2024 JUNE ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

STUDIO RETREAT OFFERS DRAMA STUDENTS

FREE MASTER CLASSES AT TAO HOUSE

By Jody Morgan

Studio Retreat at Tao House offers high school students the opportunity to explore and express their individual talents as actors and playwrights. Provided free by the Eugene O'Neill Foundation Tao House (EONF), the 10-day workshop invites students to perform and write in the magical setting of O’Neill’s Danville property. In addition to learning how the Nobel Laureate and four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author transformed theater in his day, students are encouraged to create their own innovative contributions to the entertainment of contemporary audiences. Open to up to 25 participants, the 2024 Studio Retreat runs June 19-30 with a two-day break the 24th and 25th.

During the first week of the Studio Retreat, aspiring playwrights work on their scripts, while actors are engaged in scene work. Board member Tom Baxter coordinates the contributions of EONF

DANVILLE 4TH OF JULY PARADE RETURNS

The streets of Danville will come alive with patriotic fervor and community pride as the Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade returns, proudly presented by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club. This year’s parade, under the theme “Celebrating our Local Businesses,” promises to shine a spotlight on the innovation and spirit of our local business owners, who have played an integral role in shaping the vibrant tapestry of our community.

Led by Parade Chair Rob Goldstein and organized by the dedicated members of the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club, the parade is set to take place on Independence Day, July 4th, starting at 9am. Everyone is invited to join in the festivities and honor the invaluable contributions our local businesses bring to the fabric of Danville.

The parade route will wind through the heart of downtown Danville, showcasing a colorful procession of floats, bands, community groups, and, of course, representatives from local businesses. Participants will creatively interpret the theme, infusing the parade with an abundance of imagination, energy, and pride.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the resilience and spirit of our local businesses through this year’s parade theme,” said David Stegman, President of the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club. “Their dedication and commitment to serving our community deserves to be celebrated and honored, and we invite everyone to join us in recognizing these remarkable individuals and enterprises.”

volunteers providing snacks and lunches for the full-day sessions. Many of the 15-20 individuals involved are board members or advisory board members.

The second week brings both student groups together to work on staging the There’s something powerful in spending time in the Tao House barn.

The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who come together to make this event a reality. Their collective efforts

Photo by Jody Morgan.

Three students work together in the barn theater to perfect a play. Left to Right: Evie Richardson, Ava Tom, Paloma Young. Photo courtesy of EONF.

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

“I don’t have enough time.” “I pay my taxes, that is my service to the community.” “I can’t make a commitment.” “I don’t have the skills needed.” “I can’t find a good opportunity.” “No one asked me to help.”

I get it, we are all busy, over-the-top, that being said, most of us can squeeze an extra hour or two out of our week by staying off of our cell phones or turning off the TV. We can use those hours to give back to our communities and fellow man, and really make a difference.

In the last few months I have attended meetings of some of our local service groups. Rotarians, Kiwanis, Exchange, and Lion’s Club members have been dedicating their time for decades to our communities, and to our world. Locally, the Kiwanis have put on the free Danville 4th of July Parade for over 40 years. It is a great event enjoyed by all ages. Rotarians in Alamo hold an annual Egg Hunt and holiday Tree Lighting event which are also free and popular. There are car shows, concerts, movie nights, and more. I believe people enjoy attending and connecting with their friends and neighbors.

These events don’t happen by magic. They take money, time, grants and fundraising, and the helping hands of many folks coming together for a common cause.

Many clubs have members who have given decades of service, but volunteering isn’t just for folks that are retired. The service clubs welcome new members and fresh ideas (see page 9 for meeting times), and there are many opportunities for children to participate too and affect change.

Civic engagement is the foundation of Generation Citizen (generationcitizen.org), a program being introduced in the San Ramon Valley to middle and high school students. The group “offers tools for the rising generation to build civic skills.” The curriculum focus on civic engagement through project-based and problem-solving approaches.

Besides the service clubs there are other groups and non-profits needing a helping hand. Summer days are the perfect time to see how you can assist. Can you help an animal in need? Rescue groups and shelters can use all the help they can get. Can you buy some food, litter, or crates? Can you foster puppies, kittens, or bunnies until they can be adopted? Are you able to help a senior or veteran with rides to appointments or just offer a phone call to check in with them and brighten their day? Can you deliver meals or help sort or prepare foods? Food insecurity in our county and our country are becoming a huge and desperate need for many. We are fortunate to have Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank, White Pony Express, and others trying to tackle this basic human need. But, they can’t help others without helpers of their own.

If you want to volunteer whenever you have a spare minute, pick up a trash bag and collect litter on the Iron Horse Trail, go to a lake or beach and clean up there. Offer to mow an overgrown lawn for a senior. Even providing a listening ear to someone can make all the difference in the world.

Think outside the box. Volunteering doesn’t have to include an organized group. See a need and create your own solution. After the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, I read how many folks were struggling with family meals - especially living in a hotel room. Ordering pizza nightly wasn’t a long term solution. The folks had basic needs and were thrifty. I came up with the idea of “Crockpot Angels.” By asking for donations (usually under $35) I was able to ship new crockpots to hundreds of people. They could make healthy meals from their rooms and provide a little sense of comfort and normalcy.

Actress and comedian Lucille Ball noted, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” We all are busy, and yet, we can all make a difference. Whatever your passion, skills, or desire, there is something for everyone and everyone can benefit from the support and care from our communities.

TOTALLY TRAINS RETURNING TO MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

Mark your calendars! “Totally Trains” opens on June 29 th at 10 AM at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in downtown Danville.

The main layout will feature a village scene with models of Danville and San Ramon’s present and past buildings. 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.

This year, children will be able to sort mail and packages just as mailman did in the past on mail trains. In addition, “Engage by Cell” codes will be used to give the history of many of the buildings in town scenes.

Totally Trains is one of most popular exhibits at the museum attracting young and old alike. A summer Train Pass will be offered allowing you visit as many times as you want!

Visit the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Ave, Danville, open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

All aboard for summer fun!

SUMMER ARTS FLING

Looking for a summer date night? On June 21st head downtown for the Summer Arts Fling, presented by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce! The inaugural event is a special showcase of art, featuring the creative works of local artists presented for the enjoyment and inspiration of the community.

While you’re downtown, enjoy the closing reception of California, Places & People, the latest exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery located at 233 Front St., Danville.

The Summer Arts Fling is $20 per attendee, learn more at www. danvilleareachamber.com

MOUNT DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Mount Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) was formed in 1957 as part of the National “Moonwatch” program established to time the first man-made satellites so accurate orbits could be calculated. Within months of the club’s formation, astronomy and space science made a giant leap into the households and classrooms of Americans with the launching of Sputnik, and soon afterwards Explorer I. The space race was on, kindling a desire in many to understand more about space and astronomy, and what the newly formed NASA was planning.

Monthly Club meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month (January to October and third Tuesday in November) at Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, and free monthly public and society astronomy programs take place on Mt. Diablo and the surrounding area from March to October. The events feature many telescopes and binoculars provided and operated by members for education and enjoyment.

To view the upcoming program schedule and learn more, visit mdas.net

SONS IN RETIREMENT

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

Are you looking for a fun way to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy your retirement? Join SIR 128 San Ramon Valley. We’re a social group for men over 50 who are retired or nearing retirement.

At SIR 128 San Ramon Valley, we believe retirement is an opportunity to explore new interests and make new friends. We offer activities for everyone, including fishing, cycling, hiking, bocce ball, book clubs, walking, pickleball, and golf (both 9 and 18 holes). We also plan monthly outings to exciting places. Our next trip is to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Members enjoy a monthly luncheon with interesting guest speakers. These luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 11:30AM at the Bridges in San Ramon.

If you’d like to join us as a guest, please email membership@sir128.com. For more information, visit www.SIR128.com

BEAUTIFUL VENUE FOR WEDDINGS, MEMORIALS, & EVENTS

Experience the perfect blend of serenity and celebration at Danville Congregational Church (www.danvillechurch.org) located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Our welcoming facility is more than just a space; it’s a warm embrace for your special moments. The lovely sanctuary, versatile reception halls, and fully equipped kitchens set the stage for unforgettable events. Conveniently located near the 680 freeway, our facility offers flexible rental options for up to 300 participants.

For availability and pricing, please contact the office at 925-837-6944 or email dcc.events@danvillechurch.org

Wherever you are on life’s journey, we offer you a place of peace and hope. At Danville Congregational Church, we welcome you to a progressive spiritual community that is open and affirming.

Auburn Lounge | 321 Hartz Ave, Danville

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

As we enter June, more properties have entered our local market, and inflation headlines gave us some better news, just in time for local schools to get out and summer to kick off. If you’re considering selling or buying real estate in the months ahead, please reach out to the Gatti team. Our team with Compass combines 60+ years of Greater Danville Area experience with the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the United States. We strive for personalized, local, and proven real estate expertise tailored just for you. On May 15 th ,we saw the first positive news on inflation in three months. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April came out and inflation came in at market expectations. The official CPI number was 3.4%, .1 % below the previous month’s reading of 3.5%. Upon the news, interest rates started to recede towards 7%. A welcomed change for consumers still hoping the Federal Reserve will begin lowering their base interest rate at some point in 2024. Bank rate had the national average for a 30 year fixed mortgage rate at 7.03% on May 23 rd .*

Despite rates remaining higher for longer, when the period between April and May 2023 is compared with the same time in 2024, it’s evident buyers have accepted the higher rate environment. The greater Danville area, which includes: Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon, had 116 total detached properties close escrow between April 23 rd and May 23 rd , 2023. The median price for these sold properties was $1,900,000 and the median price per sq. ft. was $761.37. Fast forward to the same period this year. 129 total detached properties closed escrow, with the median sold price being $2,300,000, and the median price per sq. ft. at $820.16.** This is an eye-opening 21% increase on the median price and a 7.7% increase on price per sq. ft. year-over-year.

Our listing at 317 Bolero Drive in Danville (bottom left, below), closely mirrors the price increase described above. We entered the market pricing Bolero at $1,899,000, with the seller taking all of our advice in preparing the property for market. After five days and an extended series of open houses, the seller received eight competitive offers. I marked the home pending on April 10 th and it ultimately closed on May 3 rd for $2,250,000; $351,000 over the list price or 18.5% higher. At $1,003 price per sq. ft., it shows the importance of combining the right market strategy, home presentation, and how positioning the great schools, parks, access to downtown Danville, and neighborhoods furthers the value and interest in our local area!

If you’re thinking of selling and have any questions on real estate, please contact us for a FREE no obligation estimate of the value of your home. We are here to help!

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 12 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 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!

*https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates/

**Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.

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 Super Mario Bros Movie, on Friday, June 21st and DC League of Super-Pets, on Friday, August 9th. 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. Activities start at 6PM, and the movie starts at 8PM or when dark enough to view the film. Upcoming screenings include:

June 14th - Aquaman

June 28th - Alladin (Live Action 2019)

July 12th - Angels in the Outfield

July 26th - Super Mario Bros Movie

For questions, call 925-314-3400 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/calendar.

SAFE EXCHANGE ZONE FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

The Town of Danville Police Department has recently relocated the “Safe Exchange Zone” to the parking lot of the Police Department headquarters located at 500 La Gonda Way, Danville.

The Safe Exchange Zone allows residents who buy and sell items through sites such as Craigslist, NextDoor, and Facebook Marketplace a safe location to meet the other party and make their transactions. There are two designated spots, which are under 24 hour video surveillance, located next to the dumpster area in the parking lot.

Please remember to be cautious when buying or selling any items to people you do not know. Tell a friend or family member when meeting someone. Complete transactions during daylight hours and trust your instincts.

The zone is under surveillance 24/7. Officers will not be present during transactions and video will not be monitored in real-time. The Town of Danville employees cannot act as an official witness to transactions, do not give legal advice, and will not settle civil disputes related to any transactions. If police response is needed, call 911 or 925-820-2144.

For questions regarding the Safe Exchange Zone, call 925-314-3700.

BE PREPARED!

SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS

Emergencies are inevitable, being prepared is paramount and can give you and your family an edge on knowing how to handle a situation.

The Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard community warning systems.

You can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and email from the CWS in times of local emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, hazardous material incidents, law enforcement activities, and more that will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lockdown, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) that are necessary to protect life and health. Register to receive emergency alerts, and learn more at cwsalerts.com

Wheelchair Foundation (WF)

President David Behring (left) accepts a $2,000 donation from the Alamo Rotary Club, presented by Alamo Rotarian Peter Waldron (right). The donation will continue the life-changing work of WF to provide wheelchairs around the world. Since Ken Behring established WF in June 2000, over one million wheelchairs have brought hope, mobility, and independence to people in need. Just $200 helps purchase, ship, and deliver a new wheelchair to a person in need.

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

Monte Vista (MV) is closing out the 2023-24 school year with many celebrations and performances that truly demonstrate all of the great things about Mustang Nation. MV hosted its annual Capstone Symposium where students in our AP Seminar and AP Research programs presented their research projects to a large audience of students, staff, parents, and community members. It was awesome to see and hear the deep levels of learning that our students were demonstrating.

On Tuesday, May 28th, MV’s seniors began their final week of high school with our annual Powder Puff Game. As always, it was a great event that was well attended and lots of fun. The following day, our seniors attended our Senior Awards Ceremony, where our community honored our graduating seniors with speeches, accolades, and awards. The ceremony was followed by our Senior Barbecue, which was hosted by our Senior Class Parents. Finally, on Thursday, May 30th, the Class of 2024 joined together one last time for the Senior Sunset. A huge thank you to all of the students, staff, parents, and community members who contributed to these meaningful end of the year events.

It may have been Senior Week, but MV’s Instrumental Music program performed twice over the course of the week. First, MV’s Orchestra and Symphonic Band performed, then MV held its Jazz Showcase. In addition, MV’s Visual Art program held their annual Art Open House, where our talented artists showed off their work to the public. Thank you to all of our seniors who brought their talents to our campus and helped make them so successful.

Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Presents 2024 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

MV’s athletic teams finished the season with further accolades as well. At press time, MV’s 4x400 Women’s Relay team of Cate Miller, Natalia McGowan, Peyton Dolan, and Isabella Moriyama captured an NCS Championship - winning their final race by nearly four seconds. They were headed to the California State Track and Field Championship which was held over Memorial Day weekend. Congrats to all of MV’s spring sports for an excellent finish to the year.

Finals Week began Friday, May 31st with 7th period class finals followed by half-day finals June 3-5. Finally, everything culminates on Thursday, June 6th with our annual Commencement Ceremony where the MV Community has the opportunity to celebrate the Class of 2024 one last time. With the school year drawing to a close, on behalf of MV’s students and faculty I would like to thank our community for their continued support throughout the 2023-24 school year. It has truly been a fantastic year and we are grateful to everyone who played a part in it.

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

By

Elsa Hartley, San Ramon Valley High School, Senior

Summer has finally arrived! As I reflect on the whirlwind of a year we’ve had at SRV, it’s surreal to think that this will be my final article before embarking on my journey to UCLA in the fall. It’s been a joy sharing the stories and spirit of SRV with you all, and I’ll carry those memories dearly. So, before I bid adieu, let’s savor these moments together one last time…

May drew to a close with AP testing, where over 20 different exams were administered, a testament to the dedication of our students. Congratulations to each and every one for their hard work and determination! Our seniors were treated to an enchanting 24 hours at Disneyland on May 19th, creating unforgettable memories with peers from across California. We bid a fond “aloha” to departing seniors during our final rally on May 17th. The distribution of our student-crafted SRV yearbooks on May 22nd marked the beginning of bittersweet farewells as students prepared for the closing chapters of the school year.

In a heartening return to tradition, SRV revived the Wolfpack Awards for 9th through 11th graders on May 21st, honoring outstanding students across various disciplines. Additionally, Senior Awards on May 29th recognized the remarkable achievements of the graduating class of 2024. A heartfelt thank you to CPC for organizing a touching baccalaureate service on June 2nd, a fitting tribute to our departing seniors.

As we bid adieu to SRV updates until the fall, let’s mark our calendars for some upcoming highlights. The Back-to-School rally will ignite spirits on August 16th, followed by Homecoming Week starting September 9th, themed “LAND of the Wolves.”The excitement continues with themed floats for each class during the parade, and volunteers interested in assisting with parade cars are encouraged to reach out to jwillford@srvusd.net. Moreover, the 2024-25 school year holds the return of “Every 15 Minutes,” with more details forthcoming.

As we turn the page to new adventures and experiences, I carry with me fond memories of my time at SRV. Though farewells are never easy, they pave the way for exciting beginnings.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me and staying along for the ride. Until we meet again!

scripts created during the first week. Participants invite friends and family to come to enjoy the final day’s performances. Baxter and other board members as well as friends of the Foundation are included. Describing the atmosphere in the barn theater Tom writes: “It is supportive and encouraging. Most of all, I’d say, there is a palpable sense of accomplishment that comes from the students -- actors and playwrights alike. The scripts are short, maybe 10 to12 minutes, but they often deal with real issues (maybe because the students have spent some time working on O’Neill in the previous two weeks!).”

Returning for his seventh season as Program Director, Norman Gee shares his extensive experience as a celebrated Bay Area actor and director with Studio Retreat participants. Among his many credits, Gee is founder of the Oakland Public Theater. Asked about what motivated him to accept the role of directing the Tao House student program he responds, “I am excited by the prospect of influencing/inspiring young theater artists to see them selves in the continuum which stretches from O’Neill to them and beyond.”

There’s something powerful about spending time in the O’Neill barn. Gee remarks, “My favorite moment is performance day, when we get to practice our craft in that iconic setting for all the world to see. To know that these students will walk away owning our creation.”

the short plays produced during the Studio Retreat address mature themes. Norman encourages students to gauge their work by answering the three “E” questions. Is it Educational? Is it Entertaining? Does it evoke the audience’s Emotions?

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Aided by a Writing Instructor and two interns, Gee strives to teach students techniques for best showcasing their personal gifts. Rather than being concerned that they can’t do what another student does, he helps them understand how to let their own unique talents shine. He notes: “There are lots of scripts, some by famous authors, sitting forgotten on dusty shelves. I tell students that their own story is the only one that hasn’t been told and that their creative challenge is to tell it.”

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In teaching theater arts to a wide range of community groups, Gee has discovered how to inspire students with vastly different backgrounds. Gee writes: “I learned valuable ways of helping students tell their own stories when I taught theater at Juvenile Hall. Abiding by rules was a challenge for them. Their stories had to be told in metaphor. So, while profanity was prohibited, if the character is a pencil, it could say ‘shavings’ instead of ‘shit.’ References to drugs are forbidden, but if the character is a bear with a craving for honey, it is ok to describe him knocking over beehives. No reference to escape is permitted, but if the character is a canary in a cage, the bird could talk about why it is important to be free instead of planning an escape - like maybe to help a relative in need. What the bird might want to accomplish once free could also be part of the script.”

Kaiya Leber is returning in June for her second Studio Retreat as both performer and playwright. Having discovered a passion for See Retreat continued on page 16

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. New and prospective members are welcome!

The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and participates in many community service projects. 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

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

The Rotary Club of Alamo meets the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club, 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 Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets at Fat Maddie’s located at 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays 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 Wednesdays from 5:15PM-6:40PM at Amador Rancho Community Center. For more information, call 925-998-2924. The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the LAB meeting room at Roundhouse located 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Meetings are held at 7AM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and no meetings in months with a 5th Tuesday. For more information call 925-997-6664.

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. 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

Studio Retreat gives Norman Gee (center) and acting teacher, Tanika Baptiste (right), a chance to help students develop their talents in a wide open setting. Photo courtesy of EONF.

Kaiya Leber (R) works on developing her character with August Baxer (L). Photo courtesy of EONF.

DISTRICT II CONCERTS IN THE PARK

By County Supervisor Candace Andersen With summer approaching, concerts in the park are coming back. Several communities throughout District II have put together a wide range of musical talents for everyone to enjoy.

The concerts are held on different nights of the week, and the music reflects many different genres. The park settings and a picnic dinner are perfect compliments to an evening of music outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your own community or visit a new one! It’s also a nice way to support local businesses by purchasing your meal “to go” from one of our exceptional restaurants.

exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community that defines Danville and the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club.

For more information about the Parade, including how to participate or volunteer, visit www.srvkiwanis.org/parade or contact Rob Goldstein at parade@srvkiwanis.org

The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Club is a dynamic service organization dedicated to serving the children and communities of the San Ramon Valley through various projects and initiatives. With a focus on community service and fellowship, the club strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need and foster a sense of unity and belonging within the community. Parade continued from front page

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program, and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within the community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address community issues of concern.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@so.cccounty.us .

UPCOMING BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) will host a pop-up used book sale to raise money for our local library on Saturday, June 29th from 10am to 2pm. The sale will be held in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library located at 400 Front Street, Danville

• Book prices start at $2; less for children’s chapter books

• Cash, local checks, and credit cards accepted

• Book donations will be accepted, limit four bags

For more information, visit the bookstore Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm to speak with a volunteer.

Alamo – Concerts are held at Livorna Park on Friday evenings from 6:308:30PM. Call 925-313-2272 for information. Movies and bands are selected by the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council with input from the public. The events are paid for by the County Service Area (CSA) R7 fund, which is paid for by all Alamo residents. Each concert will have two food trucks available in the parking lot. Handicap parking spaces will still be available.

~June 28 – Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band)

~July 12 – Houserockers (Rock and Soul)

~July 19 – Other People’s Money (Rock)

~July 26 – Tainted Love (80’s Tribute Band)

Danville – Concerts are held at Oak Hill Park on Saturday nights, 6 – 8PM. Call 925-314-3400 for information.

~June 22 – Momo Tombo (Latin Rock)

~July 6 – Jackson Michelson (Country)

~July 20 – Judd Hoos (Alternative, Indie, Rock)

~August 3 – The Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Class Rock Tribute)

Lafayette – Rock the Plaza (at intersection of Moraga Road and Mt. Diablo Blvd.) Friday nights, 6- 8:30PM. For information, visit lafayettechamber.org/rock-the-plaza.

~June 7 – Other People’s Money (Rock)

~June 14 – Midnight Flyer (Eagles Tribute Band)

~June 21 – Bay Bridge Beat (Funk)

~June 28 – Lamorinda Idol

Moraga – Concerts featuring East Bay Mudd, Jazzphoria, Mignight Flyer, Houserockers, Mumbo Gumbo, Steve Hanson & Carousel Cowboys, Purple Ones, Native Element, Traveling Wilbury Review, and 3 Day Weekend will be held at Moraga Commons Park, Thursday nights, 6:30– 8:30PM. For more information visit moragaparks.org

Orinda – Concerts are held at the Orinda Community Park on Thursday nights from 6-8PM. This years lineup includes Hipster Cocktail Party, Opera in the Park, Lamorinda Idol, August Reed Band, Tin Man, Vintage Jukebox, Spill the Wine, and Patron. Call 925-254-2445 for information.

San Ramon – Concerts are held in the San Ramon Central Park Amphitheater on Sunday nights at 5:30PM. Call 925-973-3200 for information.

~July 14 – Flock of Seagirls (Ladies of the 80’s Tribute)

~July 21 – Sacred Fire Band (Santana Tribute Band and Latin Music)

~July 28 – Bombay Disco Co. (Bollywood Band)

~August 4 – Pride and Joy (Bay Area’s Favorite Party Band)

Walnut Creek – The city of Walnut Creek has a couple of different options for summer concerts on Thursday evenings

The Walnut Creek Arts and Recreation program, in partnership with Lesher Center for the Arts, will have concerts at Rudney Plaza (corner of Locust Street and Civic Drive) at 5:30PM.

~June 27 – Miko Marks Trio (Country)

~July 11 – Tom Ridney and Flambeau

~July 18 – Chika Di (Fiesta Cultural)

~July 25 – Kyana Fanene (Pop/R&B)

Broadway Plaza hosts three concerts on Broadway Plaza Street at 7PM

~August 1 – 24K Magic (Bruno Mars Tribute)

~August 8 – Evolution (Journey Tribute)

~August 15 – Kalimba (Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute)

All concerts are FREE and perfect for the whole family! No tickets are required, but seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.

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. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@ bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane

THE SAN RAMON VALLEY WAS NAMED FOR RAMON

Let’s talk local names. The name Ramon appears in California and throughout the San Ramon Valley. Spanish explorers and missionaries readily named areas and landmarks after they first invaded Alta California in 1769. Often these names recognized a saint and were selected because a landmark was recognized on the saint’s day. Rarely did they recognize Indian names, although of course Indian names existed.

Fortunately, we know quite a bit about the origin of Ramon’s name in our valley because he was identified in an 1855 land case testimony (LC322ND) by Jose Maria Amador. Amador testified that the creek and his rancho were named for an Indian baptized at Mission San Jose. Amador owned the vast San Ramon Rancho which covered over 20,000 acres of today’s San Ramon and historic Dublin.

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Areas could, and did, have a series of names. After Mission San Jose was founded in 1797, mission livestock grazed in the inland valley areas tended by baptized Indians. In an 1824 map drawn by Franciscan Father Narciso Duran, he labeled the valley El Injerto (the grafted tree) after a signature oak and willow tree which had grown together. Mount Diablo has had several names, including its first Spanish name which recognized the mountain’s Bay Miwok Volvon tribe. When Amador identified the name, he was 61 and would have been sworn to tell the truth in the court setting. He was also very familiar with the San Ramon Valley, having been a soldier in the Bay Area, a Mission San Jose administrator, and a resident of the Dublin/San Ramon area on and off beginning in 1826. He formally received his Mexican Rancho San Ramon grant in 1835.

Here is what he said when asked if the name Arroyo Ramon (San Ramon Creek) was a wellknown landmark: “It is. The name was given it by a Mayor Domo of the name of Ramon who had the care of some sheep there a long time ago. It was also called Arroyo del Injerto from the fact that there is a singular tree growing there which is an oak with a willow grafted on it.” Amador stated that “San” was added later to conform to the practice of the time, creating San Ramon. Thus, the creek and valley were named for Ramon. The term Mayor Domo was probably incorrectly translated since only Spanish were called by that name. However, Ramon was very likely capable enough to have been an Indian alcalde (leader) at Mission San Jose. More information about Ramon has been documented by ethnohistorians studying the Mission San Jose birth, marriage, and death registers. Meticulous mission record research has been provided by James Bennyhoff in the 1970s and Randall Milliken beginning in the 1980s.

Milliken put his findings into an impressive computer program and wrote the classic Time of Little Choice, The Disintegration of Tribal Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area 1769-1810 Recently, Redlands University professor John Sandos shared a mission record list which showed the several Ramons who were baptized at Mission San Jose in the nineteenth century. With Sandos’ help, it seems very likely that Ramon Nonato (baptized at age six in 1804, died in 1834) was the Indian vaquero for whom the San Ramon Valley was named. In the mission record his Indian name is written as Usacse and his tribe was the Ssouyen (Ohlone language). This tribe was located by Milliken in the Alamo and Tassajara Creek watersheds within the boundaries of today’s City of San Ramon. The Ohlone (formerly Costanoan) language area is quite large and includes properties around San Francisco Bay to Monterey with at least 58 separate tribes identified in the region.

While there are always uncertainties, we can say Ramon Nonato was a Ssouyen, baptized at Mission San Jose, and an Indian leader (alcalde) at that Mission. His name lives on in San Ramon Creek, San Ramon Valley and the City of San Ramon. A group picnic area called Ramona Park was opened in 1906 near the creek in today’s Greenbrook Homes neighborhood, near San Ramon Creek and the Southern Pacific train line. The valley’s first high school, fire district, school district and local museum are also named for Ramon.

After the Gold Rush, the village of San Ramon had several names: Brewensville (for blacksmith Eli Brewen), Lynchville (for rancher William Lynch), and Limerick (for its several Irish settlers). In 1891, when the San Ramon Branch Line railroad ended nearby, the village was called San Ramon for good.

Sources: Land Case Number 322 Northern District Court V (LC322ND), Jan. 13, 1855; Personal communication: John Sandos; Randall Milliken’s, A Time of Little Choice, The Disintegration of Tribal Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area 1769-1810, Menlo Park: Ballena Press, 1995.

CLEANUP SQUAD MAKES A BIG HAUL

The Danville Ramps Cleanup Squad picked up a record amount of trash on Saturday, May 18, in partnership with Danville’s Boy Scout Troop 36. Together, they picked up 12 bags of rubbish and a couch (there's a first time for everything!). The Scouts then headed to the freeway underpass near the library that crosses San Ramon Creek and picked up another 18 bags of debris left from a vacated homeless encampment.

The Cleanup Squad will head to the Diablo Ramps on June 8th. The Squad accepts adults and middle school aged students and above. To participate, sign up at https:// rampcleanup.weebly.com

Map by Father Narciso Duran, 1824. Courtesy of the Bancroft Library.

Indians Dancing at Mission Dolores, 1816, by Louis Choris, Courtesy, the Bancroft Library.

Sculptor Doug Heine

CLIP NOTES

By Jody Morgan

“Oaks are best – but why?” asks Professor Douglas Tallamy in The Nature of Oaks. If you’ve followed Doug’s work for as many years as I have, you already know the immediate answer is that oaks host more species of caterpillars than any other trees. Tallamy explains: “In my county in Pennsylvania, 511 species of moths and butterflies develop on oaks – nearly 100 more than their closest competitors, the native cherries.” The same is true for oaks wherever they grow. Of course, oaks provide many additional ecological services including sequestering carbon, feeding wildlife, and helping to maintain a healthy watershed.

Isabella Tree introduces the first chapter of Wilding: Returning Nature to Our Farm with a quotation from Oliver Rackham’s Woodlands. “A single 400-year-old oak … [is] a whole ecosystem of such creatures for which ten thousand 200-year-old oaks are no use at all.” By the time Tree and her husband Charles Burrell understood the meaning of Rackham’s insight through firsthand experience, they were ready to let nature heal their land.

Concerned that their 550-year-old tree known as the Knepp Oak was about to split in two, Isabella and Charles sought the advice of Ted Green, custodian of the royal oaks at Windsor Great Park. The tree had begun to bifurcate early in the 20th century. Canadian soldiers camping at Knepp during World War II used tank chains to hold the oak together. Green was optimistic about keeping the tree alive for another 400 years. Trimming back the canopy by 10% to reduce the stress of wind was the first step, but most of Ted’s solution involved letting the tree age naturally.

Although an older limb growing groundward had been heedlessly chopped off, Ted spotted a younger branch already taking over the tree’s self-buttressing effort. “As it grows old a tree sometimes lowers its branches towards the ground, Ted explains, like an old man using a walking stick.” Tree learned that “it is when it begins to retract and hollow with age that the oak really comes into its own as an ecosystem.” Rather than harming the living tree, fungi working inside the trunk decompose dead tissues, “creating a hollow,

QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle FROM SHOGUN ERA TO MODERNITY, A JOURNEY THROUGH JAPANESE PRINTS

For the past few weeks, I have been immersed in the world of Shōgun. The best selling novel Shōgun, written by James Clavell, published in 1975, is loosely based on real characters during the 1600s, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war in Japan when feudal warriors were vying for power. In the book, a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village. Clavell’s book was wildly popular as was the mini-series of the same name starring Richard Chamberlain in 1980.

The 2024 version of Shōgun, an FX limited series (10 episodes) shown on Hulu is an adaptation of the book Shōgun. It is truly extraordinary and deserves, in my opinion, all the hoopla surrounding it.

There is an official podcast about the making of the series as well as spin off podcasts dissecting the meaning of each episode. Everyone seems to agree that the efforts made by the American and Japanese crew for authenticity paid off. From sumptuous silk kimonos to the exquisitely choreographed tea ceremony scenes, the show is rich with details.

Actor Anna Sawai, who plays translator Toda Mariko, had to learn how to properly wear and walk around in a kimono, use a naginata, and ride a horse. She said in an interview, “I would have my teacher…who was also my lady in waiting–and she would help me wear the kimono…she would tell me everything from just how you shuffle your feet to how much you shuffle. Then we had this horse camp. It was literally a Shōgun camp.”

Brutal, bloody, tender, sensuous, and at times humorous, Shōgun is an “epic saga of war, passion, and power” as the trailer says.

The catalyst for me to watch Shōgun was a comment from my docent at the Legion of

stronger structure that can withstand hurricane-force winds.” Taking note of the oak’s natural stability, 18th century civil engineer John Smeaton designed a revolutionary lighthouse that stood fast on England’s most exposed coastline through decades of inclement weather.

An oak’s hollow trunk shelters birds and bats as well as invertebrates. They add the nutrients in their droppings to the tree’s leaf litter. All kinds of fungi diligently break down the tree’s deadwood to release the nutrients stored within.

Tree explains: “Dead and dying trees are part of nature’s recycling process, stimulating biodiversity, but they are now conspicuously absent from our landscapes.” She writes reverently of observing the demise of one oak. “We made a vow to leave the dying tree to its own devices. That was our first lesson in sitting on our hands and leaving Nature in the driving seat.”

The younger oaks scattered through tracts regularly ploughed for agriculture and left in pastures to shade the dairy cows were the ones Green expected to die prematurely. Like the Valley Oaks (Quercus lobata) native to California, English Oaks (Quercus robur) have extensive root systems stretching across open spaces no more than a foot below the surface. Churned up by heavy farm equipment or compacted by the hooves of half-ton herbivores, the roots struggle to feed the trees.

Tallamy describes a project undertaken by a group of Scandinavians determined to measure how far an English Oak’s roots reached. “Their approach was not high tech; they simply started scraping the dirt away to see how far the roots extended from the trunk of the tree. After days of digging they had exposed a root system that extended three times the width of the oak’s canopy … and then they gave up, convinced the roots went on forever.”

Acorns nourish wildlife and they were an important part of the diet of California’s native people. In Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and The Management of California’s Natural Resources, M. Kat Anderson notes: “Like many of California’s other plant communities, the vast, open, and highly productive oak savannas encountered by early Euro-American explorers, then grazed and farmed by the first settlers, were largely the products of conscious management by Indians.” They managed the savannas through controlled burning that stimulated the growth of companion foodstuffs –the grasses and wildflowers beneath the oaks.

Honor exhibit I recently attended. She said, “You MUST watch Shōgun, it’s wonderful!” She was spot on. It is a fantastic series and a perfect accompaniment to the exhibit at the Legion of Honor called Japanese Prints in Transition: From the Floating World to the Modern World.

Installation view of “Japanese Prints in Transition,”

Japanese print culture has a centuries long history and the examples in the exhibit date from the Shōgun era also known as the “floating world” to the modern world (after 1868), with the overthrow of the Shōgun and elevation of an emperor who promoted modernization and engagement with the West. These delicately colored images are seldom on view due to their extreme sensitivity to light. Some are on display only once every ten years. The images show the evolution of woodcut art from Kabuki actors, courtesans, landscapes, warriors, and myths to modern brightly colored scenes depicting western architecture, railroad trains, steam-powered ships, Victorian fashions and costumes and military warfare.

I was excited to see the Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji series including the famous design, Under the Wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave), probably the most recognizable Japanese painting ever made.

Save the dates July 13 and August 17 for a free Woodblocking Printing Workshop with printmaking artist Tomoko Murakami where you will learn the art of Japanese woodblock printing. This workshop, held at the Legion of Honor, will include a carving and printing demonstration, and participants will create their own small ukiyo-e (floating world woodblock prints). Classes are from 10AM-Noon.

Japanese Prints in Transition: From the Floating World to the Modern World at the Legion of Honor, 100 34 th Avenue in Lincoln Park, San Francisco runs through August 18, 2024.The website is famsf.org Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

Legion of Honor, San Francisco, 2024.

Visit our Blackhawk Showroom

BACKGROUND

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH INSURANCE RATES?

By William W.

“Bill” White, Allstate Insurance

AUTO INSURANCE RATE VOLATILITY

We receive many calls about the insurance environment and the common theme is, “WHAT’S GOING ON?” I thought now is a good time to brave a public forum and share what I know.

The State of California maintains a balancing act between insurance carriers, consumer advocates, the Department of Insurance, and the consumer. The insurance carriers want to make a profit, consumer advocates want to make sure the insurance carriers are behaving properly and adhering to state law, the Department of Insurance is the arbiter, and the client wants the best value for their money.

The end result is that the client may not be well informed of the insurance process, and of the “why” and “how” insurance rates are charged. Consumers only get a bill with a vague explanation, like the one in your policy. Since February 2024, insurance rates in California have changed due to increases in the number and average cost of claims. Below is a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the inner workings of the process.

#1) The regulatory environment in California is difficult to navigate. Propositions on the books, which were meant to help regulate the marketplace, may not be as relevant as they were when passed because the landscape has drastically changed. Some of those propositions could be modified, but that takes a ballot measure to pass, and the talking points could be, “insurance companies want to make you pay more.” The odds of that happening are slim and very expensive, so the task of working out changes has to be done with the Department of Insurance along with consumer advocates for the good of the consumer. The missing ingredient is shared information to educate consumers.

#2) Any business needs a reasonable profit in order to continue offering its product or service. The California environment has seen multiple catastrophes (including in the auto policy line of business), inflation rose unexpectedly, fraud is rampant, and everybody wants more for their goods and services including the lawyers, doctors, and service and parts suppliers. Those costs are what our insurance dollars go towards.

Many carriers were able to be approved by the Department of Insurance to make a rate increase to offset inflation, the cost of goods and services in California, and set a balanced budget. The Commissioner doesn’t allow rate changes very easily and each company coming forward to ask for rate changes must show complete accounting and the need for a correction. Change needed to be made so that the free enterprise system of consumer choice would regulate prices. If the marketplace is frozen, the consumer has fewer choices and pays more for their insurance. Change is healthy with the proviso that the Department of Insurance maintains a balanced viewpoint for businesses that supply goods and services, and then revisits rates along the way.

I have experienced many changes in my 40 years in the insurance business. There are cycles that can be measured with a forecast to return to normalcy, but this trifecta of inflation, market stagnation, and unease looking forward makes it difficult for any business to plot a course.

SUMMARY

If we as consumers have an idea of how this environment is structured, we may be able to ask intelligent questions, better understand answers, and then when the opportunity arises, pose questions to our individual providers and elected officials. This is just a starting point.

Our Agency is located on Hartz Avenue in Downtown Danville. Our passion is taking the time to help our clients “Know what’s going on.” We specialize in personal lines of insurance, including Auto, Home (yes, we can help you find coverage even if your old company has canceled your policy), and Life, as well as Commercial lines of coverage in 40 States. We are easy to find and easy to do business with. To learn more or get a quote, call us at 925-820-7500 or visit agents.allstate.com/william-white-danville-ca.html

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

DING-DONG IS ALL THAT I’M ASKING FOR!

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

At Portable CIO we’re always focused on the reliability of solutions over their apparent sizzle. My observation is that the reliability of a solution varies directly in proportion to the age and maturity of the technologies it contains. In other words, there are many cool things you can do with technology, yet good reliability usually comes with the maturity of a solution, not with the number of bells and whistles, or promises, from a five year old startup tech company. Complex technology can be great. And, it takes time to settle things down and to work out the kinks.

For example, think about land-line telephones we all used to have in our homes. There were catch-phrases coined that compared the reliability of a product to the predictability of getting a dial-tone when you picked up the telephone handset. The US phone system was honed to perfection from the early 20th century until now, and it has run extremely well. It didn’t start that way, but look at how reliable it became. Remember how it even worked during power outages? It was quite a wake-up call when cell phones were introduced in the 1980s, and the whole concept of “dropped” or “garbled” calls entered our collective mindset. I think it was early conditioning for what was yet to come.

When Microsoft Windows was introduced in the 1980s, it was not the paragon of reliability. It was cool and new, just like personal computers, however it was hard to enjoy when so many things didn’t work right. We all became familiar with Windows crashing and the infamous “Blue Screens of Death.” Many observed that if a car needed to be rebooted as often as a Windows computer, there would be wrecks everywhere. Fast forward to today, and Windows 10 and 11 work very well the majority of the time. It took 35 years, but hey, we got here.

In the 2000s we began playing with new devices that earned their very own acronym, called “IoT,” or “Internet of Things,” devices. Simply put, IoT devices are usually small computer-driven devices that have an internet connection and their own little onboard computers. The number of purposes for which an IoT device can be designed is limited only by one’s imagination. Since technology is my business, I try out new technologies so that I can write about them, and either champion their use, or warn everyone away. Some have been useful, and some have left me shaking my head, recalling PT Barnum’s famous line “there’s a fool born every minute.”

One of my favorite devices has been my Mailbox Alert by mailspool.com. When the mailbox is opened, this device sends my wife and I a text message. Because our mail comes at inconsistent times of the day, it’s easy to forget to check. This device alerts us to pickup our mail. Mailbox theft is a real problem, and we live in a vulnerable position near a busy street and the freeway, which is great for a quick getaway. In fact, we’ve received text notifications from our mailbox late at night and at random times during the day when nobody was around, so I know for certain that people have surfed our mailbox for things to take. Because of our alert system, we haven’t lost anything. All it’s asked of us is to replace the batteries, so this is my kind of gear!

Conversely, we’ve had legion of difficulty finding a good, strong doorbell solution. The two leaders in the marketplace are Ring (Amazon) and Nest (Google) doorbells. Ring came first, and I owned the first, second, and third generations of their product. I didn’t continue upgrading because I needed new features, rather, they kept failing in one way or another and I replaced them in hopes they had improved (they had not.) They simply weren’t reliable, and even when they weren’t outright failing, their track record for alerting us when the bell was rung was spotty. Eventually I tired of their game and switched to Nest. In fairness, Nest has been only marginally better. It’s supposed to integrate doorbell notifications with the Google Home (IoT) device you can have on your counter. And, sometimes it works. For a bit. Then it mysteriously stops working. This means that someone may be standing at the front door waiting, while our phones may be set to silent and we don’t hear the alert in the house because the link to the Google Home notifications decided to take a vacation that day. My wife says, “ding-dong is all I’m asking for!” and I get it. Both Ring and Nest also have spotty integrations with your customary legacy “ding-dong” doorbell that’s often located in your kitchen. If yours works, congratulations!

So where does this leave us? We ought to think through the implications of installing technology innovations to replace tried-and-true systems. If everything worked as advertised, there wouldn’t be an issue, however that’s definitely not the real world of technology.

Portable CIO is committed to giving you the straight scoop on today’s technology. Tech is here to serve us, not the other way around. Do you need help with taming your technology? You can email us at info@pcioit.com, or call 925-552-7953 and we’d be happy to help you sort things out. Advertorial

DISCOVER DIABLO

Save Mount Diablo’s (SMD) Discover Diablo program offers an annual series of free activities that include hikes, family walks, rock climbing events, trail runs, mountain biking events, property tours, and more. Join SMD in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces!

Discover Diablo is a public outings program led by staff and volunteer naturalists that offers various outdoor activities including guided interpretive family walks, hikes, and property tours. These events are open to any and all trailblazers looking to get out in nature. All hikes are free, but in order to create the best experience and least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advanced registration is required.

Property tours are led on SMD conserved sites. These are unique opportunities to explore privately-held lands that are otherwise closed to the public. Join these tours to learn more about the special ecological and cultural features of each conserved site.

The goal of Discover Diablo is to connect people to nature through outdoor recreation and to build awareness of both the land conservation movement and the importance of permanently protecting open spaces. Through this program, the aim is to reach new audiences, grow the membership base, and spark a passion for Diablo’s wild, natural lands in the youngest of trailblazers.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/mt2tjpvp

THRIFT STATION SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville. This year the store celebrates over 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.

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!

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.

WHY FINANCIAL PLANNING CAN SAVE MARRIAGES

By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Waldron Partners

Money is widely known as one of the leading causes of divorce in the United States, contributing to 20–40% of all divorces (“Divorce and money,”2024). A study of over 4,500 couples found that arguments about money are the biggest predictor of a marriage ending, regardless of income or debt levels (Britt, 2013). This stark reality underscores the importance of financial planning not just for individual wealth but for marital harmony. In this opinion piece, I will explore why money causes divorce, what financial planning entails, and how it can bring couples together around their long-term financial goals.

WHY MONEY CAUSES DIVORCE

Financial stress is a pervasive issue in marriages for several reasons. Firstly, money is often tied to power dynamics within a relationship. When one partner controls the finances, it can create an imbalance, leading to resentment and conflict. Secondly, differing spending habits and financial priorities can cause friction. One partner might be a saver while the other is a spender, setting the stage for perpetual disagreements. Lastly, financial secrets—such as hidden debts or undisclosed spending—erode trust, a fundamental pillar of any successful marriage.

WHAT FINANCIAL PLANNING IS

Financial planning is a comprehensive process that involves evaluating your current financial situation, setting goals, and creating a road-map to achieve those goals. At Waldron Partners, we understand that financial planning is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding your unique financial situation, goals, fears, and passions. Our approach includes:

• Investment Planning: Strategizing how to grow wealth through various investment vehicles.

• Tax Strategy Planning: Minimizing tax liabilities through smart planning.

• Retirement Planning: Ensuring a comfortable and secure retirement.

• Estate Planning Strategy & Risk Planning: Protecting assets and planning

for unforeseen events.

• Benefit Planning: Maximizing employee benefits to improve financial well-being.

• Business Planning: Guiding business owners through complex financial landscapes.

We believe in a collaborative process involving the collection of essential documents, such as payroll stubs, tax returns, and legal documents. This allows us to create a customized financial plan tailored to each client’s needs.

HOW FINANCIAL PLANNING BRINGS COUPLES TOGETHER

Financial planning offers a structured approach to managing money, which can be incredibly beneficial for couples. Here’s how:

ESTABLISHING COMMON GOALS

Financial planning encourages couples to sit down and discuss their long-term goals. Whether it’s buying a home, funding children’s education, or planning for retirement, having a shared vision fosters unity. At Waldron Partners, we conduct individual interviews and off-site meetings with key stakeholders to ensure that both partners’ voices are heard and their goals are aligned.

ENHANCING COMMUNICATION

One of the most significant benefits of financial planning is improved communication. Regularly discussing finances helps couples stay on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a sense of partnership. Our ongoing monitoring and adaptation process ensures that the financial plan remains a living document, evolving with the couple’s changing circumstances and market conditions.

REDUCING FINANCIAL STRESS

A well-thought-out financial plan provides a clear road-map, reducing uncertainty and financial stress. By leveraging tools like the eMoney platform, we offer real-time data changes, budgeting, and expense tracking. This transparency helps couples feel more secure and in control of their financial future.

BUILDING TRUST

Financial planning involves full disclosure of all financial matters, which promotes honesty and transparency. This openness builds trust, an essential component of a healthy marriage. Advanced planning scenarios and what-if

Portable CIO

Technology Solutions

Retreat continued from page 9

theater during her freshman year of high school, she searched for a summer theater camp and found the Studio Retreat. She was surprised by how well everyone got along. “When I went into Tao House, everything just felt fluid. There was a very connected energy.” Asked her advice to high school students considering enrolling in the program she replies: “Feel the moment. People are just as nervous, but also just as caring, as you are. No matter what role you are in, have some play and get to know others. Speak, but especially listen. There are so many moments that happen when you let go with artists.”

Kaiya describes her time at Tao House: “My main priority was getting my script together to make sure the actors could have a good idea of what their characters’ motivations were, which was a very collaborative process for me and the company. When it came to acting, I was very lucky to get a script from a talented friend named August. I remember reading some parts of his script in the writer’s room so I had an idea of who his characters were during the process. That helped me in having an idea of how to portray “Figure” which is the antagonist of his story. I have this memory of a conversation when I asked him to describe the tone of some of my dialogue, and he told me to act like the mean voice in people’s heads and that really helped me.”

Kari Leber, Kaiya’s mother, writes:”Kaiya (my daughter) has gained so much confidence in her playwright skills and I enjoyed seeing her so happy being around like-minded teens. This retreat offers a creative outlet, and they gain more knowledge from professional staff and teachers. It gives them a sense of freedom and a voice to work on their craft. The Eugene O’Neill property is such a beautiful and relaxing location and a huge part in theater history. I am very grateful they offer this program.”

What is Kaiya hoping to accomplish in her second Studio Retreat? “I really want to create a story that has guts. Not literally, of course, but something that would make an actor excited to play the characters I wrote and possibly leave something for the audience to have shower thoughts about. I would love to make the similar types of connections I made the first time I went to Tao House. There is a beautiful, interconnected energy that comes with working by artists who are comfortable to put themselves in these vulnerable positions for the sake of expression.”

Staging select scenes from O’Neill’s plays is part of the program. Recognizing how different his work was from the kind of American theater performed in his father’s day and discovering how O’Neill inspired playwrights who followed his lead by presenting their own fresh approaches to drama gives students a valuable perspective on how

Norman Gee (right center) and guest Bay area director Ariel Craft (left center) watch students rehearse in the Tao House Barn. Photo courtesy of EONF.

Carolina Ayala and Keenan Pollock rehearse in the iconic Tao House barn. Photo courtesy of EONF.

SPRING INTO ACTION

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Silverman & Jaffe

Spring is recognized as a time for renewal and growth; a time to be hopeful and take on new tasks. In that spirit, if you have not yet established a comprehensive, meaningful estate plan for you and your loved ones (or updated an older plan), you will feel good about springing into action!

My staff and I are pleased to direct colleagues, prospective clients, and others to our “Estate Planning Primer” and additional robust reference material on our website. But, sometimes people prefer to read something “short and sweet.” So, this month, I thought it would be useful to write about the basics - to present a concise outline of core estate planning documents, including what they accomplish and why they’re important.

I - ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

1. Durable Power of Attorney: You nominate someone who will be responsible for your financial affairs if you become unable to manage your own finances. Becoming incapacitated without one can result in problematic delays in attending to crucial financial matters. Moreover, an expensive, inconvenient, and potentially contentious court conservatorship proceeding might need to be initiated. Moreover, someone you may not want to handle your finances could be appointed to do so.

2. Advance Health Care Directive: You nominate a person you trust to have legal authority to manage your health care matters, as guided by your stated wishes, if you become incapacitated. Without one a court conservatorship proceeding could become necessary; a court-appointed health care decision maker (potentially not the person you’d want) would make critical health care decisions on your behalf; and your health care wishes may not be known or followed.

3. Will: You nominate a personal representative (Executor) to oversee your estate matters; you specify who will inherit your assets; and you can nominate a guardian for minor children. If, upon your death, you have no valid Will, the personal representative and the beneficiaries entitled to inherit your estate will be determined by rigid statutory (Probate Code) state rules, and such legally entitled persons may be painfully contrary to your wishes. Further, if you die owning more than a relatively low threshold of assets (without beneficiary designations or “payable on death” designations on file), a Probate – long, tedious, expensive court proceeding – will be required to settle your estate.

II - CORNERSTONE DOCUMENT

Revocable Living Trust (“Trust”): For many readers, especially those of you who own a home and/or other real estate, this fourth core document is nearly always recommended as the cornerstone. A Trust serves primarily as a “Will substitute,” offering many advantages over a simple Will. You designate a trustee (Trust “manager”) and successor trustees; set forth standards under which the successor trustee is to manage your Trust assets during your life (e.g. if you become incapacitated or you’re elderly and want to transition management to a loved one), and insert provisions for when you’re gone that control your assets for your loved ones, including any who may be minors, young adults, or disabled. The most widely promoted benefit of a Trust is that, if substantially all of your assets are titled in your Trust upon your death, your estate will be exempt from Probate.

III - ADVANCED PLANNING

In addition to core estate planning, individuals with a net worth of approximately $5 million or more (married couples with approximately $10 million or more) should at least begin to explore “advanced planning” - tax efficient succession planning. The upcoming national election and the “sunset” of the current Estate/Gift Tax law at the end of 2025 could render advanced planning profoundly beneficial for many more people than it has in the recent past. |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 Silverman & Jaffe, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@silvermanjaffe.com.

www.gattopc.com

CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS A MONTH TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS AND VETERANS?

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that has been serving otherwise homebound residents trying to age in place in Contra Costa County since 2004. MM provides free, door-throughdoor, one-on-one, escorted rides for seniors and disabled veterans with volunteer driver programs and they match riders to accessible transportation providers through their Transportation Information and Referrals Helpline.

Mobility Matters is proud to announce it has been selected as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.

Volunteer drivers (ages 25-75) are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call Mobility Matters at 925-284-2215 or visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com for more details.

“Nonprofit organizations touch the lives of millions of Californians in ways that can often go unrecognized. From the childcare program to the soccer team, from the art class to the health clinic, and from the community organizer to the animal shelter – nonprofits improve the lives of all Californians and make our communities stronger,” said Geoff Green, CEO of California Association of Nonprofits (Cal Nonprofits).

JOIN IN WITH DANVILLE SENIORS

This summer, Danville seniors have several excursions and events to look forward to, including a serene kayak journey on the Bay and a guided tour inside the historic Alcatraz Prison. To participate in senior tours, visit www.danville.ca.gov/RecGuide.

Additionally, the Morning Mingle series gives seniors the opportunity to gather to enjoy coffee, pastries, and good company. This is a monthly event

that offers a relaxed atmosphere for seniors to chat, share stories, and make new friends. The next Morning Mingle is scheduled for 9AM on June 25th at the Danville Senior Center located at 115 E Prospect Ave, in Danville. It’s a perfect start to the day with friendly faces and warm conversations. Lastly, the Senior Variety Show will be back for its sixth year on September 14th Auditions for the show will be held on July 26th; to learn more or to schedule your audition, visit www.danville.ca.gov/calendar

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President

SAVE WATER ~ ARTIFICIAL TURF

Saving water has been a constant theme during drought impacted years. Does artificial turf help us solve this problem?

Installing artificial turf in one’s yard has been promoted as an option for being water-wise. However, it’s important to carefully consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks when deciding if artificial turf is right for your yard, family, and pets wellbeing.

In our recent Alamo Community Survey, artificial turf details appeared as a topic many of us are not all that familiar with, so let’s review some information for comparison and consideration.

COMPARISON OF NATURAL GRASS AND ARTIFICIAL TURF

• Grass provides natural cooling through evaporation; turf can get hotter than asphalt in direct sunlight.

• Grass feels soft underfoot; turf feels slightly stiffer.

• Grass provides natural habitat/ecosystem; turf does not support the ecosystem or pollinators.

• Grass is biodegradable; turf contains non-biodegradable plastics.

• Grass color varies with seasons; turf stays uniformly green year-round.

• Grass absorbs rainwater and irrigation; turf needs a drainage system for rainfall.

• Grass requires regular weed control; turf is pest and weed resistant.

• Grass requires regular irrigation/mowing; turf requires brushing/wet vacuum cleaning (more frequently if you have pets).

• The only toxins with grass are those chemicals one applies; turf may leach toxins/forever chemicals.

KEY POINTS FOR AND AGAINST ARTIFICIAL TURF

Artificial turf provides some water savings, eliminating the need for lawn irrigation. However, it does require additional irrigation for surrounding plants as the turf heats up and increases the ground temperature during warm summer months. Turf requires occasional brushing and wet-vac cleaning, however there is no need for mowing, fertilizing, aerating, or weeding. Artificial turf stands up well to heavy use and extreme weather, although it can get quite hot in the summer even burning our pets’ paws when walked on during the heat of the day.

While artificial turf avoids the use of pesticides and fertilizer, its petroleum-based materials aren’t biodegradable and can contribute to landfill waste and microplastics. The infill material of artificial lawns, located below the grass blades is composed of materials like silica sand, crumb rubber from recycled tires, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or coated sand. Additionally, the underside of the artificial grass system has a backing made from materials like polyurethane or latex. Many of these materials are now being studied for the long-term negative impacts on our health and potential carcinogenic properties.

There are natural water-wise alternatives for landscaping, such as natural grasses, drought tolerant plants, vegetable gardens, and natural mulch groundcover.

Sources: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30458352; stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/25186; www.angi.com/ articles/artificial-grass-pros-cons.htm; www.realhomes.com/advice/alternatives-to-laying-a-lawn ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET

Come experience live music at the Alamo Farmers Market, pick up some beautiful produce including fresh berries and cherries, ready-made food, and other goods. Our vendors welcome the opportunity to discuss their work and produce with you. The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. Please look for updated information about the Market on NextDoor.

HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY

AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has 69 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www. AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Visit AlamoVision2040. org for a look ahead to the future of Alamo.

AIA is an all-volunteer organization, 100% of membership dues go to support our Alamo Community!

Planning continued from page 15

stress testing allow couples to model alternative financial plans and prepare for potential life-altering events, further strengthening their bond.

CREATING A LEGACY

For many couples, building wealth is not just about enjoying a comfortable life but also about leaving a legacy for future generations. Our focus on family values and generational wealth building resonates deeply with couples looking to create a lasting impact. By incorporating estate planning strategies and risk planning into the financial plan, we help couples determine their needs and provide strategies to help ensure their legacy is protected for the years to come.

CONCLUSION

Financial planning is more than just a strategy for growing wealth; it’s a crucial tool for maintaining marital harmony. By establishing common goals, enhancing communication, reducing financial stress, building trust, and creating a legacy, financial planning can save marriages. If you’re interested in learning more about how financial planning can benefit your relationship, we invite you to schedule a complimentary meeting with Waldron Partners. Join our mailing list to stay updated with the latest insights and tips on financial planning. Don’t let money be a source of conflict in your marriage—take control of your financial future today.

We can help you with your financial situation. You do not want to go through life wondering what could have been. Contact us today at 925-7087397 or peter.waldron@lfg.com.

Britt, Sonya. “Researcher Finds Correlation between Financial Arguments, Decreased Relationship Satisfaction | Kansas State University | News and Communications Services.” K-State News, Kansas State University, 12 July 2013, www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/jul13/predictingdivorce71113.html

“Divorce and money: Financial problems are a leading cause of divorce.” The Jimenez Law Firm, (March 20, 2024), https://www.thejimenezlawfirm.com/what-percent-of-marriages-end-in-divorce-because-of-money/#:~:text=Money%20is%20widely%20known%20as,them%20are%20 because%20of%20money

Disclosure: Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding any tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

Peter T. Waldron is a Registered Representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, a broker/dealer (member SIPC). Investment advisory services offered through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln

CRN-6633238-051724 Advertorial

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. For more information, call the VSO at 925313-1481.

• 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 925272-8480.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM. 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 5 PM 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 8:30 AM. 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 925587-4037.

• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon.

LASER TATTOO REMOVAL

By Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS

Many of us have tattoos that we once loved but now regret. If you’re ready to get rid of an unwanted tattoo, our office offers laser tattoo removal for patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area at our plastic surgery practices in Lafayette and Brentwood. The latest laser technology designed to remove tattoos and pigmented lesions from the face, neck, chest, and body, is available.

We offer the PICOWay® laser, designed to treat tattoos in every color, safely and effectively. This laser is designed to break down tattoo pigment in fewer treatments and more effectively than other treatments.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The PICOWay® laser is able to treat a variety of colors of tattoo ink, including stubborn blues and greens, which have traditionally been difficult to remove. The laser uses different wavelengths to penetrate the skin and break up the pigments in the tattoo, shattering the ink into tiny particles without heating up the skin. This means you can get your tattoo removed with less discomfort and with fewer treatments.

Your body’s natural immune response is triggered by the laser, causing the cells to carry away the particles of ink and encouraging quick healing and recovery. There’s little discomfort and minimal downtime, making this an efficient and effective treatment for unwanted tattoos.

During the treatment, the entire tattoo is treated. Using quick flashes of light, the laser will work to penetrate the deep layers of tissue to break up the tattoo ink. Chilled air is administered to your skin during the treatment to minimize discomfort. After the treatment, you may experience a sensation similar to a sunburn, but this will fade quickly.

The treatment works on all skin types and all tattoo colors. Depending on the size and design of your tattoo, your laser tattoo removal may require several treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart. Contact the practice to schedule a consultation to determine if this is the right treatment for you.

A CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT

During your consultation, myself or my staff will assess your tattoo and surrounding skin to determine the best approach. We will devise a custom treatment plan, including the recommended number of treatment sessions, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

The number of treatment sessions will depend on the size and number of tattoos to be removed and the colors used in the tattoo.

PICOWAY FOR PIGMENTED LESIONS

While different from tattoos, pigmented lesions require a similar approach to break up and remove the pigment and reveal fresh, restored skin. The PICOWay laser uses varying wavelengths of laser light to break up skin pigmentation and encourage the body’s natural healing process to improve the appearance of the skin.

Depending on the size and severity of the pigmentation, your treatment will be customized to suit your needs and reduce the appearance of the pigmentation to reveal healthy-looking skin.

Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@ personsplasticsurgery.com Advertorial

CRISIS CENTER HELP

Sometimes we all need a little help. The Contra Costa Crisis Center volunteers are available to listen, help, and provide resources, support, counseling, and hope 24/7 to assist people in emotional or psychological distress. Their mission is to keep people alive and safe to help them through crises, and to provide or connect them with culturally relevant services in the community. The services are free and confidential. They can be reached by dialing 211 or calling 811-833-2900. They are also available by texting “HOPE” to 20121. For more information visit crisis-center.org.

TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND

Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified.

This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www. assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley

FUN AT THE DANVILLE SENIOR CENTER

The Danville Senior Center offers a Monday Senior Lunch program. Lunches are provided in partnership with Café Costa and served at noon each Monday. Participants can enjoy puzzles and board games in the Community Hall at the Danville Senior Center (located at 115 E Prospect Ave, Danville) before lunch and stay for a free weekly movie following lunch.

Residents wishing to participate will need to complete a County NAPIS form and call in their reservation by noon the Friday before. Forms are available at the Danville Senior Center. The lunch program is provided in partnership with Contra Costa County and has a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and up. Those under 60 can still enjoy lunch for a $6 fee. Menus are available at www.danville.ca.gov/seniors , and vegetarian options are available by request.

For more information or to call in a reservation, please contact the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3430.

to create live theater for audiences of the future. How did O’Neill handle subjects considered to be shocking and unsuitable in his day? How can aspiring artists craft scenes that will resonate with contemporary audiences?

As of this writing, a few spots for the Retreat are still available, and a waiting list for cancellations is kept. Students can apply at https://eugeneoneill.org/studio-retreat-application. For questions, students should email taohouse.eonf@gmail.com.

Why does O’Neill’s work still draw sellout audiences to EONF’s annual O’Neill Festival? For a preview of “Sweeping Passions” the 2024 fall Eugene

O’Neill Festival, join EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes and NPS Ranger Hilary Grabowska on Tuesday, June 18th for Happy Hour at the Auburn Lounge, 321 Hartz Avenue, Danville. The popular monthly Happy Hour events run from 5:30-6:30PM. This year’s fall festival runs from August 18th-October 16th with performances of Mourning Becomes Electra in the Tao House barn in September. Tickets go on sale in July. Launched in 1999, the festival grew in 2013 to a month-long event that now includes guided hikes to the Tao House property, a historic tour of Danville, and special exhibits at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Visit eugeneoneill.org for more information.

Saved by a remarkable group of individuals, Tao House is now a National Historic Site. Free tours are available by reservation only Wednesday-Sunday 10am-2 pm. Visitors are transported by the National Park Service shuttle from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley and given guided tours through O’Neill’s home.

JOINT PAIN GOT YOU DOWN? THREE OPTIONS TO FEELING BETTER!

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

Regenerative Medicine has revolutionized how we approach joint health, offering hope and healing to those suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues. At Align Healing Center, we have created a tiered approach to regenerative joint injections, which we have refined into our Good, Better, Best protocol. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of this protocol, exploring its benefits and why it stands out as a superior option for our patients.

UNDERSTANDING REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS

Regenerative joint injections involve using biological substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and promote tissue repair in damaged joints. These injections typically include substances such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and exosomes, which are rich in growth factors and cytokines, and are essential for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.

OUR “GOOD” JOINT PROTOCOL

Our “Good” protocol is an excellent starting point for younger patients (20-35 years old) seeking relief from joint injury or soft tissue injury causing pain and inflammation. This protocol involves using our powerful PRP alternative, Vitti Pure, which is 100x more potent than PRP injections. Vitti Pure growth factors are derived from umbilical cord tissue and are known to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve overall joint function. Our Good protocol allows patients to experience pain relief and enhanced mobility without invasive procedures or medications. These injections range from $800-$1,200 on average.

OUR “BETTER” JOINT PROTOCOL

For patients requiring a more comprehensive approach to joint regeneration, we offer our “Better” protocol, which involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from prescreened umbilical cord tissue. MSCs are potent regenerative cells providing more profound and long-lasting results. The Better protocol is ideal for patients with moderate to severe joint damage or those seeking accelerated healing and improved outcomes. These injections range from $2,500-$3,000 on average.

OUR “BEST” JOINT PROTOCOL

Our “Best” protocol represents the pinnacle of regenerative joint therapy, offering unparalleled results for older patients, or those with advanced joint degeneration or complex conditions. This protocol utilizes a powerful combination of MSCs and exosomes, creating a synergistic effect that maximizes the therapeutic potential of each component. Exosomes, tiny vesicles secreted by stem cells, contain a potent mix of growth factors and signaling molecules that orchestrate tissue repair and regeneration at the cellular level. By harnessing the power of MSCs and exosomes, our “Best” protocol delivers optimal outcomes, restoring joint function, reducing pain, and improving our patient’s overall quality of life. These injections range from $4,500-$5,000 on average.

BENEFITS OF OUR GOOD, BETTER, BEST PROTOCOL

Personalized Treatment: Our protocol allows customization based on each patient’s unique needs, ensuring tailored care and optimal outcomes. Enhanced Efficacy: Combining multiple regenerative therapies, we maximize the therapeutic effects, leading to faster healing and superior results. Long-lasting Relief: Our protocols are designed to address the underlying cause of joint pain and dysfunction, offering long-term relief and improved joint health. Minimal Downtime: Regenerative joint injections are minimally invasive procedures that require little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities quickly.

At Align Healing Center, our Good, Better, Best joint injection protocol was created to make regenerative therapy more accessible to those wanting regenerative joint injections. At Align, each individual requires an exam and the necessary labs to qualify for our regenerative injections to ensure the best possible outcome. While most of our patients have reported positive outcomes, there are no guarantees of success, and individual results may vary. Book a consultation today to find out if you are a good candidate for regenerative joint injections! Find us online at AlignHealingCenter.com or call 925-362-8283 to schedule your visit today. Advertorial These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Paloma Young and Luke Hill rehearse in the iconic Tao House barn. Photo courtesy of EONF.

Enjoy an Eugene O’Neill Happy Hour 5:30-6:30PM, Tuesday, June 18th at Auburn Lounge located at 321 Hartz Ave, in downtown Danville. Everyone is invited for a Q&A session, lively topics of discussion, an intro to the upcoming O’Neill Festival, a surprise drink, and a no-host bar. See ad on page 4 for more information.

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS

A NUTRITION PLAN FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES

We work with many senior high school students who will be moving away or off to college in the fall. Many want to take responsibility for their nutrition and weight to start off with a new image. They know mom and dad will not be around to provide meals and they will have to make their own food choices at the dorm, cafeteria, apartment, or other spots on and off campus.

Many high school students come in and do not realize what balanced meals and snacks truly are. They do not know how to read the food label and often just look at calories. They don’t understand that there is so much more to the food label such as looking at the more important food groups such as protein, fiber, and sugar, and multiplying any of those based on how many servings are in a package.

Often a student will come back from college orientation and show us the college website where all of the eating facilities and menus are listed. Some students come with photos of the dining hall offerings from when they visited the campus. Our job is to help them evaluate all that is available and show what can be great prospective meal plans based on their class schedule.

Many college communities have a Trader Joe’s or other grocery store close to campus. For this reason, we make it a point to include a visit to the market of their choice during a counseling session. We show them what can be great meals and snacks for times that dining halls are closed.

On a recent visit, our client Sam was excited to see that she could buy low fat macaroni and cheese as long as she used it as a topping for broccoli (which is also available in a convenient steam-in-the-bag option). We also looked at buying baked potatoes or sweet potatoes which can easily be cooked in a microwave in a dorm room. Sam liked the idea of topping a potato with Fage nonfat yogurt which tastes like sour cream. Instant oatmeal packets with a side of yogurt and fruit were discussed as they are easily available and can provide a quick meal during study times. We talked about great soup choices that are hearty and high in protein and fiber such as Amy’s Lentil and Veggie Soup, Black Bean Soup, and Minestrone Soup. Lastly, we looked at buying baby carrots or hearts of celery and enjoying them with almond butter for a great portable snack. After our store visit, Sam seemed relieved that she could now manage her nutrition when left to buy her own foods at home or at college.

We make ourselves very available to these students when they are away at school via text, which is how most prefer to communicate. We often receive photos of their meals at restaurants or even pictures of the nutrition label of food packages and asking opinions on whether the food would be recommended or not.

We see too many kids using protein shakes and bars thinking that they are a meal replacement after a workout. Yes, it is good to repair your muscles, but we find the bars are not filling and the student ends up being hungry soon after. It is better to eat a high protein and fiber meal such as an omelet with veggies and meat, or a baked potato topped with chili. As often as possible it is recommended to have a balanced meal instead of these shakes and bars.

The good news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, UHC, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email us at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or 925-855-0150 to tell us about your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you. Advertorial

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.

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 .

VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE ‘OFFICE’ TO YOU

The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office offers 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.

For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Have you done some home cleaning and find yourself with paints and paint thinners, cleaning supplies, pesticides and garden-care items, batteries, motor oil and other automotive products, solvents, fluorescent tubes, personal care products, or unknown rusty containers that need safe disposal?

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility operated by the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District offers this free service to residents. Drop-off is available at 4797 Imhoff Place in Martinez from Monday-Saturday from 7AM until 2PM with no appointment needed. Drop-off appointments for small businesses can be scheduled. Learn more at www.centralsan.org/household-hazardous-waste-collection-facility.

BECOME A FOOD RESCUE HERO VOLUNTEER

DRIVERS DESPERATELY NEEDED!

EMBRACING COSMETIC SERVICES

WHY MEN SHOULD CONSIDER “BROTOX,” FILLERS, AND COOLSCULPTING

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

As a board-certified dermatologist, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in the demographic of individuals seeking cosmetic services. More men are now embracing treatments traditionally associated with women, such as Botox (fondly referred to as “Brotox”), dermal fillers, and CoolSculpting. This trend is not just a fleeting fad, but a testament to the evolving understanding of self-care and personal grooming among men.

THE RISE OF “BROTOX” & COSMETIC PROCEDURES FOR MEN

“Brotox,” a term coined to describe men receiving Botox treatments, is gaining popularity. Botox or botulinum toxin, is an FDA-approved treatment that temporarily relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Historically, men might have shied away from such treatments due to societal expectations and misconceptions about masculinity. However, today’s modern man is more attuned to the benefits of maintaining a youthful appearance, enhancing self-confidence, and ensuring their exterior reflects how they feel internally. They also know that by seeing a skilled practitioner they will get excellent, natural results.

Similarly, dermal fillers are becoming a go-to for men seeking to restore volume and smooth out deeper lines, while CoolSculpting offers a non-invasive way to tackle stubborn fat deposits. CoolSculpting utilizes cryolipolysis to freeze and eliminate fat cells, sculpting the body without the need for surgery.

WHY IT’S OKAY FOR MEN TO SEEK COSMETIC SERVICES

White Pony Express (WPE) is helping meet the growing need for healthy food in our communities. Hunger is on the rise, and fresh, nutritious food is out of reach for many of our neighbors. WPE needs volunteers willing to drive to help us meet this need. This can happen in a personal vehicle or one of our fleet vehicles. If you have a little time to spare and a good driving record, we would love to welcome you to our team of food rescue heroes. For more information, email volunteer@ whiteponyexpress.org.

SAFE MEDICINE, NEEDLE, BATTERY DISPOSAL

If you have excess or expired medicines, used needles, syringes, or lancets, or have used batteries from hearing aids or other devices, there are disposal sites to safely discard of these items.

Working together, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, Allied Waste Services, and Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority hope to reduce the risk of needle sticks, improperly disposed of medications, and used batteries in our community.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their skin. Cosmetic treatments are not about vanity; they are about self-care, self-expression, and often, personal and professional enhancement. Just as women use these services to feel their best, men can and should feel empowered to do the same.

Men often face unique challenges as they age, including more pronounced brow lines and thicker skin, which can make wrinkles more noticeable. Cosmetic procedures can address these specific concerns effectively, helping men achieve a refreshed and more youthful appearance.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL

The key to achieving natural, satisfactory results lies in choosing the right professional. It’s crucial for men considering these treatments to seek out skilled professionals, such as board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Here’s why:

1. Expertise and Training: Board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons have undergone extensive training in facial anatomy, skin health, and the latest cosmetic procedures. Their expertise ensures that treatments are performed safely and effectively.

2. Customized Treatment Plans: A skilled professional will tailor treatments to the unique needs of male patients, considering factors like skin thickness, facial structure, and aesthetic goals. This personalized approach helps achieve the most natural and flattering results.

Drop-boxes are available 24/7. The boxes provide for the safe, secure, and environmentally-responsible collection. Drop-boxes for all items can be found at the Town of Danville offices inside the Police Department entrance located at 500 La Gonda Way, and a drop box for needles can also be found near the front door of the Fire Protection Districts’ Administrative Office Building, located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon.

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3. Safety and Efficacy: With any cosmetic procedure, safety is paramount. Board-certified professionals adhere to rigorous standards, utilizing approved products and techniques to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.

4. Ethical Practice: Ethical practitioners prioritize patient well-being over profit. They provide honest consultations, set realistic expectations, and avoid unnecessary procedures.

CONCLUSION

It’s time to normalize men seeking cosmetic services. “Brotox,” dermal fillers, and CoolSculpting are valuable tools that can help men enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. By choosing a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, men can ensure they receive the highest standard of care, achieving natural, effective results. Remember, self-care is for everyone, and feeling good about oneself is a universal desire.

Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www. MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial

THE EYE OPENER

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

SEASONAL ALLERGIES AND THE EYE

Since the rainy season is mostly behind us, many of us are now dealing with seasonal allergies. Over the last few weeks, a lot of patients I have worked with have commented that their allergies this year seem far worse than in prior years. From a personal standpoint, I can attest the ocular allergies are much more awful this year. For me, the ocular redness, itching, tearing, etc., seem to be far worse compared to sneezing, congestion, cough, etc. As a fellow allergy sufferer whose symptoms have already started, I can attest that allergies can affect your daily life in many ways. From sneezing, to sinus congestion, to coughing, allergies limit our ability to function during the day and limit our ability to sleep at night. As for the eyes, they get very red, itchy, and teary to the point where vision and visual comfort are compromised. Here, I will mainly discuss the ocular effects of allergies, but symptoms are related in how they are treated and managed.

In the United States, allergies affect about 20% of the population. Over half of those have ocular symptoms. However, those numbers are higher in the East Bay area. Eye allergies mainly involve the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the white surface of the eye and the inner folds of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is a barrier structure that is exposed to the environment and many different allergens. It is rich in blood vessels and contains more mast cells (histamine-releasing cells) than the lungs. Histamine is the chemical that dilates blood vessels and makes them more permeable. This allows other chemicals in the blood stream to leak out which intensifies itching, redness, and swelling.

For contact lens wearers, the effect of allergies can cause blurry vision, decreased wearing time, and an increase in build-up on the lenses. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the “surface environment” that contact lenses create. Extended wearing times, infrequent replacement of lenses, and use of potentially irritating contact lenses care products can significantly exacerbate symptoms. Daily disposable lenses help mitigate some of these issues since there is no build-up on the lenses. As they are replaced every day, there is no cleaning required. Proper lens wear and care are important parts of keeping contact lens wearers safe and comfortable.

When allergy symptoms kick in, patients usually visit the local drugstore to pick up a systemic antihistamine for relief. These medications can clear up symptoms like runny noses, sneezing and coughing, but they can also make the eye condition worse. A major side-effect of antihistamines is that they have a drying effect on the eyes, thereby decreasing tear quality and quantity. Since tears are a major combatant of allergies, this can have a detrimental effect on the eyes. If your tears cannot adequately protect against and flush out the allergens on the eyes, they remain on the eye longer and make matters worse. Also, a dry eye condition can develop which will add burning and stinging to your already itchy eyes.

Allergy sufferers can help themselves by controlling their ocular environment. Limiting exposure to environmental allergies (keeping the windows closed, wearing sunglasses, rinsing your eyes after being outside, etc.) can limit the severity of symptoms. In addition, there are many prescription drops that help ease the effects of allergies; most of these are in the steroid family. Since Patanol and Pataday are now available OTC, most insurance companies will not cover other prescription antihistamine drops. Depending on the symptoms and ocular presentation, different classes of medications can help, including lubricating drops. Our ability to visualize the structures of the eye enables us to diagnose allergies and to initiate appropriate therapy. Since there are some other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of allergies, an office visit can help sort out the diagnosis instead of self-prescribing and guessing. Keep in mind it is much easier to treat allergies early-on before the symptoms become unbearable.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 8206622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial