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September 2015 Shepherd’s Gate: A Haven for Healing
Serving Danville
By Jody Morgan
Inviting strangers into her two-bedroom home wasn’t part of Alice Ann Cantelow’s retirement plan. Nevertheless, in 1983, she abandoned her dream of hiking the Pacific Trail to offer respite from despair to women and children abandoned by everyone else. Aided by a few other couples, she purchased a 3-bedroom Livermore cottage in 1984 and officially established Shepherd’s Gate (SG) to provide a safe haven to homeless women and children for up to a 30-day stay. To date, Shepherd’s Gate has helped more than 11,000 individuals rebuild their lives with a variety of programs offering support, education, and a loving space in which to live and heal. Tailored to address the specific needs of each resident, programs at the Livermore and Brentwood campuses run for as long as 18 months, sending graduates out into the world confident that they belong to a community that cares and leaving them well-prepared to maintain their financial independence. In 1992, the enormity of the need for SG to grow was evident. Forced to turn away more than 500 individuals seeking shelter and recognizing that a 30-day respite was inadequate to break the cycle For a mother running from an abuser or living in a car a photo of poverty, abuse or addiction with her child is a precious gift. Photo courtesy of Shepherd’s Gate. that continued to keep the homeless at risk, planning began to build a 3-acre campus in Livermore. Steve and Carla McRee, Executive Director and Associate Director of SG since 1996, had no intention of moving across the country when they came to interview. They were content residing in Tennessee and running a successful rescue mission. A friend and business associate living in Pleasanton urged them to accept the offer of a round trip flight to California. “Funny things happened the day Carla and I came for the interview,” Steve recalls. “My foot caught as I hit the threshold of the doorway, and a foghorn went off in my head saying, ‘You belong here.’ When we stepped on the gravel lot destined to be the Livermore campus, we both heard separately the same message, which was: ‘This ministry is to expand and touch cities all over the world.’” The original section of the Livermore campus opened in 2000. With a second residence hall and five two-bedroom cottages added in 2006, as many as 70 women and children can be accommodated at a time. In 2004, Signature Properties offered to build SG a Brentwood facility free of charge. Housing up to 25 women and children, the 7,600 square foot site opened in 2006. Plans for additional space never end. As the website explains: “At Shepherd’s Gate we are constantly driven by a sense of urgency – we know women and children face desperate and dangerous circumstances each day. And to us, even one more day spent in homelessness, addiction, or abuse is too many.” In recognition of the long-term success achieved by SG graduates, referrals come from the judicial system, social service professionals, churches, and other organizations involved in helping homeless women and children master the tools they need to become self-sufficient and secure a stable living situation. SG welcomes “anyone, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.” The core program “Road to Freedom” serves women who are homeless for any reason and lasts from 12-18 months. The “Working Woman Program” addresses the problems
See Haven continued on page 22
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September is Corporate Volunteer month, sign up individually or as a business and help those in need!
Volunteers Always Wanted!
By Fran Miller
Seeking to lend time to a needy cause? Start with the Volunteer Center of the East Bay (VCEB) to find your perfect match. VCEB provides online resources for both volunteers and non-profits, bringing the two together to create meaningful volunteerism. Finding your ‘volunteer match’ is fun and easy. Enter a few key interest words on the online form, such as ‘animals,’ ‘environment,’ or ‘education,’ and uncover a menu of opportunities from amongst 100 non-profit organizations and 400 volunteer opportunities. VCEB offers one-time, on-going, and single day-of-service projects. Their site receives 11,000 ‘hits’ per month from project seekers. “We change lives,” says VCEB executive director Jo Loss. “That’s the bottom line. Our volunteers really are helping to change someone’s life. Sizing diapers at St. Vincent de Paul might seem inconsequential, but it really is a big deal.” See Volunteer continued on page 25
O’Neill Festival 2015 Highlights Tao House Playwright’s Legacy By Jody Morgan
Beginning on September 4th with the opening of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and continuing with performances of O’Neill’s Desire Under the Elms, the 2015 Eugene O’Neill Festival -“A Season of Desire” – highlights O’Neill’s impact on American theatre. The month-long tribute to O’Neill’s legacy sponsored by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation Tao House (EOF) includes a variety of events designed to offer participants a deeper understanding of the man who invested his Nobel stipend in Danville Eugene and Carlotta O’Neill relax in their living room at Tao House property and where they resided 1937-1944. Photo courtesy of EOF archives. how his work prepared audiences to appreciate the genius of the subsequent generation of Volume VI - Number 11 American playwrights. 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Role Players Ensemble presents A Streetcar Alamo, CA 94507 Named Desire at Danville’s Village Theatre (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 September 4-19. Winner of the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the play ran on Broadway Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher December 3, 1947 - December 17,1949. In editor@ his December 4, 1947 New York Times review, yourmonthlypaper.com Brooks Atkinson compared the script favoropinions expressed herein belong ably to Williams’s earlier success: “Like the The to the writers, and do not necessarily Glass Menagerie, the new play is a quietly reflect that of Danville Today News. Danville Today News is not woven study of intangibles. But to this ob- responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does server it shows a deeper insight and represents publication imply endorsement.
See Festival continued on page 26
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Page 2 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Mayor Doyle to Meet with Community September 18
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Morning with the Mayor program set for August 21 has been rescheduled to September 18. Morning with the Mayor is a quarterly program in the Town of Danville, where Mayor Mike Doyle sits down with residents to discuss programs, projects, and events in Danville. Town staff, as well as other community leaders, join the mayor in giving updates on a variety of topics of interest. The next Morning with the Mayor will occur from 7:30AM – 8:30AM at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Avenue. The program will feature updates on summer construction activity as well as arts and recreation programs. www.DanvilleLivery.com For more information on Morning with the Mayor, contact Assistant to the Town Manager Nat Rojanasathira at (925) 314-3328 or arojanasathira@danville.ca.gov.
Pumpkin Jubilee
Volunteer With AARP Tax-Aide For 2016 Tax Season
Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? Contra Costa County AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages. Tax-Aide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS and Client Facilitators who schedule appointment and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November 2015, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2016. Service is from February through April 15, 2016. If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call LaVerne Gordon at (925) 726-3199 for additional information and to apply.
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The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley along with local veterans’ organizations is hosting the Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony for the residents of the San Ramon Valley. This event will feature prominent guest speakers, hundreds of scouts with an array of American flags, joint police and fire department honor guard pipes and drums, the San Ramon Valley High Chamber Singers, and many other patriotic participants. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a community picnic. The event will take place on Friday, September 11 at the All Wars Memorial which is located at Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville. The event will start at 5:30PM and conclude at 6:26PM. The earlier start and shorter ceremony are to allow veterans to attend both the ceremony and the Introduction of Veterans at the “Veterans-Get-in-Free” season’s first football game between Monte Vista and Pittsburg. • MC: Karen Stepper, Past President, Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley • Keynote: Bert Upson, survivor of the 78th floor of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001 and author of On a Clear Day--An Eyewitness Account • Guest Speakers and Organizational Representatives: Richard Price, President Exchange Club of SRV Mayor Mike Doyle, Town of Danville Mayor Bill Clarkson, City of San Ramon County Supervisor Candace Anderson For information on Exchange Club of SRV, please visit srvexchangeclub.org.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area, a long time resident, newly retired, or empty-nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club is a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers. com. Our next new member coffee will be held September 22nd from 10am to noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
Danville Police Department Open House Get to Know Danville PD at September 19 Event th
On September 19th from 10am-2pm Danville residents will have the opportunity to get an inside look at their local law enforcement when the Danville Police Department hosts an Open House. This fun and educational event offers a unique behind-the-scenes look into the day-to-day operation of the Danville Police Department and showcases the tools and training that go into the making of a modern day law enforcement officer. The Danville Police Department is located at 510 LaGonda Way. In addition to tours of the facility, participants will see equipment demonstrations, a demo by the K-9 unit, fingerprinting stations, and other fun activities for the young ones. Older participants will have the chance to participate in simulated police scenarios to experience some of the situations faced by officers on a regular basis. For more information on the Open House, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Jacklyn McDaniel at (925) 314-3707 or jmcdaniel@danville.ca.gov.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 3
JARED HIGGINS TEAM Danville Home Sales 438 BOLERO DR 389 CENTURY CIR 104 CLUB TER 514 CONTADA CIR 133 CONWAY CT 489 DEL AMIGO RD. 579 DIABLO RD 24 DUBOST CT 28 DUBOST CT 30 DUSTIN LN 150 GLASGOW CIR 815 GLASGOW CIR 12 GOLD POPPY CT 217 HEATHER PL 545 HIGHLAND DR 35 HIGHTREE CT 522 INDIAN HOME RD 621 LOGAN LANE 151 LOMITAS DR 305 MERRILEE PL 528 MESSIAN PL 538 MORNINGHOME RD 925 OCHO RIOS DR 11 OHLSON LN 785 OLD CREEK RD 160 PLAZA CIR 376 PRINCETON LN 1 RAMON CT 67 RAMONA RD 246 REMINGTON LOOP 960 RICHARD LN 1018 RICHARD LN 105 SAINT EDWARD CT 390 STARVIEW DR 2441 TASSAJARA LN 710 THORNHILL RD 608 TUNBRIDGE RD 263 VIA CIMA CT
List Price $1,389,000 $919,000 $1,029,900 $749,000 $1,360,000 $2,199,000 $2,250,000 $989,900 $919,000 $1,450,000 $899,000 $1,029,000 $1,150,000 $1,199,000 $1,959,000 $995,000 $899,000 $1,739,000 $1,129,000 $1,299,000 $1,149,950 $1,199,000 $1,150,000 $2,300,000 $1,074,900 $899,000 $799,000 $1,749,000 $1,120,000 $1,049,000 $1,349,000 $1,649,000 $1,099,000 $2,499,900 $1,699,000 $1,189,000 $845,000 $880,000
Sales Price $1,389,000 $904,500 $1,095,000 $735,000 $1,290,000 $2,050,000 $2,100,000 $1,040,000 $916,000 $1,440,000 $915,000 $1,050,000 $1,220,000 $1,261,000 $1,950,000 $965,000 $910,000 $1,700,000 $1,134,000 $1,250,000 $1,125,000 $1,305,000 $1,160,000 $2,400,000 $1,110,000 $892,000 $970,000 $1,815,000 $1,120,000 $1,075,000 $1,390,000 $1,670,000 $1,099,000 $2,300,000 $1,699,000 $1,165,000 $911,000 $900,000
Sq.Ft. Beds/Baths PB Sale $/SqFt DOM 2683 5/3 $518 5 1651 3/2 $548 26 2086 4/2.5 $525 6 1598 3/2 $460 35 2840 5/3 $454 47 4315 5/3.5 $475 21 3754 4/3.5 $559 23 2344 4/2.5 $444 5 2031 4/2 $451 19 3337 5/3 $432 51 2600 4/2.5 $352 8 2484 4/3 $423 6 2640 5/3 $462 7 2590 4/2.5 $487 9 4744 5/4.5 $411 15 2137 4/2 $452 5 1650 3/2 $552 7 3200 4/3.5 $531 16 1729 4/2.5 $656 7 2810 5/2.5 $445 43 2738 4/2.5 $411 13 2284 4/2 $571 7 2101 3/2.5 $552 27 4114 4/3.5 $583 6 2186 4/2 $508 33 1945 4/2 $459 35 2227 4/2.5 $436 12 3335 5/3.5 $544 8 2081 4/2 $538 1 2008 3/2.5 $535 8 2276 4/2.5 $611 17 3134 4/3 $533 6 2886 4/3 $381 53 4600 5/6.5 $500 21 3548 5/3 $479 23 2117 4/2 $550 40 1568 3/2 $581 6 1408 3/2 $639 13
Danville’s Real Estate Expert Danville Today News ~ August 2013 - Page 3
The Market is HOT Inventory is Low. It’s a Great Time to SELL! Put the power of a top producing real estate team and the East Bay’s #1 real estate firm to work for you! JUST SOLD! 6811 Corte Nuevo Pleasanton 3 Bed/ 2 Bath 1612 sf Listed $825,000 Sold $832,500
Jared Higgins (925) 487-2907
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Danville 94526 detached home sales per MLS 7/24/15 – 8/24/15. DOM=Days on Market.
Boulevard View
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
Within six days, all seven of our foster kittens were adopted to wonderful forever homes! They stayed with us for a month while we bottle fed them and socialized them with adults, children, and dogs. I think we gave them a good start to their lives, and I hope they enrich the lives of the families who have taken them in. I turned my energies away from kittens to planning a neighborhood block party. I used the National Night Out event as one of the motivating factors for setting a date and making the event happen. I made the party a casual affair in our front yard. A front yard gathering was perfect for the neighborhood event. Heck, I didn’t even have to clean my house for guests! Both my husband and I come from large families, and participation of all ages in events such as a block party is important to me. I assembled some oversized games that appeal to all ages including Jenga, KerPlunk, and Ladder Ball. My children had played an oversized Jenga game at a venue in Monterey and wanted to recreate it. Instead of a normal Jenga piece which measure approximately 1/2”x1”x3” these pieces measured 2”x4”x10 1/2”. The larger version can be purchased from various vendors on the internet, or you can make your own from some large 2x4s. Just be careful when the tower topples as you don’t want these jumbo pieces landing on your toes! The life-sized KerPlunk game was based on a game I owned as a kid. It was first marketed in 1967 and had a plastic tube, some pick-up sticks, and marbles. I modified the game to use wire caging, bamboo garden stakes, and plastic balls like the type found at the McDonald’s play spaces. The games provided great ice breakers to getting the families involved
and interacting with each other. Our street consists of slightly over 20 homes, and more than 2/3 of the families came. It surprised me how many people on our small street didn’t know each other. Some residents have lived on our street since the mid-50’s when the neighborhood was built, and some were newcomers. The gathering provided a great opportunity to make new connections and reinforce neighborly bonds. In addition to having the party, I had also been working on updating our neighborhood map. Years ago I had put together a neighborhood map with the name of the families in each home and their contact information. The map is something that newcomers would receive, and they provided a way for people on our street to get ahold of each other - I used mine the other day when I saw some roaming dogs that I believed were my neighbors, and I was able to contact them and get the dogs home. Prior to the party I sent out a questionnaire to get everyone’s information updated, and I passed out the new maps as people arrived at the party. The maps provided another great way to connect and visualize where each family that attended lived, and they also brought job offers for some of the neighborhood kids who offered pet care and babysitting services. I believe community bonds and knowing your neighbor are important. Our party reinforced that notion and has motivated all that attended to make these gatherings a more frequent occurrence. 100
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Page 4 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
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Gateway to Hope: 31 Annual Shepherd’s Gate Banquet st
September 17th at the Blackhawk Auto Museum
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison
925-765-4209
Shepherd’s Gate has helped more than 11,000 battered and homeless women and children since the nonprofit was founded in 1984. Anyone in need is welcomed to the Livermore and Brentwood campuses regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. Gateway to Hope, the organization’s 31st fundraising banquet promises an evening of excellent food, beautiful music, and inspiring testimonials recounting the rebuilding of lives and the restoration of dignity achieved by Shepherd’s Gate. Hors d’oeuvres, a reception and a silent auction run from 6-7pm with dinner and program being held from 7-8:30pm at the Blackhawk Auto Museum, located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. Scott’s Seafood will be catering the event. Attire is business casual. The suggested donation per ticket is $75. Reservations close on September 4th. Silent auction donations are currently being gratefully accepted. To reserve space for yourself and your guests, offer silent auction contributions, or sponsor a table of ten, contact Shepherd’s Gate Development Director Krystin Higgins by calling 925-583-8109 or emailing khiggins@shepherdsgate.org. For more information about Shepherd’s Gate’s mission, visit www.shepherdsgate.org.
History on Display at Veterans Building
Military memorabilia sought for Veterans Day exhibit
The Veterans Memorial Building, in partnership with the Town of Danville, is seeking collections of military memorabilia for an open house featuring temporary exhibits honoring our nation's veterans in conjunction with Veterans Day. The focus for this year’s exhibit will be “Women in the Military.” The exhibits will be on display in the auditorium of the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Avenue, and open to the public Saturday, November 7, from 9am to 4pm and Sunday, November 8, from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free. Sons in Retirement For those with collections or memorabilia, send a brief description of the items and photos to Tim Sammons, curator@vmbsrv.org. Deadline for entries for the exhibit is noon. October 16, 2015. Las Trampas Branch 116 Sons in Retirement Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize Veterans of Foreign Wars with us at our monthly luncheon beginning at 11am on Monday, September, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley, 21st at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge located at 1475 Creekside Dr. Our guest meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building, located speaker will be Dr. Michael Barrington, a former Missionary in Nigeria where at 400 Hartz Ave., Danville, on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. he lived for 10 years, both during and following a bloody civil war. He will be Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. The next meeting will be held discussing humanitarian efforts to save millions that were subjected to geno- September 16th. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at cide, starvation, and famine. Call 925-322-1160 to make lunch reservations. (925) 362-9806. Find out more about the VFW and our Post at www.vfwpost75.org. If you are inclined to “wet a hook” every now-or-then, and are known to swap a few fish tales, join our group of hardy and energetic sport fishermen. The Fishing Group meets at 8:30am on the fourth Thursday of each month at ServingAlamo&Danville Since 1979! the Legend Sports Bar and Grill at the Diablo Creek Golf Course located at JUMPSTART the 2015 POOL SEASON! 4050 Port Chicago Highway in Concord. At these meetings we have guest Upgrade Your Pool Equipment speakers from all aspects of sport fishing to inform and teach us the various Remodel your Pebble, Tile, and Coping! methods of fishing and sportsmen-like behavior. On September 24th, we will FREE ESTIMATES be viewing videos of fishing techniques. For more information about the Make sure your pool/spa is Drain Cover Safe (Virginia Graeme Baker - VGB compliant). Fishing Group contact Harry at 925-846-1760. In-house diver can replace your drain covers. Best prices year-round. For additional information about all Branch 116 activities, visit our website branch116.org.
ACTION POOL REPAIR
San Ramon Valley Branch 128
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. The group has monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, bocce ball, bridge, computers, and much more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games and holiday parties include spouses, friends and guests. The group’s next monthly luncheon is being held on Wednesday, September 16th at 11AM. A fee of $23 includes luncheon, speaker, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 150 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. The September guest speaker will be Mr. Bernie Rosner, one of the last living Auschwitz death camp survivors who is willing to share his story. He will share his experiences as a young boy facing the Nazi terror of the Holocaust. To reserve a space, please email by Thursday, September 10th at info@ sir128.com. The event will take place at the San Ramon Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane in San Ramon. For more information about this retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com.
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Install a Pentair Intelliflo pump and save $100 monthly on your energy bill and get a $100 rebate from
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Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find him and your name is drawn!
Danville Dog is Missing He has become lost in this paper!
He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507
Natalie Heimsoth is our winner!
editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 5
DESTINATION DANVILLE WITH CAROLYN GWYNN
JUST LISTED
2370 Heritage Oaks Drive, Alamo 5 bedrooms | 4 baths | approx. 3472 sf Set on a raised .47 acre home-site to take advantage of spectacular Las Trampas views, this single story home with au-pair on a lower level (separate entrance), is completely remodeled with high end finishes. Gourmet kitchen, huge master suite with sitting area, pool, spa, level front and back yards, 3-car garage.
Carolyn Gwynn Realtor® | CalBRE #01888136
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REA LTY ASSOCIA TES
Based on information from the CCAR MLS. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS or Empire Realty.
SRVRWF Presents Debra J. Saunders
The San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated (SRVRWF) presents Debra J. Saunders, San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Being a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle since 1992 is only one of Debra’s many endeavors. At one time Ms. Saunders’ was also a columnist and editorial writer for the Los Angeles Daily News. She was recognized by the prestigious National Journal’s “Talking Heads” column as a member of the A team of top political personalities. Vaughn Ververs of The Hotline wrote, “Her column is a welcome change in tone from the rest of the editorial page, and she regularly throws punches at both sides.” Ms. Saunders’ column is syndicated through Creators Syndicate and runs in newspapers throughout the country. She has also written for The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard and National Review in addition to writing her own books. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a B.A. in Greek and Latin. The presentation takes place Tuesday, September 22nd. Social time begins at NEED SOME 6:30pm and dinner and the speaker begin at 7pm at the Crow Canyon Country Club, EXTRA SPENDING MONEY located at 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. OR A MORE FUN JOB? The cost is $40. Men and students are invited. RSVP by Friday, September 18th to srvrwf.lunch@gmail.com.
HERE IS AN IDEA.
WORK WHERE YOU SHOP!
Happy Birthday Ruth Bancroft: 107 on September 2nd By Jody Morgan
&
are Hiring
Close to home, Friendly atmosphere, Short commute, Flexible hours, Employee discount, Free Parking, No nights, Paid time off policy APPLY IN PERSON AT DAVID M. BRIAN OR McCAULOU’S McCaulou’s are located in Lafayette Moraga Danville Montclair Orinda Countrywood Clayton Rd.
David M. Brian is located in Walnut Creek, Broadway Plaza & Danville, The Livery
Ruth Bancroft has inspired gardeners across the world through her willingness to share the remarkable landscape of drought-tolerant plants she began creating at the age of 64 as the first Partner Garden in the Garden Conservancy. Although she hated being pointed out as a tourist attraction by strangers spying her at work, Ruth tolerated the task of piloting the program that not only preserves exceptional gardens like her own for future generations, but also invites inspection of countless private horticultural havens across the United States through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. Before collecting succulents, Ruth amassed an amazing display of Ruth Bancroft prepares materials for the seashell shadow box class she heirloom iris. She also became devoted to gathering seashells, taking her taught in April 2014 at the age of 105. children with her at whatever time of day the tide was right for finding the (photo courtesy of RBG) best specimens. Never happy to sit idly watching the action, as she neared th her 106 birthday, Ruth taught a class in creating shadow boxes with seashells. Will she live to see ground broken for the Ruth Bancroft Garden Visitors Center? Hopefully yes, given generous friends like the Erik E. and Edith H. Bergstrom Foundation celebrating Ruth’s 107th birthday by offering a challenge-grant of $25,000 needing to be matched by September 15th to jump-start the campaign. Visit www.ruthbancroftgarden.org to learn more.
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Page 6 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Local Quilters Exhibiting at Diablo Valley Quilt Show
Over 30 quilters from Alamo and Danville will be among the members of the Diablo Valley Quilt Guild (DVQ) exhibiting their quilts at the Tice Valley Community Gym in Walnut Creek. Local quilters include Kathy Fitzpatrick, Dorothy Foster and Valerie Lempesis from Alamo, and Barbara Mahan, Peggy Anderson, Mija Barron, Sandra Chan Brown, Peggy Pyle, Virginia Stanley, Laurie Parry, and Margaret Winter from Danville. The show will also feature a special exhibit of 30 quilts from nationally known, award winning, quilt artists and sisters, Jean Renli Jurgensen of Walnut Creek and Aileyn Renli Ecob of Rossmoor. More than 230 quilts from DVQ members will be on display representing all variations of today’s quilting world--traditional and contemporary interpretations of traditional quilting, plus innovative art quilts and modern quilts with bold colors and graphic designs. Today’s quilts are as likely to be appreciated as art for our walls as they are as covers for our beds. In addition there will be 15 vendors, a guild sponsored boutique, and free demonstrations. The show will be held Saturday, September 19th from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, September 20th, 10am to 4pm at the Tice Valley Community Gym located at 2055 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Admission good for both days is $10. For more information, visit www.diablovalleyquilters.com.
Blackhawk Republican Women Present Tom Del Beccaro
On September 10, Tom Del Beccaro, “The Most Heard Voice in CA Republican Politics,” will be speaking on his new book, The Divided Era, at the Blackhawk Country Club.“The Divided Era demonstrates clearly how our income tax code today not only isn’t the best way to raise revenue, but is also fueling divisions among Americans--much like the tariff system did in the 1800s. If we want to get beyond class warfare, we simply must return to economic growth, as Del Beccaro points out,’’ according to Stephen Moore, head economist for The Heritage Foundation. Tom is the former Chairman of the California Republican Party and previously served as Chairman of the Republican Party in his home county of Contra Costa. A noted author and media commentator, Tom also serves as an attorney for the small business community and has, himself, been a small business owner for over 20 years. He received his law degree from Santa Clara University and his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the man of whom Brian Sussman of Talk Radio’s KSFO in the San Francisco Bay Area said, “You are the face of Conservatism going forward.” Check-in and service of hors d’oeuvres will be at 5:30, and the meeting and speaker will begin at 6:15. Fee for the event is $25. Please make your reservations with a check made payable to “Blackhawk Republican Women,” as well as any cancellations, by Tuesday, September 8th with Judy Wright, 2000 Victorine Road, Livermore 94551, jwright070136@gmail.com, or (925) 828-0771.
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Museum to Host Smithsonian Exhibition “Journey Stories” August 29th – September 26th
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will end its summer exhibits with the traveling exhibition “Journey Stories.” Journey Stories is an exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution and is part of their Museum on Main Street series. The exhibition runs from Saturday, August 29 through Saturday, September 26. Journey stories are tales of how we and our ancestors came to America and are a central element of our personal heritage. From Native Americans to new American citizens, regardless of our ethnic or racial background, everyone has a story to tell. Our history is filled with tales of people leaving everything behind - including families and possessions - to reach a new life in another state, across a continent, or even across an ocean. The reasons behind the decisions made are myriad. Many chose to move searching for something better in a new land. Others had no choice, like enslaved Africans captured and relocated to a strange land and bravely asserting their own cultures or, like native Americans already here, trying to maintain their way of life in the face of many newcomers to their lands. Through video, music, art, and artifacts visitors will explore the settling of America. Included in the exhibit will be local journey stories from the first founding families in the San Ramon Valley to the most modern new residents. The Museum will draw upon its vast collections and collect new stories to tell the San Ramon Valley journey stories. Transportation stories will also be told, because the railroad, wagon, and automobile have their own stories to tell. An interactive page on the museum web site will allow visitors to the site to tell their own journey stories with text, photos, and video. This will comprise an online archive that can be accessed by students and researchers. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is open Tuesday through Friday- 1PM to 4PM, Saturday – 10AM to 1PM, and Sunday – 12PM to 3PM. The Museum is located at 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. For more information, call 925-837-3750, email srvmuseum@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.museumsrv.org.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 7
7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale
St. Isidore School
By Maria Ward, Principal Welcome Back to St. Isidore!
Danville - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market. As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7
deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar". To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1866-265-1682 and enter 2000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.
We are excited to be back at St. Isidore School. Our school opened its doors for our students on Wednesday, August 19 th. This year, our school theme is MERCY -- May Everyone Remember to show Compassion and kindness to Your fellow classmate. Our teachers were elated to see This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors CalBRE 01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2015 our students walk into their classrooms with such enthusiasm to start the school year. We feel blessed to have our students back on campus with us. We are thrilled to host the Girl’s Leadership Institute (GLI) seminar at our school. We invite the local community to join Girls Leadership’s founder and executive director, Simone Marean for her free acclaimed parent education talk “Raising Resilient Girls” on Thursday, September 10th from 7-8:30pm in our Bensen Gym. As described in Parent Magazine, Simone’s talk focuses on practical, actionable advice that you can use at home to help support the young girl or girls in your life. Her presentation covers the development of girl dynamics from pre-school through high school. GLI will also have workshops for parents and daughters at St. Isidore in October for girls in grades 2nd to 8th. Please visit our website at www.stisidore.org for more information, and register for the evening event at http://girlsleadership.org/programs/raising-resilient-girls-5. The St. Isidore Annual Golf Classic will be held on Monday, September 21st. We are thankful for this huge fundraiser led by our Parent Teacher Group. This event is one our parents look forward to because it offers a hike and tennis while others are out on the golf course. Afterward, there is a “Welcome Back to School” dinner, bringing our Saint Isidore community together. Everyone is invited to participate. Visit our website for more information. On Friday, September 25th, our St. Isidore annual Book Fair starts. This year, the theme is “Under the Sea, Explore an Ocean of Books!” We have had many helping hands spending endless hours getting our book fair organized for our students. Come and discover some great finds, and support our school. The book fair is open during school and after Mass on the weekends until October 4th. It is amazing to see our school gym transformed. Please join us if you can. It’s fun for all ages. Lastly, we invite you to come and put your tennis shoes on to support the SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk 2015 on Saturday, September 26th from 9-11am. The walk will be held at the St. Isidore Church Track. All funds raised Stone Valley Middle School stay in Contra Costa County to help our neighbors in need. Sign-up at www. fopwalk.org. Our own SI graduates help make this event possible. By Jon Campopiano, Principal Please come join us at one of our events this month. We would love to It is with great anticipation that we began the have you. We are all looking forward to an amazing year. 2015-2016 school year and welcomed back an amazing group of students. Exciting changes abound on Human Trafficking Discussed at AAUW Meeting site with the most visible being the construction of a The 2015 Annual Membership Brunch of the Danville- Alamo-Walnut new Stone Valley campus. The parking lot has been Creek Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will updated, portable classrooms are en route, and the be held on Saturday, September 19th from 9:30AM to 12:30PM at Roundhill building of a beautiful, state of the art facility has beCountry Club, 3169 Roundhill Road in Alamo. The public is invited to join gun. Upon completion, our students will have access and learn about human trafficking in the Bay Area from guest speaker Ms. to the most innovative technology, facilities, and learning spaces in the state. Venus Rodriguez. Besides our external changes, we have developed a new cell phone policy. If you think human trafficking exists in some other place or some other We strongly value the need for all students to communicate, collaborate, and country, think again. Between 2010 and 2012, the number of human trafthink critically, and we believe that cell phone usage during brunch and lunch ficking victims identified in California tripled. According to the FBI, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of three regions in the United States with the restricted those opportunities. Students are now powering down their phones during school hours and using school-issued iPads, Chromebooks, and laphighest density of child sex trafficking. tops in classrooms, and interacting with each other during breaks and lunch. Ms. Rodriguez is a staff member at Not For Sale, a San Francisco Bay We are partnering with the organization “Soul Shoppe” to provide programs Area non-profit foundation, where she leads a program called Reinvent. that teach students how to increase empathy, respect, and kindness on campus. She was named a top 25 organizer under 25, working with organizations Staff, students, and parents will participate in this important and valuable trainlike PUEBLO, Center for Media Justice, The Center for Young Women’s ing that will continue to increase the positive culture at Stone Valley. Development, and MISSSEY. She has developed and furthered local youth Stone Valley continues to do a tremendous job educating our students, programs like OWWLS, her most recent project, an outreach program to fully implementing SRVUSD initiatives, and providing an environment where assist young women working and living on the streets. RSVP by September 10th by mailing a check for $28 to D-A-W AAUW all students can succeed. I encourage you to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Stonevalleyms PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507 or going online to http://daw-ca.aauw. or http://stonevalley.schoolloop.com to get updates on all events going on net/2015brunch/ and paying with a credit card. For further information, at school. contact Soni Leighton, Membership VP, at sonileighton@me.com. Thank you for your continued support of the San Ramon School District and Stone Valley Middle School. Please let me know if you have any questions. Go PRIDE!
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We will be working with Call us at your highest your youryour highest highest scores scores are scores within are are reach! within within reach! reach! highest scores are within reach! ! 2015-2016 SAT Test Dates this Stanford based organization in order to better help our students navigate the stress of middle school. 925-786-7149 Test Preparation Services We will also be implementing Restorative Justice techniques in order to reduce non-mandatory suspen2015-2016 2015-2016 SATJan. Test SAT SAT Dates Test TestTest Dates Dates 2015-2016 SAT Dates June 4, 2016 23, 2016 Oct.Test 3,2015-2016 2015 SAT Dates ACT Test Dates sions for student offenses. It is our hope that more time in the classroom for students means more time Mar. 5, 2016 Nov. 7, 2015 3, 2015 September 12, 2015 June 2016 June June 4, 4,2016 2016 2016 Jan. Jan.23, 23, 2016 2016 Oct. 3,October 2015 Oct. Oct.3, 3,Jan. 2015 2015 June 4, 2016 Jan. 23, 2016 Oct. 3, 2015 June 4, 2016 Jan. 23, 4, 2016 Oct. 3,23, 2015 spent learning. May. 7, 2016 Dec. 5, 2015 November 7, October Mar. 5,2015 2016 Mar. Mar.5, 5,2016 2016 Nov. 7, 2015 Nov. Nov.7, 7, 2015 2015 Mar. 5, 2016 Nov. 7, 2015 Mar. 5, 2016 24, 2015 Nov. 7,2015 We also will be receiving the first results of the new standardized assessments given last spring. We 5, December May. 7,2015 2016 May. May.7, 7,2016 2016 Dec. December 5, 2015 Dec. Dec.5, 2015 2015 May. 7, 2016 Dec. 5,5, 2015 May. 7, 2016 12, 2015 Dec. 5,2015 look forward to using this data to help us research and improve our programs. January 23, 2016 February 6, 2016 We are grateful for the help and support our community has continually given us. Opening the school March 5, 2016 Test Preparation Services April 9, 2016 year is never possible without a tremendous amount of help from the PTA and Charger Fund, and we remain May 7, 2016 June 11, 2016 Test Preparation Test TestPreparation Preparation Services Services Services Test Preparation Services Test Preparation Services grateful. 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Monte Vista High School
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
As a new school year approaches, there is always a slow acceleration toward that first day of school. Administrators and many of our office personnel are here well before the start of the school year, and we all notice a gradual increase in the rhythm indicative of a high school. At specific intervals, new sets of people start turning up – assistant principals, then counselors, faculty, and office staff, then students – and as these groups make their presence known on campus, that rhythm begins to feel that much more pronounced. Seeing student groups – athletics, band, leadership – makes the school alive. This year the momentum really began to build as we welcomed the class of 2019 and students new to Monte Vista at our New Student Orientation. The event was led by our Link Crew and Leadership students who did a fantastic job making our new students feel welcome and safe in their new school. These MV juniors and seniors spent the morning giving tours, leading team building activities, and sharing advice about how to be successful at Monte Vista. They clearly set the tone as to what it really means to be a Mustang. Registration was also a great success thanks to our adult and student volunteers as well as the members of the Monte Vista staff who spent hours assisting students and parents with everything from donations to student planners to spirit wear. Once again, the atmosphere was positive and exciting. Energy was clearly building. The Monte Vista faculty and staff have also played a key role in building that momentum. Through a variety of formal and informal meetings, our new admin team has relayed our vision of becoming a Learning Organization where educators are engaged in ongoing learning about how to balance challenge and support for our students. During the “Best of the Best” meeting classified staff met with administrators and set up expectations for the school year. During the New Teacher Orientation teachers learned what it means to be a Mustang and about our traditions. And finally, during the Staff Development day the entire staff met to review a vision for the school year. The first day of school is an important moment for any student from Pre-K to Graduate School and at Monte Vista it is no different. As the momentum continues to build through the school year and culminates in the graduation ceremonies in June we encourage the entire learning community of Monte Vista to participate. Join with us as we encourage curiosity and creativity through a school year of teaching, participating, and community. Welcome to the Class of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019! Your classmates, faculty, staff, administration, and community all support and encourage your efforts this school year.
Treats for the Troops
Delta Nu Psi is collecting “gourmet junk food” to send to American troops in Afghanistan. The group will continue sending packages as long as American military members are in the War Zone. Much of the food sent is not normally available to the troops. So far Delta Nu Psi has sent 1,331 boxes weighing a total 32,086 pounds to the troops. On September 4th Delta Nu Psi members will be at CVS Pharmacy in Alamo, and on September 11th they will be at Lunardi’s in Danville. Collections will be held from 11am to 2pm both days, rain or shine. If you or your child would like to create a greeting card for one of the troops with perhaps a drawing and message, we will be glad to accept them and forward them. Money for postage is also always appreciated. For more information, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 9
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Academic Coaching By Susan Sokat
Back to school to many of us parents means it’s time to sit down and start mak-
ing our lists. Back to school shopping lists. Back to school clothes lists. Back to school coaching lists – Are they signed up for soccer, dance, school sports, etc. Do they need extra coaching? Shouldn’t we then add tutors to another list? After all, as competitors and fans of athletics, we accept almost without question the need for a team as well as an individual to have a coach. We wouldn’t even imagine a world class figure skater without a coach by her side, alternately praising and cajoling to more efficient, more athletic performance. If a dance teacher suggested a few private sessions, we probably wouldn’t hesitate to sign up for those to ensure our child is just as competitive as his or her peers. The same goes for soccer, football, and athletic coaching. But yet, sometimes in school, we wait, until we notice possible failure, before we intervene with academic coaching. The ability and willingness to ask for academic help is essential for us to reach our fullest potential. Many of us, who would not hesitate for that athletic coaching, still feel embarrassed to ask for academic coaching. We shouldn’t feel embarrassed if we are helping a child reach their potential. Every child, every high school student, and every college student can benefit from that extra coaching and can reach their highest goals. When we place a qualified, energetic, and enthusiastic tutor with a child in a one-on-one environment, and they spend dedicated work time, we will see outstanding results. When your child starts the year feeling confident and gets A’s on the first assessments of the year, he is more likely to have an outstanding year. What a great gift and advantage to give a child. That’s definitely worth adding to the lists. Club Z! In-Home Tutoring offers one-on-one academic coaching in your home. All subjects, all grade levels. Coaching includes Study Skills Curriculum, and SAT/ACT test preparation. For more information please call 925-786-7149 Advertorial or visit our website at www.clubztutoring.com/danville.
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San Ramon Valley Christian Academy By Jamie Westgate, Principal
The Back-to-School Season feels like a combination of many holidays, all rolled into one. Similar to Valentine’s Day, we celebrate our friendships with words of encouragement expressed to reunited classmates. Like Thanksgiving, our students gather around lunchroom tables to share a meal while giggling and laughing over memories of their summers. Christmas comes to mind as teachers unpack the gift of a new group of students, each one a present in his or her special way. Finally I think of Mother’s and Father’s Days as parents hug and send their little ones off and are left with a wet tissue and a heart full of love and appreciation. This year, as we welcome in a group of students for a new year, I am letting a child go from my own home. As our oldest daughter heads off to college, I am aware that time is fleeting and these years of school really matter. Years ago, Robert Fulgham reminded us with his poem that Everything We Need to Know We Learned in Kindergarten. Those of us who read his list may still remember the charm and truth in his simple reminders. He told us things like “say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody” and “when you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.” He reminded us to “live a balanced life - learn some and drink some and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work every day some.” I was contemplative when I recently read Fulgham’s list as it made me think about a much different list our society is creating and rewarding. On occasion we hear “Do your best, but then try a little harder or get extra training or tutoring to advance yourself to get ahead.” On such a list we may say “a minor breach in character is excusable as long as you come out on top.” We may even see acceptance of “don’t worry about how your actions affect those around you; just worry about what works for you and makes you happy.” When I re-read Fulgham’s list it seemed so simple, yet we have complicated it today by placing high priority and focus on ourselves. Recently in staff meetings, we were reminded that Jesus told us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) In
See SRVCA continued on page 25
Page 10 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Hanna House
By Linda Summers Pirkle
Hanna House, built in 1937 and designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has long been on my list of places to visit. The historic home is located on Stanford University campus in Palo Alto. I traveled to the South Bay and joined a small group tour that was escorted through the treasured house. Our guide, Nancy, gave us some background on the Hanna House and Jean and Paul Hanna, the namesake and original owners. Nancy suggested reading the book, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, The Clients’ Report written by Paul and Jean Hanna for more information about the couple whose vision and perseverance resulted in the Hanna house. This enjoyable book chronicles the young couple’s odyssey with the trials they went through to build a Frank Lloyd Wright house where they raised their three children and enjoyed living for over forty years. The beginning of their story is particularly charming. Many years before the project came to fruition, the young couple, who were professors at Columbia University, wrote a fan letter to Frank Lloyd Wright praising him for his unique and inspiring work. In 1931, the Hannas visited the Wrights in Wisconsin, and the friendship began. Eventually, Jean and Paul Hanna asked Mr. Wright to be the architect of their future home, and he accepted. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, The Clients’Report is not only an amazing account of the construction of Hanna House but it also gives the reader a glimpse into the early 20th century. For example, in 1937, upon completion of some tree work, the authors note, “Ron presented a bill for $33.25 for his thirty-five hours of work and travel and expenses.” The Hannas were meticulous note keepers, and the book is a detailed chronicle of their relationship with the architect with whom they became lifelong friends. Hanna House took five years of planning, two years to design, and one year to
Cinema Classics and Musical Notes The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit By Peggy Horn
This month’s recommendation is The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit from 1956, starring Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones, and Fredric March. It was based on a novel of the same name, written by Sloan Wilson (1955), and both the novel and the film were hugely popular. The film is meant to take place in the mid-1950’s, in post war America. This was a period of intense financial growth for this country, and Tom Rath, played by Gregory Peck, is part of the struggle to make America great. His wife, Betsy, played by Jennifer Jones, is supportive and has good instincts about what is right and wrong. The United States was headed in a new direction with a natural set of consequences both good and bad. In this movie Tom and Betsy Rath have the opportunity to analyze and participate in some of the issues of the day and approach them with an admirable amount of honesty and tolerance. In one important scene, Tom, Rath’s boss, Mr. Hopkins (Fredric March), urges Tom to spend lots of time with his family, stressing the importance of good family relationships. Sadly, Mr. Hopkins relates that his own family had suffered from his frequent absences as he built up the business. Many men have achieved their success while their families waited at home. Captain Cook, for instance, was gone for years while he mapped and explored in the Pacific. American pioneers like Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket were away from their families for months while they discovered routes that later travelers would use. Apparently some men are destined to devote themselves to business, and in fact, the business enterprise typically requires constant nurturing. Other men regard their work as secondary to the family responsibility. In this movie, one of the two types of men makes a decision about which type he will be. This is a good and thought-provoking movie with an inspirational ending. It is enjoyable to see the characters dressed in beautiful, stylish clothes, even just to stay at home. As with most fine films, repeated viewings are worthwhile – see for yourself.
Musical Notes
Because the movie this month takes place in the fifties, I am reminded of the particularly fashionable and elegant, Frank Sinatra, who was “the mostest.” I could recommend many of his songs, but one seems especially appropriate: “Come Fly With Me.” It was released in album form in 1958 and was written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen.
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build, and as with most projects there were difficulties. One persistent issue was time delays caused by slow communication between the architect and the Hannas. The delivery of drawings took longer than the Hannas expected as did the answers to their frequent questions. Their frustration with Mr. Wright increased as time went on. At one point after sending a particularly testy letter to Mr. Wright via telegram, the Hannas confessed, “Would not most recipients of such a demanding telegram have responded by telling us to forget the whole affair?” They continue, “Today, as we read this insulting wire, we are covered with embarrassment, but the wire was sent, and we must confess Mr. Wright would have been fully justified in abandoning his demanding clients.” Thankfully, the project was completed and even remodels were done with the aid of Frank Lloyd Wright. Today the house stands as a memorial to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the perseverance of the Hannas. As the authors say in the book, “Both of us, husband and wife, had worked along with the laborers and craftsmen on the job. We took part in every type of construction; we mixed concrete, laid brick, sawed redwood, screwed on battens, set plate glass, put in insulation, held pipe for plumbers, and made light fixtures. We filled vertical joints in masonry, a job overlooked by a bricklayer. The children aided in cleaning away waste material and running errands. We worked ourselves into the house construction as a family.” In the 1980’s the Hannas gave their beloved home to Stanford University. *Hanna House tours are offered four times a month. Check out the calendar on their website Hannnnahousetours.stanford.edu. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the tour. *Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, The Clients’ Report by Paul and Jean Hanna is available through the website Hannahouse.stanford.edu. *Lyfe Kitchen, a small café located on 167 N. Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto, is a mile from Hanna House. I loved their Greek Yogurt Bowl with fresh blueberries, pomegranate, Chia seeds, and toasted almonds. Their website is lyfekitchen.com. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
DogFest is Coming
The East Bay Miracles Chapter of Canine Companions is an enthusiastic group of volunteer puppy raisers, breeder caretakers, graduate teams, and other volunteers from the area. The mission of Canine Companions is to provide free of charge assistance dogs to disabled people including adults, veterans, and children. They also provide service dogs to facilities such as hospitals, schools, and court houses. On October 3rd from 9AM to 1PM the group will hold their second annual DogFest at Oak Hill Park, located at 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville. The event will include a pancake breakfast, a short walk, dog demonstrations and games, a raffle, silent auction, live music, activities for kids, and TONS of fun for all family members including friendly dogs. You don’t have to register ahead, but registration is encouraged. Get involved by sponsoring a walker or a team of walkers, donate to the event, or become a sponsor! Free registration and more information is at www. cci.org/dogfesteastbay. Come join the fun and support a great cause. Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training, and ongoing follow-up services. For more information, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
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Guys, Listen Up
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
We have a saying in our office that gets repeated at least once a week. The saying is “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.” I think the world would be a better place if more folks, usually guys, gave that concept some serious thought. Before I give you some examples, let me explain my premise. Technology is fascinating to some people, and we are impressed by new devices and their capabilities. Throw in blue LED’s, or put a lower case “i” in front of your product name, or attach the words “smartphone controlled” to something, and you’re guaranteed to have people climbing all over your product. The challenge with new technology is that we (guys) tend to go overboard. We think that just because the capability demonstrated by a new technology is interesting to us, it’s the same for everyone. For example, let’s take my home theatre project. Home theatres were getting popular back when the movie Top Gun was released in 1986. That movie in particular was perfect for demonstrating surround-sound with its exciting soundtrack with jets whooshing through the air, and it was playing in every electronics retailer. Every guy who saw Top Gun playing in the store wanted to re-create a similar home-theatre experience. Some of us went so far as to buy all of the speakers, run cable inside the family room walls, and buy ridiculously expensive surround-sound amplifiers for our TV’s. I even bought the Top Gun movie to show it off. We watched a few movies together as a family, and then the trouble began. Why? What does every electronic device seem to have these days? A remote control. Oh boy, that’s where the problems started. We had one remote control for the TV, one for the video player, and one for that fancy surround-sound amplifier. There were lots and lots of buttons. Remember, this was before programmable all-in-one remote controls were invented. I did my very best to explain it to my family. I drew illustrations. I labeled the buttons on the remote controls. And I patiently demonstrated how it worked -- over and over again. But nothing seemed to help. My wife, especially my wife, hated it. And, if I might be so bold, I would say she didn’t apply herself to the task very vigorously. Because every time she wanted to watch
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 11 TV she’d get ticked off when she’d press the wrong button and just couldn’t manage to make it work. Why? Because there were way too many steps and over-complications for what she was trying to do. If I was smart (and I wasn’t), I would have chucked it all out and realized this was the confluence of two diametrically opposed forces, doomed to fail. On one hand was the over-complicating husband who made watching TV similar to flying the space shuttle. And on the other hand was someone who had zero interest in learning anything more complicated than pressing the on/off button to watch what she wanted -- without all of the bells and whistles. As her frustration mounted, I lopped off functionality to simplify things for her, until basically we ended up with two systems. One was a simple TV, and the other was the special home-theatre gear on the side, which I had to cobble together to use each time I wanted to watch with it, because the system had been lobotomized to make it “On/Off-easy” for my wife. Eventually, the whole thing fell into disrepair. Simplicity won. What is the primary lesson we should draw from this? Don’t over-complicate things. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. Perhaps you see a little bit of yourself in my tale. Hopefully you’ve moved beyond this stage and can now laugh at yourself a little bit. Because I grew through this stage, I can see it still happening all around me, with clients, friends, and family. For instance, many whole-house A/V systems can play different sources in different rooms and come with remote controls the size of dinner plates. Who primarily uses these? The husband. Not the wife. Not the kids. And how many times do we really need to be playing a movie in one room while listening to Pandora in the other? Maybe that feature gets used once a year. But what do our family members want? Simplicity. They have their iPhone and a little $29 Bluetooth speaker, and they’re perfectly happy. Push the button, turn it on, and relax. The grief from making things too complicated isn’t worth it. Keep it simple. Focus instead on the people you’re with. And if your wife says she won’t use it, listen to her (she really means it)! If you need help consolidating your over-complicated technical situation, reach out to us. Our staff understands all of the technology you use, and can set you on a course of elegant simplicity. Please reach us at 925-552-7953, Advertorial or email us at info@theportablecio.com.
Start Sipping
September is California Wine Month By Monica Chappell
It is time once again for California Wine Month. Though Californians tend to celebrate local wines year-round, Governor Brown has declared September to be wine month. In his proclamation, the governor cites the many great things the wine industry brings to California, from the beauty of wine regions, the jobs created and revenue generated, to the industry’s commitment to sustainability. September is also a great time to plan a visit to California Wine Country. To help, we’ve highlighted a few special places around California, vineyards and wineries that have helped to define our legacy as one of the world’s great places to make wine. Go out and discover something new! September 6th - Livermore/various locations in the valley 2015 Harvest Wine Celebration - Livermore Valley September 11 – 13 - Lake Tahoe/Northstar Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival September 22nd - San Francisco/Ferry Building California Wines Road Trip September 29-30 - Sonoma The Sonoma Valley CRUSH September 29 – Oakland/ Urban Legend Cellars Sip, Stomp and Play The range and diversity of California wine today is unprecedented. There’s a whole month’s worth of special events and celebrations waiting for you. For a full list of events around the state visit www. discovercaliforniawines.com. Monica Chappell, wine writer and educator, teaches wine appreciation classes in Lafayette. For a class schedule email wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
Page 12 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
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Aegean Breezes
By Lisa Kallen, Alamo World Travel
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I can’t figure it out. What was my favorite thing about our nine-night Windstar Cruise from Athens to Venice? The exotic ports of call? The French doors flung open all night as the sound of the Aegean Sea serenaded us to sleep? The service-with-the-biggest-smiles attention? The open bridge policy to watch all of the goings-on of the captain’s maneuvers in and out of harbors? The tour guides fascinating us with quaint stories of ruins and wineries? Must I choose? Our first three days brought us to the Peloponnese in Greece. We visited the sites of the first ancient Olympics, Olympia and Itea, with their ruins and stadia and temples honoring the gods who featured so prominently in the games. Christiana, our insightful guide during our tour of Delphi, brought the history of this sacred site to life. Known in ancient times as the Omphalos, the navel and center of the universe, it was the site where once a year people came from across all of Greece to beseech the Oracle of Delphi for her prophecies, surrounded and perhaps influenced by vapors emanating from the rocks in the darkness beneath the Temple of Apollo. Next we squeezed through the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel from start to finish with barely a foot to spare on either side of our ship at its narrowest point. After winding through the glorious fjords of Montenegro, we rounded one last turn and the Captain let out three long, low, horn blasts. He was signaling our arrival to the Island of the Madonna that guards the entrance to the port of Kotor. In a sweet ritual that has been reenacted every time a ship enters this dramatic harbor, someone on the Island of the Madonna then tolls its bells in response, like two lovers calling to each other from afar. Croatia surprised us the most. Two stops in Dubrovnik and Hvar introduced us to the Dalmatian Coast, the home of craggy cliffside villages, islands and inlets stretched out along the Adriatic Sea. We began our day in sunny Dubrovnik kayaking among fortress walls and cliffs, ending with some snorkeling in a sea cave. Hot and hungry, we cooled off with the creamiest gelato and wandered the narrow streets of shops and homes climbing up the hillside. Halfway uphill we boarded a gondola and glided to the top of the mountain with glorious views of Dubrovnik below us and islands stretching off into the afternoon sun. Not wanting to leave our breezy perch, we dined on juicy tomatoes and burrata and a savory seafood risotto at the Restaurant Panorama with its namesake views. Probably the only way to top Croatia was our last stop, Venice, la Serenissima. We sailed into the Grand Canal to a dramatic thunder and lightning storm that lasted until we docked. With her rich history of trade, art, and decadence, there is no better city to get lost in than Venice, to wander among the alleyways that always lead to water and bridges, quaint shops and eateries. And instead of busy streets filled with buses and taxis, Venice’s “streets” are its canals, plied by water taxis and gondolas, not a car in sight. I think my favorite thing about our WindStar cruise is the “Sail Away,” the nightly ritual with music, lights, pomp and circumstance when the ship pulls away from the pier and we set sail for our next destination. Guests drop everything to run up to the Sky Bar on the top deck to catch this event. Two of the ship’s officers in their dress whites stand poised waiting for Vangelis’s music to crescendo and then ever-so-slowly raise the WindStar flag, inch by dramatic inch, until, over the course of three minutes, the flag is fully raised up into the evening breeze. This mesmerizing ritual would neatly wrap up the day’s adventures and was a sweet harbinger of the adventures to come in the morning. Sail Away was the time to gather together with other guests to share stories of wine tastings and hikes, olive presses and swims. This was all washed down with a glass of wine or the signature cocktail of the day as fellow guests on this intimate ship became fast friends. Lisa Kallen is a Travel Consultant with Alamo World Travel, specializing in tours, cruises and customized vacations to Europe, the Americas, South Pacific and Asia. Visiting family in La Bella Italia is a favorite vacation along with “soft adventures” just about anywhere in the world. You can reach her at 925-8378742 ext. 18 or lkallen@alamoworld.com. Advertorial
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Energy Matters
Let the Battle Begin By Mark Becker, GoSimple Solar
California Investor Owned Utilities such as PG&E are at it again. They have begun their push to try to reduce the economic value of FUTURE solar energy systems installed in the latter half of 2017 and beyond. State law requires that “net metering” solar rules change so as to better provide for long-term solar integration into our ever aging and stressed utility grid. The new net metering regulations combined with the upcoming 2019 electric rates (for new customers) will greatly change how solar is integrated into the grid and affect the economic benefits of solar PV. The economic effects that will result for the consumer are being debated. Politics and lobbies aside, there must be solutions available that keep the utilities relevant, protect consumers, and fulfill the renewable energy mandates as required by California law. Hopefully all involved parties can find mutually agreeable and advantageous solutions. Cooperation and coordination trump competition and special interest. A renewable energy grid, energy efficient appliances, solar PV, and a connected smart home operating in tandem is indeed the future. Consequently, solar PV installations installed today should include non-proprietary products to provide greatest long-term flexibility to maximize the current value returns of the solar PV system and leverage future revenue opportunities. Recently I swapped out my legacy inverter with a much “smarter” inverter that is capable of a multitude of functions and features that will be able to integrate into the future grid and smart home. Nowadays, installing a proprietary inverter or rooftop electronics provides a “wow factor” but provides no other advantage other than the self-touted “solar production increase.” Unfortunately, the sales pitch surrounding these products typically compares these “advantages” to outdated and no-longer-in-use technologies. Let’s take a leap of faith and assume the touted production increase of these module level power electronics was indeed real: Shade on a properly sited solar module should only occur in the winter or in the early morning or early evening when “additional kilowatt production” is of lesser value and when the solar system would naturally be less productive. Proprietary products and
Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 13
their added long term operation and maintenance costs increase investment risk by adding additional potential points of failure in what can otherwise be a very safe investment. Contradictory to some solar PV contractor’s sales tactics, no products on the market neutralize shade effects. Many companies are trying to “fix” something that isn’t broken because it makes for a great sales pitch. It will be very difficult to find parts for these proprietary products if they fail 2, 5, 10 or 20 years from now, especially if these companies go out of business or move on to differing product lines. Reliability and interchangeability in product selection today equals security in investment tomorrow. Recently, incessant problems at my home’s computer network caused me to run to Alamo’s Portable CIO (www.thePortableCIO.com) through my personal gauntlet of “high expectation, fellow contractor performance testing.” By increasing the reliability and speed in my home network, Portable CIO greatly increased my and my family’s productivity. Portable CIO has now been tasked to help increase my company’s productivity. We’re also hoping to partner with them to help solve some of our customers’ networking needs. Evan and crew, thank you for your passion, dedication, and knowledge which has made my life more efficient and less exasperating when it comes to all things related to Information Technology. The takeaway for me, and the “ah-ha” moment is, if you’re able to recognize and communicate your problem, find a trustworthy industry expert to provide a solution(s). Complete knowledge or understanding every detail of that solution isn’t necessary as long as the problem is presented to someone you trust to solve the problem. Choose your contractor wisely, and be engaged in the process. Expect and accept only the highest quality service, and get documentation of the contractor’s sales pitch. The solar business is booming right now for a multitude of reasons. Is the mandate of 50% renewables powering our California grid by 2050 overreaching? I don’t think so. On July 25th, Germany, not known for it’s sunny skies, was able to generate a record 78% of power production through renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and biomass. If they can do it, so can we. Mark Becker is the President and business owner of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, CSLB 948715. GoSimpleSolar is one of the very few (and proud) solar PV installers utilizing both licensed roofers and licensed electricians for installation work, project managed by a solar PV NABCEP professional. For questions or comments email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com or call 925-331-8011. Advertorial
Page 14 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
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Page 16 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Dollars for Turf and Toilets
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By Cynthia Ruzzi, President Sustainable Danville
The California Department of Water Resources has announced new rebates to help replace old, inefficient toilets and lawns with water-saving alternatives. Besides the $100 rebate to replace one toilet per household, the bigger rebate is $2/square foot for lawn replacement, up to $2,000 per household. To learn more visit www.SaveOurWaterRebates.com.
Now is an opportune time to replace your water-thirsty lawn because if the weather forecasts are right, we should soon receive El Nino soaking rains. My husband and I converted our front and backyard lawns in response to the 2008-09 EBMUD emergency requesting a 20% reduction in water use by residential customers. We stopped watering our lawns and plants with the idea that anything that couldn’t make it on once a month watering would be replaced. There are many classes and free resources about drought tolerant plants including seasonal sales from The Garden at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek and the Horticulture Program at Diablo Valley College. I worked with Chris Finch, a drought tolerant plant expert that helped write the publication, Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates of the San Francisco Bay Region to identify plants that appealed to me and would work in our community’s climate. EBMUD also has a resource list of local nurseries, demonstration gardens, classes, events, and books where you can learn about and view native plants. Additionally, some local nurseries will design a lawn conversion planting plan for a fee and then rebate the fee as credit toward plants purchased. (Visit www.stopwaste.org/?page=630 to investigate East Bay nurseries that offer significant “Tear Out Your Lawn” challenge discounts and free consultations.) After laying a new path of Kentucky Blue Stone pavers, we tapped off our sprinklers that would later be converted to drip irrigation. During the month, our neighbors and friends saved newspapers and cardboard to use for sheet mulching. This is an important step in the conversion process because the sheet mulch kills the lawn and suppresses further weed growth while improving soil nutrients and structure, and encouraging favorable microbial activity. Sheet mulching is a wonderful labor saver because it spares you the hard work of actually tearing out the lawn. However, if your lawn is full of tree roots you may have to do some additional digging or rototilling to rid the area of roots before you can lay down an effective mulch covering. Once we had our plant layout, we knew exactly where we needed water, so we converted our sprinklers to drip irrigation. This weekend project was accomplished with a trip to the local hardware store that offers a screw-on octopus replacement to sprinkler heads that makes it easy to connect tubing and drippers. Once the sheet mulching was done, we covered it with five inches of compost. I was able to plant over 60 plants in one afternoon, and because I used 4-inch sized plants there was no need to dig into the cardboard/newspaper. While I was doubtful the plants would fill our yard, Chris assured me that they would be full-sized by spring. She was right. I encourage you to visit www.sustainabledanville.com to see more pictures and learn more about the process.
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Life in the Danville Garden
Timeless and Transitional By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect
Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 17
I like to follow-up with my clients after a period of time to see how they are enjoying their beautiful yards. After thirty-five years of creating gardens, I discovered a new distinction for how a landscape matures and why some of my clients were disappointed even though they absolutely loved their gardens. Timeless and Transitional! That’s it! At first glance “Timeless and Transitional” seems a little dramatic. Well, it isn’t really and I will tell you why. It all begins with expectations. We all know a garden can be beautiful, relaxing, stunning, delightful, therapeutic and all those other great things I usually write about. On the other hand; gardens can be ugly, annoying, agitating, and sometimes just don’t meet your expectations! And that is disappointing. Most likely you have felt the way I feel about my own garden sometimes; you too, at one time or another, have been disappointed and down right upset about your garden. Don’t get me wrong, I love my garden and my clients love the ones I design for them, but sometimes it just seems like nature (and untrained gardeners) get the best of our expectations. Case in point, I went to visit one of my Call for details client’s gardens only to find plants that I had designed in the plans were 925.939.8300 either missing, woody and misshaped, or turned into little balls and squares. solartechnologies.com Some plants were missing because nature over the last two years had taken Lic. #932914 its toll - especially with this drought. Some of the lovely arching shrubs were trimmed into balls and squares in their prime bloom time. This is not what I expected, and most of my clients didn’t either. I have written about the importance of the built elements that make up the hardscape, or Timeless, as one aspect of creating an outdoor environment . The other element is the softcape (living elements) or Transitional. What I discovered in this distinction of Timeless and Transitional is that while the backbone of the design of the garden was still there, beautiful and functioning just as I had designed it to be, the softscape was displaying the transitions of the years. If it wasn’t drought, cold winters, or long hot Indian summers that wrecked havoc, it was untrained gardeners, varmints, pets, fungus and you-name-it that thrashed our expectations for a beautiful and everlasting show-piece. Here is the good news and the bad news. Good news -- there is hope! Bad news -- You need to rearrange your expectations! Gardens are truly “Timeless and Transitional.” Good design will always be timeless and will last over the years. The timeless aspects of a good landscape design are the beautiful and elegant elements of the hardscape such as well-crafted stone work on your patio, a seat wall, a pool, a detailed trellis, pergola, arbor, fence, garden gates and well-placed timeless trees like oaks, redwoods, maples, olives, crepe myrtles and long-lasting plantings like laurel, boxwood, mock orange, wisteria, camellias and more. While “Timeless” is a little easier to swallow, “Transitional” is the one that forces us to rearrange our expectations. We need to learn to understand that the living aspect of your design is a moving target and more unpredictable. It has taken me almost thirty years to get it! Snails eat your plants, fungus curls your peach leaves (unless you remember to spray at the precise time), aphids arrive every year to devour your roses, and plants need replacing every so often just like your home needs fresh paint and new carpet. Now relax in your garden, watch the transitions happen, replace and update as necessary, appreciate the majesty of your timeless elements, and rearrange your expectations to accept the transitional! I have a newfound appreciation and patience for the transitional after all of this time in the garden. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: One of the services we offer is consulting work with my staff horticulturist for those who don’t need a full Master Landscape Plan. This service offers on-site practical advice addressing your “transitional” concerns. Check out my website for more information! Gardening Quote of the Month: My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant’s point of view. - H. Fred Ale If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@ jm-la.com or visit www.jm-la. com. Advertorial
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Page 18 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Tree of the Season: The Monterey Pine By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
The imposing Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata, perhaps the most common large landscape tree in the Bay Area, is one of the most widely-planted trees on the planet. It covers millions of acres in places as far-flung as England, Chile, and Australia. However, its native range covers just a few square miles of the California coastline, which explains why it prefers a cool, moist coastal climate with well-draining soils. With their dense, towering canopies, dark, glossy green needles, refreshing scent, and magnificent sweep of boughs, Monterey Pines give the feeling of being in a forest. They provide habitat for many species of birds and butterflies. The beauty of these trees, combined with their immense vigor and rapid growth, appeals to landscapers who want a quick, tall screen between houses, a cool shady hillside behind their home, or an instantly woodsy subdivision. Unfortunately, the quick hedge or woodland effect you enjoy in the first year of the tree’s life can become a major safety hazard and a source of conflict with uphill neighbors when, two decades later, the tree reaches 50-70 feet in height. The Monterey Pine’s soft, brittle wood and its shallow root system combine to make it a serious hazard during winter storms on the hilly slopes. Away from its native habitat, it is vulnerable to root-rot diseases and, stressed by lack of water during our dry summers, it becomes prey to often fatal beetle infestations. The species is relatively short-lived, around 75 years, and its proclivity for toppling, or for shedding large branches, increases with age.
Coping with Pines
So what are we to do with these beautiful but bothersome pines that define so much of the Bay Area landscape? First of all, don’t plant any more of them unless you are willing and able to offer them ideal conditions. These include a large, level, adequately moist planting site, with porous soil, far from both houses and power lines, and with no uphill neighbors whose views your growing tree will obstruct. Monterey Pines also require regular care, including safety
Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
The September release of Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration – 25 Years of the Garden Conservancy honors the silver anniversary of the Garden Conservancy with photographs of 50 American gardens from coast to coast. Roots of the organization are firmly planted in Walnut Creek, California at the Ruth Bancroft Garden (RBG), the remarkable horticultural hotspot that inspired Frank and Anne Cabot to create the Conservancy. The book features eight of the gardens preserved by the non-profit and 42 private gardens that have opened their gates to the public for the Open Days program. Visiting otherwise inaccessible properties during Open Days has become one of my favorite pastimes. Often the owner is present and happy to engage in conversation about his or her personal approach to planning and planting. Information on the Garden Conservancy website describes each location so you don’t end up at a pocket garden expecting to tour a multi-acre estate. Occasionally nearby nurseries are on hand to sell some of the harder to acquire species featured on site. In 2015, Open Days events occurred in 20 states and the District of Columbia. As a former docent at the RBG, I am delighted to hear greeters and owners at the most recently adopted Partner Gardens recounted the story of how the Conservancy was founded. They are all aware that when Frank Cabot visited Ruth Bancroft’s private garden in 1988, he was so taken with her dramatic display utilizing unusual drought-tolerant plants from around the world, that he was determined to do something to preserve it. Ruth had philosophically admitted to him when asked, “When I go the garden goes.” Although afraid their mother would live to see all her effort go to waste, Ruth’s children knew they couldn’t keep her garden going. I enjoy adding that if Ruth had not decided to answer an advertisement for used furniture in the early 1950s, the entire enterprise might never have happened. Ruth wasn’t much taken by the Oriental household goods on offer, but she couldn’t resist asking about a potted plant on the front porch. The lady of the house proudly proclaimed she had hybridized it herself and agreed to sell
thinning every few years, as well as periodic watering, aerating, and fertilizing. If you are already living with Monterey Pines, reduce the safety risks through preventative maintenance before it’s too late. To improve drainage, invigorate your pine’s root system, and strengthen its resistance, we suggest aerating, then filling the holes with rich, porous organic matter (we use American Soil’s “Clodbuster” mix). Check your pine for infestations by looking for areas where whole branches are turning brown, as well as for small holes, tubes or splotches of pitch, or red “sawdust” droppings around the trunk and major branches.
Pruning Pines
The best time to prune any type of pine trees, and the only recommended time to prune Monterey pines, is between October 1st and February 15th. Sap from pruning cuts attracts beetles destructive to pines. These beetles are dormant during the fall and winter months. Given that the beetles can smell sap from long distances, it is important to prune your pine when they are inactive. Not only are the beetles themselves harmful, but some species can carry pine pitch canker, a fungal disease that disfigures pine trees and sometimes kills them. If your tree has dead tips scattered throughout the canopy it probably has pine pitch canker. If you want to prolong the life of the tree, as well as its appearance, now is the best time to prune out the diseased tips. Even healthy pines require occasional pruning to keep them safe and beautiful. To reduce the fire hazard associated with pines, fire departments recommend removing deadwood and taking branches back from buildings. Pines are sometimes subject to branch and column failure. Judicious thinning of the crown reduces the wind-sail effect of the canopy and thereby reduces the risk of the tree falling in a windstorm. Removing weight from the ends of heavy branches reduces the likelihood that those branches will break. The safety pruning of trees is an art as well as a science. A well-pruned tree should not only be safer, it should look beautiful. At Brende and Lamb, we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. Now is the best time to make your pines as safe, healthy, and beautiful as possible. If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, Advertorial and work in your neighborhood. Ruth the specimen. Although it had pride of place as the first plant in Ruth’s succulent collection, Aeonium ‘Glenn Davidson’ always struggled to complete in the garden with later acquisitions. Getting the Conservancy organized was an intricate matter requiring legal transfer of three acres of Bancroft property to a non-profit entity. Conservation easements used for natural lands and never before been applied to a private garden. The RBG officially became the first project of the Garden Conservancy in 1989. The Ruth Bancroft Garden, Inc. finally achieved non-profit status in 1993 and took ownership of the garden in 1994. Ruth retained ownership of her house and adjacent acreage. Fundraising plans, long-term goals, and hours of operation were assessed. Writing about the beginning stages, Richard Turner, the first RBG Executive Director, characterizes the effort as “a challenging test of the ability of a national organization to foster the preservation of significant private gardens primarily through local support.” New this year is the Conservancy’s “Digging Deeper” program, which debuted in June at Digging Dog Nursery in Albion, CA. The presenter Dundee Butcher offers monthly floral design workshops at her Russian River Flower School in Healdsburg. She titled her demonstration of crafting a European hand-tied bouquet “A Locavore’s Posy.” The term “locavore” hasn’t made it into spell check yet. Coined about 10 years ago, it refers to a person determined to dine on locally grown products whenever possible and is now occasionally being applied to floral designers who limit themselves to working with only locally grown materials. I met a major spokeswoman for the buying close-to-home floral trade movement at an event jointly sponsored by the Gardens at Heather Farm and the RBG. Shortly after the April 2012 release of The 50 Mile Bouquet: Seasonal, Local and Sustainable Flowers, author Debra Prinzing demonstrated arranging locally grown flowers and thoughtfully included succulent rosettes. Tours of both gardens that followed indicated the abundance of design-inspiring material easily grown in our area. Water-wise gardening was not on Northern Californians’ minds when Ruth Bancroft first put her succulents into the ground in 1972. Today her initiative seems prophetic. RBG Education Director Sophie Vidal reports, “The crowds to see the garden have been phenomenal.” Check the Garden Conservancy calendar at www.gardenconservancy.org, and learn about events, workshops and plants for sale at the RBG at www. ruthbancroftgarden.org.
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How do you Hold Title to your Real Estate?
By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law
I regularly write about this topic because real estate owners are frequently ill-informed and have misconceptions about real estate titling alternatives. Furthermore, one’s titling choice has critical legal and tax consequences. This article focuses on the estate planning consequences. Let’s explore the essential question -- On an owner’s death, who will own the property, and how will that transfer happen? The most common forms of titling for residential, owner-occupied properties are briefly described below. Note that limited liability company (LLC) titling has a lot of appeal for business and investment property, but LLC titling features and benefits are beyond the scope of this article. Individual. On the death of an individual title holder, the property is subject to probate -- whether or not the decedent had a valid Will. Unfortunately, probate is a long, expensive, and inconvenient public court proceeding. At the end of the probate proceeding, the judge signs an order that serves to legally transfer the property to the person(s) designated to receive it in the decedent’s Will. If no valid Will exists, the transfer is to the decedent’s “intestate” heirs – the next of kin to whom the State of California mandates distribution for those who die without a Will. As you’ll see below, if one holds title in a Revocable Living Trust (“Trust”) instead of in his or her name individually, probate is avoided. Joint Tenancy. Joint tenancy requires two or more co-owners, each of whom owns an equal, fractional share. Many married couples take title in this form because of a feature known as the “right of survivorship” (ROS). Under ROS, when one joint tenant dies, the surviving joint tenant(s) automatically (without probate) becomes the owner of the decedent’s interest. Despite this feature and its popularity, for various reasons joint tenancy is often unwise and problematic. NOTE: Some people try to avoid estate planning (e.g. they fail to establish a Trust) by adding one or more children to the title as joint tenants. This can be extremely detrimental for many tax and non-tax reasons and should never be done without first consulting an attorney. Community Property. Community property titling is available only for married couples, and they can choose to include the ROS feature (by causing the deed to state: “community property with right of survivorship”). Like joint tenancy,
“Lights, Camera, Action!” – Contra Costa Television
Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 19 the advantage of community property with ROS is that a probate proceeding is avoided on the death of the first spouse. However, like the other titling forms, this is usually less optimal than titling in a Trust. Tenancy in Common. Tenant in Common (TiC) titling requires two or more co-owners and simply reflects ownership by each tenant-in-common of an undivided, fractional interest in the property. Tenants-in-common can, unlike joint tenants, hold unequal, fractional interests. TiC titling is commonly used by friends, relatives, or associates who acquire property as a business venture. TiC contains no ROS feature. Thus, on death, rather than one’s interest automatically going to the remaining tenant(s) in common, each TiC can designate in his or her own Will who will inherit the TiC interest. The substantial estate planning problem is that, upon death, the TiC property interest will be subject to probate. To overcome this problem, a TiC can transfer title to his or her TiC interest into a Trust. Revocable Living Trust. For probate avoidance and other estate planning reasons, individuals and married couples are typically best advised to establish a Trust, and hold title to their property in the Trust. By statute, titling property in one’s Trust renders it exempt from probate. So, when the owner dies, the property transfers privately, without probate, to the beneficiaries listed in the Trust. Given the high costs of probate, this is a valuable exemption. Summary. When married couples or other co-owners evaluate alternative titling methods, it is critical to understand that the ROS feature that makes titling in “joint tenancy” and “community property with right of survivorship” seem so attractive is largely illusory - probate is only avoided on the death of the first joint tenant/spouse. When the survivor dies, probate will be required! Trusts are such a compelling alternative because, among other advantages, probate is avoided on the death of any and all owners whose interests are titled in a Trust. Upon request, I’ll be happy to provide you, on a complimentary basis, any or all of the following: i) an “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) a brochure on alternative methods of holding title to property; iii) an introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group specializing in estate planning, trust administration and probate, real estate, and business taxes. They are located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
By Candace Andersen, Supervisor, Contra Costa County, District 2
Contra Costa County is proud to say that we offer a 24-hour live television channel to our constituents. Contra Costa Television (CCTV) is your all-access pass to the functions and proceedings of the County, as well as an open door to activities in many of our cities and communities. It also brings wonderful programs to watch into your home. CCTV is the flagship channel of Contra Costa County’s cable television programming. Among their most popular shows is Veterans’ Voices, a monthly, live, call-in talk show focusing on the issues veterans face as they transition back to civilian life. You can watch online, or during rebroadcasts Saturdays at 9am, Mondays at 7pm and Wednesdays at 11pm. To learn more, visit the County website at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/142/Contra-Costa-Television-CCTV and click “Veteran’s Voices.” Ever wondered what the Board of Supervisors is up to? You can watch our weekly Tuesday morning meetings live on the CCTV website or via many television providers. Follow along by downloading the meeting agenda on the website as well. Missed a meeting? Catch up by watching the recorded videos on the Board’s website. For the full television experience, CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T Uverse on Channel 99. Comcast subscribers can watch CCTV on Channel 27 and for Astound customers, CCTV is Channel 32. CCTV also provides support for other local, community-produced television. Are you looking for a community show that is no longer being aired? Drop a note to CCTV@contracostatv.org, and they may be able to help you find your show. If you have an idea for a new show, contact them at the same address and they’ll consider your idea. If you love one of their programs and would like a DVD, most programs are available for purchase for $15. Fill out a DVD Duplication Request online and mail your check to CCTV, 10 Douglas Dr., Suite 210, Martinez, Ca. 94553.
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If you have thewww.thefallenheroes.org “broadcasting bug” and would like to improve your skills, CCTV is open to creating high school and college internship opportunities. Interns take on a variety of tasks, including tape logging, duplication, organization, and data entry. Depending on experience, camera work, production, graphics, and editing tasks are a possibility. On their website, check out the “Internship” tab for more information. CCTV’s website is contracostatv. org. They can also be reached at 925-313-1182. Production Manager Chris Verdugo can be reached directly at chris.verdugo@contracostatv.org. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos. cccounty.us or 925-957-8860. Special thanks to summer intern Peter Hutchinson for his contributions to this article.
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Page 20 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
Sports Medicine
By Dr. Lisa Hudson
Sore shoulders in swimmers and water polo players, sore elbows in tennis players, sore knees in runners, and sore ankles in basketball players - those are just a few of the injuries that I treat in my office. Danville Sports Medicine and Primary Care opened in May. I moved my practice from Walnut Creek to Danville to be a part of my hometown. I wanted to be near where my family works and plays. I understand the needs of our community and its passion for sports and fitness. Our doors are open to athletes 15 years and up, for sports injuries, sports physicals, and also to those who need primary care. Expert nutritional counseling is offered along with tips from my experience teaching sports nutrition at Stanford. As a three sport high school letterman, Stanford graduate, and lacrosse player, I understand how frustrating it can be to take time off to recover after an injury. Our practice provides alternatives which are given to help you stay fit and cross-train during recovery, with the goal of preventing re-injury and getting you back soon to doing what you love. With my board certification in Internal Medicine and 20 years experience, I help patients use fitness and better eating and sleeping habits in preference to using medications. Exercise has been shown to improve sleep and energy and to reduce anxiety. It reduces breast cancer risk and improves outcomes in prostate cancer. It postpones Alzheimer’s disease, and reduces blood sugar and blood pressure, which leads to less heart disease and strokes. Patients are encouraged to play outside with their kids, swim, ride a bike, or record 10,000 steps (5 miles) a day on a pedometer. I find measuring activity is the first step to changing a behavior! Strength training becomes more important as people age, so I emphasize resistance or weight training three times a week as a way of maintaining lean body muscularity. This keeps up metabolic rate so more calories are burned each day, and waistlines stay trimmer. I help each patient look at their big picture in order to be well. I emphasize what you can do, not on what you can’t do. I want your time in the office to be encouraging and to feel more like a friendly visit rather than an office visit. Travel shots and Immigration Exams are also offered in my office. Drawing on my extensive travel experience, I enjoy counseling patients and hearing about their travel plans! Dr. Hudson is a board certified internal medicine doctor who is accepting new patients at Danville Sports Medicine and Primary Care, 913 San Advertorial Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 186, Danville, CA, 94526. Call (925) 984-2622 or visit www.DrLisaHudson.com.
Your Personal Nutritionist
Healthy Snacking Can Prevent Weight Gain By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
Everyday in my practice I teach my clients how important it is to choose the right snacks to keep blood sugar stable and prevent cravings and getting too hungry for the next meal. I still see the diet mentality in my office that goes along with feeling pangs of guilt when craving a snack. There is nothing wrong with having snacks. In fact, they might be the missing ingredient that will help you lose weight. Reflect on the times where you ate a healthy snack before going out to dinner and you were able to have more control over how much you ate.
How Your Snack Can Make or Break Your Diet
There is definitely a wrong way and a right way to snack. As I have stressed in past articles, lunch should be a well balanced meal that will last you at least three hours. Next, the most important step is to have a well thought out snack that is high in protein and fiber with some sweetness to it. After all, most of us tend to crave sweets as a pick-up in the late afternoon. The real key to snacking is not to eat fruit alone or a candy bar alone. That will set you up for failure. Realize that you will not eat a healthy snack after eating a candy bar. Your blood sugar will drop instantly, and you will feel more tired than you felt before the sweets. Enjoy low sugar 100 calorie Chobani or Dannon Fit and Healthy greek yogurts. Or enjoy a high protein, whole grain snack with fruit such as a yogurt parfait with a sprinkle of Kashi Go Lean on top of a cup of Greek yogurt along with a sprinkle of berries. You can also try Ak Mak crackers with tuna, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, or pepperoncinis or honey turkey wrapped around a pickle with an apple or celery, or have an apple with two tablespoons of peanut or almond butter, hearty bean soups, or even oatmeal with yummy toppings which all make great snacks.
Mini Meals for Kids
Now that our kids are back in school, I recommend that parents have available “mini meals” for when they come home. Typically kids do not eat an adequate lunch, and this can be the time of day they are most hungry. Instead of mindless snacking that can lead to weight gain, kids need to have balanced and substantial food available. Popular items include homemade chili; baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese; omelets with meat, veggies, and shredded cheese; chicken leftovers with a hearty bean soup; and veggies. This is not the time for toast and butter, popcorn, goldfish crackers, and chips. If your child enjoys these munchies, then they must take a reasonable portion size and pair them with some chicken and raw veggies. When family
members walk thru the door and they are hungry, they will munch on raw veggies with dressing if they sit on the counter in view. If the veggies are tucked away in the bin, they will never be eaten.
Snacking is not Grazing
I spend a lot of time talking with my clients about actually how to snack. It is not mindless eating where you start with a handful of crackers only to finish the entire Wheat Thins box. To avoid grazing, put a serving of crackers on a plate, and add two ounces of tuna or sliced meat and a mound of veggies. Take a refreshing drink such as an iced tea and sit at a table -- preferably outside. Savor each bite. I help my clients plan out their snacks along with their meals. It must all be balanced and make sense. I often hear from clients that they can initially lose weight but the difficulty is to be able to keep it off and then lose more. I call my counseling “the hand holding service” where I can help keep you motivated, keep the meal plan exciting, help with social and restaurant eating, and best of all help you to reach your weight loss goal sooner than later when on your own. I am glad to inform you that nutritional counseling is covered by many health insurance companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Health Net, Hill Physicians, Sutter Select and Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation and Contra Costa Health Plan. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com and tell me about your nutrition concerns. Please refer to my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles and info about my services. Advertorial
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 21
Alamo’s 1st & Only Pediatric Dentist! Alamo Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Welcomes Dr. Allan Pang Dr. Pang completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. After Tufts he completed a General Practice Residency at University of California, Los Angeles. Thereafter, Dr. Pang practiced general dentistry in the community of Los Gatos, California for two years. It was during this time that he realized how much he enjoyed working with his pediatric patients and returned to school to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. His residency in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University-Bellevue Hospital in New York City allowed for him to have extensive training in treating the well child and those with special healthcare needs such as children with craniofacial disorders and developmental disabilities. Dr. Pang has been in private practice since 2008. He is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
(925) 831-8310
Page 22 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
The Living Paradox of Self Image By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
I recall my visit to the doctor after my near-fatal car accident that left me with a face that no longer resembled the one with which I had been born. Accompanying me to the doctor was my twin sister. Although she was is my fraternal twin, she was always a mirror of sorts for me. We had always attracted a great deal of attention as a set of bubbly, bright red haired firecrackers. After the accident, I had no choice but to acknowledge that my sister looked less like a twin to me than a reminder of how I used to look. Proof that my appearance had changed, and that appearance mattered greatly, was in how differently people reacted to my sister than they did to me. It may have been subtle, but it was clear to me: people respond better to those with a better appearance. Though I initially perceived this act as unfair treatment, I later realized (and accepted) that there are sound societal and biological reasons why appearance matters. Whether we like it or not, we live in a society where looks matter. Research has demonstrated that during infancy, mothers care more for the good-looking baby. A meta-analytic review has indicated that physically attractive students are usually judged more favorably by teachers in a number of dimensions including intelligence, academic potential, grades, and various other social skills. What does all of this mean? The prettier girl wins. She gets more job offers, makes more money, and at the end of the day lives a more successful life. A recent
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of women who are working but can’t quite make ends meet and runs from 3-6 months, providing safe shelter and essential information so they can pay off debt and save money for permanent housing. “What I most enjoy about my work is seeing the lives of women and children in impossible situations change almost overnight,” comments Steve McRee.
The original Shepherd's Gate 30-day shelter purchased in 1984. Photo courtesy of Shepherd’s Gate.
Olivia graduated from “Road to Freedom” after 12 months. While at SG she was able to reconnect with her three children and work through several addictions (including some she didn’t know she had) to overcome a lifetime of domestic violence and substance abuse. No longer the timid soul lacking self-esteem who sought sanctuary, Olivia is a confident woman living independently, employed full-time, and paid well for a job she loves. Following the death of her husband, 62-year-old Jane could no longer afford the home she had lived in for many years. The “Working Woman Program” offered her a resume writing workshop that helped her pursue a higher-paying position and introduced her to additional resources of which she was unaware. By the time she graduated from SG, Jane had housing that fit her budget and a whole community of friends to keep her from feeling isolated. Fleeing domestic violence, Sandra arrived at SG with two young daughters. By the time she completed the “Working Woman” program, she knew her legal rights and had saved enough for a security deposit on an apartment with $900 still in the bank. Rosalia Chavez, Retail Manager of the SG Thrift Store, is proud to be back at
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article published by Business Insider referenced a research study that indicated more attractive women had a 54% callback rate while those judged unattractive experienced a 7% callback rate. Similar results were found in mirror studies. What has the prevailing evidence repeatedly demonstrated? Looks matter! Whether professionally or personally, the way we present ourselves to society has a huge impact on the way we are treated and the services that we receive. Sadly, no matter how sophisticated or professional a male or female is, his or her attributes will be masked by his or her image. Our bodies and faces are the vessels in which we live. In this society the person that we are is heavily the result of our image, and ironically our image influences the person we become by shaping our behaviors and actions towards ourselves and others. There is a silver lining to this sobering reality that looks matter. Information is power, and there are many ways to improve on natural appearance. And it doesn’t require us to look like we have been overdone or created from the same mold. There’s little purpose in lamenting the fact that our appearance may influence how others interact with us. It’s more constructive to decide which aspects of our appearance matter to us, and accentuate them. After all, there’s nothing more empowering than taking control of the changes we want to make…for ourselves, and maybe, just a little, for others, too. Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
Teens Coordinate “Every Mile Counts” 5K Walk to Benefit Impoverished of County
The eighth annual Friends of the Poor® Walks to benefit those living in poverty who are served by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of Contra Costa County will be held on Saturday, September 26th. The walks are intended to raise awareness of county residents living in poverty and St. Vincent de Paul’s programs to provide assistance to the needy. To participate or make a pledge og on to www.fopwalk.org, Contra Costa County Walk. SVdP is sponsoring four walks in the county including: • Concord: St. Agnes Catholic Church, 3966 Chesnut Ave, Concord; September 26, 9AM to benefit St. Agnes programs for the poor. • Danville: St. Isidore Catholic Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville; September 26, 9AM, to benefit Family Resource Center programs for the poor. SVdP programs in Contra Costa County include a free dining room, a free medical clinic for the uninsured, 21 food pantries, a free dental program for the uninsured, housing assistance, job training and placement, clothing, transportation and utility costs, thrift stores, home visits, care for the elderly, medicine, and youth outreach. In 2014, over 170,000 Contra Costa residents received assistance from SVdP of CCC. All proceeds from the county walks directly benefit the people served by SVdP in Costa Contra County, and there are no administrative fees associated with the event. Participants can also become virtual walkers and make an online pledge. “Contra Costa County has communities that are still struggling to recover from the recession. Some areas have a high concentration of families with income below the Federal Poverty Level, and these families come to St. Vincent de Paul for help,” noted Melanie Anguay, SVdP of Contra Costa County Executive Director. One of the oldest and most effective charitable organizations in the world, the Society of St. Vincent de St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County Friends of the Paul (www.svdpusa.org) is Poor Walk Coordinators, (left-to-right), Mia Maloney, Siena a Catholic lay organization Armanino, Sami Martellaro, Katie Kuptz. of more than 700,000 men and women throughout the world who voluntarily join together to offer person-to-person service to the needy and those living in poverty in 142 countries on five continents. Providing more than $572 million in tangible and in-kind services, SVdP serves more than 14 million people in need each year, performs more than 644,000 visits to people in their homes, and delivers more than 7 million service hours to those in need.
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MRI Adds Benefits to PSA Screening
Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 23
By Stephen Taylor, MD
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, second only to lung cancer. One in every seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. African American men face a one in three chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over 29,000 men die each year from prostate cancer. Not every man with prostate cancer dies from it however; some prostate cancers are very slow growing, and some are very biologically aggressive. PSA screening has been widely practiced since the early 1990s. PSA is a substance made by the prostate gland. PSA blood levels are elevated in approximately 80% of men with prostate cancer, but an elevation in PSA is not diagnostic of prostate cancer. There are other conditions that can cause the PSA to be elevated, such as prostatitis, urinary tract infections, benign enlargement of the prostate with age, trauma to the prostate, etc. Therefore, the PSA test is not perfect. Urology Care Foundation is concerned that recent reports about PSA testing may confuse patients and Primary Care Physicians about the value of this prostate cancer screening tool. There have been recent reports suggesting that PSA screening does not decrease the prostate cancer specific death rates by a significant amount, and some men may be harmed by “overtreatment” of the slow growing type that may never have harmed the individual. As stated above, the PSA test is not perfect. A normal PSA value could mean that the individual does not have prostate cancer, and be very reassuring, or that there is cancer present and the test was a “false negative.” On the other hand an elevated PSA could mean that he does have prostate cancer, or one of the other conditions as noted above, a “false positive” result. The PSA value should be compared with the digital rectal exam (DRE), which could reveal a prostate nodule suspicious for cancer, or a very large prostate, which would account for an elevation in the PSA. Until recently, the only way to determine if cancer was present was to perform a transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Prostate biopsies only take about 10 minutes and do not cause much pain if a local anesthetic is utilized. However, prostate biopsies carry certain risks such as infection, hospitalization, and bleeding from the biopsy sites. In addition, prostate biopsies are not perfect either, in that they may miss an “aggressive” cancer (present in between the biopsy sites), or reveal a very slow growing cancer that would never have required treatment during the man’s lifetime.
MRI to the rescue!
Just within the past year, a new modality has become available to help determine if men with an elevated PSA or an abnormal DRE actually need a biopsy. This new modality is Multiparametric MRI. A Multiparametric MRI is a 40 minute exam of the prostate. It usually involves injection of a contrast agent, but does not involve x-ray exposure. The radiologist then looks at the images. If an abnormality is identified, the radiologist assigns the area a PIRADS score from one to five. PIRADS stands for Prostate Imaging Recording and Data System. Low PIRADS score lesions (1-2) have a very low probability of representing aggressive prostate cancer. Sixty percent of men with elevated PSA who undergo a Multiparametric MRI actually have a low PIRADS score, and can be spared from an “unnecessary” biopsy. If the radiologist identifies a high PIRADS score lesion (4-5), there is a 70% chance of having a positive biopsy, and usually these are the aggressive types of prostate cancer that may be life-threatening. These patients are likely to benefit from early treatment. A PIRADS 3 lesion is intermediate, with a 10-20% chance of having a positive biopsy. Not only does Multiparametric MRI identify men who are at high risk of harboring aggressive prostate cancer, but it also tells us where the cancer lies within the prostate. Software has been developed, which allows the MRI image to be transferred to the urologist’s ultrasound screen where the MRI image and ultrasound images can be fuse together. This allows the urologist to perform accurate targeted biopsies of the suspicious lesion, rather than “blind” systematic biopsies. This is called an MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Guided Biopsy, and avoids taking biopsies in areas which are less likely to contain aggressive cancer. This leads to fewer biopsies being performed, and a higher percentage of aggressive cancer is being detected. MRI is a valuable tool for men who’ve had previous negative biopsies (sometimes multiple negative biopsies). It is also valuable in men with a rising PSA for which there is no other explanation. Rather than jump to a prostate biopsy, an MRI can help to determine if a biopsy is likely to reveal an aggressive prostate cancer for which early treatment may be lifesaving. PSA is not a perfect test. Like any screening tool, it has limitations. The choice to use PSA for early detection of prostate cancer is a personal choice. Talk to your Primary Care Physician who knows your complete medical history, knows if you have other life limiting medical conditions, or if you have a long life expectancy and may benefit from prostate cancer screening. Talk with your provider about the benefits and risks of testing. You should talk about factors that can increase your risk for prostate cancer including a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother), African American ethnicity, obesity, etc. The addition of MRI (to help sort out men who do not need a biopsy [60%] from men who are truly at high risk of aggressive prostate cancer) is likely to become the standard approach. The use of MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Guided biopsy greatly increases the accuracy of a biopsy. Learn more from about prostate cancer and Multiparametric MRI at Dr. Taylor’s medical talk and Q & A on September 9, 2015 at San Ramon Community Center-Terrace Room. 7-8:30pm. Please register by calling 925-677-5041 x272. Dr. Stephen Taylor is a urologist with Pacific Urology. He specializes in robotic urologic surgeries and prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. Pacific Urology is the first medical practice to offer the MRI-Ultrasound Fusion Guided Biopsies in the San Francisco East Bay. For more information please call 925-937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com. Advertorial
Hopeful News From UC Davis on Ovarian Cancer By Gigi Chen, MD
A recent study published by University of California, Davis researchers suggests that we are making progress on treating ovarian cancer and extending patient lives. This is very exciting news! The researchers combed through records from the California Cancer Registry of more than 11,000 women with an ovarian cancer diagnosis between 1994 and 2001. Survival information and other factors for these women were tracked through 2011. They found that one third lived more than 10 years. Not surprising, the study found that the majority of the long-term survivors were younger, had early-stage disease at diagnosis, and had lower-risk tumors. What surprised the researchers was that 954 of the 3,582 women had been considered to be at ‘high risk’ of an earlier death from their disease, either because of the advanced stage of their cancer or their older age at diagnosis, yet they too lived longer. In the past, ovarian cancer had the reputation of being a death sentence, this
study suggests otherwise. “The perception that almost all women will die of this disease is not correct,” says Rosemary Cress, the lead author of UC Davis paper which was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We think that this is good information to communicate to women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer - although ovarian cancer is a dangerous cancer, there is considerable variability and it is not always fatal,” continued Cress. Explanations for this encouraging news include earlier diagnosis, better surgical treatment, and more targeted chemotherapy. Ovarian cancer is one of the most overlooked and commonly misdiagnosed cancers because of its vague symptoms, which include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pressure or pain in the pelvic region, a change in bathroom habits, and feeling full quickly when you eat. It is through symptom recognition that the earliest possible diagnosis can be made. Join Dr. Chen and other medical experts at the Many Faces of Gynecologic Cancers on September 16th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Cancer Support Community in Walnut Creek. For more information or to register for the program, please call 925-677-5041. Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor and San Ramon. Advertorial
Page 24 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
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SG, remarking, “The greatest thing that brought me back to Shepherd’s Gate was the desire to be part of the ministry that changed my life.” Located at 1362 Railroad Avenue, Livermore in Millers Outpost Shopping Center and open Monday-Saturday 10AM - 5 PM, the Thrift Store can arrange pick-up for furniture donations. Call (925)606-1924 for more information including suggestions for a
Rosalia Chavez, Retail Manager of the Shepherd's Gate Thrift Store. Photo courtesy of Shepherd’s Gate.
donation drive at your business, church, or club. Long-time Danville resident Emily Nelson recently completed two back-to-back 3-year terms on the SG Board. She knew little about SG beyond regularly delivering gently used clothing to the Thrift Store until chancing to meet Steve and Carla McRee while on vacation. Emily accepted first the role of Gateway to Hope Banquet Emcee and then the responsibility of serving on the Board. Among the numerous contributions Nelson made she notes, “I spent some of my time volunteering as a photographer taking pictures of the mothers with their children and of the graduates. This is something we take for granted, having albums of family photos, but having a dear picture of yourself or yourself with your children is rare when one is running from an abuser or living in their car. What a joy it was to give these photos to the women as a sweet memento of their time at Shepherd’s Gate.” Helping the healing process happens in many ways. Volunteers give over 10,000 hours a year. Donations arrive at the Thrift Store, contributions of supplies and labor for building projects miraculously materialize, and monetary gifts keep SG solvent. Susan Hudson, who balances her career as a therapist by representing cabi (Carol Anderson by Invitation - a fashion-forward clothing company marketing directly to consumers) wanted to add a local focus to the global good works cabi performs through its foundation. Many area cabi stylists will be joining Susan in donating clothing and fashion expertise. “The cabi Style Day for Shepherd’s Gate residents and recent graduates is a chance to do something hands-on to encourage these women and help them discover their true beauty,” Hudson explains. “Through giving each woman the gift of working one-on-one with a cabi stylist and helping her put outfits together that express her personal style, our hope is that she will gain self-confidence and feel more empowered as she is cared for by women in the local cabi community.” Reservations close on September 4th for the Gateway to Hope Banquet at the Blackhawk Automotive Museum on September 17th. Donations for Silent Auction items are much apShepherd's Gate Founder Alice Ann Cantelow with Executive preciated. Contact khiggins@shepherdsgate.org about reservations and auction items. Learn Director Steve McRee. Photo courtesy of Shepherd’s Gate. more about SG at www.shepherdsgate.org.
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Stretches for Sciatic Relief
By Melissa Ko, DC, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic
Sciatica is one of the most painful of low back pain conditions. It is the #1 reason for disability from work due to back pain. The pain can range from discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Some patients cannot even tolerate standing or walking. The most common symptom is pain, sharp and shooting, that starts in the low back and usually goes down one leg to the foot, even into the toes. Complaints also include burning, shooting electricity, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
What causes Sciatica?
These symptoms are due to compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve- it is the largest and longest nerve in your body (about the size of your pinkie finger) that comes out of your low back and goes all the way down the leg and into the foot. Nerve irritation can be due to disc herniation, joint dysfunction or a compressed nerve at a number of different sites including the lumbar spine, the sacroiliac/pelvic joint as well as the buttock and hip.
Sciatica Stretches
Here are some stretches that a sciatica sufferer can try at home for relief from symptoms: 1. Knee to Chest (photo by Getty Images) Lay face-up and using your hands, slowly bring your knees up towards the chest. Hold for 30 seconds and then slowly release. Repeat three times. 2. Knee to Opposite Shoulder(photo by Mitch Mandel) Lay face-up and slowly use hands to bring the knee up towards the chest, then across towards the opposite shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds and then slowly release. Repeat three times.
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 25 3. Crossed Leg Stretch (Photo by Thomas MacDonald)
Lay face up with knees bent. Cross the right ankle over the opposite knee so that it forms an upside-down “4”. Use hands to slowly pull the left leg back towards the chest while pushing the right knee away. With all stretches and exercises, only take your body to the point of a comfortable stretch. There should never be any pain or discomfort. These stretches gently open up the spaces between the vertebra to take pressure off of the discs, nerves, joints and muscles of the lower back.
Treatment for Sciatica
Proper history, exam and testing are necessary to determine the cause of sciatica. This is why an evaluation by a Doctor of Chiropractic to check for and locate subluxations (ie. spinal misalignments) causing the condition is a key step in diagnosing and for prescribing the appropriate treatment. Our office sees sciatica patients everyday; all of our doctors and therapists are highly trained in taking care of this painful condition with skill and compassion. If you or someone you know is a sciatica sufferer, we invite you to come visit our office and seek relief! Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www.sycamorevalleychiropractic. com or call 925-837-5595 for more information Advertorial or to schedule an appointment.
SRVCA continued from page 9 a world where we use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to broadcast messages about ourselves, how will we be quiet enough to listen to what others or God might be telling us? This year as our students came back to school, they brainstormed goals for the coming year. Wouldn’t it be great if as parents we brainstormed goals for our families, such as how to exhibit strong character, grow a solid faith, and put others before ourselves? As excited as I am for my own daughter to further her education on a college campus, I believe her greatest life lessons may have been those she learned at SRVCA with her Kindergarten teacher, Miss Oliver. Those simple truths have anchored and equipped her for real life. Thank you to all of the teachers who care deeply about teaching the importance of living a selfless life. May all students of the San Ramon Valley be off to a great start, from kindergarten to college.
Visitors to the VCEB site will find matching programs such as Board Link, which connects volunteers with nonprofit board positions in the East Bay, or Corporate Caring Volunteer Week, which matches civic-minded business groups with projects. The Disaster Response program provides an avenue for the public to help with relief and recovery efforts after a catastrophic event. During the holidays, VCEB helps community members locate toy and food drives, sponsor-a-family programs, and holiday-related volunteer activities. The Student Volunteer program makes it easy to find local service opportunities available to students ages 13-17. VCEB also publishes a monthly youth project e-bulletin. In addition, VCEB Sampson – The Survivor By The White Kitty Foundation operates ‘The Know How Network,’placing and brokerThis is Sampson, an 8-year-old dachshund/pit bull mix available for adoption. Sampson ing contracts between organizations and professionals was used as a bait dog for pit bull fighting. He had a copper wire wrapped around his neck age 55 and over who can offer specific expertise, such that was used to dangle him over two fighting dogs. The wire was becoming ingrown and as legal knowledge. was slowly killing him. He ran away and was living on the streets for about a month before Loss says that the majority of those seeking op- he was found and dropped off at the Martinez animal shelter at just four months old. portunities request work at local food banks, which she Life in the shelter wasn’t much better than on the streets. No one had seen his appreciates. But she stresses the need for help within face as he hid under his blanket in his crate. He wouldn’t eat and was soiling his the food bank chain, such as at the smaller distribution crate. The shelter deemed him unadoptable. Sampson was on the euthanasia list. centers. “We encourage people to look at some of the That’s when the White Kitty Foundation stepped in. The White Kitty Foundation smaller agencies that don’t have the capacity to recruit (WKF) focuses on animal rescue in Contra Costa County. “There was just something in the way larger agencies can,” says Loss. about him,” said Cris Tarozzi from WKF. He’s handsome with sparkling green eyes, a beautiful mocha coat, and Many of the available opportunities are extremely little white feet. He has a statuesque build with strong legs supporting his long dachshund body. simple, such as delivering birthday cakes to foster chilCris brought him home and the Foundation had him looked over by their vet. The first thing was to have dren through the ‘Cakes for Kids’ program, which seeks the copper wire surgically removed from his neck. bakers and deliverers. The Foundation found a foster home for him at the home of a long time dog lover, Margy Lyman. “At first, he Loss emphasizes that those in Contra Costa County stayed in his crate and continued to refuse food.” Margy said. Eventually, she offered him food by hand all the should be willing to travel a bit for volunteer opportuni- while fearful that he could bite, but he reluctantly ate. One day, Margy noticed Sammy wandering out of the master ties, as many of the needs are outside of the Diablo cor- bedroom on his own. Seeing his foster mom, his tail came out from between his legs and wagged for the first time. ridor. “Fill-in the green box on our site, and try lots of He was placed with a family, but Sampson has been returned to WKF due to the adopted family’s struggles. key words to find something close to your heart,” says He is a sweet, eight year old dog who needs to be in a home where he is the only dog. He deserves a chance again. Loss. “The result will be that you find something that is If you can open your heart or home, please call WKF at (925) 837-2411. Learn more about WKF at www. meaningful and fulfilling, and that creates the strongest whitekittyfoundation.org. volunteer partnerships.” Please come to The WKF Fundraiser – BarkOberfest on October 24th at the Veterans’ Hall in Downtown For more information, and to become a volunteer, Danville for food wine and auction items. visit www.volunteereastbay.org.
Page 26 - September 2015 ~ Danville Today News
The Eye Opener
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Cataracts and Vision
Cataracts are one of those conditions that everyone is familiar with and has either had personally or knows of a friend or family member that has had the surgery to remove them. Therefore, we will discuss this normal aging condition and how it is treated. Assuming you live to normal life expectancy, everyone will feel the effects and most will need to have cataracts removed. A cataract is the maturing of the lens which is inside of your eye. The lens allows you to change the focus of the eye from distance to near and vice versa and is one of the parts of the human body that continues to grow throughout life. As the lens continues to mature, it becomes thicker and denser. As this occurs, less light is able to pass through it, and decreases vision. In addition, as the lens becomes more opaque, your vision generally takes on a dulling, foggy, or yellowing effect, which makes colors duller. The typical onset for early cataracts is in your 60’s to 70’s. Everyone develops them at different paces, but things as long-term UV exposure, diabetes, steroid use, and trauma can cause the process to speed up. In the early stages, your distance prescription can sometimes shift to become more near-sighted. It is during these times that just a simple prescription change in your glasses can help restore or improve your vision. However, there becomes a point as the cataract progresses that changing your glasses leads to little or no improvement. It is at this time that the limiting factor in the visual system is the cataract itself, not your glasses or contact lenses. This is the point where I usually introduce the option of cataract surgery. Even though most people are scared or leery of surgery, cataract surgery is
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a great step forward toward clarity. And it reveals Mr. Williams as a genuinely poetic playwright whose knowledge of people is honest and thorough and whose sympathy is profound.” The 1951 Academy Award winning adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire affords an interesting insight into Hollywood’s refusal to present all of the conflicting desires confronted in the Broadway production. Williams bowed to contemporary movie morality code and rewrote the script to conform. New on the scene, Marlon Brando played the male lead as he had on Broadway, but lost the Academy trophy to Humphrey Bogart (African Queen). Vivien Leigh, who portrayed the female lead on stage in London, captured the Oscar as did supporting actors Kim Hunter and Karl Malden. Screening of Streetcar on September 10th begins at the Village Theatre at 7:30pm. “Eugene O’Neill: Evolution of an Artist – From Provincetown to Tao House” is presented by EOF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MuseSRV) on Saturday, September 12th at 2pm. A reprise of a talk Hayes delivered in June at the Oregon Shakespeare FesO’Neill’s 1924 play Desire Under the Elms suggest the theme of tival, the content human yearning central to the 2015 Eugene O’Neill Festival. (photo draws on Eric’s by John Carter) extensive experience directing full-scale productions and staged readings of about 20 of O’Neill’s completed scripts. “I was interested in telling the story of O’Neill through talking about his plays,” Hayes writes about his invitation to speak at Ashland. “For me, the plays are the thing! I realized that I had a unique perspective on the subject because when I joined the O’Neill Foundation board in 2008, I read the entire cannon (all 50 plays) in the order they were written, so I have a working knowledge of the plays many don’t.” As he realized in preparing for the talk, “Danville is ground zero for seeing the works of O’Neill.” Possibly because few companies ever stage the earlier plays, even though
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a very safe and quick procedure that restores your lost vision. Cataract surgery is the most widely done procedure in the United States, and the numbers will continue to climb as the baby boomers continue to age. Keep in mind that even though it is done all of the time, there are potential side-effects that need to be discussed with your doctor and/or surgeon. The procedure itself takes less than 10 minutes, and you are not under general anesthesia. I tell my patients that it generally takes longer in the operating room to prep you for the surgery than it does to actually perform it. The incision is very small and does not require stitches, thus enabling a quicker recovery. The surgeon will go into your eye with a tool that breaks up the cataract into small pieces and then remove these smaller pieces from the eye. The clear implant that is put in the eye folds up very small and can fit through the small incision. If both eyes need to be done, only one will be done at a time. The eye that is more advanced is generally done first, and after it is healed sufficiently, the other eye is done a few weeks later. Recently, there have been many new types of implantable lenses to choose from. There is your standard single vision lens, which can be done for distance vision only or monovision, which is one eye distance and the other reading. If you have monovision in your contact lens wear, then going to this setup after surgery should work well. There are also multi-focal and accommodating lenses that help reduce your need for reading glasses. These lenses, just like anything else, do have their pros and cons and absolutely need to be discussed with your optometrist and surgeon. As always, we are here to answer any of your questions regarding surgical and non-surgical options. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 925-820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Advertorial @Alamo Optometry. O’Neill won three Pulitzers and a Nobel Prize prior to retreating to Tao House, many critics suggest his greatest work was written in Danville. Hayes finds O’Neill’s earlier achievements compelling. “O’Neill is not only the Father of Modern American Drama but the Father of the Modern American Experimental Theatre as well. During the 1920s he was constantly innovating the way stories were being told on stage. For instance, Desire Under the Elms (1924) uses a single set that contains all the locations of the play so there are no set changes.” Staging we think of as commonplace today was totally new in 1924. Directly following Eric’s talk, a free hour-long walking tour - “The Secrets of O’Neill in Danville” - leaves MuseSRV at 3:30pm. Desire Under the Elms runs September 18-27 in the Old Barn at Tao House. Travis Bogard, the first EOF Artistic Director and noted UC Berkeley Professor of Dramatic Arts, praises the play in Contour in Time: The Plays of Eugene O’Neill. “In all respects, Desire Under the Elms fulfills the promise of O’Neill’s early career and is the first important tragedy to be written in America.” Bogard summarizes: “It is a major work of art prepared by a playwright who in mastering his craft and completely understanding the implications of his theme had finally come of age.” The 1924 tragedy now considered a theater classic barely escaped being banned in New York. The original Los Angeles cast was arrested for performing an indecent play. Debuting in Provincetown and running for two-months at the Greenwich Village Theater before moving to Broadway, the play places ancient Greek themes of incest and murder in an 1850 New England setting. Hayes notes: “Our upcoming production of Elms is looking to replicate the fluidity of the original production. All locations are present the entire performance.” He concludes, “I think audiences will find the psychology of the play disturbing yet very modern.” “100 years of Desire” explores the Festival theme of human longing for what is out of reach and possibly should remain so. The panel discussion on September 19th at 2pm in the Old Barn at Tao House addresses the expression of desire in visual arts, literature and film as well as theater. California poet Amy Glynn, winner of the Western Writers of America 2014 Spur Award for poetry, is lining up panelists for a lively interactive discussion, which she describes as “a multidisciplinary, multi-lens look at what ‘desire’ means in art, how the treatment of the subject has shifted over the last century, what’s taboo at a given time and why; what manifestations of the subject tend to predominate in a given era or art form.” Playwright Dan O’Brien, painter Jennifer Perlmutter and a film studies expert TBD will present thoughts and field questions. The Festival finale October 4th at 3:30 pm at Rakestraw Books (3 Railroad Avenue, Danville) features author John Lahr. Lahr’s 2014 biography Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh captures the essence of the playwright’s personal and professional life.“Williams’s romance with the
See Festival continued on page 27
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Danville Today News ~ September 2015 - Page 27
Half of Consumers Considering Cosmetic Procedure By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
If you are considering a cosmetic treatment, you are not alone – half of consumers are considering a cosmetic medical procedure, and the specialty in which the physician is board-certified is increasingly influential in their choice of practitioner, according to new survey data from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The ADAS is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function, and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. The recently published 2015 ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures reflects overall consumer views on cosmetic medical treatments and ratings for 10 specific procedures. The survey supplied renewed insight into what compels consumers to seek cosmetic treatments. To a large extent, intrinsic motivations steer their decisions. Leading factors for pursuing treatments are the desire to “look as young as I feel or better for my age,” “appear more attractive,” and “feel more confident.” The procedures piquing the interest of the most consumers are designed to achieve those outcomes. The top four procedures respondents are considering are: • Ultrasound, laser, light and radiofrequency treatments for skin tightening or treating wrinkles, 66% • Laser hair removal, 55% • Microdermabrasion, 53% • Laser and light treatments to reduce facial redness or improve skin tone or scars, 51% ASDS members keep up with the latest advancements in medical technology and continue to build upon our expertise. Choosing among a variety of minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedures we offer is a decision consumers can make with full confidence. The top cosmetic concerns for consumers align with areas of expertise for ASDS members: • Excess weight, 88% • Skin texture and/or discoloration, 72% • Lines and wrinkles around and under the eyes, 69% • Excess fat under the chin/neck, 67% • Sagging facial skin, 67% Consumers give high satisfaction ratings to injectable wrinkle treatments and injectable filler treatments to soften facial lines and wrinkles and restore volume in the face. Those procedures are the two cosmetic treatments ASDS member dermatologists performed most frequently in 2014, according to the Society’s member procedures survey. If you are interested in any of these cosmetic procedures, we are happy to help. Mention this article during the month of September to receive a complimentary cosmetic consultation. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. Dr. Potozkin is a fellow member of the ASDS. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com Advertorial for more information.
Festival continued from page 26
theater allowed him to get his insides out and to act out the warring fragments of family madness to which he had been an understudy all his life,” Lahr explains. “To put feelings into the audience and to watch its startled response was also reassuring: it allowed Williams to reenter childhood innocence and to be known for himself as he never was in the family” Lahr’s new book Joy Ride is a collection of his New Yorker reviews and profiles about which Nicholas Hytner proclaims: “John Lahr writes – beautifully – about the theatre and those who make it an unrivalled blend of enthusiasm, perception, and analytical precision.” “A Season of Desire” explores from many perspectives the way people struggle with confronting, controlling, or capitulating to all manner of yearnings. For a full Festival schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.villagetheatreshows.com.
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Single Story Homes Appreciate Faster than Two Story Homes in 2015
Danville Home Sales Jan. 1-Aug 17, 2015 Danville Sold DOM List Price Sold Price Single Story 166 19 $ 1,201,618 $ 1,215,880 Last year we looked at the difference between one story and two story 221 20 $ 1,251,612 $ 1,263,398 homes and concluded that both were selling just fine. This year I sensed Two Story % Difference 33.0% 5.0% 4.2% 3.9% that there might be something different occurring, so I repeated the exercise
and not surprisingly, the single story homes have become clear winners over their two story counterparts. Quite shocking is how far and fast the single story homes are pulling ahead. In Danville, 33% more two story homes sold than single story homes during this time period. One hundred sixty-six single story homes sold versus 221 two story homes. The least expensive Danville single story home sold for $700,000 at $51,000 more than asking price. The least expensive Danville two story home sold for $709,000 at $20,000 more than asking price. The most expensive single story sold for $3,000,000 or $2,400,000 less than the highest asking price. (This is not a typo.) The most expensive two story home sold for $3,499,000 or $549,100 less than the highest asking price. (This isn’t a typo either.) So, at the bottom of their respective price ranges, the two stories sell for a few more dollars and at the top the two story homes sell for significantly more dollars. It is a myth that all Danville homes sell with multiple offers over asking price, some do…some don’t. On average, single story homes in Danville are selling for $1,215,880 while their two story counterparts are commanding an average sales price of $1,263,398 making the single story home approximately 3.9% less expensive than Danville’s average two story home. In real estate size is very important, so if we look at the difference in size between the homes in the two groups, we find Danville’s single story homes to be quite a bit smaller. Single story homes average 2,376 square feet compared to the two story’s 3,005 square feet, making the Danville two story home 26% larger than the single story. Despite the size differential both types of homes are selling in less than a month’s time. Single story homes are selling on average in 19 days while the two story homes are selling in 20 days. There is no appreciable difference between the two here. The sales
Danville 4 Bedroom
Sq. Foot $ Sq. Foot 2376 $ 518 3005 $ 426 26.0% -18.0%
pace of each proves that Danville is still a red hot market. That said, a number of homes in Danville have been on the market in excess of 100 days, otherwise the time to sale would be significantly less than the current average. On the basis of price, it may appear that the Danville two story home is dominating the single story. However, when we adjust dollars-for-size we see a completely different picture. Danville single stories are selling at $518 per square foot compared to $426 per square foot for their counterparts. This is a significant difference of $92 per square foot, or 18% in favor of the single story. So, foot-for-foot, the single story homes in Danville are way ahead. Last year both types of homes were big winners appreciating significantly during the year. In 2015 there is a clear winner. In addition to selling a bit faster, the single story homes appreciated more than their two story counter parts. Danville single story homes jumped by $38 per square foot over last year, while the two stories actually gave up $50 per square foot. This is a divergence we haven’t seen before. This rapid shift in demand is probably being driven by younger “move up” buyers doing their utmost just to buy into the lower end of the Danville Market and downsizing Baby Boomers overbidding for smaller homes. For different reasons, both buying groups have the Danville single story home in their crosshairs. It will be interesting to see if this continues as 10,000 Baby Boomers retire each and every day for the next ten years or so. Trying to figure out your next move? Need numbers and answers to your fix up questions to make your decision? Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a personal consultation to help you figure it out. No charge and no pressure just our honest opinions. Please call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@ thecombsteam.com.
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Views of Mt. Diablo from nearly every room. 5 bedrooms, spacious open and bright, estate vineyard, pool and pool house. Priced to sell $3,875,000.
Executive Luxury Home
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Lovely 4 bedroom with pool and pool house. Nancy and I represented the buyer. $1,835,000. We have more buyers!
4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on flat half acre. Updated and ready to go. Priced to sell $1,275,000.
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Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526