VALLEY OAK RESPITE CENTER COMBINES LOVE & LAUGHTER WITH EXPERIENCED CARE
By Jody Morgan
Valley Oak Respite Center (VORC), the only day care facility of its kind within a 20-mile radius of Danville offering a thoroughly balanced program for memory impaired adults, is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30AM-2:30PM Activities including mind-stimulating games, music, exercise, and crafts generate smiles all around. Recognition of special occasions provide additional sources of merriment.
Program Director Jean Morrison explains, “What we do is for the whole family. Caregivers are thankful to have time for themselves and happy to know their loved ones are having fun in a secure, caring place. We make a difference in the way our clients feel about themselves. We want them to have dignity and support the ability of their brains to function in the best way possible.” None of the clients are safe left alone for even a few minutes. Some can only articulate a few words, but all of them enjoy being treated with respect and understanding.
Morrison adds, “We refer to the Center as a ‘social club.’ Clients get comfortable knowing the people they routinely sit beside. Instead of sitting in front of a TV all day, they are singing songs, playing games, and celebrating birthdays and holidays together.”
Activities Coordinator Erin Friedel describes the way a typical four-hour session is structured. “We begin by welcoming everyone in with coffee or hot chocolate and a cookie or treat while we chat and visit while everyone gets settled. Then Jean will read a few facts from ‘this day in history’ and clients might share some reminiscing.”
Erin adds, “The stories our clients share are wonderful and I love hearing them (even if they might be the same story).”
See Respite continued on page 14
SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BOBBY’S BRIGADE
Soft and plush, loyal and true, a kind and comforting face are hallmarks of a teddy bear. There are many articles and much research on the psychology of the calming effects a teddy bear can provide, especially in difficult times.
A March 2023 article on discovermagazine.com notes, “The science behind teddy bear hugs has the potential to help clinicians treat anxiety, reduce fear, and address trauma.”
Ten years ago, when Bobby Redman of Alamo was just six years old, his father learned that a CHP “Chipper Bear”
See Brigade continued on page 20
DRIVE FOR MOBILITY By Mike Copeland
In Ken Behring’s book, The Road to Leadership, he shares his transformation from a man of means, business success and personal accomplishments to a person of purpose. In 2000, he placed a little girl in Vietnam into her very own wheelchair. This gentle act of kindness filled a void in him that no amount of money, no collection of cars, and not even ownership of a professional football team had ever brought him. It had everything to do with finding and sustaining joy.
I recently sat down with Ken’s son David, President of the Wheelchair Foundation, to talk about his father’s legacy and the lasting appeal of their Drive Fore Mobility golf fundraiser benefiting the Wheel-
See Fundraiser continued on page 22
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
We survived the winds, we survived the rain, here comes the sun; I’m ready! While I expect the temperatures to soar, and the days to get too hot, I do enjoy the long, bright, and magical time of summer.
As a child, I fondly remember nights of neighborhood hide-and-seek and kick-the-can. We waded in the creeks near our home, went camping (even in the backyard), churned homemade ice cream, attended community parades, took fun summer school classes ranging from baton twirling and cooking, to rocket building and launching, and craft making. We were taught how to swim and how to build a fire. We whittled with our pocket knives and built sandcastles at the beach. We didn’t fly to far off lands, but we did load up the station wagon with mom, dad, my four sisters and I and explored a lot of the west coast, Yosemite, and Death Valley.
A quote from the now-defunct Airbnb Magazine noted, “Travel can be transformative. Meeting people, immersing yourself in another culture, seeking out new experiences, and over-coming challenges -- these are the things that make travel magical and create lifelong memories.” Travel can be right around the corner or thousands of miles away.
For “right around the corner,” have you marked your calender for the Danville 4th of July Parade? Please see the opposite page for details. It is a wonderful event that has drawn the community together for over 40 years.
Likewise, outdoor movies and concerts are coming to both Alamo and Danville. Grab your lawn blankets, chairs, and a snack and meet your friends and neighbors to share in these events. Organizers of these gatherings are grateful to see their hard work pay off with great attendance, so mark your calendars!
If you’re looking for some indoor places to beat the heat, stop by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley to see the ever-popular summer “Trains” exhibit. Another local jewel is the Blackhawk Museum. It is truly world-class and offers something for all ages. It’s also a great place to take visiting guests from out of town.
Take in the season finale performance of the Danville Community Band (see opposite page). Or, if you feel like becoming a member of the band, they are looking for trumpet and french horn players!
There is still time to sign up for some camps and classes. See page 9 about the local youth Speech & Debate Camp held at Monte Vista High.
There are interesting and unique classes offered by many different organizations. I took a night time photography class in San Francisco that was fantastic. I found out about it, and a plethora of other classes and tours, at www.airbnb.com/s/experiences. My sister took her daughter to a great graffiti arts class. The company also offers street art and hip hop classes. Learn more at 1amsf.com
Sign up for an heirloom appraisal session at the Danville Senior Center on June 13th (see ad on opposite page), register for the Drive for Mobility golfing and auction fundraiser event to support wheelchair donations around the world (see front page), or volunteer for one of the many groups mentioned throughout these pages. They can always use additional helping hands.
Author Josie Thomson writes, “There is a big difference between empty fatigue and gratifying exhaustion. Invest daily in what’s truly meaningful to you. Don’t wait around!”
While pulling up a hammock or outdoor lounge chair is always great for a nap, the world IS your oyster -- go out, explore, have fun, and make the most of your summer!
DANVILLE PARKS, RECREATION, & ARTS COMMISSION AND ARTS ADVISORY BOARD SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
The Danville Parks, Recreation, & Arts Commission and the Arts Advisory Board are seeking new members. Online applications are due by 4PM on June 12th
The Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission is seeking one Youth Representative to fulfill a two-year term. The representative must be high school age and live within the incorporated boundaries of Danville (excluding Blackhawk.)
The representative will serve as a regular member of the commission, which serves as the town’s primary advisory body on acquiring and developing park, recreation, cultural and arts facilities, and providing recreation and arts programming. To apply and learn more about the commission, visit www.calopps.org/danville/job-20348599. For questions, contact Director Henry Perezalonso at hperezalonso@danville.ca.gov or call 925-314-3454.
The Arts Advisory Board is seeking two regular members to serve fouryear terms. The board makes recommendations to the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission and Town Council regarding incorporating and promoting public and performing arts. For more information and to apply, visit www. calopps.org/danville/job-20348575. Any questions can be directed to Town Clerk Marie Sunseri at msunseri@danville.ca.gov, or by calling 925-314-3401.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare? Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy.
For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Presents the
2023 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
Friday, June 30th
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Friday, July 28th
DANVILLE 4TH OF JULY PARADE TO CELEBRATE OUR EDUCATORS
The Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley, in partnership with the Town of Danville, present the Kiwanis - Danville 4th of July Parade, an event that brings the community together to celebrate what makes Danville great. A large and enthusiastic crowd is anticipated to cheer on participants.
In partnership with the Town of Danville, Parade Chairman Kent Screechfield and his team will assemble over 100 entrants, including local politicians, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, community groups, and military and veterans’ organizations. Girl Scouts of Northern California, Boy Scouts of America, National Charity League, Boys Team Charities, and many other youth organizations will either be marching or assisting with the floats, banners, and flags.
Not to be forgotten are the generous sponsors who help fund the occasion, including presenting sponsor Alamo Ace Hardware.
Entertainment will be provided by more than a dozen bands. This years theme is “Celebrating Our Educators.” Chavonta Edington, Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year, will be the Grand Marshal.
The Parade will take place along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard from approximately 9AM to noon, starting at San Ramon Valley High School at Railroad Avenue. The Parade will end at Town and Country Drive, to allow employees, customers, and residents to easily access the neighborhood shopping center and homes off of Boone Court.
Full information on the Parade regarding entries and sponsorships can be found at srvkiwanis.org/parade.
Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service and community minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. More than 550,000 Kiwanis members across 80+ countries make their mark by responding to the needs of their local communities and pooling resources to address worldwide issues.
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets on Thursdays from noon to 1:30PM at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. Meetings include networking, lunch, and a guest speaker. For more information, visit srvkiwanis.org
GO '10-8' WITH CHIEF SHIELDS
H a v e y o u b e e n h o l d i n g o n t o a n h e i r l o o m , a n t i q u e , o r u n i q u e i t e m b e c a u s e y o u t h i n k i t m i g h t b e w o r t h s o m e t h i n g ? T h i s s p e c i a l m o r n i n g w i l l f e a t u r e a n i n f o r m a l a p p r a i s a l v a l u a t i o n s e v e n t w i t h m u s i c , r a f f l e s , a n d s n a c k s t o b e e n j o y e d a s y o u l e a r n a b o u t t h e e n t r i e s a n d s e e w h a t o t h e r s h a v e b e e n h o l d i n g o n t o
Danville Police Chief Allan Shields comes to you via Facebook Live in a community program called “10-8.” “10-8” is the radio code every officer says at the start of their shift and every time they finish helping someone and are ready to help someone else. “10-8” seemed to be a great title for the weekly program to reinforce to residents and businesses that the officers in Danville are here in service to the community.
Come join the “10-8” meeting every Wednesday at 5 PM on Facebook Live. Each program will have updates on what is happening in the Town of Danville, crime prevention tips, and answers to viewer questions. Community members can email questions to mailbag@danville.ca.gov. Questions can also be asked in the comment section on Facebook Live. The Facebook page is “Danville Police Department.”
DANVILLE COMMUNITY BAND SEASON FINALE PERFORMANCE
July 7th: Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys Performing 60’s influenced music bringing precise harmonies, dynamics, and excitement.
July 21st: The David Perez Band
An energetic Latin variety band that combines sounds from Mexico, America, and Europe
The Danville Community Band concludes its 21 st season with The Magical Music of Childhood featuring the wonderful music of your favorite films from the universe of Disney. A broad selection of tunes and melodies from animated feature films will be included, from Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast , to Frozen and Encanto . Also showcased is a Disneyland Celebration with melodies you can hear around Disneyland. The program is rounded out with selections from the small and big screen with highlights from The Mandalorian , Avengers , Pirates of the Caribbean , and the John Williams favorite, “Raiders March.” It’s even OK if you want to come dressed as your favorite character – from pirates to princesses.
The band will also announce the winner of its Student Instrument Scholarship, “Making More Than Music,” and more!
The performance will be held Saturday, June 10 th at Community Presbyterian Church located at 222 W. El Pintado Road in Danville. The general-audience-seating concert begins at 3 PM, admission is FREE, donations are gratefully accepted. Face coverings are encouraged.
For more about the band and future performances, visit www.danvilleband.org , or “Like” the Danville Community Band group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/danvilleband.
ALAMO MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Contra Costa County Public Works, Alamo Parks and Recreation, with support from the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, invite you to enjoy Movies Under the Stars at beautiful Livorna Park located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo.
This summer two family-friendly films will be shown: The Goonies, on Friday, June 30th and Shrek, on Friday, July 28th. Show-times are at 8:45PM. Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and flashlights. If special accommodation is required to participate in this event, please contact Alamo Recreation Staff at least 72 hours prior to the event date. You can reach the Alamo Recreation Staff at 925-313-2181, or visit www.cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation.
MOONLIGHT MOVIES
Bring your blankets, flashlights, chairs, and snacks and stake out a patch of lawn at the Town Green located at 420 Front St., Danville, to enjoy free Moonlight Movies presented by the Town of Danville. Upcoming screenings include:
June 16th - Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings
June 30th - Lightyear
July 14th - Emperor’s New Groove
July 28th - The Karate Kid
For questions, call 925-314-3400 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/calendar.
ALL ABOARD FOR FUN AS TOTALLY TRAINS RETURNS!
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) is happy to announce that model trains will be returning to the Museum. This always-popular event will open on June 24th
The main layout will feature a village scene with models of past and present buildings in Danville and San Ramon. The newest addition is the Danville Presbyterian Church which was located on Front Street from 1876 to 1932. The many trains will travel over trestles, bridges, and through a mountain. Totally Trains is one of MSRV’s most popular exhibits. A “Totally Train’s Family Pass” will be available for $20. The pass will allow you to visit the exhibit as many times as you like. The exhibit runs through August 27th .
The MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
“All Aboard” for some summer fun!
ALAMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
ALAMO POLICE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS
The Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B/APSAC) has two open positions. The Committee advises the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Department on the needs of the Alamo community for police services. You must reside in the P2B area of Alamo to serve on this committee. Learn more at co.contra-costa.ca.us/3418. Apply online at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us.
Contra Costa County Public Works, Alamo Parks and Recreation, with support from the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, present the 2023 “Alamo Summer Concert Series” at Livorna Park, in Alamo.
Livorna Park is located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue. This four-concert series features live music from a variety of genres.
Concerts will take place on Friday evenings from 6:30PM-8:30PM and feature a schedule full of dynamic bands including:
June 23rd - Forejour
July 7th - Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys
July 21st - The David Perez Band
August 4th - The Sun Kings
June 23rd: Forejour
July 21st: The David Perez Band
Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of music and dancing.
If special accommodation is required to participate in this event, please contact Alamo Recreation Staff at least 72 hours prior to the event date. You can reach the Alamo Recreation Staff at 925-313-2181 or visit cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation
DANVILLE “MUSIC IN THE PARK” CONCERTS
Enjoy the warm summer nights at a free evening show. Concerts will take place from 6PM-8PM at Oak Hill Park located at 3005 Stone Valley Rd. in Danville, except for the final concert on August 5th which will take place at the Town Green located at 420 Front St., Danville. Upcoming shows include:
June 24th - Jacob Westfall (Indie)
July 8th - The Shania Twain Experience (Country)
July 22nd - Project 4 (R&B, Soul, Funk)
August 5th - Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Classic Rock)
Join in for an evening of music and dancing. Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks and enjoy music in the park.
For questions, call 925-314-3400 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/calendar.
DANVILLE THRIFT STATION SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville. This year the store celebrates 50 years of serving the local community, selling new and gently used donations. Store proceeds support the exceptional, low-cost, broad-reaching mental health services provided by Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Discovery’s mental health services are integrated into all San Ramon Valley public schools. Since the store’s founding in 1973, $11.5 million has been raised for Discovery.
The Thrift Station is an all-volunteer organization of dedicated, welcoming, and enthusiastic volunteers supported by a large, loyal customer base.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, and is located at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Danville--next to Los Panchos restaurant. The phone number is 925-820-1988.
If you are interested in joining the warm and welcoming volunteer family, please complete the application form at www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-station or email the Membership VP at Thriftvols@ gmail.com . You can also stop by the store and apply in person by filling out a blue form kept near the front register. Volunteers agree to work two 3-hour shifts a month.
Come join the family of volunteers!
925-765-4209
THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE
By Joe Gatti
As we inch towards the beginning of summer, we’re going to revisit a property type in our local market that is important because it exemplifies entering and keeping a foothold within our great community. Our real estate discussions often focus on detached properties, in this article we will look at current statistics for condos, duets, and townhouses. The value of these types of properties appeals to buyers looking to enter the Greater Danville Area or those looking to keep a smaller home with an amazing location. The attraction of having a condo, duet, or townhome is less recurring maintenance and less overall expenses when compared to larger detached properties. What we will find is that low unit inventory has allowed sellers, who price their properties off recent comparables, to sell quickly, and in some cases receive multiple offers.
When comparing 2022 and 2023 price extremes (low and high) for condos, duets, and townhouses it is a contrast in mortgage interest rates. The rising 4% interest rates of mid-spring 2022 still allowed for price and property anomalies, while the 6% to 7% interest rates of this year have brought pricing towards a more predictable equilibrium.* The lowest priced condo in 2022 was a 1 bed, 1 bath, 428 sq. ft. San Ramon property closing for $364,000. This year the lowest has been a 1 bed, 1 bath, 685 sq. ft. condo (also in San Ramon) with a closing price of $434,900. On the other extreme, the highest priced units in 2022 and 2023 reveal the lack of properties available and the difference in home variety buyers are able to choose from. The highest priced unit in 2022 was a San Ramon duet that sold for $1,875,000 and consisted of 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,586 sq. ft. For all intents and purposes, this property resembles the size and price of a small detached home. Buyers have not seen this type of property available in 2023. The highest priced townhome to sell this year consisted of 3 beds, 2 baths, and 1,630 sq. ft. It was located in Danville and sold for $1,400,000.** Thus far in 2023, our takeaway is that higher interest rates have resulted in buyers having less to choose from causing higher interest in the quality properties that actually reach the market.
The buyers that are motivated to purchase today are also competing for a smaller contingent of accurately priced units. In the greater Danville area, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon, 185 total units sold from January 1st to May 25th, 2022. During the same period this year, 115 units were sold.** That’s an inventory decrease of 37.8% or 70 less units for buyers to purchase. If a local seller is able to sell now, and correctly prepares and prices their property, then circumstances are very advantageous.
Many buyers waited through the second half of last year with the hope that prices would drop precipitously in 2023. However, once inventory levels went to extreme lows and buyers grew to accept stabilizing interest rates in the 6% range, local real estate pricing leveled and in some cases proceeded upwards. Well prepared condos,duets, and townhouses, priced correctly for this current market, are seeing great open house traffic and multiple buyers willing to place offers over asking. If you are looking to sell and would like a professional price valuation for your home, please reach out to the Gatti Team for a private consultation. Our services and full time local experience will help price, market, and promote your home on all levels so you receive the best possible outcome in our current market.
I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 11 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon (Suite 200) office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-5883590. Our services are here for you!
*https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/US30YFRM?qsearchterm=30%20year **Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.
MDIA FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) recently kicked off a phase of their campaign to build a new Education Center on Mount Diablo State Park. Their goal is to raise $1 million by the end of 2023 toward the ultimate goal of $3 million.
The donor challenge to provide one-for-one matching up to $80,000 expires on July 31st . This provides a great opportunity for donors to double their donation during this period.
The new 1,500 square foot facility, adjoined by an outdoor plaza, will open up opportunities for teaching and learning for area school children as well as providing in-depth interpretive displays to all visitors on the natural and cultural world of this 22,000 acre “island in the sky” State Park.
The MDIA is a 501c3 all-volunteer organization. For nearly 50 years, they have partnered with Mount Diablo State Park providing stewardship of the park and its visitors. MDIA is overseeing the $3 million campaign to replace the current 25-year old portable trailer that currently serves as a visitor center with a more spacious, permanent, ADA-compliant Education Center.
Located within easy access for the entire San Francisco Bay Area, the new Education Center will greatly increase access to the park and its programs for everyone, and particularly for people with disabilities and school children from our community’s lower-income neighborhoods.
In addition to being a resource for community members and students, the new building’s energy-efficient, environmentally responsive design will serve as a model for other structures located in urban-wildfire interface zones—a consideration of increasing importance due to California’s expanding fire season.
For more information, visit MDIA.org , or contact Mike Brandy at MCEC4me@gmail.com
FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAM WITH AUTHOR ANDREW ALDEN
DEEPOAKLAND:HOWGEOLOGYSHAPEDACITY
On Thursday, June 15th at 11:30AM the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will welcome Andrew Alden, geologist and author of Deep Oakland: How Geology Shaped a City. He will present a free virtual program on his new book.
In Deep Oakland , Alden excavates the ancient story of Oakland’s geologic underbelly and reveals how its silt, soil, and subterranean sinews are intimately entwined with its human history—and future.
Poised atop a world-famous fault line now slumbering, Alden charts how these quaking rocks gave rise to the hills and the flats; how ice-age sand dunes gave root to the city’s eponymous oak forests; how the Jurassic volcanoes of Leona Heights gave way to mining boom times; how Lake Merritt has swelled and disappeared a dozen times over the course of its million-year lifespan; and how each epochal shift has created the terrain cradling Oaklanders today.
Join in for an informative and entertaining presentation. To virtually attend, visit museumsrv.org and go to the ‘Events’ section.
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
TRI-VALLEY GERMAN STAMMTISCH
Do you speak German and miss the opportunity to socialize with other German speakers? The Tri-Valley German Stammtisch welcomes people who can hold a conversation in German! The group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM, at various local restaurants. There are also occasional gatherings on weekends, and celebrations of special events with a German food-oriented potluck.
For more information, or to be placed on the email list, email trivalleystammtisch@gmail.com
JUNE BOOK SALE!
SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH ~ 10AM TO 2PM
The Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) will host a pop-up used book sale to raise money for our local library.
• Saturday, June 24th from 10am to 2pm
• Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library 400 Front Street, Danville
• Most books will be $1-5; less for children’s chapter books
• Cash, local checks, and credit cards accepted.
• Book donations will be accepted during the sale. Limit of four bags
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
• Become a Member of the FODL and support library programs
• Volunteer to work in the bookstore
• Donations of foreign bills or coins accepted
• Donations of BART paper tickets accepted
For more information, talk with any of the Pop-Up Sales Associates wearing green aprons, or visit the bookstore Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm to speak with a volunteer.
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers monthly meetings of small groups with common interests to discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books to information on local genealogical libraries.
You are invited to join the Tuesday, June 20th, 10AM ZOOM meeting with a presentation by Pam Vestal. Her talk is titled “Teasing Out the Hidden Story Behind the Genealogical Facts.”
One of the biggest challenges we face when writing family histories is how to turn the bare facts into tales worthy of being read. Our ancestors were real people, not just names, dates, and places. The talk will explore four different approaches that can help us understand our ancestors in the context of the time and place in which they lived. We can search for unexpected clues in the information we’ve already gathered. By digging deeply into the genealogical details, we can bring their stories to life.
Vestal is a professional genealogist and speaker from West Linn, Oregon, and the owner of Generations Genealogy, LLC. After 20 years as a professional writer, she turned her full attention to her longtime love of genealogy. Since then, her articles have appeared in the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly and FGS Forum magazine, and her lectures take her from coast to coast. Currently, she offers genealogical research for clients and works oneon-one with aspiring genealogists who want to improve their skills.
To become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org and click on the “Join SRVGS” tab on the left side of the home page. For questions about the group, email president@srvgensoc.org.
FIVE BIOS EVERY AUTHOR NEEDS THE TOPIC OF JUNE 10 CAL WRITERS MEETING
Joey Garcia, relationship coach and the author of When Your Heart Breaks and It’s Opening to Love , will be the guest speaker at the Saturday, June 10th, lunch meeting of the California Writers Club-Mt. Diablo Branch. The meeting begins at 11AM at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Guests are welcome.
To register for the meeting online, visit cwcmtdiablo.org/meetings-and-workshops. You can join CWC at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/join
Garcia says she helps writers get known while they’re writing a book, so that when it’s published, there’s an audience waiting to read it. For more information, visit www.joeygarcia.com
Founded by Jack London in 1909, the California Writers Club has over 2,000 members statewide. The Mt. Diablo Branch membership is 140, with a mix of published fiction and nonfiction authors, editors, developing writers, and individuals who offer writing, editing, and publishing support services.
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal Monte Vista (MV) is finishing the 2022-23 school year with a flurry of celebrations and activities. Our soon-to-be graduates began their celebration with our Senior Awards Ceremony where we honored our graduating seniors with a wide array of speeches, recognitions, and awards. The ceremony was followed by our Senior Lunch which was enjoyed by all. A big thank you to the students, staff, and parent volunteers who helped put these two events together.
Finals Week kicked off the last week of May. The week culminated with our Commencement Ceremony.
Two MV seniors and a faculty member were recognized for their accolades by community organizations this past month as well. First, Dartmouth-bound Isha Jain and MV Drama Teacher Chris Connor were honored by Alamo Rotary as the Student and Teacher of the Year respectively. And, at their annual PTSA awards breakfast, Lehigh-bound Sydney Ellis received the MV PTSA Scholarship. We are grateful to our local community organizations for their ongoing support of the students and staff at MV.
MV’s Athletic Teams finished the 2023 spring season with great accolades, as well. MV’s Women’s Track and Field Team capped off a stellar season with an East Bay Athletic League (EBAL) championship. Not to be outdone, MV’s Men’s Lacrosse rolled through the EBAL with an undefeated league record to claim their championship banner. Finally, for the second consecutive year, MV’s Women’s Athletic program was awarded the Ernie Berger Award by the EBAL as the top women’s program. Congratulations to all of the athletes who made this happen.
As the school year draws to a close, MV’s students and faculty would like to thank our community for their continued support throughout the 2022-23 school year. It has truly been a great year and we are thankful to everyone who joined in supporting us.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF DIABLO VALLEY AWARDS $252,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS
Since 1999, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley’s Scholarships program, presently co-chaired by Carol Johnston and Susan Klipfel, has provided financial and emotional support to high school, community college and university students as well as returnees to the academic community. Each applicant has expressed a desire to advance through education by maintaining a designated grade point average, volunteering in campus and community projects, and charting an academic timeline.
During the Awards presentation, scholarship recipients, also known as future mechanical engineers, biologists, nurses, musicians, anthropologists, et al, acknowledged the generosity of foundations, individual donors (chapter members included), and revenue earned at the Assistance League Thrift Shop -- the chapter’s primary fundraiser located in Lafayette. Their collective message, “I want to thank my family for their sacrifice and support…Life’s struggles made me the person I am today and now I have the financial capability to pursue my dreams…I will be the first in my family to graduate from college…I am a single mother with two kids…educators are a great influence in my life…”
The 2023-24 High School Scholarship recipients from Contra Costa County high schools include: A. Aceves, S. Donavon-Stauder, K. Gotfried, A. Jeong, B. Kariithi, P. Lawson, M. Leung, U. Moghalu, D. Moreno Espinoza, K. Nguyen, C. Olairez, H.O’Neal, L. Philips, D. Santos Hernandos, P. Stephens, M. Tan, R. Tansiatco, T. Umana Almaraz, S. Weiss-Ishai, and A. Zapantis.
The Foster Youth Scholarship recipients are: S. Alvarez, A. Bui, T. Guillory, S. Lee, A. Lucas, S. McKinney, O. Kara’ Lina Moore, A. Owens, T. Pollard, A. Rickli, A. Rickli, and I. Saro.
Community College Scholarship awardees who are graduating from Contra Costa County Community Colleges and transferring to fouryear universities are: F. Aizihaer, J. Bacon, L. Benney, N. Campbell, C. Chien, R. Duenas, S. Fiveash, H. Matthews, S. Michael, S. Miranda Mendoza, K. Morales de Leon, S. Mundres, D. Perez, K. Smith, and A. Sosa Pineda.
The Specially Funded Spotlight Scholarship , which is renewable each year, is awarded to students who show strong focus on their educational goals that lead to a career path in their chosen fields. Recipients
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By
Jamie Westgate, Principal
Summer is here, and I will sincerely miss seeing our students’ faces out at the flagpole each morning before school begins. Perhaps my gratitude is rooted in the fact that this school year felt like the first typical one after the pandemic, but I will certainly remember it as one of my favorites. Here are some of the reasons why I am thankful for the 2022-2023 school year:
• Nearly 250 elementary, 150 middle school, and 75 preschool students were enrolled this year, allowing each to strengthen their academic and spiritual foundations.
• A fun theme for the year, “Flight Academy… Eagles Taking Off,” was kicked off by a real Top Gun pilot, Colonel Aytes!
• A true high was spending a week at Hume Lake Christian Camp with our 6-8th graders, growing closer to God, and to one another, while enjoying fun activities like paddleboarding, roller blading, playing field games, and paintballing.
• We successfully advanced through another year of academics as evidenced in our standardized testing results.
• Our 8th grade trip to the East Coast was more typical this year, getting to visit places like Washington D.C., Gettysburg, and New York City. Seeing the kids bond with one another during this special adventure offered the opportunity to make memories the students will never forget!
• Partnering with nearly 55 teachers on staff, we experienced the most successful teacher retention I can remember in the past 30 years.
• Grandparents’ Day was a high for the year. Bringing grandparents and grandchildren together is an even better combination than peanut butter and jelly!
• Our preschool “eaglets” extended their vocabulary through weekly alphabet letter snacks bringing fun to the table and a desire to try out new foods!
• Our accreditation visit from both ACSI and WASC teams provided SRVCA with wonderful commendations, and granted our school a full six year term!
• Our “east side playground” was fully reconstructed for all to enjoy, while our main playground was refreshed with some much needed improvements.
• We hosted four elementary musicals this year giving all TK-5th grade students the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience at least twice this year!
• Our PTF Gala results superseded our expectations, meeting both fundraising goals and social connection opportunities for the adults in our community!
• This year we graduated 43 eighth graders who are ready for new challenges on our local high school campuses. It’s hard letting them leave our Eagle’s Nest, but they are ready to launch!
We praise God for such a meaningful school year, and look forward to what He has in store for SRVCA for the 2023-2024 school year. We pray for a sweet season of rest and memory making for our families in the San Ramon Valley!
are: A. Anonuevo, M. Arghandiwal, H. Awuah-Antwi, C. Carandang, A. Gonzales De Leon, J. Hesselroth, Y. Huh, J. Lee, A. Lopez-Vaca, I. Lopez, K. Munguia, J. Nouri, A. Peake, and D. Riverbay.
The Lisa Parker Hurst Award requires that the recipients graduate from one of five high schools in Mount Diablo Unified School District and enter an accredited four-year college, where they will maintain a designated grade point average. Awards went to S. Florez Bermudez, J. Gay, A. Montano, and J. Toribio Madrigal.
The Returning to School Scholarship was awarded to life-long learners: M. Chicas, R. Howard, C. Huen, and A. “Noor” Zainuer.
To learn more about the Scholarships Program, and Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other 15 philanthropic programs, visit assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley
STUDENTS: UNLOCK YOUR INNER VOICE THIS SUMMER AT A SPEECH AND DEBATE CAMP
By Neil Chandran, Monte Vista High School sophomoreAre you interested in learning how to debate current event topics such as “Do chatbots help or hinder students?” Or, use a dramatic or humorous story to perform your own interpretation of the piece? Do you want to learn how to write and deliver a winning persuasive speech?
For the past 30 years, the Monte Vista Speech and Debate Institute has helped train thousands of students in public speaking and debate. This summer the program is offering two-week camps for students to learn the fundamentals of critical thinking, communication, and creative skills while building confidence in a fun and engaging environment.
The summer camps run for two weeks from July 3rd to 14th and July 17th to 28th at Monte Vista High School. The cost for two weeks of full-day camp is $395 and half-day camp is $295. Students entering 4th to 6th grade will be in the junior camp, and those entering 7 th to12th grade will be in the standard camp.
Students will work in small groups and learn from championship speakers from the nationally-ranked Monte Vista Speech and Debate Team. They will participate in a variety of different exercises, activities, and improvisational games designed to develop confidence and poise as a speaker.
Personally, I’ve been both a student and an instructor at Monte Vista’s Speech and Debate Camps and they definitely help you become a better public speaker. The camps are also a great way to explore a diverse range of opinions. The camps teach and drill important communication skills and focus on how to translate data, facts, and debate points into an effective argument - an important lifelong skill.
To learn more about the camp, visit www.montevistainstitute.org.
Neil enjoys writing about local student-led events and advocacy and inclusion in education.
ALAMO WOMEN’S CLUB HONORS ITS 2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) recently hosted a luncheon to celebrate and honor the recipients of their 2023 Scholarship Awards. The 11 students currently attend either Diablo Valley College (DVC), Los Medanos College (LMC), or Contra Costa College (CCC). The AWC Scholarship Committee selected students demonstrating both financial need and dedication to academic excellence. The recipients are Diana Alvarez, Altina Dixon, Savanah Ekman, Sarrah Jessa, Brittany Ligdis, Amber Lee Lucas, Bianca Ochoa, and Tara Lanoie from DVC; Glory Oluchi Ikeora and Yahel Moreno from LMC ; and Jennifer Maritza Largaespada from CCC.
Each recipient received their scholarship certificate and gave a brief speech to the AWC members. They will receive a total of
ADVICE FROM A SENIOR TO A SENIOR
On May 3rd, older adults within the Danville community were invited to share their advice on life to graduating high school seniors. This program was titled “Advice from a Senior to a Senior,” where senior citizens wrote their advice on a chalkboard and posed for pictures in front of San Ramon Valley High School and Monte Vista High School colors.
Senior George English shared: “Help Others and Trust Your Instincts.”
The advice and photos will be sent to each high school and posted on Town of Danville social media handles for all graduating seniors and their parents to see.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!
$5,000 in two phases: in August 2023 and January 2024. Scholarship funds may be used to pay tuition, school supplies, or living expenses. Ten of the recipients are single parents, and one recipient, Yahel Moreno, is from Youth Homes and an emancipated foster child.
The AWC Scholarship Program was established over 80 years ago and is made possible through annual fundraising efforts by Club members, quarterly jewelry sales, and community donations. Through those efforts, the AWC 2023 Scholarship Budget was increased to $55,000.
If you wish to find out more about Alamo Women’s Club, please visit www.alamowomensclub.org
VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
SOUTHERN PACIFIC AND THE IRON HORSE TRAIL
Over a million people use the Iron Horse Regional Trail (IHRT) each year as it follows the Southern Pacific-San Ramon Branch Line (SRBL) right-of-way. Not only do visitors enjoy a walk with friends, a run, or bicycle ride, but they have the chance to learn some history along the way. In the San Ramon Valley alone, there are four interpretive signs or historical plaques in place along the IHRT.
Let’s trace some of that history. The SRBL opened through the valley in 1891 with one Contra Costa Gazette article praising the Alamo ranches: “…it is worth going a long journey to see. The trees are trimmed to a model with mathematical precision, and their luxuriant growth would attest the careful cultivation of the ground, were it not evident from ocular inspection. Not a suspicion of weed is to be noticed anywhere, and the finely pulverized ground is as smooth as a floor.”
In 1891, the SRBL ended at San Ramon (around today’s Fostoria Way). The line was extended to the Radum area in Pleasanton in 1909. What a boon the train was to the rural valley -- especially in rainy winter weather -- as it carried grains, hay, beets, cattle, milk, and passengers. Significant dates for the railroad include July 4, 1906, when a group picnic park on the Meese Ranch (today’s Greenbrook) opened for business. Ramona Park had planned to open April 26th, but the San Francisco quake and fire hit on April 18th. The July opening event sent all of the the profits to the earthquake refugees. In 1934, passenger service ended. During World War II troops were transported and, in 1978, the entire line was abandoned. The rails were removed in 1978 and 1979. Hemme Station Park in Alamo has some handsome and informative wayside signs which were placed by the County and Alamo MAC. The signs include stories about prominent rancher August Hemme who helped persuade Southern Pacific leaders to build the SRBL. At one point there was a freight depot and warehouses in this part of the right-of-way which was first called Hemme and later labeled Alamo.
The two-story Danville Southern Pacific depot (now the Museum of the San Ramon Valley) has a historical plaque on a brick pedestal at its northern end, placed by the San Ramon Valley Historical Society. It provides basic information about the line, Danville, and the depot. The train’s arrival greatly benefited Danville because of its proximity to the village.
In 1996, the depot was moved 600 feet from its original site (Lunardi’s today) and restored by the Museum board and many volunteers. It is still on the large station land. While the Museum is not a railroad museum, it does provide history brochures on the railroad and photographs and information about the train. Third graders find one of their Passport destinations at the museum when they answer questions and learn about this mode of transportation.
Three other two-story combination depots painted in gold and brown were located in Concord, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon.
A new plaque featuring the San Ramon two-story depot and other buildings on the station land was placed and dedicated by the SRV Historical Society in March of this year. The SRBL ended in this location (north of today’s Fostoria Way). For nearly 20 years, there was an engine house and a gallows turn-around in the spot. Resident Bill Fereira said that a bell would ring in the morning and people would come to move the engine, pushing the long handle on the turn-around.
Since the station was about a mile from San Ramon’s village, people weren’t able to get there readily, so the train was little benefit to them.
The final plaque is an interesting one and can be found just north of the golf course in San Ramon. It commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 and remembers the thousands of Chinese workers who built it. Sponsored by San Ramon, the County, and the Asian Pacific Public Affairs Association, it reminds visitors of the impact railroads had on the west and western settlers.
After Southern Pacific removed the rails, there were extensive debates over what should happen on the right of way. Contra Costa County stepped up and purchased the land. Government jurisdictions along the way agreed to keep it clear of development. While some wanted to install light transit cars or called for a new BART line, the idea to have a Class 1 paved trail, free from motorized vehicles, was broadly championed.
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) included a visionary trail on the right-ofway in its 1980 Master Plan and, combined with some vigorous citizen support, the IHRT was created. At first it was called the San Ramon Valley Iron Horse Regional Trail but, as it expanded both north and south of the valley, the name was simplified.
The EBRPD manages the trail with a license from the County. The IHRT is now over 35 miles long, goes to several BART stations, and extends from Concord into Pleasanton with bridges over Ygnacio Valley Rd. and Treat Blvd. An IHRT bridge over Dublin Blvd. is currently being constructed, and plans are complete for a trail bridge over Bollinger Canyon Rd. as well. Trail advocates were warned that such a trail could take some time to build, and that was certainly true. As the trail expanded, in the year 2000, it was recognized as an American millennium trail. In 2011, the trail through the entire San Ramon Valley was completed, when all bridges over creeks and signalized intersections were in place.
Today the IHRT is a well-regarded part of every community which surrounds it and a favorite place to gather and explore. History and exercise, a winning combination.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE). WPE, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge.
Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DIVISION OF THE COUNTY ENSURES FAIRNESS
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
There are many services Contra Costa County provides, which have a significant impact on your daily life, but you may not be aware of, or think much about them. One of these is the Weights and Measures division of our Contra Costa County Agricultural Department. When you fill up your car with a tank of gas, weigh produce at the grocery store, or have an item rung up at a cash register, the assurance that you are being charged a fair price depends upon our Weights and Measures division doing their job.
State and Federal departments develop policy and regulations regarding measurement standards, but it is at the county level that the majority of weights and measures laws are enforced. The service mission of Weights and Measures is to protect the buyer and seller in all monetary transactions that use weight, measure, or count. The County works to ensure that the interests of both the buyer and the seller are protected. The County makes this possible by conducting inspections throughout the county in each of the different programs within Weights and Measures.
In the Petroleum Products Program, petroleum advertising and labeling requirements are regulated. There are minimum quality standards that must be met for most automotive products including gasoline, oxygenated gasoline blends, diesel fuel, motor oil, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, antifreeze/coolants, and alternative engine fuels.
Under a state contract, county Weights and Measures inspectors visit 194 gas stations each year.
Quantity Control is a program that focuses on checking products for accuracy of net content statements and verifying that the correct amount of payment is requested during transactions. It also includes the enforcement of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, which prevents misleading and/or deceptive commodity labeling, packaging, and advertisements.
Weights and Measures inspectors working in the Quantity Control program perform inspections in over 2,000 locations throughout the county, make undercover purchases, and investigate consumer complaints.
A Registered Service Agency (RSA) is a company that installs, services, repairs, or reconditions commercial weighing or measuring devices in California for payment. Registered Service Agents are employees of an RSA, and follow strict guidelines mandated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the California Division of Measurement Standards (DMS). County Weights and Measures Inspectors inspect and test all commercially used weighing and measuring devices for accuracy throughout the county.
There are roughly 30,000 devices in Contra Costa County that require inspection. Some examples of weighing devices are deli and frozen yogurt scales, shipping facility scales, railway scales, and vehicle scales.
Measuring devices include gasoline dispensers, taxi meters, electric meters, retail water dispensers, vapor meters, water submeters, and fabric and cordage meters. Devices are also inspected to ensure that they are being used for their intended purpose. Once a device is determined to be correct, it will be certified by affixing a seal. If the device is not determined to be correct, it is taken out of service until it can be repaired and retested.
Weighmasters must be licensed to certify the weighed, measured, or counted quantity of a commodity. The certificates issued by Weighmasters are recognized by the courts as legal documents. Licensed Weighmasters are employed at locations like “Cash for Gold” stores, landfills, and recycling centers.
The work of the County’s Weights and Measures division often goes unnoticed, but it ensures the residents of our County are being treated fairly.
My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. Please contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-655-2300.
WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB
The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, June 12 th at the Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. in Walnut Creek. Registration begins at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief business meeting, social time, and an educational program.
The program, “Trees, Parks, and Volunteers” will be presented by Roger Ravenstad. Roger is the Parks Planning & Design Manager for the City of Fremont. Prior to that, he was a landscape architect for the City of Berkeley. Roger will share lessons he’s learned in his 25 years designing and managing the growth of a premier public park system in Fremont. Roger feels strongly that great public places are defined by their ability to enhance people’s quality of life, sense of community, and connection to the natural environment.
The public is welcome to visit meetings and to become a part of the Club. For more information, visit www.walnutcreekgardenclub.org.
CLIP NOTES By Jody Morgan
For most of my gardening life I’ve been too busy planting, weeding, and troubleshooting to enjoy observing all the pollinators working beside me. But now that I’ve started specifically planting for pollinators instead of simply collecting the latest, most beautiful horticultural sensations, I can’t stop watching the diminutive wildlife in action. I’m about to expand my contribution to their welfare by counting pollinators visiting a specific flower during 5–15-minute periods as part of the citizen scientist data collection team of the Great Sunflower Project.
When I first read about the Great Sunflower Project, launched in 2008 at San Francisco State University by Gretchen LeBuhn, I was intrigued. That year commercial beekeepers witnessed a 35% colony loss. Scientists knew native bee populations were also declining, but data was lacking. Multiple causes were suggested, but finding sufficient funding for scientific documentation was unlikely. Little information was available on how bees were faring in urban, suburban, and rural situations not dedicated to agriculture, or how the decline in bee populations was affecting essential food supplies.
The Great Sunflower Project began by enlisting the help of citizen scientists to plant seeds of Lemon Queen Sunflowers and report counts of bees witnessed visiting the flowers during at least three observation periods. This dependable selection of the annual native sunflower Helianthus annuus is a bee magnet. Matching bee counts across the country on a single species of sunflower with data on neonicotinoid pesticide applications in the same area made mapping places where heavy use of the chemicals correlated with reduced pollination services possible. But like many gardeners, I didn’t have a suitable place to grow a patch of sun-loving, 5-9-foot prolifically flowering and branching Lemon Queens.
Incidentally, I was surprised to find Lemon Queen Sunflowers winning a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Merit as perennials. Apparently, there are two quite different sunflowers that are known commonly by the same name. The annuals used in the Great Sunflower Project have chocolate-colored centers. The perennials have dark yellow centers. Both are stunning in bouquets.
By the time Paige Embry connected with LeBuhn in 2016 while writing Our Native Bees, the project had evolved to encompass collecting data from counts on whatever suitable flowering plant the observer chose to monitor. The
SONS IN RETIREMENT
LAS TRAMPAS BRANCH #116
new initiative described on the project’s website as “Pollinator Friendly Plants Program” aims to identify the best pollinator attracting plants for each location throughout North America and eventually the world. As a resident of Seattle, Embry had no luck nurturing sunflowers, but was happy to submit observations on bees visiting her Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ - a long-blooming perennial sage.
Embry writes: “One of the cool things about the Great Sunflower Project website is that it tracks your data for you. The average number of pollinators per hour per flower for my yard (well, one plant in my yard) is around forty-seven, which handily beats the regional average of almost twelve.”
Counts for the Pollinator Friendly Plants Program include all individual pollinators visiting the chosen flower. If you can’t definitively identify each one, you simply enter the number seen. You may use the common name for your flower, but precise botanical information including the cultivar is appreciated. Many types of bees can feed their young pollen from a variety of plants, but others require a single appropriate flowering plant species or its close relatives. Although some of North America’s almost 4,000 species of native bees are active throughout the growing season, many forage as adults for only a few weeks. Having co-evolved with plants that typically bloom during their adulthood, they cannot survive if those plants are absent or flower too early. Thus, climate change and loss of habitat bear significant responsibility for diminishing populations of bees in general and the threat or actuality of extinction of certain species.
Today the Great Pollinator Project has a third initiative: “Great Pollinator Habitat Challenge.” Participants evaluate a location and devise a plan to create a better pollinator habitat on that site; implement the plan; and share the results. Citizen scientists of all ages enjoy getting involved. Learn how at www.greatsunflower.org
June 19-25, 2023 is National Pollinator Week. The annual recognition of pollinators’ critical role in supporting biodiversity and supplying humans with one out of every three bites of food they eat, first established in 2007, is managed by Pollinator Partnership (pollinator.org). The website notes that “conservation of pollinators and their habitats can help combat climate change by supporting healthy ecosystems, air, soil, water, and plants.”
Sons in Retirement (SIR) Las Trampas Branch #116 helps semi-retired and retired men lead active lives. All ages are invited to partake in enriching social activities. There are minimal dues and no major commitments. Come join the group to make new friends and social connections and stay active. Monthly meetings are held at Boundary Oak Golf Course.
The robust and well organized nine-hole and 18-hole golf programs are in full swing. Play is at Boundary Oak and other courses in the area. There are two different book groups that meet monthly. A very active fishing group takes place with participation from SIR members in the area. Join our pickleball group for a fun way to get some exercise. The bridge group meets for lunch twice a month. Put on your shoes and take an easy hour-long walk every Friday morning with the Amiable Amblers walking group and also join in the monthly sponsored walking tours to explore local areas. Spouses and friends join in on wine tastings which take place at members’ houses and group dinners which are held at local restaurants.
To learn more or become a member, visit https://sirinc2.org/branch116, or call 925-322-1160. Come join the group and have some fun!
SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128
Are you looking for ways to stay active, make new friends, and have more fun in retirement? Look no further than Sons in Retirement #128, a social organization for men over 50 who are retired or are nearing retirement.
At SIR 128 we believe that retirement is an opportunity to pursue new interests, travel, and spend time with friends and loved ones. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities that cater to every taste from hiking, pickleball, book clubs, wine tasting, lunch in the park, golf, and more.
Each month, SIR128 has a variety of events. In the upcoming months we will be touring the TCHO Chocolate Factory, taking a walking tour of the Nike Missile sites, enjoying a Mt. Diablo Wildflower Walk, and attending sporting events. These outings are a great way to have some fun and make new friends. Membership includes a monthly luncheon with a guest speaker. Luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 11AM at the Bridges located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. The June meeting will be held June 21st. The speaker will be Stephen Smith, President of the Mt Diablo Interpretative Association. He will be talking about “The Hidden Gems of Mount Diablo,” directing you to the stories and locations of some of the treasures on the mountain that might be a little less known, but no less fascinating! Steve is a wonderful storyteller, with wit and bottomless enthusiasm and devotion to our mountain. If you’re interested in attending a luncheon/meeting as a guest, email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the group, visit www.SIR128.com
BRANCH #146
If you like making friends for life while participating in fun social activities, then SIR Branch #146 may be what you’re looking for. There are almost 50 activity groups and half of them can include your significant other as well. Visit www.sir146.com and click on any activity icon to learn more. You can find activity schedules, contact information, and recent write-ups by visiting www.sir146.com/newsletter_recent.html
Activities include nine-hole and 18-hole golf, hiking, cycling, pool, photography, birding, fishing, dining out, cards, dominoes, theater, great travel adventures, and more! Come enjoy a delicious catered luncheon with interesting and timely speakers at the next meeting. Meetings are held at Boundary Oak in Walnut Creek on the second Thursday of the month. Arrive early and socialize! Reservations are required. In May and December, please invite your significant other to enjoy special luncheon entertainment programs. Dues are only $25 per year. Broadening your network of friends and having fun is what it is all about.
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS IMPLEMENTING MICROSOFT TEAMS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
In today’s scattered work environment, effective communication and collaboration are crucial for small businesses to thrive. Today we find business is conducted from just about anywhere you can get a cell signal, and we need communication platforms to help us connect, share ideas, and collaborate with teammates and vendors when we can’t meet face to face.
In the early days, there were separate programs to help us communicate, chat, and have video calls. Do you remember Webex? It used to be so popular it became an adjective. However, Webex was purchased and the product went stale. Google Hangouts came along, but never took the market by storm. Others, like Skype, were purchased and integrated into a bigger offering by Microsoft. The team-chat marketplace was fairly sparse until Slack came along and created the current genre of team collaboration tools. And, video conferencing really hit its stride with Zoom, as we all saw over the last few years. Did anyone tie it all together so you didn’t have to install and manage three separate applications? Yes.
In 2015, our company outgrew the simple, single phone number we used in conjunction with our cell phones, and we adopted the new Ring Central telephone system. It worked great, and it came with a desktop application with the unfortunate name, “Glip.” Glip was amazing in ways I didn’t predict, but soon appreciated. In one application on any PC or Mac computer, we had a robust telephone that didn’t drop calls or warble our voices, a full-featured chat program, and a meetings client based on the popular and familiar Zoom platform. The service worked great, and I have only good things to say about how well it worked. Ring Central nailed it.
As time has passed, the competition in this space has become stiffer, and Microsoft Teams has risen to give Ring Central a rough ride. The Microsoft Teams base product is already included in our Microsoft 365 package, so all that needed to be added were our phone numbers and calling plan.
I discounted Teams initially, because I thought it would be half-baked. However, much to my surprise, it’s a robust, reliable, and inexpensive all-in-one platform just as Ring Central has been. All things are roughly equal, except the price, so we switched. Yes, it was a rather mercenary decision, yet why spend more than you have to?
Switching was quite easy. What is usually the hardest part of a phone system implementation is the “porting” of your telephone numbers from the current provider to your new one. I was ready for it to take 90 days, but porting 10 numbers was complete in 10 days. I was pleasantly surprised.
What I like about Teams is everything I liked about Ring Central, in addition to being extremely well integrated with the Microsoft 365 platform, OneDrive, and a plethora of other applications that you can integrate into the application. Telephone and meeting quality have been as good or better than what we experienced with Ring Central. Both Teams and Ring Central have a team chat client that is akin to the Slack application that is so common and popular in high-tech companies. I think the Teams app is closer in appearance and practice to that of Slack than Ring Central, however, both products get the job done just fine, so it’s not a key differentiator.
The only disappointment I have in the Microsoft Teams app is that it doesn’t include SMS texting like I had in Ring Central. In Ring Central I could text message clients from my desktop using my work telephone number, without needing to use my personal cell phone, which I try to keep separate from the business. Microsoft publicly says SMS texting is coming in “early 2023,” however, I contacted an ex-employee who works at Microsoft and knows people, and the word on the street is that if it comes this year it will be late – if at all. Given that unfortunate news, we’re evaluating some of the add-on programs included with Teams for one that provides SMS texting without breaking the bank. So far it looks like a costly add-on. If it costs $14.95/month per person to add on texting, it blows the savings of using Teams in the first place, so we’re still figuring it out. We never used SMS all that much, so maybe it’s something we’ll just have to let go and find a way around.
If you’ve been on the fence about implementing phones for your business, or have an antiquated phone system (Nortel, NEC, Panasonic, Toshiba, AT&T, etc.) and it has run its course, we should talk about moving you into a contemporary system like Teams. I can almost guarantee that we’ll be able to save you money on your telephony expense, because the T1 circuits for your old phone systems are very expensive every month. It’s worth a look.
PCIO is unique in that we only recommend products we use, that are reliable, and that can be effectively supported. Now we can add Microsoft Teams to that list. If you’re ready to dip your toe in the water of a new phone system, give us a call at 925-552-7953 x4 or email info@pcioit.com so we can have a chat. Advertorial
QUICK TRIPS
By
Linda Summers PirkleSAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY ~ IGOR LEVIT
Igor Levit (b.1987), pianist, activist, and professor lives in a spacious, airy, sparsely decorated apartment, with plate-glass windows overlooking a park in the Mitte neighborhood of Berlin according to The New Yorker’s Alex Ross in an article with the headline, “The Fearless Pianist.” His instrument is a 1923 Steinway B that once belonged to the great Swiss Pianist Edwin Fischer.
It was from his Berlin apartment living room, in March 2020, that Levit began his first broadcast using his home webcasting equipment and saying in German and English, “It’s a sad time, it’s a weird time, but acting is better than doing nothing. Let’s bring the house concert into the twenty-first century.” Live-streaming a concert today is a common occurrence, but in 2020, when the pandemic first started, a renowned musician performing from his home, giving us a peek into his personal space, was novel. Beginning in March 2020, Levit presented a daily concert online for 50 consecutive days, “bringing music, hope, and connection to people around the world during the first month of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the San Francisco Symphony website. Hundreds of thousands of people tuned in. As the pandemic forced performance venues to close, Levit tweeted, “OK, I’m going to play for you guys tonight at my place.” His Hauskonzert (house concert) made Levit a “household name.”
Recently, at an Open Rehearsal with the San Francisco Symphony at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, I had the opportunity to see another “household name,” the renowned and beloved pianist, composer, and Artistic Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT).
Open Rehearsal is not a concert, but rather a working rehearsal. The audience is warned not all of the music for the program may be played and the music will start and stop from time to time.
Respite continued from front page
I love the opportunity to hear the banter during their practice and seeing the musicians in their casual street clothes. It is like a sneak peek behind the scenes and it feels intimate.
Open Rehearsal starts at 10AM and ends at 12:30PM. On the Thursday morning I attended, the Davies Symphony Hall was packed and as MTT entered the stage, wearing a light blue jacket and casual pants,the audience rose en masse to greet him with applause. The music was wonderful and MTT charmed us with stories.
“Inside Music,” a scheduled 30-minute talk, preceded the rehearsal and our host was Professor Scott Foglesong. His presentation was informative, interesting, and fun. Foglesong’s extensive biography mentions that he is an acclaimed lecturer. I am not surprised.
Igor Levit begins his two-week concert residency in San Francisco in June and will join the San Francisco Orchestra for performances of concertos by Beethoven and Bussoni, along with a chamber performance and a solo recital on the Great Performers series. Open Rehearsal featuring Levit will be held Thursday morning, June 22nd.
MTT returns next season for two open rehearsals slated for January 2024.
Check out sfsymphony.org for details on summer programs.
On August 2nd and 3rd, San Francisco Symphony performs Michael Giacchino’s The Batman score alongside the film.
Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer, Francophile, consultant, and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com
The next hour is devoted to games and crafts followed by 10 to 15 minutes of singing together. When singing guitarist Michael Kistner comes to lead the group, the words of each song are projected on a big screen television. Familiar old favorites are chosen from Kistner’s extensive repertoire of over 800 tunes from the 1900s to the present. Michael has been performing at elder care facilities for the last 20 years and also plays at weddings and special occasion parties. Clients bring their own lunches. Program Assistant Thu Do, who has worked at the Center for almost three decades, knows exactly who brings each container and what beverage each client likes. Jean praises her dedication and caring heart and considers Thu’s contribution to everyone’s welfare and happiness invaluable. Exercise time comes after lunch. Ann Marie Ybarreta, founder of Diodatics Fitness Company in San Ramon, brings her program of specially tailored chair workouts. She has developed fitness routines designed to meet the needs of elderly and mobility impaired clients, as well specialized programs for women. Her weight training exercises are built on the legacy of her father, Joseph Diodati. The unique weights he designed and patented accommodate each individual’s own body, maximizing the benefits of their workouts.
A rousing round of Bingo completes the daily routine. Staff members and volunteers help clients who have trouble placing markers on their Bingo cards. Throughout the entire day, clients, staff, and volunteers share lots of laughter.
Crafts and activities are often designed to honor holidays.
Clients made masks for Mardi Gras. Jean read poems about nature for Earth Day. On Cinco de Mayo clients enjoyed doing chairsalsa with homemade maracas and playing pass the sombrero. Henry’s 102nd birthday was celebrated in style. He’s enjoyed being a Valley Oak client for over two years. Asked about the way clients and their families respond to their Valley Oak experiences, Erin answers, “Smiles from our clients and a warm hug are my favorite reactions. I did have one spouse tell me thank you when we made two lambs per client for our Easter craft. She said she was happy that there was a lamb for each of them, one for her husband and one for herself.”
Marianne Gutierrez and her husband discovered Valley Oak Respite Center when he spotted a short article on the inside pages of Alamo Today & Danville Today News. Marianne posted on Next Door: “I saw the article exactly when I needed to see it. I’ve never known something like this existed and it has been a Godsend for my loved one and my family.” Marianne’s mother-in-law had always been an active, energetic, independent woman. Disturbed by a sudden change in her mental and physical health, Marianne and her husband brought her to live with them and their five children at the end of March.
Marianne writes about what happened after her husband slid the story describing the Center to her across their breakfast table. “I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It was something we didn’t even know we were looking for! I called Valley Oak Respite Center immediately and asked to come visit the following Monday. Both my mother-in-law and I were welcomed with open arms, literally! Jean, the Program Director, let my MIL join for the day See Respite continued on page 16
POA AND LIVING TRUST: CRITICAL DIFFERENCES
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.A living trust (aka revocable trust) and durable power of attorney (“POA”) are two estate planning tools that can help individuals manage their assets and finances during their lifetime, and plan for their future. While these two documents help people achieve similar goals, many people don’t understand their key differences nor why both are important to have in place.
A living trust can be established by an individual or married couple (“settlor(s)” aka “grantor(s)”), who generally: i) transfer substantially all of their assets into, and take title in the name of, the trust; ii) designate a “trustee” – either themselves or someone else they choose – to manage the trust; and iii) designate the ultimate “beneficiaries” who receive the assets in the trust when they pass away.
One of the main benefits of a living trust is one I write about often, probate avoidance. Another advantage is privacy – details of one’s living trust are not publicly registered or otherwise disclosed to the public. In contrast, the probate proceeding triggered if a decedent has just a will (or no will) opens up details to the public, including assets, will content, heirs’ names and addresses, and creditors.
A POA allows an individual to designate another person, known as an agent or “attorney-in-fact,” to manage their miscellaneous (non-trust-related) financial affairs on their behalf if they become incapacitated. The agent can be authorized to make a wide range of financial decisions and engage in many types of financial transactions, such as paying bills, making IRA or 401K investment decisions (since these retirement plans are owned by the plan participant, not his/her living trust), and signing and filing tax returns.
One of the key benefits of a POA is that it can provide a person with peace of mind, knowing that their financial affairs will be managed by a trusted person
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted.
• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August) at noon. For information, visit www.americanlegionpost246. org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM. For information, visit vmbsrv.org or email info@vfwpost75.org
• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. For information, visit http://vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.
• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. For information, visit www.mcldet942.org
• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.
• Bay Area Navy Nurse Corps Association holds two general meetings in June and December. For information, visit https://nnca.org, or email bannca@nnca.org.
• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9AM to noon.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience. Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon.
Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
if they become unable to do so themselves. If someone becomes incapacitated and does not have a valid durable POA, a family member may need to petition the court to be appointed conservator, a proceeding which is costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, a conservator could be appointed whom the incapacitated person would never have wanted to serve in this capacity.
One of the main differences between a living trust and POA is the scope of the authority of the agent (trustee or attorney-in-fact). A common question is why one needs a POA if they have a living trust. The answer is two-fold: a) almost nobody holds all of their assets in their trust (e.g. cars and small bank accounts frequently remain titled individually and are not transferred into one’s living trust, and retirement plans – IRAs, 401K’s, etc. – are never trust assets; and b) a POA is designed to enable the attorney-in-fact to handle any number of tasks that are not directly related to managing any specific assets, such as signing and filing tax returns.
An example of a) above: Joe owns an automobile in his name (not in his living trust), he becomes incapacitated and doesn’t drive any longer and his car needs to be sold. The trustee of Joe’s living trust has no authority to sell the car on Joe’s behalf, rather, the attorney-in-fact under his POA would typically have authority to do so.
Another major difference is that a POA only operates during one’s lifetime. Living trusts provide for assets to be held, administered, and distributed both during one’s lifetime and after one’s gone.
It should be clear from the foregoing that a POA and living trust have similar functions, but that neither legal document can alone accomplish all potentially necessary financial management functions.
|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, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, 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
Respite continued from page 14 and I sat in for about an hour so I could see and learn for myself what this place was. One of the volunteers sat with me to explain more about the different activities that are done on M,W,F. Tears welled up in my eyes, not only because of the wonderful things this facility provides for people like my MIL, but also because I was witnessing the work of these kind, patient, and sweet angels working there. She now attends all three days, making friends and engaging [in activities].”
Dr. Gary Peer began volunteering at Valley Oak Respite Center when he retired two years ago. When he learned in late October 2022 that the Center was going to be permanently closed on December 15th, he refused to let that happen. After running the facility for the last 30 years, Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging was shutting it down along with all its other operations.
Dr. Peer explains: “As an Internal Medicine doctor I have taken care of the elderly and dementia patients for 40 years, so I know how much of a strain it is on families and patients.” He adds, “There are few resources to help them despite how many people suffer from dementia. Many of our clients’ primary caregivers are spouses in their 80s and 90s. Time off from care-giving is essential to prevent burn out.”
Registering a new non-profit would have taken at least six months. Peer saved the Center from closing by creating Danville Dementia Day Care LLC to manage the facility. As Administrator, he is currently working through the time-consuming and convoluted process of obtaining a new license from the California Department of Social Services while still able to operate under the existing license. The $60 fee for each four-hour session is gauged to cover expenses but does not generate a profit. Once the licensing process is completed, the next step will be going through the necessary steps for Danville Dementia Day Care to officially become a non-profit.
Elated and relieved that day care would continue at Valley Oak, clients’ caregivers sent Gary notes of heartfelt thanks. One reads: “It was so wonderful of you to keep Valley Oak open. It is a great program and lots of people benefit from it.” Another scans a bit like blank verse: “OH YESS!!!
definitely screams of joy from us as well. fantastic news for everyone.
Thank you Gary! Thank you Jean!
Thank you everyone who makes this possible and who cares for our loved ones.
We are very grateful!”
What the Center provides goes far beyond simply keeping clients in a safe place for four hours. “Our clients’ families tell us that coming to the Center improves the ability of their loved ones to participate in social interactions from family gatherings, to going out to public places,” Gary reports. Yet, few people know about the services Valley Oak provides, despite how many might benefit.
“I think the most important thing to know is that we exist and offer this service,” Peer emphasizes. “None of the physicians I have talked with knew we existed. No community leaders knew we existed. I know there are other families struggling to take care of loved ones with dementia that will benefit
See Respite continued on page 19
DEBT CEILING WHAT IS IT AND WHAT HAPPENS IF WE BREACH IT?
By Waldron Partners
“I think the whole issue of a debt ceiling makes no sense to me whatsoever. Anybody who is remotely adroit at arithmetic doesn’t need a debt ceiling to tell you where you are.” ~ Alan
GreenspanWhen the federal debt ceiling was established by Congress in 1917, its purpose was to make it easier for the US Treasury Department to manage the country’s debt. More specifically, it allowed the Treasury to take on debt and issue bonds without needing Congress’ direct approval – as long as the amount it borrowed stayed below the debt ceiling. While the debt ceiling has always served to limit the amount of debt that the Treasury can take on, this cap aspect has become more prominent as government spending has continued to balloon over the decades. Nowadays, whenever a debt ceiling deadline approaches, many start to worry about what will happen if the government breaches the ceiling. What if Congress doesn’t raise the limit in time and the Treasury defaults on its obligations? How will this affect the economy?
This article explains the debt ceiling in detail and why it’s become so controversial, as evidenced by the use of language like ‘debt ceiling crisis,’ ‘standoff,’ and ‘battle’ in the news. Learn why people keep bringing up the Republican debt ceiling cuts, what the possible ramifications of a default might be, and how the Treasury might handle a situation when it can’t afford all of its obligations. WHAT
IS THE DEBT CEILING?
Let’s start by discussing exactly what the debt ceiling is and why it’s become such a hot debate topic over the years. In basic terms, the debt ceiling is a limit set by Congress on how much money the government (US Treasury) can borrow to finance its budget deficits. This limit is raised periodically to accommodate the government’s growing debt.
The US technically hit its debt ceiling on January 19, 2023. The Treasury has since implemented “extraordinary measures,” also known as special accounting maneuvers, to keep paying its bills so it can avoid a default. Certain government investments have been temporarily put on hold in the meantime. The new debt ceiling deadline is June 1st, according to Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen. If it’s not raised by then, the government will most likely run out of money.
The debt ceiling has been a topic of much debate in recent years (just Google “debt ceiling news” or “debt ceiling 2023” to see evidence of this), with some arguing that it is a necessary check on government spending and others calling for its abolition. Proponents of the debt ceiling argue that it promotes fiscal responsibility and prevents the government from borrowing excessively, while opponents say that it is a needless constraint on the government’s ability to manage its finances. Throughout the years, different political parties have used debt ceiling deadlines to negotiate and attempt to push through certain spending cuts and other concessions, which only adds to the controversy surrounding the limit. Despite this, the debt ceiling is a crucial aspect of fiscal policy that can have significant implications on the economy.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF A DEFAULT?
The US government frequently reaches its borrowing limit (debt ceiling), causing intense debates in Congress over whether to raise it. To put things into perspective, the debt ceiling – and the total national debt – was at $31.4 trillion in January 2023. While many think this amount of debt should be capped and potentially lowered using spending cuts, the impacts of not raising the debt ceiling could be severe.
For example, if Congress chooses not to raise the debt limit, the government will very likely default on its loans (i.e., not be able to pay them), which might cause the value of the US dollar to fall precipitously. Other countries might then question if it should remain a reserve currency. Moreover, a default may lead to a recession (which, in May 2023, already looms) – maybe even globally, likely causing volatility in the financial markets and a spike in unemployment.
Interest rates might also skyrocket, making it more expensive for people to borrow money for homes, cars, and other large purchases. Furthermore, US-issued debt could also drop in value if interest rates go up, depending on the length of the default episode. In all likelihood, the government would prioritize certain payments (like the bondholders who own US Treasuries), but no one knows for sure since this hasn’t ever happened or been tried before.
Ultimately, a default would likely damage the country’s reputation and creditworthiness in the global market. As a result, many think that lawmakers must
$0
Cleanings!
For most insured patients. Call for details. Maximizing Insurance & Exceeding All Expectations
One Office for All Your Dental Needs
The Latest Procedures, Instruments, & Techniques
Gentle Private-Practice Dentist • Dental Implants
Advanced Periodontal Therapy • Porcelain Veneers
Custom Teeth Whitening • Digital X-Rays
Invisalign Clear Braces
925-831-8310
StoneValleyDental.com
220 Alamo Plaza, Suite E, Alamo Next to Safeway
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturdays of each month.
Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family
Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful three-year post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction.
Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
To learn more about The Rotary Club of Alamo and see current meeting dates and times, visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Danville Rotary Club meets virtually every Monday at noon. Learn more at danvillerotary.org. If you are interested in the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, they meet Tuesdays at 7AM. Contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com, call 925-336-0000, or visit dsvrotary.com. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets via Zoom every Wednesday night from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 5:30PM-6:40PM. For more information, call 925-998-2924. Rotary Club of San Ramon meets at San Ramon Community Center every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm. For more information, visit sanramonrotary.org, or email mjzroberts@att.net, or call 650-483-4069.
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets twice a month at 6:30PM on the first and third Wednesday at Mangia Mi located at 406 Hartz Ave, Danville. The group is looking for like-minded people who wish to volunteer their time for good causes to join the club. The group is a dinner-time club and meets at restaurants for dinner and business meetings in Danville. Danville Lions raise funds and provide services to those in need, both locally and worldwide, through fun and gratifying projects. Lions are well known for successful initiatives in vision health. Please visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca to learn more or contact Club president Diana Gaines at 925-719-1553.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at The Grille at Blackhawk, located at 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle 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. On Wednesday, June 14th 21year-old Collin Mullan will speak to the group. Locally raised, he started racing quarter midgets at age five. Currently, he is a professional auto racer. In 2022 he won the GT4 championship for Andretti Racing. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $30. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. 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, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org
To place an ad, share a story,or find more information about our paper, contact us at 925.405.6397 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com .
EYE?
