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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& JUNE 2018
FUNDAFIELD: BECAUSE EVERY KID DESERVES THE CHANCE TO PLAY By Jody Morgan
Inspired by the desire of kids to help kids, FUNDaFIELD developed into a sophisticated non-profit organization with sufficient global recognition that UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda fast-tracked the application for its current project. Growth has come with some painful learning experiences more than balanced by remarkable achievements. Each completed project brings the healing power of team spirit to children most in need of a reason to view their futures with hope and bonds their communities together. In 2006, Garrett (15), Kyle (13), and Kira (8) Weiss attended the World Cup in Germany with their parents. They were impressed by the dedication of the team from Angola who had very few supporters in the Garrett Weiss and Manual Marques. Photo courtesy of FUNDaFIELD. audience. They learned that Angolans are passionate about soccer even though few young people have even basic equipment. They returned home to Danville determined to collect money to send soccer balls and uniforms to African kids. A friend asked, “What can kids do with equipment if they don’t have a place to play?” When the first two donations were received in January 2007, the process of filing FUNDaFIELD as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization commenced. John Doyle, retired professional soccer player and Director of Coaching for the Mustang soccer league, and Matt Zahner, Varsity Soccer Coach for Monte Vista high School, each donated $50. But how could youngsters from California actually construct a soccer field in Africa? None of the Weiss family had yet set foot on that continent. Serendipitously, the Weiss brothers’ research connected them with Saul Hailey Littlefield and Amanda Outcalt with Garlick. Currently President and CEO paper bead necklaces. Photo courtesy of of Think Impact, Saul and other student FUNDaFIELD. leaders founded the Student Movement for Real Change in 2003. Already working on projects in South Africa, Garlick mentored Garrett and Kyle, getting
See FaF continued on page 18
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
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Debora Killeen (far left) and Chicks with Sticks participants.
CHICKS WITH STICKS...AND A FEW GUYS TOO
By Fran Miller
Debora Killeen has been knitting and crocheting nearly her entire life. She knows that creative needle crafts provide benefits far beyond their useful end products. She’s aware that the craft promotes a ‘relaxation response,’ and she knows that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a state like that of yoga or meditation. She also knows that it’s a great social activity for anyone of any age, and that’s why she initiated “Chicks with Sticks,” a once per week informal gathering for Alamo and Danville residents who like to knit or crochet, or are interested in learning. Chicks with Sticks meets each Friday from 4:30 to 6:30pm at Panera Bread on Crow Canyon Rd. in San Ramon. The group typically includes
See Sticks continued on page 18
DANVILLE’S OWN BATWOMAN
By Fran Miller
Lo, the poor little bat. So often maligned and vilified, these shy and docile nocturnal creatures are actually extremely beneficial to the environment. They are helpful in controlling pests and can consume their own body weight in small insects - mosquitoes, moths, beetles, scorpions, and more! They help to produce some of our favorite foods via pollination, and their nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate-filled guano
See Bat continued on page 22
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XVIII Number 6
Volume IX Number 6
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
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PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
Growing up in the South Bay, I fondly remember receiving two newspapers at home -- the Palo Alto Times and the Los Altos Town Crier. The weekly Town Crier featured hyper-local stories of people in the community and had a great Classified section (this was way before the likes of Craigslist, eBay, and NextDoor!). I well remember my mother posting free classifieds for people wanting avocado trees (literally EVERY avocado we ate had its pit saved to nurture into a little tree), and free baby food jars (with four younger sisters, mom went through hundred of small Gerber baby food meals and couldn’t stand the thought of the jars being thrown out when they could be repurposed!). The Times was the paper that was delivered daily to the driveway -- usually tossed from the handlebar pouch of the local delivery kid. Besides the world, national, and headline news it contained, I remember being drawn to the personal stories -- the obituaries, the births, the marriages, and the graduations. I was fascinated with the little snippets of people’s lives. These newspapers were unofficial record keepers of key life events. In the obituary section, I read the ultra-condensed stories of one’s life. What were their highlights? How long did they live? What did they pass away from? How many relatives did they have? The obituaries held stories of individuals that got narrowed down in an ultra-Reader’s Digest synopsis that included decades of one’s existence in just a few words. I reflected on what was chosen as important to note, as well as share, about one’s life. The births section announced how big or small a newly born infant was and often the name that was given to the child. This was before instant-access lists of the most popular baby names that are now accessible with a few key strokes. I remember counting how many boys were born vs. how many girls. Marriages, anniversaries, and graduations celebrated achievements and commitments. I reflected on who people chose as their partner, where they met, which area they decided to travel for their honeymoon, how long they had been married, or where they graduated from school and where they were heading. The last month has come with many transitions among friends and family: birth, death, marriage, divorce, graduations, moves, and more. While some of these transitions were difficult, others were joyous. They all are, however, a part of the circle of life Are you ready for a change? -- key markers in our journey. I think slowing down and acknowledging them is part of what makes us human. In the digital age, we often are quickly inundated with pictures and a sentence or two (or hashtag!) of these milestones. I have pondered a “Transitions” section in this paper for quite a while, and I hope to make it work for our community. I hope you find you take a little more time and reflect and share these milestones of our neighbors. I hope it brings those in our small corner of the world a (925) 360-7051 little closer to each other. livingleanprogram.com There are hard costs involved in creating this section and hopefully I have come up with a spot that is not cost prohibitive. Another option I have considered is sponsorship of the section. If you Living Lean Personal Training & Nutrition know of a company interested in sponsoring this section or would like more information for current guidelines and prices, please email me at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. Life is what we celebrate, step-by-step, milestone-by-milestone, journey-by-journey. I used to be told that the only time your name is guaranteed to be in the newspaper is when you are born and when you die. Hopefully the “Transitions” section will highlight the beginnings and endings, and other milestones along the way.
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW
In addition to the monthly Blackhawk First Sundays Cars & Coffee events, the Museum will host their annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 17 from 8AM to noon. The show is open to all makes and models of collectible, classic, hot-rod, and muscle cars. Registration is available at www.blackhawkmuseum.org/fathersday. Fathers get free admission to the museum galleries and exhibitions on this day. The Museum’s catering partner, Scott's, will also be offering their famous Father's Day champagne brunch inside the Museum’s automotive gallery from 10AM to 2PM. Reservations are recommended. Please contact Scott's at 925-934-0598.
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EAST BAY STAND DOWN
10.00 OFF
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Your purchase of 50.00 or more
Lives are changed at East Bay Stand Down: the lives of homeless and at-risk military Veterans Home Furnishings, Housewares, Baby, Tabletop, Casual China, and lives of volunteers! East Bay Stand Down is Jackets, Alex and Ani, Swarovski, Pandora Present coupon at point of purchase for 10.00 OFF your one time combined purchase of 50.00 or more. an elaborate program designed to provide most every service a Veteran may need. One coupon per family. Not valid on previous purchases, other coupons and/ or promotions. No cash substitutes. May not be used for payment on account. The Stand Down will take place at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds from September 13-16. Planning meetings for volunteers will be held at the Veterans This coupon expires June 30th 2018 Memorial Bldg, located at 115 E Prospect Ave in Danville, on June 12, July 10, Walnut Creek, Broadway Plaza Danville, The Livery and August 21 at 6pm. Everyone is invited to come and learn how they might help in serving those who have served our Nation. Many volunteers are needed, and each can choose to serve for a few hours or a few days. Volunteer COME SEE OUR NEW LOCATION Thank you for your loyalty! registration begins July 16 for the event. However, help is needed now After almost 50 years in Alamo during preparation. we have relocated to Financial donations are essential, as well. See how you can help either through an individual contribution, one from your organization 156 W. Linda Mesa Ave, Danville (behind the Danville Auto Service center and between the backor corporation, or by sponsoring or serving a meal or other service. side of Trader Joes and the Iron Horse Trail - off of Linda Mesa.). Donations can be brought to one of the meetings for an in-person Jane Riley, Owner 925-837-7912 presentation and photo! See eastbaystanddown.org to learn more.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018 Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the
2018 Summer Concert Series
Fridays 6:30 6:30-- 8:30p.m. at Livorna Park (At the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo)
FREE ADMISSION!
June 22nd: Petty Theft
Delivering a heart-felt salute to the everlasting musical legacy of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
June 29th: The Sun Kings
Performing the music of The Beatles with driving rhythm, spot-on arrangements, and vocal harmonies.
July 6th: Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys
Tribute band to the Beach Boys bringing precise harmonies, dynamics, and excitement.
July 13th: Fog City Swampers
Energizing the crowd with tunes from the 60’s to the present inspiring all to sing and dance along.
July 27th: Jake Gill
Jake Gill and his band bring a raw energy and charisma to Jake’s original brand of country music.
Bring blankets, chairs, snacks, family, and friends. For information, call recreation staff at (925) 313-2272.
SINGING! WHAT COULD BE MORE FUN?
The Diablo Vista Chorus is a Sweet Adelines chorus located in Walnut Creek. This summer they are trying something new and are inviting high school and college-aged students to join them in song to keep up their vocal performance skills and have some fun with the award-winning women’s chorus. Mothers are encouraged to join with their daughters to sing with them this summer as well! Students and others in the local singing community looking for a fun place to continue their vocal development are welcome at 7:30pm on Tuesday nights to the rehearsal spot located at 860 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek. Participants will have the opportunity for free vocal instruction while singing with the group, and may have opportunity to sing the National Anthem with them at the Oakland A's this summer. To learn more, see videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCCKRrYo5iD62u-LCtvhmCIQ.
TOTALLY TRAINS
AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
This always-popular summer exhibit will open at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley on June 23. The main layout of the exhibit has two elevations with four running trains, scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel and a village with a replica of the Museum, the former Southern Pacific Depot. A secondary layout features a number of working accessories. On display are items from three private collections of model trains dating from the early to mid-1900s. They include Lionel, American Flyer Standard gauge, and Marx O gauge. A very special Thomas The Train table will be set up for the youngest visitors to play with and enjoy. This year’s layout will showcase several new scale models of buildings in the Valley. These new additions to the layout join a number of “scratch built” structures built for the layout and donated to the Museum over the years. The total collection of these buildings represent structures, most of which were found along the tracks in Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and all the way to Dublin. Totally Trains is a fun way to spend a summer day for children, adults, and the entire family. Be sure to purchase your Family Pass which gives your family unlimited visits to this exhibit! Totally Trains will be open on June 23 and run until August 26 with special train hours: Tuesday through Saturday – 10AM to 1PM, Sunday – noon to 3PM, and closed Mondays. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot at 205 Railroad Ave. on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. For more information, call 925-837-3750 or visit www.musemsrv.org.
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents
2018 Movie Under the Stars Movie starts at 8:45 p.m. Livorna Park in Alamo.
(Located at the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue)
Admission is Free
Despicable Me 3 Friday, June 8th
Coco Friday, August 10th
WHAT IS "SWEET ADELINES"?
Sweet Adelines is a local non-profit chapter chorus of Sweet Adelines International. The beautiful blend of a cappella barbershop harmony is the heartbeat of this nearly 22,000-member worldwide organization (the local chapter has approximately 35-45 members). With more than 70 years of barbershop history, Sweet Adelines International provides a legacy of joy and passion for singing to those women who experience the sisterhood and lifelong friendships on the choral risers each week. As one of the largest associations of women singers to date, Sweet Adelines continues to positively impact women's lives and helps them find their voices, build confidence, enhance their vocal abilities, improve leadership and management qualities, and create a lifelong support system of sisterhood and friendship. To join in the fun call Mary Heil at 707-758-6092.
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Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, snacks, family and friends. For information call recreation staff at (925) 313-2272.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
Results. Pure and Simple. Don Magalhaes 925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221
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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
KATIE PASICHUKE AND JAKE JAVIER'S SWIM WITH MIKE SWIM-A-THON & BELLYFLOP CONTEST
On Sunday, June 24th, San Ramon Valley High School grads Jake Javier and Katie Pasichuke are teaming up to host a Swim-a-Thon for the “Swim with Mike” organization at Del Amigo Swim Club in Danville. They are raising money through lap swimming, a bellyflop contest, breakfast and lunch concession sales, and online donations. There are awesome prizes to win for being a donor or participant. Swim with Mike is an organization “like no other for disabled students,” notes Katie. The organization began in 1971 for Mike Nyeholt, a USC Swimmer who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. The organization raises money each year to help fund scholarships for physically challenged athletes at colleges around the nation. Katie commented, “Swim with Mike has made a huge impact on my life following a devastating accident, so I feel driven to give back to them.” Jake and Katie are both new paraplegics in wheelchairs who are going to college with help from the Swim with Mike Scholarship Fund. Everyone is encouraged to come help out physically challenged athletes by participating and/or supporting Swim with Mike. The more individuals who rally together as a community on a day filled with fun and competition, the more that can be done to help physically challenged students achieve their college degrees. Jake Javier and Katie Pasicuke The Swim-a-Thon and breakfast begin at 8AM. The Bellyflop contest ($5 donation to participate) and lunch begin at noon. For more information, search “Katie and Jake’s Swim-A-Thon and Bellyflop Contest” on Facebook, or visit https://www.swimwithmike.org/campaigns/katie-fundraiser/.
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS SIGN?
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison Tri-Valley Trapper
925-765-4209
This pink poodle wooden sandwich board sign was on loan from one small business owner to another. It went missing from the intersection of the Iron Horse Trail and West Linda Mesa Ave. in Danville between May19-20. If you know of its whereabouts, please contact Jane at 925-8377912.
HOLE IN ONE
Congratulations! On May 8th, Alamo resident and golfer Brian Lagomarsino hit a holein-one of 137 yards on Hole 7 of the Round Hill Country Club course using a nine-iron. Fellow golfer Don Magalhaes was on hand to witness the accomplishment!
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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
DIABLO PACIFIC SHORT LINE
MODEL TRAINS IN ALAMO PLAZA
By Bruce Jahn
The Diablo Pacific Short Line (DPSL) is a portable, large scale model railroad club taking their train displays to venues all around the Bay Area a dozen or more times a year. Comprised of family members, each person’s interest is reflected on their own portion of the layout. Layouts range in size from small 8’ x 16’ children’s interactive layouts to assemblies more than half a football field long. Much of this hardware is stored in the club’s 38 foot trailer, but all that “in and out” causes wear on the displays, so it’s back to their workshop at Suite 120E in Alamo Plaza, right behind the Bank of America. The shop is well stocked with enough power tools to not only repair damaged parts, but continual growth means new tables are being built all the time. An electronics station ensures that the ever-expanding intelligence of the layout continues to function properly. The smell of sawdust, solder smoke, and fresh paint are normal at the shop, and the sounds of the three or four running trains remind guests that this really is a model train workshop. Besides traveling throughout the Bay Area from Santa Rosa to Fresno, from Sacramento to Monterey, the club holds monthly work parties to keep up with maintenance and growth. It’s at these work parties that the public is welcome to peruse the vignettes and sounds of model trains, or just look over the shoulders of the working members. The next work party is scheduled for June 24th from 9am to 3pm. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by and see what your neighbors are doing. The club will also have their children’s interactive layout on display at the Danville Rail Museum on July 21st. If you can’t visit either of those days, take a stroll by Suite 120E and catch the club’s upcoming schedule posted on their front door.
The DPSL children’s interactive layout at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
ALAMO CONCERTS & MOVIES
2018 ALAMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Contra Costa County Public Works, Alamo Parks & Recreation, and the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council present the 2018 “Alamo Summer Concert Series” at Livorna Park, located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo. This five-concert series features live music from a variety of genres. Concerts will take place on Friday evenings from 6:30-8:30PM and will feature a schedule full of dynamic bands including: June 22 - Petty Theft (Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers Tribute Band), June 29 - Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band), July 6 - Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys (Beach Boys Tribute Band), July 13 - Fog City Swampers (Rock & Pop Music), and July 27 - Jake Gill (Rock & Country). Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner, and enjoy music in the park. Snacks will be available for purchase at the event.
2018 ALAMO MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Come and enjoy movies under the stars at beautiful Livorna Park. This summer, two family-fun films will be shown: Despicable Me 3 on Friday, June 8th and Coco on Friday, August 10th. Showtime is at 8:45PM. Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and flashlights. Snacks will be available for purchase. For details, contact Alamo Recreation Staff at 925-313-2272, or visit www. cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation.
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. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities including golf, bowling, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, bridge, reading, computers, and more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. The next monthly luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 20th at 11AM at The Bridges, located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge in San Ramon. The guest speaker will be Ms. Debbie Vanek of the San Ramon Valley Fire District. Debbie is the District’s Fire Code Compliance Officer and will discuss “how to potentially save a life using proper CPR techniques.” Be ready for a very interesting presentation. Your $25 luncheon includes a meal, guest speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 180 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please send an email by Thursday, June 14th to info@SIR128. com. For more information please visit www.SIR128.com.
BLACKHAWK REPUBLICAN WOMEN
The Blackhawk Republican Women invite you to an informative luncheon with Nam-Yong Horn, president of the California Federation of Republican Women (CFRW) and her husband Jim Horn, author and former Embassy Security Officer specializing in counter-espionage and counter-terrorism. The luncheon will take place Thursday, June 14th at the Blackhawk Country Club, Main Dining Room. Everyone is welcome. Check-in and social time begin at 11:15AM, and the lunch begins at noon. The cost is $30. Come meet the dynamic new President of CFRW and her knowledgeable husband for a most stimulating luncheon. Nam-Yong Horn has been a Republican activist for more that 40 years, organizing and hosting activities for presidential, congressional, and VIP cabinet officer visits, as well as holding numerous positions with the Republican Women’s Federation. She is also a black belt, certified martial arts instructor, archer, and athlete. Jim Horn is an expert on political and cultural Islam who has spoken in person and on radio from coast to coast. He was responsible for keeping American Embassies safe. The protocols he developed are used by the White House and Supreme Court today, but were ignored in Benghazi. He is currently active with law enforcement Terror Early Warning groups. At the luncheon, the Golden Eagle Scholarships will be awarded by the CFRW President. Also, two of RWF’s favorite boutique vendors, CC Kelly, with her stylish purses and scarves, and Elevate the Plate, featuring unique china plate serving pieces, will add a boutique shopping experience to the luncheon! Reservations and payment can be made by noon on Tuesday, June 12, at www. blackhawkrepublicanwomen.com, by e-mail to Barbara Wilson at bkwilso@ pacbell.net or, by calling her at 925-736-4064.
DIABLO CHORAL ARTISTS
Diablo Choral Artists presents a concert on “Variations on Love and Laughter” by Brahms, Tallis, Gjeilo, Morley, and more, with music ensemble, including dual pianos. The concert will take place on Saturday, June 9th at 7pm, at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 55 Eckley Lane in Walnut Creek. There will be a drawing for a gift basket at the concert and a reception following the concert. Details and ticket purchase can be found at www.dcachorus.org, by calling 925-680-7089, or by emailing info@dcachorus.org.
DANVILLE CONCERTS & MOVIES
2018 DANVILLE MUSIC IN THE PARK
Music in the Park summer concerts will take place June 23 - The Big Jangle, July 7 - Stealin’ Chicago (Chicago Tribute Band), July 21 - A Touch of Class (R&B, Funk, and Oldies), and at Oak Hill Park located at 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville, and on August 11 - The Fog City Swampers (Classic Rock) at the Town Green located at 400 Front St., Danville. The concerts are free.
2018 MOONLIGHT MOVIES
Summertime Moonlight Movies will be held June 15 (Back to the Future), June 29 (The Little Mermaid), July 13 (Coco), July 27 (Wonder Woman), and August 10 (Guardians of the Galaxy), at the Town Green located at 400 Front St., in Danville. For more details on these upcoming events visit www.danville.ca.gov or call 925-314-3400.
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EUGENE O’NEILL FOUNDATION PRESENTS I WILL SPEAK FOR MYSELF
June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Yo e of We Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Alamo or Danville Home for Sale
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation presents an exciting West Coast premiere at the Eugene O’Neill altogether. In most cases, you can make a According to industry experts, there Alamo,Danville Alamo,Danville - Historic Site, Tao House, on July 7 and 8. over 33 physical problems that will come under reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what are y sical problems that will come un ysical problems that will come under er 33 physical pro ver 33 physical pro This one-woman play gives stirring voice to scrutiny during a home inspection when your home you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking er 16 silenced African-American women from the is for sale. A new report has been prepared which for can help you prevent little problems from growing colonial period through the Civil War. The West identifies the eleven most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. Coast premiere of I Will Speak for Myself will be problems, and what you should know about them To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 presented at Tao House, where playwright Valerie before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Joyce worked on it during her 2016 fellowship with the one, there are a number of things that can fall short Inspection" has been compiled which explains the Travis Bogard Artist in Residence Program. issues involved. of requirements during a home inspection. If not Therefore, it is fitting that proceeds from this identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could To hear a brief recorded message about how to presentation will benefit the Artist in Residence cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1Program. Valerie Joyce is chair of Villanova’s critical that you read this report before you list your 866-265-1682 and enter 1003. You can call any home. If you wait until the building inspector flags time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. School of Theatre. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to In this play, previously performed at the 2016 these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as in New York, sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away of your home. audiences will hear from heroic African-American 00941526 This report is courtesy of McDaniel Callahan CalBRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buy ers or sellers currently under contract. women who have been largely lost to history. Joyce Copy right © 2016 asks audiences in her workshops how many black women they can name who lived between colonial times and the December 1865 signing of the 13th Amendment, emancipating ANNUAL 4TH JULY PARADE IN DANVILLE African Americans in this country. Few could name more than two or three. For the past 40 years, the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized When asked why, the obvious answer was the lack of accurate source information the Danville 4th of July Parade, an event that acts as their principal fundraiser. about many black women. Joyce says, “The unexamined reality is that black The Parade will take place along Danville Boulevard from 9am to noon, women in America from colonial times through the early 19th century made starting from south of San Ramon Valley High School and ending opposite the bold choices, within the confines of their situations. For every Harriet Tubman Livery and Mercantile at Sycamore Valley Rd. and Sojourner Truth, there are hundreds of thousands of others who are lost, Parade Chairman Stuart Steele and his team will assemble over 200 entrants forgotten, and effectively erased from our traditional historical narrative.” It has with local politicians; representatives of public bodies including police, fire, and become Joyce’s mission to inform audiences and thereby change this pattern. highway patrol officers; together with military and veterans groups. There will be two performances only: Saturday July 7, at 8PM, and a Sunday Boy and Girl Scout units and many youth groups will either be marching or matinee, July 8 at 2PM. The performances will be held at The Old Barn, Eugene assisting with the floats, banners, and flags. O’Neill Historic Site, in Danville. Not to be forgotten are over 20 paid sponsors who help fund the occasion. Tickets: $75 ($50 on July 8 for students 18 and under). Gourmet box dinners on Entertainment will be provided by 17 bands or music groups led by the July 7 will be available Prince Charles Pipe Band. for $25, and gourmet The Parade Grand Marshal this year is representing the Museum of the San box lunches on July 8 Ramon Valley with a theme of “Celebrating Danville’s Heritage.” will be available for $20. Visit www. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the eugeneoneill.org world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915 in Detroit for information on and with headquarters now in lndianapolis, Kiwanis International is a thriving tickets and transport organization of service and community-minded individuals who support to the Eugene O’Neill children and young adults around the world. More than 600,000 Kiwanis Historic Site, provided family members in 96 countries make their mark by responding to the needs by the National Park of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Service. For more information, visit www.kiwanis-srv.org.
ACTION POOL REPAIR
Serving Alamo & Danville Since
925.820.3640 www.actionpoolrepair.com Contractor Lic# 978033-C53
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF DIABLO VALLEY’S “DISNEYMANIA” REMAINS INSANIA!
The dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, whistle while they work as they prepare for the ever popular “Disneymania” event, which will begin Tuesday, June 11 and conclude on Saturday, June 16. Of course, the ending date is subject to availability of inventory. There is something for every Disney enthusiast. Vintage, traditional, contemporary, and “all of the above” best describe this year’s merchandise. Check out the authentic costumes, as well as clothing (especially tee shirts), all in various styles and sizes, as well as innumerable accessories for you and your home. Speaking of which, find a home for a myriad of stuffed characters that include all shapes and sizes and depict eras ranging from early classic Disney, Star Wars creations, and Pixar inspired characters. If “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” then your donations and purchases turn dreams into reality. To learn how this happens, please visit diablovalley. assistanceleague.org.
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
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SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By Jamie Westgate, Principal
When I reflect on my own summers as a child, I tend to think of backyard flashlight tag, catching bugs in jars, and running from house to house with neighborhood kids of all ages. Parents sent us outside to play where we were forced to use our imaginations, get a little dirty, and learn to compromise. Today’s child often experiences a much different summer, and parents and educators are having to adjust to the changes as it is impacting the social and academic development of our youth. Technological devices and other screens are consuming the time of even the youngest of children, and our staff members have seen the consequences that come with less social interaction. This summer I will be encouraging our parents to put the devices away and spend time creating quality time with others. Building forts in the living room, making fresh-squeezed lemonade, participating in the local library program, or planning a backyard obstacle course are much better options for healthy play. These activities not only allow a child to use his/ her creativity, but they provide an opportunity to stretch the attention span and build memories that will be highlights to his/her childhood. Speaking of childhood highlights, I was so touched by the many ways we celebrated our graduating 8th graders this past month. It began with farewell chapel where our graduates led a final worship service for our entire school community. Later that night, their formal banquet was filled with a great dinner and dancing, including a special moment between parent and child. The day of graduation began with words of affirmation at “The Blessing,” reflective of the Old Testament tradition to speak words of affirmation to one’s child. On the night of May 23, our 34 eighth graders each spoke in their graduation ceremony and were personally addressed by a teacher with words of encouragement. Although they are ready to leave our “Eagle’s Nest,” we consider them part of our lifelong family. Congratulations to the Class of 2018, and happy summer to our community in the San Ramon Valley!
ROTARY HONORS EDUCATORS & STUDENTS
For over 30 years, one of the Rotary Club of Alamo’s most rewarding and inspiring programs is the awards presentations to the Educators of the Year and Students of the Year from six local schools. The Educator of the Year award recognizes the personal commitment that the recipient demonstrates on a dayby-day basis, despite all the challenges. Teachers select the Students of the Year based on academics, school activities, and community service. Recipients of the Outstanding Educator of the Year award were Shawna Meyer, Alamo Elementary School; Marie Graham-Tyler, Lucille Mauzy School; Allie Raney, Rancho Romero Elementary School; Amelia Caldwell, Stone Valley Middle School; Beverly Davies, Monte Vista High School; and Shiris Kamal, San Ramon Valley High School. Outstanding Students of the Year who were honored include Liam Dolan, Alamo Elementary School; Chrysta Tsaklanos, Lucille Mauzy School; Natalie Shepherd, Rancho Romero Elementary School; Brennan Finder, Stone Valley Middle School; Karalyn Sawchuk, Monte Vista High School; and Jillian Caple, San Ramon Valley High School. The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 50 members. The Club meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
RANCHO ROMERO ELEMENTARY
By Sandy Kontilis, Principal
Rancho Romero was recently recognized as a California Distinguished School for 2018. This award reflects our school’s success in making exceptional gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education for all students by meeting state indicators. Our success is a direct result of dedicated and talented staff as well as our supportive school community. I traveled to the Disneyland Convention Center with two colleagues from SRVUSD. Proudly, we shook the hand of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson. It was an honor and privilege to gather with 50 highest achieving California schools. SRVUSD’s Speech Contest was held Saturday, May 12th at Monte Vista High School. Neil Chandran, our fifth grade student, demonstrated his ability to think creatively, write a speech, and present in front of an audience. His speech was courageous and well spoken. Neil presented well and made it to the finals. Allie Raney, his teacher, was there to cheer him on. She is an example of a teacher who goes the extra mile to support her students which is why she was selected by the staff to be our Alamo Rotary Teacher of the Year. Natalie Shepherd was selected by the fifth grade teaching staff as the Alamo Rotary Student of the Year. Both selections were honored on Wednesday, May 23rd at a special luncheon for award recipients from our surrounding schools in Alamo. Rancho Romero is now a Common Sense Media certified school. Our students, teachers, parents, and staff participated in professional development, interesting lessons designed to teach safe usage of technology, and participated in a Device Free dinner. The objective was to learn how to use Social Media safely. Understandably, the 21st Century has broadened our children and adult’s lives to a fast paced information network. To teach our students to avoid technology is not realistic. Our lessons taught them how to use it responsibly and informed parents how to monitor their children’s usage. We are looking forward to adding on to this learning next year. We had lots of musical tributes such as the 4th and 5th grade Spring Music Concert, the 1st and 2nd grade Spring Sings, and theatrical performances by our Kindergarten classes. We also said “goodbye” to our Science teacher of 13 years. Linda Post will be missed by her students and staff. Rancho Romero’s modernization project begins in June. Walls replacing windows, upgraded fiber optics, a security system (cameras), and eventually new carpet will help freshen up our campus as well as make it a safer place for our students. Happy travels to all… I am looking forward to reconnecting in August.
ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
By Maria Ward, Principal
What a year! Where did the time go? We just celebrated the graduation of our eighth graders. We feel blessed to have been such a vital part of their educational journey. Most of the recent graduates have been here for the full nine years, and some families are seeing their last graduate leave St. Isidore. We honor those families and are grateful for their love and commitment to our school. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Our parish summer faith camp will take place from June 18 to 22. This year the theme is “Shipwrecked…Rescued by Jesus.” It is wonderful to see students from our school and parish community come together and share their Catholic faith. Many of our middle school students volunteer to assist the adult staff and earn service hours toward their annual service goal. Our Pastor, Fr. Moran, also makes daily visits. If your child is interested, please call our parish at 925-837-2122, and ask for the Faith Formation Office. This camp offers a fun, faith-filled week. We have started the second half of our makeover for the front of the school. Our thanks to our Student Leadership Team, Mrs. Devine and Mrs. Barger, who organized the Fun Run and used the proceeds to make this happen. We also thank our community for your overwhelming generosity to our school. During the summer our elementary and middle school wings will be under construction. We are excited to reface the classrooms and make them efficient for 21st-century learners. Our school will once again partner with Stanford University in their Challenge Success Program for the 2018–2019 school year. We are grateful to begin the school year with them and look forward to the fall retreat. As Dr. Pope from Challenge Success states, “We hope your summer is filled with PDF: Playtime,
ALAMO ELEMENTARY
By Stan Hitomi, Principal
The end of each year is a time to stop and reflect upon all that has gone on at school for the past 10 months. Each year we look to our annual yearbook to help us remember all of the wonderful experiences and memories from the past year. Our yearbook theme this year was ALAMO ALL STARS. It reminds us of the many people, both volunteers and staff, who make the magic come alive for our kids. Each one of them is an All Star! Looking back upon this past year, it is easy to remember our annual traditions such as the Halloween Parade, Hoedown Fall Festival, Talent Show, musical concerts, and plays. But what is not so obvious are the many people who made these traditions possible. The close of the year would not be complete without our recognizing these exceptional individuals. Rotary Educator of the Year - Shawna Mayer - 1st grade teacher, Rotary Student of the Year - Liam Dolan - 5th grade student, Classified Employee of the Year - Linda Henderson - Para Educator, Bright Lights Award - Kathy Sasaki - Resource Teacher, SRVEF Shining Star Award - Krista Ciapponi - PTA – President, PTA Honorary Service Awards - Krista Ciapponi - Golden Oak Award, Carrie Carleton and Kimberlee Walsh - Honorary Service Award, Christine Wheatley, Jenn Hoffmann, Kathy Finley, and Peter Roehm - Continuing Service Award, Jenny Soriano, Kate Ruddick, Leslie Bates-Wellsfry, Lynn Veit, Maria Bobina, and Tissa Hascall - Very Special Person Award. We would also like to recognize several parents of 5th graders who will be leaving us this year and have provided an extraordinary amount of service through volunteering: Eva Moon, Angela Dunning, Carol Berkowitz, Michelle Bryan, John Bryan, Julie Adelson, Matt Everett, Erin Hennessy, Gill Kimber, and Rosanna Lai I would like to close out this final message of the year by recognizing our staff members for whom this was their final year at Alamo School. We say good-bye to Jolene Martin who has been a teacher at Alamo School for 21 years and is retiring. Joining Mrs. Martin in retirement will be two faithful staff members who have been at Alamo School since 2005, Yoko Yamamoto (Child Nutrition) and M’Lu Knaus (Science Para Educator). Yoko has been preparing and serving food in our MPR for 13 years, while M’Lu has been a consistent presence in our science lab since 2005. We will miss all of these exceptional staff members who have been vital members of our school community. Congratulations to our retirees! Downtime, and Family Time.” On behalf of our staff and faculty, I thank St. Isidore community members for their support. Being a Catholic school, we continually strive to model the behavior of Christ. This year our school theme was “Growing in Grace and Peace.” We hope as this school year comes to a close to continue living with that intention. We would also like to thank St. Isidore parents for sending us your children and trusting us with your most precious gift. We pray that our students continue to live out the message of the Gospels in their words and actions. We encourage our families and students to continue to attend mass during the summer, wherever your travels may take you. We hope you have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing summer vacation. Peace.
CAN YOU LEND A HAND?
A house owned by St. Isidore’s Church, located north of the church, was vandalized May 19-20. This house is being used by Father Frank's Kids Ministry for the collection of items to ship to a home for abandoned children in El Salvador. Someone broke in, used a fire extinguisher, and sprayed chemicals on 50 bags and 20 boxes of items collected for shipment. All of the items were destroyed. If someone noticed anything suspicious at this location, please let the police know. In the meantime, the group needs to replenish the items that were ruined. Needed items include: Underwear - girl’s bikini size 12-16, bras size 32-36, boy’s boxers size 12, 14, 16 and men’s small, White socks - for shoe size 4-9, School supplies -crayons, permanent markers, ballpoint pens, puzzles for ages 1-12. Linens - 200 bath towels, 200 twin sheet sets, 50 hand towels, Restaurant-type kitchen supplies - (used ok), large pots and pans, food prep tables, kitchen utensils, scoops, ladles, spoons, kitchen knives, Sports equipment - soccer balls, volleyballs, ping pong paddles and balls, soccer uniforms, Electronics - laptop computers (5), photocopy machine, speakers for computers, CD players, and digital cameras (3). Please contact Mike Hertel at (925) 997-8990 if you can help!
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PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
Monte Vista is finishing the 2017-18 school year with a flurry of celebrations and activities. Our Seniors began their final steps towards graduation on Wednesday, May 23rd with our Senior Awards Rally where we honored our graduating seniors with a wide array of speeches, recognitions, and awards. The ceremony was followed by a big barbecue for our graduating class. I want to give a big thank you to the students, staff, and parents who helped put these two events together. Later in the day, Monte Vista’s Senior and Junior class girls faced off in our annual Powder Puff flag football. The Seniors played hard, but the Junior class came up with the win. As always, the event was well attended, and everyone had lots of fun. Finals Week kicked off on Tuesday, May 29th, and everything culminated on Friday, June 1st with our Commencement Ceremony for the Monte Vista’s Class of 2018. Three Monte Vista seniors and a faculty member were given accolades by community organizations this past week. First, UCLA-bound Karalyn Sawchuck and Monte Vista Math Teacher Bev Davies were honored by Alamo Rotary as the Student and Teacher of the Year respectively. The next day, Cal Poly-bound Jonathan Badal received the Monte Vista PTA Scholarship at their annual awards breakfast. Last, Stanford-bound senior, Lauren Indart was honored by the Danville Rotary as Monte Vista’s Female Athlete of the Year. I would like to express my gratitude to our local community organizations for their ongoing support of the students and staff at Monte Vista. Monte Vista’s Athletic Teams finished 2017-18 off with great achievements as well. MV’s Women’s Swimming Team capped off a stellar season with NCS and EBAL banners and a second-place finish in the CIF State Championship meet. Our Track and Field athletes are headed to the NCS Championships to vie for a spot in the CIF Championship Meet in June. As the school year draws to a close, Monte Vista’s students and faculty would like to thank our community for their continued support throughout 2017-18. We are awesome and your support is a big part of that.
MEALS ON WHEELS IS QUITE LITERALLY A LIFE-SAVER
By Supervisor Candace Andersen
This year, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is celebrating 50 years of supporting senior citizens throughout Contra Costa County. This would not be possible without the dedication of the volunteers and the numerous organizations committed to serving homebound elders and helping them maintain their health and dignity. Many of these seniors live independently in the comfort and security of their own homes. Over the last 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has evolved from providing meals into a full-service organization dedicated to improving all aspects of a senior’s quality of life. Social workers approach each senior’s needs holistically, assessing a client’s situation and providing services and links to a broad network of support services. Depending on an individual senior’s needs, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region provides nutritious daily meals and a wellness check, fall prevention services, opportunities for social interaction, or other health and wellness services. Recipients of Meals on Wheels must be 60 years of age or older, homebound, and unable to prepare regular nutritious meals for themselves. Dedicated volunteers deliver meals five days per week before noon, with frozen meals available for weekends. The program is funded through many sources, including client contributions and fundraising done through Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, a coalition of all of the public and non-profit agencies and senior citizen advisory groups who are involved in providing Meals on Wheels services throughout our County. Funding is also received from the Federal government. Each year the County receives a Federal award for home delivered meals, and this year that amount is $1.8 million. The County is required to make a 10.53% minimum match of $190,000. Meals on Wheels’ Fall Prevention Program provides an array of services to help seniors prevent falls, the number one cause of preventable injuries. Seniors may participate in individually designed and nurse-facilitated exercise programs in their own homes which are focused on improving balance and strength to prevent falls. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region also sends Occupational Therapists into seniors’ homes to assess for safety and recommend simple home modifications that can help prevent falls. Items such as grab bars, stair railings, and more can be installed at no cost to the homeowner. The agency also leads specialized Tai Chi classes for older adults in the community, designed to improve balance. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s latest offering is A Matter of Balance classes—eight-week classes for the community, that focus on home safety, exercises, and ways to prevent falls. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s fall prevention activities result in safer homes, fewer falls, and a reduced fear of falling among older adults. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region recognizes the importance of community and the need for individuals of all ages to experience meaningful social interactions. In fact, research by the AARP and others has found that loneliness and isolation have serious negative health effects. The adverse effects of isolation and loneliness among older adults is a serious concern. To combat isolation, the agency matches seniors
with screened and trained volunteers from the community for weekly visits in the home or by phone. They have also begun an exciting new intergenerational program, bringing together seniors and youth for organized group activities. Care Managers are available to work with older adults and their families to provide confidential guidance to help meet long-term care needs. It can be difficult to navigate the myriad of options, especially for families without adequate financial resources. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s social workers provide confidential guidance to help low-income older adults improve their quality of life and remain living at home. The agency has the only HUD-certified foreclosure specialist in the County and also has a certified elder abuse prevention counselor. People 85 and older represent the fastest growing segment of the American population, and the number of seniors as a whole is projected to double over the next three to four decades. It will take a huge increase in volunteers and resources to begin to meet the need going forward. Thanks to volunteers in Contra Costa County, over 10,000 older adults and their families know that they will receive continued service as long as there is community help. Volunteers are the backbone of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. Both volunteers and seniors benefit from the experience. It may be just a few hours a week, but it makes a big difference in someone’s life. There is a constant need for volunteer drivers and other volunteers. Volunteers drive more than 70 local routes across Central and East County each weekday. Individuals, families, service clubs, and other groups volunteer to drive a route in their local community one or more days per week, delivering approximately 16 meals per day. The late morning time commitment is about 1-½ hours from start to finish. All volunteers are trained before they deliver a route on their own. In addition to drivers, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region also needs volunteers to visit homebound seniors, set up and serve at community Cafes, organize fundraising efforts, and help out in the office. To become a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver in Central or East County, call 925 937-8607 between the hours of 9am – 4pm, Monday through Friday. To volunteer in other capacities, call 925 954-8736 between the hours of 9am – 4pm, Monday through Friday. If you are not able to volunteer, there are other ways to help. You can make a one-time secure donation, or you can donate monthly to Meals on Wheels Diablo Region with your MasterCard, VISA, Discovery Card or American Express, simply by going to www.mowdiabloregion.org and clicking on “donate.” My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or (925) 957-8860.
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.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
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PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
Celebrations, Memories, Milestones Remembering James (Jim) Laird
October 24, 1953- May 2, 2018 | Resident of Alamo
James (Jim) Laird of Alamo, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the age of 64. James was born to parents James Laird and Cara Bower Laird on October 24, 1953 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up as the eldest of four and attended Concord High School in California. In 1993, he married his grade school sweetheart, Lisa Long. James had a strong work ethic and held a job since he was 12, with the first one being a paper route. During high school, he worked at 7-11 in Concord and after graduating he was employed by Mervyns, Super Shuttle, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s office. He was a valued and conscientious employee and was proud of earning employee of the month several times at each workplace. He was a model volunteer working as a fundraiser and board member of Contra Costa Hospice for 15 years. He also helped Las Trampas School, and the American Heart Association with fundraising efforts. One of James true passions was coin collecting and for ten years he was President of the Diablo Numismatic Society and for five years he was the chairman of the Contra Costa County coin show. He also evaluated coins and stamps for estates. We will miss his involvement at private events as a talented black jack dealer for Monte Carlo Nights and his participation at the Alamo Christmas tree lighting. Who could forget his annual Christmas parties, they were a much anticipated event for his family and friends? He will be missed by many many of us; family friends and acquaintances. James was a loving and protective husband to his wife Lisa Laird. He is also survived by his brother Michael Laird and his wife Kathlene, sister Valerie Epstein and his sister-in-law, Sidne Long and her husband, Hank Delevati. James had requested to be cremated. Private services are pending. The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers. Donations can be made in his name to LasTrampas Inc. in Lafayette CA. and Contra Costa Hospice of the East Bay.
The Editors, Inc. announces a new “Transitions” section in the paper with “Celebrations, Memories, Milestones.” To place an announcement call 925-405-6397 or email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.
FAMILY HISTORY CENTER
For almost two decades The Danville Family History Center has been serving the community. Everyone is welcome during library hours to use the resources available. There is a friendly and experienced staff who volunteer to help you to utilize the materials, including the Family Search web portal to over a dozen subscription-based genealogical research services, such as Ancestry.com. In addition, you may order online and have films or microfiche shipped from the main Salt Lake Library for viewing in our center. We are located inside the LDS building at 2949 Stone Valley Road. Enter the left side of the building. Hours are Monday 1-4pm, Tuesday 7-9pm, and Wednesday 10-4pm and 7-9pm. For questions, call 925-552-5920.
Rou n d Hi l l C ou n t r y C l u b Rotary Honors MVHS Interact Members - Twenty-two students were honored for their service to the community and to the world. These outstanding members of the Monte Vista High School Interact Club received medals in recognition of a year of service projects, including providing backpacks for needy children to start school, collecting warm clothing for the homeless and food for the Contra Costa Food Bank, writing letters to men and women of the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, adopting toddlers from the Bay Area Crisis Nursery so they would have toys and clothes for the holidays, and raising over $1,200 for wheelchairs for handicapped children and adults in Latin American countries. Interact is a service club for young adults, under the auspices of Rotary International. The Rotary Club of Alamo sponsors this group. MV Interact has approximately 80 members who meet once a month under the leadership of 10 student officers, Beth Randall - their Rotarian advisor, and Aimee Kerr, their faculty advisor. This outstanding group of young people was recognized for living Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self.” They have truly helped to make a difference.
Let Russ Belleci and Belleci Family Catering take care of your event food needs. Weddings, Graduations, Memorials, Cioppino, Pasta, & Crab Feeds. Events from 50-500.
Time to Jump in! Come make a splash this year by joining at the Associate-Swim level. We offer a full range of activities for your children, including swim lessons, activity camps and Kids Club. Our fabulous clubhouse renovation is now complete, and our Social and Golf Membership are full with wait lists. We still have a limited number of Memberships available in the following levels:
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• Associate-Swim Membership: Initiation $1000. Includes access to dining, Club events, Bocce Courts, Kids Club and the Aquatics Complex.
After the loss of a loved one, hosting a memorial • Tennis Membership: Initiation $6,000. Includes all the access of brunch or luncheon in their memory is a wonderful way Associate-Swim plus use of the Tennis Courts. to bring people together to celebrate a life well lived. Admissions Requirements apply. Offer subject to change without prior notice.
We understand that this is a difficult time for you and Limited number of Memberships available. your family. We are dedicated to making your eventFor more information, please contact our Membership Office To schedule youryou gathering rhcc@roundhillcc.org or 925.314.2901 totally worryfood free,forafter collaborate with us on a few callmenu Russ at 925-708-5167 or 925-937-6886. www.rhcountryclub.com decisions. Email rizzieb@aol.com.
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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
STAR CLIPPERS UNIQUE SAILING ADVENTURE IN PARADISE
By Adam Isseks, Alamo World Travel
On April 14, the trip of a lifetime for my wife and I became a reality. We had the opportunity to sail on a 7-night cruise around Southeast Asia islands aboard the Star Clipper, a modern-day clipper ship that was created for luxury-loving passengers who appreciate the traditions of tall sail ships. The Star Clipper is 360 feet long and carries 170 guests in comfort thanks to world class hospitality from outstanding crew members. We knew we were in for a treat when we first saw the Star Clipper docked in Patong Bay. Check-in was smooth and organized with refreshments, including fresh fruit, and tents set up to provide shelter from the sun. It was a short walk to the ship from check-in. The embarkation and disembarkation processes were a breeze with no long lines or stress. Life on-board this unique vessel is blissfully relaxing, much like traveling on a private yacht. The ship offers comfortable accommodations, and more outdoor space per-passenger than most conventional cruise ships. Our itinerary took us round-trip from Patong Bay, in Phuket Thailand, to visiting remote and picturesque Islands that large ships can’t such as Ko Surin, Similan Islands, Ko Rok Nok, Langkawi, Ko Kradan, Phang Nga Bay, and Ko Hong. Each morning I got up at 6:30am for the early-bird breakfast (juice and danishes) to watch the sunrise, which was breathtaking (as were the sunsets). Olivia opted for the full breakfast starting at 8am- a decadent buffet filled with endless choices (same with the lunch at noon). The 7:30pm sit-down dinner included amazing appetizers, soups, sorbets, salads, a main course, cheese plate, and dessert. With 5pm hors d’oeuvre and a midnight snack, you will not go hungry. The dress code on-board is very casual, though many tend to go a bit more toward “casual elegance” in the evenings. The best part of this cruise was the sailing and the ports of call. Our captain, Uri invited guests to the deck each night while the song ‘Conquest of Paradise’
QUICK TRIPS
By Linda Summers Pirkle
About fifteen years ago my sister and a few cousins organized an epic reunion in Haugen, Wisconsin. Our mom was the twelfth of fourteen kids, and many of her siblings continued the tradition of having many children. Our family reunion brought together over 100 first cousins as well as their spouses and children. It’s been fun connecting with my cousins over the years, and we have discovered many of us are hikers. My Tennessee cousin Suzan, a University professor and avid hiker, often explores the Chattanooga region, one of the best areas to hike in the Southeast region of the U.S. There are 50 trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown. From the slopes of Lookout Mountain to the steep crests of Signal Mountain and the Tennessee River Gorge, there is a lot to see. Suzan posts beautiful photos of waterfalls, streams, birds, and wild flowers. It’s on my list of places to go. Closer to home, the Mount Tamalpais Watershed in Marin is a spectacular hiking spot. Recently, my son and I hiked the 2.6-mile Cataract Falls Trail, one of the most popular falls trails in Marin County. The trailhead is located off Bolinas Fairfax Road, just past Alpine Lake. Besides cascading falls, the trail takes you into a shaded forest, through a lovely meadow and across the creek several times. We passed through Laurel Dell picnic area then descended towards the falls. A small group of plein-air painters had set up their portable chairs along the route with easels and had plenty of beautiful scenery to choose as a subject: moss covered wooden bridges, babbling brooks, rocky steps, California redwoods, Douglas fir, ferns, Alpine lake, and cascading waterfalls. We spotted five snakes (none rattlers) and glorious wild flowers, and on our drive to and from we enjoyed breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. With a bit of cousinly California weather pride, I can boast that hikers enjoy the trails and unpaved roads of Mt. Tamalpais Watershed region from sunup to sundown almost any time of the year. The Chattanooga trails in
played as the crew raised the main sail – a tradition since the mid-90s. Guests can help with the sails or hang-out on the bridge and talk with the staff about sailing. The more daring climb the rope ladder to the crow’s nest. The ports of call were great. The activities at the first half of the islands we visited centered around water sports like snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking, and waterskiing. Also offered was a shore excursion to James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park and jungle trekking and kayaking through mangroves in Langkawi, Malaysia. You too can be treated like royalty aboard all Star Clippers ships. I can help you plan your own sailing adventure to Southeast Asia or other destinations in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Please visit our office at 3201 Danville Blvd. Suite 255 in Alamo, or our website at www.alamoworld.com. Call me at 925-837-8742 ext. 22 or email adam@ alamoworld.com, and we can start planning your dream vacation including cruises, tours, or combinations! Advertorial
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3201 Danville Blvd #255 Alamo |Alamo Commons-next to Ace Hardware Tennessee however are best hiked early in the morning during the summer months because of hot temperatures and humidity. Marin County, with over 500 miles of trails, offers many possibilities for hikers, birders, and nature lovers. Besides the 2.6-mile Cataract Falls Trail in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, there are many other interesting trails including the High Marsh, Kent Trail, Helen Market Trail, and more. Check out their website www.marinwater.org. Dogs can use many of the trails but must be kept on leash. Camping, boating, and swimming are prohibited. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long- Mt Tamalpais watershed Cataract Falls Trail. term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
With the latest royal nuptials recently past and the summer solstice soon upon us, a romp through the botanical references in A Midsummer Night’s Dream seems a timely exercise. Shakespeare probably penned the original script for performance at a wedding, quite likely that of the Earl of Derby to Elizabeth Vere at the Court of Greenwich on January 26, 1595. Depending on how strictly one counts, the comedy references about 40 different plant species. Although the setting is recorded as a wood near Athens, the vegetation described is clearly indigenous to, or widely naturalized within, the English countryside. Having read, watched, and helped stage the play countless times without caring that I didn’t know much about many of the horticultural allusions, I decided to fill in some of the gaps. I made the mistake of looking up cowslips in The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers. Here in the US, the common name is applied to the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), a member of the buttercup family. The traits it shares with Shakespeare’s cowslip are yellow flowers and a spring bloom time. Otherwise, the species are very different. In England, the cowslip moniker denotes the once prolific Primula veris, a member of the primrose family. Agricultural practices have rendered the cowslip rare in parts of its native habitat. Cowslip wine was made by fermenting the yellow petals in cold spring water with sugar and lemon rind. One red spot appears on each of the five petals. Superstition held that the flowers would treat imperfections of the complexion. Hence, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act II, sc. 1) a Fairy relates: “The cowslips tall her pensioners be; in their gold coats spots you see; those be rubies, fairy favours, in those freckles live their saviours.” Closely related are the oxlips, Primula elatior. Indeed, Linnaeus originally grouped cowslips and oxlips together as a single species. Oberon, king of the fairies, mentions oxlips as he specifies where his queen Titania may be found sleeping (Act II, sc. 1). “I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, quite o’er canopied with luscious
VALLEY VIGNETTES
By Beverly Lane RANCHO ROMERO AND ITS LEGAL WOES
Rancho Romero is a familiar name in the San Ramon Valley. In Alamo, the pioneer Jones’s ranch was called Rancho Romero, and an elementary school bears that name. But who knows the origin of the name? Why is the Romero name nowhere to be found on lists of Mexican ranchos in Contra Costa County? The tale is a sad one. In 1843, brothers Jose and Drawing by Jo Mora from his book Californios. Inocencio Romero applied to the Mexican government for a grant which they said was a leftover, or sobrante, piece between the ranchos of Joaquin Moraga, William Welsh, and Rancho San Ramon (Pacheco/Castro). It covered about 20,000 acres -- today’s Tice Valley and much of Alamo -- and was called Rancho El Sobrante de San Ramon (Romero). At that time, Lorenzo Pacheco and Mariano Castro lived in San Jose and told the town’s alcalde that they were happy to have the Romeros as neighbors. The Contra Costa Gazette of August 27, 1864 stated: “It was mutually agreed that the Romeros should occupy the land north of a certain creek, which ran across the (Pachedo/Castro) ranch.” In 1844, the San Jose alcalde and Governor Manuel Micheltorena reviewed the grant application which included a sketch map, or diseno. The Governor stated, “Let the Judge of the proper district take measurement of the unoccupied land that is claimed.” The Romeros could not afford to have the measurement made, since there were few surveyors available and their wealth was tied up in their stock. As was the case with many other Mexican ranchos, neighbors accepted the rancho’s approximate boundaries. After all, there was plenty of land, and the cattle grazed unrestricted by fences. Cattle ownership was established by regular round ups where calves were marked with their mother’s brand. But other than the measurement, the Romeros did what rancho owners were
www.yourmonthlypaper.com woodbine, with sweet musk-roses and with eglantine.” Woodbine is a general name for many vines. In her carefully researched Botanical Shakespeare, Gerit Quealy associates this woodbine reference with honeysuckle. But what is eglantine? You can order this British native for your own garden. Annie’s Annuals describes it as the “wild rose of fairy tale fame.” Eglantine, or briar rose, can grow into a thorny 15’ nightmare obscuring the sleeping place of an enchanted princess or be controlled by judicious pruning as an effective privacy hedge. Properly known as Rosa eglanteria or Rosa rubiginosa, this species has been in cultivation since at least 1551. The foliage perfumes the air with an apple scent which is easily elicited by rainfall or rubbing the leaves. Pollinators favor the single blossoms flowering on new wood, often repeating during the growing season. The bright red fruit, or hips, is high in vitamin C and makes excellent jelly. Most important to the plot are “Cupid’s Flower” and “Dian’s Bud.” No footnotes are needed to explain the first. Oberon relates the myth (Act II, sc. 1). Cupid aimed his arrow at a fair lady, hitting instead the wild pansy (Viola tricolor) henceforth nicknamed heart’s ease and love-in-idleness. Application of the juice of that flower to the eyelids of the slumbering characters causes them to fall in love with the first being they sight upon awakening. Undoing the spell requires administration of an antidote described by Oberon (Act IV, sc. 1): “Dian’s bud o’er Cupid’s flower hath such force and blessed power.” Named from ancient times for the Greek goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans), wormwood (Artemisia absinthe) was held by Dioscorides to both prevent intoxication and remedy its after-effects. Shakespeare’s contemporary John Gerard writes in his Herball (first published in 1597 and much-enlarged in 1636) that Artemisia “is drunke against Opium, or the juyce of the blacke Poppy.” Pliny believed travelers carrying the herb would not tire or fall prey to poisons or wild beasts. Adding to the speculation concerning the famous bard’s biography, I discovered an interesting commentary on Shakespeare’s possible connection with the above mentioned botanist in Marcus Woodward’s 1927 introduction to a more recent release of Gerard’s book. Woodward writes: “Miss Rhode in her Old English Herbals suggests that Shakespeare may have seen Gerard’s garden, for he lived for a time nearby.” required to do. They moved to Tice Valley, built adobes, constructed a corral, cultivated vegetable and grain crops, and ran cattle. We next find the Romeros appearing before the alcalde in January of 1847, ready to sell one-half of their rancho to Francisco and Jose Miguel Garcia, their brothers-in-law. The sale was to be subject to the final result “if the Government grant it in ownership.” Both parties agreed that, if the grant is not finally made, “then Garcia should lose equally with Romero.” Mexicans and post-gold rush settlers assumed that the Romero brothers owned the land and had legally sold the Alamo area to the Garcias. Jose Garcia’s daughter Maria married a Captain Merrithew in one of the marriages which made landowners of many young Americans. According to Virgie Jones in Historical Persons and Places…in San Ramon Valley, “Garcia gave the couple a stretch of land that Maria could cover on horseback in one day from sun-up to sundown.” Jones also states in Remembering Alamo that John M. Jones and three other men bought land from Francisco Garcia in 1851. When the Romero brothers petitioned for confirmation of their claim to the “Romero Sobrante” before the U.S. Board of Land Commissioners in 1853, they produced papers to establish their claim but did not include the title documents. Many witnesses testified to their ownership. The Romeros stated that the title papers had been used in an 1850 suit and had been taken to Georgia by a lawyer, Fred H. Sanford, never to be seen again. The Romero claim for five leagues of land was rejected by the board and appealed to the U.S. District Court where it also lost. In 1857 the judge wrote that their case was a hard one, “for there seems no reason to suppose that the grant would have been refused, if the measurement had been made… But no grant, either perfect or inchoate, was made, nor any promise given that one should be made.” Imagine the effect of this tangled web of land ownership in the San Ramon Valley. The Romeros (and therefore the Garcias) were not the owners of the northern part of the Valley. Americans who had bought land from Romero or Garcia lost their claims. Eventually attorney Horace Carpentier managed to get both the Alamo and Danville land which had been part of the original Pacheco/Castro San Ramon Rancho. As Hubert Bancroft wrote in his History of California, “this Carpentier seems to have been a shrewd land fiend interested in many of the crooked cases.” A sad tale, indeed.
Major sources: Northern District Land Cases 304 and 322; Bancroft, History of California, Vol. VI, p. 557; “The San Ramon Rancho”, Virgie V. Jones, Remembering Alamo, p. 60 and Historical Persons and Places…in SRV, p. 116
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
LIFE IN THE ALAMO/DANVILLE GARDEN
OUTDOOR LIVING By John Montgomery, Landscape Architect, ASLA
I’m pleased to return to Alamo Today & Danville Today News as your garden editorialist, to help you make your outdoor space a comfortable, personalized part of your home. As we move into summer, spending time outdoors becomes natural. We all want a space to come home to, for relaxing, or for hosting gatherings. The key to designing space is in imagining possibilities and building experiences to enhance everyday life. As a Landscape Architect, I’m often asked if I design only on a large scale and for large budgets. While I’ve been fortunate to design many spectacular sites over the years, I believe that beautiful, comfortable yards should be possible on any budget. Our firm has two departments, a Landscape Architecture division for large-scale design feats and a ‘Spruce-Up’ department for yards needing refreshing, replanting, or the opportunity to become something new.
relax with a book, or work from home. Many folks in our area enjoy outdoor dining at local cafés, an experience you can bring home with the right dining set-up, café lights, and a heater or firepit. Add good conversation with friends and family, and you might never want to leave! There are no limits to the ways you can use your outdoor space, and garden rooms need not be overdone or complicated. If you’re a Doit-Yourselfer, you can bring these ideas home right away – just walk outside and ask yourself if your space is working for you. If you need a new vision, planting advice, or help linking with a skilled contractor, that’s why we’re here! Our team includes garden designers who can help you make your yard unique. Call us for a consultation at 925-820-8884. Our first consultation is free of charge. Please also visit us on Houzz – John Montgomery Landscape Architects. For over 25 years we have been part of the Alamo/Danville community. We are grateful to be here helping you enjoy the outdoors and love your leisure. Gardening Quote of the Month: I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to. - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
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RAISE YOUR GLASS
By Monica Chappell
‘Outdoor Living’ means that your garden is an extension of your home. If your landscape is part of your house, it only makes sense that it have ‘rooms’ designed for different experiences - for activities, gatherings, and quiet contemplation. Midcentury homes often did not have yards like this, but in recent years, we have begun to embrace the many ways our outdoor spaces can enhance our quality of life. You can easily redesign with this in mind for a trans-formative result. Who knows, your garden or patio could easily become your new favorite room in your home! Maybe you enjoy a morning coffee outdoors, or having friends over in the evening for dinner under the stars. Perhaps you want to convert an area to grow vegetables or enjoy the experience of a colorful garden where you can cut flowers,
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Do some wine glasses enhance the wine better than others? Should you invest in expensive wine glasses? Are all good wine glasses expensive? These are some of the questions I often receive from my wine students. In my opinion, yes, the glass makes a difference. Why is this so? The shape of the glass can have a big effect on taste. Experts claim that the depth of the bowl and the curve of the rim change the amount of air exposure and directs the flow of wine onto the tongue to enhance or mute flavors.
WINE GLASSES 101
1. The size and shape of the bowl - The larger the bowl, the better the wine’s aromas can circulate. Glassware intended for red wine tends to be bigger, since red wines need more time and air to open up. 2. The stem length - The stem of the glass allows us to hold the glass without having our hand on the actual bowl and interfere with the wine’s temperature. No more, no less. 3. Stemless - Stemless wine glasses have become very popular. This is a good thing, as they are practical, especially for everyday and casual winedrinking occasions. I am a total convert. 4. Fine crystal or regular glass - The finer the crystal the thinner the glass. This does make a huge difference. Fine crystal really does enhance the wine drinking experience. However, these are expensive glasses. 5. Plain, colored, or etched - In general, plain, unadorned glasses are better for serious tasting, as they allow you to examine all the visual aspects of the wine such as the color, its intensity, as well as viscosity. However, most wine drinking situations are not serious tastings, so feel free to have some fun with color. 6. Champagne/sparkling wine flutes - The flute shaped glass has long been considered the best for Champagne and sparkling wines as it allows the wine to manifest its bubbles with greatest intensity and duration. integrity since 1973 Try it for yourself. Pour the same wine into two different glasses, and taste the difference. 2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Monica Chappell is an East Bay wine Concord writer and educator and can be reached at (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House) wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
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PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
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them the connections they needed. Kyle writes: “Our first FUNDaFIELD tournament was held in 2008 in Hluvukani, South Africa. It was a huge event with thousands of attendees, new uniforms for the teams, and some wonderful football in a place that had never been on the map. When we returned two years later for another tournament in a nearby village, we drove through Mduli. We noticed some kids wearing jerseys that looked familiar. As we got closer to the center Tournaments held when FUNDaField completes a field bring of the village, we communities together. Photo courtesy of FUNDaFIELD. noticed more and more jerseys that had been worn two years ago at the Mdluli world games. As we jumped out and started talking to some of the kids, we learned that the soccer tournament had been so impactful, that many of the players still maintained and wore their prized uniforms consistently two years after the games. This moment struck me as the first time I realized how brilliantly powerful sports can be in the life of a child.” Creating a playing surface in underserved African areas is no easy task. The price of everything rises steeply when a “mzungu” (white person) is paying. Workers who don’t own watches have a different sense of time. Learning local customs Paper bead crafter Christine is grateful for Kira is essential. Each truckload Weiss's support through PAPERbeadsFROMafrica. Photo courtesy of FUNDaFIELD. of manure to fertilize the field
may travel thirty miles along rough roads. With no irrigation to establish whatever turf substitute is available, water has to be hauled bucket by bucket from the nearest source. Leave a field without making the community accept maintenance responsibility, and you return to find cows grazing and crops growing. In 2010, Garlick suggested working in Uganda. There Kira discovered skilled
See FaF continued on page 20 Sticks continued from front page
about 8 to 12 crafters (both women and men – the witty group name is not meant to exclude) who gather to share conversation and tips, and to listen to the occasional guest speaker, such as the owner of Color Notes Yarn who made a recent appearance to share his knowledge on how yarn is dyed. Participants include retirees, professionals, stay-at-home moms who all bring their own equipment; all ages are encouraged. Killeen keeps in touch with members via the Nextdoor and Facebook social media sites. She chose the Friday afternoon time as she felt it was most accommodating for varied schedules. Killeen, a Danville resident and interior designer, is known for her crochet blankets. She estimates that she’s made nearly 100 of them through the years. Every high school grad in her extended family receives one – a tradition started by her grandmother that she has continued. “It’s my thing,” says Killeen who also crochets caps for newborns and prayer pouches for local churches. It takes her two months to complete each blanket. Beyond the final product of the ‘knit one, purl two,’ needle crafts are known to benefit one’s emotional, mental, and physical health. National yarn manufacturer Red Heart Yarn claims that the craft reduces stress and decreases risk of aging-related cognitive impairment. They claim that the relaxed, repetitive motion of knitting/crocheting helps calm the body and brain and promotes fine motor skills. Additionally, all patterns involve some aspect of math, which keeps the mind sharp. Equally important is the social aspect. “Our group provides a great way to meet new people and friends,” says Killeen. “It’s low-key, casual, always friendly, and extremely soothing.” For more information about Chicks with Sticks, contact Debora Killeen at 925-260-4565 or go to the Nextdoor app and click “Interests” then “Crafts.”
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
Since the time computers were invented, we’ve needed a way to enjoy the fruit of the work that the computers performed for us. Printers were invented for that purpose and have been around almost as long as the computers themselves. When I was in college, I remember submitting stacks of cards into the (then) giant Honeywell mainframe, then eagerly awaiting my printouts from the dot-matrix printer that was attached. If there were errors anywhere in my stack of cards, I would need to make corrections, then wait for another thirty minutes to try again. It was a very slow process! Printers have come a long way since then, together with the very definition of printing. Until recently, the act of printing meant the output of ink onto some sort of media such as paper. We’ve had three primary types of printing: dot-matrix, laser, and inkjet. Amazing advances in computing power have given birth to new types of “printing” devices that are revolutionizing our ability to be creative. Three of these new “printing” devices are laser cutting, 3D printers, and personal CNC machines. Because each of these printers are so different and involved, I’ll spend an article exploring each one. 3D printing is the label we give to the process of what is called “additive manufacturing.” The key word is “additive” because a typical 3D printer lays down thin lines of plastic, over and over, to build an object. The “print head” is a heated nozzle through which thin plastic filament is fed, melted, and extruded. The act of printing is the extrusion of the plastic onto a moving, heated bed. The bed glides back and forth, and the extruder head moves up and down and left and right within its frame. The combination of these movements gives the printer the ability to print in three dimensions, thus the moniker. 3D printers are helpful for small tasks around the house. For example, I use the Alexa Dot devices around our home and needed a way to mount them
ESTATE PLANNING FOR BLENDED FAMILIES
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
As of the last census, about 15% of adults in the United States had been married at least twice. Careful estate planning is important for everyone, but it is often even more critical for blended families. Fortunately, smart, thoughtful planning can help avoid problems by balancing and reconciling potential competing interests among blended family members. Let’s start a hypothetical case study to explore some important estate planning issues facing blended families. Jay, a divorcee, is 65. He has children, Jeff and Judy, who are 40 and 35. Jay remarries another divorcee, Bea, 55. Bea has a 20 year old child, Betty. Jay brought into the marriage a house worth $1M (with no mortgage) and cash, securities, and retirement plan funds totaling $200K. He and Bea live in his house. Bea brought into the marriage cash, securities, and retirement plan funds totaling $400K. First, Jay and Bea need to answer many important questions before they can create an appropriate estate plan, such as those concerning their premarital agreement, if any, health, children, income, and retirement plans. It’s also critical to know how long they plan to keep Jay’s house, and how they handle their finances. Even after knowing the answers to the above questions, many types of plans and choices will be available. One choice would involve Jay and Bea keeping their assets separate and establishing a separate estate plan (i.e. a Living Trust, Will, Power of Attorney, and Advance Healthcare Directive) for each of them. They would each make their own decisions about to whom, how, and when their assets will be distributed on their respective deaths. Each of Jay’s and Bea’s Living Trusts may include distributions to his or her children, spouse or a combination thereof, and these distributions might
June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
on the wall. I could either create a new design using drawing software, or look online to see if anyone else had already created a design I could use. I found one, it looked great, and it fits perfectly. Recently, I read an article about the world’s largest 3D printer which was built in Australia. It doesn’t print using plastic like common home 3D printers. Like most industrial 3D printers, it prints metal instead of plastic, and it uses an innovative new bonding technique. Industrial printers typically fuse metal by firing a laser in very precise bursts into a reservoir of metal particles. The particles bond, and a piece is created. This new printer is designed to use speed to achieve the same goal. It blasts titanium particles out of a nozzle at supersonic speeds, and when they hit each other on the bed they fuse together due to the kinetic energy released. It’s a brilliant idea. While we enjoy the process of building small parts at home, and we buy 3D-printed spare parts for commercial use, there is a much bigger picture for 3D printing. For example, many governments have stated their intention of revisiting Earth’s moon, Mars, and even Saturn’s moons. The advent of industrial scale 3D printing is going to change space exploration. I expect we will see a time when instead of people blasting into space carrying everything they need from earth, we will instead send 3D printers into space and let them do the work for us while we wait in safety at home. The printers will create the necessary structures, tools, and implements we will need to survive. Instead of having to carry everything we need with us, we’ll use locally mined resources to create our habitats. Pre-programmed robots will handle assembly and testing. This is the purest example of making computers work for us that I can imagine. Back at home, I’m experimenting with different colors of plastic filament for my printer and honing my drawing skills using Autodesk’s Fusion 360 CAD software. I need better CAD skills so that I can design exactly what I want instead of settling for designs other folks have created. It’s a work in progress! Have you been thinking of experimenting with 3D printing? There’s so much to learn and share. All of it requires healthy computers to function correctly, and that is something we can help you with. You may reach us at info@pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953, option 1. Advertorial be outright and/or to be held in trust for some period of time. Another common, efficient alternative is for Jay and Bea to establish a joint Living Trust for all of their collective assets, which splits into two pots (“sub-trusts”) on the first death. Once the assets are segregated into these two sub-trusts following the first death, sensitive decisions need to be made by Jay and Bea, related to the assets of the deceased spouse, including: a) What access, if any, will the surviving spouse have to the assets in the deceased spouse’s sub-trust?; b) What assets, if any, that had been owned by the deceased spouse will go directly to his or her children (instead of going into the deceased spouse’s sub-trust to be available for the surviving spouse’s needs)?; and c) Who will serve as trustee (“manager”) of the deceased spouse’s sub-trust during the surviving spouse’s lifetime? After the first spouse dies, very sensitive issues are involved in reconciling the needs of the surviving spouse and the desire of the deceased spouse to provide for his/her children. The answers to the above questions can help an attorney draft estate planning documents that accommodate the wishes of both spouses. For starters, if a separate trust is set up for the deceased spouse, great care should be devoted to deciding who shall serve as trustee. It is also imperative to clarify the way the deceased’s funds shall be invested, the parties to whom distributions are permitted or mandated, and the amount and purposes for which the trustee may make such distributions. Sadly, poor planning frequently results in damaged or destroyed relationships, and sometimes litigation, between step-parent and step-children. Next month, my article will explore some strategies that may help Jay and Bea balance and reconcile some of these potential conflicts and problems. 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, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
AIA NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET
It is the start of the peak of the growing season. Expect to find a large selection of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at the Alamo Farmers Market. There is plenty of easy, free parking, music, and a great time to be had! The Alamo Farmer’s Market is open 9AM -2PM every Sunday.
UNDERGROUND PIPELINES ARE EVERYWHERE
Because we cannot see them, we seldom think about pipelines, their role in our community, or their potential hazards. Pipeline leaks are rare. The National Transportation Safety Board says that pipelines are the safest mode of fuel transportation, both for the public and the environment. But if a leak occurs, it can be dangerous and requires caution and immediate action. The following steps will help protect your family or your employees and the people, property, and environment in your community. KNOW WHERE PIPELINES ARE LOCATED – Find the location of pipelines near your home or office by looking for pipeline markers. Write down the operator’s name and emergency phone number listed on the marker ALWAYS CALL “811” BEFORE YOU DIG – Call 811 at least two working days before you dig for any reason. The call is free and coordinates with local utilities to mark the location of underground utility lines including pipelines. WATCH, LISTEN & SMELL FOR SIGNS OF A LEAK – If you see, hear, or smell signs of a pipeline leak, immediately leave the area, warn others to stay away, and call 911 SIGNS OF A PIPELINE LEAK OR RUPTURE – Brown or discolored vegetation amid healthy plants, dirt being blown into the air, colorful sheens on water surfaces, fire at or below ground, stains or pools of hydrocarbons not usually present in the right-of-way, bubbles coming from bodies of water, a loud roar or hissing sound, distinctive petroleum type odors, the smell of mercaptan, sulfur (rotten eggs), or a mild fragrant odor, or a dense white cloud of fog. IF A LEAK OCCURS 1) Leave the area immediately in an upwind direction, and warn others to stay away. 2) Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone or cell phone or turn on/off any electrical appliances, and avoid potential ignition sources which may cause an explosion or fire. 3) Once you are a safe distance away from the potential leak, call 911. 4) Do not drive into an area where you suspect a leak or vapor cloud, and do not touch or operate pipeline valves. 5) Avoid making contact with escaping liquids or vapors as potential hazards may include eye, skin and respiratory irritation and the produce may be highly flammable.
FaF continued from page 18
craftswomen making paper beads from recycled material to support their families. Encouraged by the positive response of friends to the beads she brought home, Kira established PAPERbeadsFROMafrica, which provides fair market wages for the women while donating all profits to FundaField. In 2014, she learned 31 craftswomen and 198 children were losing their homes. In just 10 weeks, her Home By The Holidays initiative raised $31,687 for their resettlement. Kira relates: “The impact of FUNDaFIELD is absolutely incredible on so many fronts. For the children who get a chance to play on a wonderfully new field, their laughter and joy is contagious. For the schools where the fields are built, enrollment and attendance increase dramatically. For the communities, the soccer field becomes a meeting place for all ages because when we open fields, we hold tournaments. These tournaments have thousands of attendees and allow people from different villages to meet each other in a non-hostile setting. Soccer breaks down barriers in a way that little else can. FUNDaFIELD gives each kid their own uniform, and for many, it is the first clothing item of their own. Lisa Weiss, mother of the tribe, has traveled to Africa 31 times, bringing young volunteers to witness the impact of their contributions. Each volunteer creates a project such as collecting reading glasses for the crafters. Time in remote areas devoid of basic amenities is balanced by overnights in hotels with WIFI and hot water. She explains: “Each night I ask the group, ‘What was the best thing that happened today? What was the worst thing that happened? What have you learned?’” Emily Reid notes: “Actually seeing the work we did at home translate abroad,
Please welcome and learn about your AIA newly elected and re-elected Board Members. • Alicia Watson - 29 year resident, Retired Teacher, AIA Board of Directors, current AIA Secretary, Alamo Business and Community Foundation • Roger Smith - 26 year resident, Businessman, AIA Board of Directors, current AIA President, 2011 Alamo Citizen of the Year • Mike Gibson - 33 year resident, Architect/Planner, AIA Board of Directors, current AIA Transportation Committee Chair, liaison to Alamo MAC, past AIA Board President and Planning Chair, Association for the Preservation of Danville Blvd. Board of Directors, Past Vice President San Ramon Planning Commission, 2005, 1994-2010 Alamo Road Improvement Committee, 19932004 Alamo Road Advisory Committee, Alamo Citizen of the Year • Sandy Fink - 44 year resident, AIA Board Member, Transportation Committee Member, Co-chair Community Affairs Committee, • Tim Fiebig - 4 year resident, Real Estate Broker, AIA Planning Committee, AIA Community Affairs, Autos of Alamo, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Castro Valley • Jim Dobrzynski - 5 year resident, EHS Professional, Community Proponent • Lou Plummer - 67 year resident, Realtor, Community Proponent • Steven Meyers - 8 year resident, Attorney, Community Proponent
AIA MEMBERSHIP
Now in its 63rd year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo (and Danville) residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement: to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 62 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Please complete and return your annual membership form to AIA at PO Box 156, Alamo, CA. 94507. Please visit our website at www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to residents, membership forms, and more. I was able to see how happy the kids were when playing soccer and wearing the donated jerseys.” Jenny Sharpe concurs: “Being a part of the tournament and seeing the kids’ ecstatic responses to receiving jerseys and playing on a real soccer field is something I will never forget.” FUNDaFIELD had already completed numerous projects in South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda when 296,409 South Sudanese citizens fled to Uganda in the first six months of 2017. More than 85 percent of the arrivals in the refugee camp established at Palabek in April 2017 were women and children. FUNDaFIELD’s application to construct soccer fields at two camp locations was fast-tracked by UNHCR and the OPM. The opening tournament is scheduled for June 23 & 24, 2018, bringing together teams of children from formerly warring tribes whose lives have been defined by the atrocities of war. As FUNDaFIELD has learned, sport heals, delivers hope, and even overcomes gender profiling, prompting young men to cheer for female soccer players they originally jeered. Garrett Weiss explains: “If you were a bird flying over a Ugandan refugee camp, it might not look much different from the rest of rural Uganda. Huts have been built, crops have been planted, and people are walking around. But when you are on the ground, looking at the very same people that you saw from above, you’ll quickly notice the differences. Faces are somber and you don’t make eye contact because all heads are down. Shoulders are hunched and it is weirdly quiet given how many people are in camp. Trauma is painted across the camp; trauma is one of the few unifying feelings for those that have been displaced to a camp. The camp’s initial mission is to provide the bare necessities required to survive. The long days begin to run into each other. A break from this routine is critical to the long-term survival of the camp, but it is impossible to provide given the available governmental resources. The role of FUNDaFIELD has never been so crucial. Soccer can be more than just a game to bring joy to the camp’s youth; soccer can be the catalyst for hope which allows the camp to push forward and recreate the communities the refugees lost and desperately need. Soccer brings hope.” Robert, from Uganda offers poignant confirmation. “Hello! Am called Robert! In Palabek camp! Reasons why soccer is very important to kids: 1.soccer gives them joy!peace and brings smile on kids faces.
See FaF continued on page 26
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HOW DO YOU KNOW? DON’T YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF?
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
“Home Care Assistance caregivers really do care! They were there for me 24/7 after my open heart surgery.” - Bill S., Alamo, CA
“I have it all done.” That is a statement I have heard multiple times over the years when I ask a client about their long-term financial plan. I respond with, “How do you know?” You must have your strategy tested with a real-life scenario to know for certain that you “have it all done.” There are a few major life events that can test your strategy: death, a major health event (disability, stroke, dementia, etc.), retirement, divorce, the sale of a company, or receiving an inheritance. You can plan for the worst, but it is not until a major life event occurs that you can be certain your plan will be successful. Over my next six articles I will go in-depth and analyze these six major life events and how they can adversely affect your plans. In this article, we will explore what Home Care Liaison, Francesca Vogel and her client, Bill S. is commonly overlooked in the event of a death. No one wants to think about their own mortality, but it is a certainty that The Only Home Care Solution Offering an Innovative, we will all face at some point in our life. Planning for this eventual reality is Science-Based Approach to Aging important for your loved ones after your passing as they are the ones who will be left with any burdens of responsibility. The following things should be taken Home Care Assistance has elevated the standard of care for older into consideration when preparing a financial plan upon your demise. adults through our Balanced Care Method™, a holistic approach to First and foremost, have an estate plan that clearly lays out your wishes for care for older adults that promotes healthy mind, body and spirit and your beneficiaries so they easily understand. It is important to manage the is based on the scientifically studied lifestyles of the longest-living transition of wealth from one generation to the next. Since we do not know people in the world. when we will pass, it is best to be prepared for your family. By including your Speak to a Care Advisor to schedule your free in-home beneficiaries (spouses, children, grandchildren, and/or charities) in the estate consultation today. planning conversation, it requires them to understand the complex elements of investing, taxation, and ownership. Most importantly, it is the ability to tie all From our family to yours! 190-G Alamo Plaza 925-820-8390 these elements together to allow your beneficiaries to make prudent decisions. Alamo, CA 94507 HomeCareAssistance.com/Alamo Next to Safeway and Five Guys! Often, beneficiaries are not capable of handling the fiduciary responsibilities, Changing the Way the World Ages and if that is the case, then it is important to lean on professional fiduciaries or private trustees to help further your wishes. Serving Happy Clients Across Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Lamorinda and Walnut Creek! There are several roles within an estate plan. We will focus on the following two roles: a guardian and a trustee. An important question to ask here is, “Do the people you have selected for these roles have the necessary competencies to handle the responsibility?” A guardian can be loosely defined as the replacement parents for a minor. There are many important questions to consider when choosing a guardian. Will your guardian raise the children the same way you would? Will they instill the same values and morals that you want them to grow up with? Will they take your children to the church that you attend? Will they give them the love and support they need to be excellent citizens and overall good people? A trustee is the person that you entrust to be the fiduciary for your finances. A question that must be asked before appointing someone as your trustee is, “Can this person handle the complexities associated with trusteeship?” This role of a trustee includes estate equalization, tax payments, insurance, auditing, reading legal documents, and most importantly the hiring of advisors, such as attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants. Oftentimes, trustees of estates have never made any major financial decisions before or, if they have, not to the magnitude of what is required when they inherit wealth. Lastly, a question that is frequently neglected is to ask, “Is this amount being given going to be enough?” What is the right number? There are rules of thumb you can follow, but the reality is that “enough” is very specific to each situation and should be thought about prudently. Considering the future and mapping of financial needs is important when allocating resources at death. One of your beneficiaries might need more than another beneficiary. One beneficiary might be able to handle one type of asset, while another might need an appointed trustee to manage their wealth for them. Furthermore, your business partners/shareholders might demand an appointed trustee. This article only scratches the surface of what you might consider when the thought of “Do I have it all done?” comes to mind. Working with an advisor or a team of advisors will help you answer these questions. My next article will explore the financial impact of a major health event. “Preparing for death is one of the most empowering things you can do. Thinking about death clarifies your life.” - Candy Chang Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. The “Good Old Days” are now!
Rates are better than 50-60 years ago (see proof above)
The Alison Company Nationwide Financing on Commercial Property Kevin Corstorphine DRE#01944908
805.845.5200
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Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN2132078-052418 Advertorial
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
Bat continued from front page
(poop) is a natural garden fertilizer. Danville resident Marty Buxton has spent years studying and learning about bats and the 1,100 species found worldwide. As a 40-year docent at Walnut Creek’s Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Buxton has spent 30 of those years in the wildlife rehab center caring for various mammals such as squirrels, possums, skunks, and raccoons. But she finds the bats most intriguing. “I began to really like bats when I was provided a space at Lindsay to install exhibits as I wished,” says Buxton, Lindsay’s bat species manager. “I started highlighting creatures that are, shall we say, ‘less understood’– spiders, insects, and bats. I simply found the bats fascinating. They are wonderful, misunderstood little animals. In my role as a rehabber, I enjoy the challenge of deciphering the issues of the Bay Area’s 13 species.”
The number of bats brought to Lindsay proves that not everyone is afraid of the creatures. “The people who bring them in truly care about wild animals and their suffering,” says Buxton, who has seen every size of bat, from those weighing less than a hummingbird, to those with 15-inch wingspans. “And there are many reasons for a bat ending up at Lindsay. Most are adults with injuries such as a hole in the wing or broken bones from collisions. Some are experiencing poisoning from secondary pesticides. A few are brought in because they were perched in the wrong place, like along a wall, and they would actually probably be fine if left alone.” It was roughly 15 years ago when the Health Department okay-ed the rehab of bats. Buxton volunteered to be on Lindsay’s bat list, and she immediately started studying online the world’s different species. “Most bat rehabbers are self-taught,” she says, emphasizing that pre-exposure rabies shots are a must. A certain number of bats do have rabies. In the wild, it’s .5%. Those brought in for rehab number 8 to 10%. Rabies attacks the nervous system, and signs include little spasms and refusal of food and water. Buxton cautions to never use bare hands when collecting a bat; gloves are best – for protection of both human and bat. For more on safely handling an injured bat, visit https://lindsaywildlife. org/found-animal/.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been supporting seniors since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers. Your help is needed 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.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a Community Action and Problem-Solving Program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. Meetings can be held by a Crime Prevention Specialist who will share more information about the program. Please contact Christina Lind-Winters (925) 313-2682 or clind001@so.cccounty.us for more information.
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FACE-LIFT NOT FOR YOU?
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
“I want to look my best but don’t want a face-lift or any invasive surgery.” Specializing in minimally invasive cosmetic surgerym this is something I hear in my office every day. There is great demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures which has resulted in newer innovative techniques and procedures. New injectables and devices have become available within the past year or two. I will highlight some of the more popular ones. We have come a long way with what we can do with injectable medications and devices compared to the old collagen days. Juvederm Voluma has been available in the United States since 2014 and has been a game changer. This unique hyaluronic acid filler has unique lifting properties and lasts up to two years. It is injected deep in the skin, sometimes just above the cheek bones. When done properly, this can result in a natural, more youthful look. Most patients I see are worried that they will have large overfilled strange looking cheeks. This can occur if one overfills and usually occurs when a patient has the treatment performed by an inexperienced, unskilled injector. The goal is to create a natural look. I believe that if your face shows that you have had treatments that are very obvious, then you would be better off with no treatments at all. With Juvederm Voluma, there is an enzyme that can be injected into the skin to melt it away if one is not pleased with the results. I have never had this request from a patient that I injected with Juvederm Voluma. However, it is available just in case. Kybella is another injectable that was FDA approved a couple of years ago. This medication is comprised of deoxycholic acid. It can literally melt the submental fat (fat under your chin and neck). I was fortunate to be selected as one of the first physicians trained in the use of Kybella. Most people will require four treatments spaced one month apart. There can be significant swelling, so I would not recommend this treatment before an important social event. This treatment can be life changing for some. I recently saw one of my patients who received four treatments. When we examined her before and after photos, they were as good as one would expect with a face-lift. Not everyone will have results like that. An alternative to Kybella for submental fat is CoolSculpting with the Cool Mini. This treatment destroys fat cells by freezing them. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than surrounding skin, so the fat is destroyed while skin remains unharmed. Two treatments spaced about a month apart are usually required, and results are seen in one to three months. Our most popular alternative to a face-lift is Ultherapy. Ultherapy is a device that employs micro-focused ultrasound to heat deep in the tissue. This results in a microscopic wound that can stimulate collagen and tighten skin. People usually don’t need to take time off from work after the treatment. The downside of the treatment is that it will not produce results equivalent to a facelift. The results can also be somewhat variable from one person to the next where employing the same treatment protocol may lead to one person seeing dramatic changes and other not as much. Of course there are many other injectable, laser, and light based treatments that we offer in our fully accredited laser center here in Danville. If you are interested in exploring any of these options, feel free to call us today to schedule a consultation. We are committed to helping you look your best! Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We are accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and at www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
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THE COST OF FAT LOSS
By Michelle Brown, Gumsaba Custom Fitness
You fell off the workout wagon. You have to get back at it, but it’s been so long! After months of hibernation, you know you need to exercise, but you’re tired and demotivated. You’re so busy...the kids, graduation, your parents, work...the list goes on. These reasons are justified, but they are no reason to put your health on the back burner. After all, health is our greatest wealth. One of the reasons most of us stray from regular fitness is simply lack of planning. Scheduling “me time” is a must for regular exercise adherence. This doesn’t mean an hour a day, five days a week, though that is definitely a great goal! Those who are currently sedentary can start with smaller, more frequent bouts of exercise. Schedule 15 minutes, twice a day to start. This could mean a walk as part of lunch hour, an afternoon break, or an evening walk with your partner after dinner. Whatever it is, schedule it at least one week in advance so that other things that can be worked around that critical “you time.” One pound of fat is worth 3,500 calories. This is why healthful, sustainable fat loss takes time and comes from a combination of mindful caloric intake and exercise. Most Americans consume over 3,500 calories a day, and most Americans don’t get regular exercise. One in three of us are obese, and two in three of us are overweight. Sedentary behavior has most of us living in a state of caloric surplus, and we are paying for it. Know your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), the total amount of calories you body burns in one day just to keep your vital systems running. This will help you determine how many calories you really need to eat. Search “RMR calculator” on the internet. Plug in your age, height, and gender, and your RMR will be generated. Any exercise done during the day adds to this bank of calories. If your RMR is 1,650 and you burn 100 calories in a workout, you need to eat less than 1,750 calories a day to create a caloric deficit which will result in fat loss. Fitness is not an all or nothing battle; it’s a life-long process. It starts with awareness and builds with knowledge and planning. Everything has a cost, and your health is worth more than anything else you have. Don’t wait until disease or disorder forces you to prioritize it. Inform yourself, plan your time, and get moving! Michelle Brown is owner of Gumsaba Custom Fitness in Alamo as well as Gumsaba Fitness Boot Camp. Michelle is a Functional Patterns Practitioner, ACE Medical Exercise Specialist and Subject Matter Expert, Martial Arts & Self Defense Expert, and Spartan SGX Coach. Michelle has been helping people in our community unleash their potential for 20 years. To learn more, visit gumsaba.com. Advertorial
PARK DISTRICT’S FREE “TRAILS CHALLENGE” PROGRAM GETS PEOPLE OUTDOORS
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the free East Bay Regional Park District’s signature outdoor activity program, Trails Challenge. Launched in 1993 to get East Bay residents moving outdoors and exploring their trails, the program makes it easy for hikers of all abilities to get to know and love their Regional Parks. To complete the 2018 Trails Challenge, participants need to hike a marathon’s length of trails (26.2 miles) or at least five of the 20 designated hikes in the Trails Challenge guidebook. Each year, a new Trails Challenge guidebook highlights 20 different trails throughout the parks. From shorelines to ridgetops, there is something for everyone. A handy matrix helps readers choose from easy, medium, or challenging hikes, and to identify trails accessible to wheelchair users and those that allow dogs, bikes, or horses. Participation in Trails Challenge is easy – simply visit www.ebparks. org/TrailsChallenge to download the guidebook and get started. No online registration is required. Free printed guidebooks and T-shirts are also available at participating Visitor Centers while supplies last. Participants who complete the challenge and turn in their log by December 1st receive a commemorative Trails Challenge pin. This year, all 20 featured trails are featured on the free mobile app AllTrails. To use the app, participants should download the app, sign-up and log in, then go to https://www.alltrails.com/lists/trails-challenge-2018, click on “Copy to my lists,” and then click “Continue in App.” The featured trails will show under ‘Lists’ in ‘Plan’.
June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
THE EYE OPENER
WHY SHOULD MY SUNGLASSES BE POLARIZED? By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Summer is almost upon us, which means most of us will be outdoors enjoying sports, recreation, and vacations. With this increased time outdoors, we all should look for ways to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. I think by now most people that wear sunglasses are familiar with polarized lenses. In addition to providing valuable UV protection, polarized lenses make colors more vibrant and eliminates annoying glare. Polarized lenses are available in all types of prescriptions and lens styles including single vision, bifocals, and progressives. First, we should discuss polarized light and how polarized sunglasses work. Light emitted from most sources including the sun, a light bulb, or a candle is unpolarized which means it travels in different planes while moving through the air. When light bounces off a surface (water, road, dashboard, etc.), the light becomes partially polarized; it is mostly reflected horizontally. That means that reflected sunlight does not bounce off a surface equally in all directions; it comes at the eyes predominately in the horizontal plane, causing glare and distortion. Since reflected sunlight comes at the eyes in this predictable manner, we can combat this annoying glare with a polarized lens. This lens contains a properly oriented vertical filter that specifically eliminates this harmful glare. This filter does not impact the appearance of the lenses, but it selectively eliminates glare. People with polarized lenses now see the world more clearly and with more vibrant colors because glare is not present to compromise your vision. Polarized lenses have many everyday applications that make them the lens of choice for your next pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses. While driving, those annoying reflections from your hood and dashboard are eliminated. While walking or biking, the glare off the road on a sunny day is removed. For those who are on the water fishing or boating, who like to go to the beach or who like to ski, the glare off of the water or slopes can be debilitating. Assuming the water is clear, you will be able to see through the water to the life beneath the surface. While skiing, vision will be a lot easier with the glare from the snow removed. Polarized lenses come in gray and brown. In addition, Maui Jim single vision and progressive lenses are also available in rose and HT (“High Transmission”), which is great for contrast and lower light situations. Lenses are available in several materials including plastic, trivex, and high-index, and can be single vision, bifocal, or progressive. As an additional benefit, all polarized lenses come with a UV coating, so all harmful ultraviolet radiation is blocked from getting to the eyes. Keep in mind that the most important thing about sunglasses is the ultraviolet protection. A pair of sunglasses without ultraviolet protection is relatively useless. If you choose to not have the lenses polarized, please ensure that ultraviolet protection is added to your lenses. However, all polarized lenses come with a UV filter, so all of your sun wear needs are addressed with one lens. Our sunglass collection including all Maui Jim sunglasses come with clear optical quality polarized lenses; however, we can use almost any frame to insert prescription polarized lenses. **Our sunglass sale runs through the end of June. All sunglasses are 20% off for the first pair and 30% for the second pair. Come into the office for more details and to view the available styles in Maui Jim, Oakley, Kate Spade, Gucci, and many more. We look forward to seeing you in the office this summer.** Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 925-820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks, including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning.
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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
MENOPAUSE MAKEOVER
POPLAR SPECTACLES OPTOMETRY
By Dr. Barbara Persons
Let’s face it: age and menopause are not topics women talk about enough. Like many women in my age group, I recently started going through pre-menopause. It seems unfair: my youngest child is only nine, and I feel like I just recovered from the changes associated with growing three children in my body. Now here I am in pre-menopause, having internal sauna moments. The heavy then light cycles, the fog, the shape change...oh my gosh, the shape change. These changes happen because female sex hormone levels naturally decrease as we get older. The ovaries eventually stop releasing eggs, and periods cease, as does the ability to get pregnant. Most women go through menopause in their 40s or 50s. But that can vary widely. One study found that half of the women in the U.S. reach menopause before age 52. Some women may go through “the change” earlier if they’ve had surgery to remove their uterus or ovaries, or are undergoing certain treatments for cancer. I saw the most vibrant, beautiful woman give an amazing concert recently. It was Pat Benatar. She looked fabulous, and yet her silhouette gave away at least part of her age. She had a little extra around the middle, not as much in the behind, thin pretty legs, with a little extra around the knees, elbows, and neck. She rocks her life in every way, but for the rest of us mortals, a shape change from your local board certified plastic surgeon can improve form and visually give you back 20 years in your appearance. What steps can you take to get through this change of life? First, have your hormone levels checked. Research supplements and/or bioidentical hormones. Also, consider gentle liposuction and fat grafting to create a shape change. Gentle liposuction performed in our certified outpatient surgery center removes fat from the areas where you do not want it, for example the abdomen, arms, flanks, thighs, knees, bra roll, and back. After removing fat from these areas, the fat is immediately processed, in a sterile fashion, into a pure form of your own fat. Your own fat is then carefully transferred through a very small tube into places where you do want it such as the face, earlobes, hands, breasts, and/or buttocks. A light compression garment is placed on the treated areas, and you will be able to go home to recover. Most people should allow a week for recovery. Liposuction is not a weight changer; it is a shape changer. This shape change can not be achieved by exercise or diet alone. A healthy diet, exercise, and possibly hormones are still required. You are going through a period of change. Let’s make the change a positive one. Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH ADULT LOVED ONES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
Open Our Hearts, an outreach program on mental illness, offers a free support group for family members of adults with severe mental illness from 7 to 8:30PM on the fourth Monday of each month at Temple Isaiah located at 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette. Drive across the parking lot and down the hill to the twostory building on the right. This program is open to all faiths. For additional information or to RSVP, contact karen@mmcohen.com.
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist will now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a video-recorded space. Besides taking place right outside police headquarters, the spaces are under constant video recording, helping to create an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers and dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. According to police officials, having the Exchange Zone should help prevent residents from being the victim of a crime using a classified ad site. To learn more about the safe zone, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
LOCATED IN THE SAFEWAY PLAZA
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams Cataract Evalua�on, Macular Degenera�on, Diabe�c Re�nopathy, Glaucoma Evalua�ons
Contact Lens Exams Daily, bi‐weekly, monthly, colored
Prescrip�on Glasses and Sunglasses In many cases, we are able to make your glasses in our office with our On‐Site Lab Adult & pediatric pa�ents welcomed Most vision insurance plans accepted
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY Monday –Friday: 9am‐6pm Saturday: 9am‐4pm
(925) 202-2846 We invite you into our conveniently located office next to Peet’s Coffee & Katrina Rozelle
To learn more about our office visit www.poplarspecs.com
DOCUMENT SHREDDING FUNDRAISER FOR THE CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
By Jewel Johl, MD
One of the most valuable resources in our community for cancer patients and their families is the Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek. For over 15 years, my colleagues and I at Diablo Valley Oncology have referred our patients, friends, and loved ones to the Cancer Support Community. This organization provides services that include counseling, support groups, nutrition classes, exercise, and patient education programs, all free of charge. In the practice of oncology, we see patients who are enduring physical and emotional stress caused by cancer. While our focus as the oncologist is to eradicate the cancer, we always take into account the condition of the patient’s body and mind. From the time of diagnosis to after completion of treatment, psychosocial support is always recommended for the patient, their family members, and caregivers. I feel the people and programing at the Cancer Support Community enable cancer patients to achieve an improved quality of life. All of their programs and services are evidence-based to positively impact cancer treatment outcomes and/ or immune system functioning, and they are all delivered by professionals who are licensed or certified in their area of expertise. On July 14th Diablo Valley Oncology will host our annual Document Shredding Fundraiser in the parking lot of our cancer center located at 400 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill from 11AM-1PM. All proceeds go to the Cancer Support Community. Bring old tax returns, bills, business records, bank statements, and other documents containing personal information to our event. (Please no x-rays or film.) Make a charitable donation to Cancer Support Community and all of your documents will be shredded on-site by a certified shredding company. For questions, call 925-677-5041. Dr. Johl is a Board Certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group and serves on the Board of Directors for the Cancer Support Community. To learn more about Dr. Johl and Diablo Valley Oncology, visit www.dvohmg.com. Advertorial
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PRE NATA L CHIROPR AC TIC CARE FOR PREGNANCY ACHES AND PAINS
By Dr. Melissa Ko, D.C., Sycamore Valley Chiropractic
Pregnancy is a magical time for a mother as both she and her baby grow and develop. With all of the hormonal and physical changes in the mother’s body, aches and pains are quite common. Moms may suffer from sciatica, low back, groin, pelvic, hip, and leg issues. For these suffering mamas, there is hope! Our office sees prenatal patients all the time. I have received advanced post-doctorate training and am Webster-certified in Perinatal Care through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Using a combination of gentle chiropractic treatment and muscle work, exercises/stretches as well as at-home ergonomics, mamas can get natural pain relief without resorting to using painkiller medications. They can enjoy a much more comfortable pregnancy and birth. Soft, hands-on chiropractic adjustments are focused on the joints, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues of the pelvis. These adjustments release tension, ease aches and pains, and allow optimal alignment for the baby and mother. At-home habits can also make a big difference for a mother’s alignment. Here are some tips that the ICPA and I have for pregnant moms:
DO THIS
✓ Walk 30 min daily, or to comfort level ✓ Sit on firmer surfaces, with a cushion behind lower back to encourage an upright posture ✓ Sit on your sit bones, not tailbone; rock pelvis forward when seated ✓ Bend knees when lifting, and stand up slowly ✓ Have your chiropractor show you how to perform abdominal self-massage ✓ Hydrate! Drink enough for your urine to be clear. Maintain electrolytes (eg. coconut water) if you are experiencing leg cramping.
June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
✓ Sleep with a pillow in between your legs if side-lying or with a body pillow. If laying on back, elevate knees with a pillow. ✓ Check out the Spinning Babies websites for Prenatal exercises - www. spinningbabies.com
NOT THIS
✓ One-sided positions and repetitive motions (ie. loading dishwasher or dryer from the same side) ✓ Slouch or let your belly fall forward; maintain an upright posture that keeps shoulders up and back, not allowing hips to fall forward and cause an excessive arch in the lower back ✓ Crossing legs when sitting (cross at ankles instead) ✓ Carrying heavy items (or other babies/children) on one side (make sure to switch sides or check out baby carrying/wearing) ✓ Long periods of sitting. Get up, stretch, move around every 15-30 min ✓ Wearing heels and shoes without enough support Chiropractic care is vital for both the pregnant mother and baby to ensure normal physiological and mechanical function in the mother’s body. By addressing the alignment of the pelvis, pregnant mothers can benefit from gentle adjustments and soft tissue work for safe, effective, and drug-free pain relief. When the pelvis is balanced, aligned, and at ease, mothers may experience a more comfortable pregnancy and labor while baby is allowed plenty of space for positioning and development. If you know an expecting mama, please think of us. We are here to assist with a healthy and comfortable pregnancy! Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www. sycamorevalleychiropractic.com or call (925)837-5595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Advertorial
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PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I REALLY NEED EACH DAY?
This year I have evaluated many food diaries that clients bring in, and often I see they are not consuming enough protein. I tell them this easily explains why they are feeling hungry all the time and having endless cravings for sweets. The question I often get is, “How much protein do I really need to reach my weight loss goal, as well as build muscle and feel my best?” I tell my clients the food label is upside down. Protein is the last item listed on the label, where it should be the first. It is the most important food group and is very easily overlooked. Protein is expressed in grams as if we are on the metric system, rather than in ounces or pounds which typically is how we purchase protein in our markets. We need to know how many grams of protein is equal to an ounce. Let me use my favorite example. The gold-standard cereal Kashi Go Lean. Kashi Go Lean has 13 grams of protein for a 1 cup serving. Knowing that 1 oz. of protein is equal to 7 grams, you will see that you are getting almost 2 oz. of protein from the cereal. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is established by The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. It is based on your bodyweight. It is suggested that a healthy adult consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, roughly 54 grams daily for a 150 pound female or 71 grams daily for a 195 pound male. This calculation does not factor in exercise, and I find it overestimates protein needs for overweight or obese people. For my active clients and those who workout, often this amount of protein is far too low. I always recommend veering on the higher protein intake side. I create personalized protein recommendations for my clients based on their lifestyle, age, exercise, and health concerns. I suggest that protein should be distributed mostly during the day as opposed to eating a large evening traditionally heavy protein meal. Consuming protein throughout the day keeps you more satisfied, prevents blood sugar fluctuations, and reduces cravings for sweets. I educate my clients that protein takes several hours to digest and creates a fullness that you will not get from a carbohydrate-based meal. When I work with a new client, I first set up a meal plan for them with specific amounts of protein at each meal and snack. I teach them how to make sure they are getting at least 2 ounces of protein at breakfast, such as the favorite Kashi Go Lean cereal, a whole egg and egg whites with veggies and 100% whole wheat toast, or even oatmeal and Greek yogurt. I make it a point to create a list of protein snacks that are portable and tasty such as beef jerky, portion-sized almonds, 1 cup of cottage cheese, bean soup, or peanut butter with celery or an apple or the new vacuum packed flavored tuna or salmon pouches. I make sure that lunch contains at least 4-6 oz. of protein along with a healthy grain and a cup of veggies. I put together a yummy list of lunches that can be taken to work or eaten at lunch spots. I encourage parents to make sure that their kids are eating protein-based lunches that prevent them from coming home from school famished and snacking all afternoon. Clients are always surprised that I tell them for dinner we do not need protein if we have had the amounts that I suggest in prior meals and snacks. The feedback I get is that when dinner comes around, they are not as hungry as they used to be and are good with less protein at night. Many of my clients say that trainers tell them that they need more protein and often recommend protein shakes. I think protein shakes are great for pre or post workouts but often are not filling enough to last for several hours. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that consuming more protein than recommended does not lead to increase in muscle size or strength. There is a limit to the rate at which protein can be synthesized into muscle, and muscle size is determined by genetic makeup and training programs - not by how much protein one eats. The good news is that nutritional counseling is covered by many health TECH HELP FOR SENIORS insurance companies such as Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CIGNA, Need help with technical tasks? House calls for help with travel booking, Health Net, Sutter, and United Healthcare. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutrition concerns, email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com, and visit photo organizing, Facebook set-up, online bill-pay, texting basics and more. $35 per hour. Call Shelly at (510) 915-9830. my website www.LindaRD.com. Advertorial
C L A S S I F I E D
FaF continued from page 20
2. Soccer gives kids somethings to talk about sport and feel of a sense of belonging. 3.soccer teach kid numerous lessons and values which help them become a better person. 4.soccer boots kids confidence and self-esteem which helps to them to provide a greater sense of empowerment. 5.soccer helps kids to prevent diseases. Kyle Weiss has received a Nickelodeon Halo Award, is listed as being one of the 25 Most Powerful and Influential Young People, and was given a World of Children Award. Although both Garrett and Kyle deserved recognition, organizations honoring the work of FUNDaFIELD insisted only one individual could receive their award. Kira overcame her brothers’ initial insistence that she was too young to be a Founder when she organized her middle school friends as some of FUNDaFIELD’s most successful fundraisers. Visit www.fundafield.org and www.PAPERbeadsFROMafrica.com to learn more and to get involved.
RENTAL
Alamo Bedroom $750/month. NO LEASE REQUIRED - Available end of June. On bus line to Walnut Creek BART. Minimum laundry/kitchen usage. Private bath. Swimming pool and tennis. Foreign student preferred. Send profile/photo to Attn: Jill Worsley, PO Box 4186, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
HOME PAINTING
PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR - Over 40 years of service in the Danville and Alamo areas. Excellent references throughout. Call Richard Dean Painting at 925-837-6291 for a free estimate.
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring •Sliding doors and more! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877.
AUTOS WANTED
We Will Buy or Consign Your Car. All cars displayed in our private and secure showroom. We are a locally family owned dealership serving the Lamorinda and San Ramon Valley for over 30 years in a very relaxed atmosphere. Free pick-up and delivery. 925-820-1188.
Place Your Classified
The winning team poses with their prize - a goat - and FUNDaField volunteers after a tournament. Photo courtesy of FUNDaFIELD.
Reach over 21,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies...$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 words.Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117,Alamo,CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. Payment by check made out to “The Editors”,or credit card placed on file by calling 925-405-6397 must be received before ad will print. Your canceled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
5 BENEFITS OF CRANIOSACRAL HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients THERAPY By Marchelle Milligan MS, CMT
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system. Using a gentle touch, restrictions are released which can help to relieve pain and dysfunction, and improve whole-body health. 1. Headaches - CST looks for the cause of the headache and works to gently release the restrictions causing the headache which can help them go away completely or have a significant reduction in severity and frequency. 2. Concussion/Brain Traumas - Concussion from head injuries respond well to CST. CST can help relieve the pain associated with whiplash as well as mental changes such as agitation, brain fog, anxiety, and poor memory. 3. Chronic Pain - CST enhances the parasympathetic nervous system. This system heals and repairs when we are most relaxed. Therefore, in chronic pain situations, regular sessions can help reduce and/or relieve chronic pain. 4. Stress/Depression/Anxiety - Everything the body experiences is recorded in the tissue and may cause restrictions. These may then manifest as stress, depression, or anxiety, as the body’s own healing and self-corrective techniques are overwhelmed. CST can help the body self-correct. 5. Whole-Body Tune-up By complementing the body's own healing mechanism, CST can enhance all the systems in the body to help with prevention or reduction Revolutionary of stress, disease or dysfunction. Nonsurgical For more information, log onto www. Eyebag Therapy therhythmwithin.org. To schedule an available. appointment, please contact Marchelle Call for Milligan at (925) 286-6237. Located in consultation! Alamo. Advertorial
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 (HoEB) 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 5:30-7PM 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 HoEB (925) 887-5681. HoEB Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.
To advertise, or to share pictures or a story idea, please contact us at 925.405.6397 or Editor@ YourMonthlyPaper.com.
Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin Offering treatments for: Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Keloid and Scar Revisions Moles Physician-Strength Skin Care Products Precancerous Lesions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Skin Cancer Underarm Sweating Warts, Molluscum
Cosmetic Dermatology For Beautiful Skin Offering treatments for: Body Sculpting Eyebag Reduction Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, and Rejuvenation Frown Lines and Jawline/Jowl Reduction Hair Removal Pigmentation and Melasma Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and Post-injection Bruising Sun Damage and Scars Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars Thinning Hair and/or Balding
Introducing Women’s Wellness Center, featuring Vlase nonablative laser for feminine dryness, atrophy, and stressinduced urinary incontinence, and PRP for hair thinning and rejuvenation.
Technology & Procedures Offered
A place where beauty and healthy skin meet
Cellfina Cool Mini for neck Coolsculpting® Cryoshape Diolite 532 laser Enlighten Pico Genesis Laser Excel V Laser Excimer Laser Fractional CO2 Laser GenesisPlus Laser Infini Microneedling RF Kybella Liposonix® Microneedling MiraDry Mohs Micrographic Surgery NBUVB Phototherapy PicoSure Laser PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation Vbeam Laser Spectra Laser Superficial Radiotherapy Thermage™ Ultherapy™ Vaginal Rejuvenation Vaser Shape VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation
Visit us at our Center of Excellence with a 10,000 square foot, state of the art, newly renovated suite. We are dedicated to Medical, Cosmetic, and Surgical Dermatology and are a place for medical skin consultation, aesthetic rejuvenation, and face and body contouring. Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, product lines, lasers, and therapies offered.
Schedule your free consultation appointment today! Dr. William Ting, MD Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon 2262 Camino Ramon San Ramon, CA 94583 Tel: (925) 328-0255
500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 Hercules, CA 94547 Tel: (510) 669-5700
Email: staff@CalDermCare.com www.DrWilliamTing.com
MODELS
COPING WITH DEATH OF PETS
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, and 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.
*Welcoming new Medicare patients
$ Pe $ $ $ $ $ $ Avg. Sold Price Avg. Size $ 791,500 1,450 $ 1,317,766 2,259 $ 1,671,806 3,171 $ 2,217,500 4,208 $ 2,683,853 5,217 $ 4,187,500 6,431
PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2018
The Combs Team
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
Nancy
This is Rockcliff Country
Alamo Home Sales YTD May 2018 Price Range Active Pending Solds D.O.M $0-$999,000 2 2 4 15 $1.0 -$1.499 M 7 5 16 33 $1.5 M-$1.999 M 14 9 31 26 $2 M -$2.499 M 7 3 14 28 $2.5 M -$2.99 3 3 7 31 $3.0 M-Plus 13 4 6 20 * Number of months required to consume current inventory
Professionals You Can Count On
Joe
Call the Combs Team
®
92 5 -9 8 9 -6 0 8 6 www.TheCombsTeam.com
THE ALAMO REAL ESTATE MARKET: LOOKING GOOD!
Alamo Home Sales Alamo Home Sales YTDYTD MayMay 20182018 Price Range Active Pending Solds D.O.M PriceAvg.Avg. $ Per Inventory* Price Range Active Pending Solds D.O.M Avg.Avg. SoldSold Price SizeSize $ Per Sq. Sq. Ft. Ft.Inventory* $0-$999,000 791,500 1,450 1,450 $0-$999,000 2 2 2 2 4 4 15 15 $ $ 791,500 $ $ 579 579 1.6 1.6 -$1.499 1,317,766 2,259 2,259 $1.0$1.0 -$1.499 M M 7 7 5 5 16 16 33 33 $ $ 1,317,766 $ $ 612 612 2.2 2.2 M-$1.999 1,671,806 3,171 3,171 $1.5$1.5 M-$1.999 M M 14 14 9 9 31 31 26 26 $ $ 1,671,806 $ $ 550 550 2.2 2.2 M -$2.499 2,217,500 4,208 4,208 $2 M$2-$2.499 M M 7 7 3 3 14 14 28 28 $ $ 2,217,500 $ $ 549 549 2.5 2.5 M -$2.99 2,683,853 5,217 5,217 $2.5$2.5 M -$2.99 3 3 3 3 7 7 31 31 $ $ 2,683,853 $ $ 534 534 2.1 2.1 M-Plus 4,187,500 6,431 6,431 $3.0$3.0 M-Plus 13 13 4 4 6 6 20 20 $ $ 4,187,500 $ $ 664 664 10.810.8 * Number of months required to consume current inventory * Number of months required to consume current inventory
Every year I look at the Alamo Market by breaking sales down into price bands to see if there are differences among the groups. For reasons of space economy I collapsed the two least expensive groups into one category of $0-$999,999, where in previous years this has been two separate categories. Given the current data, we can dispense with the $0-$500,000 group as no sales were found during this time period and only five percent of Alamo home sales were below one million dollars. For Alamo as a whole, inventory is falling. As of this writing, we have only 46 homes listed for sale compared to 52 last year. Twenty-six homes are listed as pending. We find only four homes sold in the lowest price band. The lowest priced Alamo sale, a condo, sold for $726,000. That’s $226,000 more than last year’s lowest price band. In the next price band $1M to $1.499M, seven units sold. They sold on average in 33 days, at an average price of $1,317,766. They were 2,259 square feet in size and sold for an average of $612 per-square-foot. Inventory stands at 2.2 months compared to one month last year. It is still a hot market, but time-on-market is increasing. From $1.5M to $1.999M, thirty-one units sold in an average of 26 days, at an average price of $1,671,806. These homes were 3,171 square feet in size and sold for an average of $550 per-square-foot. Remaining inventory will last for 2.2 months. In the next price band $2M to $2.499M, fourteen units sold. The properties that did sell, sold on average in 28 days, at an average price of $2,217,500. These homes averaged 4,208 square feet in size and sold for an average of $549 per-square-foot. This is on par with last year. Inventory in this price range is about 2.5 months. Last year at this time we had about four months of inventory. This is a hot market. From $2.5M to $2.99M seven units sold in an average of 31 days, at an average price of $2,683,853. They were 5,217 square feet in size and sold for an average of
Alamo 10 Acre Estate
$534 per square foot. Remaining inventory will last for 2.1 months in this hot market. The top tier is new this year and it starts at $3M. These homes sold averaged 20 days on market, and sold at a price of $4,187,500. These large properties were on average 6,431 square feet in size and sold for an average of $664 per-square-foot. The current inventory level for these pricey homes stands at 10.8 months. This is down from the same time last year, so this price range is improving. Twenty-seven homes, a little more than one third of all Alamo home sales, were in the ranges above $2M. Given the stratospheric price-per-square-foot paid for the top tier homes, we are now seeing solid evidence that people are willing to pay a premium for true luxury homes. Considering these sales took place after the new tax law passed, it’s probably an indication of rising confidence. Unless interest rates rocket upward things should remain very good. It’s important to remember that there really is no “average” home and no two homes are exactly alike. Computer generated estimates of your home’s market value are probably wrong. If you would like multi-dimensional analysis of your home’s current market value, based on years of Alamo market experience, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com. For more Alamo and Danville Real Estate articles, please visit our website at www. thecombsteam.com.
Round Hill Oaks
D SOL
Round Hill Area
ING D N PE
Beautiful custom home with views, gardens, huge master, 3 ensuite bedrooms, bonus room/au pair suite with private entrance. Priced to sell $5,650,000.
Rare Round Hill Oaks home. Never on Market. Nancy and I represented the buyer and the seller. Wish to sell quietly? We can help you.
Pristine 5 bedroom in a great location. Stainless steel and granite Kitchen. Private lot. Priced to sell $1.4 million.
Danville Gated Community
Alamo Single Story
Alamo Springs!
Charming light and bright 4 bedroom 2.5 bath Single story home on a large private lot. Sold $1,550,000.
Five bedroom 4.5 bath, Luxury abounds. Chef’s kitchen, outdoor kitchen, pool & spa, sports court. Priced to sell $2.8M
NG I D PEN Five bedroom 3 bath in gated community. One bed downstairs, designer kitchen, spacious master. Priced to sell $1,300,000
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.
J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526