL 4 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 2,070 SF, 0.18 ACRE LOT
142 ASCOT COURT UNIT 3, MORAGA 2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 945 SF, CONDO
SOLD FOR $1,675,000 KORY MADGE | 925.366.9899
SOLD FOR $1,075,000
SOLD FOR $1,030,000
SOLD FOR $490,000
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
MARGY LYMAN | 925.963.6380
ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214
BONNE WERSEL 510.304.3303
BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500
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DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142
EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409
JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053
REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328
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SUZY PECK 925.200.2988
REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181
KORY MADGE 925.366.9899
MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380
REALTOR® | DRE# 01345227
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DRE# 01882902
WWW.DUDUM.COM
DANVILLE
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS 925.765.9095 925.765.0629
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES 925.298.2249 925.998.4444
REALTORS® DRE# 01426129 / 01364038
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Distinctive Properties
©2020 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
Our fall semester has come to an end, and Monte Vista’s (MVs) students and staff waved goodbye to a very challenging 2020. Since the initial shelter-in-place order back in March, our school community has experienced so much. Remote classrooms have given us the opportunity to learn new things about instruction and learning, but it has also exposed our need to be together as a community. Many students have thrived in these classes, but others have really struggled. It will be great when we finally have the opportunity to all be on campus again. Over the past few weeks, our focus has been on shifting some of our students to a hybrid learning program which would allow them to return to campus a few days per week. Roughly 25% of MV’s families opted for this model with the remaining 75% wishing to stay remote for the rest of the school year. Our counseling team has been working hard to make adjustments to the master schedule in order to accommodate the needs of students and staff as we move into this new phase. However, due to the Contra Costa County’s shift back into the Purple Tier, we will begin the spring semester in fully remote mode. Students will still be placed into their new hybrid and fully remote schedules, but we will need to wait until the County moves into the Red Tier before transitioning our students in the hybrid model back onto campus. In addition, all after-school activities including athletics have been paused until further notice. We look forward to the transition when we are given the green light to move forward. Despite being fully remote, some of MVs programs have been able to adapt and enjoy quite a bit of success. MV’s Speech and Debate Team has participated in several virtual state and national tournaments, and our students have continued to excel in all areas. MV’s choir held a virtual holiday performance on YouTube and has also performed virtually in a community-wide event. MV’s dance program also held their first ever virtual performance, and our drama program is planning their own virtual performance in January. It is great to see that despite the challenges of the pandemic, our students and staff continue to find ways to share their talents. The year 2020 has truly been trying and difficult for us all. On behalf of the MV staff, I want to thank our community for the ongoing support as we navigate these uncharted waters. We are looking forward to a great spring semester and a better 2021.
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CATCH UP ON SOME “Zs”
NEW BEGINNINGS By Jaime Kaiman, Monte Vista High, sophomore
Well, everyone, we made it! It’s finally a new year! To me, it felt like 2020 was a whirlwind. It’s hard to believe that in the start of 2020, I was in school and talking to friends without any remote thought that news of a global pandemic would soon be arising in the next couple of months. I would have never thought that on January 1, 2021, we would be living in a world of masks, lock downs, remote learning, etc. I want to talk about how this new year can bring about new beginnings for all of us and the hope of getting back to normal sometime soon. Lately, my friends and I have been missing each other a lot. It’s difficult to not be seeing each other in person for so long, but we know that if we follow safety precautions, we will soon be able to see each other again. Although it’s difficult being apart, we understand that for our safety, and the safety of others, like our family, we need to keep safe at home. That hasn’t stopped us from planning for the future, though. My friends and I always talk about what we’re going to do when it’s finally safe again, and it gives us something to look forward to when we finally beat this pandemic. Additionally, I’ve been missing going to school. I don’t know if I can speak for my whole generation in this statement, but I know I can speak for myself when I say that I miss classroom antics and even the rush you feel when you have thirty seconds to get to class! A new beginning I can look forward to this year is the possibility of getting back to in-person school, safely. Soon, there will be a hybrid version of my school. This means that kids who opted to go back to school can go back a couple days out of the week but return to online classes for the other days. Personally, I still don’t feel comfortable going back quite yet because of the state the pandemic is in right now, but for kids who are extremely passionate about returning, it’s a nice opportunity. When the time finally comes where it is entirely safe to go back, I will be so excited! All in all, I’m looking forward to the possibilities this year could bring. I’m hoping that we will finally control this pandemic and be able to do things like see friends again and even return to school. I love new years because they always bring new beginnings. What are you hoping this year will bring?
Crayons continued from front page
something about the waste, Ware began turning his vision into a practical project. TCI achieved non-profit status in January 2014. An independent medical laboratory confirmed that used crayons melted in the Ware family kitchen yielded sterile wax. Ware asked an Occupational Therapist to evaluate his concept for the crayon form most suitable for pediatric patients. “I designed the crayon shape, then produced 3D models of the design, and had her give them to kids to see how they could hold/use them,” he recalls. “I then tweaked based on the feedback and repeated the modeling until we got to where we thought was optimal.” The next challenge was getting pediatric hospitals to accept TCI donations. Gratitude soon replaced skepticism. Kellye Carroll, Director of the Chase Child Life program Mattel Children’s Hospital UC LA, recalls: “I have to be honest and say I literally rolled my eyes at my computer when I read the email because I was so skeptical of anyone figuring out how to recycle crayons -- without infection control being an issue -- AND seriously being able to produce enough that it would make a difference.” When TCI reliably delivered crayons (proven to be distributed with infection issues resolved) as needed, thereby minimizing storage problems generated by traditional donations of art materials, Carroll was so impressed that she joined the TCI Board. The chunky triangular shape prevents crayons from rolling off tray tables and helps children who’ve never held a writing instrument to communicate their fears, dreams, and hopes. The eight-color pack, adding pink and brown to all Kristen Hoffman places trays of used crayons into the specially designed the hues of the rainbow: violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, offers everything youngsters need melting oven. Photo provided by Kristen Hoffman. to color their favorite superheroes. Rather than a rubber-banded bundle of a few crayons from a big bag of art supplies, each child gets a fresh carton of colors. Prior to the pandemic, TCI welcomed 300-500 volunteers each month to help with sorting used crayons by color, making new crayons, packaging the finished product and preparing the 8-packs for shipment. Ware asserts, “Volunteers from our local community are an essential part of the TCI team. We could not manage without their dedication.” When COVID-19 changed the dynamics, small teams of volunteers accepted the challenge to keep hospitals supplied. TCI has delivered over 500,000 8-packs of crayons. In 2019, about 210,000 TCI crayons went to pediatric facilities across the country. Although production was temporarily halted in March, Ware hopes to ship about 60% of last year’s phenomenal production in 2020. Kristen Hoffman, Donna Hardman, Susan Woo, and Clayton Woo work together on Tuesdays at TCI's downtown Danville facility. Hardman explains, “We have learned that the hospitals appreciate the crayons even more during COVID. As the compromised children are being even more confined, they are needing more distractions, and drawing and coloring are a positive way to express their feelings and relieve a bit of boredom and anxiety. Knowing that
See Crayons continued on page 17
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ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
By Carol Bender, Principal BRING ON 2021!
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! The break offered a well-deserved retreat and extra time with family. Like everything else, celebrating Christmas was certainly different this year; however, ringing in a new year inspires a fresh start and a renewed sense of optimism! Our hope is that 2021 brings a return to normalcy and the year ahead brings you fulfillment, joy, and good health!
LIVING THE GOSPEL VALUES
At St. Isidore School, we believe that modeling the Gospel Values enables us to model Jesus’ life. It is fitting that the gospel value our school community will reflect on for January is “Faith.” Faith, at its core, trusts God and His plan for us, knowing that where we are is precisely where we are supposed to be. Faith inspires hope and gives us the confidence to move forward in a new direction, towards future ambitions.
January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Danville, Alamo Home for Sale Danville-Alamo - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away
altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1844-941-0941 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.
This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Catholic Schools Week kicks off on Sunday, January 31! This annual week-long celebration offers Catholic schools around the country time to come together to honor who we are as a school and community. Typically, our week kicks off with a Mass followed by a community Open House and Science Fair. Unfortunately, this year’s restrictions don’t allow us to come together in our usual manner, but we will still spend the week embracing our Catholic Identity. We await the day we can welcome the Alamo/Danville community back to our campus in person.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The best way to stay to see what’s happening at SIS is to follow us on social media. Our Facebook and Instagram pages feature fun school happenings, students hard at work, and staff shout-outs. It provides a sneak-peek into life at St. Isidore School!
PLEASE JOIN US
Believe it or not, planning for the 2021-2022 school year has already begun! Applications for grades TK-8th can be found on our website, www.stisidore.org. If you have a child starting TK/Kindergarten in fall 2021, we invite you to join us for our Virtual Information Meeting on Thursday, January 21, at 10AM. The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 24th. Testing will take place from January 25th - February 5th. Call the school office at (925) 837-2977 to schedule a time. We wish you an excellent start to the year with continued health and safety!
SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
By Liz Pagano, Interim Principal
As I write this, the first vaccinations against COVID-19 are being given to Americans across the country. In this, our darkest time of the year, a ray of hope reminds us that 2021 holds the promise of a brighter future. The holiday season may have resulted in virtual holiday concerts, but our students’ voices could not be subdued. I appreciated all of the holiday joy that our choirs brought us. In addition, our Leadership class kept the holiday spirit going with a Spirit Week featuring a Gingerbread House Competition and a school-wide Kahoot game. While we have postponed our return to hybrid instruction, we are working hard to make sure that we are well prepared to have students return to school once we return to the red tier. About one-third of our student body plans to return to campus for a few days a week. The remainder of our students will complete the school year on a remote learning schedule. Teachers participated in professional development that focused on how best to engage both sets of students or, as we lovingly call them, “The Roomers and the Zoomers.” I am looking forward to the days when, once again, our campus bubbles with student energy. Until then, I continue to be impressed by the resilience and creativity both our students and our staff have demonstrated this semester.
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By Jamie Westgate, Principal
Like many of you, I’ve done a lot of reflecting about the year 2020, trying to capture lessons that may help to prepare me for 2021 and teach our students at SRVCA to do the same. One of my favorite childhood books from the 1960’s is titled Fortunately by Remy Charlip. The story shares the journey of Neil, an average kid who experiences a plethora of adventures in life. As the pages turn, the author contrasts the words “fortunately” and “unfortunately” to offer a humorous but metaphoric journey about real life. We learn that Neil’s life is unpredictable, full of ups and downs, but always ends on a high. One of the “fortunate” things about the past year, is that our students learned to be flexible and resilient. Often, we think that classrooms are the places that students learn the most valuable information for life. I would agree, but I would emphasize that the most important of those lessons are learned by experience. This past year, our students learned to be resilient by holding class from their dining room tables and using family rooms to run PE drills. They became experts at technology, using Zoom, SeeSaw, Google Classroom, and Quizlet on a daily basis with their iPads and Chromebooks. They learned that even when distanced, it’s possible to feel close to others when you spend time praying for them. The life lessons that came from learning to be resilient will help to shape this next generation of young people. We recognize that SRVCA was incredibly fortunate to begin its on-campus program last October, and we are excited to spend a full spring semester doing the same. In an effort to bring our students back to campus safely, all students will learn remotely January 5-8. Those who are ready to come back to campus on January 11 will do so after having a negative COVID test. Those who want one extra week to quarantine will return after the MLK holiday on January 19. The lessons of resiliency have penetrated our administrative and teaching staff too, recognizing that options such as these are valuable during a pandemic. What’s most important is making sure students and staff members arrive safely back to school. Interestingly, God knew there would be seasons of life that were unpredictable and challenging. He offered reassurance in one of my very favorite scriptures: “‘I know the plans for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11). May God’s plans for our community in this coming year provide many reasons to feel fortunate in 2021.
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
CAPTAIN PEDRO FAGES AND THE FIRST SPANISH ENTER THE VALLEY
Not long after the San Ramon Valley Historical Society was founded in 1970, the Society began placing bronze historic plaques in various valley locations. The initial one, placed in 1972, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the first Spanish expedition through Contra Costa County. The Spanish had entered Alta, California in force in 1769, gradually moving north from San Diego. Missions were the main colonizing institutions, and a few military presidios were established. Captain Pedro Fages was an officer in the 1769 invasion and was chosen to lead a 1772 expedition to the north from the Monterey Presidio. Fages was charged with looking for a way around the San Francisco Bay so that a mission honoring St. Francis could be placed on the north shore. He led a 15 escolta which include “six Catalonian volunteers, six leather-jackets, a muleteer, and an Indian servant,” according to missionary Father Juan Crespi who came as well. They skirted the Berkeley hills, traveled next to the strait into Contra Costa, and discovered two huge rivers which fed a massive delta. There was no land route to the north bay which they could observe. Then, the group went west into the Diablo Valley and turned south through Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon for the return trip to Monterey. The Fages-Crespi trip was significant because it provided the first recorded information about the people, land, and water of the East Bay. Both Fages and Crespi wrote diaries about this expedition. The escolta came through the San Ramon Valley on March 31, 1772. Crespi wrote: “...we entered a beautiful valley of considerable width and good level land, well covered with grass, with good arroyos well grown with alders, cottonwood, laurels, roses, and other trees not known to us…we came to three villages with some little grass houses. As soon as the heathen caught sight of us they ran away, shouting and panic-stricken without knowing what had happened.” The native people may have heard about the Spanish invaders who had first come to the western shore of the East Bay in 1770. But, evidently, the reality of seeing these strangely-dressed men on horses was another matter. Later, the Bay Miwok Tatcans of Alamo-Danville and Ohlone Suenen of San Ramon would greet the Spanish and attempt some trading and food exchanges. On April 1, 1972, the Historical Society recognized the bicentennial of this contact between Spanish and Indians with a big party. An equestrian parade featured the Danville Junior Horsemen dressed in Spanish garb and included two people portraying Fages and Crespi. Franciscan Father Godfrey McSweeney from San Damiano played Crespi. Dr. Wilson Close, a descendant of early Danville pioneer James Close, dressed as Fages and rode horseback to the party. Not a regular rider, Close said he ached for days afterwards. Marvja Varges performed a flamenco dance, and Roy S. Bloss, Historical Society President, did the honors as master of ceremonies. The Chairman of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, Edmund A Linscheid, read a resolution proclaiming April 1 as Fages Day. An invocation was given by Dr. K. Fillmore Gray, pastor of the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church. A bronze plaque was unveiled by Mabel Kuss and placed on a brick wall at the southeast corner of El Portal and Danville Blvd., on the Sandkuhle’s Sunset Nursery property. The plaque is also a California State Historical Landmark, Number 853. Some of the wording (“first white men to explore...”) would not be used today. Note: How do you feel about this plaque? We’d like to hear from you. Email your thoughts to editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.
JANUARY WORD SEARCH
Sources: The Fages-Crespi Expedition of 1772; Valley Pioneer, May, 1972; SRV Historical Society newsletter.
EUGENE O’NEILL / TRAVIS BOGARD DAY-USE 2021 PROGRAM
• BOOTS • CHILLY • CRAB • CRAYONS • FOG • FOOTBALL
• FRESHSTART • NEWYEAR • SNOW • OPTIMISM • HARTZ • TASSAJARA • RESOLUTIONS • HOPE • TINYHOUSES • SANRAMONVALLEY • ICY • WINTER • INAUGURATION • SCARF See answers on page 16 • SKIING • JANUARY
Bay Area visual artists, writers, and theater directors, applications are now being accepted for the Eugene O’Neill / Travis Bogard Day-Use 2021 program. Your project could benefit from the chance to work in the quiet and serenity of the Tao House in Danville. Four Bay Area artists were able to work in solitude during 2020. Apply for 2021 session 1 (program starting April 1) by January 31st, and session 2 (program starting October 1) by June 30, 2021. Application and guidelines are available at www.eugeneoneill.org/artist-in-residence-program.
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FLUTE LESSONS THROUGHOUT COVID AND AFTER By Karen Van Dyke
January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
ACTION POOL REPAIR Serving Alamo & Danville Since 1979!
Aspiring musicians, whether or not enrolled in music lessons at the onset of COVID, currently have two excellent resources working in their favor: the ability to take on-line music lessons, and a creative outlet during these challenging times through expression and development on www.actionpoolrepair.com our instrument. Budding music students who planned to begin flute lessons this fall with the start of school but didn’t yourpoolman@hotmail.com because of home learning are in luck; they can still do so! Lessons via Zoom and other virtual conference platforms have proven to be very effective for starting or carrying on flute studies for students of all ages Contractor Lic# 978033-C53 and levels of advancement. I am pleased to be able to accept new students in my Danville flute studio in an on-line format, until in-person lessons become safe, and thereafter at my home studio. Lessons cover tonal work, technique, musicianship, interpretation, performance skills, and sight reading through examination of the classical solo repertoire. Lesson curricula are custom planned depending on the age and goals of the student. All ages and levels are welcome. All-state band, college music major/minor hopefuls, school band students in need of formal instruction, and total beginners thrive in my studio. Recently relocated to Danville from San Jose, I am a lecturer in the Music Department at Stanford University, where I founded the highly acclaimed Stanford Flute Ensemble over two decades ago. In addition to my work at Stanford, I maintain an active and versatile career as a private flute teacher, freelance orchestral and chamber musician, and for the last 26 years as Director of Northern California Flute Camp, an international summer program for students ages 12-18 held in Carmel Valley. In my 35 years of private teaching, my students have occupied the flute sections of all-state, county, and area youth ensembles, have won competitions, and numerous graduates of my private studio have gone on to major in music at top music schools. For further information on lessons or to schedule an introductory Zoom lesson, please email kvandyke@stanford.edu, or visit www.karenvandykeflute.com. Advertorial
925.820.3640
QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle PATHWAYS FROM PARIS TO THE PRESIDIO
I don’t remember being so chilled to the bone as when I arrived in Paris during a particularly cold January many years ago. A California coat and ankle boots were miserably insufficient. My friend (a Vermonter and expert in cold weather) laughed as he saw me shivering and said, “We have got to get you real winter clothes.” A warmer jacket, wool hat, and scarf made a difference. If we had been in Paris in the 1800’s instead of 1980’s the weather would be only one of our issues. In those days, Paris streets were narrow, dark, muddy, and crowded. There were few sidewalks and limited lighting. Then, came covered commercial passageways with tall glass ceilings and intricate tile floors which created a cocoon of warmth and light that protected Crissy Marsh, Presidio, Photo by Charity Vargas Parisian pedestrians from the elements. By the beginning of World War I, there were over 150 passageways throughout Paris. Passage de Panoramas is the oldest “secret passageway” in Paris. Full of tiny shops, cafés, restaurants, and bistros, it has gorgeous glass ceilings and, in the day, was remarkable for using gas lighting for illumination. It is now one of the 20 remaining covered passages in Paris and is listed as a historical monument. Locally, a passageway built in 1885 is one of the oldest footpaths of the Presidio, San Francisco. This path, aptly named Lovers’ Lane connected the City of San Francisco to the U.S. Army post, a direct route linking soldiers to their sweethearts. The .6-milelong hike with a bridge and boardwalk starts a few steps from the Inn at the Presidio. This gorgeous Georgian Revival-style building was once home to unmarried officers and is now a lovely Inn with 22 rooms, most with fireplaces. With tall ceilings and graceful furnishings, it lives up to its reputation as an intimate national park retreat. A wide porch set with wooden rocking chairs is a delightful place to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and watch early morning joggers with glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Inn at the Presidio is nestled among the trees at the end of a quiet street and backs up to several Presidio trails through redwoods, cypress, and eucalyptus trees as well as ferns, and wildflowers. A two-mile pathway named Tennessee Hollow Watershed Trail was recently extended through seven acres of recovered marshland at the Presidio, completing a milestone in a 20-year effort to restore the park’s largest watershed. An underground stream that had been buried by the Army many years ago is now uncovered, and water flows to the ocean as it did naturally over 100 years ago. The new wetlands have been planted with 23,000 native plants and are a habitat for all kinds of shorebirds as well as ducks, fish, and crabs. Additionally, shell “reef balls” were placed in the marsh channels as part of a unique experiment to promote the Passage des Panoramas, Paris resurgence of the native Olympia oyster. Be on the lookout for the rare Presidio clarkia, an endangered wildflower, and the Franciscan manzanita, a plant species found nowhere else on our planet in the wild. Tennessee Hollow Watershed Trail connects Crissy Field through the new wetland area, dubbed Quartermaster Reach, past the Presidio Visitors Canter to Inspiration Point, the perfect place to stop and take in the beautiful views. Other sections of the watershed will be restored in coming years. Trail maps can be downloaded from presidio.gov/places/quartermaster-reach-marsh. Inn at the Presidio is located at 42 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. Their sister property, Lodge at the Presidio with 42 rooms, opened in 2018. Updates on COVID safety protocols can be found at www.presidiolodging.com. Linda Summers Pirkle, a travel writer, Francophile, consultant, and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
CLIP NOTES
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By Jody Morgan
“There’s a fungus ‘amung’ us,” playmates once whispered when an unwelcome individual attempted to join their group. Despite significant contributions to life on earth, fungi are still frequently treated as outcasts, possibly because of the legendary ill-effects of undesirable species. Down in the dirt they form symbiotic relationships critical to the survival of plants. As components of prescription drugs including statins, some fungi save human lives. Edible members of the fungal kingdom generate an estimated $42.2 billion dollars annually in the global mushroom market. But in attracting research funding, their image pales beside the allure of pandas or penguins. Will they finally get the respect they deserve as scientists reveal the ability of certain fungi to biodegrade plastic in weeks rather than centuries? In 1735, when proposing classification of all organisms as either plants or animals, Carl Linnaeus placed fungi in the plant kingdom. Unlike animals, they lack the means to perambulate. However, unlike plants, they cannot produce food through photosynthesis. Closer in cellular structure to animals than plants, fungi finally were proposed to belong in a separate kingdom by Robert Whittaker in 1969. Subsequent research has uncovered the critical role mycorrhizal fungi perform. The New York Botanical Garden’s website asserts: “Approximately 90% of all vascular land plants live in some association with mycorrhizal fungi.” Fungi increase the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients, and in turn, plants feed the fungi carbohydrates. Fungi also strengthen the capacity of plants to combat certain pathogens. The product of collaboration by some 100 scientists from 18 countries, The State of the World’s Fungi published by London’s Kew Gardens in 2018 highlights the importance of funding studies of the Kingdom Fungi. A summary of the report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that while there may be as many as 3.8 million fungal species, only 144,000 have been named. A few among those have already been found to actually consume plastic. The website www.stateoftheworldsfungi.org explains that “what also becomes apparent is that when looking for nature-based solutions to some of our most critical global challenges, fungi could provide many of the answers.” Reporting for CNN in September 2018, James Masters comments: “Around 150 million tons of plastic are already flooding our oceans -- with an additional eight million tons entering the water every year, according to the World Economic Forum. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by weight, if current rates of dumping continue.” Although the first synthetic material characterized as “plastic” (being pliable and easily shaped) was produced in the mid-19th century, the plethora of plastic products consumers utilize today did not become widely available until the mid-20th century. Their relative indestructibility has proven to be as much a burden as a benefit. Fungi enlisted in the fight to free humans from being buried alive in discarded plastics are promising to be successful combatants. During a 2011 expedition to the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador, Yale graduate students discovered Pestalotiopsis microspora. Able to survive on a diet solely composed of plastic and requiring no oxygen to thrive, it has inspired scientists to search for similar species. Katharina Unger’s Fungi Mutarium, developed with support from Utrecht University in collaboration with Livin Studio’s Julia Kaisinger, produces edible mushrooms grown on plastic waste. Not yet ready for mass marketing, the design features an elegant terrarium-like self-contained farming system. Sehroon Kahn took a more mundane approach to discovering an organism that could biodegrade plastic. Joined by a team of similarly qualified dumpster-diving scientists, the researcher from China’s Kunming Institute of Botany plunged into a landfill in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2017 and surfaced with a strain of Aspergillus tubingensis that degrades polyurethane in weeks. Instead of ingesting the problematic plastic, the fungus secretes enzymes that break down the substance’s chemical bonds. Then, the mycelia - filaments fungi grow that reach out like a plant’s roots -- break apart the material even more. Introducing Kate Sargeant’s One Hundred Mushroom Receipts, published in 1899, William Knox, President of Cleveland’s Mycological Club, emphasizes the nutritional benefits of mushrooms and decries the American public’s lack of appreciation for the abundance available to them. “No other country is richer in this wholesome and palatable food, and in no other country is it to be found in greater variety and profusion. But owing to prejudice or ignorance, vast quantities are allowed to rot year after year where they grow, while thousands of the poor may feel the pinch of hunger.”
DANVILLE ALAMO GARDEN CLUB
The Danville Alamo Garden Club would like to invite you to their monthly meetings, where they will share their knowledge and love of gardening. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month and are currently presented via Zoom. The meetings feature an inspiring and educational guest speaker and program. Please visit www.DAGC.us to find detailed information about the monthly program, activities, and contact information. To contact the Membership VP, click on “About DAGC” then “About Membership.” The group looks forward to meeting you!
WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB
You are invited to join in the upcoming Zoom meeting of the Walnut Creek Garden Club on Monday, January 11th. The business meeting starts at 10AM, and a speaker presentation will begin at approximately 10:30AM. Brian Kemble, Curator at Ruth Bancroft Gardens since 1980, will showcase the iconic plants of the Ruth Bancroft Gardens. Mr. Kemble is highly regarded in the horticultural world and is a prolific writer and lecturer on drought-tolerant plants. His column “On the Dry Side” has appeared in several local newspapers. To participate, please contact Walnut Creek Garden Club Co-President, Maureen Little at mslittle44@gmail.com for your Zoom invitation.
LAFAYETTE GARDEN CLUB
The Lafayette Garden Club will hold their monthly program on Thursday, January 14th at 10am via Zoom. Join in as a guest at no charge. The program is titled, “Myths in the Garden” presented by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott. Dr Chalker-Scott is the author of The Informed Gardener and other books. For more information or membership details, email MaryanneKain@comcast.net.
ASSISTEENS OF DIABLO VALLEY MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY SPREADING JOY
As with all Assistance League of Diablo Valley pursuits, today’s recipients can become tomorrow’s volunteers. Undeterred by necessary constraints, the Assisteens of Diablo Valley bring joy wherever they serve. Assisteens®, an auxiliary of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, is comprised of tweens and teens who commit to a minimum of 35 volunteer hours per year. Activities include philanthropic community service programs, fundraising, monthly meetings, and special events. These energetic game-changers learn the value of volunteerism while developing leadership and organizational skills and spread joy to children and adults. November and December are typically busy months for the Assisteens. They prepared and delivered Veterans Day cards to express thanks and patriotism, and fulfilled their monthly commitment of working at the Assistance League Thrift Shop at the Way Side Inn, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in, Lafayette. They also decorated stockings Undeterred by necessary constraints, the Assisteens and painted ornaments, then of Diablo Valley bring joy wherever they serve. delivered them to the seniors residing at the Kensington in Walnut Creek. Assisteens then shopped for, wrapped, and delivered Christmas presents to Meadow Homes Elementary School students in Concord. An innovative “drive through” facilitated gift distribution to appreciative recipients. The greatest gift the Assisteens shared was teaching schoolchildren that in a few short years, they could provide the same childhood magic to youngsters. Not ones for resting on their laurels, the Assisteens are planning a fundraiser at Chipotle, Pleasant Hill on Saturday, January 30. To learn more, please visit assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley. Click on “Volunteer,” then “Assisteens.”
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
A BIT OF ESCAPISM By Evan and Amy Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
Roy: I’m not a criminal. I’m a con man. Dr. Klein: The difference being? Roy: They give me their money. Dr. Klein: That’s a nice rationalization, Roy.
~From “Matchstick Men”, 2003
Recently, we had the opportunity to help a relative with a difficult “faux-support” problem. They had clicked a website link they thought would take them to Microsoft Support. Instead, it took them overseas to a boiler-room computer “support” operation. Things quickly gained speed. After a phone call and some initial assurances and “tests” the “support” person had our relative perform, they claimed the system was horribly infected and in need of their immediate help. Using fear and urgency, they offered their “service” which was to put a number of remote control tools onto the computer, and then “check it out” for problems. Before they transacted the money, the bogus support firm actually sent over a Docusign contract that said all monies were paid willingly and under no circumstances would they be refundable. The support company then said it would take 60-90 minutes to remotely do their work to “fix” the computer. They got down to work and were on the system about an hour before we learned about it and advised them to terminate the telephone call and turn off the computer. They’d been had. We received the computer in our shop, and it had seven new programs installed. However, the programs weren’t viruses. Most of them were tools for remote control and computer inspection. The tools weren’t difficult to remove, and we were able to return the machine to what we thought was original condition. When our relative received the computer back, they could only find a fraction of their data. What happened to it? We determined the overseas “support” technician had spent their hour carefully deleting huge chunks of data in each folder. My guess is that when our relative discovered all of this data missing, the “support firm” would ride in like a white knight and magically recover the data to cement their value in protecting our relative from data loss and problems. In other words, they captured our relative from a simple web
January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
search click-trickery, preyed on their fears, created a computer problem, then planned to be the heroes for “fixing” the problem. All of this would be done in a boiler room where someone might earn $10 a day making these calls, yet the company would easily harvest hundreds of dollars from just one client. The internet has made the world a very small place. When you click a link, you really do not know where on this planet that click is going. And you really do not know who you’re dealing with unless you learn to be more skeptical and cautious. Below are some guidelines for how to take the upper hand if you find yourself in a similar situation. 1) SLOW DOWN. When in doubt, forward suspicious items to PCIO. We’ll take a look at the links and help you determine their legitimacy. 2) CALM DOWN. Urgency and fear are the primary tactics used to stampede you into (the wrong) action. 3) CALL PCIO. We are experts. We’ve seen these ploys, understand your systems, and are your neighbors in this area. A simple call doesn’t cost anything, and it may save you an enormous headache (and wallet-ache.) 4) USE WEBROOT ANTIVIRUS. We only recommend using an antivirus product, not “internet security” products, from Webroot or anyone else. 5) USE INTERNET BACKUPS. We do not recommend USB/external drive backups in any form. We recommend iDrive, Carbonite, or Crashplan. 6) USE MALWAREBYTES. It compliments Webroot’s capabilities and further protects you from bad sites, downloaded materials, etc. 7) And, if you get tricked, REMEMBER, these people are extremely good at what they do. They are trained to listen carefully to what you say, size you up, then follow preset instructions to enmesh you in their web. If you get conned, it just means you’re a good person who got mugged by the new street thug of the 2020s. Take a deep breath, then call PCIO so we can help you put the pieces back together. Unfortunately, there is no panacea of protection I can recommend. For every mundane thing that the internet has sped up and amplified, there are corresponding bad things that have been amplified as well. It takes a combination of thoughtful computer precautions, education, and skepticism to keep us safe on the web. It’s sad that an invention like the web has become this way, but here we are. Here’s a good place to start: make sure your computer is both protected and properly backed up. That way, we have something to work with if the worst happens. Give us a call at 925-552-7953, or email support@ Advertorial pcioit.com.
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET
There is a cornucopia of fall/winter fruits and vegetables at the Alamo Farmer’s Market. Stroll the market while listening to live music, and pick up some oranges, grapefruit, persimmons, apples, pomegranates, in addition to all of the healthy veggies for winter soups and stews. Check out the fresh fish from Dragon Baby Seafood (order in advance by calling (669-237-5564) and pastries and more from Dore French Bakery in Brentwood. The Market is open Sundays year-round, from 9AM – 2PM, in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is plenty of free parking.
WHAT IF WE LOST BOTH THE FOREST AND THE TREES?
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews Trees planting effort and continues to make preservation of Alamo’s tree canopy a high priority among its other efforts. The AIA’s Tree Committee has been diligently providing input to the County as the revision of its tree ordinance continues. A recent survey of Alamo residents has shown how strongly Alamo values its trees. (Survey results can be found at www.AlamoCA.org and will be included in a following article.)
AIA MEMBERSHIP
Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the AIA and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” Now celebrating its 66th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has an outstanding history of serving our community. Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of local interest, membership forms, and more.
Word Search answers from page 12
Thirty-four years ago, in January 1987, a group of inspired volunteers began meeting with one aim in mind: “To Bring Back the Beauty,” as their motto said. Many of the volunteers were longtime residents who remembered when there were so many trees that they created a “tree tunnel” effect when driving down Danville Boulevard. The majority of the historic trees were Dutch elm trees, planted in 1923 from Martinez to Dublin on what was then called Memorial Highway. They were planted in honor of soldiers who gave their lives in WWI. Sadly, those trees succumbed to Dutch elm disease, and by 1975, most of the Boulevard trees were gone. The volunteers formed the “Boulevard of Trees Project.” Guided by arborists, the volunteers chose tree species which were valued for seasonal color, disease and drought resistance, suitable to our climate, and able to withstand urban traffic conditions. Plans were drawn up, and with tree species chosen, the volunteers began fundraising. Alamo homeowners and local organizations donated to the Project and were able to dedicate trees in honor of new babies, families, or in memory of loved ones. The Boulevard of Tress Committee raised enough money to plant 275 trees from Rudgear Road to Wayne Avenue, the full length of Alamo. The trees were planted on the eastern side of the Boulevard to avoid the power lines on the western frontage. The Committee then formed the Alamo Park Foundation to manage the funds and pay the contracts for both planting and for three years of maintenance watering to ensure the trees got a good start. In the downtown portion where power lines are underground, trees were planted on both sides of the Boulevard. Nearly all the trees in downtown Alamo were planted by the Boulevard of Trees Committee. Contra Costa County Public Works Department approved all of the plans and issued tree planting permits for the project. Now, 34 years later, Alamo residents enjoy the vision and foresight of those original Alamo volunteers. The trees planted have grown to magnificent size, providing shade, beauty, and color to our town. The next time you are in downtown Alamo, imagine what the center of town would look like without these trees. Almost all of the Boulevard of Trees were dedicated by Alamo residents still living in town. If you are a property owner on the east side of Danville Boulevard or in Alamo’s downtown, please be aware that the trees that front your property are public trees to be enjoyed by all Alamo residents. NOTE: Contra Costa County requires property owners to obtain a permit from the Department of Conservation and Development to secure approval for trimming or removal of public trees in the right of way. The AIA donated to the original Boulevard of Foggy morning in December at Oak Hill Park. Photo by Ted Shapas.
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NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITY
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson With every day that passes, time falls behind us as our past, and as every new day arrives, so does our future. While we can’t control time, we can bear witness to its magnificence. Although most wouldn’t define last year as magnificent, humans throughout time have shown that they — we — can persevere against adversity and surmount impossibilities. There are impossibilities all around us, and as the year turns over and we embark on a new one, I want to impart several tips to help you make the upcoming year as magnificent as possible.
FINANCIAL PLANNING TIPS • BUDGET
Instead of creating a budget that’s broken down to the penny, create a plan that shows how much you will spend in total each month. Then, make sure that you save between three and twelve months of that amount. For example: if your monthly budget number is $15,000, then keep $45,000 to $180,000 in your savings account. This will reduce your anxiety and stress around money because you’ll know those savings are there in case you need them. There are many factors that go into determining whether you should save three, six, or twelve months’ worth of money, including your profession, net worth, income sources, and emotional index.
• AUDIT
Set aside time each year to review your estate planning documents to ensure they meet your goals. The trustee of your trust is the person you believe will have the best results in making informed financial decisions in your absence (this person can also serve as your financial power of attorney). The guardian for your children is best defined as a replacement parent; ideally, they share your values and parenting style. As for your healthcare power of attorney, choose someone who can understand medical information and make informed decisions regarding your healthcare if you are unable to do so. It is also important to ensure that you have everything titled correctly and that your beneficiary designations are accurate.
• BENCHMARK
Understanding how your investments are doing can be difficult. Some people look at the bottom line, and if it is bigger than the top line they assume that they are ahead. This seems simple and unmistakable, but how do you know how you did? Was your investment portfolio’s performance good, bad, or just okay? A tool that many investors use is called index comparison, and it can be useful in judging one’s investment performance. One example of an index is the S&P 500, and while this is not a bad metric, keep in mind that it might not be 100% accurate. If you have a portfolio of half stocks and half bonds, and the S&P 500 is all stocks, your comparison in this case would be apples to oranges.
• CREATE YOUR MAP
Write down your short, intermediate, and long-term financial goals. Figure out the who, what, where, when, and why of each goal. The intention of each should be clearly outlined, and contingencies should be considered. Think of it like a map for your financial future. It is said that every ship that leaves the harbor with a captain and a map will most likely get to its destination (even with storms), while a ship without a captain or a map… well, those ships tend to be less fortunate.
• DISCIPLINE
A strong indicator of success with any activity is the ability to stay disciplined in your approach. In fact, with planning, this is the greatest indicator of all. Set time aside every 30 to 90 days to review the items above. This habit will allow you to track variations and adjust before you veer off course. In air navigation, the 1 in 60 rule states that if a pilot has traveled 60 miles, then an error in track of one mile is approximately a 1° error in heading and proportionately more for larger errors. If you apply that rule to investments, a 1% difference in your return over 30 years, assuming you are investing $1,000,000, would be $374,848. And what if your error is more than 1%...? It is my hope that these tips give you a leg up against the turmoil and tumult of 2021. While you can’t control everything, these recommendations should assist you in gaining control over some aspects of your life and guiding you to a successful and profitable financial future. I hope you and your family have a safe and prosperous year. “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” ~ Ayn Rand To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN-3377517-121820. Advertorial
January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
Crayons continued from page 10
Bryan’s crayons bring smiles and relief to these sick children is reason enough to keep us going!” Kristen praises the improved process Ware developed to keep pace with ever escalating demand. “The new ovens have drastically improved our crayon making process! Previously, all of the crayon melting was done in individual spaghetti pots. We needed to constantly add crayons and stir them in order to encourage melting. When the wax was melted out of the paper wrappers, we used a pasta strainer to remove the paper wrappers. There were multiple steps in the process, all done by hand.” The melting ovens combined with new molds enable volunteers to make two colors at a time and double the number of crayons created during each shift. Donna calculates: “We are usually able to produce 60 boxes of 96 crayons each, per color per shift, or 120 boxes total.” Donna describes typical Tuesdays. Donna Hardman pulls finished crayons out of the Kristen arrives first, mold after they've cooled. Photo provided by Kristen determines which Hoffman. two colors are most needed, and begins melting. The colors are already pre-sorted into bins. Kristen keeps filling the oven trays as the wax melts. “Each of the two front cooktops has two pots that will be filled with the liquid the ovens produce. Susan and I then pour the wax into the molds. A cooler cools them quickly, and we scrape the excess off the top of the mold, lift the bar, and then pull out the crayons, and put them in storage boxes ready for the final boxes of eight colors.” Clayton prepares completed cases for shipment. He also sorts used crayons received from around the country. Susan adds, “After the crayons are made, Donna and I take them home to pack into individual cartons and then into cases. Cases (2) are then placed into shipping boxes to ship.” Detailed protocols for each step ensure the crayons remain sterile. Ware says: “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, crayon donations keep arriving.” Although restaurants were major crayon donors in the beginning, their contributions are only a small percentage of receipts today. Schools, individuals, youth, and adult groups all over the US keep the supply coming. Even given Ware’s expertise in minimizing packaging, shipping, and production costs, monetary donations to TCI are important. Bryan explains, “Securing sufficient funding to continue to supply our new boxes of crayons to children in pediatric care facilities across the country is a priority.” The TCI website (www.thecrayoninitiative.org) includes information on making monetary donations, purchasing beautifully designed TCI items to display your colors, volunteering, and using TCI’s UPS discount when sending crayon donations. Local residents may drop off crayon contributions at 155 Railroad Avenue, Suite E, Danville. Twenty-five pounds of used crayons supplies fresh crayons for 125 hospitalized children. Beth Lannon, Executive Director Pediatric Services John Muir Health, writes: “The Crayon Initiative was first introduced to John Muir Health by our Child Life Specialist. With the addition of Child
See Crayons continued on page 22
PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
PROPOSITION 19 – NEW PROPERTY TAX RULES!
By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law
Minimizing or avoiding potentially detrimental tax consequences during life and upon death is a major component of estate planning. Optimal planning may involve gifting of real estate to your children “inter vivos” (during your life) and/or upon your death - via one of several kinds of Trusts. The very recent passage of Proposition 19 represents an important new development in this realm. Due to the timing of the new Proposition 19 rules, our office has understandably started to receive inquiries from clients about how the new law may affect them. In summary, as of February 16, 2021, valuable California property tax reassessment exclusions relating to parent-to-child real estate gifts/transfers are being eliminated. Thus, present gifting of California real estate to children by February 15, 2021, might be worth considering. Let’s say that in 1985 you paid $400,000 for the home in which you currently reside, and it is presently valued at $1 million. You decide to gift the home to your daughter. Current law provides that your daughter will pay the same property taxes you have been paying - which amount is calculated based on the current assessed value. That assessed value is derived from your $400,000 purchase price (plus very modest annual inflation adjustments); it is not based on the home’s $1 million current market value. Proposition 19 changes this dramatically. If your home is gifted after February 15, 2021, your daughter must move into the home and make it her primary residence within one year to avoid reassessment. If she does not do so, she would then owe property taxes calculated by the new (reassessed) value - which is based on the home’s current market value - resulting in a major property tax increase. Different rules govern gifts of any real estate other than one’s primary residence. For all such property, there is currently an aggregate parent-child property
House continued from front page
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews tax reassessment exclusion of up to $1 million of assessed value. Effective February 16, 2021, ALL non-principal residence property gifts will be subject to full property tax reassessment; no parent-child exclusion will be available. Fortunately, the new law provides a window of opportunity (through February 15, 2021) to gift a principal residence and/or investment property to children in a property tax-advantaged manner. For many people, doing this will be neither feasible nor desirable, but for some – particularly those who are especially affluent, it may be very beneficial. This is, of course, just a quick synopsis. Proposition 19 is too complex to cover comprehensively in this article. Moreover, some portions of the new law do not relate to parent-to-child transfers at all; rather, they expand the ability of seniors to sell principal residences and purchase California replacement principal residences in a property-tax advantaged way. Furthermore, there are other critical tax (e.g. potential capital gains tax) and non-tax aspects that must be factored into anyone’s decision about: a) whether or not to make a lifetime gift of real estate to children; b) if so, the optimal timing of such gift; and c) whether it would be desirable or helpful to gift such property to an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the children (rather than directly to the children, outright with no strings attached). As always, before making any major property or gifting decisions, you should consult with your trusted professional advisors who can help analyze what makes the most sense in your particular situation. Given the February 16, 2021 effective date of the new rules, if you might be inclined to gift property to your children, you should obtain comprehensive legal and tax advice and assistance sooner rather than later. |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 R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.
This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
mental friendliness, they are focused on reusing and upcycling materials and are currently seeking items including wood, doors, windows, roofing, a skylight window, a large window, roof sheathing material, shiplap/primed pine, corrugated metal, wood siding, and a microwave. Any and all donations are welcomed, including those made to a recently created GoFundMe page. They hope to finish the build in the spring. “We are keeping our “building bubble” small (us and our dads) to make sure it is Covid safe,” said Abbie and Lexi. “We are going to need help from an electrician later in the project, and we found someone who has kindly offered to donate their time. We would love to have volunteers, but with the pandemic, we aren’t able to accommodate that.” “The easiest part of the project so far has been simply finding the drive to complete the project,” said Lexi. “Both of us are super excited and invested in the project, so we are happy to push through the tough parts in order to reach our end goal! Surprisingly, the Abbie Bly and Lexi Gates talk with members of Operation Dignity. hardest part so far was finding an organization to partner with. We called everywhere from homeless shelters to government housing offices in order to find a match. It’s not every day that an organization gets an email from two high schoolers asking to donate a tiny house to their organization, so it took some time to get a response. We saw an article about a 24-hour safe RV parking lot run by Operation Dignity and sent them an email in hopes of donating the house to someone in need. They got back to us, and we immediately recognized that they would be a great fit. We are super grateful we found an organization that was willing to take on and accept such a unique project. It’s inspiring to see an organization like this doing such an incredible service to their community! “We hope that whoever sees or inhabits our tiny house is inspired! I also hope it inspires others to give back to their communities, especially during such a stressful time. I’m positive Operation Dignity will put the tiny house to good use and provide a space or home for those in need! “We are really excited about Lexi and Abbie’s tiny home!” said Katie Derrig, development and contracts manager for Operation Dignity. “As soon as they told us about it, we were so impressed that they were taking on such a creative project and using their skills to help people who are homeless. We can’t wait to see the final version and know it will be great.” Want to help? Please contact Lexi at al.tinyhouse@gmail.com. Monetary donations can be made at GoFundMe by searching ‘Danville, Building Tiny Homes for the Homeless.’
T H E
W O M E N
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WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER OF THE EAST BAY
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BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS SEASON!
January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19 T H E
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WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER OF THE EAST BAY
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
JESSAMYN PHOTOGRAPHY
JESSAMYN PHOTOGRAPHY
JESSAMYN PHOTOGRAPHY
In today’s uncertainty of how life will continue after COVID-19, we are faced with living either as we always have or stepping up and taking complete responsibility for our health from this moment forward. The way we think, move, eat, drink, and breathe all equate to how we hold up in our world today. My hope is that by passing on some information you can add to your immune-boosting toolkit, you will become empowered to take charge of your health and gain some peace of mind. This information is helpful year-round and not just in times of high risk. The information in this article comes from my 20 years of anecdotal experience coupled with scientific research. The following information is what I personally use, very effectively, to boost the immune system in anyone suffering from a virus. Please note that these recommendations have not been evaluated or confirmed by the FDA. FIRST ROW: GIGI CHEN, TIFFANY SVAHN (PROGRAM DIRECTOR), CHARLEEN KIM, CHRISTINE CHUNG, MONICA EIGELBERGER, SUSAN KAO, SOPHIA RAHMAN, ADITI CHOUDHRY. SECOND ROW: AHVEN BROWN, FELICE ORTEGA, LORA SANDERS, MICHELLE FRANKLAND, RHINA DIAZ, GINA FANUCCHI, NORMA MARTINEZ. AVOID EGGS, DAIRY, and GLUTEN – The most common food allergies I see in greater than 95% of my patients are eggs, dairy, and gluten. When a person is consuming foods that their body is reacting to, it creates a stressful teamthe of team breast physicians andand patient whotogether, together, provide a multidisciplinary approach to of cancer breast cancer physicians patientnavigators navigators who provide a multidisciplinary approach to physiological state and does not allow that food to support and repair them.Meet the Meet breast cancer In care. one Invisit a on single day,day, patients threebreast breast cancer specialists from surgery, breastcare. cancer oneon visit a single patientsmeet meet with with three cancer specialists from surgery, radiationradiation Instead, it inflames and depletes them. For example, most people become and oncology. Similar to breast cancer clinics at academiccenters, centers, the physicians and navigation team work and oncology. Similar to breast cancer clinics at academic theboard-certified board-certified physicians and navigation team work Meet the team of breast cancer physicians and patient navigators who together, provide a multidisciplinary approach to phlegmy after consuming dairy - an allergic response which creates the perfect together toa create a customized treatment plan that willlead leadto to the the best possible outcomes for each patient. Developed by together to create customized treatment plan that will best possible outcomes for each patient. Developed by breast cancer care. In one visit on a single day, patients meet with three breast cancer specialists from surgery, radiation breast cancer specialists from Diablo Valley Oncology and West Coast Surgical Associates, the Women’s Cancer breeding ground for viruses and bacteria to take hold and proliferate. and oncology. Similar to breast cancer clinics at academic centers, theWest board-certified physiciansAssociates, and navigationthe team work passionatepassionate breast cancer specialists from Diablo Valley Oncology and Coast Surgical Women’s Cancer Center integrates all of thetreatment essentialplan components necessary for apossible comprehensive cancer program. together to create customized that will lead to the best outcomesbreast for each patient. Developed by LOAD UP ON - ZINC, LYSINE, and VITAMIN C – When we don’t have Center integrates alla of the essential components necessary for a comprehensive breast cancer program. passionate breast cancer specialists from Diablo Valley Oncology and West Coast Surgical Associates, the Women’s Cancer enough zinc, our immune system cannot function properly. Zinc and Lysine CANCER CENTER OF EAST BAY breast cancer program. Center integrates all WOMEN’S of the essential components necessary forTHE a comprehensive have been shown to stop viral replication and allow for our immune system WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER THE EAST BAY Pleasant Hill and San OF Ramon (925) 215-1149 to get the virus in check quickly, thereby shortening its duration. Zinc is also WOMEN’S CANCER THE EAST BAY Pleasant Hill CENTER and San OF Ramon www.wcceastbay.com Pleasant and San Ramon (925)Hill 215-1149 essential for over 200 reactions in the body, so we can’t afford to be deficient. (925) 215-1149 www.wcceastbay.com Common symptoms of zinc deficiency are white spots on the fingernails and www.wcceastbay.com loss of taste and smell. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that feeds your immune system. While it protects your own cells from oxidation, Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that has the ability to oxidize pathogens, causing them to break down and lose strength. CAT’S CLAW – The Cat’s Claw herb is a powerful antiviral and is one of the best defenses against viruses, sinus infections, sore throats, and digestive issues. GOLDENSEAL – Goldenseal is great for acute viral infections such as colds, flus, and other viruses. It helps give a boost to white blood cells, called lymphocytes, that are responsible for protecting us from viral invaders. For protocols on the above supplements, go to our blog at AlignHealingCenter.com, and read the full article titled “Shoring Up Against COVID 19.” INFRARED SAUNA – Most viruses are susceptible to heat, which is why we don’t see the flu as much in the summer months. Using an infrared sauna for 20-40 minutes mimics a fever, therefore making you an unfavorable host to viruses. GET ADJUSTED – Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to boost the T4 immune response by 50% over the course of six months. In other words, your immune system gets a 50% boost under chiropractic care! MEDITATE and DON’T WATCH THE NEWS – When we are stressed, • Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams the immune system’s ability to fight off invaders is reduced, which makes us more susceptible to viruses and infections. Watching the news raises cortisol and makes us feel helpless and fearful - limit your exposure. Guided med• Contact Lens Exams itation can help you stay focused while you reduce your negative, stressful thought patterns and also lowers your cortisol levels. Search YouTube.com to find guided meditations that interest you. • Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses It is my intention to bring helpful information to those seeking it. I am In many cases, we are able to make your here to be a resource for anyone desiring help through these unprecedented glasses in our office with our On-Site Lab times. The products listed above can be found in our Danville office and online at AlignHealingCenter.com under SHOP, where you may sign up for a Wellevate account and receive 15% discount on all products. OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY 215 ALAMO PLAZA SUITE D If you are feeling fragile or question the strength of your immune system, we ALAMO, CA 94507 MONDAY—FRIDAY: 9 - 6 are here to help. We offer 15-minute complimentary consultations to discuss www.poplarspecs.com the services we have available to help support your health and wellbeing. Call SATURDAY: 9 - 4 us at 925-362-8283 or find us on the web at AlignHealingCenter.com. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner of Align Healing Center in Danville. Advertorial FIRST ROW: GIGI CHEN, TIFFANY SVAHN (PROGRAM DIRECTOR), CHARLEEN KIM, CHRISTINE CHUNG, MONICA EIGELBERGER, SUSAN KAO, SOPHIA RAHMAN, ADITI CHOUDHRY. SECOND ROW: AHVEN BROWN, FELICE ORTEGA, LORA SANDERS, MICHELLE FRANKLAND, RHINA DIAZ, GINA FANUCCHI, NORMA MARTINEZ.
FIRST ROW: GIGI CHEN, TIFFANY SVAHN (PROGRAM DIRECTOR), CHARLEEN KIM, CHRISTINE CHUNG, MONICA EIGELBERGER, SUSAN KAO, SOPHIA RAHMAN, ADITI CHOUDHRY. SECOND ROW: AHVEN BROWN, FELICE ORTEGA, LORA SANDERS, MICHELLE FRANKLAND, RHINA DIAZ, GINA FANUCCHI, NORMA MARTINEZ.
925.202.2846
PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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WANT TO LOOK BETTER ON ZOOM? HERE ARE A FEW TRICKS
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
We sure are living in a different world. So many of us are remotely working from home. As a physician, I am actually going in to work and I see people in person. However, all our meetings, conferences, and gettogethers are now on Zoom. When all of these virtual gatherings first started, I was horrified when I booted up the meeting and instantly thought to myself, “Do I really look that bad?” Whether it is Zoom, Skype or Google Meet, the meeting platforms often don’t bring out the best in our appearance. However, there are simple tweaks you can do at home to improve things. Of course, there are also little mini-fixes we can do in our Cosmetic Dermatology practice. A recent article in the Washington Post has reported a mini-surge in people seeking cosmetic procedures because they don’t like how they look on Zoom calls. Let’s start with the basics -- lighting and angles. You will look your best with bright head-on lighting. Being near a window with something to diffuse the light or having a lamp in front of you can work wonders. Try to find bulbs with cooler tones. Another tip is to turn up the screen brightness on your computer. If you are in a room with dim lighting, it will cast shadows and create a less flattering appearance. Therefore, brighten it up! One thing I quickly noticed was if I was on a Zoom call on my laptop, I appeared to have a big, fat, saggy neck and chin. It was not appealing.
However, when I was on a meeting on my desktop computer, I looked better because the way the webcam was positioned. It was shooting slightly down on my face, which created a slimmer appearance. The laptop was shooting from a lower position and looking up to my neck and chin. I suggest you launch Zoom, and play with the angle and distance of your webcam, as well as the lighting. One more thing to think about is the background. Make sure your background isn’t distracting, and tidy up the area behind you! Or download images that you can use as a background from within Zoom. Lastly, if you go into Zoom’s video settings, you can click on “enhance appearance.” Of course, as a Cosmetic Dermatologist I can help you with many minimally invasive, non-surgical options to improve your appearance on Zoom as well as in real life. Neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin can soften lines and create a relaxed, natural appearance. Fillers can dramatically enhance your appearance and in some places lift sagging skin. We have multiple laser and light-based systems that we can use to bring out the best in your skin. We can also customize a medical grade skincare routine to help you look and feel your best. As we begin this new year, I am hopeful that the vaccine will get us closer to our normal lives. Hopefully, by next year, an article about how to look better on Zoom will be a historical piece. In the meantime, we are here to help. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www. MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) now offers its entire range of support services, educational workshops, and exercise and creative arts classes online, entirely for free. Anyone affected by cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, the bereaved—can now benefit from these programs no matter where they live, without having to travel to the organization’s community center in Walnut Creek. “Cancer doesn’t just affect us physically,” said Rob Tufel, CSC’s Executive Director. “It affects us psychologically, financially, and socially, increasing stress and feelings of isolation. With the crisis of COVID-19, cancer patients and their families are especially affected. They’re suffering treatment delays, fears about compromised immune systems, uncertainty over their finances. Perhaps worst of all, they’re more isolated than ever—many are unable to get to the hospital, while being physically separated from friends and loved ones. And that’s where Cancer Support Community helps. Now we can help even more people, no matter where they are—in their home, visiting a loved one, or from their hospital bed during treatment.” CSC doesn’t just provide workshops and counseling; it builds bridges between people and creates a community of help and healing, where people facing cancer can get support, advice, education, and a deep sense of belonging and being understood. Research has shown that cancer patients who use programs like those provided by CSC are better able to manage their stress and anxiety, feel more in control of their treatment, and express a higher quality of life. As it has been for 30 years, CSC’s programs remain entirely free of charge, funded by charitable donations. The calendar of programs can be found on the organization’s website at www.cancersupport.net. For those new to Cancer Support Community, please contact Margaret Stauffer at mstauffer@ cancersupport.net to learn how to access CSC’s free virtual programs. Celebrating 30 years in the East Bay, Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care—including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, and patient education programs—for people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Their evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. No one is ever turned away, and all of their services are always provided free of charge.
COUNTY HEALTH INFORMATION RESOURCES
Below are some resources to get updated shelter-inplace information in Contra Costa County. • Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org. The site provides the most updated and comprehensive information and answers to the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and the County Health Officer’s order to shelter at home. • There is additional resource information of all kinds on the County website at contracosta.ca.gov. • Call 1-844-729-8410. It is an information line to answer questions you may have about the order. The line operates 8AM to 5PM each day. • Email Supervisor Andersen at supervisorandersen@ bos.cccounty.us, or call her office at (925) 957-8860. The Supervisor’s office is closed to visitors but is able to respond by phone or email to questions you have that cannot be answered at the County Health website or information line above.
FREE CONSULTATIONS TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED CONCERNS
Since Hope Hospice has had to temporarily suspend their Living With Dementia group classes for family caregivers, they are launching a new video conference service that is, at this time, complimentary to the public in our area.“Many of the family caregivers who attend our classes find themselves in the caregiver role unexpectedly and without resources,” says program manager Jill Smith, RN. “The face-to-face classes have helped these individuals tremendously in learning about the changes to expect in their loved one and how to adjust techniques as the disease progresses.” Zoom conferencing will be used to conduct private consultations with family members who have questions on specific challenges they are facing in caring for a loved one living with dementia. Submit a meeting request via email to jills@hopehospice.com, or call (925) 829-8770. Email is preferred. Learn more at www.HopeHospice.com.
HICAP/ FREE MEDICARE COUNSELING
UPDATED PHONE NUMBER
Contra Costa County (CCC) Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), which provides free and objective counseling and advocacy services to CCC Medicare beneficiaries and their families, has changed its main telephone number to (925) 655-1393. For hearing-impaired (TDD) use (925) 655-1399 and for faxes use (925) 288-0414. HICAP’s toll-free number (800) 510-2020, stays the same. CCC HICAP is a program of the Contra Costa Area Agency on Aging, and is funded by federal, state, and local grants.
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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Life, we are better able to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children who are hospitalized. Art is just one way children can express their fears and concerns, and ask questions about what is happening to them. Because of the generous donations we receive from the Crayon Initiative, we have put together art packets and distributed them throughout the hospital. These packets contain paper, coloring book pages, and the crayons that the children can take home with them. In addition to the inpatient units, they are in the main lobby of the hospital, in the emergency department, and in other outpatient clinics. They are also available to siblings of patients who often accompany them to appointments. In this age of COVID and special attention to infection protection and spread, there is an added benefit to being able to give the crayons away.” Here's a sampling of testimonials posted on TCI’s website. Anil: “My five-year old recently visited the Stanford Ho s p i t a l E m e r g e n cy Room, and she was supplied with Crayon Initiative crayons. It made a big difference in TCI crayons bring pediatric patients across the country a her outlook and attitude.” reason to smile. Photo provided by TCI. Rachel Cashion: “Our daughter was in many local hospitals, including John Muir and UCSF, for many years battling cancer. We were so happy when treasures such as yours were shared with her as it offered bright light in the days filled with doctors and meds.” Ellen, Hackensack University Medical Center, NJ: “We truly appreciate this donation and the fact that they are recycled. The triangular shape is especially helpful for our younger patients and those facing fine motor challenges.” Cindy Rodriguez, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, NY: “Crayons are always a high-need item and are universally used throughout our facility. The crayons you provided allow our patients to express themselves and fill their world with color. Your gifts help to normalize the hospital environment for our children.” Jennifer Ibarra, University Health System Children’s Heath: “You will definitely bring many smiles to many sweet faces.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RIDES FOR SENIORS AND VETERANS TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that provides free rides for ambulatory seniors and veterans who cannot take other forms of transportation. The group is looking for volunteers that are willing to help out the community by driving homebound seniors and veterans to medical appointments. Most volunteers drive once every week or two. Please contact David Benet at (925)284-2215 or david@mobilitymatterscc.com for more information about volunteer opportunities. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.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! Additional TeleCare activities include an annual holiday party, and they also receive greeting cards from the Assisteens, an auxiliary where tweens and teens learn to participate in a community service at a young age. 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.
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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST By Linda Michaelis RD, MS HOW TO GET YOUR NUTRITION ON TRACK FOR 2021
We have had a rough long stretch of time dealing with lock-downs. Adults and kids are at home doing online school and remote work, and many have gained weight. I am working with new clients who realize their eating is out of control, and they need a coach to get them back on track. First of all, if you have gained weight, forgive yourself. Move forward by making a decision to implement a nutrition plan into your life and that of your family. Don’t look at this year’s resolution as a temporary change; look at it as a lifestyle change. Making too many changes at once can cause you to burn out before the end of January and cause you to break your commitment. Therefore, instead of changing your entire way of living all at once, try making a small change each day. Try these nutrition and fitness suggestions below, and see how great you’ll feel! 1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Every day, have two servings of vegetables. Add veggies to an egg-white omelet and have a salad or soup with veggies at lunch. Have one fruit at lunch and one after dinner. Clients tell me that adding veggies to meals gives them a sense of fullness. 2. Portion control. Work your way to smaller portions. This will help control your calories. If you use a big dinner plate and usually fill the whole plate, try using a smaller-sized plate. You will always eat more when you have a pile of food in front of you. 3. Limit sweets. You do not have to avoid sweets. The key is moderation. If you enjoy dessert and sweets several times a day, make a goal to limit them to once or even twice per day. Having sweets scheduled after a meal instead of randomly during the day will help prevent cravings for them. 4. Swap out the soda and juice. Soda and juice are loaded with sugar and contribute to your daily calories. Most people drink more than a can a day. Imagine how many extra pounds per year can be contributed from soda alone. I show my clients many beverages that are both popular and have no calories. 5. Begin a walking program. Commit to a daily walk. Take a walk first thing in the morning or during a break from work, at least five times a week. I also teach my clients about interval training which shocks the metabolism and causes us to burn calories much faster. We also go over how to set up a meal plan based on their exercise schedule. 6. Control alcohol consumption. I know COVID lock-downs have increased at-home drinking. Allow yourself a glass of wine, and alternate consumption with sparkling water. Or consider having gin or vodka with a low sugar mixer which can be half the calories of a glass of wine. 7. Take care of your basic needs such as eating and sleeping. If you meet your basic needs, it will then be easier to listen to what your body needs in terms of food and exercise. Often, I can see that the reason my client is having a problem with overeating is because they have not gotten enough sleep or are overwhelmed with family and work. They use food to get through the stressful times. 8. Practice mindful eating. Since you have vowed not to diet this year, practice being mindful when you are eating. Listen for your hunger and fullness signals, and respond appropriately. Don’t eat when you are not hungry, yet don’t let yourself get to the ravenous point either. When eating, stop midway and ask yourself if you are still hungry. If you are not hungry, stop and save the rest of your food for another time. I take a lot of time to practice this technique with my clients. Please contact me if you feel that you need an objective nutritionist to create a successful plan. Nutritional counseling can be covered by health insurance companies including Aetna, ABMG, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Sutter, UHC, and others. I am happy to call on your behalf and see what coverage your plan offers. Please visit my website www.LindaRD. com to learn more about my services. Feel free to email me at lifeweight1@ yahoo.com, or call me at 925-855-0150 to tell me about your nutritional Advertorial concerns and see how I may help you.
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January 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
THE EYE OPENER
GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin
INTRODUCING EMSCULPT D
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Since Januar y is ONLY FDA CLEARE Glaucoma Awareness Month, I thought it would ELECTROMAGNETIC ETING be a good topic to discuss since there seems to be a TECHNOLOGY TARG lot of confusion and misinformation regarding this ABDOMINAL AND FOR BODY sight-threatening disease. GLUTEUS MUSCLES PAD CONTOURING, FAT First, let’s talk about the definition of glaucoma. Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: TT LIFT! REDUCTION AND BU Glaucoma is a group of diseases that slowly kills your Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E Face, Neck, Body Tightening, optic nerve and is a leading cause of blindness in the Lifting, world. However, it is the leading cause of preventable and Rejuvenation blindness. The typical age of onset for glaucoma is late Frown Lines and 60’s. Glaucoma affects over three million Americans Jawline Reduction Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and and well over 60 million people worldwide. However, Post-injection Bruising the actual percentage of people afflicted is probably Pigmentation and Melasma higher due to a large number of undiagnosed patients. Sun Damage and Scars A place where beauty The exact cause of glaucoma is not known. However, Body Sculpting Thinning Hair and/or Balding the end-stage result of glaucoma is blindness, since and healthy skin meet Hair Removal the optic nerve is the wiring connection between your Visit us at our Center of Technology & Procedures retina and brain. Glaucoma usually develops when Excellence with a combined Offered the pressure in the eye becomes elevated. This can 12,000 square foot, state Cellfina usually happen when too much fluid is produced or Cool Mini for neck of the art, newly renovated Coolsculpting® the drainage channels in the eye do not drain the fluid Our Women’s suite. We are dedicated Cryoshape properly. However, a patient does not have to have high Wellness Center to Medical, Cosmetic, and Diolite 532 laser now offers EMSella, pressures to have glaucoma. Up until recently, glaucoma EMSculpt Surgical Dermatology and FDA approved noninvasive EMSella used to be a completely pressure-dependent disease, but are a place for medical electromagnetic technology Excel V Laser recent studies have now shown that not to be the case. treatment (with clothes on) Excimer Laser skin consultation, aesthetic Unfortunately, the exact etiology still eludes us. Fractional CO2 Laser for urinary incontinence rejuvenation, and face and One of the big problems with glaucoma is that it GenesisPlus Laser and feminine intimate body contouring. Infini Microneedling RF is a “silent” killer. It does not bring you into the office. rejuvenation! Models are used. Kybella DrWilliamTing.com/EMSella It does not give you a headache, blur your vision, Liposonix® make your eye red, etc., like the “normal” conditions Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com Microneedling with PRP that bring you in for an eye exam. I tell my patients for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, MiraDry Mohs Micrographic Surgery product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. that when you can start to appreciate some peripheral NBUVB Phototherapy vision loss, you are already about 75% of the way to full Pico Genesis Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! progression of the disease. Therefore, annual exams PicoSure Laser William Ting, M.D., PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation are extremely important for early detection as we can Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Vbeam Laser only stretch out the course of the disease, not cure it. 2262 Camino Ramon Silhouette InstaLift The difficulty with glaucoma is that the diagnosis is San Ramon, CA 94583 Spectra Laser Tel: (925) 328-0255 usually not definitive. Most patients I see are initially Superficial Radiotherapy TEXT us at (925) 328-0255 24/7 Thermage™ labeled as “glaucoma suspects,” pending further tests. Email: staff@caldermcare.com Ultherapy™ When the diagnosis is not evident, we try to elicit Vaser Shape drwilliamting.com some personal and family history that can help sway VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation *Welcoming new Medicare patients the verdict one way or the other. Information such as age, ethnicity, family history of glaucoma, personal history of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease can be instrumental in assessing a patient. Glaucoma is more common as we age and has a strong genetic component. A higher incidence of glaucoma is found in some ethnicities including African Americans, Asians, and Latinos. If you are sent to a glaucoma specialist for an evaluation, they will run specific tests on your optic nerve, retina, and visual field, and they will also measure the thickness of your cornea, which has been shown to be a contributing factor in glaucoma. If a diagnosis of glaucoma is determined, drops to lower and control your pressures are usually prescribed. Frequent eye exams to help monitor the pressure and progression will occur several times a year. It is also paramount for patients to continue to take their eye drops. Since patients initially do not experience any visual symptoms, non-compliance with treatment is high because the patient otherwise feels and sees fine. As described above, glaucoma is a disease that is difficult to diagnose and continue to treat because of the long-term care needed for the patient. At your annual exam, we will measure your pressures and assess eye health including that HANDYMAN SERVICES of the optic nerves to determine the likelihood of glaucoma. I always recommend to my patients that if some uncertainty exists regarding glaucoma to get a consult Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall at the specialist. I prefer using a conservative approach and having a full evaluation repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing to determine that there is no disease versus waiting several years to have a consult •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring where the disease has progressed in that time frame without any treatment. NO JOB TOO SMALL! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877 Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding Place Your Classified service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, Reach over 28,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. For more informa& Diablo. $50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 tion, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and join in on Facebook, Instagram, and words. Email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or call 925-405Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial 6397 to place your ad. 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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • January 2021
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: : Five Reasons You Should Call Don to Sell Your Home #1 I have 34 Years of full time experience with hundreds of satisfied customers. #2 I am not the #1 agent, but I am the ONE agent that will work directly with you. When you hire me, you are able to talk to me any time you want. #3 I have been investing in real estate for over 34 years. If you are thinking of entering this market, I have the knowledge and experience. 1031 exchanges, cash flow properties, single family residences and apartment buildings. #4 I live in Roundhill. I am intimately experienced with the Danville and Alamo Market where I have been working for years. #5 Working together is always a mutual decision. Ultimately, we should chat to see if we are a good fit. Doesn’t this make sense?
Don Magalhaes
The year 2020 was my best year in real estate with many satisfied customers.
Feel free to call me Today : : 925.786.1855
925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221
Happy New Year to All! Wishing you and yours a Happy & Healthy 2021!
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