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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& M AY 2021
CONTRA COSTA FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER: CONNECTING THE ENTIRE COUNTY IN A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
By Jody Morgan
Hurt, terrified, confused, and in despair, victims of interpersonal violence (IPV) find safety, healing, and hope at the Contra Costa Family Justice Center. By creating a collaborative county-wide network of government, law enforcement, and non-profit agencies, the Center coordinates services victims need beginning
“BIG COOL STUFF” EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
The local Museum of the San Ramon Valley has reopened! The staff has gone into its archives and selected a fantastic array of eclectic items for your enjoyment. Never before or rarely seen treasures from the Museum’s collections will be on display. Some are BIG, some are COOL, and some are BIG and COOL, but all are interesting! This unique one-of-a-kind exhibit will run from April 24-June 6. The Museum’s hours are Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon -3PM. Please wear a mask when visiting, and observe social distancing. There will be limited capacity, per county restrictions. Please visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750 for more details. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville.
INDIAN LETTUCE
By Wally De Young, Board member and Outreach Chairman for the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, and docent for Mount Diablo State Park
Staff and Board members gathered for a chance to relax and relate in a 2018 backyard picnic. Photo courtesy of the Family Justice Center.
with immediate crisis intervention and continuing through long-term recovery. Clients participate in developing innovative programs based on their needs and aspirations, thereby empowering them to maximize their personal strengths. As victims become victors, the entire community becomes a better place to be. Launched in 2011 as a pilot program in a substation of the Richmond Police Department, the Contra Costa Family Justice Center incorporated as a non-profit in 2015. That year, the Central County Center opened in Concord, and the West County Center moved to a permanent Richmond location. In 2019, the East County Center opened in Antioch. Providing the same level of services and resources, all three centers welcome clients from throughout the county. Each year, more families are discovering this free one-stop solution to finding safe housing, legal aid, healthcare, and a supportive community. In 2015, the Centers served 1,217 families with 1,027 children. In 2020, 4,444 families with 3,421 children received help. Danville resident Elizabeth Premazzi joined the Family Justice Center Board after learning about the Center’s work from fellow Board member Diane Burgis, Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor. “I always wanted to be a part of a group that makes a difference in peoples’ lives,” Elizabeth says. She is especially motivated by cases involving children. “They are the most vulnerable.” Interpersonal violence is a
See Justice continued on page 8
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
“We ask people to never refer to this as miner's lettuce.” ~ Vincent Medina Claytonia perfoliata is a familiar and somehow comforting sight along shady areas of the trail, especially while soils are damp in springtime, earning its nickname, “spring beauty.” Most of us have become accustomed to calling i t “m i n e r s l e t t u c e ,” as it was a common fresh green providing vitamin C to miners in California during the Gold Rush to help prevent scurvy. But B e r k e l e y ’s Café Ohlone co-founder Vincent Medina is quick to set the record straight. “It seems so unfair to give miners all the credit of this delicious food when it’s
See Lettuce continued on page 16
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XXI Number 5
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XII Number 5
The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
#42, #43, #44...our latest shelter-in-place (SIP) feral kitten foster recently arrived at our door. Fostering feral kittens was only supposed to be a short term effort to keep us busy during this strange time and to make a difference for these babies in need. It has been a win-win, though. Our family has been able to help these kittens towards a longer and healthier life, and we have been able to transition these babies on to new families. We have definitely kept busy! Many years ago, when our children were young, we fostered kittens for ARF. Last year seemed like a good time to foster again. We reached out to various groups and found that the local Feral Cat Foundation was a good match for us. With visions of future travel, this effort was a temporary thing, as we had no intention of adding any more pets to the family. And so with an initial call, five kittens showed up for us to take care of. Weighing in at about a pound each, the little fur-balls needed nurturing and basic care to get them ready for their permanent homes. The kittens come to us and get put into “boot camp.” There are flea treatments, vaccinations, wormings, baths, and “manicures” and “pedicures.” They get transitioned to wet food and kibble. The kittens we receive are usually 6-8 weeks old. Between 4-8 weeks of age is the ideal time for feral kittens to adjust to becoming snuggly pets. After a kitten is about 12 weeks old, it becomes very difficult to turn around their feral tendencies. Many of the kittens have born (or dumped) in a backyard, office parks, parking lots, wood piles, and along the Iron Horse Trail and creek banks. Our goal is to get them stable and healthy, and have them put on weight. Since kittens can breed as young as four months old, they are spayed and neutered when they reach two pounds -- around 8-10 weeks old. It is estimated that COVID set feral cat rescue efforts back about a decade. During the early months of the pandemic, vets weren’t taking spay and neuter appointments, and during prime birthing season, folks weren’t out and about trapping at the feral colonies. That being said, with folks staying at home, many people have been able to find pets for adoption have welcomed new fur-babies into their homes. There was a reason game-show host Bob Barker always ended his “Price Is Right” show saying “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” It was an important mission to him. If you do the math of how many cats a female cat and her offspring can produce in just 10 years, the number is quite staggering; it’s like a nightmarish third-grade math word problem. A female kitten/cat can breed and give birth even until old age. She can have three (sometimes four) pregnancies a year and have an average of four kittens per litter. That quite easily means she can have 100 to 200 kittens in her lifetime. One unspayed female cat and her offspring can be responsible for the birth of THOUSANDS of kittens in their lifetime. There are several local feral cat colonies that people feed and maintain. The cats in the colony have been spayed or neutered if they are able to be trapped. If a new cat shows up, rescue groups try and have them fixed as well. Fixed and feral cats can usually be identified by one of their ears being “tipped.” This lets people know the cat is in the feral colony but won’t be reproducing. We have had a great time naming our litters of kittens and usually base their names on where they were found or some other theme. During the time we received our first litter, we were also doing family genealogy and looked up family names...Harlow, Joe, Rix, and Beals they became. One litter was found by the Livermore airport and got named Piper, Echo, Tango, and Gizmo. There was the litter found in Dublin which became our Irish babies - Fiona, Murphy, Paddy, Tato, and Finn. There is the orphan Laina found in a backyard woodpile who now has new buddies Boots, Spud, and Ivy, who were found by a gardener at a Waste Management facility. Our home has literally turned into a cat/kitten playground. There are toys all over, and one wall has been outfitted with a kitten climbing area. We wouldn’t have it any other way. We have had so much joy watching these babies grow, and also from receiving photos from forever-family adopters. We know we have made a difference. As far as our plans for travel, we have only “foster-failed” (the term for fostering and then the cat melting your heart and adopting them) four times. Fortunately, we have found a great house sitter who knows how to take care of these babies like they are her own. If you are looking for indoor kittens to adopt, drop me a line at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com and we can discuss those that are available.
HIKE
FOR
HOPE
& JAMBOREE AFTER-PARTY
Hike for a good cause. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors. NEW: HIKE WHERE YOU CHOOSE!
This year’s format is a little different, but the goal is the same: to raise $100,000 for patient care and community programs, including grief support services, dementia education, and caregiver resources for local families. YOUR CHOICE
Single-Day Hike Saturday, June 5
Week-long Challenge Saturday, May 29, through Saturday, June 5
REGISTER TODAY! TheHikeForHope.com (925) 829-8770
FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED
Food insecurity for many is becoming more dire as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Stepping up and helping out are members of St. Timothy’s Church, located at 1550 Diablo Rd., Danville. The members have been holding bi-monthly food drives to support the Monument Crisis Center (MCC). MCC is a community-based non-profit family resource center which offers food, resources, and referrals to low-income individuals and families in order to help them become stable and secure in the community. St. Timothy’s Church food drives will be held the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 2-4pm for the foreseeable future. Of particular need are tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetable, pasta, canned meats, rice, beans, oatmeal, soups, ethnic foods, and baby food. In addition, pet food and diapers are appreciated. Items in glass containers cannot be accepted. Monetary donations can also be made directly to MCC via www.monumentcrisiscenter.org/donate. Your contributions are deeply appreciated. Learn more about the drives at www.sainttimothysdanville.org.
DANVILLE ALAMO GARDEN CLUB
The Danville Alamo Garden Club would like to invite you to their monthly meetings where they will share their knowledge and love of gardening. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month and are currently presented via Zoom. The meetings feature an inspiring and educational guest speaker and program. Please visit www.DAGC.us to find detailed information about the monthly program, activities, and contact information. To contact the Membership VP, click on “About DAGC” then “About Membership.” The group looks forward to meeting you!
: : SOLD $2,150,000
May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
SOLD 4/7/21
Results. Pure and Simple.
1420 Finley Drive, Pleasanton
$2,999,900
4 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 2445 Sq Ft | 3 Car Garage
5 Bedroom | 4/2 Bath | 7269 Sq Ft | 5 Car Garage
Beautiful Single Story Home in Round Hill Country Club on the 4th Fairway! Lovely Home Boasts Four Bedrooms Plus an Office, Stunning Kitchen/Family Combo Remodeled Less than Two Years Ago. Private Park-like Backyard Features a Sparkling Pool Plus Amazing Views of the Golf Course, Round Hill North and Las Trampas Ridge. Don represented Seller.
Fully Remodeled and Rebuilt from the Ground Up in 2011, Gated Custom Estate on Secluded Flat 2.5 Acres. Gorgeous Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen Perfect for Entertaining Featuring Two Sub-Zero Refrigerators, Two Dishwashers, Two Ovens, Large Center Island & More! Magnificent Outdoor Entertaining Boasts Custom Kitchen Including Covered Patio. Don Represented Seller.
: : SOLD
: : SOLD
SOLD 4/22/21
24 Tracy Court, Alamo
: : SOLD
April Closed Sales
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SOLD 4/9/21
641 Adobe Drive, Danville
$1,900,000
SOLD 4/1/21
1160 River Rock Lane, Danville
Don Magalhaes
$1,100,000
4 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 2344 Sq Ft | 3 Car Garage
3 Bedroom | 2.5 Bath | 1544 Sq Ft | 2 Car Garage
Remodeled Top to Bottom with Quality Upgrades on 1/3 acre Lot. Perfect for Entertaining with Gorgeous Park-like Yard Featuring Built - in Barbeque, Spacious Bar Area, Stone Patios, Putting Green, Gas Firepit, Hot Tub and More! Fabulous Kitchen with Wolf Gas Range, Sub Zero built-in Refrigerator, Quartzite Countertops. Don represented Buyer.
Highly Desirable Location, Walk to Downtown! Light and Bright Throughout the Home. Absolutely Immaculate Oak Hill Model with Hardwood Floors, High Ceilings, Updated Kitchen, Recessed Lighting, and Plantation Shutters. This home was sold as a Coming Soon and Sold as the Highest Comparable for this size home in the Neighborhood. Don represented Seller.
925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221
AAUW EVENING STROLL IN THE RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN
FEATURING SPECIAL OUTDOOR JAPANESE IKEBANA EXHIBIT “ARTSCAPES IN THE GARDEN”
On May 21st from 5:30 – 6:30PM, the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), in partnership with the world famous Ruth Bancroft Garden located in Walnut Creek, will host an “AAUW Evening Stroll.” Join in a stroll through 3.5 acres of exceptional water-conserving, cutting-edge designed gardens. This event supports local scholarships for women. Tickets are $40 and include: • Self-guided tour brochure with map and current blooms descriptions • Party favor packets for each attendee • Courtesy on-site parking • Garden basket raffle opportunity • Refreshments available based on then-current County guidelines. Order your tickets at daw-ca.aauw.net/bancroft, or purchase tickets at East Bay Flower Company (check or cash only) in the Danville Livery.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA MOBILE EDUCATION EXHIBIT
The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit National Tour will make a stop in Concord on May 11-12 from 10AM-6PM at the Concord City Hall, located at 1950 Parkside Drive. The free, public event will be hosted by Wreaths Across America coordinators from local cemeteries in Danville, Brentwood, Concord, Dublin, and Lafayette. The purpose of the tour is to educate, inspire, and bring communities together to teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. There will be interactive exhibits, short films, and shared stories from veterans and active-duty military. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worchester in 1992. This year, the local wreath laying will take place on December 18, 2021, at noon at Alamo Cemetery, located at 130 El Portal in Danville.
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison Tri-Valley Trapper
925-765-4209
PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, except as otherwise noted. • American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month at noon. For information, visit americanlegionpost246.org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480. • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM. For information, visit vmbsrv.org or email info@vfwpost75.org. • Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. For information, visit vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445. • Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. For information, visit mcldet942.org. • Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037. • Bay Area Navy Nurse Corps Association holds two general meetings in June and December. For information, visit nnca.org or email bannca@nnca.org.
TOWN TALKS FOR DANVILLE RESIDENTS
Danville residents have a new way to stay informed as Mayor Renee Morgan has begun a monthly livestream broadcast called “Town Talks.” The Zoombased program will take place at 9AM on the first Friday of each month. The program is intended to provide a safe way for residents to hear from their community leaders and get up-to-the-minute information on the issues and topics facing Danville. Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions in the chat and have them answered in real-time. Questions can also be asked in advance by emailing towntalks@danville.ca.gov. Following the program, residents can either view the entire program or short snippets from each episode on the Town of Danville’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/TownofDanvilleCA. Each month, Mayor Morgan will feature new guests and topics of interest to the community. To get more information or register for upcoming talks, visit www.danville. ca.gov/798/Stay-Connected. Look about half-way down the page for the current link. You can also contact Assistant to the Town Manager Diane Friedmann at (925) 314-3378, or email her at dfriedmann@danville.ca.gov.
ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB
Are you a new or long-time resident of Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk, or Diablo? Or are you newly retired or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a woman’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www. alamodanvillenewcomers.com. During this difficult time of COVID, it is even more important to have a way to meet new friends. The group is currently doing all that they can to offer new and different ways to meet new people, socialize, and have fun while staying within the COVID guidelines. We will resume with socially distanced gatherings as we are able. In the meantime, some groups are continuing via Zoom. An upcoming virtual “Information Coffee” meeting will be held May 20th, at 10AM, via Zoom. This is a great way to find out more about the club. To learn more or participate in the Coffee, email alamodanvillenewcomers@ gmail.com.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
“TOGETHER WE GIVE” BENEFITING FREE THE GIRLS
The Alamo Women’s Club is hosting another “Together We Give” event. This month, the event will benefit survivors of human trafficking in Mozambique, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. Please donate your clean, gently used, and/or new bras on Wednesday, May 12 th from 2 PM – 5 PM . Curbside drop-off will take place at Alamo Women’s Club, located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. In addition, the group has a source to buy new bras at an incredible discount to donate to this worthy cause. If you wish to make a donation, please make your check out to AWC with “Free the Girls” in the Memo line, and mail to AWC, P.O. Box 151, Alamo, CA 94507. Your generous donation will empower these women to build businesses reselling bras. Learn more at www. alamowomensclub.org. For information on Free the Girls, visit www.freethegirls.org. Email questions to Jerilyn Strong at Jeristrong@gmail.com.
SAN RAMON VALLEY KIWANIS FOUNDATION AWARDS $28,850 IN GRANTS
This year, the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation has awarded $28,850 in grants to 24 Bay Area non-profit agencies. Normally, these grants would be presented at the club’s annual Grants Breakfast ceremony. Due to COVID-19, the event had to be canceled. Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley has awarded nearly $1,139,000 through their grants program since 1995. This year, grant amounts ranged from $500 to $2,000. Recipients include Ability Now Bay Area, Agape Villages Foster Family Agency, Assistance League of Amador Valley, Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Cancer Support Community, Canine Companions for Independence, Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County, Diablo Valley Quilters, Down Syndrome Connection, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, Hope Hospice, Inc., I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services, Mobility Matters, National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, San Ramon Historic Foundation, SonRise Equestrian Foundation, Sunflower Hill, Teen Esteem, The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, Nayeli Faith Foundation, and The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation. Funds for the annual grants program are raised by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, primarily through sponsorships of the annual Danville 4th of July Parade. Despite last year’s parade going to a virtual format, sponsorships remained strong. The Kiwanis Club has been organizing and conducting marching parades in Danville since 1975. Grant applications are solicited in February of each year and awarded in May with an additional several thousand dollars held in reserve to provide emergency grants and fund additional Kiwanis community projects throughout the year. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a thriving organization of service and community-minded individuals who support children and young adults around the world. More than 600,000 Kiwanis improve the world around them by addressing needs in their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World.” Additional information about the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley is available at www.srvkiwanis.org.
HISTORY AND STORY OF THE SOLDIERS MEMORIAL
The history and story of the Soldiers Memorial in Pleasant Hill will be featured in a free virtual presentation from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. In celebration of Memorial Day, the Museum’s Third Thursday Program is proud to present John Mercurio from the Contra Costa Historical Society. John will be giving a presentation on the Pleasant Hill Soldiers Memorial. The presentation will be held Thursday, May 20th at 11:30AM. Driving through Pleasant Hill, it is hard to miss the Soldiers Memorial, standing 45 feet in height and weighing 45 tons. Its story begins with Contra Costa County Sheriff Richard Veal, who was thankful that his son had returned safely from the Great War, WWI. Many others Contra Costa County residents were not so lucky. So, using his prominent position in the county, he set out to raise funds to erect a memorial to those that died. The result of his efforts is the Soldier’s Monument. The story of how it was built, how it arrived at its present location, and some controversies that have arisen around it make for a truly interesting and entertaining tale. To attend this free online presentation, visit museumsrv.org, and go to the “Events” section, or call 925-837-3750.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
“Celeste’s market knowledge, network and ability to create demand was first rate.” Just Listed
Luxurious Mediterranean Estate in Gated Alamo Springs! 123 Alamo Springs Drive, Alamo 5 BD 5 BA 2 HB 5,903 Sq Ft $4,250,000 123AlamoSprings.com
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Her clients say, “Celeste did a great job of leading us throughout the sales process and we are very pleased with the results. Her knowledge of the market, her network of help, and her ability to create demand for our home was first rate! We would happily recommend her to anyone considering selling or buying a home!” -R.H.
See my 66 Zillow reviews!
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Celeste Pacelli Broker Associate 925.395.1511 celeste@celestepacelli.com celestepacelli.com DRE 01862387
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers monthly meetings of small groups with common interests to discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books, to information on local genealogical libraries. Classes are also offered for the beginning researcher and those interested in genetic DNA. You are invited to join their Tuesday, May 18th, 10am Zoom meeting with a presentation by Robert (Bob) Trapp titled “400th Anniversary of the Landing of the Mayflower.” Is it possible you are descended from a family who came to America on the Mayflower ship in 1620? It is estimated that there are over 10 million living American descendants and an estimated 35 million descendants worldwide. Follow the history of the Speedwell and the Mayflower, and learn why the Mayflower was important to American history. Bob has been researching his family roots since the early 1980s. He has membership in the General Society of Mayflower Descendants in California and Utah, is a member of the California Genealogical Society and is their small group leader on Mayflower passengers, and he is also a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. He worked in the Mayflower Library from 2015-2019. Prior to the pandemic, he served as Staff Coordinator at the Oakland Family Search Library where he has volunteered for over 29 years. He is current Governor of the Alameda Colony of California Mayflower Descendants and Colony Membership Chair. Of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower, Bob is a direct descendant of 24 of them. Follow the story of Bob’s Mayflower family roots, plus learn what is needed to join the Mayflower Society. Bob loves genealogy and helping others find their roots. To become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org and click on the “Join SRVGS” tab on the left side of the Home Page. To attend as a guest, please email your request to president@srvgensoc.org.
AREA CHURCH ENCOURAGES RACIAL DISCOURSE VIA FREE CURRICULUM
Over the past year, an interracial committee of seven women from San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church (SRVUMC) in Alamo have developed and facilitated a class that explores issues on racial equity and justice. The class response to the curriculum sparked so much enlightening discussion that they are sharing their free “Dialogue for Change” (DfC) syllabus, together with relevant discussion questions, with the hope of fostering similar conversations. The DfC program consists of a carefully curated list of TED Talks, speakers, and discussion panels geared for self-reflection and education against racial insensitivity and injustice. The 19 suggested sessions can be treated as a full curriculum, or groups can choose a cafeteria-style approach to tailor their own programs for length and topics of interest. Individuals may also want to view the material on their own time. The DfC committee will share their curriculum with anyone who requests a copy from the SRVUMC office, free of change, or you can download the curriculum at srvumc.org/dialogue-for-change.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express. White Pony Express, founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This nutritious food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge. Hundreds of volunteers make White Pony Express possible. They volunteer because they believe in the mission and know they are helping others who have urgent needs at this critical time in their lives. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org.
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CELEBRATION OF MEMORIES
ON THE LIFE OF RICHARD “DICK” DELFOSSE
The Alamo community, and the organizations that support and serve our local area, would like to invite you to join and share your memories on the life of Richard “Dick” Delfosse. Dick was the founder of the long-running Richards Art’s Crafts store that began in Alamo Plaza in 1983. Those that had the honor to work and serve alongside Dick, in the many passions he loved and supported, would like to virtually come together to share thoughts, pictures, videos, stories, artwork, and other memories, of the many projects and events he supported and loved. The memorial will take place on Thursday, May 20th at 5PM via Zoom. Please preregister at https://tinyurl.com/sfzkdzbn. If you would like to submit any pictures or other memories to share, please send them to Sharon Schuyler at P.O. Box 1086, Alamo, CA 94507 or via email to sharons1616@gmail.com. Photos will be uploaded to Google Drive, and an album will be created For questions, email sharons1616@gmail.com or call 925-708-8546 and leave a message.
SONS IN RETIREMENT
SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH
Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement (SIR) San Ramon Valley Branch 128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games, and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. NOTE: Due to current COVID regulations, the May meeting will be a virtual event using Zoom. The guest speaker will be Mr. Ted Clement, an attorney, conservationist, and environmentalist. Mr. Clement is the Executive Director of the Save Mount Diablo Foundation. He will discuss the Foundation and what it is doing to preserve and save the unprotected lands in the Tri-Valley area. The presentation will be held Wednesday, May 19th at 11AM. If you’re interested in accessing the virtual meeting as a guest, please email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the Retirement branch, please visit www.SIR128.com.
COMMISSION VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
The Town of Danville is looking for residents interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new volunteers. City Clerk Marie Sunseri said the following commissions are in the process of accepting applications for two and four-year terms beginning July 1, 2021. Youth Representatives – One Arts Advisory Board; One Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (2-year terms) Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission – One regular, one alternate member (4-year terms) Senior Advisory Commission – One regular member (4-year term) Arts Advisory Board – One regular member (4-year term) Poet Laureate – One position (2-year term) Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee – One representative (4-year term) County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee - One representative (2-year term) Applications are available on the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov/ Commission-Recruitment. The deadline to file an application is 4PM on Wednesday, May 12th. Applicants have the option to interview with the Town Council on June 8th or June 15th. For additional information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
JUST LISTED
JUST LISTED
1733 SPRINGBROOK ROAD, LAFAYETTE 5 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,464 SF, 0.65 ACRE LOT
NEW CONSTRUCTION, LAFAYETTE 4000+/- SF HOME
1640 RIDGEWOOD RD, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3875 SF, 0.50 ACRE LOT
1003 RIVER ROCK LANE, DANVILLE 3 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,052 SF, 0.06 ACRE LOT
CALL FOR PRICE
CALL FOR PRICE
OFFERED AT $2,498,000
OFFERED AT $1,349,000
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS | 925.765.9095
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
ALISON PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
JUST LISTED
PENDING
SOLD
SOLD
1655 N. CALIFORNIA BLVD #334, WALNUT CREEK 1 BEDS, 1.5 BATHS, 886 SF
176 LA SONOMA WAY, ALAMO 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1824 SF, 0.55 ACRE LOT
2691 CABALLO RANCHERO DRIVE, DIABLO 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 5,600 SF, 1.46 ACRE LOT
50 KENDALL LANE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 3,200 SF, 0.69 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $675,000
OFFERED AT $1,949,000
SOLD FOR $4,350,000
SOLD FOR $2,400,000
BONNE WERSEL | 510.304.3303
SUZY PECK | 925.200.2988
BONNE WERSEL | 510.304.3303
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
1429 MENTON STREET, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 4 BATHS, 3,113 SF, 0.17 ACRE LOT
2711 ROSS PLACE, WALNUT CREEK 4 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,837 SF, 0.25 ACRE LOT
330 MILLER COURT, ORINDA 5 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 4,355 SF, 0.73 ACRE LOT
SOLD FOR $1,920,000
SOLD FOR $1,115,000
SOLD FOR $3,415,000
33 BRIGHTWOOD LANE, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 4,830 SF 0.55 ACRE LOT SOLD FOR $3,100,000
KORY MADGE | 925.366.9899
KORY MADGE | 925.366.9899
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
KORY MADGE | 925.366.9899
ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214
BONNE WERSEL 510.304.3303
BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500
REALTOR® | DRE#01177737
REALTOR® | DRE# 01173288
REALTOR® | DRE# 01347508
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142
EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409
JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053
REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328
REALTOR® | DRE# 01938194
SUZY PECK 925.200.2988
REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181
KORY MADGE 925.366.9899
MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380
REALTOR® | DRE# 01345227
REALTOR® | DRE# 02067680
DRE# 01882902
WWW.DUDUM.COM
DANVILLE
MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS 925.765.9095 925.765.0629
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES 925.298.2249 925.998.4444
REALTORS® DRE# 01426129 / 01364038
REALTORS® DRE# 00905114 / 01364056
REALTOR® / BROKER DRE# 02078065 / 01019063
WALNUT CREEK
LAMORINDA
BRENTWOOD
SIERRA TAHOE
REALTOR® | DRE# 01224695
Distinctive Properties
©2021 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
CATCH UP ON SOME “Zs”
IT’S AN A“MAY”ZING THING By Jaime Kaiman, Monte Vista High, sophomore
As the bees buzz while traveling from flower to flower, and the sun shines brightly outside, it’s evident that May is here. For lots of students May is a month of excitement, but it also brings about a little bit of stress.With summer just around the corner, ideas of relaxation and fun flood everyone’s head. Before summer however, many students have to get through final exams, and finish up their last assignments and projects, which can definitely cause a bit of an overwhelming feeling. Any time I think about the end of my sophomore year, I get butterflies in my stomach. Those butterflies are a mix of the happy kind, but also of the nerve-wracking kind. For me and a lot of my peers, the end of the school-year can be a bit scary. We have to make sure we are all caught up on turning our assignments in, and we also need to prepare for those big end-of-year tests. On top of that, another school-year passing by is just one year closer to the next, which might not be too intimidating for all of the people in my generation, but being in high school, it definitely creates a bit of an anxious feeling. Although there is some stress with the end of the school-year, there are still ways to turn those negatives into positives. For instance, I like to think about how relieved I will be when I finally turn in my last test of the school-year. In just a second, that once anxious feeling turns to an accomplished one. As for nearing the end of sophomore year, it honestly just proves a quote from one of my favorite movies, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. In it Ferris notes,“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Overall, the day after spring break is when the reality of summer vacation truly sinks in. I know for a lot of people my age, summer is a metaphor for calm. For some, it is a nice break from school, and a time to let the brain chill-out in order to get it ready and excited for the new information of the upcoming school year. To others, summer is a time for indulging in amusing activities. For instance, one might take a class on something they find fascinating, volunteer, or spend as much time as they want playing their favorite sport. In any case, most students find summer to be a time of good-feeling and tranquility, and it’s the perfect amount of time to get rejuvenated for the new school year. All in all, summer truly is right around the corner. There may be a mix of emotions that come along with getting to summer, but I think that most people in my generation can agree that when summer finally gets here, the prevailing emotion will be happiness.
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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
There will be an incredibly busy few weeks upcoming at Monte Vista (MV) as we continue our push towards the end of the school year. Things changed very quickly the week before spring break when the CDC and state guidelines changed our minimum distance required between student desks from six feet to three feet. This change allowed us to bring the roughly 600 MV students in the hybrid model back to school in-person and full time. The first day back for everyone was Monday, March 29th, and it was clearly an indication that we are starting to push past the COVID pandemic. Our planning for graduation and end-of-the-year events for our seniors is coming into focus. We now have several events scheduled for May, starting with Decision Day. The subsequent change to the Orange Tier has helped to make our planning a little easier as we can now include more students in our events. While we are still hammering out details, we plan for the Class of 2021 to graduate in person on June 4th. We will share further plans as they are available. In addition, MV’s Choir and Dance programs have proposed end-of-the-year performances that are currently in the approval process, and I expect that our other VAPA programs will come up with their own proposals as well. It was great to see MV’s Drumline at our football season finale against SRV in midApril. Hearing them perform was another reminder that things are moving in the right direction. MV Athletics continues to move quickly from one season to the next. Just as Football and Women’s Lacrosse were concluding their spring seasons, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, and Wrestling started up. At press time, both Men’s and Women’s Volleyball have matches under their belts and are preparing to make an impact during our abbreviated schedules. These games and matches have definitely lifted everyone’s spirits and are making the end of the year all the better. It is great to see our Mustang student-athletes out on the field and the court, giving their best. Finally, MVs pool will receive a welcome renovation after a $4.7 million project was approved by the SRVUSD Board. The new pool will be now be large enough to host invitational tournaments as well as playoff games. The MV community is very grateful for this project, and I am sure our championship swimming and water polo programs will put the new pool to great use. As always, many thanks to the MV Community for their ongoing support of our students and staff. Let’s finish the school year strong!
Justice continued from front page
delicate, almost taboo subject, she observes. “People remain in relationships that are abusive just because they lack that support that will help them to believe that all is not lost, that there is hope, and people that will care for them without asking anything in exchange.” She praises Board Treasurer Tom Siino from Alamo for his ability to make complex accounting reports seem simple. Executive Director Susun Kim already had almost two decades of experience as a legal aid lawyer, learning what was needed in the community, when she accepted the challenge of expanding the Center’s support network in 2014. She explains, “Collaboration is hard. Each agency has its own culture, policies, and practices. There are power dynamics between public and non-profit agencies.” She is justifiably proud of successfully defining the role of each partner to forge working relationships that save clients from having to travel to 20 or more separate organizations across the county, repeatedly relating At Camp Concord in 2019 the Center gave children who witnessed or painful events. were the victims of IPV a free week-long opportunity to bond and heal Navigators provide a single point together. Photo courtesy of the Family Justice Center. of contact to guide clients through complex systems of essential services. “While their knowledge of interpersonal violence and excellent communication skills are important,” Kim says, “I value their ability to build relationships with clients and partners. I value humility, openness, and flexibility.” Attuned to the values inherent in each client’s cultural heritage, Navigators may be bi-lingual or multilingual. The Community Fellowship Project piloted in 2014-2015 is now a core program, enabling IPV Clients' children received free school supplies in the 2020 survivors to develop leadership skills as they execute independent, self-directed community initiaBackpack Drive despite the pandemic, thanks to Community Fellowship Graduate Cynthia Altamarino. Photo courtesy of tives. The Center's website relates: “Working with survivors as our partners through this project has the Family Justice Center.
See Justice continued on page 24
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ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
By Carol Bender, Principal MAY HAS ARRIVED!
This month, as our scener y changes to blooming flowers, green hills, and brilliant sunshine, its beauty provides us with the perfect backdrop to honor all mothers across the world. Mother’s Day pays special tribute and acknowledges their efforts, compassion, and unconditional love.
FLOWERS FOR THE VIRGIN MOTHER
May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Danville, Alamo Home for Sale Danville-Alamo - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away
altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. To help homesellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1844-941-0941 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.
In the Catholic faith, we show our love and devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the month of May. St. Isidore School (SIS) honors this special time with the May Crowning, adorning our Blessed Mother with flowers. Mary serves as a mother to us all, and her guidance provides us with comfort and support. As a school this month, we reflect on the Gospel This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019 Value of Compassion. Living with compassion is choosing to live with heart. Regardless of one’s faith, compassion and empathy are essential, bettering humanity and the common good for society. It also FLUTE LESSONS THROUGHOUT can strengthen your relationship with God while better connecting you to COVID AND AFTER By Karen Van Dyke those around you. Over the course of the last year, many have felt the THE ROAD TO GRADUATION absence of live performances, concerts, enjoying live This is an exciting time of year for our eighth-grade students and their music while dining or in social settings, or making families. Their journey began as young, energetic kindergarten students eager music with other musicians. A very big void was forced to start school, and now after nine years, they prepare for the next step in their upon us by Covid. Likewise, some aspiring musicians academic path. While our current situation modifies how we can celebrate, may have put off starting an instrument or pursuing we will do whatever it takes to recognize our graduates in a ceremony that private lessons during this time for lack of in-person is both a celebration and steeped in tradition. Please keep our eighth-grade instruction. However, throughout all of this, musicians students and all upcoming graduates in your thoughts and prayers during have had one critical and powerful resource that has this special time of year. been a saving grace, as it has allowed for the continuation of music lessons to THE ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC persist without interruption: on-line lessons. In fact, private music instruction in We are excited to hold our annual SIS Golf Classic, which will take place this format has proven not only to allow for progress in musical study, but it has on Monday, May 24, at the Blackhawk Country Club! Gathering in person as also been a valuable, cathartic means of artistic expression, personal growth, and a community in support of our school is welcome after a year of restrictions. spiritual and emotional healing during this very challenging time. Our students will demonstrate their school spirit by dressing in golf attire As vaccinations proliferate and society begins to re-open, so will in-person for free dress: plaid, cardigans, polos, old school, or new style. The students music lessons and ensemble playing. Even more exciting is the fact that we now always love to partake in community-building activities. know that remote lessons are a viable alternative for in-person lessons when health Wishing you a wonderful month of May. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, concerns, or time and accessibility, are a factor. With summer nearly upon us, grandmothers, and the many who fill this role. this is an excellent time for a new student to pick up an instrument or a musician with no private teacher to take on private lessons. MT. DIABLO BRANCH CALIFORNIA WRITERS I am pleased to be able to accept new students in my Danville flute studio in an on-line format until such time as it is 100% safe for lessons to resume in person. CLUB Lessons cover tonal work, technique, musicianship, interpretation, performance Editor, author, and certified life coach Kendra Levin will present “Be the skills, and sight reading through examination of the classical solo repertoire. Hero of Your Writing Process,” at the virtual meeting of the Diablo branch of the California Writers Club on Saturday, May 8th. Sign-in will begin at Lesson curricula are custom planned depending on the age and goals of the 9:30AM followed by “break-out rooms” at 9:45AM, Writers Table at 10AM, a student. All ages and levels are welcome. All-state band, college music major/ minor hopefuls, school band students in need of formal instruction, and total business meeting at 11AM, and then Kendra’s presentation which will run beginners thrive in my studio. from 11:15AM-12:15PM. Recently relocated to Danville from San Jose, I am a lecturer in the Music DeCurrently Kendra serves as the Simon & Schuster Books for Young partment at Stanford University, where I founded the highly acclaimed Stanford Readers Editorial Director. She will share advice for creating a regular Flute Ensemble over two decades ago. In addition to my work at Stanford, I writing process designed for you. She will empower writers to connect more maintain an active and versatile career as a private flute teacher, freelance ordeeply with their work, encourage them to listen to their inner wisdom, chestral and chamber musician, and for the last 27 years as Director of Northern give strategies for striking a healthy balance between writing and everything California Flute Camp, an international summer program for students ages 12-18 else, and give ideas for turning challenges into opportunities. held in Carmel Valley (www.flutecamp.com). In my 35 years of private teaching, Kendra is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, is the author my students have occupied the flute sections of all-state, county, and area youth of the self-help book, The Hero is You, and coaches writers and other ensembles. They have won competitions, and numerous graduates of my private creative artists. Learn more about her at kendracoaching.com and follow studio have gone on to major in music at top music schools. her @kendralevin. For further information on lessons, or to schedule an introducThe cost for the meeting is $5 for members and $10 for guests. Register tory Zoom lesson, please email kvandyke@stanford.edu, or visit online at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting. www.karenvandykeflute.com. Advertorial
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH
Having worked on a high school campus for many years, one of the first sounds of spring for me is the ping of a baseball bat hitting a ball. When I hear that rhythmic tapping, I know that our baseball team is practicing, and that brighter and warmer days are ahead. This season is remarkable, however. Not only do we have our usual spring sports, but San Ramon Valley High School athletes are participating in all of the sports we have had to put on hold throughout the year. Our campus is busy with contests and practices in basketball, lacrosse, badminton, volleyball, softball, water polo, tennis, and soccer. We concluded an abbreviated and successful football season with an exciting win against Monte Vista. Our Wolfpack is strong and active! Spring is also testing season. Our sophomores recently sat for the PSAT, and our juniors were able to take the SAT on campus. AP tests are on the horizon for our students who have spent this year learning deeply about a variety of subjects. Most importantly, we have students back on campus. Each day, we welcome around 700 students who chose to return. The energy the students bring with them is invigorating and adds to the feeling of hope and possibility that is emerging as more of us get vaccinated and as we begin to plan for a full re-opening in the fall. Finally, we are looking forward to celebrating our seniors this spring. Plans for a Field Day, a Senior “Ball” event, and Grad Night are all in the works. Of course, our most significant event will be an in-person graduation ceremony. The Class of 2021 will be able to cap off the year with memorable events that allow them to celebrate with their classmates. It should be an amazing month!
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant, located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets virtually at 6:30PM on the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club raises funds and provide services to those in need, both locally and worldwide through fun and gratifying projects. Lions are well known for successful initiatives in vision health. Please contact Nancy for a guest connection to the next Zoom meeting at nbircher@mac.com Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca to learn more. For club information, contact Truman Howard at 925-820-1711.
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon. Meetings are currently being held via Zoom. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets virtually on Wednesdays at 12:15PM. For information about the group visit alamorotary. org, email alamorotary@hotmail.com, or call 925-718-6601. The Danville Rotary Club meets virtually every Monday at noon. Learn more at danvillerotary.org. If you are interested in the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com, call 925336-0000, or visit dsvrotary.com. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets via Zoom every Wednesday night from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets via Zoom, on Wednesdays from 5:30PM6:40PM. For more information, call 925-998-2924. Rotary Club of San Ramon meets via Zoom every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm. For more information, visit sanramonrotary.org, email chris@gallagherwealth.com, or call 925-831-3043.
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SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY By Jamie Westgate, Principal
Every year, our graduates select a “life verse” from scripture that they trust will anchor them during the highs and lows of life. Memorizing scripture and being able to recall God’s truths provides reassurance that God loves us, cares for our needs, and provides hope and help to get us through hard times. One of my life verses is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Never in my life has this verse been more applicable than this year. Often, people ask me how we have been able to accomplish so much at SRVCA during extraordinarily difficult times. Without a doubt, it has been God who has sustained us by providing resources, creative ideas, teamwork, and positive attitudes within our community. Here is a list of some of the high-points of our school year. • Enrolling 139 new students in our elementary and junior high programs, including those in our newly formed TK class • A “supply pick-up party” in August where students met their teachers through their car windows while blasting music from our own SRVCA radio station • Summoning all of our preschool-8th grade students back in October for full-day, in-person learning, a true luxury in today’s circumstances • 12 new outdoor sink stations to encourage frequent hand washing and UV light technology to disinfect classrooms • Free, on-campus COVID testing every two weeks • In-person Friday chapel services on the black top and under the big top • An amazingly heartfelt teacher appreciation week filled with notes, flowers, meals, and gifts of gratitude for a job well done by our faculty • Not a single transmission of COVID-19 on campus • A school theme for the year which lived up to its name and truly brought us all TOGETHER! We are thankful for teachers, parents, CPC staff members, and our community partners who made great efforts to find creative, positive solutions around so many restrictions. Despite all the challenges, we couldn’t be more aware that we’ve had a great year. God truly did honor His promise in Philippians 4:13 to help us do the impossible. Well done, Eagles. Have a restful and fun summer!
GO '10-8' WITH CHIEF SHIELDS
10-8
The Shelter in Place order prevented the Danville Police Department from continuing programs like Coffee with the Cops, which allowed police a chance to directly interact with the community in a non-threatening environment. Not to be deterred, Danville Police Chief Allan Shields is coming to you via Facebook Live in a community program called “10-8.” “10-8” is the radio code every officer says at the start of their shift and every time they finish helping someone and are ready to help someone else. “10-8” seemed to be a great title for the weekly program to reinforce to residents and businesses that the officers in Danville are here in service to the community. Come join the “10-8” meeting every Wednesday at 5PM on Facebook Live. Each program will have updates on what is happening in the Town of Danville, crime prevention tips, and answers to viewer questions. Community members can email questions to mailbag@danville.ca.gov. Questions can also be asked in the comment section on Facebook Live. The Facebook page is “Danville Police Department.”
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a constantly video-recorded space. With proximity to police headquarters and video recording, the goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT TRAILS CHALLENGE 2021
Every year more than 10,000 people participate in the free self-guided hiking and bicycling program to explore the East Bay regional parks and to keep fit outdoors. The 28th annual Trails Challenge is sponsored by the Regional Parks Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, and East Bay Regional Park District. A Guidebook, available to download at www.ebparks.org/activities/hiking/ trails_challenge.htm, includes 20 detailed trail descriptions available for all levels of fitness, from easy to challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs, and equestrians, and some trails are wheelchair accessible. To complete the challenge, hike five of the 20 trails, or 26.2 miles of trails within East Bay Regional Park District. You can submit your log, online or by mail, by December 1, 2021 and receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last. The pins will not be available until late June. All 20 featured trails are available on the AllTrails app. First, download the free app, sign-up and log in. Then, go to https://www.alltrails.com/lists/ebrpd-trailschallenge-2021, and click on “Copy to my lists,” followed by “Continue in App.”The featured trails will show under “Lists’ in ‘Plan.’” The app indicates where you are on the trail, enabling easy return to the trail if you stray from it. You can also record your hikes, and share your photos and comments with other park users.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@so.cccounty.us.
The Rotary Club of Alamo: They’re HOW Old?! This month, Alamo Rotary celebrates 50 years of serving the Alamo Community. Chartered in May 1971, the Club was initially sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Walnut Creek, Danville, and Rossmoor. The 42 Alamo Rotary members remain engaged in a large variety of community services and projects. Most recently, you may have seen the field of daisies or waved to the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Alamo Plaza and Andrew Young Park. (Photo at left is from the 2018 Easter Egg Hunt in Livorna Park.) The Club took the lead in raising over $50,000 to equip the three RotaCare Free Medical Clinics in Contra Costa County (Pittsburg, Concord, and Richmond) with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) over a two-year period. The Clinics provide free medical care to the indigent population in the County (photo at right). In addition to the PPE project, Alamo Rotarians provide services to the local community. These services include volunteering at the Contra Costa Food Bank, supporting and continuing regular deliveries to Meals on Wheels clients, supporting renovations at the East Bay Crisis Nursery, supporting renovations at the Choice in Aging adult day care center in Pleasant Hill, distributing dictionaries to local 3rd graders, supporting two Cub Scout Packs, recognizing Teachers and Students of the Year at local schools, and performing roadside cleanup and beautification in Alamo. Alamo Rotary also continues with its commitment to international work; including current support of projects in Mexico, Thailand, and India; as well as support of the Wheelchair Foundation which delivers wheelchairs throughout the world to people in need.
Interested in helping us serve the Alamo community? Simply Email us at AlamoRotary@Hotmail.com or call us directly at (925) 718-6601.
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
UNION ACADEMY: THE FIRST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SRV HISTORICAL SOCIETY PLAQUE #20
Determined pioneers organized the County’s first high school in the San Ramon Valley in 1859. Named the Union Academy, it was a private high school located midway between Alamo and Danville, and it served both day and boarding students. A wooden historical society sign located on Danville Blvd., across from El Portal, recalls the school’s location. The current sign was erected as an Eagle project for Boy Scout Alex Nicholson, and it was dedicated in 2007. The original Union Academy memorial sign was placed in the 1930s by the Danville Improvement Club. When the wooden base rotted out around 1995, the sign was stashed at the small barn located in Hap Magee Ranch Park, forgotten and considered to be lost. It later turned up and is now on display at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley in the new “Big Cool Stuff ” exhibit. The Union Academy high school was initiated by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Synod in 1857, when it appointed three county residents to select a County high school location. Protestant churches were in the forefront of school-founding movements in the west. Ministers often were commissioned by East Coast missionary societies to establish and teach in new high schools. In Contra Costa, the search committee members were from Martinez, Lafayette, and the San Ramon Valley. They looked for a site, but in the end, each wanted the high school in their own community. Responding to this impasse, the Synod appointed a committee of five non-residents to select the location which chose the centrally located comDanville Improvement Club Union Academy munity of Pacheco. sign. According to the Contra Costa Gazette of July 11, 1868, “This selection did not suit the parties in the San Ramon neighborhood, (and) they took up the matter on their own account, erected the building, and placed the school in the charge of Rev. David McClure.” Alamo’s Mary Jones recalled that “leading residents organized the Contra Costa Educational Association,” with Silas Stone, John M. Jones, and Robert Love on the first Board of Trustees. Stock was sold by the Association to support the new school, and August Hemme sold 2 ½ acres of his large ranch to the Trustees. The land was listed as worth $200 in the 1860 deed book, but the philanthropic Hemme may have sold it for less. The cornerstone was laid on October 19, 1859. It was a two-story building with windows and a basement. It was the largest building in the San Ramon Valley. The facility also hosted meetings, graduations, and church services. It cost $32 a month for a high school student to board, and they came from Drawing by John S. Hamel, based on descriptions of the Union Academy. all over the County. The school opened in the spring of 1860, and its courses, trustees, purposes, and fees were featured prominently on the front page of the Contra Costa Gazette. Primary and intermediate departments were also available. The academic curriculum was based on that of the San Francisco School Department and included Greek and Latin. For an extra charge, there was instruction in music (with use of instrument), drawing, and painting. Vocal music and calisthenics formed a part of the daily exercises for which there was no extra fee. The director, Presbyterian minister David McClure, was very modern in his approach. The Gazette stated that McClure was aiming for the “symmetrical development and discipline of the various powers of the mind, the formation of good physical constitution, ease and grace of manners, kindness and courtesy in social intercourse – having special reference to the best practical preparation for the duties of this life, and also to that moral and religious culture which shall fit them for the life to come.” John Swett, California’s superintendent of public instruction in 1862, had nothing but praise for the school noting, “[It is] pleasantly situated, with a succession of rolling hills in the background, the fertile valley around, and Mount Diablo, with its tawny hills in the distance…Success to all such civilizing influences as Mr. McClure’s Seminary.” Each June, the school had graduation exercises which included examinations of the scholars. On June 23, 1860, the Gazette noted the “young masters acquitted themselves in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner” before an audience of 400 people. The program included “Music and Declamation, Delivery of Pieces, Tableaux, Calisthenics, and a Party Song.” The academy was a prime example of the importance of education to families in rural California and in the San Ramon Valley. Most in the community supported it through thick and thin, although some local farmers ranchers objected to music as part of the instruction. Student James D. (Jimmy) Smith, wrote about the monthly Academy parties. “They played games and danced the Virginia Reel, Money Musk, and Cotillions with McClure playing the violin and instructing us in the intricacies of the different steps. At the conclusion of the dance, we were furnished a light repast. We were then asked to kneel, and our teacher would offer a prayer, after which we were dismissed. Did we love our teacher? I’ll testify we did.” On July 6, 1868, after the school had closed for the summer, the Academy burned to the ground. No one was hurt, but the satisfaction and convenience of having their own high school came to an end for Valley settlers. It took 42 years before the next high school was founded, the San Ramon Valley Union High School. Sources: Contra Costa Gazette, July 11, 1868; Virgie V. Jones’ Remembering Alamo; J. D. Smith, “Coming of Gringo to Contra Costa,” Contra Costa Gazette, Oct. 23, 1925.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU
With the COVID-19 County Health Order making it more challenging to get services from government offices, the Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience. Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon. Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
It is Time to Travel Again—We’ve been home too long!
Mike Mullery
For over a year we have been forced to postpone our vaca�on plans. Now with so many being vaccinated it is �me to again pull out our suitcases and take advantage of wonderful travel promo�ons. Join Narsai David on an all‐inclusive Regent Seven Seas luxury South America cruise January 5‐15, 2022.
Danube in Spring�me April 4‐11, 2022
I have been on three Regent cruises and love the ships, the food, and the service. I have a European Regent cruise booked, as well as the Narsai David cruise.
Round‐trip Vienna, overnights in Budapest, 6 Star all‐inclusive cruise with Special Group Rates Prefer a Tour – possibly within the US? Below is an image from one of the Na�onal Park Tours we offer. We can help with your travel needs– whatever your type of travel or des�na�on. For professional help on your Cruise, Tour, River Cruise, Resort, or Hotel ‐ Please call, 925‐837‐8742, ‐ info@alamoworld.com or be�er– come to our office in Alamo Commons next to Ace Hardware.
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DIGGING RESPONSIBLY
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
Several years ago, the County was asking homeowners to remove encroachments they had built into the Iron Horse Trail. In one instance, it was discovered that a homeowner had dug and installed a fencepost within 18 inches of the Kinder Morgan jet fuel pipeline. Needless to say, had he dug that additional depth, the results would have been tragic. Gas and other utility lines run through all of our neighborhoods. PG&E estimates that their pipelines are damaged on average five times every day by people digging near their lines. In 2020, there were over 1,400 third-party dig-ins on its underground infrastructure across Northern and Central California. This all could have been averted had people called 811 first. In 91% of residential dig-ins, 811 was not called prior to digging. With the ongoing pandemic, and the extra time spent at home as a result, and with the spring season underway, many of us will want to get outdoors and tend to our gardens, and perhaps take on more substantial projects in our backyards or under our homes. However, before anyone commits to digging, no matter the scope, they should first contact 811 to have underground utility lines marked in advance of any digging project. 811 is a designated toll-free number for homeowners and professional excavators. Its operators, which are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, dispatch utilities to properly mark underground utility lines with paint or flags. Negative outcomes that can result from negligent digging can range from fines, legal costs, property damage, project delays, to death and serious injury as has been seen in other instances in our community. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of these risks, or openly choose to overlook them and carry on without seeking professional assistance. Forty-five percent of American homeowners said they would choose not to reach out to 811 before digging, according to 811. Such a decision not only endangers the homeowners themselves but their neighbors as well. 811 recommends calling at least two business days before beginning any digging project, whether you are planning to do the project yourself or hire professional help. You may submit a dig ticket by phone or online at 811Express.com. It is 811 who informs your utility operators in your area that they need to mark any buried utility lines on your property with paint or flags. Pre-marking your proposed dig area with white paint, flags, chalk or flour is helpful because it allows utility locaters to identify where the digging will be occurring. 811 advises waiting two working days or until your notice of start time (whichever is later) on your ticket has passed to give the utility employees the necessary time to make the site markings. State law requires you receive a positive response from all utility members on your ticket before proceeding. If you haven’t received a response, call 811. For those who wish to complete the project themselves, 811 advises you observe all tolerance zone requirements and take extra safety measures to protect the underground facility at all times. This usually means avoiding digging on top of, or within, 18-24” on all sides of utility marks, which may translate to moving your project to another part of your yard that is less congested with submerged lines. It is imperative to respect the markings and work with caution around buried utility lines, as they are delicate. For anyone who needs to dig near the marks or use machinery of any kind, 811 would like you to visit the “DIG CAREFULLY” section of the contractor page at 811dig.com, or contact the state’s 811 center by calling 811 or 800-642-2444 about the local laws. If you’re going to dig, do it safely. If you have any questions about this article or other issues involving the County, contact my office at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us, or call 925-957-8860.
PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle
PICASSO THEME
We searched for the best taco on our trip to the Pacific Northwest, deciding on a yummy carnitas taco from Por Que No in Portland as our winner. In Paris, we could not choose a favorite chocolate shop; it’s still a work in progress. When I travel, I like to have a “theme.” Not always food related, at times our theme is based on a person of interest or a film. My youngest daughter admires Audrey Hepburn, so when we visited Rome, we chose the film Roman Holiday and visited all the locations where the classic was made. A cringe-worthy memory of one of my thematic travels is from my early 20’s when I lived in Paris. I was reading everything by Hemingway and came across one of “Papa’s” Parisian addresses, now a wellknown walking tour location of interest. Armed with my book, I headed out one afternoon, found the apartment, and Picasso’s farmhouse in Mougins, France. knocked on the door. Remarkably, the delightful and patient French couple who lived there allowed me to come into their home! They were in their 50’s, and, as I recall, I asked them if they knew Hemingway had lived there. They both smiled and said in French, “Yes, but not any more since that was many years ago.” If I were planning a theme trip today, I would choose Pablo Picasso as my subject. The National Picasso Museum of Paris is a good place to start a tour. I was fortunate to see Guernica, the powerful anti-war mural-sized painting and possibly Picasso’s most famous work during its 80th anniversary tribute in the Picasso Museum. The Museum collection includes more than 5,000 works of art and tens of thousands of archived pieces by the prolific artist. Heading south, I would go to Antibes where in 1946 Picasso painted in a studio in the Castle Grimaldi. Once the ancient Greek Acropolis of Antipolis, and then a Roman castrum and a Medieval bishopric, it was owned until 1608 by the Grimaldi family, giving the Castle its name. Picasso worked from mid-Sep-
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews tember through mid-November of 1946, creating many works, sketches, and paintings, including Les Clés d’Antibes (The Keys of Antibes), covering an entire wall surface. A short drive from Antibes, Notre-Dameen-Vie, the farmhouse on a small hilltop just beside the old village of Mougins is the home where Picasso and his wife Jacqueline lived for the last 12 years of his life. Once owned by the Guinness family, Picasso purchased the Mas, or traditional Provencal farmhouse, in 1961. In 2017, many years after Picasso’s death, Notre-Dame-en-Vie went to auction with a starting price of £23 million. I will have to settle for a look inside the gorgeous property online because a knock on the door might not be a good idea. Not far from home, the de Young Museum in San Francisco is featuring an exhibit with works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and Alexander Calder (1898-1976). The introduction to Calder/Picasso reads “The artists’ grandsons, Alexander S.C. Rower and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, conceived this exhibition as a compelling conversation between the practices of two artists who were engaged in a lifelong discourse about modernity.” Timed entrances allowed plenty of space to enjoy the large mobiles by Calder from various angles. My favorite pieces include Calder’s sculpture of Josephine Baker (1930) and Picasso’s L’Atlelier (1955), a depiction of his studio in Cannes. DeYoung Museum(deyoungmuseum.org) is located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco. The exhibit runs through May 23, 2021. Linda Summers Pirkle, a travel writer, Francophile, consultant, and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
ROTARY CLUB OF ALAMO TO CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
The Rotary Club of Alamo will celebrate its 50th Anniversary at a noon luncheon to be held on May 5th. The Club was officially chartered by Rotary International on May 7, 1971 and had 14 members. It was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Danville, Rossmoor, and Walnut Creek. Since its founding the Club has supported numerous local and international projects. The Club would like to thank the many businesses and individual for their support, over the past 50 years, of the Club’s many projects including the RotaCare Free Medical Clinics in Pittsburg and Richmond, the Bay Area Crisis Nursery, the Contra Costa/ Solano Counties Food Bank, Choice in Aging adult day health care center, Meals on Wheels, school dictionaries for third grade students at Rancho Romero and Alamo Elementary schools, the One Warm Coat drive, roadside clean-up and beautification on Stone Valley Road and Danville Boulevard as well as the 680/Stone Valley interchange, and bus benches throughout Alamo on Danville Boulevard. The Club has consistently mentored youth and sponsors the Rotary Interact Club at Monte Vista High School. It has awarded numerous scholarships to college bound students over the years. Annually, the Club honors the Teacher and Students of the Year from Alamo and Rancho Romero Elementary schools, Stone Valley Middle School, Monte Vista and San Ramon High Schools and Lucille Mauzy School. The Club is the Charter sponsor of Cub Scout Packs 53 (Alamo Elementary School) and 800 (Rancho Romero Elementary School), and it sponsors the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day at Livorna Park, as well as the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Andrew Young Park. The Club continues its commitment to international projects and has participated in multiple water harvesting projects in Tanzania, a solid waste management project in Tiruchengode, India, four Rotary Global Grants in the Pondicherry Region of India that reached 45,000 school children, supported a global grant to purchase four kidney dialysis machines and develop an educational and training program for two hospitals in Thailand, with One Story at a Time a group that helps women and children at the border in Mexico, and supports the Wheelchair Foundation delivering wheelchairs throughout the world to people in need. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Club took the lead in sponsoring a District Grant to equip the three RotaCare Free Medical Clinics in Contra Serving Alamo & Danville Since 1979! Costa County (Pittsburg, Concord, and Richmond) with personal protective equipment (PPE) for the medical providers, patients, and volunteers, as well as Telehealth equipment over a two-year period. The Rotary Club of Alamo currently has 42 members. The Club meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Forli’s Restaurant in Alamo and via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found at www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofAlamo and www.alamorotary.org. www.actionpoolrepair.com
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
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PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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Lettuce continued from front page
been cultivated and stewarded by native communities here in California for so long.” Joan Hamilton and I were recently treated by Vincent and his partner, Louis Trevino, to a walk through historic Ohlone land, in search of their traditional plants. As the producer of the wonderful Audible Mount Diablo natural history documentary series, Joan has worked closely with Mount Diablo Interpretive Association on many projects. As we strolled along beautiful sun-dappled trails under canopies of oak and bay, they shared stories of their ancestors’ use of these plants, as well as acorn, thistle, nettle, yerba buena, horse tail, and yes, “Indian lettuce.” Each long, thin stalk of Claytonia perfoliata is topped by a single round, green leaf that is pleasingly crunchy and only slightly bitter. As we walked, Vincent explained how the Ohlone’s rich culinary culture matched the four seasons’ plant offerings, a tradition that he and Louis have kept alive at Café Ohlone. (The Café is now closed as they transition to a full-fledged restaurant, but it is due to re-open next fall. In the meantime, Café Ohlone is offering monthly Sunday Suppers for pickup and eating at home.) Regarding appropriate use of the word “Indian,” Vincent explained, “We encourage people outside of our community to ask people if they’re not sure how they want to be identified. But I can speak from my own perspective, and I know Louis and I share this, when I say that our family has used the term Indian as a source of pride, because it’s something that’s familiar, and it’s also something that is common.” The case for referring to this wild green as “Indian lettuce” is a strong one. The greater challenge will be for all of us to remember that foraging inside of our parks without permission is strictly prohibited, and that this delicious and beautiful plant’s seeds must remain in the wild to ensure next year’s bounty. For more information on Café Ohlone, visit www.makamham.com/ cafeohlone. To learn more about Audible Mount Diablo, visit audiblemountdiablo.com/audible-mount-diablo-3.
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BRINGING BACK THE NATIVES
Registration for the free, virtual 17 th Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, which will take place on Sundays, May 16 th, and 23 rd from 10 AM to 3 PM, is now open. This award-winning tour will be kicked off with a presentation by the inspirational Doug Tallamy
and feature 25 beautiful native plant gardens, question and answer sessions with garden hosts, “Ask the Experts” opportunities, garden design and plant selection information, and more. Check out the schedule of events at www.bringingbackthenatives.net/welcome-toour-2021-virtual-events, and register for the tour now. In addition, a Companion Green Home Tour will be held. Join garden tour host Kathy Kramer and electrification advocate Amy Kiser at a free companion event: the first annual virtual Green Home Tour, which will take place on Sundays June 6 th and 13 th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Learn how you can save money and time, and improve your health while combating climate change by ditching natural gas, generating clean electricity from your own home, and installing energy-efficient (and health-protecting) induction stoves and heat pumps. A potpourri of other "green home" features will be discussed. Get recommendations for contractors and appliances, learn about costs, savings, rebates, benefits, and more. Register for the Green Home Tour at www.eventbrite.com/e/ east-bay-green-home-tour-tickets-141756566707.
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CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
The delightful practice of surreptitiously delivering a May basket definitely belongs to a different era when no one suspected every unexpected package deposited by a mysterious donor of containing hazardous materials. Placing a basket over a doorknob, then ringing the doorbell before racing away in an effort to remain anonymous would hardly work today. There would be no way to keep from getting caught on a security camera in many neighborhoods. Rooted in ancient customs celebrating the halfway-point between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, the creation of May baskets was a popular tradition in the United States from the 19th through the mid-20th century. Often given more as a secret floral valentine than a simple act of kindness, May baskets represented a full range of expression from acknowledging friendship to inviting reciprocation of romantic interest. Precisely when and where May baskets were first introduced remains open to speculation. In Great Britain, May Day traditions varied from village to village. “Bringing in the May” originally involved fetching branches of flowering trees, especially fragrant hawthorn boughs, on the final night of April to freshen homes with a breath of spring. Known as the May-tree, the hawthorn, a small tree in the rose family, symbolized hope. Ancient lore also ascribed magical powers to the hawthorn, earning it the moniker of “fairy tree.” Eventually, the practice of gleaning blossoming branches evolved into picking wildflowers. Youngsters gleefully slipped into the woods on May Day eve to gather flowers for elaborate garlands. The children celebrated May Day by parading their garlands on sticks, hoops, or even crosses in the hope of collecting money. Dancing around the maypole was a popular part of the festivities. Across the Atlantic, American children made May baskets instead of garlands. In “May Baskets: Just How to Make Them” (Philadelphia Inquirer, April 29, 1894) Mary Maxwell recalls: “Shortly after dark, May Day evening, the children of the neighborhood would steal out, each alone, with baskets for their special friends. The fun was to creep up very stealthily to a house, hang a basket on the door-knob, ring the bell, and then run to get out of sight before the door could be opened.” The intended recipient’s name was indicated. American customs also varied from place to place. In “A Forgotten Tradition: May Basket Day” (NPR History Department, April 30, 2015), Linton Weeks includes primary source accounts from several newspapers. An 1871 citation from the Sterling, Illinois Gazette reads: “A May-basket is -- well, I hardly know how to describe it, but ‘tis something to be hung on a door. Paper generally, it contains almost anything, by way of small presents you have in mind to put in it, together with your respects, best wishes -- love, perhaps. It is hung after dark at the door of anybody the hanger fancies. -- Which done, the said hanger knocks and scampers.” As Weeks summarizes the text, if a girl caught the boy who’d given her a basket, it disgraced him. If the girl delivered the basket, and the boy failed to capture her in retreat, it equally disgraced him. One poor lad, according to an 1889 report in the Taunton, MA Gazette, walked a mile and a half early in the morning only to find another suitor had already hung a basket on his sweetheart’s door. The Dunkirk, NY Evening Observer noted on April 30, 1932, that youngsters were collecting wallpaper samples to make their May baskets. An Iowa family used milk cartons. Photographs of First Ladies receiving May baskets from intrepid children appear in the online archives of the Library of Congress. Grace Coolidge was all smiles when she received a basket of spring flowers in 1927 from Nan Norton, Elizabeth Ann Taylor, and Margot Cooley. The following year, her husband, President Calvin Coolidge, proclaimed May 1st to be National Children’s Health Day (changed in 1960 to observation in October). Eleanor Roosevelt wrote in her May 2, 1936, entry in “My Day” (The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Digital Edition 2017): “At nine-thirty four, small children came over with a lovely May Day basket. I went out to the garden to receive it. One chubby little boy standing next to me bore with the photographers for quite a time and then in a most grown up manner said, ‘I am embarrassed.’ I gasped and said, ‘Where did you learn that word?’ To which he responded quite solemnly: ‘I have known it for a long time!’
May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
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BE ACTIVE, BE HEALTHY, BE HAPPY
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Whether you are beginning your health and wellness journey or wanting to advance it, I will help you achieve your goals. If you want a lifestyle change, please reach out, and together we can build the grassroots for success. 3B Personal Training, “Be Active, Be Healthy, Be Happy,” provides a website and personal fitness professional dedicated to your health and wellness. The 3B program combines three major areas that make up a balanced lifestyle. These areas include fitness, nutrition, and injury prevention. The three elements have many benefits including improved sleep, decreased risk of disease, increased energy, weight loss, building of lean muscle, fat burning, and much more. Get in-shape for summer. In-person personal training is available in the Alamo/Danville/Walnut Creek area or via Zoom. Your safety during exercise is always my top priority. All fitness equipment necessary to meet your goals will be provided. Begin your journey with 3B Personal Training by visiting www.andybrownnow.com, calling 925-209-1986, or emailing andybrown198813@gmail.com Advertorial
SAVE MOUNT DIABLO’S FREE “DISCOVER DIABLO” 2021 HIKES PROGRAM
Explore some of the East Bay’s premiere hiking spots with Save Mount Diablo in 2021, including areas rarely open to the public. The Discover Diablo hike series offers interpretive family walks, guided hikes, and property tours, all free to the public. Trailblazers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Save Mount Diablo is adding hikes and new activities to the series. New offerings will include climbing, mountain biking, and bilingual hikes in Spanish and English. The ever-popular tarantula walk will be offered twice, and a special hike will celebrate the California State Parks centennial. Hikes are guided by experts steeped in the natural history and lore of the region, who both educate and entertain while emphasizing the breathtaking beauty that the Diablo Range has to offer. See the full schedule of upcoming hikes and RSVP online at http://bit.ly/ Discover-Diablo-Hikes-Calendar.
To advertise,to share pictures or a story idea, please contact us at 925.405.6397 or Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com
PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
WHAT TO BUY? By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO’S TREE CANOPY UPDATE
Petition - AIA has prepared a Change.org petition to protect our green canopy and to consider an “Alamo overlay” to our County’s proposed tree ordinance. Alamo could function as a pilot program on how to more effectively manage our tree canopy and also provide added protection from invasive species and wildfires. Your signature (invite your Alamo friends and neighbors to sign too) would be greatly appreciated! To sign the petition visit chng.it/xPmvcstPJM. For more information visit www.AlamoCA.org. Please Attend the Rescheduled County Planning Meeting - We urge you to visit www.AlamoCA.org to view the tree protection recommendations that have been made. Then, review the County’s proposed ordinance, and plan to attend the County Planning Commission hearing on this matter, tentatively rescheduled to be held via Zoom in May. Contact the County for the updated meeting schedule, or visit either https://bit.ly/3gs0cqL or www.AlamoCA.org for more information, and meeting dates and times as they become available. Email/Call - You can also email the Planning Commission at PlanningHearing@ dcd.cccounty.us or contact them at (925) 674-7792. Let our officials know that “Alamo needs to be Green.” Please email Supervisor Andersen through Alamo’s Field Representative Cameron Collins at Cameron.Collins@bos.cccounty.us or directly at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us. More - AIA has created a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Alamo MAC’s and AIA’s joint recommendations. View it at https://bit.ly/3qrS62E.
WIRELESS SERVICE LEGISLATION - SENATE BILL 556 (DODD-D) AND ASSEMBLY BILL 537 (QUIRK-D)
Those of us not following this topic regularly may be surprised to learn more about these two bills at the California State level. Both bills would substantially preempt local control over public right of ways for the location, design, and construction of wireless facilities. Joining many organizations in opposition to these bills, AIA also has restated that our mission is to preserve the beauty and serenity of our community which includes the need for locally informed and conscientious evaluation of our public right of ways. Visit our website for more information on these two bills.
ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET
Heather Harlow, our Alamo Certified Farmer’s Market Manager, wants to provide a “shout out” to all of our Market Vendors including Alexandre Farms (milks, creams, yogurts) and Springhill Cheese, Alpine Blue (blueberries and walnuts), Bay Fresh Berry Producer (conventional and organic strawberries and raspberries), Dore French Bakery, Esquivel Organic Family Farm, Great Valley Poultry (pasture and cage-free eggs, duck eggs, and more), Hummus Heaven, J & J Ramos Family Farm, J & M Ibarra Family Farm, “Jam” Alula, Kem Farms (organic berries), Oaxacan (tamales), Old World Pottery, Old Fashioned Kettlecorn, Pastarey! Reuschelle’s (cheesecakes), Rhose & Glenda Lumpia, Taste of Texas BBQ, The Fruit Tree, and Vica Accessories. As a reminder, Contra Costa County Health Department requirements still specify face mask/coverings for Farmer’s Market shoppers. If you arrive at the market without a mask, please visit the Manager’s stall (Heather), and she will have free disposable masks and gloves available for your use. For more information about the Market, please contact Heather Harlow at (669) 237-5564. The Market is open Sundays year-round, from 9AM – 2PM, in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is plenty of free parking, live music, and friendly vendors.
AIA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Please watch in May for your upcoming AIA 2021 Annual Report, ballot, and membership form. Then, complete and return it to AIA at P.O. Box 156, Alamo, CA, 94507. Now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA. Visit www. AlamoCA.org today!
Buying a new computer can be stressful because the technology landscape keeps evolving. If you’re in the market for a new system, today’s article will help you make good buying decisions. Do you remember Moore’s Law? I’ll paraphrase: The speed and density of computer circuits will double about every two years, while the relative cost of computers will halve. In practical terms, this means the computer you buy today has (roughly) double the power of a system two years ago, yet the cost will stay (roughly) the same as two years ago. At some point, this law will break, because of the physical limitations of size and speed of the microprocessors. For now, Moore’s Law is intact. The reason we don’t always perceive all of this raw power is because the operating systems continue to grow more complex, and thus they require more resources. Put simply, more lines of code require more horsepower to run the system, so the performance bonus you might otherwise perceive is consumed by the advancement of the software. (Fun experiment: put an “old” operating system on a new computer, and be amazed at how fast it runs.) Right now, the expansion of the operating system is most noticeable on the Macintosh. The current OSX version is named Big Sur, and if you have an older Mac, for instance something four years old or more, we do not recommend upgrading. Your computer will still work, however you may be frustrated at how “laggy” the machine becomes. Everything will seem slower. If you accidentally upgraded your Mac, it can be rescued with a visit to the PCIO shop. (It will require a full rebuild of your Mac to downgrade, so this is a non-trivial shop visit.) I use Catalina on my late 2013 Mac. However, I’m considering downgrading to Mojave or High Sierra to regain some of my performance. And of course, older computers will eventually run out of horsepower to run operating systems that are required to keep up with modern software. High Sierra and Mojave are obsolete, so this laptop’s days are numbered. It’s the way things go. On the PC side, Windows 10 has proven to be extremely stable. The latest version is 20H2, and we haven’t run into any significant issues. Microsoft has added thoughtful improvements into the look and feel of the interface, and in our opinion, this is the best version of Windows ever released. Also, any Windows OS prior to Windows 10 is obsolete and requires replacement. Both Macs and PCs benefit from 16GB or more of RAM, larger SSD disks, and the fastest processors. We don’t recommend less than an i7 processor for either platform. We have never (and will never) recommended an i3 processor for any computer, and only in very particular circumstances will we recommend an i5 processor. Don’t be seduced by the cheap-o “special deals” you find at retail computer or big-box stores. If you’re in doubt, call us for a quick opinion. You will not be happy if you buy a clunker, and importantly, it will not last the typical five-year lifespan of a well-built computer. The amount of disk storage you need should take into consideration how much data you keep, how much you generate, and how you plan to use the system in the future. For instance, are you upgrading from a PC with an almost full 1TB disk? If so, we either need to perform some heavy archiving, or your next system needs a larger sized SSD. Maybe you’ve become accustomed to storing your data in OneDrive, DropBox, iCloud, or some other cloud storage mechanism. If so, depending on how you use those storage systems, you may be able to use a smaller SSD storage device. Please, do not buy a new system until this question has been thoroughly answered. Returns are a hassle, and after-purchase upgrades add unnecessary expense. Remember, the rule of thumb is that you want to use at or below 50% of the available disk space. For example, if you have a 1TB disk, the best performance is achieved when you are using 500GB or less of that disk (even on an SSD). As disks fill, they become less efficient. Both PCs and Macs have their upside and downside. Which platform should you use? Should you switch? That question is better discussed in person. One aspect of the Mac that I like is that text messaging is built into the operating system, so you can send and reply to messages from your keyboard instead of your phone. I also use Signal, Ring Central, and Facebook Messenger, and those all work fine in both Windows and OSX. An aspect of the PC I like a lot is the way pictures are stored; I think the way OSX manages photos is a pain. Using email, Microsoft Office, and web surfing is the same on either platform. These are general guidelines. To fine-tune your particular situation, I recommend a quick consultation. We save businesses and individuals a lot of time and headache by helping them make smart purchases. Ready to get started? Call our info line at 925-552-7953 or email info@pcioit.com. We’d be happy to Advertorial nudge you in the right direction.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
STRAIGHT TALK
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
“I just think you ought to talk straight with your people.” ~ John Kennedy In the world of investing, there are a few people who speak with forked tongues. These people are slick and present concepts that amaze and delight. Their ideas are fanciful, supposedly providing the solution to all your problems. In this era, you would think that the speed of information would eventually eliminate this kind of business; however, instead it has become even more dynamic, constantly shifting and masking itself in many forms. The consumer is left misguided and disillusioned, not knowing where the truth ends and where fiction begins. While it can be difficult to understand this type of deception, the truth lands in an even more indistinguishable place. Throughout this article, we will explore the variations of fact and fiction in the investment realm to try and create a framework for clearer decision making and, with any luck, better outcomes. The investment industry can be loosely broken up into five main categories: individual positions (stocks/bonds), active (mutual funds, SMAs), passive (mutual funds, ETFs), insurance products (variable annuities, fixed annuities, index annuities), and other (hedge funds, private equity, REITs, partnerships). There are mountains of data and research to support why each category is supposedly the best. The purpose of this article is not to try and claim otherwise as each has its own merits; like any industry, there are good and bad actors. But it can be extremely difficult at times to discern the difference between the good and bad. Perhaps the most difficult part of investing is that our current education system doesn’t provide any level of knowledge here; instead, you must take it upon yourself to learn. There are books, websites, newsletters, and seminars. But which one product is the best fit for you? As the consumer, you could spend time educating yourself about one product, but without also learning about all the other products out there, you will not be able to make accurate comparisons in order to make a truly informed decision. Furthermore, as you learn, you might be ever so slightly led off the course of truth by numbers and stories. While the numbers and stories appear to paint a rosy picture, in many cases they are only designed to entice you with facts that are fiction. Thoroughly confused, you are now confronted with the truth that there is no easy way to solve this dilemma. There are, in fact, few frameworks that can simplify what is so complex. Perhaps the easiest one to remember is: can you explain the concept or investment idea to your grandma? If you cannot convey the basic elements of the investment in a few simple statements, then you should probably avoid it altogether. The complexity of an investment is sometimes meant to hide the underlying details that drive more of your money into someone else’s pocket. While everyone needs to make a living, purposefully concealing the way you are paid, it could be argued, is unethical. Another way to simplify the process of making investment decisions is to build an investment policy statement (IPS). An IPS is a way to solidify your plan of action for investing. It is an agreement between your logical and emotional selves, whereas you develop this document using your logical mind to protect yourself in the future from your emotions. Your IPS should contain your investment objectives, which can include the return you are trying to achieve, the risk you are willing to take (risks: volatility, liquidity, credit, concentration, etc.), and your time horizons. In addition, your IPS should also include asset types and classes. An IPS can be basic or elaborate, but it should always be tailored to your needs. While this article does not solve all the complexities that are involved in investment decision making, hopefully it helps to illuminate a few key realities that we face in today’s investment world. The age-old motto of “Can I explain this to my grandma?” holds true as a steadfast tool for investing. Furthermore, creating a customized IPS can help you filter out investments that are not in alignment with your logical brain, thereby keeping your emotions at bay. The investment world can be intimidating, and if you decide to go at it on your own, remember the tools mentioned in this article. If all else fails, there are in fact ethical investment professionals out there who care about you and your objectives and will help you to navigate the investment world. “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” ~ Buddha To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com.
Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN-3558134-042121. Advertorial
MEALS ON WHEELS
FRIENDLY HELPER PROGRAM
Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region launched the Friendly Helper Program (FHP) to assist seniors with their everyday errands, such as grocery shopping and picking up medications at a local pharmacy. This pilot program will make it easier for seniors to remain at home, especially during Covid-19. “With most of our seniors sheltering-in-place, MOW Diablo Region can now provide another essential service that our seniors truly need,” said MOW Diablo Region Health and Wellness Division Manager, Cynthia Black. The guidelines below determine if a senior is eligible for the Friendly Helpers Program: • Seniors must be a participant in the existing Friendly Visitors or Friendly Callers program. • Seniors must provide at least a four-day notice before the errand is to be completed. • Weekend errands may be available with a seven-day notice. • If the volunteer pays for any item on behalf of the senior, the volunteer must be reimbursed at the time the item is delivered (cash or checks only). • There is a $50 limit on all purchases. • MOW Diablo Region requires all seniors and volunteers to adhere to the Contra Costa County Department of Health guidelines pertaining to COVID. For more information on the Friendly Helper Program, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, contact Eileen Stephens, estephens@mowdr.org, 925-482-2622; or Tuyet Iaconis, tiaco-nis@ mowdr.org, 925-891-4872.
PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
REMEDIES FOR ESTATE PLANNING INTERFERENCE
By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law
A 2020 California Court of Appeal case (54 Cal. App.5th 1016, Gomez v. Smith) held a child responsible for preventing her father from meeting with his estate planning attorney to execute new estate planning documents that would benefit his wife. The specific tort - personal wrong that results in harm to another - in this case was “intentional interference with an expected inheritance.” Only recently - in a 2012 case, Beckwith v. Dahl - California joined a majority of other states that recognize this kind of legal claim (aka “cause of action”). Most trust and estate claims arise in a different context. Typically, a plaintiff alleges that a defendant (e.g. a decedent’s child or spouse) unduly influenced or fraudulently induced the decedent to establish or change his or her Will or Trust in a way that reduced or eliminated the plaintiff ’s inheritance. Interference with expected inheritance is a bit different. It is narrowly tailored to cases in which someone unlawfully interfered with a decedent’s ability to carry out his/her intended wishes to provide for the plaintiff ’s inheritance. In Gomez v. Smith, Frank Gomez married his second wife, Louise Gomez, after breaking off an engagement with her 60 years earlier, when he left to serve in the Korean War. Frank’s children from a prior marriage, Tammy Smith and Richard Gomez, were not happy about their father’s marriage to Louise. Frank became ill, and he attempted to establish a new living trust with the intent to provide for Louise during her life. Frank’s attorney tried to arrange for Frank to sign the new living trust document the day after Frank was put on hospice and sent home, bedridden. But, Tammy and Richard took action to prevent the attorney from going into Frank’s home, and the following day, Frank died. Louise sued Tammy and Richard for intentional interference with
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews expected inheritance, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress and elder abuse. The trial court ruled in favor of Louise on her claim of intentional interference with expected inheritance. Tammy appealed, arguing that the judgment for Louise should be reversed based on various grounds; however, the Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court’s judgment. As with any cause of action, the plaintiff must prove certain required elements to prevail. In a claim of intentional interference with prospective inheritance, these elements are: a) the plaintiff had an expectancy of receiving an inheritance; b) if there had been no interference, it is reasonably certain that the bequest to the plaintiff would have been in effect at the time of the decedent’s death; c) the defendant knew of the plaintiff ’s inheritance expectancy and deliberately took actions to interfere with it; d) the interference involved independently wrongful conduct, such as fraud, duress, undue influence (i.e. underlying acts beyond mere interference); e) the plaintiff was damaged by the defendant’s interference; and f) the defendant’s interference was directed at the decedent, not directed solely at the plaintiff. Rather than going into detail about the case or technical aspects of this newer tort, it’s more useful to look at the big picture. There is no shortage of ways in which people are wrongfully induced to do, or refrain from doing, certain important estate planning work. Consequently, trust and estate litigation is so prevalent that it is sometimes analogized as an “epidemic.” Of course, it is much wiser to avoid the problem in the first place than to rely on a judicial remedy after the fact. The simple estate planning lesson that can be learned from Frank’s mistake is to plan early and update often to ensure your desired legacy is carried out. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business| Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, (please note new address) 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@ rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND
Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) now Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assisoffers its entire range of support services, educational workshops, tance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls, to and exercise and creative arts classes online, entirely for free. Anyone seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly affected by cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified. the bereaved—can now benefit from these programs no matter where This service is free! Additional TeleCare activities include an annual holiday they live, without having to travel to the organization’s community party, and they also receive greeting cards from the Assisteens, an auxiliary where center in Walnut Creek. tweens and teens learn to participate in a community service at a young age. “Cancer doesn’t just affect us physically,” said Rob Tufel, CSC’s Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more informaExecutive Director. “It affects us psychologically, financially, and tion, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other socially, increasing stress and feelings of isolation. With the crisis of philanthropic programs, please visit www.assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley. COVID-19, cancer patients and their families are especially affected. They’re suffering treatment delays, fears about compromised immune systems, uncertainty over their finances. Perhaps worst of all, they’re more isolated than ever—many are unable to get to the hospital, while being physically separated from friends and loved ones. And that’s where Cancer Support Community helps. Now we can help even more people, no matter where they are—in their home, visiting a loved one, or from their hospital bed during treatment.” CSC doesn’t just provide workshops and counseling; it builds bridges between people and creates a community of help and healing, where people facing cancer can get support, advice, education, and a deep sense of belonging and being understood. Research has shown that cancer patients who use programs like those provided by CSC are better able to manage their stress and anxiety, feel more in control of their treatment, and express a higher quality of life. As it has been for 30 years, CSC’s programs remain entirely free of charge, funded by charitable donations. The calendar of programs can be found on the organization’s website at www.cancersupport.net. For those new to Cancer Support Community, please contact Margaret Stauffer at mstauffer@cancersupport.net to learn how to access CSC’s free virtual programs. Celebrating 30 years in the East Bay, Cancer Support Community provides comprehensive, integrative care—including counseling, support groups, nutrition training, exercise classes, and patient education people with cancer, their caregivers, and their families. Advertise in your hometown paper. programs—for Their evidence-based services enable cancer patients to partner with their medical teams to manage their treatment and recovery most Keep local news alive! effectively, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances Contact us at 925.405.6397 of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life. No one is ever turned away, and all of their services are always provided Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com free of charge.
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HOPE HOSPICE ‘HIKE FOR HOPE’ EVENT
Hope Hospice has opened registration for the 2021 Hike for Hope. Sign-up at TheHikeForHope.com. Proceeds from the annual event raise support for hospice patient care and community programs, including grief support services, dementia-care education, and family caregiver resources. The hospice programs are available at no charge and are made possible through donations, grants, and fundraising events. The nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year went dark in 2020 due to COVID, shorting Hope over $100,000 in anticipated revenue. The 2021 event will have a different format to encourage continued physical distancing and health safety. Participants will hike in a location of their choosing with only those in their household or social bubble. There are two ways to participate. In either instance, the concept is to solicit support from one’s friends and family, asking that they donate to the Hike for Hope in the participant’s name. 1. Follow the regular style of a single-day excursion on Saturday, June 5. 2. Or go the extra mile, and accept the week-long Champion Challenge. Set a mileage goal for the week of May 29–June 5. Chip away each day, and log progress on your participant page at TheHikeForHope.com. Graham-Hitch Mortuary has generously offered to match the money raised by our top fundraiser in the Champion Challenge, whether a team or an individual, up to $10,000! Registration is $45. Hikers 12 and under participate for free but need to be registered. Registration fees include an event T-shirt. In lieu of the usual post-hike group barbecue, organizers have put together a fun closing “Jamboree” party. The Zoom Jamboree will be held on June 5th from 4 to 6pm. It will offer live music and engaging activities. For the Jamboree, the organization has partnered with Frankie, Johnny, & Luigi Too Italian restaurant in Dublin. Jamboree attendees who would like to participate in the group meal will order dinner to-go in advance for pick up on June 5th, and we’ll dine together at the Jamboree. The restaurant owners have graciously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to Hope Hospice. Hope Hospice is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, proudly serving the Tri-Valley and neighboring East Bay cities since 1980. Learn more about their services and community programs at www.HopeHospice.com, or call (925) 829-8770.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
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WHAT’S THE EASIEST CANCER SCREENING?
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. When most of us think of cancer screening, our thoughts of what is involved in the process can be very unpleasant. In many cases, we have to drink something that tastes really nasty, and the process also requires that we be close to a bathroom…or else! Oftentimes, the screening involves something being inserted into an orifice that is designed to be an exit only--yikes! However, one potentially lifesaving cancer screening that tends to be super easy to endure is screening for skin cancer. The worst part of skin cancer screening is that one has to disrobe. Beyond that, it’s a snap, and it can save your life. During a skin cancer screening, we typically have a patient undress. We then check the skin from head to toe. Many spots on the skin can easily be recognized as harmless. Others might be examined more closely with a special magnifying device called a Dermatoscope. If a suspicious spot is identified, a small sample will be taken for biopsy. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer are called Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSC). Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma make up the majority of these NMSCs. These typically affect more than three million Americans each year. More than one million Americans are living with melanoma, and the rates have been increasing over the past four decades. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women age 15-29, so it is not just a disease of older people. Despite what some may think, skin cancer affects anyone, regardless of skin color. There are risk factors that you can control and those that you can’t. You can control how much UV light you are exposed to. Exposure to UV light from the sun and indoor tanning beds are the two most preventable risk factors. Risk factors for melanoma include people with red or blonde hair, light colored eyes, more than 50 moles, atypical moles, a blood relative who has had melanoma, and a previous personal history of skin cancer. One of the myths about tanning beds is that they give you a protective tan prior to a vacation. Skip the tanning bed, and pour on the sunscreen. What can you do to protect yourself from getting skin cancer? Firstly, avoid the peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm. I personally apply sunscreen every day and recommend that for my patients as well. Wear protective clothing. I don’t recommend being a hermit and staying indoors, but a little common sense goes a long way. An annual skin check by a board-certified dermatologist can greatly help with early detection. Studies have also shown that self-awareness is key. Many skin cancers are brought to the attention of a dermatologist by a patient noticing a new or changing mole, a new spot, or a bleeding non-healing spot. If you have a spot on your skin that you are worrying about, the worst thing that you can do is procrastinate. Early diagnosis leads to treatment and cure. Call us today, and stop the worry. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
By Dr. Barbara Persons
The sun is shining brighter and longer, and the temperatures are rising. Summer is just around the corner. We all know what this means: shedding our winter clothes and showing more skin. Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could take those unwanted areas of fat and move them somewhere else (like the buttocks and breasts)? Thankfully, we have the technology to do so! Fat grafting involves removing fat from one area of the body, via gentle liposuction, and injecting it into a more desirable area. Desirable areas include, but are not limited to, the breasts, buttocks, cheeks, hollow under-eye area, hands, and other parts of the body that have lost volume due to the normal aging process. Techniques in body-shaping and fat-reduction procedures have vastly improved in recent years. Before liposuction, a tumescent solution is placed under the skin to locally numb the area. I remove unwanted fat using a safe, blunt-tipped cannula and suction. The suctioned fat is then purified and kept sterile to be evenly injected, creating a soft and natural look. Fat is a glistening, gold color when it is removed from the body, so you will often hear fat referred to as “liquid gold.” Because the fat comes from your own body, people refer to fat grafting as a “natural” surgery. The fat will thrive when placed in a new area without any reaction or possibility of rejection. This lends to its increasing popularity. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction has been the second most popular surgical procedure for many years. Although this procedure cannot remove cellulite or solve obesity, it helps to create beautiful curves. Liposuction is a shape changer, not a weight changer. As fat grafting rises in popularity, I have been seeing more and more patients choose this procedure over a traditional breast augmentation using breast implants. Traditional surgery requires an incision, the dissection of a “pocket,” and the placement of the implant with stitches to close the incision
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site. With a fat transfer procedure, there is only a small incision with very minimal scarring. The ideal fat transfer candidate is searching for a relatively small enhancement to the breasts, has natural lift with good bust contour, and has excess body fat on other areas of the body that they would like removed. When it comes to any surgical procedure, do your research! If you are considering fat transfer, or any other plastic surgery, please go to abplasticsurgery.org and make sure your doctor is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Also, find out how long they have been offering the procedure you are looking for (The correct answer is over ten years!). Do not fall for deals of any kind. Remember that plastic surgery can be expensive, and it is not an area you want to try discount shopping. B ar b ar a L Pe r s o n s , M D, FAC S i s a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or info@ Advertorial personsplasticsurgery.com.
FREE CONSULTATIONS TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED CONCERNS
Hope Hospice has launched video conference service that is, at this time, complimentary to the public in our area.“Many of the family caregivers who attend our classes find themselves in the caregiver role unexpectedly and without resources,” says program manager Jill Smith, RN. “The face-to-face classes have helped these individuals tremendously in learning about the changes to expect in their loved one and how to adjust techniques as the disease progresses.” Zoom conferencing will be used to conduct private consultations with family members who have questions on specific challenges they are facing in caring for a loved one living with dementia. Submit a meeting request via email to jills@hopehospice.com, or call (925) 829-8770. Email is preferred. Learn more at www.HopeHospice.com.
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HYPNOTHERAPY IS INCREASINGLY POPULAR
By Jason Akel, Certified Master Hypnotherapist & Coach, Village Hypnotherapy WHERE’S THE RELIEF?
Almost as if it was a recording, I commonly hear from new clients in my practice, “Jason, I’ve tried everything. I’ve been in therapy for years. I think I understand it all now, but I don’t feel any better. Even the medications have lost their effectiveness. I’m desperate. I don’t know what to do. You’re my last resort.” Those are exactly the phrases I listen for, because talk therapy rarely eliminates the underlying emotion below the intellectual comprehension. Traditional talk therapy has value for many to initially express themselves in a safe environment. That act alone is useful. Unfortunately, many people report walking out mentally exhausted or in greater anguish. Coping skills are taught, and medications are regularly prescribed to manage symptoms between sessions. Relief is rarely experienced, let alone catharsis.
HYPNOSIS TO THE RESCUE
The pandemic has worsened pre-existing concerns and manifested new ones, especially anxieties, bad habits, and addictions. People need solutions now, not after dozens of sessions. Modernized hypnotherapy techniques along with coaching alleviate these problems quickly. We begin by putting aside labels, for example depression, PTSD, and general anxiety disorder. We then discard any persistent perception a client has of her/himself: “I’m always anxious,” “I don’t trust anyone,” “I’m totally stuck.” Statements like those are just outdated stories we tell ourselves. In my work, we only have limited use for the past when clients are ready to move forward. We look to write new stories. Even when addressing years of trauma, we can efficiently resolve those emotions within a few sessions without re-experiencing pain. After all, why would one want to relive the pain repeatedly when the intention is to move on? The goal is to make the first session and each session thereafter deeply satisfying with an end result of some combination of hope, relief, and motivation. Each session builds on the last until we have eliminated the negative thought patterns. We know we have arrived when persistent feelings of purpose, control, and positivity dominate. Clients sometimes ask, “How will I know when I am well?” I retort, “When you feel awesome, and that will just take some getting used to... sorry!” We often live with our negative self-talk for months or years. While a single session provides real impact, it takes several to reboot ourselves and start living who we really are and want to be.
FULL BODY WORKOUT
The end goal of strong mental health obliges us to do the work to keep our bodies and brains healthy through regular activity (not just exercise) and nutritional, balanced eating. If you would like to be better equipped to handle new stresses, prepare for a broader tune-up. A great deal of coaching goes into making choices you are comfortable with, and then we might use hypnosis to propel action.
SPIRALS & POCKET WATCHES
Nope, those are for the movies. I joke with clients that I am not in the business of making them cluck like a chicken or roam town like a zombie. Hypnosis is simply deep focus in a guided, relaxed state. Positive “pep talk,” or more clinically “suggestions,” is more easily accepted when we are relaxed and open to profound change. In fact, the constructive phrasing is derived from a client’s own words, making them utterly familiar. Yes, you remember everything and are in control at all times. There is nothing mystical about it. Jason Akel, CHt helps adults and youth to find relief and achieve life and career goals, no matter how intertwined or challenging things may seem. Areas addressed include anxiety, trauma, bad habits including smoking and vaping, career and athletic performance, fears, relationships, food, and weight loss. The practice is accepting new clients for sessions in person in Orinda, on-site, or via Zoom. Call Jason at 925-255-5157. For reviews and to schedule a free consultation visit, www.villagehypnotherapy.com/ client-reviews Advertorial
May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
HAVE YOU HEARD ALL OF THE BUZZ HAPPENING AT OSTEOSTRONG?
By Roger Pelphrey, OsteoStrong Danville
OsteoStrong has reversed osteoporosis and eliminated back and joint pain for thousands of people just like you.
WHAT IS OSTEOSTRONG?
OsteoStrong is a unique place where you can go to improve your overall health by focusing on the one thing we all have in common: a skeletal system. The skeletal system is the foundation for your body. By implementing a strategy to care for and strengthen it, many experience the following results: • Improved Bone Density • Improved Posture • Improved Balance • Improved Athletic Performance • Less Joint and Back Pain OsteoStrong works for people at all ages and levels of activity to promote skeletal strength which impacts the entire body in many ways using a process known as Osteogenic Loading. Sessions are quick and painless, and results are measurable and happen quickly. OsteoStrong Danville has been serving the Bay Area for two and a half years. We love educating people on how OsteoStrong works and why so many people experience health improvements. In those short years, we’ve seen members dramatically increase their strength and balance and, most importantly, eliminate osteoporosis.
HERE ARE NOTES FROM A FEW OF OUR MEMBERS
• Lecia was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2019 and has been an OsteoStrong member since September 2019. Her recent DEXA scan shows she has moved from osteoporosis to mild osteopenia in her lumbar spine. • Erika, 73, joined OsteoStrong in August 2020 to address her osteoporosis as well as knee and back pain issues. She notes, “The best part was recently when my husband and I moved our three bedroom house, and I was able to lift furniture and boxes that I would have never attempted prior to OsteoStrong.” • Chris, a competitive mountain and road biker, was referred to OsteoStrong by a friend. Chris said, “I began OsteoStrong about two years ago. Since then, my strength and endurance have dramatically increased. I can go longer and faster than I did 20+ years ago, and I have broken several personal records. I highly encourage everyone to do OsteoStrong!”
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
OsteoStrong Danville is hosting a FREE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE on Saturday May 15th at 2:30PM.
Spaces are limited, so register now before they are gone! To register, use the QR code or text “OSOH” to 925-281-1995. Make sure you stay to the end for raffle prizes and an incredible membership offer! Advertorial
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RIDES NEEDED FOR SENIORS AND VETERANS
Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that provides free rides for ambulatory seniors and veterans who cannot take other forms of transportation. The group is looking for volunteers that are willing to help out the community by driving homebound seniors and veterans to medical appointments, and to get their Covid-19 vaccine shots. Most volunteers drive once every week or two. Please contact David Benet at (925)284-2215 or david@mobilitymatterscc. com for more information about volunteer opportunities. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.com.
COUNTY HEALTH RESOURCES
Below are resources to get updated COVID-19 health information in Contra Costa County. • Visit coronavirus.cchealth.org for updated and comprehensive information and answers to the most frequently asked questions. • Additional resource information of all kinds can be found at contracosta.ca.gov. • Email Supervisor Andersen at supervisorandersen@bos.cccounty.us, or call her office at (925) 957-8860. The Supervisor is able to respond to questions you have that cannot be answered at the County Health website.
PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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THE EYE OPENER By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
ALLERGIES
Since the rainy season is mostly behind us (even though there wasn’t much rain), we can now all look forward to allergy season! I have already had patients at the office mentioning how systemic and ocular allergies are affecting them. As a fellow allergy sufferer, whose symptoms have already started, I can attest that allergies can affect your daily life in many ways. From sneezing, to sinus congestion, to coughing, these limit our ability to function during the day and our ability to sleep at night is limited. As for the eyes, they get very red, itchy, and teary to the point where vision and visual comfort is compromised. Here, I will mainly discuss the ocular effects of allergies, but they are related to how they affect other parts of the body in how they are treated and managed. In the United States, allergies affect about 20% of the population. Over half of those have ocular symptoms, however, those numbers seem to be higher in the East Bay area. Eye allergies mainly involve the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the white surface of the eye and the inner folds of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is a barrier structure that is exposed to the environment and the many different allergens. It is rich in blood vessels and contains more mast cells (histamine-releasing cells) than the lungs. Histamine is the chemical that dilates blood vessels and makes them more permeable. This allows other chemicals in the blood stream to leak out which intensifies itching, redness, and swelling. For contact lens wearers, the effect of allergies can cause blurry vision, decreased wearing time, and an increase in build-up on the lenses. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the “surface environment” that contact lenses create. Extended wearing times, infrequent replacement of lenses, and use of potentially irritating contact lens care products can significantly exacerbate symptoms. Daily disposable lenses help mitigate some of these issues. Since there is no build-up on the lenses and since they are replaced every day, there is no cleaning required. Proper lens wear and care are important elements in keeping contact lens wearers safe and comfortable. When allergy symptoms kick in, patients usually visit the local drugstore to pick up a systemic antihistamine for relief. These medications can clear up systemic symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, and coughing, but can make the eye condition worse. A major side-effect of antihistamines is that they have a drying effect on the eyes, thereby decreasing tear quality and quantity. Since tears are a major combatant of allergies, this can have a detrimental effect on the eyes. If your tears can’t adequately protect against and flush out the allergens on the eyes, the allergens remain on the eye longer and make matters worse. Also, a dry eye condition can develop which will add burning and stinging to your already itchy eyes. Allergy sufferers can help themselves by controlling their ocular environment. Limiting exposure to environmental allergies (keeping the windows closed during the worst seasons, wearing sunglasses, rinsing eyes after being outside, etc.) can limit the severity of symptoms. In addition, there are many prescription drops that help ease the effects of allergies; most of these are in the steroid family. Since Patanol and Pataday are now available over-the-counter, most insurance companies will not cover other prescription antihistamine drops. Depending on the symptoms and ocular presentation, different classes of medications can help, including lubricating drops. Our ability to visualize the structures of the eye enables us to diagnose allergies and to initiate appropriate therapy. Since there are some other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of allergies, an office visit can help sort out the diagnosis instead of self-prescribing. Keep in mind it is much easier to treat allergies early-on before the symptoms become unbearable. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and join in on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
Justice continued from page 8
powerfully influenced the Center and changed our perspective about, and our relationships with, the community and clients we serve. We have shifted away from a client/professional relationship with clients to a truly client-focused and community-centered perspective.” The amazing variety of Fellowship projects demonstrates the diverse talents of these IPV survivors. Projects have addressed parenting, education, cyberbullying, self-defense, nutrition, and much more. Pals 4 Change paired survivors of abuse with shelter pets for healing together. Project Connect, created by Marisol Martinez, one of the first Fellows, is ongoing. Each month, 16-20 Spanish-speaking individuals gather to discuss subjects suggested by participants. The Center’s Family Justice Institute, open to the public, offers seminars and workshops presented by community experts. The Center embraces the role of providing training coordination so that every individual and organization in the county’s complex ecosystem can perform well. Educating the public about the many forms of manipulation and control constituting abuse is important. Kim explains, “Some people are not aware about emotional and verbal abuse and their impact. Some people do not have a name for it when they are facing it. Others minimize or deny it.” Isolation and self-doubt result.
2018 graduates of the Community Fellowship Project, a core program giving survivors confidence in their own leadership skills. Photo courtesy of the Family Justice Center.
A friend or family member no longer communicating as frequently as usual or ceasing to respond may be signaling a need for help. On May 22nd, from noon-5PM, everyone is invited to enjoy “Building Safety Through Community,” a virtual festival of Music and Art, celebrating talent with an entertaining format raising awareness while soliciting donations. Register to enjoy the event at cocofamilyjustice.org. Scroll down on the Home page to the poster with the link. Entries to the Center’s Art, Poetry, and Photography Contest “Showcasing Hope” will be presented. A 10-year old Danville boy’s poem, a seven-year-old girl’s drawing of herself thinking about hope, and a women’s poem about her son and motherhood recorded in Spanish are among the remarkable submissions. Music by harpist and vocalist Maria Jose Montijo focused on healing is featured throughout the program. Blackhawk Media musician Pat Rickey plays his original keyboard composition, “Justice.” Rickey learned about the family Justice Center’s mission from Premazzi. He writes, “I began to see how their help rescues people from abuse, allowing them to begin a new safe life. A complete melody came to me in an instant.” Elizabeth says that if justice has a sound, Pat has captured it. He explains, “The music's intention is to take the listener on a journey of emotions starting with reflection, understanding, empowerment, action, then hope, and finally healing.” Susun introduced Lawyers for Family Justice in 2016 after learning about the concept at the annual Alliance for Hope International conference. Since its inception, the program has trained 21 attorneys who have provided free legal counseling to 2,029 clients. Each client has a poignant story. Rosa, mother of two, was referred to the Center in February 2021 by a local police department. She needed a temporary restraining order, custody, and divorce information as well as financial aid and medical insurance assistance. Her Navigator connected her with a domestic violence advocate to make a safety plan. Lawyers for Family Justice retained an attorney to address her legal concerns. Contra Costa's Employment and Human Services Department helped with her application for Food Stamps, MediCal, and emergency cash. With legal and physical custody of
See Justice continued on page 26
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
925-831-8310 Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful threeyear post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction. Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturday’s of each month.
PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS GET BACK ON TRACK WITH GOOD NUTRITION
We have had a rough long stretch of time dealing with lock-downs, working from home, and online school. Many of us have gained weight. We don’t want to go and get a blood test because we know we won’t like what the results will be. This is a scenario that I am hearing a lot of lately. I am working with new clients who realize they are out of control and need a coach to get them back on track. First of all, forgive yourself for gaining weight, and congratulate yourself for the decision to implement a nutrition plan for yourself and the entire family. Look at moving forward as a lifestyle change. Making too many changes at once can cause you to burn out and cause you to break your commitment. Therefore, instead of changing your entire way of living all at once, try making small changes every day. Try these nutrition and fitness goals, and see how great you’ll feel! 1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Every day, have two servings of veggies such as adding veggies to an egg white omelet and having a salad or a soup with veggies at lunch. Have a fruit at lunch and one after dinner. All clients tell me that they realize adding veggies to meals indeed gives them a fullness they needed. Many of my clients make crudité platters with a nice dip like Tzatziki and leave it out for all to enjoy. 2. Portion control. Work your way to smaller portions, and this will help control your calories. If you use a big dinner plate and fill the whole plate, try using a smaller plate. You will always eat more when you have a pile of food on your plate. Take a bite of food, then put down your fork, take a drink, and SLOW down. Put your hands under your butt or push your chair back if you cannot control yourself. 3. Limit sweets. You do not have to avoid sweets. The key is moderation. If you enjoy dessert and sweets several times a day, make a goal for yourself to limit sweets to once or even twice per day. Have sweets after a meal instead of
Justice continued from page 24
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews randomly during the day, which will prevent cravings. 4. Swap out the soda and juice. These beverages are loaded with sugar and contribute to your daily calories. And, let’s be honest, most people don’t only drink one can a day. Imagine how many extra pounds in one year can be contributed from soda alone. I suggest many beverages that are popular and have no calories like Snapples, Hint, and Baia. 5. Begin a walking program. Commit to a daily walk, first thing in the morning or during a break from work, at least five times a week. I teach my clients about interval training which shocks the metabolism and causes us to burn calories much faster. I also teach how to set up a meal plan based on their exercise schedule. 6. Get control of your alcohol. I know Covid has a lot to do with excess drinking, but now is the time to allow yourself a glass of wine and alternate with sparkling water, or even consider gin or vodka with a low-sugar mixer which is half the calories of wine. 7. Make sure you are taking care of your basic needs such as eating and sleeping. It will then be easier to listen to what your body needs in terms of food and exercise. Often, I can see when my client is having a problem with overeating it is because they have not gotten enough sleep, or they are overwhelmed with family and work and use food to get through stressful times. 8. Practice mindful eating. Since you have vowed not to diet this year, practice being mindful when you are eating. Listen for your hunger and fullness signals, and respond appropriately. Don’t eat when you are not hungry, yet don’t let yourself get to the ravenous point either. When eating, stop midway and ask yourself if you are still hungry. If you are full, stop and save the rest of the meal for another time. I take a lot of time to practice this technique with my clients. Nutritional counseling is covered by most health insurance companies including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Sutter, and UHC. I am happy to call on your behalf and see what coverage your plan offers. Please visit my website, www.LindaRD.com, to learn more about my services. Feel free to email me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or call me at 925-855-0150 to tell me about your nutritional concerns and see how I may help you. Advertorial
her children, a restraining order in effect for three years and divorce proceedings pending, Rosa is participating in many of the Center’s programs including Project Connect. Following the brutal attack that left her needing emergency plastic surgery for her face, Sandra was referred by the DA’s Office to the Center. She and her abuser had recently come from another state to find employment. After providing funding for transportation to her medical appointments as well as grocery cards, the Center was able to get Sandra safely back to her home state. The Center’s yoga classes provided the opportunity to heal together for 80 year-old Cathy and her 12 year-old great-granddaughter, a victim of sexual abuse. Cathy exclaimed, “I didn't think that I could do it. But I was able to sit, The Center brings community partners and members of the public together in educational events like this 2019 program on Unrepresented Immigrants and Newcomers. Photo courtesy of the Family Justice Center. move my arms, and be with my great-granddaughter and breathe.” Although domestic abuse is the most prevalent problem, Family Justice Center clients confront sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking, which are also local issues. The 2014-2019 Family Justice Alliance Six Year Evaluation Report for Contra Costa notes, “100% of families experienced an increase in safety; 80% reported an increase in empowerment related to their ability to advocate for themselves, make informed choices, and to navigate complex systems; and 75% of families experienced an increase in protective factors and resilience in the prevention of secondary assault or re-assault.” The 2020 report notes 97% of clients are worried about their safety. Seventy percent have children, 22% are referred by law enforcement, and 13% are referred by family/friends. The Family Justice Movement began in San Diego in 2002. The Family Justice Center Alliance is a program of the Alliance for Hope International. The Alliance’s 2021 Impact report quotes both President George W. Bush and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Authorizing the first $20 million of federal funding for Family Justice Centers in 2003, Bush said, “Imagine what it would be like if you were an abused person trying to find help, and you went from one place to another ... San Diego got it right.” Harris noted, “At Family Justice Centers, survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse have access to The December 2020 BART toy drive gave children of the Center's clients over 1,200 new toys. Photo critically important wraparound resources.” Visit cocofamilyjustice.org for more information. courtesy of the Family Justice Center.
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May 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM “LONG COVID”?
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Suppose you are suddenly stricken with COVID-19. You become very ill for several weeks, and then you begin to turn the corner. Every day your worst symptoms — the fever, the terrible cough, the fatigue — get a little better. In another week or two, you’ll be your old self. But weeks pass, and while the worst symptoms are gone, you’re not your old self — not even close. You can’t meet your responsibilities at home or at work because you have no energy. Even routine physical exertion, like climbing stairs, leaves you feeling exhausted. You ache all over. You’re having trouble concentrating on anything, even watching TV. You’re unusually forgetful. Your brain feels like it’s in a fog.
HOW COMMON ARE LINGERING COVID SYMPTOMS?
Tens of thousands of people in the United States have lingering illness following COVID-19. Currently, the condition they are suffering from is known as “long COVID” or “long haul COVID.” Published studies and surveys conducted by patient groups indicate that 50% to 80% of patients continue to have bothersome symptoms three months after the onset of COVID-19, even after tests no longer detect the virus in their body.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID?
The most common symptoms are fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, joint pain, difficulty concentrating, inability to exercise, headache, and difficulty sleeping. Since COVID-19 is a new disease that first appeared in December 2019, there is no information on long-term recovery rates.
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WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO BECOME A LONG HAULER?
Currently, we can’t accurately predict who will become a long hauler. According to an article in Science magazine, people only mildly affected by COVID-19 still can have lingering symptoms, while people who were severely ill seemingly return to normal two months later.
HOW DO YOU HEAL FROM LONG COVID?
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If you are suffering from long COVID, it is likely that you had been suffering from a weakened immune system long before you became sick with COVID. As the body heals from a virus or illness, it utilizes many of its reserves (vitamins, minerals, aminos, hormones, and antioxidants to name a few), which leaves you even more depleted than before. If those reserves do not get replenished, the body struggles to regain its former symptom-free state. At Align, we help to identify exactly what a person is lacking in order to provide the body what it needs to heal and return to normal function. Once the imbalances have been identified, a very specific protocol is prescribed so symptoms have the opportunity to resolve. This approach, called “Functional Medicine,” looks deep into the physiology of a person, helping to identify why the body is in a state of dis-ease and how to go about fixing it. The use of functional medicine is a powerful tool in unwinding symptoms and restoring health. If you or anyone you know suffers from long COVID, please know that there is help available, and it is possible to get your life back and feel yourself again! If you are interested in exploring what functional medicine can do for you, call Align Healing Center for a complimentary consultation. Call 925362-8283 or check us out at AlignHealingCenter.com. Advertorial
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PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • May 2021
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Coldwell Banker is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.