January 2017 - Danville Today

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JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1

JANUARY 2017

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY: HEALING THE WHOLE PERSON By Jody Morgan

Modern medicine offers many cancer treatment options, but healing requires more than attacking the physical causes of the disease. Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area located in Walnut Creek (CSC) offers free services to cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones to address all the aspects of battling cancer that promote living better as well as longer. Backed by research confirming their efficacy, the extensive selection of programs includes educational presentations, healthy lifestyle classes, support groups and counseling. Everyone seeking support with cancer-related concerns is welcome to come for as long as they want.

Founded in 1990 as Wellness Community San Francisco East Bay, CSC is a licensed affiliate of the international Cancer Community Support organization that includes over Newcomers and members find a warm welcome when they enter the 200 locations worldwide. However, as an CSC building. Photo courtesy of CSC. independent non-profit corporation, the Walnut Creek center is able to channel the contributions from generous donors that make their programs possible directly into free services for over 2,000 local individuals annually. CSC’s mission is: “To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.”

Volunteers staffing the reception desk are CSC members who understand immediately how stressed newcomers feel. Patty Koepke explains, “When the ‘C’ word pertains to you, you go into a deep black hole. The Cancer Support Community is a wonderful place for a person to come for some peace and understanding.” Koepke’s husband discovered CSC (then Wellness Community) when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

As a survivor, with five years of volunteering experience as well as firsthand knowledge of what it takes to walk through the door as a recently diagnosed cancer patient, she affirms, “I can always spot someone entering for the first time by the look of fear and confusion in their eyes. Once that person realizes CSC Kid's Circle helps children with parents that the individual greeting them has battling cancer to express their fears and learn faced cancer, it seems to soften the coping skills. Photo courtesy of CSC. blow. I will ask them to sit down SEE CSC CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

Local Postal Customer

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Danville native Maggie Steffens is surrounded by family members after her gold medal win in Rio.

LOCAL OLYMPIAN MAGGIE STEFFENS

By Fran Miller

If you don’t know Danville resident Maggie Steffens, chances are you know one of her family members. Her mother is one of 13 Schnuggs, originally from Orinda, and she has so many cousins – most of them local – that she’s lost count on the actual number (She thinks it’s 45). Most of them are successful athletes. But Steffens stands out from her familial crowd as an Olympic champion. A two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team, Stephens won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio (and also MVP honors) and at the 2012 games in London where she played alongside her sister Jessica. We recently caught up with the busy Stanford University student/athlete to find out about life after Rio. Where did you go to high school, and when did you graduate?

I went to Monte Vista High School and graduated in 2011. I was in full-time training with the national team at this time for 2012, so my second semester of my senior year was spent traveling between school and Southern California so I could still train. I did graduate even though I wasn’t at graduation…

What do you love most about Danville? It’s HOME! I have so many memories in Danville that will always make it a special place in my heart. Danville provided me with so much that allowed me to be who I am today. I swam at Del Amigo and played CYO Basketball, Mustang Soccer, and Diablo Water Polo. I went to St. Isidore’s, Stone Valley, and Monte Vista; all of these are huge contributors to my success. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a place that Volume VIII - Number 3 provided such incredible opportunities for 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 kids. Not to mention, I love the people! That (925) 405-6397 is easily my favorite part about Danville. I Fax (925) 406-0547 wouldn’t be where I am now without the friends that supported me, the teachers and Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher editor@ coaches that guided me, and even all my yourmonthlypaper.com “second parents” that helped raise me.

What are you studying at Stanford, The opinions expressed herein belong the writers, and do not necessarily and when will you graduate? I am a senior toreflect that of Danville Today News.

Danville Today News is not at Stanford now, after taking a gap year in responsible for the content of any of 2012 for London and a gap year last year the advertising herein, nor does

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publication imply endorsement.

PAGE 2 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

FRIENDS OF THE DANVILLE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) are hosting an upcoming book sale. Stop by and stock up on some new reading material! On Friday and Saturday all hardcover books, books on tape, and DVDs are $2 and paperback books and CDs are $1. On Sunday there will be a $5 bag sale.

The sale takes place Friday, January 27 - FODL Members Preview 9am - 10am, Public hours 10am - 5pm; Saturday, January 28 - Public hours 10am - 4pm; and Sunday, January 29 - Public hours 12:05pm - 3:45pm.

HOST FAMILIES SOUGHT FOR TWO WEEK STAY

BY VISITING FRENCH STUDENTS

For the twelfth consecutive year, students from a large high school in the south of France are coming to the Bay Area. Every visit by the students has been better than the last. The students will arrive on April 1st and depart April 16th.

The teens stay with local families and have a full itinerary of activities during the days and only require your attention in the evenings and weekend.

The visit is an ideal opportunity to experience another culture and hopefully consider visiting France in return. Anyone interested in hosting a student (or students!) is welcome to participate.

For more information or to find out about past year’s programs, please contact Martine Causse (teacher in charge of the group), at dachary. martine@orange.fr.

There are many happy local host families ready to discuss any questions with you (including the editor of this paper!). The local contact is Danville parent Kevin Dimler, who can be reached at kevindimler@gmail.com or (925)718-5052.

POKER NIGHT FUNDRAISER

Join Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services at their Texas Hold ‘Em Fundraiser. The evening will be held at the Danville Grange located at 732 Diablo Rd. in Danville on Saturday, February 25th from 6-11pm. The cost is $85 per person and includes buy-in, a full BBQ dinner from Andy’s BBQ, and one drink ticket. No poker experience is needed!

The event is for ages 21 and up.

To purchase tickets visit www.mowsos. org/event/poker or call 925-239-2487. Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services are non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations (IRS#680044205).

ALAMO-DANVILLE NEWCOMERS WELCOME COFFEE

Are you new to the area or a long time resident, newly retired, or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo–Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner.

Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. The next new member coffee, which is free, will be held on January 24th from 10AM to noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.

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ASSISTANCE LEAGUE SCHEDULES PROSPECTIVE MEMBER COFFEE

Since 1967, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, a nonprofit member volunteer organization, has improved lives in our community through hands -on programs. Its’ primary fundraiser, the Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, is a well-known landmark located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette.

In response to the needs of the client base, Assistance League of Diablo Valley is reaching out to those of you who would enjoy clothing elementary schoolchildren for a more successful educational experience, performing educational puppet shows for schoolchildren, reading to second grade students, or helping in providing emergency clothing, food, and supplies to those in crisis. Two recently formed philanthropic programs concern implementing art in the classroom and staffing the Listen Program which helps identified students with verbal expression. Two other programs the group supports address the needs of our seniors.

If you are interested in spending quality time and meeting energetic and upbeat people while helping those who are vulnerable, please phone 925-9340901 to inquire about a Prospective Member Coffee scheduled for early January.

For more information, please visit www.diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3

ANOTHER LUXURY PROPERTY BY CAROLYN GWYNN

CAROLYN GWYNN Realtor®

| 925.336.7525

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BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

It’s been a long time coming but worth the wait.

I am excited to share the freshened-up look of our papers with you. With a new logo, a new website, new mastheads, and updated fonts and layout, I hope you find things pop a bit more and draw you into the content provided by our wonderful advertisers, writers, and contributors.

I didn’t know it at the time, but my journey with running and publishing a newspaper began in high school. I was a photo editor for the multi award-winning Cupertino, California, Homestead High School Epitaph.

The Epitaph paper was something to be a proud part of. During his tenure, longtime teacher and adviser Nick Ferentinos helped guide the staff to winning many awards including eight “Gold Crowns” from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

During that same period, the paper received eight Pacemaker Awards from the National Scholastic Press Association. As late as 1994, those were the most prominent national awards ever given to a high school paper.

While some former Epitaph staff moved on to careers with The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and at least one as a White House correspondent for the Associated Press, I didn’t have the same goals as they.

I went to school and graduated with a business degree and planned to do something with that...I just didn’t know it would be owning and producing my own publications!

Over a decade ago, an opportunity came to me to take over the reins of Alamo Today. I jumped in and so this journey began.

My desktop publishing skills were rusty but came back quickly. The Union City based printer that was already providing printing services for Alamo Today was actually the same press our Epitaph staff worked with from my high school days!

A couple years after taking the helm of the Alamo paper, I started two sub-

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sequent papers: Danville Today News and Lafayette Today. The foundation of each of the papers is to provide our communities with hyperlocal, positive stories about people in the community: your neighbors, classmates, workmates, and teammates... as well as to spotlight the hard work of our local non-profits.

Our advertorialists bring you news and expertise in their small business specialties, and our advertisers announce their presence, their sales, and their events. Through our advertisers and advertorialists, this paper gets produced, printed, and delivered to you. Please take the opportunity to patronize their businesses and to let them know you see their ads and articles.

For quite awhile I have realized an update of the papers and website was needed. I was fortunate to be able to enlist the help of a hyperlocal resource, a neighbor, and someone I watched grow up. With a small window of time between her college graduation and her first career job I enlisted Sarah Herzog (www. sherzogdesign.com) to help me start anew. What started out as my request for a “simple” website refresh became a full rebranding. And I couldn’t be more grateful. Sarah’s insight and ideas helped me get this task off my to-do list and come to fruition, and I am delighted to bring this to you.

I receive many comments that this is a paper that is looked forward to each month and read cover-to-cover. In this digital day and age people tell me they still like the tactile feeling and the focus of a newspaper. It gives them a chance to disconnect from the bits and bytes and bright screens. I hope you feel that way, too. If not, please let me know what you’d like to read more of or what other changes you’d like to see.

I’d love to hear from you. Reach me at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.

Happy New Year!

PAGE 4 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

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EUGENE O’NEILL FOUNDATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PROVIDE WARM PLAYWRIGHTS’ THEATER CLOTHING TO THOSE WITHOUT SHELTER

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation in Danville begins the new year with a Playwrights’ Theater presentation of Eugene O’Neill’s play, Dynamo.

The staged reading is planned for Saturday, January 7 at 8PM and Sunday, January 8 at 2PM at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville.

Tickets for the presentation are available online at www.eugeneoneill.org or by phone at (925) 820-1818.

When thinking about the plays of Eugene NEW YEAR O’Neill, the only American playwright to be • CARPET NEW FLOORS! awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, it is • HARDWOOD usually his most popular plays that come to mind: A Long Days Journey into Night, The Iceman • CARPET RUGS Cometh, or A Touch of the Poet. All these later • HARDWOOD CUSTOM RUGS works by the playwright were written while he and his wife Carlotta lived at Tao House in the • RUGS LINOLEUM Danville hills from 1937-1944.

• LINOLEUM TILE “Many of O’Neill’s earlier plays deserve attention because they help us to see how the writer Family Owned Business grew and made changes to American drama that Since 1989 literally changed theater in America,” says Eric Fraisher Hayes, manager of artistic programs for 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd. the O’Neill Foundation.

Lafayette, CA Dynamo focuses on Ruben Light who feels 925.284.4440 betrayed by his religion and his family. He www.LamorindaFloors.com searches to make sense of the world and strikes License# 708486 upon the belief that electricity is really the god that governs his life. Light sees the awesome power of the Dynamo as a replacement for all that he has lost in life.

Dynamo is a component of the annual Playwrights’ Theater series by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, with staged readings in January and May of O’Neill’s early plays, and works by playwrights influenced by O’Neill.

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that works closely with the National Park Service in coordinating educational, community, and performance programs at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville and at locations in downtown Danville. Information on the programs of the Foundation is available at www.eugeneoneill.org.

VILLAGE THEATRE ART GALLERY HOSTS UNCOMMON THREAD

Start the new year off with an artistic flair as the talents of the Creative Fiber Artists Quilting Group will be on display in a new exhibition at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery.

The Town of Danville presents Uncommon Thread, an art exhibition opening Thursday, January 19 at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery, 233 Front Street.

Uncommon Thread is an exhibition featuring unique art quilts created by a local quilting group, The Creative Fiber Artists. The exhibition is guest curated by local resident, Margaret Winter. Viewers to this exhibit are invited to share a new view on quilts. The work in this show depicts landscapes and still-lifes and quirky interpretations of everyday things.

These are not traditional quilts in that they do not follow old-fashioned quilting patterns, and they incorporate mixed media, setting them apart from the typical American quilt.

An Opening Reception for the Uncommon Thread exhibition is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 from 6PM to 8PM. This is a family friendly event that will delight people of all ages. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the opening reception, and as always, this event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition runs through February 18. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery is open to visitors Wednesday to Friday 12PM to 5PM, Saturday 11AM to 3PM, and Monday and Tuesday by appointment only. The Art Gallery is closed on Sundays. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mbleier@danville.ca.gov.

There is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer to make sure that homeless people in our county don’t suffer from the winter cold. White Pony Express (WPE), a nonprofit based in Pleasant Hill, has launched its Cold Weather Clothing Program (CWCP) for this winter. This program has already distributed 4,000 items of new or like-new clothing—coats, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear, and boots—given to people without shelter.

Your help is needed to continue this vital program throughout the winter.

The Cold Weather Clothing Program originated last winter when two homeless men, John Dulik and Todd Cambra, died from exposure in Walnut Creek. It was that sad situation that spurred our founder, Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, to ask that warm clothing be procured and provided to the homeless to enable them to endure cold winter nights. So now it is a WPE tradition.

Come and make a difference! Everyday WPE provides between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds of food to those in need in Contra Costa County (seven days a week), as well as distributing about 12,000 articles of new and like-new clothing, toys, and books per month.

Interested volunteers should contact Mandy Nakaya at 925-818-6361, email her at mandy@whiteponyexpress.org or visit www.whiteponyexpress. org/volunteer/. For more on WPE, go to www.whiteponyexpress.org.

SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY

Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. The group has monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, bocce ball, movies, bridge, reading, computers, and much more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests.

The group’s next luncheon will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 11AM. The guest speaker will be Alex Coate, General Manager of EBMUD. A fee of $25 includes luncheon, guest speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email info@SIR128.com by January 12th.

The new location for meetings is The Bridges Golf Club which is located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd in San Ramon.

For more information about this retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com.

SAN RAMON VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society invites you to attend the January 17 meeting beginning at 10AM at the Danville Family History Center, located at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. The program will be about “Focused Research,” using a research plan by Lisa Gorrell.

For more information, visit www.srvgensoc.org.

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Free tax preparation for the 2017 tax season is available starting in February 2017 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit in whom they can serve, but EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000.

Beginning January 9, 2017, for information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the San Ramon and Danville areas, please call (925) 973-3250 for the San Ramon - San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 480-7202 for the Danville - Veterans Memorial Bldg of SRV site.

For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo ID for the taxpayer and spouse • Copies of all W-2s • Your 2015 Tax Return • Other income and deductions • 1098s and 1099s • Proof of medical insurance if you are not on Medicare.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5

We all burn for different things—time with our children, red velvet cupcakes, the fierce afterburn of an OTF workout, that tight new dress. The things that motivate us, that make the burn worth it, are what keep us coming back for more, day after day, week after week. At Orangetheory Fitness, you’ll experience a scientifically designed 1-hour workout that keeps burning calories for up to 36 hours. The result is the Orange Effect — visible toning, increased energy, and more time to enjoy all the things you burn for in life.

SRVRWF PRESENT LYNNE LEACH

Lynne Leach will speak at the Tuesday, January 24 meeting of the San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated (SRVRWF).

Lynne is well-known to Valley residents as the first woman ever elected to represent the combined Alameda/Contra Costa Counties 15th Assembly District in 1996. She was reelected in 1998 and 2000 by commanding margins and term limited in 2002. She made her mark in the Legislature as a leader, and after her terms were ended, she launched her company, Lynne Leach Presents, offering informative, inspirational speeches and practical, common sense programs on sales, customer service, communications and leadership to the business and political communities.

Lynne will be speaking on the aftermath of the Presidential election and what to expect in the next four years.

Join us at Crow Canyon Country Club on Tuesday, January 24 at 11:30AM Lynne Leach for a social half hour and noon for lunch and the program. Reservations can be made at www.srvrwf.org or by calling (925) 820-0774.

AAUW TALK: THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM

Please join with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch to learn about The Foster Care System: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How You Can Make a Difference on Saturday, January 28th from 10am - noon. The talk will be held at the Danville Town Meeting Hall located at 201 Front St. in Danville.

The featured speaker will be Paulina Astafuroff who will share her personal story about growing up in the foster care system, transitioning out of the system, and finding her way to UC Berkeley where Paulina Astafuroff she is currently enrolled. Paulina now supports other foster care youth as a counselor, academic advocate, and workshop leader. She will also talk about how the foster care system works and what challenges girls in particular face during and after their foster care experience.

There is no charge for this program but preregistration is required. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Liz at daw.aauw@gmail.com.

Join us for

Pasta Dinner Nights

2017 AAUW HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Would you like to share your home on next year’s Holiday Home Tour?

The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is looking for homes for their 2017 Holiday Home Tour on Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 2017.

If you are interested in sharing your home decorated in its holiday finest or you have a friend who would be interested, e-mail aauwhht@gmail. com as soon as possible.

Proceeds from this tour provide summer camperships for 12 middle school girls to STEM week at Sonoma State University and scholarships to women in the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek area.

When: January 15th, February 19th, March 19th, May 21st, August 20th, October 15th, November 19th, and December 17th Time:

Menu Spaghetti (with meat and vegetarian sauces) Salad Garlic and French Bread Dessert Beverage

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Where: San Damiano Retreat 710 Highland Drive | Danville, CA 94526 Cost:

Adults: $15 | Children 12 and under: $10

Purchase Tickets sandamiano.org (925) 837-9141

PAGE 6 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

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REFLECTIONS ON MY YEAR AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

By Supervisor Candace Andersen Contra Costa County, District 2 It has been a very busy year as I finish serving as the Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and have also just completed my first four-year term in office. I truly enjoy my public service and am looking forward to serving in this next term.

As the Board of Supervisors starts the new year, I would like to congratulate and welcome new District III Supervisor Diane Burgis who, along with East Contra Costa County, represents the communities of Blackhawk, Diablo, and the unincorporated Danville community. I want to thank Mary Nejedly Piepho for her 12 years of distinguished service. Congratulations also to colleague Federal Glover on his re-election as the District IV Supervisor and as incoming Board Chair.

The County implemented some new programs and updated others this past year. We also hired some very talented and accomplished people to replace exiting staff or fill new roles.

In December, we passed a pharmaceutical disposal ordinance which will require drug manufacturers to create a stewardship program for the collection and disposal of unwanted pharmaceutical drugs. Most of our local police departments are currently already collecting unwanted prescription drugs, and this ordinance will expand options for disposing of these unwanted pharmaceuticals.

We created a Sustainability Coordinator Position, hiring Jody London to coordinate the development and integration of the County’s sustainability activities, including the newly implemented PACE Program, which enables property owners to finance energy-efficient and water-saving home upgrades to be repaid through their property tax bill rather than through conventional financing. We have also just established a Sustainability Commission which will advise the Board of Supervisors on issues related to our Climate Action Plan and look at equity and fairness in our disadvantaged communities.

We formed a County/Cities coalition and commissioned a jointly funded technical study of options for bringing Community Choice Energy aggregation to Contra Costa County. Community Choice Energy allows local governments to pool the electricity demands of their communities in order to purchase power with higher renewable content, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reinvest in local energy infrastructure.

In the interest of public protection, we promoted Todd Billeci to County Probation Officer, replacing Phil Kader who retired. The environmental review was finalized for the West County Detention Facility, laying the groundwork for future expansion of our existing jail rehabilitation facility, where there can be a great emphasis on assisting those inmates with mental illness.

We created the Racial Justice Task Force to advise the Board on issues of disproportionate contact of minority residents with the criminal justice system.

We also created the Office of Reentry & Justice as a pilot project of the County Administrator’s Office to assist with efforts to prevent recidivism and help people break from patterns of crime.

In the area of Human Resources and Labor Relations, we settled labor contracts with all of our Bargaining Units. We welcomed Jeff Bailey as our new Labor Relations Manager and Dianne Dinsmore as Director of Human Resources.

A new Health, Housing, and Homeless Services division was added to Contra Costa Health Services. This new division will integrate housing and homeless services across our health system, and coordinate health and homeless services across county government and into the community.

Our Public Works Department was once again recognized for excellence by their peers with an award from the Northern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association. They also received a 2016 Clean Air Champion Award for superior achievement in the use of cleaner fuels and fuel-efficient

vehicles. The Purchasing Division earned the National Procurement Institutes “Achievement of Excellence in Public Procurement” award.

Our Airports Division negotiated airline service between Buchanan Field and Burbank/Las Vegas by JetSuiteX. The service kicked off from Buchanan Field to Burbank round-trip three times daily in April 2016 with Las Vegas added shortly thereafter, and future flights and additional routes are planned.

This offers a time-saving gateway for East Bay residents looking for a quick weekend trip.

We had some achievements this year toward our goal of fiscal responsibility.

We maintained our AAA Bond Rating from Standard & Poor’s, and received an upgrade on Lease Bonds from Moody’s (from A1 to Aa3) with both agencies commenting on the fact that Contra Costa County was “Fundamentally sound and had a stable outlook for the future.” The Budget was structurally balanced for the sixth year in a row, built on the assumption of a 6% increase in assessed valuations; actual assessed value countywide was 6.01%. Other Post-Employment Benefits Unfunded Liability was reduced to $764.3 million as of the January 01, 2016, valuation (it was $2.6 billion in 2006), and current Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Assets exceed $200 million.

Our highly acclaimed library system continued to expand and improve library services and facilities countywide. We hired Melinda Cervantes as our new County Librarian. She was previously our Deputy Librarian before moving to Santa Clara and then to Arizona. The San Ramon Library remodel continued throughout the year with a planned reopening in March of 2017.

It’s been a great year with so much accomplished. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues, old and new, in 2017 as we serve our residents of Contra Costa County!

Should you have any questions or other County issues you wish to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact me. As your County Supervisor, I’m here to serve you. I can be reached at (925) 957-8860 or Candace.Andersen@bos. cccounty.us.

Lost Dog!

$50 REWARD

If you find him and your name is drawn!

Danville Dog is Missing He has become lost in this paper!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507

David Kromer is our winner!

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7

SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT 2 CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD OPENINGS

Are you interested in participating in government? Supervisor Candace Andersen is seeking volunteers for County Advisory Boards.

Andersen is looking for interested, motivated residents to serve on two Contra Costa County citizen advisory boards. These voluntary boards usually meet monthly and advise the Board of Supervisors on a variety of issues. They provide a key communication link between the community and county government.

District Two includes Canyon, Alamo, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Saranap, and Walnut Creek west of Main Street.

Applications are currently being accepted from residents of District 2 for seats on the following boards.

• Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (Alamo Resident) – One Regular Seat and one Alternate Seat • County Service Area P-2 Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (Alamo Resident) - Advises on the needs of the Alamo community for extended police services. Must be a resident of Alamo.

For more information about each board, go to the advisory body page of the Contra Costa County website at http://contra.napanet.net/ maddybook/.

For an application and more information on serving on an advisory body, please go to www.cccounty.us/index.aspx?NID=3418.

TREATS FOR THE TROOPS

Happy New Year to all supporters of Treats for the Troops! Service group Delta Nu Psi will again be collecting “gourmet junk food” to send our servicemen and women in Afghanistan. Delta Nu Psi will continue sending packages as long as American military members are in the War Zone. Much of the food sent is not normally available to the troops. With your help Delta Nu Psi has sent 35,659 pounds of food and are now sending eight large boxes each month.

Collections will be held at CVS in Alamo on Friday, January 6 and at Lunardi’s in Danville on Friday, January 13. Both collections will take place from 12:30PM to 2:30PM. Please come to either store, and shop for American service personal.

For more information, visit www.deltanupsi.org. Money for postage is also always appreciated. Please help Delta Nu Psi provide American men and women in the War Zone with a touch of home.

BLACKHAWK REPUBLICAN WOMEN PRESENT DEBORA ALLEN

The Blackhawk Republican women will be presenting Debora Allen; Director, BART Board, District 1 Chair of the Contra Costa Republican Central Committee; speaking on Contra Costa Republicans’ New Opportunities for Relevance at the group’s January 12th meeting.

Receiving nearly 100,000 votes in a 30-point landslide victory against a 12-year Democratic incumbent last month, Debora Allen won a seat representing a portion of Contra Costa County on the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors.

Debora has served on the Contra Costa Republican Central Committee for the last two years and has volunteered on political campaigns for the last 15 years. She was elected as Chair last July.

Professionally, Debora has spent the last 25 years in financial management roles such as CPA, CFO, tax manager, auditor, consultant, and business owner.

Debora is known as a hard-working, dedicated change agent who takes on the most challenging problems and emerges with thoughtful, strategic solutions.

Come hear from this GOP County Chair about the opportunity that is available to regain relevance in the county and rebuild the Republican brand.

The event will take place at the Blackhawk Country Club, Grille Room.

Everyone is welcome. No denim is allowed per Club policy. Check-in and a social with hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar will begin at 5:30PM, and the speaker presentation will begin at 6­PM. The cost is $25.

Please make your reservations by e-mailing or calling Jane Parish at janeparish@sbcglobal.net or (925) 216-6663, then mailing a check (which needs to arrive by Monday, January 9th) made payable to “Blackhawk Republican Women” to her at 366 Jacaranda Drive, Danville 94506-2125.

STARS TO THE RESCUE XXVI

Get your tickets for Stars to the Rescue XXVI featuring Kevin Nealon and Huey Lewis on Saturday, January 7th at 7pm at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

Join Tony La Russa and Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) along with other performers including Taylor Brown, Bernie Williams and Teammates, BOSTYX, and more. Proceeds from the event allow ARF to save dogs and cats who have run out of time at public shelters and to help bring people and animals together.

Get tickets at https://lesherartscenter.showare.com/eventperformances. asp?evt=710 or at (925) 943-SHOW!

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PAGE 8 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

REMEMBERING JOHN BELLANDI

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By Jamie Westgate, Principal

Local residents were saddened to learn of the passing mid-November of John Bellandi, aged 74, owner of Alamo’s iconic business, Alamo Hay and Grain.

For almost 40 years, John endeared himself to generations of residents, ever-ready with a grin and a hug and expert animal advice. Situated in a quonset hut left over from World War II at the corner of Alamo’s two main streets, the hay and grain store with its iconic life size horse mounted on the shoe store in front is widely known as the symbol for Alamo throughout the county.

John took over the business in 1979 and watched it evolve from a horse supply store where customers sometimes rode a horse down Danville Boulevard to the shop, to mainly a small animal and pet food supply store today, selling chicks, bunnies, ducklings, and everything needed to raise them.

It was John’s idea to purchase a fiberglass horse in 1980 and place it on top of the shoe store in front of Alamo Hay and Grain. He was fond of decorating the horse for various holidays.

Terri Delfosse, long time owner of Richard’s Crafts in Alamo Plaza, remembers John coming into Richard’s every year just before Thanksgiving. “He would get a big red bow to decorate the horse for the Christmas season, and then stay for an hour and a half to visit and give me a hug.”

The horse also got red, white and blue bunting for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, and a variety of wreaths and balloons for other holidays.

A measure of John’s popularity came in January 1991 when a fire sparked by a space heater on a bitterly cold day in the open air store completely destroyed the business. According to a 2006 interview with John, he was tempted to close up shop, but then Alamo and Danville customers let him know how much they wanted the store to continue. More than 200 volunteers showed up to clean up the ash and rebuild the store.

Customers said John referred to his staff of six as “the boys.” Legions of local youth found a job and a home at Alamo Hay and Grain, often dressing in Western gear. One of those boys was Joe Hess, who grew up in Alamo and started working at the store his senior year in high school. Joe noted John gave his staff lifelong lessons. “John always made us feel welcome and important to the store. He gave us the confidence we needed to succeed in life, and taught us how to treat customers with respect and integrity. He has had a large impact in life, as many of us who worked for him have gone on to success at our own companies or in service as police officers and professionals.”

According to social media postings John was a frequent supporter of charities, especially those involving animals. Danville resident Melissa Caplan Austin, founder of Horses Healing Hearts, a charity which rescues horses and uses horse therapy to help people heal from trauma, remembered John’s support on Facebook: “John, you were a gift, making all of us who entered Alamo Hay and Grain feel special.

You will be missed with your colorful personality, polo shirts, and that voice.”

John was a pigeon breeder, and his homing pigeons were housed behind the store.

He raised pigeons for more than 60 years, since he was a boy growing up in San Jose.

No services were held at John’s request.

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As the Christmas season transitions to New Years and we put away the holiday decorations, I always find a desire to purge any unnecessary clutter. As much as I like my home to reflect the Spirit and meaning of Christmas, it also feels good to simplify and get things back in order come January. In a similar yet strange way, raising children can be much the same. It is wonderful to create and share moments of joy and happiness, however purging our children of clutter such as entitlement, pride, and privilege are also very important.

This past vacation, I revisited a favorite, easy-read by Kay Willis Wyma entitled Cleaning House where she reflects on a 12 month experiment to rid her children of entitlement. In it she is reminded of the importance of helping her children to work to their potential. She comments, “This challenge is a challenge toward purpose and life service, so it can’t be met by parents doing for and only giving to kids.” She also adds that “she, like so many of us, was hovering, over-praising, giving up her authority, and b actually making her children’s lives more difficult in the future by making their lives easier now.”

More recently, I found a new favorite book from author Jessica Lahey who wrote The Gift of Failure; How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go so their Children Can Succeed. Lahey speaks as both a parent and educator, pointing out the temptation to interfere in a life lesson by cushioning a child’s failure, being unaware of the paralyzing detriment it is causing to our children. What has been practical wisdom and advice from the past is not being put into practice today, and educators all throughout our country are feeling its effects.

As you focus on your resolutions for 2017, I want to strongly encourage the parents in our Valley to pick up books like the ones mentioned and consider a new (or perhaps “old fashioned”) approach to parenting. If you are a grandparent or have grown children, consider befriending a younger neighbor or family friend who needs and would appreciate your wisdom and expertise from years past. We are a community, and our kids deserve the very best from us this New Year.

I’m excited to have our students return on January 9, and I look forward to challenging them to strengthen their work ethic and to value the needs of others. For our 8th graders who leave next month for Washington D.C. ,we’ll have many opportunities to explore former leaders and heroes of our country who knew what it meant to work hard, sacrifice, and serve… not because they were praised for doing so, but because they had learned the intrinsic value of being productive, living outside of oneself. It is a goal of mine in 2017 to help shape such character into our school culture.

If you are interested in learning more about our school, please feel free to join us for an Open House on Thursday, January 19th from 9-11:30AM in Room 217 on the campus of Community Presbyterian Church. Children are welcome. Happy New Year to our friends in the San Ramon Valley!

OWNER OF ALAMO HAY AND GRAIN

By Sharon Burke

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9

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LOS CERROS MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Evan Powell, Principal

The first semester is over, and students and families are enjoying their winter vacation. Los Cerros has done many great things since the start of the year, and there is more to come in 2017.

Looking back on the first semester, we hosted our first STEAM educational night, Math Olympiad took off with a large number of students participating, one of our students won for visual art in the PTA Reflections contest, students performed the first drama performance in many years, and our Choir and Band performance was very elegant with a lot of talent. In the classrooms, students have been using Google classroom, annotating and writing through the Writer’s Workshop model, and performing well on the interim CAASPP assessments in Math and English Language Arts.

Students are also working on group projects which is allowing for great communication and social skills to be displayed.

During the second semester, we will be supporting our eighth grade students in the transition to high school through panel discussions with high school students, expectations of work, and character building. Students in sixth and seventh grade will continue to progress in their subjects and see the curriculum become slightly more challenging to give them a feel for moving through the grades.

Los Cerros will be enjoying our 50 year celebration on Thursday, May th 4 . We look forward to welcoming our alumni and community members to our Open House and sharing their stories of the school. There will be a planning meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 2:30PM in the library.

(Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)

CHARLOTTE WOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

By Christopher George, Principal

Our teachers and our kids enjoyed their well deserved Winter Break, which came on the tail end of first semester, thanks to our new instructional calendar. The new schedule gives us the opportunity to start fresh second semester when we return on January 9th.

We are ready for the challenges and successes that both 2017 and the New Year entail.

As I reflect over last year we are especially thankful for our PTA president, Amy Rickard and our Charger Fund President, Catherine Golden. We are grateful for all of their work in rallying our parent community in support of their kids. Additionally, we want to acknowledge our School Site Council, which works with us on budgeting and our Site Plan, led by 8th grader Taylor Jewett and 7th Grade Core teacher Brandi Brown.

As we move into second semester, we want to share our excitement that we are in the opening stages of modernizing our campus, together with the SRVUSD Facilities Department. We are looking forward to getting our campus upgraded for future challenges and current needs and we will be sharing more information with you in upcoming months.

We are still a long ways off from building or construction, but we are excited to begin this next phase in Charlotte Wood’s long history.

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PAGE 10 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL

By Maria Ward, Principal WE WELCOME 2017 WITH GRATITUDE…

Happy New Year! As we enter 2017 with excitement and anticipation, we are grateful for a successful 2016 school year. Much was accomplished and we feel blessed to start another year together. We couldn’t be happier with the addition of our Transitional Kindergarten program. It filled up quickly and we are grateful to our teachers and newest little students. Our new classrooms are in full swing across the street, continuing our promise to adhere to a 1:18 ratio in middle school math and writing. We feel blessed that we are able to provide all our students with an outstanding education.

This month our Gospel Value is Service. Service is the main objective for our Student Leadership students who surpassed their global service goal in supporting the “From the Heart Wheelchair Mission.” Last year, we were able to purchase five wheelchairs for those in need in another country. With fundraising efforts this year, we were able to double that and purchase to ten wheelchairs that will go to those in need in Costa Rica. We are all proud of what the students have accomplished.

We are getting ready for Catholic Schools Week! This year the theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.” The annual observance begins on the last Sunday in January and runs all week, January 30 to February 3. Catholic Schools typically celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses, and activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community at large. Through these events, schools focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people, and its contributions to our church, our communities, and our nation. On Sunday, January 25, we will be having casual sneak-a-peak after our 9am Mass. On Thursday, February 2, we will have an Open House from 6pm-7pm. We welcome everyone to both of these events.

In closing, we encourage all new families who are considering a Catholic school education for their children to visit us during Catholic Schools Week.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us directly at 925-837-2977.

We would be happy to give you a personal tour of our classrooms and campus.

We excel academically. We are a 21st century learning community, we are service based, and we teach students how to live out our Catholic faith. We hope you will join us. On behalf of St. Isidore School, we wish you a very blessed, healthy, and prosperous 2017.

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

Over the past month, the Monte Vista (MV) community experienced both successes and challenges; and, true to form, our students and faculty rose to both occasions. We confronted a huge challenge when an incident of racist graffiti was reported to our administration. In response, a school-wide assembly was held the following morning. The event began with four planned speakers and through an “open mike” forum continued with the voices of roughly 50 more students and faculty. The conversation continued in classrooms and at a student-run lunchtime forum where another 30 – 40 speakers spoke to a packed audience in the gym. The day concluded with a parent meeting where concerns were addressed and additional ideas were shared. What came across loud and clear was that we, as the Monte Vista High School Community, were not going to allow this incident to define us, and that there is great strength in the diversity of our school.

Our work through programs like “Breaking Down the Walls” has put us on a path towards a safer and more supportive school culture. This incident further validated the importance of this work and confirmed that there is still more to do. I am proud of our students and faculty for stepping up to make a sad and difficult event into an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and positive changes on our school campus.

In lighter news, our Athletics programs provided us with all kinds of reasons to celebrate as they closed out their fall campaigns. MV Football earned its first NCS Division I Championship in over a decade by defeating Antioch. The 42-18 victory was spear-headed by running back Shane Perry who rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns. A week after this historic win, Danville Rotary honored MV quarterback, Jake Haener, with the Peter Villa Award which recognizes the outstanding high school football player of the San Ramon Valley.

MV’s Women’s Tennis Team claimed their third consecutive NCS title by defeating Amador Valley. The team continued with a successful NorCal playoff run before being edged at the NorCal final 4-3 and settling for a third place finish in California. Women’s Volleyball also claimed its third consecutive NCS championship and made it to the semi-final round in the Division I NorCal playoffs, finishing fifth in the state. Men’s and Women’s Cross Country represented well at the CIF State meet in Fresno, finishing eleventh and fifth respectively. It was the second consecutive fifth place finish for MV’s women’s team with senior Meredith Corda finishing seventh overall (and running half the race with only one shoe). The men’s team was led by Tristan Miller, who equaled the all-time MV time for the course. Thanks to all of MV’s athletes and coaches for an outstanding fall season and the Monte Vista community for their support.

MV’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs also provided our community with several amazing performances. MV Dance kicked off the holidays with their annual Fall Dance Show. The performance had many routines organized and choreographed by students. Next, came our Drama Department with their performance of Look Homeward, Angel. MV’s nationally recognized Choir Program followed with another outstanding Winter Choral Concert. Our students sang to three nights of packed houses, and the audiences were treated to a variety of vocal musical genres. To close out the holiday performances, MV’s Award Winning Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra performed their annual Holiday Concert. Once again, each performance played to packed houses. On behalf of all of our Arts programs, we would like to congratulate our VAPA students and faculty for another season of excellent performances and for all of the support provided by our parents and our community.

On top of all of this, MV students and faculty went above and beyond in supporting our local and regional communities throughout the Tri-Valley area.

In support of the Adopt-a-Family program, our students and staff filled a U-Haul truck full of gifts, and our dance program filled a second truck full of food for the Contra Costa County Food Bank. Students from MV’s Leadership class also stuffed stockings full of gifts for all of the students at Verde Elementary in Richmond and MV’s version of Santa and his elves delivered these items directly to the school. Hats off to MV’s students and faculty for making the holidays a little brighter for the people around us.

I can’t close this column without a huge thank you to Monte Vista’s PTSA for the Holiday Bake. Amy Ertekin, Holiday Bake Chair, and her team did a fantastic job putting together holiday baskets and sharing them with MV faculty and staff. We are so appreciative of our PTSA and all of the positive things they bring to our campus.

Many thanks to the Monte Vista Community for an amazing first half of the school year.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

By Ruth Steele, Principal

Happy New Year everyone! The year 2016 was an eventful one for SRVHS. Since January 2016, we have implemented a new district calendar, a new SRVHS bell schedule, 1:1 technology across our whole campus, and the start of the demolition/construction process for our new three story/52 classroom building. Given that all of this fell within one calendar year, you could say that it was a very busy one! It’s nice to see how each of these initiatives is now providing benefits for students and staff that we did not have in the past.

The new district wide calendar was put in place last August. The major feature of the calendar for high schools is that first semester finals now fall before Winter Break instead of in January. This means that students enjoyed two weeks over the holiday season without having to worry about studying for their finals! So far this seems to be making a positive difference for our students.

The SRVHS bell schedule was completely redesigned, and we moved from a traditional six period day that was the same every day to a new schedule that encompassed two block days, a Home Room period, and two Access periods.

This was a huge shift away from the traditional schedule that SRVHS was used to for the last 100 years. You can see the new schedule on our website.

Home Room classes are organized by grade level, and we can use this time to run student education sessions, have class visits from counselors, complete school wide surveys, and many other activities. The schedule was designed to sweep interruptions out of the classroom. English and social studies are the two departments where students take classes at each grade level, so they were heavily impacted by class visits and other grade level activities.

Access allows students to get help from teachers, work on homework, or get caught up. Teachers can also ask students to come in to see them during that time if they are struggling and need specific help.

The block days feature an 85 minute class period instead of a 50 minute class period, and students only attend their regular classes once on Wednesday or Thursday. The pace of these two days is considerably calmer and kids only have to worry about three classes a day, not six. Teachers can also design curriculum/labs/activities that allow for greater depth/exploration with the extra time.

Overall, the new schedule has been successful in addressing the challenges it was designed to address: staff and student stress, intervention for struggling students, and to give time back to everyone. However, we will be using January/ February to survey all stakeholders and see whether there are aspects that need any adjustments for next year.

Our school wide 1:1 technology initiative means that every student now has a laptop or Chromebook with them in class. This is enabling staff and students to pursue learning beyond the text books and the four walls of the classroom on a daily basis. There is still a lot of learning for all of us as we navigate the successes and the challenges of having more digital access, but it’s fantastic to see the learning opportunities that are now available to both staff and students.

Finally, the new building is set to begin construction sometime in the spring, and we are excited about the completion of this project. The old buildings are long gone, and the whole area in the middle of the campus is ready for construction to begin. Portable city (45 portable classrooms) is a thriving home away from home for the next two years, and everyone is now settled in!

None of these changes would have been possible without the support, involvement, and adventurous spirit of our entire community. I am grateful to work in such an incredible school district and cannot thank our staff, students, and parents enough for making SRVHS such a special place. I look forward to another wonderful year as we move into 2017 May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. ~ Nelson Mandela

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JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11

MAGGIE CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

for Rio. I am a B.S. candidate in Science, Technology, and Society - Innovations and Organizations, with a focus in Product Design. I will graduate in 2017, and I am hoping to get my masters here at Stanford the following year.

Tell us about your water polo career. What have been the highlights, and what do you love about the sport? I started playing water polo when I was eight years-old under Maureen O’Toole (Sydney silver medalist) for the Diablo Water Polo Club. Throughout playing, I have learned so much not just about the sport but about life. I truly believe that water polo is a molder of men and women. It teaches you mental toughness, teamwork, respect, and so much more. I feel very lucky that water polo found me because it has given me so much such as lifelong friends. Water polo is truly my passion, and I love that I am able to learn something new every day and always compete at such a high level. It may be one of the hardest sports in the world, but it is easily one of the most fun as well.

Tell us about your two Olympic appearances. My Olympic debut was in London, 2012 where I competed alongside my sister and brought home the first ever USA Women’s Water Polo Olympic Gold Medal. I’m not sure there is anything that can replace that feeling of sharing your lifelong dream with your biggest role model and your own blood - my sister. I had been dreaming of that moment since I was a little kid, and although I was nervous beyond belief, I had envisioned it so much that it almost felt natural. I also had incredible leaders like my sister, Brenda Villa, Heather Petri, Betsey Armstrong, and more to guide me and take the pressure off and just let me play. This time around, in Rio, I was Captain of the team and hoped to do what those women did for me. I wanted to allow the girls to play freely and simply enjoy it so they could accomplish their dreams like I had done in 2012, and I was eager to lead and fight by their side. This is the best part about being in the Olympics. It’s about sharing it with people you breathe with, fight with, and dream with. It’s about representing the best country in the world and making people proud. We are very fortunate to be among the few that get to represent the red, white, and blue, and we try to soak up every minute of it. One of the best moments of the Games is when you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, and you lock eyes with your family - the ones who supported you through it all. The Olympics isn’t about the title; it’s about what you do with it. It’s about representing your country, but even more so it’s about representing your name. And when you get to see your family and share that name, share that moment, it’s something to always be remembered.

Tell us about your large, water polo-playing Bay Area family. My Mom is one of 13 Schnuggs from Orinda. Most of them have stayed in the Bay Area, and most of us have played water polo as well. We have a huge family, and we are very proud of it. I had about 25 “Schnuggs” and “Steffens” in Rio to support me - it was INSANE! I wanted to play well, but I wanted to play well for them! They had come all this way because they believe in me, our team, and our country, and I wanted to make them proud. Our blood runs deep and I could feel it while in the water, even

SEE MAGGIE CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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PAGE 12 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

WHAT’S UP By Jim Scala MT. DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Build A Sundial. On January 24th at the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) meeting in the Lindsey Wildlife Museum, a talk will be given on how to build a sundial. A good sundial is more than a decorative yard ornament, and, if correctly built, it will give accurate time. It’s also a fine way to understand time. There will be no program on Mt. Diablo this month.

Observe the full Moon through binoculars. If you observe the Moon through binoculars from about January 10th though the 12th when it’s full, you’re in for some interesting views. Notice the system of rays that radiate from a central crater – Copernicus – located in a large dark area known

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as Mare Imbrium, the sea of rains. Ancient observers thought the large dark areas were seas like on the Earth. The bright ray system that radiates from Copernicus was formed by debris that was thrown out when a meteor crashed into the ancient moon, creating that spectacular crater. In 2001, A Space Odyssey, it was the lunar crater where the monolith was found and was a central feature.

Venus dominates the western evening sky. Look West in the early evening around 5:00PM, and you can see Venus as the brightest star in the sky. It’s Earth’s twin, and through binoculars, it looks like a small version of the half-full or quarter Moon. Venusian phases are the result of it being closer to the sun, and as it catches up alongside Earth and passes by, it exhibits phases. Since Venus gets closer, it appears to get larger. When we look west in the evening sky, we’re actually looking back where we’ve been and can see Venus. Since our orbits are slightly tilted, Venus only transits the sun’s disk every 121.5 years.

A crossing of the sun’s disk happens again in December 2117.

Observe our twin galaxy. Look up high and you will see the Andromeda Constellation to the right of Venus. It appears like a large square with an arm going off to the north. Take your binoculars and search along that northward arm, and you will see a small, hazy patch of light. That’s our galaxy’s twin, the Andromeda Galaxy, which is 2.2 million light years away. Hence, we see it as it was 2.2 million years ago, while we are 2.2 million years in their future.

BLACKHAWK “FIRST SUNDAY” CARS & COFFEE

Andromeda Galaxy as it appears in a telescope and Venus as seen through a small telescope and binoculars. Composite and photos by Jim Scala

Blackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event year round for all car enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, starting at 8AM and going to 10AM, the Museum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts. On Cars & Coffee Sundays the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets.

The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html, call (925) 736-2280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

NEW ENGLAND INTERLUDE

By Mike Ferguson, Alamo World Travel

This September, my wife, my father-inlaw, and I indulged in one of our favorite forms of entertainment--cruising with Crystal Cruises. We have cruised with Crystal before and enjoy everything that Crystal is known for: impeccable service, culinary excellence, on-board activities with guest lecturers, enrichment classes, and fabulous entertainment including an amazing magic act at Crystal’s Magic Castle. We dined at Silk Road and The Sushi Bar led by world-renowned master chef Nobuyuki Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as at Prego, both specialty restaurants that are included complimentary on every sailing.

To begin our adventure, we flew into Montreal and spent the night at the Westin which was in walking distance to everything we wanted to see. Had we not been to Montreal recently, we would have spent extra days there, it is such a fascinating city. Then we boarded the Crystal Serenity in Quebec City, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site and the only walled city north of Mexico.

From our balcony we had a beautiful view of the world-renowned Chateau Frontenac which is especially gorgeous lit up at night. The next morning we toured the old city and the new, and then our cruise began. Our first stop was Sept-Iles Quebec. From there we cruised to Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city built around a natural harbor that’s second in size only to the port of Sydney, Australia. From Halifax, we visited a very recognizable working lighthouse in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

Picturesque Portland, Maine’s largest city, was next and now I have visited my 49th state. We then sailed on to pretty Kennebunkport, home to George H.W. Bush, where we enjoyed outstanding crab and clam chowder. In Boston we took a tour of Boston Harbor, appreciating the history that Boston is so famous for: the Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, Bunker/ Breeds Hill, and a visit to the USS Constitution.

Newport, Rhode Island was next, and we saw how the other .000001% lived in the “Gilded Age” mansions, each larger and more opulent than the next. We toured The Breakers, Newport’s most famous mansion, then continued on to the Naval War College Museum where we were immersed in maritime history.

The cruise ended in NYC, where we once again enjoyed the skyline, the history, the culture, the energy, and of course the food. We splurged and saw Hamilton at the Richard Rogers Theatre—wow! It lives up to all the hype. New York is a vibrant city that we will return to, just as we will also cruise with Crystal again, next time on one of their new Luxury River Cruises or their 62-guest yacht, the Crystal Esprit.

For more information on Crystal Cruises or other travel--cruises, river cruises, escorted tours, or custom travel -- please call Mike at 925-837-8742 ext 14, or visit www.alamoworld.com. Why trust your vacation to an Internet “agent” with little training and no travel experience? Alamo World Travel and Tours has been providing expert travel service for 36 years. Advertorial Luxury Travel Specialists

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Enjoy Wine, Hors d’oeuvres, Special Offers, Door Prizes, and a Grand Prize Drawing for Airfare for two to Hawaii!

Please Join Us!

**RSVP Required to info@alamoworld.com or call 925-837-8742 to make your reservation.

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13

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

Renovation Special Renovate your lifestyle In anticipation of our upcoming Clubhouse renovation, Round Hill Country Club is offering up to a $10,000 credit on a limited number of new Memberships.

• Golf Membership: Initiation $40,000*, receive a credit on the Member account of $10,000.

• Tennis Membership: Initiation $6,000, receive a credit on the Member account of $3,000.

• Associate-Swim Membership: Initiation $2,500, receive a credit on the Member account of $1,250.

Available January 6 to March 1, 2017. Promotional credits are usable for any charges other than Initiation Fees. Admissions Requirements apply. *Purchase of a share also required.

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

www.rhcountryclub.com

MT. DIABLO BRANCH CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB

Catharine Bramkamp will present “Finding the True Wizard: Social Media Strategies for Authors” at the next meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, January 14th at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, located at 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

Catharine will discuss how to create a 30-second book promotion/description, how to think differently about social media and your book, and what you can and cannot use as your platform.

As a long-time member of Redwood Writers, Catharine has published 12 novels (including the Future Girls series), three books on writing, many poems, and a poetry chapbook. Catharine is also the editor for the Redwood Writers anthology and works for a wine company as their storytelling officer.

Sign-in is at 11:15am. The luncheon will take place from noon until 12:45pm, and the speaker will talk from 1-2pm. Registration is $25 for CWC members and $30 for guests.

Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, January 11th. Contact Robin Gigoux at cwcrobin.gigoux@ yahoo.com or by phone at (925) 933-9670. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation. For PayPal, click ‘Buy Now’ on the Mt. Diablo website http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.comnext-program.

For Paypal, please add a $2 transaction fee.

The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is http:// cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

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

PAGE 14 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

QUICK TRIPS

ENCHANTED HIKE

By Linda Summers Pirkle

Paris and Côté de Sud may get the press, but the forest of Paimpont in the Northwest region of France is an unexpected, under-rated, and under-the-radar destination. A group of us met at the steps of a beautiful stone church, Eglise de Graal (Church of the Grail) which is located in the small town Trehorenteuc, Brittany. Our guide, Jean Pierre, a 75-year-old beret wearing gentleman, and his scruffy little dog led us through the enchanted forest that according to legend is the place where the great magician Merlin lies in his tomb. Jean Pierre wove stories of Vivane, the Lady of the Lake who raised Sir Lancelot while pointing out native plants and advising us to be on the lookout for the French version of pesky leprechauns. Paimpont’s woodland area is privately owned but accessible to visitors on designated hiking trails.

The Bay Area has its own enchanted trails, and the system of beautiful parklands and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties is comprised of 121,122 acres in 65 parks, including over 1,250 miles of trails. We are lucky!

My son and I set out on an excursion recommended by avid hiker Murray, a Lafayette resident who mentioned it was one of his favorite under-the-radar spots. We took Fish Ranch Road heading west on Highway 24, and at the first junction we turned left and crossed over the freeway above the Caldecott tunnel, then turned at the first right, and parked in the small parking lot (five spaces only). We started our hike by walking through the gate marked Skyline Trail South. This short trek (9/10ths of a mile), which leads to Sibley Volcanic Visitor Center is an entry to a 32-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation trail that goes through six different parks and preserves and leads to the larger 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail that circles the entire Bay Area. The gradual climb took us through an enchanting canyon with stunning evergreen plants, fragrant Bay Laurel trees, and a creek. This pass, also known as the Caldecott Wildlife corridor, provides deer, fox and bobcats as well as other wildlife the ability to safely move between parklands on the south and north sides of Highway 24.

Our hike led us to the Robert Sibley Regional Volcanic Preserve Visitor Center with a self-guided display that is informative and beautifully written. An excerpt from the display reads, “It’s a fine place to see a single Golden Eagle move beneath a wheeling flock of Turkey Vultures or to watch a mating pair of Red-Tailed Hawks tumble from the blue sky…it’s a fascinating place to see what happens where the city comes slamming into the countryside...” We learned about the 10-million-year old volcano, and a self-guided brochure is highlights visible geological features.

If you have not made your New Year’s resolution yet, you may be interested in the Trails Challenge, a free program that entices walkers to discover new trails. Co-sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District, Regional Parks Foundation features 20 trails of various difficulties in parks throughout the District. You can pick up a 2017 Trails Challenge booklet at any Visitor Center or at the Park District headquarters, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, or visit the website www.regionalparksfoundation.org.

If you would like to drive to Robert Sibley Regional Volcanic from Highway 24, take the Fish Ranch Road immediately east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Continue 0.8 miles to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Turn left and go 2.4 miles on Grizzly Peak to Skyline Blvd. Turn left and drive 0.1 mile to the preserve entrance on the left.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident,is inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area.

She organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

TAX TALK WITH BOB

By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent, H&R Block

Yes, I am back! I’d like to say that it is by popular demand, but I don’t think you will fall for it!

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you are all happy and healthy. In this article I want to review some changes to the tax code and the IRS processing of your returns.

FRAUDULENT TAX RETURNS have grown to become a major issue for IRS. Those of you who know me are aware that I do not blindly defend IRS and their methods of operation. I will tell you that if you submit an accurate tax return which has a refund due, they want to process the return and get you your money promptly. When I transmit a tax return, I get an acceptance or rejection within minutes based on the security numbers that are on the return. If someone else used your social security number fraudulently and processed the return before you, IRS computers will accept the first return and reject yours since your number has already been used on a tax return. This does not mean you will lose your refund, but the process of recovery is upsetting to you and delays your refund considerably.

Technology is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately technology advances can be used the wrong way. In December of 2015, Congress recognizing the growing issue of tax fraud, created the PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes), to begin the process of combating the problems.

The IRS has determined that fraudulent returns occur frequently in certain situations.

• Returns qualifying for Earned Income Credit • Returns with Additional Child Tax Credit • Returns with any Education Tax Credit As a result, if your return contains any of these tax credits, refunds will not be released until February 15 to give the IRS time to thoroughly examine each return. If you do not have any of these three credits, your return will process in the Bob Shalon, EA normal time frame.

Master Tax Advisor • Enrolled Agent There are other ways that the IRS is 925.820.9570 looking for fraud on a 718 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville tax return, which for Sycamore Square (next to Lucky’s) bob.shalon@tax.hrblock.com obvious reasons I will not review in this article.

This summer our district handled about four times the amount of audits than in the past. Areas that were looked at were business mileage taken by an employee and certain stock options. In my next article I will review what to provide if you are audited.

Warmest regards to everyone!

Please call me at any time at 925-820-9570, email bob.shalon@tax. hrblock.com, or stop by my office located at 718 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Advertorial Danville with any questions.

GROUP HELPS PEOPLE COPE WITH DEATH OF PETS

When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief.

Hospice of the East Bay and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:00PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.

For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at Hospice of the East Bay (925) 887-5681.

Hospice of the East Bay Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

In recent articles I’ve written about the “Internet of Things” (IOT) and, in fact, my article last month spurred several questions from readers. It seems many of us would like to electronically check and open/close our garage doors, as one of the examples last month explained. Along these lines, there is an even more compelling need I’ve discovered, one for tracking my mailbox out on the curb.

Lately we have experienced a surge in mail theft in our area. It’s brazen, and happens whether at night or in broad daylight. The likelihood of the thieves being caught is very low. As with most things, I believe the best offense is a good defense, and it is along those lines that I’ve been thinking. We need a way to monitor our mailbox, and be alerted when mail arrives or when the mailbox door is opened. We need to get to the mail before the thieves do.

I searched the internet for mailbox-monitoring and remote-sensing solutions, and I was underwhelmed with what I found. On Amazon there are a couple of devices to be found under the search term “mailbox monitor.”

They involve a small “sender” unit which is affixed to your mailbox’s door and activates when the sensor within the unit senses the door opening or closing. The receiver is a small intercom-sized unit with an antenna, and that is supposed to sit in your front room, perhaps on a kitchen counter or another obvious location. When your mailbox is opened, the sender gives a signal to the receiver, and a bright LED begins blinking while it emits an alert sound. The other more generic solutions I saw involved sensors that detect when something like a car or person breaks the beam. They can all be adapted, but they are closed systems and would require significant tinkering to do what I want out of them.

Ten years ago I may have been excited about trying to work with these solutions, but this is 2017 and I want something that will integrate with my network, alert my iPhone, and tell me the instant that my mailbox has been

touched. My wife and I always keep our phones nearby, and we’re always waiting until late at night to get our mail. (Side note: Our mail carriers are having no fun at all right now, frequently working until 10pm to finish their routes; be nice to them!)

I did find a few modern and innovative mailbox monitoring solutions, but they were all nascent efforts that the designers were attempting to fund through Kickstarter and IndieGogo. The two that interested me the most didn’t secure the necessary amount of funding by their deadline, and the efforts stopped. I’ve reached out to see if there is still any interest in moving their projects forward, but as of this writing I’m still waiting to hear back.

I have a feeling that the target market for their iPhone-integrated solution, which is mainly homeowners like you and me, don’t frequent websites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Conversely, the people who do frequent those sites are among the least likely to need this solution, as most young people don’t own homes. These solutions were intelligent, could help neighbors work together, and gave the user much more information about their mailbox than a basic “open or closed” message.

I’m convinced that if we bring one of these more modern IOT-oriented solutions to market, there would be significant interest. I can say with certainty there are a bunch of people locally who’ve been affected by this problem and who’d be first in line. Is this something that you’d be interested in buying if someone had worked out a turnkey alerting system which notified you via your smartphone? Think of this as the ‘Ring Doorbell’ or ‘Nest Thermostat’ of mailbox monitoring solutions. It’s the same basic idea, just a slightly different application. If it’s something that you’d pursue, please drop me a line at smartmailbox@pcioit.com, and I’d be happy to tally your interest and approach these designers in an attempt to motivate them forward. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

We’re doing more and more of this sort of integration work, both for commercial interests and residential customers. The “Internet of Things” is here to stay, and our experts will help you prepare your environment to implement these solutions. If you’d like to talk about your particular situation, give us a call at 925-552-7953, or email info@pcioit.com. Advertorial

Technology. Simplified.

Since 2001

Residential | Commercial

COMPUTER SERVICES: PCs/Macs/Tablets/Smartphones • Upgrades • Maintenance • Networking • Data Recovery • Virus/Malware Removal • Back-up Solutions • Email/Hosted Exchange • Internet of Things IT DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION: IT Strategy Development • Network Design • Infrastructure Assessment • Cloud Services INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT: Proactive Desktop, Server, & Network Monitoring and Management • Office Move Management • Disaster Preparedness • Monthly Service Agreements

925-552-7953 helpdesk@pcioit.com www.pcioit.com

PAGE 16 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

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editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

LIFE IN THE DANVILLE GARDEN

CREATING A KID MAGNET

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059

What is a “kid magnet”? Well, it is a term that has newly emerged from families I’ve been working with on the creation of their outdoor environments. A “kid magnet” is a yard that has all the elements in it that attract kids to want to stay at home and have friends come over.

With growing concerns, real and perceived dangers in the world, parents have been asking me to create outdoor environments that will attract their children and their friends to their home. The main idea is to keep children and teens at home were they are safe, occupied, and within a parent’s watchful eye.

An outdoor environment that is geared toward being a “kid magnet” has many elements that allow children and teens to be active, be together with their friends, and most importantly, want to stay there. The yard has to be multi-purpose. The elements of the landscape need to challenge a child physically, mentally, and visually. In other words, there need to be places to physically exert the enormous amounts of energy that children and teens have. There need to be places for adventure, imagination, games, reflection, and risk-taking. Within that environment of physical and mental challenge, it has to be visually pleasing to children while being pleasing the adults, too! It has to look cool! A child will naturally be attracted to stay and play.

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17

Celebrate the New Year with our 2017 Cooking Classes

January 26th • 5pm – 7pm

Re-Energize the Body Healthy Soups & Salads with Patt Larkin $55/per person Call today to reserve your seat!

Alamo Ace Hardware |3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo | 925-837-2420 www.AlamoHardware.com

Plastic-coated steel play equipment made in primary colors is not the prerequisite for engaging a child’s attention. If you were asked to recall your favorite childhood place, it would probably be a special tree you climbed, a space for a “secret” house or fort under a hedge, or somewhere you could mold dirt or sand into fantasy landscapes. Play equipment is certainly an added activity center for your “kid magnet,” but it’s not enough. It is now recognized that risk-taking is an important element of play and physical development. A “kid magnet” is designed intentionally to provide an environment for your children and their friends to develop an appreciation of risk in a controlled play environment so that they won’t be enticed to take similar risks in the uncontrolled and unregulated wider world. Your yard should have levels of graduated challenge. In design terms, this means that children of different ages, abilities, and levels of daring need to find activities that are within their capabilities plus some that are just beyond them.

What are some of the elements in an Danville yard that can provide this kind of environment? The landscape itself is definitely the primary element that provides the environment for this to occur. A lush, tree-filled, sunny yard with large lawn spaces and plantings that children are allowed to interact with provides hours upon hours of play. Play sets, swings, slides etc. will give your child a place for hours of extended energy output. Places for games to be played are necessary.

Lawns are wonderful places for any child who is sport-minded: soccer, baseball, football, tag, croquette, volleyball, hide-and-seek, gymnastics, cartwheels, and the list can go on and on because children are not limited to play on a plastic play set.

Swimming pools definitely add the element of water play and physical activities to the point where a child needs to be pulled from the water because they look like a prune. Recent additions to some of my pool designs are beach areas or “Baja” shelves, water slides, waterfalls, and diving rocks. Beaches and shelves provide shallow areas for the younger ones so they can safely play in the pool; water slides for the older ones to provide adventure and fun; waterfalls for the sound, action, and adventure; and diving rocks for safe risk-taking.

Sports courts are great for all kinds of activities. Basketball, paddleball, roller hockey, volleyball, and badminton are just a few. It’s unbelievable what children can create to do when they have an environment that supports their imaginations.

Remember that children are limitless when it comes to creativity and energy.

Provide spaces for quiet play and contemplation as well: a shade tree to lay under and day-dream and watch the sunlight dapple across their faces. Children need places to wonder and explore and, of course, a place to play with Mom and Dad. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Remember to plant flexible and resilient plantings that can stand the occasional trampling. “Kid magnets” are great for multi-family entertaining.

Gardening Quote of the month: “We have not inherited the earth from our parents; we have borrowed it from our children.”--L. Brown, 1981 If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la. com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com or www.houzz.com/pro/jmla/ john-montgomery-landscape-architects. Advertorial

PAGE 18 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

WINTER PRUNING

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

Now is a great time to prune your trees to protect them against winter storms. A judicious pruning can reduce the likelihood of branches falling and causing damage to person or property.

Evergreens, such as cedars, and many species of deciduous trees, such as valley oaks, can be pruned in the late fall and early winter, and now is by far the best time to prune pines. Monterey pines can only be pruned between October 1 and February 15 without attracting pine beetles. These potentially lethal beetles, which can smell sap from long distances, go dormant in the winter. Some species of beetles carry pine pitch canker, an increasingly common fungal disease that disfigures pine trees and sometimes kills them.

If your tree has dead tips scattered throughout the canopy, it probably suffers from pine pitch canker. To prolong the aesthetic life of the diseased tree, prune out the infected tips when the beetles are dormant.

Even healthy trees require occasional pruning to keep them safe and beautiful. Many trees are subject to branch and column failure. Thinning the crown reduces the wind-sail effect of the canopy and thereby reduces the risk of the tree failing in a windstorm. Removing weight from the ends of heavy branches reduces the likelihood that those branches will break.

Pruning trees for safety is a craft requiring study and experience. A wellpruned tree should not only be safer, it should look beautiful. At Brende & Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Our trimmers are expert at accentuating the shape given the plant by nature. Within the bounds of what is healthy for each species, Brende & Lamb works to make trees as beautiful as possible.

Our trimmers are well practiced in aesthetic pruning and are attuned to the artistic flow inherent in tree forms. The form may be weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. In some species, such as Monterey Cypress, branches ascend at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept

CLIP NOTES

By Jody Morgan

The “lemon leaves” used extensively in the floral trade don’t grow on citrus trees. Unlike professionals in the nursery business, florists frequently place orders using common parlance rather than scientifically proper botanical nomenclature. Also known as salal, the long-lasting foliage favored for everything from elaborate arrangements and elegant wreaths to exquisite corsages mimics the lustrous emerald aspect, evergreen habit, size and shape of the leaves produced by an actual lemon tree. But pickers don’t need ladders to harvest it. Properly designated Gaultheria shallon, salal is native as a groundcover or shrub, dependent on growing conditions, from British Columbia to the central coast of California.

Lester Rowntree’s description in Flowering Shrubs of California makes me wish I had discovered salal in its native habitat rather than in floral design class. “At its starting point it is a one-foot plant with an inferiority complex, creeping humbly about in the woods, or in full sun in the foggiest regions, a handsome but rather sparse groundcover. … As it goes north it becomes taller, making in the rich humus, the summer heat, and the moisture of the Redwood region a slender upright, eightfoot shrub. In the still places under the Redwoods, Salal is a different creature …

It ramps about high and low, rising tall above pure humus of old stumps, surging over the hollows left by uprooted trees, springing up along fallen logs.”

The common names and species epithet are borrowed from Native American dialects. Chinooks called it “ki-kwu-sha-la.” The Makah tribe called it “sala’xbupt.” Encountering salal in 1806, Lewis and Clark transcribed the word they heard as “shelwel.” They wrote that elk devoured the leaves, and people relished the berries. Related to blueberries and huckleberries, salal has similar pink-blushed bell-shaped flowers followed by blue-black berries rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Berries range from barely palatable to decidedly delicious depending on where they grow.

Indigenous people found multiple uses for salal. In addition to ingesting the berries both fresh and dried for baking into loaves or mixing with other fruits, they brewed medicinal tea from the leaves and sometimes smoked the

www.yourmonthlypaper.com look. Branches in the coast live oak bend and twist, forming complex arcs.

Each tree species has a unique form and flow.

When necessary, trees and shrubs can be reduced in size, but crown reduction requires a good eye; a poorly reduced tree looks like a thicket of stubs. Topping is almost always a bad idea. However, the crown of many trees can be reduced by cutting back long branches to the crotches formed by shorter branches growing in the same direction. If the branch doesn’t fork, we cut back to the lowest growth point that will neither create a thick stub nor undermine the arching quality of the branch. When a tree or shrub has been reduced in this way, it’s difficult to detect the cuts or tell that the branches have been shortened.

Sometimes the form of trees needs to be modified to capture or accentuate views. View pruning requires restraint and a willingness to compromise. In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree often seem to be in conflict. Many pruners focus solely on the view and simply hack back the tree.

However, more than the tree’s beauty is at stake. Topping stimulates production of water sprouts, and it also causes disease and rot - all of which make the tree more, not less, dangerous. However, view problems can often be solved by looking at tree-and-view as an aesthetic unity, as two elements that complement and frame each other. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major branches can prevent further encroachment on the view.

To recover even more of the view, we create “windows” by selectively removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge these by removing small branches that rise or drop into the view. Thinning above and below the window creates an overall feeling of openness, rather than an abrupt gaping hole. The image of Mount Diablo framed by the trembling needles of a well-windowed Redwood proves that nature and civilization can complement each other - as can aesthetics and practicality.

If your trees need a little TLC to protect them against winter winds, or if your property could use a little fire protection, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, Advertorial client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. leaves like tobacco. Valuable as a preservative, the leaves also served to assuage hunger in times of want. Some tribes even created cups from the sturdy foliage, which is thick and coated underneath with a waxy substance that accounts for its ability to stay green and pliable even when desiccated.

The generic name honors a French doctor and naturalist, Jean-Francois Gaultier, who to settled in Quebec in 1742 to fill the post of King’s Physician.

Swedish botanist Pehr Kalm was so taken with Gaultier’s service as guide on his horticultural expedition to Canada in 1749, that he named the genus for his host. Introduced to England by David Douglas in 1828, salal suffocates other vegetation when left to run wild.

In Leaves, Alice Thomas Vitale quotes the account of a salal harvester. “I’m a bush-picker. I make my living picking sword fern, cedar, salal, and huckleberry foliage, and selling it to packing plants in the area. Salal should be put together with odd leaves tucked neatly in between. As long as you don’t take more than twenty-five percent of any one plant’s foliage, you don’t have to worry about hurtin’ the shrubbery you pick from.”

Student researchers at the University of Washington Ivy He, Nicole LaBrie, Megan Morgan and Anna Ryiko recently concluded: “The political ecology of salal is inextricably tied to the floral industry.

The highest demand for this aesthetic use of salal comes mainly from Europe.

The workers who harvest salal come mainly from Mexico, Guatemala and Southeast Asia, all coming together in Western Washington and the Olympic Peninsula where salal grows plentifully, where harvest takes place, and where wholesalers set themselves up to reel in the cash.

There is a lot of money to be made in the salal floral industry. … Already one fourth the size of Washington State’s famous apple industry, the demand for salal remains high and continues to grow.”

The worker quoted in Leaves was making forty-three cents for a 1.5 lb. bundle of unblemished salal. While the date of the statement is not disclosed, the relationship between wages earned by brush-pickers who are required to obtain permits and profits accrued by companies marketing the commodity remain disproportionate. According to a Seattle Times article published 2/11/2015, harvesting salal began as a cottage industry in 1915, but now it provides one of the three most used foliages in commercial floral arrangements worldwide.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19

SPARE THE AIR

By Debbie Weiss, Sustainable Danville Area

On Christmas Eve, I wanted a wood-burning fire in my living room fireplace. The Yule Log on TV just wasn’t going to cut it. But it was a winter “Spare the Air” day, so Bay Area residents were barred from burning wood or other solid fuels in their fireplaces. If I were found violating this regulation, I’d be fined $100 for a first time offense or required to take a wood smoke awareness class. A second violation holds a fine of $500, so the penalty for a crackling fire on a Spare the Air day is painful.

Any wood burning fire adds to the local air pollution, releasing soot into the air. As much as I missed the holiday flames, I satisfied myself that I wouldn’t be contributing to the sore throats and lung irritation of folks who went outside, particularly those with vulnerable health due to respiratory ailments. I sighed and revved up Netflix with its streaming online fireplace.

The website, Sparetheair.org, lists when there’s an alert in effect and you can sign up to receive e-mail or text message warnings the day before the alert goes into effect. Other ways to check for an alert include calling (877) 4-NO-BURN, visiting baaqmd.gov, or using Spare the Air phone apps.

There are usually 15-20 Winter Spare the Air Days and we are already racking them up. The District can issue a winter Spare the Air alert from November 1 through February 28th. Winter weather consisting of cold, still days with stagnant air traps wood smoke close to the ground, concentrating the air pollution from the smoke to unhealthy levels. Wood smoke is the largest source of winter particulate pollution. Particulate matter, generally soot, consists of microscopically small solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

On winter Spare the Air days, wood-burning fires are banned. The ban includes EPA-certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and pellet stoves.

Though these devices burn more cleanly than regular fireplaces, they still emit fine particulate air pollution. Similarly, outside fires like bonfires and fires in outdoor fire pits are banned as are fires using manufactured logs.

So, my cache of Duraflame logs in the garage isn’t going to help when an alert is in effect.

The Air Quality Index categorizes air pollution on a scale of zero to 500.

The index is based on federal air quality standards for six major pollutants: ozone, carbon, monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and two sizes of particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 refers to a particle less than or equal to 10 microns in size and PM 2.5 to those smaller or equal to 2.5 microns. Of the two sizes, the smaller, PM2.5, is the more serious health concern because the smaller particles can travel more deeply into people’s lungs than the larger ones. In the wintertime, wood smoke contributes about one-third of the overall particulate matter pollution. Motor vehicles also contribute a significant amount.

Spare the Air days are important because increased, trapped concentrations of pollution can impact people’s health. Breathing pollution can cause people to suffer from throat irritation, congestion, and chest pain.

Air pollution can inflame the lining of the lungs, cause shortness of breath, trigger asthma, and aggravate conditions like bronchitis and emphysema.

Long term exposure to ozone can reduce lung function. High levels of ozone are particularly harmful to young children, seniors, and those with respiratory or heart conditions.

During a summer Spare the Air alert, the main way to help is to drive less.

We can walk, bike, telecommute (if possible), car pool, link errands together, use public transit, and generally avoid driving unnecessarily. We shouldn’t use gas-powered gardening equipment like lawn mowers and leaf blowers.

If we want to barbecue, we should use a gas grill instead of charcoal. We should also avoid using aerosol spray cans, like those containing paint or hair spray. And, as always, we can reduce our use of household energy.

So “Spare the Air” spares the environment, helping to reduce air pollution when it’s needed the most and, in doing so, sparing our health, especially for those who are most vulnerable to poor air quality. On Christmas Eve, I revved up the TV fireplace, but wanting to enjoy more fires – even during Spare the Air days – I visited a local business and invested in ceramic logs that quickly turned my gas starter into a gas-burning fireplace. Sitting in front of the fire with friends, I relished the fact that we were sharing good wine and good times – and not PM2.5 particle matter.

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BRINGING BACK THE NATIVES GARDEN TOUR

Now is the perfect time to plan a garden transformation, shop for plants, and plant your water-conserving, pesticide-free California native plant garden.

To help you on the way, you might be interested in the following.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

“Gardening with Nature in Mind” will be offered on Saturday, January 28, and “California native plant propagation: How to create native plants from seeds, cuttings, and divisions” will run on February 4 and 25.

These workshops will fill. For more information or to register, visit http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/winter-2016-2017-workshops.

NEW GARDENS ON THE UPCOMING TOUR

The gardens that will be showcased on the Sunday, May 7 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour are going up on the Tour’s website. This year there will be 25 new gardens. Check them out at www.bringingbackthenatives.net/view-gardens.

Advertise with the Tour! If you are interested in running an ad in the garden guide, e-mail Kathy@KathyKramerConsulting.net now to reserve a space.

Sponsors are being sought to support the 2017 Tour. Learn more by visiting www.bringingbackthenatives.net if your company would be interested in becoming a Tour sponsor.

PIE DAY

By Monica Chappell

January 23rd is National Pie day - not that we need much encouragement to eat pies. National Pie Day was created simply to celebrate the pie. It is a day for all to bake or cook their favorite pies. Even more importantly, it is a day set aside for all to enjoy eating pie, and in that spirit, I thought it would be fun to match a tasty wine with your favorite piece of savory pie.

Beef pies with red wine sauce: This pairing will work with any full-bodied red. I tend to favor Rhône-style reds, but try any earthy red. Cooking with the same wine you drink is always a smart trick.

Chicken pies with a creamy filling: The gold standard of savory pie would have to be the chicken pot pie. My go-to wine is a New Zealand Sauvignon, or try a less aromatic white like an unoaked or subtly oaked Chardonnay.

Pies with a tomatoey filling: Regardless of what the other ingredients are, I generally find cooked tomato works best with an Italian Sangiovese or a Tempranillo-based red like Rioja, especially if there’s chorizo involved in the pie mix.

Cheese and spinach pies: I generally prefer crisp whites such as Sauvignon Blanc or even a more neutral white with a light vegetarian pie like this, but in contrast, pairing this pie with a Beaujolais works really well also.

Dessert pies: That’s for another article!

Once you have your perfect bite, post it on social media #NationalPieDay. Happy Pairing!

Monica Chappell is a wine writer and educator based in Lafayette.

PAGE 20 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

2017 FINANCIAL GAME PLAN

By Robert Cucchiaro, Certified Financial Planner

Even though the holidays are my favorite time of the year, I always welcome the spirit and optimism that January brings. For whatever reason, the dawn of a new year strikes people as a good time to make a positive change in their lives.

Given the ever-increasing costs of raising a family in the Bay Area, and especially in Danville/Alamo, the most common New Year’s resolution that I hear from my friends and neighbors is that they are going to “get their financial house in order.”

Needless to say, this is one resolution I fully support and wish more people would commit to. However, just like gym attendance spikes in January which only fall back to normal by February, so too does one’s commitment to their finances. Thus, my argument that while information on how to stay fit or get on track for financial security is free, the value comes from having advice that is tailored specifically to your situation and having someone you trust hold you accountable so you can actually reach your goals.

So with that in mind, here are my ‘six keys to success’ when it comes to your 2017 financial plan: 1. Begin tracking your income and expenses in either Excel, QuickBooks, or with a service like Mint.com. As Jim Rohn famously said, “When your outflow exceeds your inflow, your upkeep becomes your downfall.” All too often I meet with folks who make over $250,000 per year and tell me they are living paycheck to paycheck. When I ask them where it all goes, inevitably they don’t know because they don’t keep track.

2. Look at the financial risks in your life, and assess whether or not you/ your family are protected in the event that something bad happens. I am talking about life insurance, disability insurance, an umbrella insurance policy, an LLC or corporation for your business, etc. I am also talking about setting up

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRUSTEE

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

Establishing a Revocable Living Trust for yourself and your family is worthwhile for many reasons I’ve written about previously, including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, controlling when and how young loved ones inherit assets, mitigating estate tax, etc.

Perhaps the most compelling reason is to create a “financial succession” vehicle optimized to ensure that your assets are handled the way you want, both during your life and after you’re gone.

A Revocable Living Trust (“Trust”) has three “stakeholders”; 1) the Settlor [aka “grantor” or “trustor”] – the person(s) who establishes the trust; 2) the Beneficiaries – the people who benefit from the trust; and 3) the Trustee – the person who manages the trust. As long as a Settlor is willing and able, he or she (or if a married couple, they) typically serves as initial Trustee(s).

A much more difficult but important question is who should serve as Successor Trustee(s) and thus manage the Trust – the bulk of the Settlor’s financial affairs - when the Settlor(s) die or become unwilling or unable to do so. This has many implications. It should be thought through carefully and discussed in detail with your estate planning attorney. One should also consider the pros and cons of naming the chosen Successor Trustees in other critical estate planning documents, such as your Durable Power of Attorney and Will.

First, it’s critical to step back and ask what the appropriate criteria is for choosing a Successor Trustee. It depends on all relevant facts and circumstances, including the makeup of the Settlor’s family, loved ones, assets, and objectives.

Certain criteria is intuitive, including trustworthiness. Aside from whether or not a candidate is trustworthy, is he or she responsible - the type of person who gets up in the morning and takes care of business? Geographic proximity can be a factor but tends to be less important now because of technology advances that facilitate the management of assets from afar. Emotional character and personality should be assessed since one or more trust Beneficiaries (who are often related to the Successor Trustee) may try to manipulate the Successor Trustee.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com an emergency fund.

3. Review or establish your Will, Revocable Living Trust, health care directive, and financial power of attorney.

4. Review your tax returns, and make sure you are getting every tax break available to you. Paying too much in taxes obviously impacts your ability to save more money.

5. Once the foundation is strong, you can focus on opportunities. This would include maxing out your 401K at work, establishing 529 college savings accounts for the kids, and working toward any other financial goals you may have.

6. Finally, we can focus on where to invest excess cash flow, which could mean setting aside funds each month to eventually purchase some rental property or that vacation home you’ve always wanted (or combining the two).

As you can imagine, I would suggest you hire a professional to help you develop this plan. Clearly a Financial Planner can bring value to your family by helping you design your financial plan. But the real long term value comes in having them help you implement and maintain the plan long term. Just like those folks who join the gym in January only to stop going in February will not get the results they desire, neither will the family that pays for a financial plan and then fails to stick with it for the long term.

As a Certified Financial Planner, my job is to help people make better financial decisions and achieve their long-term goals. Whether you have a large investment account or are just starting out, we are here to help. We have been serving families in Danville for over 30 years, and are never too busy to see if we can be of service to you and your family.

Cheers to a happy and healthy 2017!

Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner. He is a Partner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving business owners in Danville for almost 30 years.

Rob specializes in retirement, investment, tax, and estate planning. www.

Advertorial summitwealthandretirement.com.

For example, a Beneficiary may request (and/or persuade) the Successor Trustee to exercise certain Trustee-authorized discretion in a manner that may not ultimately be in the best interest of that Beneficiary.

Much too frequently, a quick, “painless” decision is made by summarily nominating one’s spouse, oldest child, or all children as Co-Trustees. Such haste may lead to problems, if not disaster. Choosing Co-Trustees, even when they consist of all of your children, is often problematic because of the logistics or because of the required compatibility and cooperation involved in making Trust decisions (e.g. how, when or whether to sell or divide certain cherished assets). Family relationships can be devastated as a result of a Settlor not taking ample care in deciding who is truly best suited to serve as Successor Trustee. This decision is often more sensitive and difficult when married Settlors have a blended family.

Sometimes, neither relatives nor friends are the best candidates. Many financial institutions have reputable trust departments, with capable, seasoned trust officers who can potentially carry out a Settlor’s wishes most objectively, safely and effectively. Another alternative is to choose an experienced, “private fiduciary” – an individual who is properly licensed and bonded, whose job entails serving as Successor Trustee for many different family trusts.

As with many important decisions, your trusted professional advisors should help you make this decision. Certainly your estate planning attorney should be directly involved. If you wish, other advisors, such as your CPA and/or investment manager, can sometimes provide helpful counsel. * Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group which is located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors.

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CSC CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21

Blackhawk TMS

with me and gradually their anxiety level drops.”

Newcomers are encouraged to attend orientation meetings held weekly on Mondays at 7pm and Fridays at 11am so they can learn which of the many CSC resources best address their personal needs. Conducted by highly skilled professionals in a home-like setting, classes Cutting Edge Treatment and gatherings are scheduled at various times of the day and evening for Depression Without to accommodate participants with divergent availability. The monthly calendar includes networking groups for individuals with specific Medications types of cancer, exercise classes appropriate for patients engaged in physically draining protocols, nutrition classes that include a popular ArE You Doing ThE SAME Thing course on cooking Indian cuisine, creative expression workshops in ovEr AnD ovEr ExpECTing crafts and music, and presentations on a plethora of timely topics by A DiffErEnT ouTCoME? leading authorities in their respective fields. Short-term counseling (12-20 sessions) is also available.

ThE onLY SErviCE offEring Chief Mission Officer Margaret Stauffer speaks with gratitude for DEEp TMS in ThE Tri-vALLEY the financial support of sponsors and donors that somehow always manages to meet CSC’s budget and hope that contributions will continue to grow along with the ever increasing demand for expanCall for a sion of services. Although programs are always free of charge, the free consultation professionals presenting them are compensated for their valuable time. “The power of our support is immeasurable,” Stauffer proudly acknowledges. A young adult when her mother was diagnosed with FDA 4185 Blackhawk Plaza Circle breast cancer, Margaret found no support and little information available. Now she dedicates herself to giving support and information Approved Danville, CA 94506 to others facing cancer as patients as well as their family members.

Children whose parents are battling cancer have a range of concerns Several insurances accepted CSC addresses through Kid’s Circle and Teen Talk programs. Families VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE attend these monthly sessions together, but participate in separate www.blackhawktms.com activities ending with lunch and a family activity geared toward generating communication. Teens spend time in a facilitated discussion group with peers, while children under 13 engage in group activities aimed at encouraging them to express their feelings along with fostering coping skills.

Chief Executive Officer James Bouquin understands how confusing confronting cancer with a loved one can be. He first learned of what was then the Wellness Community while caring for his wife. He recalls being so overwhelmed as a caregiver with analyzing treatment options that he didn’t realize her oncologist had included a Wellness Community handout in the information packet. A colleague told him about the center, and months later he found the brochure.

Now as a fulltime advocate for cancer patients and their families, Bouquin leads CSC in honoring the commitment to “serve anyone facing cancer in our community who comes to us for support – including patients, survivors, caregivers and other family members. We provide them with all of the help they need, for as long as they need it.” Still the only facility of its kind in Northern California, CSC also offers off-site programs in Antioch, Castro Valley, San Ramon and Vallejo. “We complement medical treatment by teaching people with cancer how best to partner with their medical team and how to heal in mind, body and spirit,” Bouquin explains. “Our mission is to help people facing cancer to become healthier, to live longer and to live better.” While long-term survival is never guaranteed, improving the quality of whatever lifespan is possible is an attainable goal.

Although Cancer Support Community calendars are distributed at many oncology practices, patients and caregivers are often so swamped with making decisions and re-organizing their lives that they overlook this invaluable resource. Patty Koepke distributes calendars to neighbors and friends as soon as she learns of their need for the information. “I completely and thoroughly enjoy volunteering at Cancer Support Community,” she says. “I am pleased when I am able to talk someone out of tears and into a wee bit of a smile.”

The National Cancer Institute estimates that by the close of 2016 in the United States 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will have been diagnosed and 595,690 people will die from the disease. NCI also estimates that by 2024, the number of people surviving a cancer diagnosis will rise from nearly 14.5 million in 2014 to almost 19 million. While national organizations are focused on research that will impact future patients, Cancer Support Community is dedicated to providing immediate help to those coping with cancer today.

Recognizing the escalating need for services, CSC recently went CSC Support Group meetings are scheduled throughput the day and evening to best fit all members' into contract to purchase a 5.75-acre property just west of Lafayette needs. Photo courtesy of CSC. Reservoir to build a community campus with expanded facilities.

Plans for the portion of the property opposite the Lafayette Community Garden involve collaboration of CSC nutritionists with the Community Garden to establish a teaching garden that will provide everyone (not just those touched by cancer) with information on growing food that promotes health and also “food as medicine.”

“Hope Walk” held on May 21, 2016 had over 500 attendees raising more than $100,000. This year’s event, with a 3.1-mile scenic stroll around Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek, is in the planning stages. The date set for the Annual CSC Golf Tournament at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo is July 31, 2017. The annual September Gala will include a gourmet dinner, live music and lively auctions. For sponsorship opportunities and more details contact Carol Louisell at 925-953-1209.

Information on fundraising events for CSC as well as ways to contribute throughout the year can be found at www.cancersupportcommunity.net where the current calendar of activities is also posted. Cancer Support Community is located at 3276 McNutt Drive, Walnut Creek. Phone 925-933-0107.

925-648-2650

PAGE 22 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

WINTER IS HERE!

By Jesse E. Call, D.C., Sycamore Valley Chiropractic

Winter is here!

With the beauty and promise of the New Year, don’t let your posture get you down. Many common injuries happen in the winter time. With proper posture you can prevent the downfalls of winter and begin the year with your best posture!

Did you know…

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 246,000 people were treated at hospitals, doctor’s offices, and emergency rooms for injuries related to winter sports in 2015. Injuries are common in the winter season due to elevated risk of weather conditions, slippery surfaces, and foggy visibility.

Snow sports are the best! Don’t be afraid to get out there and enjoy the fun of winter. However, recognize that without proper postural preparation, you may be at an increased risk of injury.

In fact, in 2015 there were…

PRACTICE CHANGING HEMATOLOGY UPDATES

By Robert Robles, MD

This year’s meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), held this year in San Diego, was less noticeable for blockbuster announcements than many potentially practice changing presentations.

For patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the use of Obinatuzumab (Gazyva), in combination with standard chemotherapy, was superior to the use of the standard therapy with Rituximab (Rituxan) in prolonging the time CLL remains under control. Two studies demonstrated the use of Lenalidomide (Revlimid) as a maintenance therapy after completion of standard chemotherapy also delayed the progression of CLL. CLL by nature is a chronic disease with relapses and remissions. Safe and well tolerated therapies which prolong the interval between potentially more toxic therapies should be a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium.

Diffuse large B cell non Hodgkins Lymphoma is the most common subtype of non Hodgkins Lymphoma. It is a potentially curable malignancy when treated with chemotherapy. However, since not all patients are cured, there has been continuous research to improve treatment results. A trial conducted in the U.S.A. compared standard chemotherapy, R-CHOP, with a more intensive and difficult-to-administer chemotherapy regimen called dose adjusted R-EPOCH. This trial showed the treatments to be equivalent. Although this trial did not show a benefit to any one treatment, the subtleties of why this result occurred are probably as important as the result of the trial. Regardless, the most important message from this trial is that more chemotherapy is not necessarily better. A better understanding of the subsets that make up the category we currently call diffuse large B cell non Hodgkins Lymphoma will hopefully allow more targeted therapies to be developed.

A study from the University of Minnesota evaluated the safety and efficacy of new anticoagulants (Pradaxa, Eliquis, and Xarelto) in patients with cancer. The use of these new anticoagulants in patients with cancer has not been evaluated in a large number of patients. The study concluded these drugs appear to be safe and efficacious. Large studies evaluating the new anticoagulants to confirm their safety and efficacy are ongoing.

Robert Robles, MD is board certified in Medical Oncology and Hematology. He practices with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill, and he also sees patients in San Ramon. Dr. Robles has a special interest in treating hematologic cancers, lymphomas, and blood and clotting disorders. For more information, call (925) 677-504 or visit Advertorial www.dvohmg.com.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com ● 88,000 injuries from snow skiing ● 61,000 injuries from snowboarding ● 50,000 injuries from ice skating ● 47,000 injuries from sledding, tobogganing, and snow tubing Have no fear that winter is here! We have got your back with these winter posture tips!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland: While taking a nice winter walk, always put safety first. ● Watch for icy patches, wait for paths to clear of ice and snow when possible ● Wear shoes with adequate support and proper tread and grip for winter conditions ● Wear warm clothing to prevent overly contracted neck and shoulder muscles ● Walk with heel-to-toe gait patterns, don’t shuffle or glide on the ice ● Contract your core musculature to protect your spine ● Don’t walk too fast, focus on slower controlled gait patterns with proper posture ● Don’t grit your teeth from the cold, relax your jaw and the musculature of your face and neck Warm Up Before Cold Sports: Don’t be a statistic! Winter sports are cold by nature; you need to properly warm up your spine and muscles before engaging in winter athletic activities. ● Wear adequate clothing to keep you warm while allowing you to move comfortably and freely ● Stretch large muscle groups before hitting the slopes ● Move your joints with mobility drills before heading outdoors ● Keep your circulation flowing. While on the chairlift or before a run, swing your arms and legs to keep the blood flowing ● Keep warm by moving. If you don’t move, your muscles will stiffen and have less flexibility and range of motion Whether you like to be outside on a walk, on the slopes skiing, or inside making cookies, always bring your best posture with you. Proper posture during the winter season will save your back so you can focus on the joy of the new year, not the downfalls of winter.

The best health is achieved through prevention. Yearly Posture Evaluations will help you detect early-onset postural distortion patterns that may cause pain and injury. Early detection and correction is the key to proper posture.

Remember, winter is coming! Enjoy the New Year with joy and good health, and get started with optimal postural design for your healthiest and most productive year yet! If you or someone you care about could benefit from having their posture evaluated and corrected, contact us here at Sycamore Valley Chiropractic.

Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www.sycamorevalleychiropractic.com or call (925)8375595 for more information or to schedule Advertorial an appointment.

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients and their caregivers. Opportunities include: • Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling • Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy • Administrative Support Volunteers to assist in the Pleasant Hill office • Thrift Shoppe Volunteers to work in one of the organization’s five stores which are located in Alamo, Concord, Martinez, Danville, and Walnut Creek.

• Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members after their loved one has died • Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance To apply for free training, call Hospice at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.

Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

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GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

By Dr. Irene J. Lo, MD, FACS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a condition where stomach contents come back up into the esophagus, resulting in a variety of problems. The classic is heartburn, but symptoms can include acidic taste in the mouth, cough, chest pain, breathing issues, nausea, intolerance of certain foods, pain after eating, bloating, belching, flatulence, hiccups, hoarseness, and sore throat. In the United States, GERD affects more than 40% of the population at least once per month, 20% once per week, and 7% daily. Medical treatment of GERD results in costs of at least $6 billion per year.

GERD is caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the junction between the esophagus and the stomach. Because of its weakness, the LES is unable to close properly, and, as a result, stomach contents are able to reflux back into the esophagus. Certain risk factors are associated with the development of GERD including obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatal hernia, and advanced age.

It can be worsened by drinking certain beverages such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea; or by eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, spicy foods, or fatty foods. Some medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or certain blood pressure medications can also provoke symptoms.

GERD can also be associated with various complications. Patients can develop chronic cough, asthma, laryngitis, and dental erosions. Over time, due to exposure to stomach acid, esophagitis, a painful inflammation of the esophagus, can also develop. This can lead to bleeding, scarring, or ulcers. In addition, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus can affect about 1% of GERD patients. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when cells in the lower esophagus become damaged and change in character and composition. This leads to an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

If you are concerned that you may have GERD, please consult your primary care physician who can order tests and diagnose the problem. For those whose symptoms do not improve with simple measures, further testing may be necessary in order to confirm a diagnosis of GERD. These tests include esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays taken while contract liquid is swallowed), esophageal pH monitoring (a small probe placed to measure acidity), or esophageal manometry (probe to check pressure of peristalsis).

Treatment of GERD can include lifestyle changes, dietary modification, medical management, and surgical intervention. Patients with GERD are encouraged to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, quit smoking, put blocks under the head of their bed to raise their head, avoid eating 3-4 hours before lying down, avoid wearing tight clothes or tight belts, and lose weight. Medications currently being used to treat GERD include H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Some of these medications should not be used long-term since they are associated with osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and other side effects.

Surgical intervention, also known as anti-reflux surgery, can be performed using an open, laparoscopic, or robotic technique. There are a variety of new surgical approaches to treating reflux.

If you have GERD, schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask about your treatment options.

Dr. Irene Lo is a Board Certified General Surgeon who has completed a fellowship in Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is part of the 680Bariatrics Team at Walnut Creek Surgical Associates, with offices in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Concord. Call (925) 933-0984 to schedule an appointment or find her on Advertorial www.wcsurgeons.com.

IS FOOD A PROBLEM FOR YOU?

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

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23

MAGGIE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

from all my family members back home. My family, cousins, and all are probably what I am most proud - not the gold medals, but that I get to share it with such an inspiring and close-knit group.

What are your professional goals and your goals as related to water polo? I LOVE my sport and I love playing for this great country, so I hope I get the opportunity to continue playing and representing the two moving forward. I truly hope I can be an ambassador for women and girls and help continue to grow the sport. I also hope to take advantage of some entrepreneurial opportunities here in the Silicon Valley.

What else do you do in your free time - besides study? I wouldn’t say I get much free time now-a-days, so most of it I try to spend with friends and family...or a good coffee break at Philz with some yummy food! But I am involved with Team KC (a group helping to improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer patients and their families) and hope to help build awareness of this remarkable Bay Area non-profit. But, for now, I love being a student-athlete at Stanford and trying to make the most of my time here on this opportunity-filled campus.

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CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

www.thefallenheroes.org The following classes are held at the Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue in Walnut Creek. Classes are free. For more information and reservations, please call (925) 933-0107.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ~ Tuesday, January 17, 6-8PM ~ With Michele

Magar, Esq. You have civil rights as a cancer survivor. Learn how to avoid discrimination based on your cancer status in employment, housing, government services, and public places. Cancer survivors are protected from discrimination under both state and federal law when they are in treatment as well as in remission, so this workshop is relevant to anyone who’s ever received a cancer diagnosis, even if they’ve been in remission for years.

Michele is a cancer survivor and civil rights lawyer focused on preventing discrimination on the basis of disability. For cancer patients and caregivers.

RETURN TO WELLNESS SERIES ~ Mondays, February 6 - April 3, 7-9PM ~ Don’t miss this once a year special eight week series focused on survivorship practices that enhance quality of life and help to decrease risk of recurrence for people who have completed treatment. The structure includes group support to manage the emotional aspects of survivorship and changes in relationships. Two presentations on nutrition address how diet can impact recovery and survivorship. Three sessions are devoted to increasing physical activity and regaining strength. Healthy snacks will be provided. ForFallenHeroes2x3_11-27-13.indd those who have completed cancer treatment.

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HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION

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

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PAGE 24 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

THE DAD-BOD EPIDEMIC

PREGNANCY MATTERS

By Dr. Jerome Potozkin

A few years ago when my kids were six and eight years old, my family and I traveled to New York City’s Times Square area and almost became victims of the Times Square Terrorist’s attempt to blow up Times Square. When we returned home, we were on several local news stations. When I saw the clips on TV, I was alarmed at how heavy I appeared. They say that television adds weight, but this was ridiculous. The demands of parenthood caught up with me. I was skipping workouts at the gym, and at dinner I would often finish the food that my kids didn’t eat. My physique had become what is known as “DadBod.” I’m not alone as I am sure some people reading this have the same shared experience. You might even notice more of this if you ate a little too much over the holidays.

What did I do? Well, I did what I recommend to everyone who consults with me for CoolSculpting or liposuction. I began a committed exercise program and modified my diet. I was highly motivated and was able to transform the “DadBod” to a more fit and healthy body. However, I still had some stubborn areas. These areas are highly amenable to CoolSculpting.

CoolSculpting has become the gold standard for non-surgical fat reduction. It is not for women only. In addition to women, we see many men who seek treatment. It works great for pesky love handles and abdominal fat.

Many men feel that excess weight makes them look out of shape, tired, or older. Diet and exercise plus CoolSculpting can be an excellent remedy.

CoolSculpting works by freezing the fat cells. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than the other skin structures, so we can selectively destroy the fat cells without harming the other skin structures. This procedure requires no social downtime or time off work.

At my office we offer “dual-sculpting.” We have two CoolSculpting machines so that we can treat two areas of the body at once, essentially cutting your treatment time in half. We’ll also entertain you during your treatment as we have your favorite TV station available for viewing in our dedicated CoolSculpting treatment room. Instead of beer and pretzels while you watch your favorite game on ESPN, you can have your fat reduced.

Prefer watching HGTV during you treatment? We have that as well. We are committed to not only getting the best result but also to making the experience as easy as possible. Have a busy work schedule? We can offer weekend treatments. If you have excess fat, we always recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet.

Do you have fat that you still can’t get rid of? Call us today as during the month of January 2017 we are offering complimentary CoolSculpting consultations.

Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or Advertorial visit www.Potozkin.com for more information.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors.

To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.

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VACCINES WHILE PREGNANT

By Dr. Theresa Gipps

After growing up in Walnut Creek and completing my Ob/Gyn residency at UCSF-Fresno, I joined Dr. Timothy Leach’s medical practice in 2015. To complement Dr. Leach’s monthly ‘Menopause Matters’ column, I plan to review common questions I hear from pregnant women, along with other aspects of women’s health care.

Vaccines have been a hot topic in recent years. In the United States we have seen outbreaks of several diseases which we have vaccines for including whooping cough, measles, and mumps. Pregnant women every year ask their doctors, “Should I really get a vaccine now?” and “Why?” Though most vaccines are not given to pregnant women, two vaccines are recommended during pregnancy: the influenza (flu) and Tdap vaccines. Below I will review vaccine basics and why the vaccines are recommended in pregnancy.

A QUICK REVIEW: VACCINES

Vaccines are made from weakened or inactivated parts of bacteria and viruses which cause infectious disease. Vaccines are most effective when given before exposure to a disease, and they can either prevent the disease entirely or result in a less severe form of the disease. Vaccines have helped slow or stop diseases like smallpox, polio, and chicken pox. Scientists today are working to develop vaccines against other diseases like HIV and Zika. When a vaccine is given, it causes the body to create protective proteins called antibodies. These antibodies are ready to fight off that disease if you should ever be exposed again. It takes about two weeks after getting a vaccine before your body has produced enough antibodies to protect from infection.

TDAP VACCINE

Tdap is a vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Whooping cough is a respiratory infection which may cause only mild symptoms, but it can be especially dangerous for newborns and young children. Most adults received a whooping cough vaccine in childhood, but the protection provided decreases over time. So, many adults may no longer be immune.

Children receive their first whooping cough vaccine at eight weeks old.

Before then they only have protection if they receive protective antibodies from their mother. California had 4,750 cases of whooping cough in 2015, and ⅔ of the patients hospitalized were infants younger than four months. Every year as many as 20 babies die in the US from whooping cough.

When a woman receives a Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, her body increases production of protective antibodies. These antibodies are transmitted to the baby until delivery and can be passed to her newborn when breastfeeding. If a woman gets the Tdap vaccine during her third trimester (27-36 weeks) her baby’s risk of whooping cough in the first eight weeks of life is decreased by at least 85%. A Tdap vaccine is recommended for every pregnancy.

THE FLU VACCINE

Flu season lasts from October to May each year, and every year a new flu vaccine is produced. Influenza is usually a mild respiratory disease which may cause cough, fever, body aches and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea. Pregnant women are at higher risk than most other adults of serious complications from the flu. Complications include pneumonia, respiratory failure requiring breathing support (intubation), and even death. During the H1N1 influenza epidemic, 12% of all US deaths during pregnancy were caused by the flu. Fever caused by the flu in early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects. Pregnant women with the flu are at increased risk of early delivery.

Large studies have shown no increased risk of birth defects or other problems in babies born to women who received the flu vaccine during pregnancy. And just like with the Tdap vaccine, women who receive the flu vaccine during pregnancy will pass some protection onto their babies after delivery.

FINAL NOTES

While vaccines are generally safe, anyone with a previous serious allergic reaction to a vaccine or its components should not be vaccinated. The nasal flu vaccine (spray) is a live virus and should not be given during pregnancy.

Dr Leach’s column “Menopause Matters” will return next month.

We are both excited to keep our readers up to date on important topics in women’s health care. If you are interested in a particular topic, we would like to know! You can email us at leachobgyn@gmail.com. Also, please visit our NEW website www.leachobgyn.com for articles and other important health education information. Our office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Please call us at 925-935-6952.

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THE EYE OPENER

WHY DO I NEED TO GET MY EYES CHECKED IF I CAN SEE FINE?

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

Now that we are entering a new year, it should be a good time to evaluate our own health and well-being. Since we were all busy eating and enjoying time with family and friends during the holiday season, we were not able to address our own personal health. This includes doctor visits, dental visits, and getting your eyes examined. Several patients have commented that they are deciding that just because their glasses are fine and they see “OK,” there is no need to have their eyes checked. I will go over some reasons why this is not a good idea and there is a need for annual exams.

I think most people would be surprised at how many medications and medical conditions can affect the eyes and vision. Some of the obvious ones are diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Most patients are aware of the potential ocular side effects of these conditions and are therefore following up with their medical doctor and coming into the office for annual exams. However, as an example, I have had a few patients lately who suffer from colitis who did not know of the potential effects on the eyes. They were astounded to find out about the inflammation associated with colitis and any other –itis disease such as hepatitis, arthritis, and auto-immune conditions such as lupus. These conditions can go to the eye and cause an iritis (a severe inflammation in the eyes that causes light-sensitivity, pain, redness), and it can happen with or without a flare-up of the systemic condition.

In addition, many of the medications that patients take, including prescription and over-the-counter, can and do have ocular effects. Some of the most common of these are anti-histamines, anti-depressants, birth control and hormone replacement. Many people feel that because these medications are

CARING HANDS REACHING OUT TO SENIORS ONE AT A TIME

Life at any age involves challenges, but these intensify as we age. The first concern may be that it becomes too difficult to drive to the doctor, the grocery, or to just get a haircut.

Support systems change, neighbors and friends may not help as expected, and loneliness may put a damper on daily routine.

Caring Hands volunteers offer friendship which makes an extraordinary difference in the quality of life for many of our seniors.

Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program, a collaborative community outreach program between John Muir Health, social service agencies, congregations of various faiths and the community-at-large, creates finely-tuned one-on-one matches. The Caring Hands Program is dedicated to helping aging adults in Contra Costa County remain independent as long as safely possible. Isolation and loneliness shorten lives and may make health problems worse.

If making time to volunteer is on your to-do list, consider joining Caring Hands as a caregiver or even as an occasional driver. Enriching matches are created; loving friendships and deep relationships are formed. Care receivers treasure a friendly visit, a walk in the park or other social outing. Reading mail, letter writing, or providing respite care to give a break to a family member are thoughtful services which can make a big difference to a frail or isolated senior.

Since so many older adults need transportation to doctor’s appointments or stores, the best volunteer for Caring Hands is someone who is available once a week for 1-3 hours on a weekday, and who can provide transportation. Volunteers receive ongoing education, support and recognition of their efforts.

Perhaps you can be that friend who gives a waiting senior hope and help.

The next training session in Walnut Creek will be held on Friday, November 18 from 9AM -2:30PM, at the John Muir Health Medical Center. For a volunteer application or for more information about Caring Hands please contact Stacy Appel, Volunteer Coordinator, at (925) 952-2999.

JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25

so commonplace and in some instances not prescription that they don’t need to be revealed at an eye exam. Knowing this information can definitely help in diagnosing such issues as contact lens intolerance, dry eyes, and blurry vision. Obviously, these and other medications affect some people more than others. However, knowing about the medications and changes in dosage can help elicit a reason for a problem or can help diagnose a problem.

I think the take-home message here is that because the eye is an integral part of the body, all systemic issues and medications need to be discussed with the doctor. Generally, patients who have diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol have been educated enough that they understand the potential effects on the retina and that through a dilated exam or optomap the blood vessels can be viewed and evaluated for overall health. I tell patients all the time that the retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be observed without an invasive procedure.

If the retina looks healthy and normal, you can generally assume that the vessels in other organs such as your liver and kidney are also satisfactory.

In contrast, once in awhile a diagnosis of diabetes, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis can be made just from the eye exam alone because of a prescription change and/or certain changes in the retina or optic nerve.

Preventative care in any field including general health, dentistry, and eye care generally reduces issues that would have developed down the line if left unchecked. It is generally a good idea to have your teeth and health checked regularly before pain and/or expensive procedures need to be done because a condition went unchecked for years. A large percentage of the time, everything is fine. However, if something is found during the exam or ancillary testing, the prognosis is almost always better after an early diagnosis and early treatment. The same can definitely be said of the eyes.

Even if your glasses are “fine,” we recommend using your insurance for a comprehensive examination to ensure that your overall health is being maintained along with your vision and ocular well-being.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 8206622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, InAdvertorial stagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry.

C L A S S I F I E D FINE ART PRINT FOR SALE

FAMOUS WESTERN ARTIST Howard Terpning’s Last Rays of Sun showing a native Indian on horseback print for sale. This signed and numbered fine art print, custom rustic framed, is accompanied by his highly valued collectors edition book, Spirit of the Plains People. $1,200 value, sacrifice for $300. (925) 639-2718.

COMPUTER HELP

ITkid Computer Help Assistance with any tech related issue for a low price.

Help with Email•Wifi•Computer•Smartphone•Tablet•Etc. $40/hr. Contact Max Nunan, local ITkid consultant. (925) 482-5488, maxnunan@gmail.com

FOR RENT BIG ISLAND HAWAII - Luxurious 5 bedroom, 5 ½ bath home with pool and spa in Mauna Lani, Champion Ridge. Access to private beach, 2 golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and many other amenities. Rent by the week. Call 925586-8893 or reserve on VRBO listing #630743.

Danville Today Classifieds

Reach over 15,000 homes and businesses in Danville - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.

Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Alamo Today” or “Lafayette Today” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.

PAGE 26 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: THE OTHER SIDE OF PLASTICS

By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.

What I really enjoy about writing this monthly column is that it affords me the opportunity to educate, and clarify misconceptions about plastic surgery. My practice encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and is in the most basic sense, about changing my patients’ quality of life. Whether the surgery is cosmetic or reconstructive, I look forward to work every day because I know I can help people feel more confident about themselves, and improve their ability to function well, both physically and emotionally.

Many of my past articles have focused on education associated with cosmetic procedures, but this month I want to focus on the reconstructive side of my practice. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, reconstructive surgery is defined as “surgery performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.” Generally, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Reconstructive surgery represents a significant portion of my practice. The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires extensive training in areas which include congenital defects of the head and neck, craniomaxillofacial trauma, reconstructive surgery of the breast, surgery of the hand, plastic surgery of lower extremities, plastic surgery of the trunk and genitalia, burn reconstruction, microsurgical techniques, reconstruction by tissue transfer, and surgery of benign and malignant lesions.

While a plastic and reconstructive surgeon’s training is extensive and spans many areas of expertise, a strong sense for aesthetics is also critically important for a procedure to be successful. Reconstructive surgery is in fact, as much an art form as it is a science. To perform a successful reconstruction, one must envision the results, the “art,” before beginning to operate. It is “seeing” in a completely different way.

Plastic surgery has often been misunderstood, or perceived as being superficial. The reality is that my training and strong aesthetic sense has enabled me to perform countless reconstructions, most recently on a pregnant woman with rapidly progressing cancer. It has allowed me to reconstruct a gunshot victim’s facial wounds, and repair the faces of dozens of children who were victims of dog attacks. Additional reconstructive procedures I’ve performed include reconstruction of skin cancer defects, skin grafts, and hand surgery.

To have the opportunity to work with patients in need of reconstructive surgery is one of my greatest joys in life. I have seen the physical and emotional transformation of thousands of patients over many years of performing surgery. Enabling a patient to live a normal life, while instilling in them a sense of renewed confidence and self-esteem, is remarkably rewarding. It is more than improving appearances, it is allowing people to live the life they deserve and desire.

Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@ Advertorial personsplasticsurgery.com.

To place an ad, share a story, or for more information about our papers, call 925.405.6397 or visit our website www.yourmonthlypaper.com

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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST

LOSE EXCESS WEIGHT FOREVER THIS NEW YEAR THE HEALTHY WAY

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

Happy New Year! Are you using this time as a motivator to drop the weight you have been struggling to lose all year round? You have the best of intentions to lose weight as the New Year begins, but somehow, life happens and you often find yourself going back to your old ways.

Try a different approach for this New Year. Instead of making a diet and weight loss resolution, focus on improving your health by making weekly nutrition and fitness goals. Decide what goal you will work towards for the coming week. Log your progress and check in with yourself at week’s end. This is the process that I follow when I work with my clients.

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 these small changes everyday.

Try these nutrition and fitness goals, and you’ll see how great you feel.

1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Every day have two cups of veggies. Try adding veggies to your egg white omelet, and have a salad or soup with veggies at lunch. Also, have a piece of fruit at lunch and one after dinner. The new recommendation is that half your plate should be veggies and fruit, and the other half should be a ½ cup of grains and 4 ounces protein.

2. Portion control. Work your way to smaller portions, and this will help control your calories. If you use a big dinner plate and usually fill the whole plate, try using a smaller size plate. You will always eat more when you have a pile of food on your plate.

3. Limit the 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 for yourself to limit sweets to either once per day, or a few times a week.

I teach my clients to have their sweets after a meal instead of randomly during the day which will prevent cravings for sweets.

4. Swap out the soda and juice. These beverages are loaded with sugar and contribute to your daily calories. And let’s be honest, most people don’t only drink a can of soda or juice a day. Imagine how many extra pounds in one year are contributed from soda alone. I show my clients many popular beverages that have no calories.

5. Begin a walking program. Commit to a daily walk, first thing in the morning or after dinner. I teach my clients about interval training which shocks the metabolism and causes us to burn calories much faster.

6. Schedule your workouts. Just like you schedule a doctor’s appointment or a lunch date with a friend, schedule your workout on the calendar, and make it a part of your routine five times a week. I teach my clients how to set up their meal plan based on their exercise schedule for the day.

7. Make sure you are taking care of your basic needs such as eating and sleeping. It will then be easier to listen to what your body needs in terms of food and exercise. When my client is having a problem with overeating, I often see it is because they have not gotten enough sleep or are overwhelmed with family and work and then use food to get them through these 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 not, stop and save the rest of your meal for another time. I take a lot of time to practice this technique with my clients.

Good news! Health insurance including Aetna, ABMG, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Net, Hill Physicians, Sutter, and other major companies will pay for nutritional counseling!

Call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutritional concerns or email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com. Visit my website at www.LindaRD.com for past articles in my blog section and nutrition tips.

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JANUARY 2017 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27

Alamo’s 1st & Only Pediatric Dentist!

Alamo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Welcomes Dr. Allan Pang Dr. Pang completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego.

He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After Tufts he completed a General Practice Residency at University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, Dr. Pang practiced general dentistry in the community of Los Gatos, California for two years. It was during this time that he realized how much he enjoyed working with his pediatric patients and returned to school to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry.

His residency in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University-Bellevue Hospital in New York City allowed for him to have extensive training in treating the well child and those with special healthcare needs such as children with craniofacial disorders and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Pang has been in private practice since 2008.

He is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

(925) 831-8310

244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER 244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $925,000 $925,000$387.52 $387.52 263‐A W EL PINTADO 263‐A W EL PINTADO $937,000 $937,000$519.40 $519.40 216 ABIGAIL CIR 216 ABIGAIL CIR $940,000 $940,000$382.58 $382.58 PAGE 28 • DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • JANUARY 2017 $950,000 $950,000$379.85 $379.85 416 TRIOMPHE CT 416 TRIOMPHE CT 34 CASABLANCA ST 34 CASABLANCA ST $950,000 $950,000$496.08 $496.08 27 NOB HILL DR 27 NOB HILL DR $955,000 $955,000$608.67 $608.67 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA $959,000 $959,000$590.52 $590.52 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $960,000 $960,000$471.05 $471.05 1647 HARLAN DR 1647 HARLAN DR $962,000 $962,000$545.97 $545.97 228 WATERMAN CIR 228 WATERMAN CIR $967,100 $967,100$497.74 $497.74 112 CENTER COURT 112 CENTER COURT $980,000 $980,000$450.99 $450.99 710 MISTRAL CT 710 MISTRAL CT $981,000 $981,000$428.01 $428.01 1255 SILVERWOOD CT 1255 SILVERWOOD CT $995,000 $995,000$432.99 $432.99 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING $1,000,000 $1,000,000$428.08 $428.08 Address SP Price/SqFt Address SP Price/SqFt 419 LA QUINTA CT 419 LA QUINTA CT $1,000,000 $1,000,000$365.90 $365.90 224 JEWEL TERR $710,000$407.58 $407.58 224 JEWEL TERR $710,000 1 AVON CT 1 AVON CT $1,023,750 $1,023,750$472.21 $472.21 1676 BRUSH CREEK PL $715,000$494.13 $494.13 1676 BRUSH CREEK PL $715,000 369 EVERETT PL 369 EVERETT PL $1,030,000 $1,030,000$507.64 $507.64 1995 S FOREST HILL PL $780,000$505.84 $505.84 1995 S FOREST HILL PL $780,000 138 GERBERA ST 138 GERBERA ST $1,030,000 $1,030,000$356.03 $356.03 177 VALLE VISTA DR $786,000$694.96 $694.96 177 VALLE VISTA DR $786,000 120 SAINT PHILIP CT 120 SAINT PHILIP CT $1,035,000 $1,035,000$557.65 $557.65 501 BOBBIE DR $879,000$568.93 $568.93 501 BOBBIE DR $879,000 263 GREENBROOK DR 263 GREENBROOK DR $1,038,500 $1,038,500$458.50 $458.50 224 DOLCITA CT $890,000$452.24 $452.24 224 DOLCITA CT $890,000 40 SAINT TERESA CT 40 SAINT TERESA CT $1,040,000 $1,040,000$535.25 $535.25 1100 MUSTANG DR $895,000$496.67 $496.67 1100 MUSTANG DR $895,000 $1,045,000 $1,045,000$453.56 $453.56 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR 66 SHELTERWOOD DR 66 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,213,000 $1,213,000 $361.01 $361.01 1112 DELTA WAY $899,000$527.27 $527.27 1112 DELTA WAY $899,000 34 NEW BOSTON CT 34 NEW BOSTON CT $1,050,000 $1,050,000$519.03 $519.03 45 AMESBURY CT 45 AMESBURY CT $1,220,000 $1,220,000 $490.95 $490.95 1086 ALLEGHENY DR $899,000$531.64 $531.64 1086 ALLEGHENY DR $899,000 198 PULIDO RD 198 PULIDO RD $1,050,000 $1,050,000$459.12 $459.12 325 MERRILEE PL 325 MERRILEE PL $1,220,000 $1,220,000 $430.49 $430.49 1124 DELTA WAY $900,000$545.12 $545.12 1124 DELTA WAY $900,000 691 ADOBE DR 691 ADOBE DR $1,060,000 $1,060,000$468.40 $468.40 364 SILVERADO CT 364 SILVERADO CT $1,228,000 $1,228,000 $460.96 $460.96 1090 ALLEGHENY DR $905,000$548.48 $548.48 1090 ALLEGHENY DR $905,000 54 VICENZA CT 54 VICENZA CT $1,062,135 $1,062,135$407.10 $407.10 21 ANGEL CT 21 ANGEL CT $1,230,000 $1,230,000 $537.59 $537.59 244 FRANCISCAN DR $920,000$526.62 $526.62 244 FRANCISCAN DR $920,000 1679 SAINT HELENA DR 1679 SAINT HELENA DR $1,072,000 $1,072,000$471.21 $471.21 80 TRISH CT 80 TRISH CT $1,240,000 $1,240,000 $350.08 $350.08 711 GLASGOW CIR $920,000$547.95 $547.95 711 GLASGOW CIR $920,000 533 KNOLLWOOD CT 533 KNOLLWOOD CT $1,079,000 $1,079,000$329.16 $329.16 633 MARTINGALE CT 633 MARTINGALE CT $1,245,000 $1,245,000 $357.14 $357.14 244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $925,000$387.52 $387.52 244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $925,000 645 GLASGOW CIR 645 GLASGOW CIR $1,080,000 $1,080,000$384.62 $384.62 444 VANESSA WAY 444 VANESSA WAY $1,255,000 $1,255,000 $286.33 $286.33 263‐A W EL PINTADO $937,000$519.40 $519.40 263‐A W EL PINTADO $937,000 611 LA GONDA WAY 611 LA GONDA WAY $1,085,000 $1,085,000$448.53 $448.53 121 STARVIEW PL 121 STARVIEW PL $1,262,000 $1,262,000 $338.52 $338.52 216 ABIGAIL CIR $940,000$382.58 $382.58 216 ABIGAIL CIR $940,000 375 GLASGOW CIR 375 GLASGOW CIR $1,088,000 $1,088,000$374.14 $374.14 842 EL QUANITO DR 842 EL QUANITO DR $1,267,500 $1,267,500 $545.87 $545.87 $950,000$379.85 $379.85 416 TRIOMPHE CT $950,000 416 TRIOMPHE CT 912 LA GONDA WAY 912 LA GONDA WAY $1,100,000 $1,100,000$354.84 $354.84 585 BOURNE LN 585 BOURNE LN $1,269,000 $1,269,000 $366.76 $366.76 34 CASABLANCA ST $950,000$496.08 $496.08 34 CASABLANCA ST $950,000 250 NANTERRE ST 250 NANTERRE ST $1,100,000 $1,100,000$383.68 $383.68 760 SAINT GEORGE RD 760 SAINT GEORGE RD $1,275,000 $1,275,000 $402.84 $402.84 27 NOB HILL DR $955,000$608.67 $608.67 27 NOB HILL DR $955,000 220 APTOS PL 220 APTOS PL $1,115,000 $1,115,000$629.23 $629.23 282 LA QUESTA DR 282 LA QUESTA DR $1,275,000 $1,275,000 $629.63 $629.63 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA $959,000$590.52 $590.52 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA $959,000 5119 BENGALI ST 5119 BENGALI ST $1,115,000 $1,115,000$444.40 $444.40 2015 BLUE OAK CT 2015 BLUE OAK CT $1,282,000 $1,282,000 $543.22 $543.22 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $960,000$471.05 $471.05 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $960,000 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,117,000 $1,117,000$422.63 $422.63 317 SUNSET DR 317 SUNSET DR $1,283,750 $1,283,750 $367.73 $367.73 1647 HARLAN DR $962,000$545.97 $545.97 1647 HARLAN DR $962,000 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,120,000 $1,120,000$400.57 $400.57 216 RAMONA RD 216 RAMONA RD $1,295,000 $1,295,000 $574.79 $574.79 228 WATERMAN CIR $967,100$497.74 $497.74 228 WATERMAN CIR $967,100 427 BENGALI CT 427 BENGALI CT $1,125,000 $1,125,000$448.39 $448.39 5 DOVER CT 5 DOVER CT $1,297,000 $1,297,000 $438.03 $438.03 112 CENTER COURT $980,000$450.99 $450.99 112 CENTER COURT $980,000 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN $1,129,000 $1,129,000$481.66 $481.66 111 SHELTERWOOD LN 111 SHELTERWOOD LN $1,320,000 $1,320,000 $417.19 $417.19 710 MISTRAL CT $981,000$428.01 $428.01 710 MISTRAL CT $981,000 641 DUNHILL DR 641 DUNHILL DR $1,135,000 $1,135,000$376.33 $376.33 $1,325,000 $1,325,000 $526.84 $526.84 823 TUNBRIDGE RD 823 TUNBRIDGE RD 1255 SILVERWOOD CT $995,000$432.99 $432.99 1255 SILVERWOOD CT $995,000 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE $1,145,000 $1,145,000$437.19 $437.19 60 CAMERON CT 60 CAMERON CT $1,325,000 $1,325,000 $498.12 $498.12 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING $1,000,000 $1,000,000$428.08 $428.08 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING 313 SUN STREAM CT 313 SUN STREAM CT $1,165,000 $1,165,000$355.40 $355.40 204 LOWELL CT 204 LOWELL CT $1,361,000 $1,361,000 $561.70 $561.70 Address Price/SqFt 419 LA QUINTA CT $1,000,000 $365.90 419 LA QUINTA CT $1,000,000 $365.90 Address SP 663 BOURNE CT 663 BOURNE CT $1,165,000 $1,165,000 $345.80 $345.80 Address Sales SP Price Price/SqFt Price/SqFt Address Sales Price Price/SqFt Address Sales Price Price/SqFt Address Sales Price Price/SqFt 200 ALICANTE PL 200 ALICANTE PL $1,365,000 $1,365,000 $494.57 $494.57 224 JEWEL TERR $710,000 $407.58 1 AVON CT $1,023,750$472.21 $472.21 1 AVON CT $1,023,750 224 JEWEL TERR $710,000 $407.58 642 DUNHILL DR 642 DUNHILL DR $1,175,000 $1,175,000$383.86 $383.86 820 MALDON CT 820 MALDON CT $1,385,000 $1,385,000 $377.59 $377.59 1676 BRUSH CREEK PL $715,000 $494.13 369 EVERETT PL $1,030,000$507.64 $507.64 369 EVERETT PL $1,030,000 1676 BRUSH CREEK PL $715,000 $494.13 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000$484.54 $484.54 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000 1326 KNOLLS CREEK DR $1,398,000 $1,398,000 $295.94 1326 KNOLLS CREEK DR $295.94 1995 S FOREST HILL PL $780,000 $505.84 138 GERBERA ST $1,030,000$356.03 $356.03 138 GERBERA ST $1,030,000 1995 S FOREST HILL PL $780,000 $505.84 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000$351.74 $351.74 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000 78 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,400,000 $368.62 78 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,400,000 $368.62 177 VALLE VISTA DR $786,000 $694.96 120 SAINT PHILIP CT $1,035,000$557.65 $557.65 120 SAINT PHILIP CT $1,035,000 177 VALLE VISTA DR $786,000 $694.96 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000$419.03 $419.03 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000 457 EL PINTADO RD $1,400,000 $420.55 457 EL PINTADO RD $1,400,000 $420.55 501 BOBBIE DR $879,000 $568.93 263 GREENBROOK DR $1,038,500$458.50 $458.50 263 GREENBROOK DR $1,038,500 501 BOBBIE DR $879,000 $568.93 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000$385.48 $385.48 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000 308 MONTOYA WAY $1,450,000 $374.58 308 MONTOYA WAY $1,450,000 $374.58 224 DOLCITA CT $890,000 $452.24 40 SAINT TERESA CT $1,040,000$535.25 $535.25 40 SAINT TERESA CT $1,040,000 224 DOLCITA CT $890,000 $452.24 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000$276.75 $276.75 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000 5400 JOHNSTON RD $1,475,000 $635.23 5400 JOHNSTON RD $1,475,000 $635.23 1100 MUSTANG DR $895,000 $496.67 $1,045,000$453.56 $453.56 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR $1,045,000 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR 66 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,213,000$361.01 $361.01 1100 MUSTANG DR $895,000 $496.67 66 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,213,000 319 OBERLAND CT $1,480,000 $422.86 319 OBERLAND CT $1,480,000 $422.86 1112 DELTA WAY $899,000 $527.27 34 NEW BOSTON CT $1,050,000$519.03 $519.03 34 NEW BOSTON CT $1,050,000 45 AMESBURY CT $1,220,000$490.95 $490.95 1112 DELTA WAY $899,000 $527.27 45 AMESBURY CT $1,220,000 100 CAMINO ENCANTO $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $596.42 100 CAMINO ENCANTO $596.42 1086 ALLEGHENY DR $899,000 $531.64 198 PULIDO RD $1,050,000$459.12 $459.12 198 PULIDO RD $1,050,000 325 MERRILEE PL $1,220,000$430.49 $430.49 1086 ALLEGHENY DR $899,000 $531.64 325 MERRILEE PL $1,220,000 3742 OLD BLACKHAWK $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $434.40 $434.40 3742 OLD BLACKHAWK 1124 DELTA WAY $900,000 $545.12 691 ADOBE DR $1,060,000$468.40 $468.40 $1,060,000 364 SILVERADO CT $1,228,000$460.96 $460.96 1124 DELTA WAY $900,000 $545.12 691 ADOBE DR 364 SILVERADO CT $1,228,000 364 MERRILEE PL 364 MERRILEE PL $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $562.22 $562.22 1090 ALLEGHENY DR $905,000 $548.48 54 VICENZA CT $1,062,135$407.10 $407.10 54 VICENZA CT $1,062,135 21 ANGEL CT $1,230,000$537.59 $537.59 1090 ALLEGHENY DR $905,000 $548.48 21 ANGEL CT $1,230,000 316 OBERLAND CT $1,508,000 $430.86 316 OBERLAND CT $1,508,000 $430.86 244 FRANCISCAN DR $920,000 $526.62 1679 SAINT HELENA DR $1,072,000$471.21 $471.21 1679 SAINT HELENA DR $1,072,000 80 TRISH CT $1,240,000$350.08 $350.08 244 FRANCISCAN DR $920,000 $526.62 80 TRISH CT $1,240,000 57 SAN GREGORIO CT $1,525,000 $436.46 57 SAN GREGORIO CT $1,525,000 $436.46 711 GLASGOW CIR $920,000 $547.95 533 KNOLLWOOD CT $1,079,000$329.16 $329.16 533 KNOLLWOOD CT $1,079,000 633 MARTINGALE CT $1,245,000$357.14 $357.14 711 GLASGOW CIR $920,000 $547.95 633 MARTINGALE CT $1,245,000 3125 GRIFFON ST W $1,530,000 $335.82 3125 GRIFFON ST W $1,530,000 $335.82 244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $925,000 $925,000 $387.52 645 GLASGOW CIR $1,080,000$384.62 $384.62 645 GLASGOW CIR $1,080,000 444 VANESSA WAY $1,255,000$286.33 $286.33 $387.52 244 SAINT CHRISTOPHER 444 VANESSA WAY $1,255,000 40 TRISH CT $1,549,000 $424.73 40 TRISH CT $1,549,000 $424.73 263‐A W EL PINTADO $937,000 $519.40 611 LA GONDA WAY $1,085,000$448.53 $448.53 $1,085,000 121 STARVIEW PL $1,262,000$338.52 $338.52 263‐A W EL PINTADO $937,000 $519.40 611 LA GONDA WAY 121 STARVIEW PL $1,262,000 $1,550,000 $572.38 $1,550,000 $572.38 880 DOLPHIN DR 880 DOLPHIN DR 216 ABIGAIL CIR $940,000 $382.58 375 GLASGOW CIR $1,088,000$374.14 $374.14 375 GLASGOW CIR $1,088,000 842 EL QUANITO DR $1,267,500$545.87 $545.87 216 ABIGAIL CIR $940,000 $382.58 842 EL QUANITO DR $1,267,500 1505 FINLEY ROAD $1,570,000 $382.65 1505 FINLEY ROAD $1,570,000 $382.65 $950,000 $379.85 416 TRIOMPHE CT 912 LA GONDA WAY $1,100,000$354.84 $354.84 912 LA GONDA WAY $1,100,000 585 BOURNE LN $1,269,000$366.76 $366.76 $950,000 $379.85 416 TRIOMPHE CT 585 BOURNE LN $1,269,000 1040 MCCAULEY RD $1,575,000 $504.97 1040 MCCAULEY RD $1,575,000 $504.97 34 CASABLANCA ST $950,000 $496.08 250 NANTERRE ST $1,100,000$383.68 $383.68 250 NANTERRE ST $1,100,000 760 SAINT GEORGE RD $1,275,000$402.84 $402.84 34 CASABLANCA ST $950,000 $496.08 760 SAINT GEORGE RD $1,275,000 11 CORTE ENCANTO $1,650,000 $671.82 11 CORTE ENCANTO $1,650,000 $671.82 27 NOB HILL DR $955,000 $608.67 220 APTOS PL $1,115,000$629.23 $629.23 220 APTOS PL $1,115,000 282 LA QUESTA DR $1,275,000$629.63 $629.63 27 NOB HILL DR $955,000 $608.67 282 LA QUESTA DR $1,275,000 309 LOVE LN $1,650,000 $488.02 309 LOVE LN $1,650,000 $488.02 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA $959,000 $959,000 $590.52 5119 BENGALI ST $1,115,000$444.40 $444.40 5119 BENGALI ST $1,115,000 2015 BLUE OAK CT $1,282,000$543.22 $543.22 1221 CAMINO TASSAJARA $590.52 2015 BLUE OAK CT $1,282,000 7 CROWNRIDGE DR $1,675,000 $473.57 7 CROWNRIDGE DR $1,675,000 $473.57 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER $960,000 $960,000 $471.05 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,117,000 $1,117,000$422.63 $422.63 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY 317 SUNSET DR $1,283,750$367.73 $367.73 $471.05 260 SAINT CHRISTOPHER 317 SUNSET DR $1,283,750 1701 LIAHONA LN $1,700,000 $347.86 1701 LIAHONA LN $1,700,000 $347.86 1647 HARLAN DR $962,000 $545.97 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,120,000 $1,120,000$400.57 $400.57 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY 216 RAMONA RD $1,295,000$574.79 $574.79 1647 HARLAN DR $962,000 $545.97 216 RAMONA RD $1,295,000 60 MACKENZIE PL $1,825,000 $419.44 60 MACKENZIE PL $1,825,000 $419.44 228 WATERMAN CIR $967,100 $497.74 427 BENGALI CT $1,125,000$448.39 $448.39 427 BENGALI CT $1,125,000 5 DOVER CT $1,297,000$438.03 $438.03 228 WATERMAN CIR $967,100 $497.74 5 DOVER CT $1,297,000 154 GERALD DR $1,900,000 $575.76 154 GERALD DR $1,900,000 $575.76 112 CENTER COURT $980,000 $450.99 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN $1,129,000$481.66 $481.66 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN $1,129,000 111 SHELTERWOOD LN $1,320,000$417.19 $417.19 112 CENTER COURT $980,000 $450.99 111 SHELTERWOOD LN $1,320,000 222 WEBER LN $2,000,000 $512.03 222 WEBER LN $2,000,000 $512.03 710 MISTRAL CT $981,000 $428.01 641 DUNHILL DR $1,135,000$376.33 $376.33 641 DUNHILL DR $1,135,000 $1,325,000$526.84 $526.84 823 TUNBRIDGE RD 710 MISTRAL CT $981,000 $428.01 $1,325,000 823 TUNBRIDGE RD 463 VERONA AVE $2,110,000 $524.35 463 VERONA AVE $2,110,000 $524.35 1255 SILVERWOOD CT $995,000 $432.99 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE $1,145,000$437.19 $437.19 $1,145,000 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE 60 CAMERON CT $1,325,000$498.12 $498.12 1255 SILVERWOOD CT $995,000 $432.99 60 CAMERON CT $1,325,000 3154 BLACKHAWK MEAD $2,275,000 $2,275,000 $482.91 3154 BLACKHAWK MEAD $482.91 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $428.08 313 SUN STREAM CT $1,165,000$355.40 $355.40 313 SUN STREAM CT $1,165,000 204 LOWELL CT $1,361,000$561.70 $561.70 1381 FOUNTAIN SPRING $428.08 204 LOWELL CT $1,361,000 404 EL RIO $3,240,000 $480.78 404 EL RIO $3,240,000 $480.78 419 LA QUINTA CT $1,000,000 $365.90 663 BOURNE CT $1,165,000$345.80 $345.80 663 BOURNE CT $1,165,000 200 ALICANTE PL $1,365,000$494.57 $494.57 419 LA QUINTA CT $1,000,000 $365.90 200 ALICANTE PL $1,365,000 1 AVON CT $1,023,750 $472.21 642 DUNHILL DR $1,175,000$383.86 $383.86 642 DUNHILL DR $1,175,000 820 MALDON CT $1,385,000$377.59 $377.59 1 AVON CT $1,023,750 $472.21 820 MALDON CT $1,385,000 369 EVERETT PL $1,030,000 $507.64 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000$484.54 $484.54 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000 1326 KNOLLS CREEK DR $1,398,000$295.94 $295.94 369 EVERETT PL $1,030,000 $507.64 1326 KNOLLS CREEK DR $1,398,000 138 GERBERA ST $1,030,000 $356.03 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000$351.74 $351.74 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000 78 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,400,000$368.62 $368.62 138 GERBERA ST $1,030,000 $356.03 78 SHELTERWOOD DR $1,400,000 120 SAINT PHILIP CT $1,035,000 $557.65 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000$419.03 $419.03 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000 457 EL PINTADO RD $1,400,000$420.55 $420.55 120 SAINT PHILIP CT $1,035,000 $557.65 457 EL PINTADO RD $1,400,000 263 GREENBROOK DR $1,038,500 $458.50 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000$385.48 $385.48 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000 308 MONTOYA WAY $1,450,000$374.58 $374.58 263 GREENBROOK DR $1,038,500 $458.50 308 MONTOYA WAY $1,450,000 40 SAINT TERESA CT $1,040,000 $535.25 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000$276.75 $276.75 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000 5400 JOHNSTON RD $1,475,000$635.23 $635.23 40 SAINT TERESA CT $1,040,000 $535.25 5400 JOHNSTON RD $1,475,000 $1,045,000 $453.56 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR 319 OBERLAND CT $1,480,000$422.86 $422.86 $1,045,000 $453.56 527 ZENITH RIDGE DR 319 OBERLAND CT $1,480,000 34 NEW BOSTON CT $1,050,000 $519.03 100 CAMINO ENCANTO $1,500,000$596.42 $596.42 34 NEW BOSTON CT $1,050,000 $519.03 100 CAMINO ENCANTO $1,500,000 198 PULIDO RD $1,050,000 $459.12 3742 OLD BLACKHAWK $1,500,000$434.40 $434.40 198 PULIDO RD $1,050,000 $459.12 3742 OLD BLACKHAWK $1,500,000 691 ADOBE DR $1,060,000 $468.40 364 MERRILEE PL $1,500,000$562.22 $562.22 691 ADOBE DR $1,060,000 $468.40 364 MERRILEE PL $1,500,000 54 VICENZA CT $1,062,135 $407.10 316 OBERLAND CT $1,508,000$430.86 $430.86 54 VICENZA CT $1,062,135 $407.10 316 OBERLAND CT $1,508,000 1679 SAINT HELENA DR $1,072,000 $471.21 57 SAN GREGORIO CT $1,525,000$436.46 $436.46 1679 SAINT HELENA DR $1,072,000 $471.21 57 SAN GREGORIO CT $1,525,000 533 KNOLLWOOD CT $1,079,000 $329.16 3125 GRIFFON ST W $1,530,000$335.82 $335.82 533 KNOLLWOOD CT $1,079,000 $329.16 3125 GRIFFON ST W $1,530,000 645 GLASGOW CIR $1,080,000 $384.62 40 TRISH CT $1,549,000$424.73 $424.73 645 GLASGOW CIR $1,080,000 $384.62 40 TRISH CT $1,549,000 611 LA GONDA WAY $1,085,000 $448.53 $1,550,000$572.38 $572.38 880 DOLPHIN DR 611 LA GONDA WAY $1,085,000 $448.53 $1,550,000 880 DOLPHIN DR 375 GLASGOW CIR $1,088,000 $374.14 1505 FINLEY ROAD $1,570,000$382.65 $382.65 375 GLASGOW CIR $1,088,000 $374.14 1505 FINLEY ROAD $1,570,000 Completely renovated, 2 master bed suites, 2 Multiple offers. $102,000 Beautiful penthouse condo with two master 912 LA GONDA WAY $1,100,000 $354.84 1040 MCCAULEY RD $1,575,000 $504.97 912 LA GONDA WAY $1,100,000 $354.84 1040 MCCAULEY RD $1,575,000 $504.97 beds ensuite, office, library and au pair unit. Soarsuites.

Walk to downtown Pleasant Hill.

250 NANTERRE ST $1,100,000 $383.68 11 CORTE ENCANTO $1,650,000 $671.82 250 NANTERRE ST $1,100,000 $383.68 11 CORTE ENCANTO $1,650,000 $671.82 220 APTOS PL $1,115,000 $629.23 309 LOVE LN $1,650,000$488.02 $488.02 ing ceilings, great flow.

Priced to Sell $1,699,000.

220 APTOS PL $1,115,000 $629.23 309 LOVE LN $1,650,000 Priced to sell $419,000.

5119 BENGALI ST $1,115,000 $444.40 7 CROWNRIDGE DR $1,675,000$473.57 $473.57 5119 BENGALI ST $1,115,000 $444.40 7 CROWNRIDGE DR $1,675,000 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,117,000 $1,117,000 $422.63 1701 LIAHONA LN $1,700,000$347.86 $347.86 435 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $422.63 1701 LIAHONA LN $1,700,000 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $1,120,000 $1,120,000 $400.57 60 MACKENZIE PL $1,825,000$419.44 $419.44 432 ANTELOPE RIDGE WAY $400.57 60 MACKENZIE PL $1,825,000 427 BENGALI CT $1,125,000 $448.39 154 GERALD DR $1,900,000$575.76 $575.76 427 BENGALI CT $1,125,000 $448.39 154 GERALD DR $1,900,000 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN $1,129,000 $481.66 222 WEBER LN $2,000,000$512.03 $512.03 737 HIGHBRIDGE LN $1,129,000 $481.66 222 WEBER LN $2,000,000 641 DUNHILL DR $1,135,000 $376.33 463 VERONA AVE $2,110,000$524.35 $524.35 641 DUNHILL DR $1,135,000 $376.33 463 VERONA AVE $2,110,000 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE $1,145,000 $437.19 3154 BLACKHAWK MEAD $2,275,000 $2,275,000$482.91 $482.91 319 MOUNTAIN RIDGE $1,145,000 $437.19 3154 BLACKHAWK MEAD 313 SUN STREAM CT $1,165,000 $355.40 404 EL RIO $3,240,000$480.78 $480.78 313 SUN STREAM CT $1,165,000 $355.40 404 EL RIO $3,240,000 663 BOURNE CT $1,165,000 $345.80 663 BOURNE CT $1,165,000 $345.80 642 DUNHILL DR $1,175,000 $383.86 642 DUNHILL DR $1,175,000 $383.86 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000 $484.54 1617 SAINT DAVID DR $1,175,000 $484.54 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000 $351.74 695 BOURNE CT $1,185,000 $351.74 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000 $419.03 44 VICENZA CT $1,198,000 $419.03 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000 $385.48 44 PULIDO CT $1,200,000 $385.48 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000 $276.75 2221 CREEKVIEW PL $1,213,000 $276.75

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Nancy

This is Rockcliff Country

Joe

Call the Combs Team

®

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

DANVILLE SINGLE FAMILY MEDIAN HOME PRICE HITS $1,175,000

Just to be a little different this month, I thought I would list the homes that have sold in Danville as reported for the last quarter of the year (October 1- December 1, 2016). The first thing that jumps out is the wide variation in sold price and dollars paid per square foot. The statistical average for sold price in Danville is $1,229,872 the average square foot price is $459. The median price is exactly $1,175,000. The price swath ranges from $710,000 to as much as $3,495,000 for a Luxury Home. Prices per square foot range from $329 to $695. Two Danville homes sold for the exact statistical mean. Today, homes are being judged on their individual merits and pricing correctly is more important than ever. Location, condition, size, and style are just a few of the important dimensions that determine value. How does your home measure up?

Trying to figure out your next move? Need numbers and answers to your fix up questions to make your decision? Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a personal consultation, including a multi-dimensional analysis of your home’s current value, to help you figure it out. No charge and no pressure just our honest opinions. Please call 925989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com.

Nancy and I have more than 3,000 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of publication. Sign up on our website or just send me an email and we can add you to the list. I assure you no spam will follow.

Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

West Side Alamo, Mt. Diablo Views

Downsize to Downtown

SO

Blackhawk Area

PE

IN ND

LD

West Side Alamo Single Story

Danville Single Story

L SO

D

over asking price!

Award Winning Realtors

G

Elegant Mediterranean style 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home with pool/spa. 1st floor MB suite w/2 walk-in closets. Priced to Sell $1,350,000

Single Level 4 bedroom on .86 acres.

Backs to the Iron Horse Trail.

Priced to Sell $1,249,000

Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources.

Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.

Top 5% in Sales Production J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526