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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& JUNE 2019
RUTH BANCROFT’S LEGACY GROWS ON
By Jody Morgan
The Ruth Bancroft Garden (RBG), legacy of a remarkable woman’s vision and dedication, continues to develop in new directions. Complimenting the RBG’s extensive and ever-growing collection of drought-tolerant plants from around the globe, the Coit Family Visitor and Education Center opening June 26 th enhances the garden’s natural ability to educate and entertain. Thoughtfully designed interior spaces provide year-round facilities for programs, workshops, social gatherings and Water feature suggested by Lester Hawkins reflects folly Ruth meetings – all availBancroft designed. Photo by Jody Morgan. able for reservation for private events. Begun almost 50 years ago as Ruth’s personal endeavor, the garden has gained immeasurable value as a community resource since opening to the public in 1992 as the pilot project of the Garden Conservancy. Falling in love with form rather than function, Ruth began collecting rosette-shaped succulents in the 1950s. California’s building boom had yet to make water conservation a critical issue. While other gardeners were still keeping their succulents in pots, she made the bold move of planting her already significant store of unusual specimens in-ground in a three-acre area bared by the demise of a walnut orchard. In 1972, Ruth enlisted the advice of Lester Hawkins of Western Hills Nursery to plan the initial beds. She approved his suggestion that even a dry garden needed a water feature, but overruled his objection to contrasting the architectural Ruth Bancroft (photo courtesy of the Ruth
JOIN THE CLEANER CONTRA COSTA CHALLENGE By Fran Miller
While Earth Day is a great time to show appreciation for our planet, doesn’t it make sense to display gratitude to Mother Earth on a daily basis? Sustainable Contra Costa believes so, and that’s why they’ve issued the ‘Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge,’ a program that encourages and promotes ear th-f riendly lifestyle changes such as taking shorter showers or packing school lunches in re-usable containers. This new program empowers Contra Costa residents to create a healthier environment, reduce pollution, and save money. The Challenge gives communities an online tool to quickly and easily create a personal plan to act on climate change, share their success, save money, and build a stronger community. All suggested action items are simple and achievable. “We all want Contra Costa County to be a wonderful place for families
See Challenge continued on page 17
DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH ACADEMY
By Fran Miller
Do you know a middle or high school student in grades 7 to 12 with an interest in law enforcement, forensics, investigations, and the criminal justice system? Maybe he or she would like to learn about which level of force police offers select in apprehending a criminal. If so, the Danville Police Department Youth Academy (grades 10, 11, and 12) and Junior Youth Academy (grades 7, 8, and 9) provide invaluable insights into the role of
See Academy continued on page 9
Bancroft Garden)
See Bancroft continued on page 8 Local Postal Customer
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The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XIX Number 6
Volume X 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.
PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
BOULEVARD VIEW
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
“We've been living with personal computers for over 30 years, the web for 20, and smartphones for a decade. For each gain that digital technology delivers (speed, broad connectivity, vast processing power), it sacrifices something analog (quiet, personal connections, contemplative thought),” states a passage in the book The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter by David Sax. A new friend introduced me to the book. My friend is in his early 60's, worked for a large corporation, and had largely avoided the digital age and using a computer or having an email address for the last 25+ years. In this day and age, it seems such simplicity is almost unheard of. Isn't everything now a bunch of 1's and 0's, on and off? Everywhere there is digital music, digital photos, everything typed on a computer instead of handwritten, businesses with their only presence being a webpage, reading via eReaders, and information being delivered via websites with infinite links that take one down a rabbit hole of endless stories. We no longer need to travel or go out. The whole world is now at our fingertips with videos that can take you to any country and online tutorials which disperse any knowledge you hope to gain. We can play almost any game with people all over the world via our smartphones or sites that our Xboxes link to. However, what is the cost? Is this living? Old fashioned board games are an excuse to get together, have face-to-face interactions, and perhaps share a meal. Digital multi-player games don't offer those same relationships or connectivity. A meal from a box or fast food joint doesn't provide the chance to gather and celebrate food in the same way. Growing up, I remember countless hours shelling peas or walnuts, handrolling eggrolls and wontons, and making batches of cookies from scratch and not some boxed mix. There was joy in that simplicity. An online recipe doesn't have spaghetti stains, cookie dough smears, written notes for doubling or tripling the recipe, or shared familial history. I'll always say a handwritten note will trump any text or email thank you note. Yes, electronic communication is much quicker but it lacks the depth of a hand-chosen (or better yet handmade!) card, a special stamp, and something unique in the mailbox other than bills. Does paying a bill electronically or via a swipe of your card or phone make the same connection of money going out as would handing cash or handwriting a check? The Revenge of Analog notes, “Paper has existed, in one form or another, for thousands of years. It is the backbone of the economic, cultural, scientific, and spiritual core we call civilization. The PalmPilot digital planner came out the same year as Moleskine's first notebook (guess which business is still around?). Numerous studies have shown than handwriting notes is better for engagement, information retention, and mental health than is writing on digital devices.” I have had countless people make fun of my stack of my “Alisa notes” a joke Post-It-Note reference to my handwritten messages to self I have in my office. However, I'm a deep believer in paper, and the support of this newspaper reinforces the importance to something physical and without batteries or cords to transmit information. While digital photography is wonderful, film is creative. Have you noticed that the more digital pictures you take (especially with current phones etc.), the more meaningless they become? Most stores can't compete against Amazon's price or convenience of door-stop delivery. However, what our local stores do offer are folks from our communities providing personal service, special events, and engagement with and use of your senses for the purchase while surrounded by the presence of like-minded people. Brick and mortar stores can deliver an experience, something online retailing struggles with. My son's girlfriend excels at thoughtful gift giving. She'll overhear a wish or hone in on someones passion and find the most special ways to celebrate the person. It's a skill I want to emulate more. Over the years, I have given countless gifts of cash or a gift card. I'm realizing that's the easy thing to do, but it doesn't have the same impact as a personal gift. How many of you have unused gift cards laying around or remember where you spent the $50 someone gave for a special occasion? I have multiple wedding gifts (before the days of money trees!) that I tie to a specific person, and I reflect on that person each time I use the gift. Even something like a vase of flowers from someones yard or a special treat cooked from someone's kitchen builds a strong connection and makes a great gift. Analog is face to face. It's sharing common interests. It's a book group, crafts, cooking, hiking, being in nature, writing, and creative experiences that invoke our senses. Do you know your neighbors beyond your NextDoor link to them or a wave as they drive down the street? Do you have their contact info if you see their sprinkler malfunctioning, a garage door left open, or something amiss? Do you ever borrow and egg or other ingredient? That's what makes a community. Analog can help us return to an era where things were repaired rather than thrown out. “Repair Cafes” are popping up. The concept is to teach people skills that have been forgotten, to learn how to fix rather than throw out whether that be mending clothes, or fixing furniture, appliances, bicycles, toys... Digital can work harmoniously with analog. Think how Etsy and other sites have provided a way for crafters to share their art with folks all over the world. Kickstarter has allowed for creatives to publish books, movies, new tabletop games, and much more. It's summer time and the perfect excuse to turn off the digital and go back to analog. Grab a book, play a vinyl record, let the kids romp in the mud, build with cardboard boxes, draw a comic for the paper (send me your art; who knows, it could be published for the community to see), or take a car trip and have the passengers play the “Alphabet game“ instead of watching a video rerun. Go out and explore! If you're firmly entrenched in the digital age and have stuff sitting around you won't use, please contact me. I am still collecting items for Butte County fire survivors. They desperately want/need to replace hobby Gopher/Mole Removal and craft material, and supplies to restart their businesses or for self sufficiency. Does anyone have spare No Poison digital SLRs, a MIG welder, tools, or woodworking supplies no longer being used? If so, please reach out, and I'd be happy to get what you no longer need to folks who would be very grateful. Tri-Valley Trapper
SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, there are a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, and baseball games include spouses, friends, and guests. The next luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at 11am. The guest speaker will be WWII historian and author Frank Jordan. Frank brings a special passion for the Second World War in Europe as his father parachuted into Normandy on D-Day (with the British 6th Airborne Division), fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and jumped again across the Rhine into Germany. Frank will speak on the Allied landing at Normandy in recognition of the 75 Anniversary of D-Day. Be ready for a very interesting presentation! The $26 luncheon includes a meal, guest speaker, and great opportunity to socialize with other retirees from the Valley. To reserve a space for the June luncheon, please send an email by Thursday, June 13th to info@ SIR128.com. The luncheon will be held at The Bridges, 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. For more information, visit www.SIR128.com.
925-765-4209 Join San Damiano for
FATHER’S DAY BBQ June 16, 2019 1:00-4:00 PM
Adults $30 | Kids 12 and under $15 Register today
sandamiano.org | (925) 837-9141
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
Exclusive Listings by Celeste Pacelli
NE W P R ICE
JU S T L I S T E D
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5 BEDS | 5 FULL & 2 HALF BATHS | 6,511 SQ. FT. | 22,738 SQ. FT. LOT 331CORRIE.COM
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1451 JACKSON WAY | ALAMO | PRICE UPON REQUEST
4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 2,941 SQ. FT | 9,409 SQ. FT. LOT 1451JACKSONWAY.COM
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4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 3,351 SQ. FT. | 0.96 ACRE LOT 205STONEVALLEY.COM
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CELESTE PACELLI
Celeste.Pacelli@TheAgencyRE.com 925.395.1511 LIC. #01862387 THEAGENCYRE.COM
641 SAN R AMON VALLEY BLVD. DANVILLE, CA 94526
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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
FUTURES EXPLORED - NIFTY THRIFTY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
By Will Sanford, Futures Explored
If you haven’t been to Nifty Thrift Shop in Lafayette, you may miss out on a quaint, homey little thrift store that employs people with developmental disabilities (including many from the Alamo/Danville area). Nifty Thrifty (affectionately called “Nifty”) provides a low-key, cottage-based vintage, antique and general resale store, benefiting local nonprofit, Futures Explored. The mission of Futures Explored is to provide life skills and work-related training to adults with developmental disabilities. Due to rising costs, Nifty is slated to close on July 15th. Staff were informed that rising rent and increased wage costs were forcing this decision. “I don’t know where I’ll work if Nifty isn’t here,” a participant said and sadly looked down, when asked how she was doing. Nifty has been in Lafayette since the 1970’s and currently employs around 15 community members who happen to have a developmental disability. Nifty “Direct Service Professionals” have worked with and trained hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities over the years, with many moving on to jobs in the community. Participants come from all over the East Bay to be at Nifty, and its supportive, caring environment is the reason. The primary focus of Nifty is employment training for the workers in a community-inclusive environment, providing a needed work place for them and an income stream for their parent organization, Futures Explored in Lafayette. Please come visit Nifty, help the organization find jobs for the workers, and consider ways to support this Lafayette business! Located at 3467 Golden Gate Way (behind the Lafayette Library), Nifty is open Mondays, noon to 5pm, and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Nifty is closed on Sundays. Additionally, if you have a job that could be accomplished by a trained worker from Nifty or Futures Explored, please email willsanford@futures-explored.org. Save Nifty Thrift and a little piece of calm in a hectic world.
DANVILLE
Summerfest SATURDAY & SUNDAY
JUNE 22 & 23 10AM - 5PM HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DANVILLE 150+ ARTISANS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, FAMILY ACTIVITIES BEER & WINE, GREAT FOOD, CLASSIC CAR SHOW - SUNDAY ONLY!
DANVILLESUMMERFEST.COM
TOTALLY TRAINS AND MORE
The popular “Totally Trains” summer exhibit will open at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley on June 15th and run through August 18th. The main layout of the exhibit has two elevations with four trains running on two levels with scenery, bridges, a trestle, tunnel, and a village with a replica of the Museum, the former Southern Pacific Depot. A secondary running train layout will feature a number of working accessories including a working log loader.
FREE ADMISSION!
June 21st: The Sun Kings
Performing the music of The Beatles with driving rhythm, spot-on arrangements, and vocal harmonies.
June 28th: SONA
Fronted by powerful female vocalist Sona Lofaro, SONA breathes new life into some of the biggest hits of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
July 5th: Mixed Nuts
Enjoy listening and dancing to popular music that spans several decades.
July 12th: Fog City Swampers Tribute band to Creedence Clearwater Revival, inspiring all to sing and dance.
July 26th: Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys
Tribute band to the Beach Boys bringing precise harmonies, dynamics, and excitement. Bring blankets, chairs, family, and friends. If you r equir e an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact recreation staff at (925) 313-2272 at least 72 hour s pr ior to the event date.
Young engineers will have the opportunity to load coal into a steam locomotive thanks to a great model boiler that is set up for their enjoyment. In addition to the fun it gives young visitors, it provides a great photo opportunity as well! There will also be NASA train cars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. This year’s layout will again showcase several scale models of buildings in the Valley which were found along the tracks in Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, and all the way to Dublin. These buildings join a number of “scratch built” structures constructed for the layout and donated to the Museum over the years. This year the museum is also proud to be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad and the driving of the golden spoke. Exhibits will showcase the Chinese workers, Native American helpers, and Irish workers who helped build the transcontinental railroad. In addition, there will be information on the role of women working on the railroads. Totally Trains is a fun way for all ages to spend a summer day. Be sure to purchase your Family Pass for $15 which provides unlimited visits to this exhibit. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 1PM and Sunday noon to 3PM. The Museum is closed on Mondays. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in the restored train depot on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. For more information, call 925-837-375 or visit www.musemsrv.org.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
STUNNING NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW PRICE!
NEW LISTING
ACTIVE
66 CREST AVENUE, ALAMO 5 BEDS, 4 BATHS, 4,631 SF, .77 ACRE LOT
15 LOWER GOLF ROAD, PLEASANTON 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3,258 SF, 27,690 SF LOT
3133 WITHERS AVENUE, LAFAYETTE 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, IN-LAW UNIT, 2,500 SF, .46 ACRE
319 LA PAZ COURT, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 1,461 SF, 7,500 SF LOT
OFFERED AT $$2,688,000
OFFERED AT $2,025,000
OFFERED AT $1,398,000
OFFERED AT $799,900
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS | 925.765.9095
ALISON J. PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
SABRENA LAWTON | 925.768.2992
NEW PRICE!
SOLD FOR $260K OVER ASKING PRICE
SOLD
SOLD • REPRESENTED BUYER
433 SYCAMORE CIRCLE, DANVILLE 2 BEDS, 1.5 BATHS, 1,148 SF, 912 SF LOT
207 ACACIA LANE, ALAMO 5 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,781 SF, .58 ACRE LOT
1 TYLER COURT, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 3,655 SF, .51 ACRE LOT
42 NEW BOSTON COURT, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 2,819 SF,.27 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $635,000
SOLD FOR $1,755,000
LISTED FOR $1,729,000
$1,755,000
SABRENA LAWTON | 925.768.2992
JOHN FONDNAZIO | 925.817.9053
BRYAN HURLBUT, HURLBUT TEAM | 925.383.5500
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
Danville
Summerfest SOLD • REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD • REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD • REPRESENTED BUYER
198 BELGIAN DRIVE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 2,345 SF, 11,808 SF LOT
111 LEHIGH VALLEY PLACE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,168 SF, .25 ACRE LOT
242 ASHLEY CIRCLE, DANVILLE 3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 1,283 SF
SOLD FOR $1,310,000
SOLD FOR $1,265,000
SOLD FOR $685,000
LAURA BARBARA TEAM | 925.389.7601
BRYAN HURLBUT, HURLBUT TEAM | 925.383.5500
EVA ELDERTS | 925.726.9409
ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214
BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500
REALTOR® | DRE#01177737
REALTOR® | DRE# 01347508
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142
Historic Downtown June 22 & 23 10am - 5pm
Dudum Danville will be there!
Stop by and say hello!
EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409
JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053
JULIE DEL SANTO 925.818.5500
KATIE HENDERSON 925.286.0026
KERI FRYER 925.980.9979
REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328
REALTOR® | DRE# 01938194
BROKER/OWNER DRE# 01290985
REALTOR® | DRE# 02061210
REALTOR® | DRE# 02068960
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS 925.765.9095 925.765.0629
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952
MICHAEL & JACKIE GERRY 925.209.5140 925.209.5130
SABRENA LAWTON 925.768.2992
STEFANIE PASSEY 925.268.0780
TERESA ZOCCHI 925.360.8662
REALTOR® | DRE# 01821910
REALTOR® | DRE# 01442889
REALTOR® | DRE# 01907345
REALTORS® DRE# 01426129 / 01364038
REALTORS® DRE# 00905114 / 01364056
REALTORS® DRE# 01307893 / 01702866
REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181
LAURA BARBARA 925.389.7601
MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380
REALTOR® | DRE#01324341
REALTOR® | DRE# 02067680
DANVILLE
WALNUT CREEK
LAMORINDA
BRENTWOOD
Distinctive Properties
WWW.DUDUM.COM ©2019 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
Results. Pure and Simple.
Don Magalhaes
Just Listed · 115 Windover Drive, Danville
925.786.1855 don@compass.com
5 Bed 3 Bath
DRE 00897221
3,500 Sq Ft Pool & Spa
$1,649,000
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.
•
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams
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Contact Lens Exams
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Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses In many cases, we are able to make your glasses in our office with our On-Site Lab
215 ALAMO PLAZA SUITE D ALAMO, CA 94507 www.poplarspecs.com
San Ramon Valley Christian Academy's (SRVCA) Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team, consisting of seven recent 8th-grade graduates, competed at this year's OM World Finals at Michigan State University. There were 67 teams representing 12 countries in their division. The SRVCA team placed 3rd in the “style” portion of the competition and finished 8th overall.
TREATS FOR THE TROOPS
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY MONDAY—FRIDAY: 9 - 6 SATURDAY: 9 - 4
925.202.2846
Thanks to all of the generous shoppers who have helped service group Delta Nu Psi send 40,899 pounds, over 20 TONS of gourmet junk food to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones! The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo on the first Friday of each month and at Lunardi’s in Danville on the second Friday of each month. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:45PM. Please shop for the men and women serving the United States. To learn more, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
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PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
Bancroft continued from front page
forms envisioned for her then tiny tree seedlings with a “folly” structure inspired by European gardens. Ruth’s daughter Nina Dickerson remarks on her mother’s seemingly conflicting talents that worked together to enable her to create a garden satisfying her aesthetic sensibility while scientifically documenting the process. “She was artistic: she drew, made sculptures, played the piano a little, and loved classical music. As a student at UC Berkeley, she studied architecture until the stock market crash, which helped train her eye. She was also very organized and meticulous with whatever she worked on, whether it was the plants in her garden or her collection of shells.” Ruth recorded every plant’s acquisition date, location in the garden, weather conditions each year and how it performed. By choosing what she loved and learning what survived, Ruth led the way in altering the direction of the horticultural mainstream and introduced a broad spectrum of drought-tolerant species not previously seen in California landscapes. Always willing to experiment with plants she was assured would expire in East Bay’s winter-wet/summer-dry climate, Ruth amassed data that significantly aided professional and amateur growers in selecting water-wise plants for commercial propagation and private properties. Nina recalls: “She was in her 60s when she started the dry garden. Very early on, one winter we had a very hard frost. Her list of plants she lost was pages long. Not to be discouraged, she started over and replanted the garden.” As finding space for new acquisitions became problematic, Ruth added beds. Winter covers went on in November to protect tender specimens. After 10 years, her Silk Floss (aka Kapok) sapling (Ceiba speciosa) outgrew its shelter. In the bitter cold of late December 1990, every branch with a diameter of less than 8” froze and died, but the tree survives as possibly the northernmost representative of this South American species. Brian Kemble, RBG Curator, began working for Ruth in 1980. Once she discovered his interest in hybridizing, she encouraged his efforts. Many of his hybrids can be found in the garden and for sale in the garden’s nursery, some have generated funds for the RBG as popular auction items and a few, like Aloe “Hellskoof Bells’ and Aloe ‘Wunderkind’, have been released in the horticultural trade. Describing Ruth’s aesthetic criteria, Brian explains, “Ruth definitely attached a lot of importance to the flow of the plantings, and t his was why she did not want prominent signage in the garden. She viewed identifying signs as intrusions that interfered with the composition of the beds, and a distraction from seeing the beds as painterly creations.” In 1988, friends dragged Frank Cabot, who had no interest in seeing Palm planted in 1972 shades Bologna's metal cactus and dwarfs what he thought Brian Kemble. Kapok tree (left) survived 1990 freeze. Photo by was just a bunch Jody Morgan.
See Bancroft continued on page 11
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council present
2019 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
CLASSIC NIGHT
Friday, July 19th
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Friday, August 9th
Bring blankets, chairs,, flashlights, family, and friends. If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact recreation staff at (925) 313-2272, at least 72 hours prior to the event date.
SAN RAMON VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society invites you to join them for their June meeting to be held on Tuesday, June 18th from 10am to noon at the Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Rd., Alamo. The speaker will be Sven-Ove Westberg and he will be sharing "Swedish Research" with the group. If you have any Swedish ancestors, you might find this very helpful in your research. For more information, please visit www.srvgensoc.org.
JOIN WHITE PONY EXPRESS IN MEETING ITS MATCHING FUND CHALLENGE BY JUNE 15!
Every day, 364 days a year, White Pony Express (WPE) trucks deliver 6,000 pounds of surplus food to people in our communities who are hungry. In addition, WPE delivers items of new or like-new clothing, toys, games, and books to families in our neighborhoods. All of this done free of charge. With your support WPE can continue these programs and expand their School Pantry Program, where they deliver food to families who often don’t have enough to eat. Among other programs, WPE continues to make deliveries of food and clothing to the survivors of the Camp Fire in Butte County. WPE has received an incredible opportunity. Three donors, whom they consider to be “angels,” including Luis Gerardo del Valle Torres, the Heart’s Path Foundation, and the Gemmer Foundation have pledged $300,000 in matching funds for all financial donations, grants, and pledges received between April 15 and June 15, 2019. This would be a HUGE step toward achieving their annual fundraising goal of $2,000,000. If you are interested in making a contribution to help WPE with this matching opportunity, please send your contribution to White Pony Express at 3380 Vincent Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, or online at https://www.whiteponyexpress. org/3-angel-match. For more information on WPE, visit www. whiteponyexpress.org.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
By Maria Ward, Principal HELLO SUMMER
Happy June! The faculty and staff at St. Isidore School are busy putting the finishing touches on another school year. The close of yet another year serves as a great opportunity to celebrate our students, their accomplishments, and those who are graduating. Welcome Class of 2019 to the SIS Alumni family! The year’s end also serves as a reminder that people move on. It is always difficult to say goodbye to students and families we have grown to know and love, but we rest assured that we will see them again. Graduates of all ages occasionally return to campus, and their visits brighten our day. If you are an alumnus of St. Isidore School, please take a moment to complete the online Alumni Information Form at www.stisidore.org.
Join us for our 3rd annual afternoon of New Orleans fare, wine and live music featuring the CoolTones Big Band. When: Sunday, July 21, 2019 | 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Where: San Damiano Retreat | 710 Highland Dr. | Danville, CA Reservations: Call 925.837.9141 or SanDamiano.org Cost: $35 per person
ALAMO WOMEN'S CLUB (AWC)
BOOTS AND BLING! A FUN TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Our annual Field Day is right around the corner, and it’s a great way to celebrate the end of the school year! It gives students an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, let loose, and spend time with friends. Parent volunteers and staff members facilitate games and activities. It truly is the perfect summer kickoff!
The AWC “Boots and Bling” fundraiser is scheduled for August 17th at the AWC, located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo from 4:30PM to 9:30PM. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, libations, and instructor-led line dancing. Tickets are $75 per person and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boots-and-bling-tickets-56658409829 or by mailing your check to Alamo Women’s Club, P.O. Box 151 Alamo, CA 94507. All proceeds go to fund scholarships and local philanthropies.
St. Isidore Church’s Annual Faith Camp will take place June 17–21. This year’s camp theme, ROAR, will transport your little explorer straight to a safari of fun! Campers ages Pre-K through 5th grade will enjoy arts, crafts, games, and fun with friends. If you are interested in registering your child, contact the St. Isidore Church office at (925) 837-2122.
AWC sponsors jewelry liquidation sales to provide scholarships for Bay Area foster youth and low income students. The sales will take place at Creekside Community Church, located at 1350 Danville Blvd, Alamo from 10am - 4pm on June 14-15, August 9-10, November 8-9, and a special Christmas Event December 6-7. Prices for costume jewelry start at $5, and designer jewelry is 50% off.
FIELD DAY FUN
ST. ISIDORE FAITH CAMP
JUST BREATHE
Summer serves as a great opportunity to perfect the “Three Rs”: rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. I hope you get plenty of all three. Remember to encourage your children to read. Reading helps expand vocabulary and develops basic language skills. It also inspires the imagination. Setting up a quiet cozy corner encourages children to grab a book and dive into reading. I want to wish you all a very happy and safe summer! Please be sure to take time as a family to talk, play, and pray together.
Academy continued from front page
law enforcement and how local police officers keep our communities safe. The experience is free and includes varied training topics such as California law, search and seizure, traffic stops, accident reconstruction science, K9 demonstrations, investigations, officer safety, defensive tactics, officer use of force, and building searches. The activities are designed as a combination of classroom discussions, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. “There are so many myths and stereotypes out there from Hollywood, video games, and other types of media that most people don’t even know what police work really looks like,” says Lauren Brown, school program coordinator for the Town of Danville. “We hope that by exposing our Youth Academy students to our officers and teaching them about actual police work, we can dispel some of those myths and show them what a great career choice law enforcement can be. The ultimate goal it to teach kids about law enforcement, but the secondary goal is to build good relationships with the youth in our community. During the program, the participants spend time getting to know our officers and learning about all aspects of the job which we hope will foster a greater understanding and build positive relationships.” The Youth Academy (capacity 20 students) runs from June 10 – June 13 from 9am to 2pm and meets at the Danville Police Department three of the four days, and in Concord for one day to practice at the Force Options Simulator. The Junior Youth Academy (capacity 12 students) is a one-day program, offered either June 20 or July 31 from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Priority is provided to Danville residents, but non-residents are welcome if space is available. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 with good attendance and not have any misdemeanor or felony arrests. Registration is through Danville Recreation Services' Activity Guide. Go to www.danville.ca.gov/recguide to sign-up.
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JEWELRY LIQUIDATION SALES
ALAMO ELEMENTARY
By Stan Hitomi, Principal
In 2016, the Golden State Warriors rolled out their new “Strengths in Numbers” campaign in recognition of the total team effort it took to achieve their record-breaking 73-9 season. Three years later, the Warriors find themselves falling back to a total team effort to advance in the 2019 NBA playoffs without superstar Kevin Durant. Similarly, as the smallest school in the district, we rest upon the same philosophy. Being small, we depend upon an overwhelming contribution from everyone in our community. The phrase “we do so much” is common to all of our parents, students, and staff. At the end of each school year, we honor just a few of the many who have contributed to our greater team effort. On May 15th, the PTA and staff at Alamo Elementary collaborated on our annual celebration, the PTA Honorary Service Awards & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. It is a time when the staff at Alamo takes an afternoon to thank the many volunteers both in the classroom and around the school. It is also a venue where our PTA honors individuals who have excelled over time in their support of our school. This year, the following individuals were recognized: Golden Oak Award - Kristin Bush, Honorary Service Award - Carrie Carleton, Christina Heil, Jenn Hoffmann, Continuing Service Award - Cristina Armstrong, Maria Bobina, Bar Mizne, and the Welch Family (Jon & Sonia), Very Special Person Award - Jill Abbey, Kelly Bowes, Jennifer Brown, Kim Hauskens, Carrie Sardelich, and Cat Tsai, Outstanding Educator - Lynn Hoaglin (Garden Educator), Outstanding Administrator - Marcie Wehrley (School Librarian), and Shout-Outs - Karyn Bergen, Jodee Brydges, Christy Campos, Melissa Economos, Anabelle Galera, Laura Hillebrandt, and Suzanne Miller. Special recognition goes to Kristin Bush who received the Golden Oak Award, the highest award given by the PTA. Kristin served one year as PTA President, volunteered two years as PTA Co-President, was second VP of the PTA, and served as chair or co-chair of the Talent Show, Spring Book Fair, Holiday Shoppe, Sister School, and Fall Registration. In addition to the PTA Awards, several individuals have been recognized by other organizations this year: Alamo School Students of the Year - Haley Blackman, Kennedy Bergen, Sophia Khoury, Alamo Rotary Student of the Year - Haley Blackman, Alamo Rotary Educator of the Year - Kathy Sasaki (Resource Teacher), Alamo Classified Employee of the Year - Jennifer Border (Para Educator), Alamo Shining Star Award - Karla Angle (Instrumental Music) It is wonderful that we get the opportunity to recognize these individuals for their extraordinary efforts. But at Alamo School, we take pride that our success as a school is the result of our “Strength In Numbers.” Have a GREAT SUMMER!
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
Monte Vista (MV) is finishing the 2018-19 school year with a flurry of celebrations and activities. Our seniors began their final week of high school on Wednesday, May 22nd 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 soonto-be graduates. I want to give a big “thank you” to the students, staff, and parent volunteers who helped put these two events together. A day earlier, Monte Vista’s senior and junior class girls faced off in our annual Powder Puff flag football game. Both teams played hard with the defenses really taking control of the action. Two safeties and an overtime “California Tie-Breaker” still resulted in a 2 – 2 tie. As always, the event was well attended, and everyone had lots of fun. As I write this column, Finals Week is kicking off to be culminated by our Commencement Ceremony on May 31st. Three Monte Vista seniors and a faculty member were recently recognized for their achievements by community organizations. First, USC-bound Hunter
www.yourmonthlypaper.com Hinson and Monte Vista English Teacher Gavin Long were honored by Alamo Rotary as the Student and Teacher of the Year respectively. The next day, Dixie State-bound Ben Clark received the Monte Vista PTA Scholarship at their annual awards breakfast. Lastly, UCSD-bound senior, Erika Braun was honored on May 13th 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 2018-19 off in grand style as well. MV’s Women’s Swim team capped off a stellar season with their third consecutive NCS and EBAL Championships and MV’s Zoie Hartman claimed two individual state championships at the CIF State Championship Meet. MV’s Kelli Wilson was another NCS Champ, winning the 3200 meter race and the NCS Meet of Champions. We also enjoyed a historic run by MV’s Men’s Volleyball team, which won its first EBAL Championship in 30 years, played in their first NCS Championship Game, and competed in their first CIF Regional Playoff game, Congrats to MV Aquatics, Track, Men’s Volleyball, and all of our spring sports for an excellent finish to our athletic year. 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 2018-19. It has truly been a great year, and we are grateful to everyone who played a part.
STEPPING UP IN CONTRA COSTA TO KEEP THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS FROM CYCLING THROUGH OUR JAILS By Candace Andersen
Prisons and jails are necessary institutions for individuals who break our laws and who are deemed too dangerous to live among the general public. These establishments are where justice is realized, and rehabilitation is wrought. Unfortunately, not all inmates who call our prisons and jails home are suitable tenants. Statistics show there are more mentally ill people in our countries’ jails than in our hospitals. In Contra Costa County, it is estimated that 25-30% of inmates in our County jails have some form of mental illness. Back on December 8, 2015, our Board of Supervisors unanimously supported a resolution that I sponsored with Sheriff David Livingston to join “Stepping Up: A National Initiative to Reduce the Number of People with Mental Illness in Jails (Stepping Up).” It was launched earlier that year by the National Association of Counties and other concerned organizations to give counties better resources to address the crisis. For our county, this was not just a “feel good” resolution, but one we have taken very seriously. The Board of Supervisors, Sheriff’s Department, Probation Department, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Office of Reentry and Justice, and our Health Department have all been looking at better ways to respond to the disproportionate number of people with mental illnesses who rotate in and out of our jails and justice system. Not only is it challenging for a mentally ill individual to be incarcerated, but it has led to devastating results for taxpayers as well with counties spending two to three times more money on adults with mental illnesses that require intervention than on the rest of the population. As history has shown, these individuals are incompatible with jails. In Contra Costa County, many county staff members are currently working on a number of initiatives related to the Stepping Up program. We have been taking a look at what is working in our system, and where we can improve. Some of our current programs to address this include: • A county behavioral healthcare partnership with our hospital and health centers; • Improvements in our inter-agency electronic health records with a shared Treatment Implementation Plan and protocol to identify and develop coordinated response and planning for people who frequently cycle among the detention facilities, psychiatric emergency, and hospitals; • New homeless encampment action protocols; • Enhanced Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to help law enforcement and first responders differentiate between criminal behaviors and those that result from mental illness or substance use; • Improved access to integrated behavioral and physical health care at the George and Cynthia Miller Wellness Center. Located just one mile from the County’s main jail, it is well suited to provide post-release support; • Adoption of Laura’s Law – the assisted outpatient treatment of the severely mentally ill that allows a Court to order a small subset of people with serious mental illness to accept treatment; • The establishment of Mental Health Evaluation Teams (MHET) to provide targeted support to people whose mental health challenges result in repeated police calls or who have been involuntarily hospitalized due to psychiatric crisis; • Continued improvements in the County’s jails intake process which already includes an initial screening for potential mental health disorders for anyone booked into the facility and protocols in place to respond accordingly; and • Recommendations from our County Mental Health Commission • Recommendations from our Juvenile Justice Commission and the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, who work with the Probation Department, Superior Court and other juvenile justice stakeholders to ensure appropriate services for youth, including those with mental health challenges. At the state level, several criminal justice-related bills and measures are also looking at alternative ways of sentencing individuals with mental illnesses, such as Assembly Bill (AB) 1810, which gives Judges discretion to order pre-trial diversion for any crime if a Judge finds the mental illness played a substantial role in the crime; or Senate Bill (SB) 215, which eliminates certain offenses from consideration from diversion, including murder, manslaughter, rape and other sex offenses. Both bills were recently signed in to law. In Contra Costa we will be will focusing on additional improvements in three primary areas including: 1) promoting diversion opportunities; 2) maximizing jail to community transition planning; and 3) ensuring data collection and analysis are part of the policymaking and program development. Ultimately, we want to find answers and solutions to create ways for individuals to avoid incarceration altogether, and focus attention on the youth so that we can prevent the jail pipeline many children find themselves cycling through, which so very often leads to them spending much of their adulthood incarcerated. Taking a holistic approach to individuals with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system is a way to assure the safety of the public, provide taxpayer relief, and find the optimal solution for providing rehabilitation to those in need. 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.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
Bancroft continued from page 8
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATING SENIORS!
of cactus, to visit Ruth’s garden. Overwhelmed by her DON’T FORGET TO PACK YOUR creation, he proposed starting a Garden Conservancy to preserve her Walnut Creek garden and others like it from If you’re moving to college or have just turned 18, be prepared in the event of a medical emergency! being bulldozed for housing You have the authority to appoint your parents (or any other person) to carry out your health care decisions. developments or abandoned Attorney Reviewed Notarized to decay. Although still able to spend 12 hours a day weeding C o n t a c t G r a c i e R o o n e y a t gracie@vantagepoint.law and planting at age 80, Ruth welcomed Cabot’s plan. Nina notes, “When she was in her 90s, she just didn’t understand why after a few hours digging 319 Diablo Road, Suite 200, Danville, California 94526 in the garden, she felt tired.” Telephone: 925-934-7400 Legal Advertisement Once the RBG opened to the public as a non-profit, fundraising became essential. Sculpture in the Garden, a perennially successful event, runs for its 25th year June 29th-September 1st. While Ruth always felt her plants were the more compelling artistic statement, sculptors find the plants provide a sensational theatrical backdrop for their work. David Mudgett has been involved with Sculpture in the Garden for many years as an exhibitor and the official coordinator of appropriate placement within the garden of the work of fellow artists. He comments, “The grays and greens of the foliage tend to make the sculpture pop.” This year’s show focuses on monumental pieces. “Big pieces are memorable,” says Mudgett. “People come back year after year to see what those pieces will be.” Joe Bologna has the distinction of creating the first sculpture Ruth permitted to remain in her garden on a permanent basis. “The sculptural nature of the garden is a perfect setting for the exhibit,” Joe says. “Other shows lack the sculptural scale and environmental variety of the RBG event.” As an enthusiastic supporter for many years, Bologna insists, “The role of each of us who has been to the garden is to encourage others to come. Visitors are always surprised at what they find. Artists are amazed at how well their outdoor work shows in the garden.” Executive Director Gretchen Bartzen accepted the position before experiencing Great Room of new RBG Coit Family Visitor & Education Center nears completion. the powerful impact the RBG exerts on first-time visitors. Proud to be part of the (photo Courtesy of the Ruth Bancroft Garden) RBG family of members, volunteers, and staff, she says, “The Ruth Bancroft Garden is a source of beauty, a source of fellowship and a source of connection that generates true love.” Bartzen describes spotting a lady peering through the gate early one morning before the garden opened. As Gretchen unlocked the gate the woman explained that she came regularly to take pictures so Ruth could see the garden she loved even though she could no longer spend time in it on her own. Getting Ruth’s wheelchair around the garden was a chore. The building project not only includes ADA accessible meeting facilities and restroom, but also provides garden access along new paved and decomposed granite paths. Tirelessly coordinating the fundraising effort, Bartzen never let set-backs on cost over-runs and permitting issues diminish her belief in reaching the goal. As of April 2019, $4.66 million of the $4.9 million needed for final payment of the new visitor and education center had been raised. The RBG Event Coordinator is already busy booking weddings, social gatherings, and corporate meetings. Contributions from many individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations have been gratefully acknowledged. Permanent engraved tiles on the new welcome wall thanking donors of $500 or more are still available. Special recognition goes to Sharon Simpson and the Simpson Foundation, the Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973 William A. Kerr Foundation, and Ken and Donna Coit. 2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J 3191-J Crow Canyon Pl Concord San Ramon Ken Coit asserts, “Preserving and protecting Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone
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See Bancroft cont. on page 16
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
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QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle
REDWOOD VALLEY RAILWAY
I checked off a few significant firsts on my inaugural trip to Paris so many years ago. Included on the list was my first solo overseas flight (TIA Charter Airlines. The flight cost $150), my first (and best so far) sighting of the shimmering aurora borealis as we descended towards Iceland to refuel, and since my destination was Paris with my flight ending in Brussels, I took my first rail ride to Gare du Nord. Like so many San Francisco Bay Area natives, in the pre-BART era, I had ridden cable cars and San Francisco trolley cars, but our usual family vacations were taken by car, not train. We drove everywhere: Lake Tahoe where we camped in a tent next to our car, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Los Angeles, and longer cross-country drives to Wisconsin to visit relatives. I recall seeing trains as they sped along on tracks in the distance and also seeing them when we stopped at intersections and watched train car after train car barrel by. We kids waved wildly from the back seat of our station wagon, hoping for a whistle blow from the engineer until the caboose whooshed by. Not all Bay Area natives grew up with the limited exposure to trains as I did. Recently, I visited Redwood Valley Railway (est. 1952) in Tilden Park, a fully functional railroad, built in the manner of narrow-gauge railroads between 1870 and 1930. The $3 ride which takes 13 minutes winds on a mile and a half track underneath a canopy of beautiful redwood trees, offering spectacular views of hills and steep cliffs. I spoke to Ellen Thomsen, the owner of the Redwood Valley Railway. Ms. Thomsen, a retired set and costume designer for Opera and Ballet, recalled her upbringing in the Bay Area. Daughter of the founder of the Redwood Valley Railway, Erich Thomsen, Ellen’s childhood experience was a sharp contrast to mine. In fact, Thomsen said with a laugh, “All our family vacations were spent visiting other people’s railroads. I was practically in college before I discovered that everyone did not have a railroad, because everyone we knew did.” Thomsen’s dad, Erich Thomsen, a mechanical engineer and track inspector for Western Pacific Railroad, started his hobby with trains in the late 1940’s. He was saddened by the demise of the full-size steam train which was being replaced by the diesel locomotive. He laid out a short track on his parents’ farm in Mountain View, CA and spent many hours during his spare time building equipment which was 12’ gauge, 4” scale. His collection consisted of a steam engine and six riding cars. Today, Tilden Park is home to the Redwood Valley locomotives and rolling stock which were designed by Erich Thomsen and are loosely based on engines built by the Baldwin Locomotive works between 1875 and 1910. “It is a living history in miniature but designed to be comfortable for full size adults,” says Ms. Thomsen. “In fact,” she added, “probably 70% of our visitors are adults. Many started coming as children and are now bringing their children and grandchildren. Everyone loves the beautiful scenery and the low key, vintage atmosphere of the place.” For directions, check out Redwood Valley Railway at Tilden Park on Google and Facebook. Their phone number is 510-548-6100. Hours are weekends yearround, weather and daylight permitting form 11AM-6PM and weekdays during the summer months (mid-June to Labor Day), weather permitting from 11AM-5PM. Linda Summers Pirkle travel writer, consultant and long-term Danville resident has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
Pat Cox
925-963-6404
pat@thecoxteam.com
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
The Cox Cox Team The Team Real Estate Danville
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CRYSTAL DANUBE RIVER CRUISE 2019
By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel
My wife Ilene and I had previously cruised three times on ocean ships with Crystal Cruises. We enjoyed them and really looked forward to our first Crystal River Cruise. We were not disappointed, and the Mozart ship really exceeded our expectations. We flew to Vienna, an appropriate city to board a ship named Mozart, the largest in Crystal’s river cruise fleet of which the readers of Travel + Leisure voted the “World’s Best River Cruise Line.” Every stateroom is over 200 square feet. Our cabin was spacious and luxurious, as was the rest of the ship. Crystal is all inclusive, so wine, beer, and spirits, transfers, and gratuities are included. The ship has all the amenities including pool, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants, salon, free guest laundry, and more. Shore excursions are included. The staff to passenger ratio is the industry best and double that of most competitors. The staff could not have been more accommodating. Out first tour was in Vienna. Vienna is a city filled with history, culture, and fascinating architecture. We had been there before, but Vienna is a city with so much to offer that you cannot see everything in one trip. We enjoyed exploring the city, especially the Schönbrunn Palace excursion. We cruised the Wachau Valley with picture-postcard views all along the way and visited Krems, Splitz, Linz, and Melk, all beautiful Austrian cities. The food on the cruise was outstanding, and we also enjoyed eating some of the local food at various ports.
The Mozart traveled to Bratislava, Slovakia and ended the cruise in Budapest, one of my favorite cities. There are some great scenic points above the city that have fantastic views of the hilly Buda and the flat Pest, Parliament, and the Danube. Beautiful by day but spectacular at night is the view of the city from the Danube with Parliament and the city lit up. While the site is great in travel pictures, it is far better in person.
We took a post cruise extension to Bavaria and visited Nuremburg with the Nazi rally grounds and courthouse where the Nuremburg trials took place. In Bayreuth, we toured the Wagner museum and opera house, and participated in a beer tasting where I had my first chocolate beer. We stayed in beautiful Gut Ising and then went to Munich where we had a rickshaw tour, watched people surfing on the Isar river, dined at an impressive brewery, and spent our last night at the Charles Hotel, a great 5-star hotel. For more information on Crystal and their river, ocean, and yacht ships, or for help with cruises, tours, resorts, or other travel plans, ideas, and information, please call us at (925) 837-8742, email us at info@alamoworld. com, or better yet come to our office located at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 255, Alamo (in the Alamo Commons complex between Ace Hardware and Peasant’s Courtyard Restaurant). Visit our website at www.alamoworld.com to search through thousands of travel options. Alamo World Travel and Tours has been providing expert travel service for 38 years. We know the suppliers and the destinations. Advertorial
Join Ronn Owens of KGO on a Crystal Caribbean Cruise November 8-17, from $2,175/per person cruise only Contact Alamo World Travel for details
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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN THE S.P. DEPOT
This June marks twenty years that the Museum of the San Ramon Valley has been located in Danville’s Southern Pacific Depot Visitors came from all around for the splashy opening on June 26, 1999. Established as a nonprofit in 1985 by the San Ramon Valley Historical Society, the Trustees looked for a building and began several programs and exhibits in its initial years.
PROGRAMS IN A MUSEUM WITHOUT WALLS
Even before finding a building, enthusiastic volunteers (including seven Oakland Museum of California history docents) decided to begin museum programs, tours, and exhibits. Prior to 1999 the following were initiated initiated: Old Town Danville walking tours - Learning from valley natives Millie Freitas, Rose Ferreira, and Betty Overholtzer Dunlap, tours began, and may still be reserved, by schools and other groups. Karen Stepper provides a regular monthly Old Town tour on the evenings of the third Friday of each month. An Indian Life program for fourth graders was started in 1991. The program was inspired by teachers Gail Faber and Michele Lasagne who had produced the first-ever California Indian curriculum for California schools, and was coordinated by local historian Beverly Lane. Programs initially went into school classrooms and now are provided in the Museum. Tassajara One Room School was begun in 1993 by Oakland Museum history docents Joan and Don Kurtz along with retired teachers Patty Connett and Alice Reynolds. Today, volunteers present the signature living history program which begins in January and serves all third graders in the valley. An annual history exhibit began at the Danville Fine Arts Gallery, Craig Roberts teaching Indian Life program then on the second floor of the Village Theatre, starting with the centenin the museum nial anniversary of the San Ramon Branch Line in 1991 and concluding with post WWII history in “City Close, Country Quiet.”
1999: A MUSEUM IN THE HISTORIC DEPOT OPENS
When Joseph Ramos Jr. passed away in 1987, the original 1891 Danville Southern Pacific depot, long a feed, grain, and pet food store, was vacated. Long story short, the Town paid Ramos’s back taxes, deeded the now derelict-looking building to the Museum, and allowed the Museum to place the building on public land at the northeast corner of the original station land at the corner of West Prospect and Railroad Ave. During this crucial time, Ed Best and Ross Smith were the Museum presidents, and major fundraising (grants, Schoolmarms Patty Connett and Joan Kurtz with big donations, and a Buy a Brick campaign) took place. An active Restoration and Rehabilitation committee, third graders in 1999 chaired by Gary DeAtley and guided by local historian Irma Dotson, made the move happen. The depot was moved in 1996 and opened three years later. After the Museum opened, the Alamo Cemetery tour and a local history curriculum for third grade students were established. A train ride for children appears at events throughout the Valley. The Museum took over ownership of the Tassajara School in 2012. Books on local history and unique gifts are sold in the popular store. The Museum partners with the SRV Historical Society, the San Ramon Historic Foundation, the Role Players Ensemble, the National Park Service, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, the Town of Danville, and all Valley libraries. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is now a fixture in Old Town Danville. When friends come to town, it is a regular place to visit. There are permanent and changing exhibits, a store, a research library, and educational programs. Model trains in the summer bring hordes to the museum, and “Christmas Memories” is a must-visit after the Danville oak tree is lit each November. The Museum is open six days a week and is Danville’s Information Center. After twenty years in the Danville Depot, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley has become an integral part of the valley’s commuDanville Depot as a feed store in 1980 nities. Run by outstanding volunteers and a small staff, it is a remarkable local history success story. Visit the website at museumsrv.org to learn more as well as to support the museum.
HOW POPULAR IS CHARDONNAY?
By Monica Chappell
How popular is Chardonnay? It's popular enough to have sparked a backlash like the "ABC Club" – Anything But Chardonnay. Almost without question, Chardonnay is the world’s greatest white wine. With characteristics ranging from citrus and green apple in cool growing climates to pear, tropical fruit, and fig in warmer areas; this classic white wine grape of Burgundy has become a worldwide favorite. Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of reds, and similarly, Chardonnay is considered the king of white wines, making consistently excellent, rich, and complex whites. This amazingly versatile grape grows well in a variety of locations throughout the world and creates widely varied wines.
GROWING REGIONS
Chardonnay grows in nearly every wine producing area in the world, but it shines in Burgundy, France. The French versions are often described as being more restrained and higher in acidity. Burgundy produces Chardonnay under many local place names such as Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé, Meursault, and Montrachet region, and in Champagne it turns into Blanc de Blancs. Among the many other countries that have caught Chardonnay
fever, America, Australia, and Chile are standouts.
STYLE VARIATIONS
Chardonnay styles can vary dramatically based on origin and wine-maker. When well made, Chardonnay offers bold, ripe, rich, and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, pineapple, lemon, and grapefruit, along with spice, honey, butter, butterscotch, and hazelnut flavors. Wine makers build more complexity into this easy-to-manipulate wine using common vinification techniques. Look for the following words on Chardonnay labels: barrel fermented (which imparts toasty oak flavors), cold fermented (which preserves fresh, youthful fruit flavors), and lees contact or sur lie (increasing the contact time between the lees, or sediment, and the wine which adds complexity and richness).
FOOD PAIRINGS
Pair Chardonnay in the leaner Burgundian style with roasted chicken or seafood; the more voluptuous New World Chardonnay can match the buttery richness of pasta dishes made with cream or cheese, with lobster or other rich seafood. Caution: Chardonnay can be hard to match with food if it is high in alcohol (over 14%) or has a lot of oak flavor, creating a heavier weight and body. Spicy food tends to accentuate the alcohol and oak in the wine which are usually not pleasant together. Monica Chappell is a local wine writer and educator and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
SPRING SALE ON NOW!
100’s of Sunbrella Cushions Avasilable
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
Timing is a key factor for flowers pedaling pollen. As in the real estate market, location plays an important part in facilitating the seller’s ability to close a deal. Clever strategies developed over the course of many millennia of co-evolution further enable flowering plants to entice their pollinators into executing a satisfactory transaction. In the absence of any of their natural helpmates, flowering plants enlist the aid of humans in reproduction of their species. Perennials don’t parade their colors during different calendar dates each year to frustrate gardeners. Why waste energy blooming when the weather is too hot or cold, too wet or dry for suitable pollinators? Moreover, their sequential flowering patterns give perennials the opportunity to limit competition for the attention of insects and birds while providing the pollinators with a continuous supply of food. Some plants depend upon the service of specialist pollinators active for only a short time to make certain that their show will go on for the next generation. Taking advantage of sunlight hitting the forest floor before deciduous trees leaf out, spring beauties flower and set seeds in the same limited time-frame that their sole pollinator, the spring beauty mining bee, forages above ground to provision its underground nest before resting until the following spring. Sometimes a plant species relocated to a place offering ideal climate, soil, and exposure can’t find compatible insect friends. Vanilla orchids thrive in many locations around the globe but don’t set seedpods anywhere but their native territory because the endangered Melipona bee endemic to Mexico is the only insect capable of pollinating their flowers. Wild vanilla orchids are consequently endangered, but domesticated plants employ human hand-pollinators to ensure the continuing production of vanilla beans for the survival of the species and the supply of vanilla for flavoring. Flowers lure pollinators by communicating availability of food, whether pollen or nectar, with visual signs. Many insects including bees see a different spectrum of light than people do. Bees recognize ultraviolet patterns on flowers completely invisible to humans. We see a pretty but plain yellow evening primrose. To a bee’s eye, the same flower provides a series of linear
www.yourmonthlypaper.com markings which lead to a central landing pad where the treasure trove awaits. Insects lack noses, but they do have sophisticated scent receptors. They use their antennae and other sense organs to detect airborne chemicals to guide them to food and mates. Birds, on the other hand, have no sense of smell. Flowers pollinated primarily by birds frequently have no fragrance. Floral tricksters issue counterfeit sight and scent signals to pollinators. The putrid odor and meat-colored flowers of skunk cabbage and pawpaw lure certain flies and beetles with the false promise of carrion to eat. Wafting the come-hither scent of the female scoliid wasp and mimicking her form, the blossom of copper beard orchids tricks the male wasp into gathering pollen while attempting to mate with the flower. Other masters of deception ensnare pollinators. The wide-open water lily blossom holds a pool of liquid on one day. Insects drowning in the trap deposit pollen gathered from other flowers. The following day the water lily flower opens with anthers ready to release pollen and no liquid trapping the insects gathering it. Studying the intricate relationships between angiosperms and pollinators took a major leap forward in research conducted at Denmark’s Aarhus University. Findings released to the international press on February 8, 2019, are based on using environmental DNA to analyze what creatures are landing on blossoms in a meadow alive with activity. Results from testing 50 flowers from seven different plant species revealed traces of 135 distinct pollinator species. National Pollinator Week runs this year from June17-23. The resolution originally establishing the annual event was passed on September 21, 2006, to “increase awareness about pollinators and support for protecting and sustaining pollinators” adding “pollinators help to produce an estimated one out of every three bites of food consumed in the United States.” During that winter, beekeepers across the country lost 50%-90% of their hives to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Although CCD losses have diminished, a plethora of pests and pesticides still plagues bees and other pollinators. The resolution continues: “Whereas it is in the strong economic interest of agricultural producers and consumers in the United States to help ensure a healthy, sustainable pollinator population: Whereas as possible declines in the health and population of pollinators pose what could be a significant threat to global food webs, the integrity of biodiversity, and human health.”
Bancroft continued from page 11
the legacy of the Ruth Bancroft Garden is the right thing to do, in the right place, at the right time. With all of California’s water shortages and cyclical drought issues, Ruth’s dry garden is an essential model of sustainability planted with the kind of flora we need to use in our own gardens.” Coit emphasizes the importance of the RBG education programs for school children. The new indoor classroom space increases the garden’s ability to schedule informative presentations for adults as well. On November 26, 2017 Ruth passed away at the age of 109 shortly after groundbreaking for the long-dreamed-of visitor center occurred. Her legacy grows on, alive with some 15,000 visitors of all ages annually appreciating her achievement and learning from her thriving water-wise plants how to create exquisite and sustainable gardens of their own. The RBG nursery offers many of the unusual species found in the garden. For workshop dates, how to book a group tour, events like the third Thursday Tacos y Tequila evening June 20 th, members only opportunities, At 98 years young, Ruth Bancroft visited RBG Docent Ersten Imaoka's and much more visit www.ruthbancroft- garden. (Photo courtesy of Ersten Imaoka) garden.org. The garden is located at 1552 Bancroft Road, in Walnut Creek.
VOLUNTEER AT THE BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
Fall blooming Silk Floss tree lights up the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Photo by Jody Morgan.
Staff at the Blackhawk Museum believes that a museum’s strength comes from its community and that volunteers are the foundation of the community. Museum volunteers give their free time to enhance the experience of every visitor that comes through the door. Volunteers will be providing guided tours to school and adult groups, greeting Museum visitors, representing the Museum at a car show or other special event, fundraising for the Children’s Education and Transportation Fund, or simply lending their real-world expertise to the Museum’s staff. The Blackhawk Museum couldn’t function without their volunteers. If you would like to join a group of enthusiastic people with shared interests, there are many volunteer opportunities are for you! For information, visit http://blackhawkmuseum.org/volunteer-form.
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LIFE IN THE ALAMO/ DANVILLE GARDEN
DESIGN FOR PLAY By John Montgomery, Landscape Architect, ASLA
For so many of us, play is an important part of relaxation, and summer is the perfect time to play outside! Having a place to unwind outdoors is something we all need, whatever form your leisure activities take. For some of us, unwinding includes sports like golf, sand volleyball, or swimming. For others, it’s a drink with friends and a few rounds of bocce ball. And for the kids among us, it’s the chance to play with friends, parents, or alone with our imagination. Since play means different things to different people, outdoor play-spaces are different for everyone. Play-spaces, like this classic bocce court in close proximity to seating and outdoor dining, are heartily enjoyed. Games can be played with friends over a drink or hors d’oeuvres. Bocce ball, horseshoes, and darts have all been popular additions to the outdoor entertaining space in recent years. Attractive landscape elements are a welcome addition. They add to the ambiance while offering a fun option for your guests. When your own backyard is this fun, your summer vacation could turn into a staycation! For the sporty types, golf putting greens, sports courts, and lawns scaled as fields are ideal additions to any backyard! Golf greens are particularly easy to maintain if done with faux turf (We know, we know… but actually the green plastic stuff is getting a lot nicer! We are surprised by the realism of the newly developed ‘grass,’ and with no watering, no mowing, and no weeds to mess up your game, it does have its advantages). Kids will find play-spaces anywhere and everywhere, so when we design outdoor spaces for little ones, it’s with their antics in mind. Creating a “kid-magnet” landscape is a challenge I’ve written about in the past. Keeping children active and engaged with friends, or enjoying the outdoors through adventure, imagination games, and safe risk-taking depends on how magnetic the landscape is to start with! We strongly believe that a “Technicolor” playset isn’t mandatory. Tree-houses, ‘secret’ garden retreats, labyrinths, and at-home beaches (a step up from the sandbox) are all a hit with the kids. Planting gardens with the family, daydreaming in the hammock, or catching bugs can be just as fun, so try to make a space in your home landscape for these types of play. It’s so important for kids to have a space to be kids and be creative. In fact, some of our best design ideas come to us from kids and their parents. We never cease to be inspired! “It is a happy talent to know how to play.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Here at J. Montgomery Designs, we really are kids at heart, and we love creating play-spaces for all ages. Whether you’re in need of a golf green or a kid-friendly yard update, we are happy to help recreate your yard to suit your lifestyle. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at jmontgomerydesigns.com or 925-820-8884. Advertorial
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
ACTION POOL REPAIR
Serving Alamo & Danville Since
925.820.3640 www.actionpoolrepair.com Contractor Lic# 978033-C53
Challenge continued from front page
and residents to live,” says Tina Neuhausel, president, co-founder, and CEO of Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO), a community of citizens, educators, innovators, and organizations designing and building pathways to ecologically sustainable communities for all. Since its inception in 2007, SCOCO has grown into one of the broadest reaching nonprofits in Contra Costa, providing tools and resources that help people take action. “Communities across the country, like our county, are learning that working together to take action helps build cleaner, safer communities. As the Bay Area sees the
effects of climate change with more wildfires and poor air quality, we know that we must come together to solve these problems, and the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge aims to help bring awareness to the growing necessity of sustainability.” Action items are listed on the Challenge site under categories such as ‘transportation’ (i.e. telecommute, combine trips, or carpool), ‘energy efficiency’ (i.e. weatherize/insulate, turn down water heater temp, line dry clothes), and ‘water’ (i.e. take shorter showers, catch the rain, fill the dishwasher before running). For those who might claim themselves too busy or distracted to participate, an ‘easy’ section details 31 effortless steps for success, such as adjusting the thermostat, replacing AC filters, or simply ‘turning off stuff.’ Every action a household completes via the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The site tracks progress in dollars, energy, and gallons of water and gas saved. Participants can start a team or community group and engage in friendly competition with their neighbors to reduce their carbon footprint and inspire their community to take action. For more information including the list of action items and to sign-up, visit https://cleanercontracosta.org.
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 at (925) 313-2682 or clind001@so.cccounty.us for more information.
PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
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“OUTLAW” PROTECTION By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Many clients are eager to explore how the future inheritance by their child may be affected by the child’s possible future divorce. Concerns may stem from simple caution or perhaps a fragile relationship between one's child and his or her spouse. Occasionally, clients question the motives of a daughter-in-law or son-in-law. It is in this context that in-laws might be facetiously referred to as “outlaws”! Example: John and Jane have a daughter, Betty. Betty has been married to Bill for eight years. John and Jane are working with their estate planning attorney to establish a Living Trust under which Betty is to inherit everything. Jane and John ask their attorney: “If Betty and Bill get divorced, how do we ensure that no part of Betty's inheritance goes to Bill?” It's an important and common question, but not one that is easy to answer. First, when a married person receives a gift or inheritance, California law renders it that person’s separate property. So, generally speaking, if Betty inherits from her parents and then she and Bill divorce, Bill will have no claim over the assets Betty inherited. Since inheritance will be Betty’s separate property, can John and Jane set aside their worries? Unfortunately, they may still have reason to be concerned – particularly if Betty doesn’t keep the inherited assets titled separately. Hypothetically, Betty, like many married people, believes in the strength and longevity of her marriage. After she inherits from her parents, Bill says to Betty, “We love each other; what’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours; and our marriage is forever. Right?” Betty answers, “Yes, of course, Bill.” Following a brief discussion (or, possibly, no discussion), Betty titles all of her inherited assets in her name and Bill’s name. Many years go by, during which Betty and Bill deposit various sources of income into and pay many expenses out of the “inheritance” account. Then, they get divorced. It is extraordinarily difficult to trace which funds are, or were derived from, Betty’s inheritance (i.e. her separate property) and which constitute community property. So, Bill walks away with a substantial portion of Betty’s inheritance. In an effort to protect Betty against the above scenario, John and Jane may talk with Betty to warn her about the importance of keeping her future inheritance segregated – just in case she ever divorces. In addition, or alternatively, they may include any number of provisions in their Living Trust. The parents might provide that when they are gone, all funds stay in their trust for Betty’s lifetime, during which Betty has access for her needs; thus, the assets can never be commingled with Bill. I offer my clients another alternative, an “outlaw protection” clause. Betty is to receive her inheritance outright, but the Trust states that it is John and Jane’s strong desire that Betty keep her inheritance as her separate property. The lifetime trust offers very strong protection. However, it’s more costly and inconvenient to administer. Furthermore, most clients want their mature adult children to inherit outright, with no strings attached. Without handcuffing their children, the “outlaw protection” clause gives their children a valuable tool to use upon receipt of their inheritance. Betty can explain to Bill that it is important to her to keep the inherited assets in her name only to honor her parents’ express wishes – not because she doesn’t trust Bill or has doubts about their marriage. The “outlaw” issue should be discussed with an estate planning attorney so that your Living Trust can be drafted and/or revised thoughtfully and carefully in accordance with your wishes, and in a manner you deem to be in the best interest of your children. Estate Planning |Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
TRAILS CHALLENGE 2019
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The system comprises 121,397 acres in 73 parks, including over 1,250 miles of trails. The District acquires, manages, and preserves natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy now and into the future. The parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. You are invited to enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, golfing, and nature study in the parks. No registration is needed to participate. While supplies last, a free printed Guidebook and t-shirt are available at participating Visitor Centers to get you started on the Challenge. You can also download the Guidebook at https://www.ebparks.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=30819. The Guidebook includes detailed trail descriptions for hikes in 20 regional parks and trails. Hikes range from easy to challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs, and equestrians, and many are wheelchair accessible. To complete the challenge, hike five of the trails – or 26.2 miles of trails. All 20 featured trails are also now available on the AllTrails app. Download the free app, sign-up, log in, and then go to https://www.alltrails.com/explore/list/eastbay-regional-parks-trails-challenge-2019 and click on “Copy to my lists,” followed by “Continue in App.” The featured trails will show under “Lists” in “Plan.” The app indicates where you are on the trail, enabling easy return to the trail if you stray from it. You can also record your hikes, and share your photos, comments etc. with others. In addition to this self-guided program, the District offers many naturalist-led hikes throughout the year. Visit their calendar at https://www.ebparks.org/cals. For more information about the Trails Challenge visit https://www.ebparks.org/activities/hiking/trails_challenge.htm.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES...
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
In my fifteen years of financial planning, I have seen all different types of client situations, and no two scenarios have been the same. There may be commonalities among clients, but each client’s financial situation varies. One common question I have often heard from prospective clients over the years is, “How is my financial situation compared to other people like me?” The majority of the people I meet with are doing great compared to their peers. The number one reason why they are doing so well is because they are taking the time to plan their financial future. For example, last year I had the opportunity to sit down with a family that has been with our firm for over thirty years. The clients did not care about what their neighbors were doing, and they didn’t care about what their friends were buying; they focused on their financial plan. Specifically, they planned out their objectives and used our advice to map out the best course of action. They knew what direction they wanted to head toward, but they needed an advisor to show them how to reach their goals. It is with discipline and our guidance that they have worked toward their financial goals. Most people have a sense of what they want their finances to look like. The difficult part is putting what they want into a detailed workable monthly plan. More importantly, it has to be a plan that is not only tailored to their individual needs, but it needs to be written in their own words. There are several online tools that offer generic advice, but they do not offer a 360 degree view of your finances. For example, people will use the “Ten Times Guideline” (10x of your income for life insurance), but at our firm we don’t live by generic guidelines: we live by our clients objectives. If our clients want to provide for their family in the event of a premature death, we do modeling to determine if the assets and other income sources will allow them to achieve their objectives. It is living in the world of meritocracy, which is our differentiator. At our firm, we don’t give out trophies for the most life insurance sales or awards for the most assets under management. We celebrate when our clients meet their retirement and financial goals. Keeping up with what the Joneses are doing is not always in your best interest. If the Jones’ are getting medical advice to begin a treatment, would you also begin the same medical treatments? No, you would go to the doctor and ask for a treatment that is appropriate for your situation. The world where “one size fits all” has come and gone. We are all individuals, and our advice should be just that: individual. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss Please contact me to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN1900732-091917 Advertorial
5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 215 Concord, CA 94521
925.852.8412 www.forrestersaccounting.com jackie@forrestersaccounting.com
LOCAL SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES
ALAMO CONCERTS
Contra Costa County Public Works and Alamo Parks & Recreation, with support from the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, present the 2019 “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: June 21 — Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band) June 28 — SONA (Classic Rock Standards) July 5 — Mixed Nuts (Rock & Pop Standards) July 12 — Fog City Swampers (Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute) July 26 — Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys (Beach Boys Tribute Band)
ALAMO MOVIES
The upcoming 2019 Movie Under the Stars will also be held at Livorna Park, located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo. Movies start at 8:45PM and admission is free. July 19 — The Pink Panther August 9 — Incredibles 2 For all events you are encouraged to bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and food. Snacks are available for purchase at the Concert events. If special accommodations are needed to participate, please contact Alamo Recreation Staff at least 72 hours prior to the event date. Alamo Recreation Staff can be reached at 925-313-2272, or visit www.cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation.
DANVILLE CONCERTS
“Music in the Park” will be held at Oak Hill Park located (unless otherwise noted) at 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville from 6-8pm. June 22 — Lumberyard July 6 — Nate Botsford July 20 — Matchbox Twenty-Too July 27 — Majestic: Journey Tribute August 10 — East Bay Mudd - NOTE: This concert will take place at the Town Green located at 400 Front St., Danville.
DANVILLE MOVIES
The upcoming 2019 Moonlight Movies series will also be held at the Town Green located at 400 Front St. in Danville. Crafts and activities will begin at 6:30PM and show time will be approximately 8:15PM. June 14 — Little Giants June 28 — Bolt July 12 — Black Panther July 26 — Mary Poppins August 9 — Incredibles 2 The events are free. For all events you are encouraged to bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and food. For more information about Concerts or Moonlight Movies, contact the Danville Community center at (925) 314-3400.
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.
PUBLIC SPEAKING WITH TOASTMASTERS
Do you hate speaking in front of a group? You’re not alone. However, good presentation skills are demanded by nearly every employer these days. Toastmasters can help you overcome your public speaking challenges! Toastmasters is an organization where people can fine-tune their speaking skills and receive valuable feedback. Beginning and advanced speakers are welcome. Local chapter Danville AM Toastmasters meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30AM in downtown Danville. For the location and other details, please visit 4143.toastmastersclubs.org, or email DanvilleAMToastmasters@gmail.com.
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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President SMALL CELL WIRELESS ANTENNAS COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND MAYBE EVEN YOUR FRONT YARD – PART 2
What are the steps for review of a small cellular wireless antenna (SCWA) project? How thorough is the process? What should the considerations be and from which parties? The antenna approval process is a hot topic within the SCWA industry. In some areas, state or federal regulations differ from local requirements. Until some consistency can be implemented to address concerns of local governments, while serving the needs of the wireless carriers, it is anticipated that the permitting process will be a source of frustration for both local governments and cellular providers for the foreseeable future. Aesthetics: While the SCWA equipment is just that - small, there is generally a substantial amount of equipment required to support the SCWA. Radios, battery backups, cooling units, surge protectors, etc., may be required. This equipment can be mounted on the ground or on the pole. However, many times the aesthetics are not well defined and leaving room for interpretation. Placement: Wireless carriers typically place their equipment in a location with the best 'line of sight' for the intended coverage area. This generally means that the antenna is also easily seen. Many options exist for disguising SCWAs. Local governments typically do not know what camouflage options there are or what can be used to minimize the amount of space taken by the equipment. Capacity/Load: Many times, it is assumed that a utility/light post can support the SCWA and associated equipment. In recent discussions with a large utility company, it was found that many poles can be overloaded. Considering California’s high fire profile, we should all be concerned about an overloaded electric pole falling in a high wind that can easily become an “igniter.” Growth: Historically, antenna sites have gained equipment over time as increased demand requires additional capacity. Some companies have already filed permits to utilize structures in the public right-of-way for SCWAs. What is currently anticipated to be a placement for 2-3 SCWAs, if unsupervised, could easily become a placement of 8-10 or more antennas. Local governments need to understand the maximum impact that could occur prior to entering into any agreements. Building Permits: Generally speaking, SCWAs will need power and “backhaul.” Backhaul can be provided in several ways, typically via fiber, microwave, or telephone lines. Power may already exist to the pole, fiber may need to be run to the pole, and microwave may create an additional aesthetic impact. Understanding the option of choice prevents misunderstandings during the term of any agreements. Application Intake: The industry expects a large number of SCWAs to be installed in most metropolitan areas. Legislation already exists in most areas regarding the timing which permitting offices must approve or deny applications for permits. Having a good process for reviewing applications is critical to avoid an application “deemed approved” by default, regardless of whether the permitting entity has reviewed the application. Several Bay Area cities have already been impacted by lack of process and/or on-going monitoring. Among them, Santa Rosa has chosen to place a hold on the process. Santa Rosa is unwilling to let Verizon Wireless install antennas and wireless equipment on city light poles, putting the carrier’s plans to boost network coverage in the city on hold indefinitely.
AIA GUIDELINES ON AESTHETIC STANDARDS FOR SCWA'S
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner, located at 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets at 6:30PM at Crow Canyon Country Club on the third Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club supports blind charities, Sight First, the curing of pediatric cancer, local sight screening, the fight against diabetes, and many local charities. The group has interesting speakers at each meeting. Contact Truman Howard (925) 787-2565 or truman.howard@gmail.com for reservations. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more information, visit www.danvillelionsclub.org.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant, located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. For information about the group, contact Peter Walron at peter.waldron@ lfg.com. The Danville Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. For information, contact Bob Chace at bchace@pacbell.net or by phone at (925)838-7007. If you are interested in visiting the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Jim Coleman at coleman_jd@pacbell.net. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM at Crow Canyon Country Club. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets for dinner every Wednesday night at the Blackhawk Country Club in Danville. Networking and social time starts at 6:30PM with the meeting starting at 7PM. For more information, call Bernie at 925-352-2155. You can also visit www. sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets at Amador Rancho Community Center, 1998 Rancho Park Loop Road, San Ramon, on Wednesdays at 5:10PM for networking and social time with the meeting and guest speakers starting at 5:40PM. For more information contact Joe Tagupa at (510) 599-2351 or mizutag@sbcgobal.net. Lastly, Rotary Club of San Ramon meets every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm at the Crow Canyon Country Club. For more information, contact Dennis Harvey at dennis@dharveyrealtor.com or 925-519-4748.
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
AIA has always valued aesthetic standards with respect to wireless technology in Alamo. We stand for placing cell towers and antennas in commercial and non-residential areas, and keeping them outside of, and away from residential areas where they would present a visual nuisance to our residents, decreasing the enjoyment and value of our homes. We stand for maintaining a visual appearance which blends into the natural surroundings that characterize Alamo. We have supported these principles with the larger macro-site towers which have existed for many years, and we continue to support these aesthetic principles with the newer SCWAs along with future technological advances in wireless technology to come as the best solution for all stakeholders.
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices 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 constantly video-recorded space. With proximity to police headquarters and video recording, the goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more about the safe zone, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can justifiably call “home.” Now in its 64th year, AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has an outstanding history of serving our community and helping shape it into the place we love to live. Please visit www.AlamoCA.org to learn more.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
RECLAIM YOUR INBOX By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
Email is out of control. A cluttered email inbox that’s filled with old, unopened, unsolicited, or unimportant messages creates stress and distracts us from our obligations. How many times have you been working on a task only to be interrupted by the beep from your computer or the buzz of your phone? Did you know that on average it takes a minimum of four minutes to regain your concentration after that interruption? It only takes fifteen of those blips to knock an entire hour out of your day. Many of us have become like Pavlov’s dogs, jumping to respond every time someone sends us a message. Why do we do it? Because it’s all too easy, it can be entertaining, and it’s a great way of procrastinating from doing what’s really important. I used to think I could manage my inbox and use it as a never-ending database “to refer back to if needed.” Ha. I was just being lazy, and eventually I became overwhelmed. I needed a new approach so I started researching better ways to manage my email, and thus my time. I found many useful articles however the best summary overall was found at www.self.com/story/email-management-tips. Microsoft and Google have both attempted to incorporate email management tools such as “focused inbox,” “clutter,” and “junk” folders into their programs, and for some people I’m certain they work. However, in the absence of some personal discipline and managing the incoming flow, all the automated tools won’t help. Automation of a task is only useful if there’s a meaningful process to begin with. If you are disorganized in your approach to email management, an automated tool will simply accelerate your disorganization. The bottom line is that you must make some decisions and set some boundaries if you want to fix the problem. To help get you started I’ve included a selection of tips and tricks that are proven winners. 1. Get rid of SPAM and all of those notifications you never requested. Two words of advice: “click unsubscribe.” Legitimate solicitations have an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the message. 2. Sometimes email senders don’t take you off their list even after you unsubscribe, or they don’t have an ‘unsubscribe’ link. For these stubborn senders, use
an email “rule” to catch and delete the messages. This feature may or may not be possible in all email systems. I know Gmail has it and Microsoft Outlook does too. 3. Did you know the average person spends up to 28% of his workweek going through emails? 4. Resist the temptation to say “I’ll get to that later” while letting unread messages accumulate in your inbox. Instead, practice the “4 D’s”: Delete, Delegate, Do, or Defer (by setting a specific time to deal with it - with no option to re-Defer. Discipline!) 5. Turn off the default Outlook notifications that pop up in the corner of your screen and turn off the ‘ding’ alert so you’re not constantly distracted. Do this on your phone, too. Read email when you’re ready, not every time a beep or vibration summons you. 6. Minimize or exit your email program when you’re working on a project. 7. Don’t treat email like instant messaging, pick up the phone instead! Call someone instead of playing email ping-pong. Verbal communication is more effective and fulfilling. 8. Remember: email, like your cell phone, is there for your convenience. It is not a one-way delegation tool for other people to heap “to-do” items upon your plate. When you instantly respond, you’re teaching others to be expect instant responses from you. Is that how you want to live? 9. Avoid sending long emails. The likelihood of your tome being read is directly inverse to the number of words in the message. I.e., people don’t like to read long messages. 10. Keep your business and personal email lives separate with different email addresses. This will decrease the likelihood of your distraction into personal territory while working on a business project. 11. Create a separate email address that you use when purchasing items, because vendors often sell their customer lists, and that creates more SPAM for you to deal with. I’ve tracked this before and was shocked how far and wide the fake email address I used was being distributed. We can reclaim significant time and productivity if we reduce the number of incoming messages, turn off the distracting alerts, and discipline ourselves to reading email a few, specific times a day. I’d love to hear how these ideas work for you, and if you need help, please send us a message to info@pcioit.com or give us a call at 925-552-7952 x1. Advertorial
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PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
HAIR THINNING? THERE’S NEW HOPE
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
Many people suffer from thinning hair. The most common cause of thinning hair is genetic hair loss. This happens to about 40% of men and 30% of women. Men usually show this as thinning at the temples and crown. Women usually have a more diffuse pattern of hair thinning. This month we will explore one the newest treatments for genetic hair loss in both men and women, platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Treatment for hair loss can be broken down into two main categories: non-surgical (medical) and surgical. Surgical treatment is performed when hair is transplanted from areas of higher hair density to areas of lower hair density. Medical treatment has for many years been limited to the topical application of minoxidil or a daily oral medication of Finasteride. Results vary from person to person, and the primary goal is to prevent further hair loss. Some lucky individuals will actually grow new hair. Regardless of which type of medical treatment is implemented, the general rule is the sooner you treat, the better the results. PRP is a newer treatment for hair loss that has gained popularity over the past five years. PRP treatments have received a great deal of media exposure because they have been used for many different things. I was initially hesitant to offer this treatment because it was not proven to be of any benefit. However, while new studies have shown that it can help patients with hair loss, this treatment is not FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. PRP involves taking a sample of your blood and putting it in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the tube at high speed for about ten minutes. This process separates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red blood cells and the platelet-poor plasma. PRP contains a number of different growth factors that can stimulate the hair follicle. The PRP is then injected into the scalp. This is not a single treatment. The best results have been seen when patients initially undergo four treatments spaced one month apart. Follow-up treatments are usually required at six-month intervals. These treatments are not covered by insurance and usually cost $3,500-4,000 for the initial four treatments. The biggest successes have been reported when PRP is performed in conjunction with medication such as topical minoxidil. New evidence suggests that other devices such as low-level laser treatment can also enhance results. These low-level lasers are typically devices that you would use at home such as the Theradome which is a helmet-like device. You simply sit with the laser helmet on your head twice a week for 20 minutes. Unfortunately, no one can predict or guarantee the results in any individual patient, so there is some degree of financial risk with PRP. Many people with thinning hair will benefit from PRP treatments. It is unlikely to help if you are fully bald or have longstanding hair thinning lasting over a decade. However, this treatment offers new hope with an additional treatment option for hair loss. If this is something you are interested in, please call our office at 925-838-4900 to schedule a consultation. The consultation fee of $150 will be applied to any PRP treatments that you receive. We look forward to seeing you. 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
GOLDEN CRANE SENIOR CENTER
No “digging” is needed to strike “gold” at the Golden Crane Senior Center (GCSC)! The mission of the Center is to promote physical and mental wellbeing through programs and social activities for those aged 50+ years old. On Mondays and Tuesdays, group learning and enjoyment of physical and mental abilities stimulate personal growth. Activities include Tai Chi, tap dance, line dance, karaoke, hiking, camera club, chorus, yoga stretch, Chinese brush painting, calligraphy, soft pastel, Chinese cooking class, Mah-Jong, Yuan-Ji dance, walking, and aerobic exercise. GCSC celebrates members’ birthdays, organizes picnics and day trips, and observes Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Chinese holidays. Members may volunteer and participate in charitable, educational, and community service activities. All activities are open to members for an annual $50 member fee. Classes and activities are held at the Alamo Women’s Club, located at 1401 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. For more information, contact Wendy Lee, 925-718-6222. A complete class and activity schedule is posted at www. goldencrane.org.
DON’T LET SCIATICA KEEP YOU OUT OF THE GAME THIS SUMMER
By, Dr. Niele Maimone, DC, Align Healing Center
The condition known as sciatica is one of the most common conditions that we treat at Align Healing Center. Some of the typical symptoms of sciatica are sharp pain in the low back and/or buttocks accompanied by numbness, tingling, aching, or burning down the back of the leg. In severe circumstances, weakness in the leg may also be seen. The sciatic nerve is large and travels down the back of the leg to the foot. The nerve is buried deep within the muscles of the buttock and leg, making it difficult to treat with common physical therapy methods. The sciatic nerve is composed of several smaller nerves and originates from the low back. It passes under the piriformis muscle (underneath the main buttock muscles) on its way down the leg. Irritation of the sciatic nerve at any point along its path is commonly known as “sciatica.”
UNDERSTANDING SCIATICA
Let’s talk about nerves for a moment. Nerves are the electrical wiring of the human body. They carry the signals that allow us to move, feel, digest, detoxify, respond to our environment, and so much more. Plain and simple, if the nerves do not work, the body will not work. That being said, it is important to understand that unlike other tissues, the primary blood supply to nerve tissue is actually located WITHIN the nerve itself. So, if a nerve becomes impinged or compromised, so does the blood supply to the nerve. Without proper blood supply, the nerve does not receive the energy and nutrition that are needed for the nerve to heal itself. Over time, neural impingement leads to a painful chronic condition called neuropathy. The definition of neuropathy is a disease or injury affecting nerve cells. The common symptoms of neuropathy include sharp pain, burning, muscular weakness, and numbness or tingling either at the site of the nerve injury or wherever the nerve travels. The condition known as sciatica is a form of neuropathy that specifically affects the sciatic nerve.
WHAT CAN I DO TO RELIEVE MY SCIATICA WITHOUT DRUGS OR SURGERY?
Since 1999, Align Healing Center has been offering many different modalities to heal sciatica. We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offer outstanding results in healing stubborn sciatica. Class IV laser therapy allows the practitioner to stimulate healing within the damaged tissue by delivering the necessary energy directly to the injured area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces pain and inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, and stiffness. In addition to laser therapy, we implement spinal decompression to restore spinal disc health. Decompression works by gently stretching the spine, creating a vacuum effect which can restore disc height and even reduce the severity of bulging disc conditions associated with chronic pain and neurological symptoms. We have found laser and decompression therapy to be most beneficial for patients with pinched nerves, arthritis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease. This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure. The treatment is finite and typically lasts for about a month. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic sciatica treatments. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine and nervous system, you can be quickly back to your healthy self! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call (925)362-8283 or visit www. AlignHealingCenter.com. Advertorial
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.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
THE EYE OPENER By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
PRESEPTAL (PERIORBITAL) CELLULITIS
Recently a patient came into the office with a red and inflamed eyelid. This condition is relatively common; the most likely culprits are styes, trauma, allergies, or blepharitis (bacterial infection of the eye lashes). However, this condition was different in that it was an infection of the eyelid and soft tissue around the eyelids, or preseptal cellulitis. This can be potentially dangerous, and the correct diagnosis needs to be made between preseptal and orbital cellulitis. Preseptal cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the eyelid and surrounding soft tissue. The eyelid area becomes red, swollen, warm to the touch, and potentially painful. In contrast to a stye, a cellulitis covers a larger area of the eyelid, whereas a stye is more localized. In preseptal cellulitis, the infection is contained in the anterior portion of the lid and has not penetrated the septum (a thin membrane within the eyelid to help prevent infections from spreading deeper into the lids) to the posterior portion of the eye. It is usually caused by an upper respiratory infection (flu) or sinus infection that has spread to the eye. Direct insect bites or scratches are also potential ways the bacteria can penetrate the eyelid. It is much more common in children, and it responds well to oral antibiotic therapy. Vision is not affected, and the eye is able to move unrestricted in all directions. The patient is usually getting over an illness or has been around sick people but does not actively have a fever. Differentiating between a preseptal and orbital cellulitis is very tricky because both clinically present the same. In orbital cellulitis, the affected eye will appear bulging relative to the healthy eye, the vision will be decreased, and eye movements will be restricted. The person is concurrently ill and is possibly running a fever. Functionally, the difference between the two is that in orbital cellulitis, the infection has spread posterior to the back of the eye and to the surrounding structures in the facial area. This can result in permanent vision loss, neurological problems, and potentially meningitis if it gets into the bloodstream. Therefore, orbital cellulitis requires hospitalization with continuous IV antibiotics to help control the infection. Granted a cellulitis does not happen very often, but it reiterates the need that sometimes the simple red eye might not be so mundane. If you notice eyelid redness and swelling that is not localized or is spreading with an associated illness, a cellulitis should be considered. The treatment for a stye and a cellulitis is very different; therefore, the Medical & Surgical Dermatology correct diagnosis needs to be made promptly For Healthy Skin and the proper treatment started. Preseptal Offering Treatments for: Skin Cancer cellulitis is much more common than orbital Moles and is very responsive to oral antibiotics, and Precancerous Lesions INTRODUCING Acne, Eczema, and Rashes the symptoms start to resolve in a few days. Warts, Molluscum The patient should be followed just to ensure EMSCULPT D Keloid and Scar Revisions RE the infection is clearing. However, if an orbital ONLY FDA CLEA Psoriasis and Vitiligo Cysts and Lipoma ELECTROMAGNETIC cellulitis is suspected, direct referral to the G Hair and Nail Disorder NOLOGY TARGETIN CH TE hospital is required. Underarm Sweating ABDOMINAL AND Physician-Strength DY BO Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your R FO S LE SC GLUTEUS MU Skin Care Products PAD hometown eye doctor for outstanding CONTOURING, FAT Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: T! TT LIF service, vision care, and designer eyewear. REDUCTION AND BU Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E Face, Neck, Body Tightening, He can be reached at 925-820-6622, or Lifting, visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., and Rejuvenation Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at Frown Lines and Jawline Reduction www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Post-injection Bruising Pigmentation and Melasma Optometry. Advertorial
COPING WITH THE DEATH OF PETS
When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief. Hospice of the East Bay (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.
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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I REALLY NEED EACH DAY? By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
I have evaluate 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 traditionally heavy-protein evening meal. Consuming protein throughout the day keeps you more satisfied, prevents blood sugar fluctuations, and reduces cravings
June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
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 insurance companies such as ABMG, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CIGNA, 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 my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles and nutrition tips on my blog. Advertorial
PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
NEW GENERATION OF SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
By Barbara Persons, MD
As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with fellowships in Aesthetic, Breast, & Laser Surgery, I have been on the cutting edge of breast augmentation surgery for more than three decades. In a typical week, I meet with dozens of patients seeking breast augmentation. Several questions and topics are discussed, with the most popular being “saline or silicone?” At my practice, Persons Plastic Surgery in Lafayette, I take pride in empowering my patients to make informed choices. Implants have come a long way since being developed over fifty years ago. Advances in technology and surgical techniques make it easier and safer than ever to enhance the shape and size of your breasts.
SILICONE VS. SALINE?
Silicone gel implants were first created in the late 1960s and continue to improve with ongoing technological advancement. Silicone gel is a polymer with no known human allergies, sensitivities, or reactions. Similar to gummy bear candy, the molecules are stuck to one another in a cohesive matrix. This creates a natural look and feel to the breasts. Silicone implants come in many shapes, sizes, and projections, allowing patients to customize and achieve their desired results. Saline-filled implants were designed as an alternative to silicone and became popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Saline has the same consistency of water, which often leads to a rippled appearance under the breast tissue if the implant is under-filled. A major selling point for saline implants, however, is that some styles include ports that allow for the amount of saline to be adjusted after surgery. Saline implants are less optimal for women seeking larger implants such as a D cup. In general, the more popular choice among all age groups today is silicone.
NEW GENERATION OF SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
Over the last 20 years, significant advances have been made to silicone gel breast implants. We are now implanting the seventh and eighth generation of them. The newest silicone implants have a slightly higher fill (96% fill versus the previous generation's 85% fill) and more cross-linking of the silicone molecules. The higher fill and more cross-linking allow for an increase in the cohesiveness of breast implants, as compared to past generations of implants, in which the folds of the silicone implant could be visible through the skin. Rippling was the only potential trade-off of placing silicone implants on top of the muscle in thin patients or after mastectomy – until now! Excitingly, with the 96% full implant, there is much less rippling even in very thin or athletic patients. These implants create a natural result for women desiring small, moderate, or even ample breast size.
THE PROCEDURE
The breast augmentation procedure requires a small incision, often in the crease below the breast, resulting in a tiny scar that is typically well hidden. Immediately following the procedure, an elastic sports bra is placed to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Acute pain usually subsides after one to five days, but you may experience soreness and swelling for up to two weeks. Patients can resume exercise and regular activity based on my instruction within a few weeks. Overall, my patients find that recovery is quick and reasonably straightforward following the breast augmentation procedure.
SAFETY CONCERNS
The smooth shell of the new generation of silicone implants have the added benefit of eliminating the rippling effect and preserving a soft, mobile result without an increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). You may have heard recent reports of a potential association between breast implants and BIA-ALCL. BIA-ALCL is a rare and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. It occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. We have known about this disease for quite some time, and the Food and Drug Administration has been providing updates since 2011. In any case, as a precaution, I would not recommend textured implants. If you do have a textured implant, you are safe as long as you are happy with your cosmetic results and you do not develop late swelling with fluid collection around the breast. In those instances, visit your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. Whether you are considering a breast augmentation for the first time or are a patient with existing implants looking for a change, I look forward to sharing my experience and expertise in determining the most suitable augmentation option for you. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation at Persons Plastic Surgery, located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette, CA. (925)283-4012. Advertorial
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CL I N I C A L T R I A L F O R PATIENTS WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER
By Pacific Urology Staff
Under the direction of Parminder Sethi, MD, Pacific Urology, a large private urology practice, will begin a clinical feasibility study of a novel medical device for patients with drug-resistant overactive bladder (OAB). The device is an implantable tibial nerve stimulator (ITNS), a miniature, self-powered unit placed in the lower leg under local anesthesia. The ITNS has a projected battery life between seven and 10 years, and requires no patient activation or recharging. Nine Continents Medical, Inc., a privately-held medical device company, recently received Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this first human study of the ITNS. The ITNS is not approved for commercial distribution and is limited to investigational use. According to the American Urological Association, OAB affects approximately 40 million U.S. adults, or nearly one in six, and impacts men and women equally. Those suffering from lack of bladder control may be anxious or unwilling to find themselves in environments where access to a bathroom may be difficult, thus profoundly impacting their quality of life by restricting everyday activities, social interactions, and even occupational activities. An estimated 16 million Americans with OAB have no effective treatment. Parminder Sethi, M.D. is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology since 2000. He is currently a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He completed his urology residency at Ohio State University and is fellowship trained in Neuro-Urology and incontinence at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Dr. Sethi is one of a few urologists who specialize in the use of advanced technology to treat incontinence and overactive bladder, and was instrumental in developing Pacific Urology’s Continence Center. His specialties include treatment for incontinence, enlarged prostate, and erectile dysfunction, as well as minimally invasive kidney stone surgeries and bladder reconstructive surgery. Dr. Sethi, who will lead the clinical investigation, stated, “The ITNS is an exciting new development for treating OAB. This technology has potential to help many of my patients who need a new approach. I look forward to evaluating its performance.” With clinics in Concord, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, San Ramon, and Livermore, Pacific Urology is one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s largest urology practices. Pacific Urology restores urologic health for men, women, and children, and treats numerous health issues including overactive bladder, prostate cancer, kidney stones, bladder and kidney cancer, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, infertility, and more, while also performing vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. To learn more, please contact Pacific Urology at 925-937-7740 or www.pacificurology. 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 8:30 PM 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 two-story building on the right. This program is open to all faiths. For more information or to RSVP, contact karen@ mmcohen.com.
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June 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
SERVICES FD1634
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UPCOMING EVENTS Wine & Peace of Mind Seminar Thursday, July 18th, 2019, 3-5PM
Wilson & Kratzer Chapel of San Ramon Valley 825 Hartz Way, Danville, CA 94526
925.820.2999
www.chapelofsanramonvalley.com
CARING HANDS ~HELP A SENIOR
Life at any age involves challenges, but these intensify as we age. The first concern may be that it becomes too difficult to drive to the doctor, the grocery, or to just get a haircut. Support systems change, neighbors and friends may not help as expected, and loneliness may put a damper on daily routine. Caring Hands volunteers offer friendship which makes an extraordinary difference in the quality of life for many seniors. Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program, a collaborative community outreach program between John Muir Health, social service agencies, congregations of various faiths and the community-at-large, creates finelytuned one-on-one matches. The program is dedicated to helping aging adults in Contra Costa County remain independent as long as safely possible. If you have time to volunteer, consider joining Caring Hands as a caregiver or occasional driver. Enriching matches are created; loving friendships and deep relationships are formed. Care receivers treasure a friendly visit, a walk in the park or other social outing. Reading mail, letter writing, or providing respite care to give a break to a family member are thoughtful services which can make a big difference to a frail or isolated senior. Since so many older adults need transportation to doctor’s appointments or stores, the best volunteer for Caring Hands is someone who is available once a week for 1-3 hours on a weekday and who can provide transportation. Volunteers receive ongoing education, support, and recognition of their efforts. Training classes are held in odd numbered months. An orientation/interview and pre-registration is required. Perhaps you can be that friend who gives a waiting senior hope and help. For a volunteer application or for more information about Caring Hands, please contact Stacy Appel, Volunteer Coordinator, at (925) 952-2999.
BOOKS FOR THE HOMEBOUND
If you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 314-3756 for more information.
C L A S S I F I E D TECH HELP
Need help with technical tasks? House calls for help with travel booking, online photo organizing and photo books, computer/printer set-up, Facebook, texting basics, and more. $40 per hour. Call Shelly at (510) 915-9830.
CAR FOR SALE
2006 BMW 325Ci $7,500. Hard and soft 2-top convertible. Manual transmission with a recently installed clutch, tires, starter, and battery. Only 105,700 miles. Garaged in Alamo. Call 925-838-1478 to see and test drive.
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 NO JOB TOO SMALL! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877
Place Your Classified
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.
PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • June 2019
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
Time’s Running Out on Solar Incentives
THE
30
%
TAX CREDIT
EXPIRES THIS YEAR!
ACT NOW! Call 925.403.4452 or visit solartechnologies.com