editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& NOVEMBER 2018
TRI-VALLEY CONSERVANCY: MANAGED CARE FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE
By Jody Morgan
Tri-Valley Conservancy (TVC) takes a three-pronged approach to preserving open space, continuing to cultivate its roots as an advocate for agriculture, while connecting trails through undeveloped land for recreation and conserving wildlife habitat. Established in 1994 as the South Livermore Valley Agricultural Land Trust, the non-profit re-organized in 2003 as TVC and expanded its land trust presence to encompass San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and the Sunol area as well as all of Livermore. Through conservation easements on private and public properties, TVC fulfills its mission: “Protecting open space for you, wildlife, and future generations to enjoy!” Why should Alamo and Danville residents care about what’s happening in Alameda County? Describing the escalating dangers of wildfires in Land on Fire, Gary Ferguson notes: “Given that some animal species won’t survive in the face of the rapidly shifting habitats that climate change induces, we’ll need to expand the Club Ambassadors from the Pledge to Humanity club at Monte Vista High School recently size of some of our current wild land preserves. Connecting landscapes with north- volunteered at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Soloano. They packaged produce south corridors to create better migration opportunities is among the most widely that will help feed the under-served in our county. endorsed ecosystem management strategies in the United States today.”
P’TACH LIBEYNU: OPEN OUR HEARTS
By Fran Miller
Connected trails through public and private land from Livermore to Mount Diablo and beyond enable people as well as wildlife to enjoy protected open space. (Photo by Craig Siders)
TVC Communications Director Beryl Anderson writes: “Having protected and connected habitat for wildlife is critical. The larger the area, the more likely it is to not only provide all of the components that wildlife needs to survive – food, water, shelter, and hopefully a mate – but also so that wildlife has a safe place to escape to if there is a disaster.” In 2017, smoke from Sonoma made air quality in Danville and Alamo so hazardous that local schools canceled outdoor activities. Where did endangered residents like the five-pound San Joaquin kit foxes, the smallest members of the
See TVC continued on page 16
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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
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Mental illness is often surrounded by shame and silence. While diagnoses such as Parkinson’s disease or cancer are readily discussed in the open, a diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder is often shrouded in secrecy. Diana MaKieve has made it her mission that sufferers of mental illness and family members of those with mental illness need not live in silence and shame. The Alamo resident and member of Temple Isaiah in Lafayette is the initiator of several support groups for those facing the challenging stigma of mental illness. P’tach Libeynu/Open Our Hearts gatherings take place at Temple Isaiah but are open to all. It was nine years ago when MaKieve recognized the need for such a group. She had recently discovered that a good friend had suffered in silence with her son’s mental illness. Determined to break that history of isolation, MaKieve embarked on an effort to create an open and supportive climate for those living with mental illness and for their families. A safe and caring space, P’tach Libeynu/Open Our Hearts allows sufferers to tell their stories and what they’ve learned. Strategies and coping tools are offered, and future plans are discussed. “I began to explore the shame and stigma of mental illness in 2007, organizing a community committee of experts to help guide our beginning
See Open continued on page 20
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XVIII Number 11
Volume IX Number 11
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
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PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
I am amazed that it is already November. The years, weeks, days, and hours seem to fly by faster than ever before. Maybe it is something I notice as I get older. Or maybe our lives are so busy, and there is so much hustle and bustle and endless lists of things to do and accomplish, there is very little down time, quiet time, free time. The end of the month brings us Thanksgiving, a time to reflect and come together. Family-members often travel long distances for this celebration. However, some dread the social gathering, while for others it is one of the most joyous times of the year. If you are the host or hostess this holiday I urge you to spread-out the workload so you find time to enjoy and participate in the celebration yourself. While great food and lovely decorations are nice, according to an article titled “22 Habits That Are Making You Age Faster,” in Reader’s Digest (yes, it still exists!), “‘Perfectionism is a toxic side effect of our social-media-saturated culture, causing undue stress as we try to keep up with not just the Joneses but with everyone else on the planet’, according to psychotherapist Mike Dow, PsyD, PhD, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think, Act & Be Happy. ‘Perfectionism plagues the brain with negative thoughts which cause a release of stress hormones, and that can actually accelerate aging,’ he explains. ‘While it’s fantastic to want to do your best, it’s also OK to have a B+ house party or to take a day off to relax and do nothing.’” When gathered around the holiday table, I encourage you to enjoy each others company most of all. Listen to the stories others want to share, and engage with them. Our front page story P’tach Libeynu: Open our Hearts addresses mental health issues and support for those facing these challenges. An estimated 8% of youth in the US suffer from mental illness, and 18% of US adults live with an anxiety disorder. On average, it takes an individual nine years once symptoms of a mental illness arise to receive treatment. According to psychologist Anita Sanz, “Depression tends to increase during the holidays due to an increase in demands (perceived as stressful), family issues, and being unable to manage expectations.” My son’s girlfriend is on the board of an organization in San Jose called Momentum for Mental Health (momentumformentalhealth.org). Their mission is “to help individuals achieve mental and emotional health, discover and reach their potential, and fully participate in life.” They recently held a fundraising dinner, and Lafayette author (and Athenian school dean), Mark Lukach, gave a heartfelt and personal talk about his book, My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward. The book draws you in to his life and shares his family’s eye-opening journey through the mental health system and what it is like to support someone suffering from mental illness. The book brings first-hand insights into what others go through in this journey, and I encourage you to check out a copy or visit his website at www.marklukach.com. For a long time, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health, but in reality, most of us are affected either directly or indirectly by depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Through my work with fire survivors in the North Bay I was introduced to a website, MySonomaStrong.com, launched by the Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County to provide resources for self-care and also for help for finding free professional therapy for those that suffered from the devastating fires from a year ago. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very real and many people are still reeling from the impact of what happened to them as they struggle to rebuild a new normal. In addition, a new free app called “Sonoma Rises” (for iPhone and Android) also helps survivors with services and provides them with tools to help them to track their mental well-being. I encourage you to share these great resources with anyone you know who might benefit from them. More about these resources can be found in a great article from Wired magazine https://www.wired.com/story/wildfires-mental-health/. There are lots of ways to take care of and pamper yourself and your loved ones this season. Within these pages, there are many new and long-time advertisers who can assist with your needs. These providers are your neighbors and colleagues. I encourage you to reach out to them and patronize their businesses throughout the year. I am thankful for the advertisers who help me bring the paper to you each month and for you, the readers, for your support. Happy Thanksgiving.
CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS & SHARE THE LOVE
Saturday, December 15, 2018 Held at Alamo Cemetery
El Portal off Danville Blvd. Saturday, December 15TH ~ Noon
All are invited to join as we honor and remember our veterans during the Christmas Season.
The San Ramon Valley Rotary club is collecting items for the homeless and the impoverished of the Bay Area. Specifically needs include coats, sweaters, and blankets for men, women, children, and infants. Items need to be clean and in good condition. Collection will run through Friday, January 4, 2019.A list of drop-off spots can be found at www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com or, call Bernie at 925-352-2155 to find a location. The One Warm Coat project was started in 1995 by San Ramon Rotary Club Charter President Bill Gregory. It was a modest start out of his garage with only 55 coats and sweaters collected. Now in its 23rd season the group collected over 8,000 items in 2017. Bishop Ranch has graciously housed the drive for the last 16 years and provides a critical space to sort and distribute the many items. All the items are given directly to local charities and other programs such as the annual “Christmas for Everyone.” Cash donations to help with the program expenses are also appreciated.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY
THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: A GREAT WAR CENTENNIAL ~ NOVEMBER 3 TO DECEMBER 30
Danville Area Chamber & Town of Danville invite you to the...
The Museum will commemorate the centennial of the Great War’s conclusion with a new exhibit. The exhibit focuses on the war’s ending days, the local “Liberty Boys” who served and died, and the devastating Spanish flu of 1918-19. Visitors will find stories about the war, the flu, and America’s emerging role as a world leader. They will view featured letters, Purchase tickets through Eventbrite at: posters, drawings, framed pictures, uniforms, and various Brewitupwineitdown.eventbrite.com memorabilia from the war. America entered the war on April 6, 1917, three years after the war had begun in Europe. Soldiers joined and were conscripted, departing from four million American homes. There were 116,516 American deaths, many of which resulted SRVHS & Danville Girls Choruses, from the pandemic flu. In Europe, an estimated nine million The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road directed by Ken Abrams, will be lit by our special guests, died, including many civilian casualties. will delight the crowd in singing Father Christmas & the Snow Angel A number of young men holiday classics! and women from the San Ramon Valley went to war. Holiday entertainment & refreshments Some of them who survived at downtown merchants included Jim Root, Tony and Paul Noia, Merton www.danvilleareachamber.com Groom, Lorenz Humburg, Frank Enos, Ed Anderson, Noel Norris, Romie Thorup, and nurse Ella Olsson. Five local Liberty Boys did not return: George Freitas, Peter Byers, Simeon Anderson, Lloyd Wood, and William Peterson. Step back 100 years and remember World War I. It marked the beginning of the American Century and America’s leadership in promoting democracy world-wide.
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES ~ NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 31
The tradition continues with Christmas Memories at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Opening on November 20th, the museum will showcase doll-houses Local boys at Camp Kearney, San Diego, February 17, 1919 - Romie this year. The exhibit will display dollhouses from 100 years ago to recent times. Thorup, Lloyd Wood, and Noel Norris. Many of these dollhouses were lovingly handmade by local dads and moms for their children. In addition, visit a true San Francisco Victorian dollhouse, a very, unique item that is on display. The museum will have two areas for children of all ages to play. Visit Santa’s workshop which will be open at the museum with lots of toys to play with. Santa’s workshop provides a great photo opportunity. In addition, there will be a dollhouse and train set for children and adults to play with as well. Returning will be the flying Santa, a G model Christmas train, as well as a Father Christmas exhibit, many decorated trees, and lots more. A Memory Tree will be available for visitors to write a note of remembrance of treasured handmade Christmas gifts received, like a sweater, scarf, toy, doll-house. Or they may share if they made a special gift for someone. A special note: Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the museum on November 24 after the Danville tree lighting. Please come by and visit. Come enjoy the annual Christmas Memories Exhibit which opens on November 21 and continues until December 31. An Open House will be held after the Danville Tree Lighting on November 24. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. The Museum is open Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday 12PM-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
HANDBELL CHOIR UPDATE
Last month we featured an article on a local handbell choir. The following information was left out. “Both handbell choirs are currently seeking new members. For more information, contact Margaret Settle at cpcbells@gmail.com or 925-837-6371.”
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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
Results. Pure and Simple. •
In the last 60 days, over 80 homes have been withdrawn/cancelled in this current changing market
•
Don had ZERO listings that were withdrawn/cancelled in the last year
•
What is your home worth in today’s market? The market is changing.
Call Don Today if you would like to know the true current value of your home!
Don Magalhaes 925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221
Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.
DANVILLE COMMISSION APPLICANTS SOUGHT
The Town of Danville is looking for public-minded individuals interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new members. The following commissions are in the process of accepting applications. • Heritage Resource Commission – 2 regular vacancies, 1 alternate (4-year terms begin 1/1/19) • Design Review Board – 2 regular vacancies, 1 alternate (4-year terms begin 1/1/19) • Planning Commission – 3 regular vacancies (4-year terms beginning 1/1/19) • Contra Costa County Library Commission - 1 Danville representative (term 12/21/18 - 6/30/22) Applicants will be invited to interview with the Town Council on one of the following dates: December 11 – study session (Tuesday morning), or December 18 – Town Council meeting (Tuesday evening). The deadline to file an application is 4PM, Thursday, November 15th. Applications are available at www.danville.ca.gov/commissionrecruitment. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.
SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement 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. Please plan to join the group at The Bridges Garden Pavilion room, located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge in San Ramon, on Wednesday, November 14th at 11AM for the regular monthly luncheon which will feature guest speaker Martin Silverman. Martin is a former attorney and current actor, writer, and presentation coach. His November luncheon speech will be on space travel and exploration. Your $25 luncheon includes a meal, Mr. Silverman’s presentation, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 170 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email info@SIR128.com. For more information about the retirement branch and activities, please visit www.SIR128.com.
CPC PRIME TIME
Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) “Prime Time” is a gathering of senior adults who like fellowship, fun, and making new friends! The group meets in the Multi-Purpose Room of Community Presbyterian Church from 9:30AM – 12:30PM on Tuesdays, September to May. Please join in the fun. Activities often include games (cards, dominoes, and mahjong to name a few), blood pressure screening, water painting, devotions, informative presentations, and various forms of entertainment that also take place. A home-made lunch is provided for $4. Get pampered, get fed, and get loved! For more information, visit www. cpcdanville.org/primetime/.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The Contra Costa County Sheriff ’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call (925) 646-4461.
TREATS FOR THE TROOPS
Thanks to all of the generous shoppers who have helped charity group Delta Nu Psi send 39,641 pounds of gourmet junk food to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones! One of the servicemen recently wrote, “Thank you so much for everything that you and your friends do! It just blows my mind that after 17 years in this country, there are still people that are looking out for us. The reaction I get every month from the men and women assigned here is amazing when the word gets around that I received another ‘Box of Goodies’! It’s almost like the anticipation of waiting for Christmas, except it comes 12 times a year!” The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo on the first Friday of each month and at Lunardi’s in Danville on the second Friday of each month. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:45PM. Please shop for the men and women serving the United States. To learn more, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
SRVHS WINTER BOUTIQUE
Please come to the annual Winter Boutique being held at San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS), located at 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville. The Boutique, put on by the Leadership Class, will support Grad Night 2019. The boutique will be open Saturday, December 8th from 10am to 3pm. There will be over 50 local crafters, artists, and vendors. Come support the local students, teachers, and community member’s who produced artwork and crafts for this event. There is free admission and free parking. There will also be a Toys for Tots drop-off bin available during the event. Please bring an unwrapped toy, book, or game for a child this Holiday season. For more information, please contact Helga Glasson at srvhswinterboutique@gmail.com or call her at 925-212-0986.
HOSPICE EAST BAY PRESENTS TREE OF LIGHTS 2018
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison
For 32 years, Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered community members a Tri-Valley Trapper way to honor the lives of friends and loved ones. This year, we will be presenting 12 Tree Lighting Ceremonies throughout Contra Costa County (listed below). For further information about these memorable events, visit Hospice East Bay Tree of Lights. Danville Tree - Friday, November 16, 5:30PM, Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St, Danville. Alamo Tree - Tuesday, November 20, 6PM, Alamo Women's Club, 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. Reception to follow. Rossmoor Tree - Tuesday, November 27, 4:30PM, Creekside Clubhouse, 1010 Stanley Dollar Dr, Walnut Creek. Reception to follow. Lafayette Tree - Thursday, November 29, 5:30PM, Roundup Saloon parking lot, Mt Diablo Blvd & Lafayette Circle East, Lafayette. Walnut Creek Tree - Wednesday, December 5, 6PM, John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. Blackhawk Tree - Friday, December 7, 5PM, Blackhawk Rd at Blackhawk Dr, Blackhawk. Hospice East Bay's Annual Tree of Lights help us raise the funds necessary to provide our high level of care to everyone who needs it. As a not-for-profit organization, we care for all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Since 1977, Hospice East Bay has served over 26,000 patients and their families.
925-765-4209
A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERT
The Danville Community Band presents its 18th annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 16th on the stage in the beautiful, 400-seat Performing Arts Center at San Ramon Valley High School, located at 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville. This year’s program features a broad selection of fun and festive tunes including “Candlelight Carol,” “A Christmas Travelogue,” “Hebraic Rhapsody,” “Country Cookin’ Christmas,” the ever-popular “Sleigh Ride,” and more. The concert begins at 3PM. Admission is free, though seating is limited. Donations will be gratefully accepted. The band hopes to see you there. For more about the band and upcoming performances, visit www.danvilleband.org, or “like” the ‘Danville Community Band’ on Facebook.
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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
FREE “3-DAY MUSEUM”
RECOGNIZING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TET OFFENSIVE
San Ramon Valley veterans will be welcoming all to a special “Three Day Museum” in Danville starting on Saturday, November 10. The military-themed exhibits, gathered from local residents, will be displayed inside the main auditorium of the Veterans Memorial Building, as well as outside the building. At 11AM on Sunday, November 11, there will be an observance of the WWI Centennial, including a bell tolling, performance by a local hand bell group, invocation, a brief talk by Beverly Lane on WWI Valley Veterans, a poetry reading, and a bugle performance with a WWI bugle. “Commemorating the 50th Anniversary Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973 of the Tet Offensive” is this year’s theme and will recognize those who participated in the 2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J 3191-J Crow Canyon Pl defense of South Vietnam as a surprise attack Concord San Ramon Hardwood, Laminate & Stone (925) 680-4433 (925) 866-2200 was launched during Tet, the Vietnamese Since 1973 Carpets, www.MacFloor.com • info@macfloor.com (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House) New Year in 1968. “Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I” is an SAN RAMON VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY additional theme that will feature exhibits at The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society invites you to attend their free the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. meeting on November 20th from 10AM to noon. The Society meets at the Family Visitors to the Veterans’ Memorial History Center located at 2949 Stone Valley Rd. in Alamo. The program is titled, Building, located at 400 Hartz Ave. in Danville, will have the opportunity to speak with local “Ferreting Out Obscure Sources Using Family Search” and will be presented by Vietnam Veterans about their experience Ralph Severson. For more information, please visit www.srvgensoc.org. in the “Living History” area, along with a FAMILY HISTORY CENTER number of other live presentations. Docents For almost two decades The Danville Family History Center has been will be available to guide guests around the permanent museum displays. serving the community. Everyone is welcome during library hours to use the In addition, there will be exhibits which include military memorabilia from resources available. There is a friendly and experienced staff who volunteer a variety of time periods such as a full size cockpit of a F-8 Crusader jet from the to help you to utilize the materials, including the Family Search web portal USS Hornet (OK to climb in), a “Huey” helicopter (OK to climb in), a display which provides access to over a dozen subscription-based genealogical of the Doolittle Raid, carvings and art work by military combat artists, aircraft research services, such as Ancestry.com. The Center is located inside the instruments and communication gear, children’s activities identifying objects, LDS building at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. Enter the left side of the and a table to send a postcard to current overseas service personnel via the Blue building. Hours are Monday 1-4pm, Tuesday 7-9pm, and Wednesday 10-4pm Star Moms. PM and 7-9pm. The Center is closed on major holidays and the last two weeks of Admission is to the event is free. Event hours are 9-5 Saturday and Sunday, PM December. For questions, call 925-552-5920. and 9-3 Monday. For more information, contact info@stevenburchik.com, call 925-998-9433, or visit www.vmbsrv.org.
AAUW TALK ON LEGAL IMMIGRATION
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch presents Immigration Attorney Paul Bertoni with his program on Legal Immigration. The talk will take place Tuesday, November 13th from 7-9PM at the Danville Congregational Church located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville. The United States has been the top destination for immigrants since 1960, with one-fifth of the world’s migrants heading here as of 2017. Despite our long history as a magnet for immigrants, Americans have oscillated between perceiving immigrants as valuable assets or as major challenges, whether for cultural, political, or economic reasons. Our immigration laws have reflected those changing perceptions. Immigration attorney Paul Bertoni will help us understand the current standards set for legal immigration into the United States. Immigrants face a maze of regulations, whether they seek visas, permanent residence, or waivers. Come take a look at the complexities behind the headlines about walls and illegals. Coming into the U.S. legally also has its oddities, perils and pitfalls. A $5 donations to AAUW to support gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy will be gratefully accepted. To learn more, visit https://daw-ca.aauw.net/programs-2.
To advertise call 925.405.6397
DANVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB
LUNCHEON
Please join the Danville Women’s Club ladies on Thursday, November 15th for their monthly luncheon. Socializing begins at 11AM. The speaker will be Gale Self, formerly with WilliamsSonoma, who will be demonstrating the proper use of knives at 11:30AM. Lunch will be served at noon. Reservations are required for the lunch and presentation. Please contact Rita at (925) 837-3056 or e-mail danvillewc@gmail.com to get more information and to sign up. Lunch is free for first-timers. At this luncheon, the group will also be collecting old glasses and sunglasses which will be donated to the Lions Club. Please bring your old glasses and sunglasses for this worthy cause.
TREE OF LIGHTS
Please support the Danville Women’s Club and Hospice of the East Bay/ Tree of Lights event in Danville on Friday, November 16th at 5:30PM at the Town Meeting Hall, located at 201 Front Street. The Club is the sponsor for this event, working with civic leaders, the Town of Danville, and Hospice of the East Bay to light the memorial tree for the holidays. Coffee, wine, light appetizers, and cookies will be served. Please visit www.hospiceeastbay.org/ treeoflights for more information on this event. Finally, please note that the Danville Women’s Club has a web page on Facebook now (https://www.facebook.com/DanvilleWomensClub/). Click on EVENTS and find out more about what’s coming up in the Club! The Danville Women’s Club is located at 242 W. Linda Mesa Avenue in Danville, not far from Trader Joe’s. All of the above events will take place there.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
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PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
RANCHO ROMERO ELEMENTARY
ALAMO – IRON HORSE TRAIL CLEAN-UP
By Sandy Kontilis, Principal
Rancho Romero Elementary exploded with activity during October. Our Inclusion and Diversitycommittee set the stage for a month of student, teacher, and community learning centered on “Kindness.” Anti-bullying is promoted nationally and throughout our school district. Students’ art decorated the halls and windows of the campus with “Stomp-Out Bullying” messages. Our TK, Kinder, and first grade students labeled their footprints as “ Every Step You Take” with the theme of “Be a Friend.” Our second and third grade students labeled their footprints as “Reach Out,” and our fourth and fifth grade students labeled their footprints as “Speak Up.” Students engaged in activities throughout the month which encouraged them to be kind to others. The Annual Great California Shakeout on October 18th was the precursor to practicing our school’s disaster and evacuation protocols. To ensure that our students and staff would be safe in a natural disaster such as an earthquake, we practiced for this drill with the support, direction, and expertise of Jack Robertson, retired first responder, and James Corral, SRVUSD Director of Safety and Wellness. The California Shakeout was extremely successful because of our preparation. On-going drills are strategically practiced throughout the year. In November, our campus will practice for a Shelter-in-place and a fire evacuation. Our deeply important character education program, Soul Shoppe,is in full gear. We held a parent information night as parental engagement is essential for the program to be successful. Thank you to the parents who came out to listen to Soul Shoppe’s highly experienced facilitator. Peacemakers, selected students by their peers, are visible at all recesses. Their brightly colored vests can be seen on the Peace Path with students who are trying to “work it out” using “I Messages” and “Clean-Up” vocabulary. Finally, our H alloweenparade was extra special this year because of the musical performance by the Stone Valley Middle School band. Thank you Ben Loomer, SVMS band teacher, for bringing your students to play at our annual parade. Seeing some of our alumni play in the band was an added treat. The superhero theme was apparent with our staff members! Teachers have magical and super powers all year-long, but on Halloween, students were able to visibly see teachers in superhero costumes. As our daylight wanes into dark mornings and crisp evenings, the feel of fall is in the air. Our campus is stunning with the leaves turning red, yellow, and orange. Rancho Romero is not quite ready to say goodbye to autumn, but we look forward to the season ahead.
The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 50 members. The Club’s major on-going activities include: • The Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day at Livorna Park. The event in March 2018 attracted over 700 children and with their parents, grandparents, etc. the crowd was estimated at over 2,500 people. • Support for two RotaCare Free Medical Clinics that provide free health care in our community for uninsured and under-served adults with acute or chronic medical conditions. • Cash and volunteer time for Meals on Wheels. • Renovations at the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. • Renovations at the Choice in Aging Adult Health Day Care in Pleasant Hill. • Support for two Cub Scout packs. • Support for a water-harvesting project in Tanzania. • Contributions to the Rotary International End Polio campaign. • School dictionaries distribution to local third grade students. • •
Support for the Wheelchair Foundation. Roadside cleanup and beautification in Alamo.
Rotary Club of Alamo
JOIN US FOR LUNCH!
Alamo Rotary Club meets at Round Hill Country Club 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays
SPONSORED BY
Brad Gai, RINA Accountancy Corporation “Your Future is Our Focus” www.rina.com
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By Jamie Westgate, Principal
Thanksgiving is upon us, and as we prepare to celebrate all of those things on our lists, I am particularly thankful for the efforts of such a hard-working and loving team of educators at SRVCA. We recently completed our parent/ Memorial Luncheon teacher conferences where goals were set to help students After the loss of a loved one, hosting a memorial Let Russ Belleci & brunch or luncheon in their memory is a wonderful way thrive academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. In to bring people together to celebrate a life well lived. Belleci Family Catering these meetings, it is expected that all students receive a report We understand that this is a difficult time forof you and strengths and areas for improvement. Taking time to discuss these areas in depth take care of your both your family. We are dedicated to making your event totally worry free, after you collaborate withprovides us on a few parents the focus areas needed to shape the child’s heart at home while teachers event food needs. menu decisions. can reinforce them at school. Weddings, I recently read a great article by Mark Gregston about fear-based parenting. In it, Host your memorial luncheon right here at St. Isidore’s . Graduations, To schedule food for your gathering parents are reminded of the following: “It’s okay to admit ‘We’re struggling right now.’ Memorials, We also offer a simple drop off service at your location. Teens will make bad decisions. Parents will make mistakes. But that doesn’t mean you’re Cioppino, call Russ at 925-708-5167 failing. There is not a parent on the planet who has achieved perfection. Let go of your Pasta, & or 925-937-6886 Crab Feeds. fears about projecting a flawless image, and parent your teen in confidence.” Our parent/ Email rizzieb@aol.com Events from teacher conferences provide the time to remind one another that God has entrusted www.bellecifamilycatering.com 50-500. our kids to us knowing they are a work in progress, and the expectation is not to parent perfectly, but with intention and great effort. When we step in to rescue children from hardship, difficulties, or consequences then we disrupt a child’s natural process to recover VOLUNTEER WITH AARP TAX-AIDE FOR and learn from mistakes; it’s a crucial step in one’s development. If the goal is to equip 2019 TAX SEASON children to live in this world as adults, then schools should be places where mistakes Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? happen, consequences are lovingly enforced, and kids recover and do better next time. As adults, we are there to support the process and celebrate the growth! Once this basic AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team step is in place, kids will thrive academically, socially, and spiritually knowing they don’t providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages residing in Contra have to be afraid to face new challenges. Costa County. Tax-Aide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who The month of November also provides our school with the opportunity to thank our are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and Client Facilitators, Veterans who have admirably served our country. With a special chapel designated to who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is those who have served our country, our kids are taught to say thank you for those who in November 2018, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2019. have gone the extra mile on our behalf. If ever there were a group of people who worked Service is from February through April 15, 2019. hard, learned from mistakes, and were equipped to handle life’s challenges, it would be If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer, or call (925) our veterans. Thank you to each of you who have served our country and provided a 726-3199 for additional information. model to our students of what it means to put others before self!
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
Monte Vista (MV) is closing out an incredibly successful October and looking forward to a strong finish for our fall semester. There has been so much happening at MV over the past few weeks that it will be difficult to fit everything in this month’s article. Topping the list of great events at Monte Vista was our incredible Homecoming 2018. Months of planning culminated in a fantastic Homecoming Game which featured a community tailgate party, a pre-game parade featuring a float from each MV class, and the 50th reunion of MV’s Class of 1969. We learned quite a bit from the first graduating class including that the Mustang mascot was actually named after the 1965 Mustang, they had no bells or attendance taken, and our original school motto was “Freedom Means Responsibility.” The evening culminated with a big win over Granada, and we followed up the next evening with an equally spectacular Homecoming Dance. There are so many people to thank for one of our greatest Homecomings in years. I would like to thank our Homecoming liaisons, Christina Cribb and Anika Taylor; MV Activities Director, Tommy Greenless; MV Athletic Director, Andy Popper; Monte Vista 12th Man; MV Athletic Boosters; and all of our parent volunteers and organizations who contributed their time and energy to make this a truly outstanding community event. Lastly, I want to thank MV students for coming together to make Homecoming 2018 a special event. Whether you are on the football team, in the band, in cheer / pom, in leadership, or just came to enjoy the event, you made our Homecoming amazing! That same week, all 10th and 11th graders at MV had the opportunity to take the PSAT, which is a national preparatory exam for the SAT. This was the first time our district offered this opportunity to all sophomores and juniors, and our turnout was fantastic. In 2017, when the exam was given on a Saturday and individual students paid for a space, MV had 442 students take the PSAT. In 2018, with our new approach to administering the exam, 1,239 students took the exam. I am proud of our students for pushing themselves by taking this exam. MV’s Visual and Performing Arts(VAPA) Departments also made October an awesome month. MV’s Drama Department presented the moving play Radium Girls to three packed houses. As always, the acting, set, and overall performance were as good as any professional production. On 10/20, MV’s Marching Band won all categories at the Del Oro Golden Eagle Competition. Monte Vista’s Choir was next up with their Bach to School concerts on 10/29 and 10/30. Once again, these performances played to packed houses and were nothing short of spectacular. In November and December more VAPA performances will be hosted on our campus. Please check the Monte Vista website for tickets and more information. MV Athletics have continued to roll through EBAL competition and into the NCS Playoffs. MV Football is among the best in the area and is prepping for their annual rivalry game with San Ramon Valley. We look forward to hosting a great game, a big Mustang victory, and a return of the Gellerman Trophy to campus. MV Men’s and Women’s Water Polo are also prepping for their regular season finales against arch-rival SRV before making their own NCS playoff runs. MV Volleyball, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country are also all planning to extend their seasons deep into November. I am looking forward to sharing their successes with you in the future. We invite everyone from the MV Community to and support the Mustangs. Our students are doing amazing things – please help us celebrate our success!
ALAMO ELEMENTARY By Stan Hitomi, Principal
With Thanksgiving coming up, it is a good time to thank all of our school leaders for making October a memorable month. Kudos to Carrie Carleton, Michelle Sinnot-Petersen, and Peter Roehm for planning and organizing our annual Hoedown last month! It was a magical evening under the lights with new games in the carnival area and an endless supply of goodies at the cakewalk. What a gift to the children and families of Alamo School! Thank You! As if lightning couldn’t strike twice…the success of our Hoedown was followed two days later by our equally remarkable experience at the SRVEF’s Annual Run-For-Education. For the 8th year in a row, Alamo School was the highest performing school (% registration), matching last year’s total of 285 registrants and a district-leading 79% participation. In the words of a fellow principal, “Your whole school must be here!” Our thanks to Jodee Brydges-Mehranfar for giving her all and leading Alamo School in another record-setting performance. I am looking forward to fulfilling my pledge to our students for reaching our goal! We also had an amazing turnout for the 50th annual PTA Reflections art program last month. A big “Thank You” to Peter Ensrud for chairing this year’s effort that included pieces of art in the categories of dance, photography, visual arts, and literature. Our hats are off to Lobi Powell (PTA) for an innovative, creative, and engaging Red Ribbon Week. Lobi used this year’s theme, “Life is a Journey, Live a Healthy Life,” to create a week full of activities around the theme of travel to educate and encourage students to make good choices for a healthy mind and body. Classroom Focus: 3rd Grade (Teachers: Tina Flores, Amber George, Andrea Fettig) I thought I would take a moment each month to give readers an idea of what is going on in classrooms during the current month. By October/November, our third graders are falling into the routines of the school year. This sweet, compassionate group is deep into the novel Stone Fox by John Gardiner. They are rooting for Little Willy to win the race and help his grandfather keep his small farm from being taken by the tax collectors. Third graders are working on checking for comprehension as they read and figuring out meanings of more challenging words from clues in the text. In math, third graders are learning about measurement used in the rest of the world: the metric system! It is easy to convert grams into kilograms, milliliters into liters, and centimeters into meters since they are base ten measurements. The third grade class has also celebrated small moment stories written in great detail. They have focused on adding dialogue and figurative language to make their writing more descriptive. Besides working hard, third graders have enjoyed working with clay in the art room Serving Alamo & Danville Since and figuring out how to make slides more slick in the science lab.
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Staff at the Blackhawk Museum believes that a museum’s strength comes from its community, and that volunteers are the foundation of the community. Museum volunteers give their free time to enhance the experience of every visitor that comes through the door. Whether providing guided tours to school and adult groups, greeting Museum visitors, representing the Museum at a car show or other special event, fundraising for the Children’s Education and Transportation Fund, or simply lending their real-world expertise to the Museum’s staff. The Blackhawk Museum couldn’t function without their volunteers. If you would like to join a group of enthusiastic people with shared interests, the Museum’s many volunteer opportunities are for you! For more information, visit http://blackhawkmuseum.org/volunteer-form.
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
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ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
ST. ISIDORE IS THANKFUL... By Maria Ward, Principal
November brings us a spirit of gratitude, appreciation, and companionship. At St. Isidore School, we have so much to be grateful for -- students who are engaged and excited to learn, a faculty and staff who is committed and teaches with passion, supportive and giving school families, and a strong parish community. We are grateful for the love and support we receive. Each month, our school celebrates a gospel value. In November, we reflect and celebrate the value of grace. Grace The “Good Old Days” are now! can be displayed through acts of kindness, love, and respect. Grace is to act with understanding and to treat others how you wish to be treated. Rates are better than 50-60 years ago! St. Isidore School will honor our Veterans on Friday, November 9, at 10am The Alison Company at our annual Veterans Day ceremony. This event is a long-standing tradition Nationwide Financing on Commercial Property at St. Isidore School and allows students and community to come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our great nation. Many of our students’ fathers, mothers, grandfathers, uncles, and family friends have Kevin Corstorphine DRE#01944908 served in the armed forces and will join our tribute. Please feel free to join us! 805.845.5200 This month, our students will be partnering with Running with Love. Kevin@alisonmortgage.com Running with Love is a non-profit organization that Alyse Cronin, one of our www.alisonmortgage.com own St. Isidore alumni, founded while she was attending Carondelet High School. Running with Love helps support migrant farm workers in Gonzales, California. Their vision is to enable the children of migrant farm workers to achieve a 100% high school completion rate and be college ready. They focus on removing the environmental barriers that inhibit the children from attending college. Our students will be making Thanksgiving baskets for these wonderful people. Each grade is assigned different items, ranging from cans of corn, peas, and cranberry sauce to Thanksgiving themed paper plates and napkins. This is one of the many ways we try to give back. Please visit www.runningwithlove.com for more information. If you are considering a Catholic school education, we encourage you to visit and see first-hand what makes our school so special. To schedule a tour, please contact the office at (925) 837-2977. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season! the type of application. WIRELESS CARRIERS, Some things the County does have a say on include the type and color of equipment. We can request a ground installation versus a pole mounted MUNICIPALITIES AND YOU installation for equipment, but we must ensure that there is sufficient room for a By Candace Andersen ground installation. We also always request the least intrusive design and mandate The future of cellular service is changing and that all carriers comply with FCC guidelines at all times. We also never allow for affecting neighborhoods as “small cell” applications, to advertising on the equipment. add new cellular equipment to utility poles, are making Residents concerned about a new cell site often point out that they might not their way through municipalities all over the country. need service or that their mobile device works “just fine.” Unfortunately, demand This is significant as it means small cell installations will for wireless service is increasing. More importantly, wireless technology is mobile, be inserted between us as end users and the existing cell and therefore access to such technology has very little to do with demand in any installations that are currently located along roadsides, atop buildings, camouflaged particular neighborhood. It has far more to do with the federal right and ability of in trees, and affixed to large towers. Some of these we notice, and others we don’t. the carrier to provide an adequate signal to mobile users in and traveling through the The challenges of wireless communication remain the same as it has for service area, and not whether a particular user lives in that residential neighborhood. decades. Local jurisdictions have little to no discretion over these new sites as Contra Costa County has a public process in which the community can come carriers are placing them in the rights-of-way of cities and counties because the and voice their concerns through a series of public hearings. However, State California Public Utilities Commission Section 7901 says carriers have the legal and Federal policy makers have limited our reviewing authority. The Federal right do so. Similarly, a wireless facility permit located in the public right of way Communications Commission (FCC) rules passed just this past March exempt of Contra Costa County must be issued if all of the provisions under our County small-cell deployments from certain historic-preservation and environmental Code Sec. 88-24.612 are met. reviews. Another FCC rule slated for a vote soon seeks to lower fees for small-cell What does this mean for the County? What are the limitations on local permit applications and limit the time to review such applications to 60 and 90 days. governments regarding the deployment of wireless networks? What is critical to Cities’ and Counties’ authority over this issue continues to be diminished. understand is that under laws passed by Congress, the County is not permitted to With the legal constraints placed on local government, the County does its best to deny a wireless application based on certain factors. strike an appropriate balance between project application review, regulation, and The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is the federal law which stripped all states recognizing how these applications affect and frustrate residents in the community. and local government of their power to consider potential adverse health impacts On a lighter note, at this time of year we all like to spread some holiday cheer. of Radio Frequent (RF) radiation from cell towers and antennas. Section 704 of the Please join me and my District 2 Staff for some holiday treats. I will be hosting Act states: “No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the a holiday open house on Wednesday, December 12th, from 4PM to 6PM at our placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities Danville office, located at 309 Diablo Road. This is an informal opportunity for on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the me to personally thank so many of you who make a difference throughout Contra extent that such facilities comply with the Commission’s regulations concerning Costa County. such emissions.” This understandably proves frustrating for property owners who My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, believe their health and personal property rights are being infringed upon. which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Another factor the County is not allowed to consider when reviewing an Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we application is the effect on property values. It is not a legally recognized criterion can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County in the local wireless permitting process. The County is also held to a “shot clock.” issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860. All applications must be approved or denied within 60-150 days, depending upon
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
GREAT CLIPS ARRIVES IN BLACKHAWK
By Ray Solnik, franchisee owner, Great Clips
A new Great Clips haircutting location is now open in Blackhawk at the Tassajara Crossing/Safeway shopping center, located at the intersection of Camino Tassajara and Crow Canyon Roads. The store is set between Safeway and Café Meyers. Great Clips now has nearly 80 locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. In fact, Great Clips is the number one brand in the industry with over 4,300 locations nationwide – 50% more than Supercuts, a brand that is more familiar here as it was started in California. This company has changed the haircutting industry forever and for the better for consumers like you.
CLIP NOTES
Great Clips was the first company to capture customer “Clip Notes,” so hair stylists (all are state licensed) may place a description of your haircut into the salon management system. When you return, hair QUICK FACTS ABOUT GREAT CLIPS • #1 retail haircare brand in the U.S. with over stylists refer to the most 4,000 locations recent haircut notes for your • Nearly 80 locations in the Bay Area consultation and haircut • 100% owned by local franchisees quality. Your Clip Notes are • Blackhawk location: now also available at all Great - Tassajara Crossing Shopping Center Clips across the nation. - Hours: Mon-Fri 9 to 9 | Sat-Sun 9 to 6 CHECK-IN ONLINE - Haircut prices: $19 adults, $17 seniors The company innovated and kids under 11 again with an online app $15 haircuts for seniors on Tuesdays yep, an app for haircuts! It and students on Thursdays may be hard to believe, but
over eight million people have downloaded the Great Clips app onto smart phones. In the app, you can see salons in your local area or at any desired destination. The wait time, if there is one, will be displayed, and you may check-in so when you arrive at the salon, you are generally the next customer served. At Great Clips, there are no appointments as we’re making wait times a thing of the past! To check-in online at the Blackhawk location, go to greatclips.com/ salons/2681
VALUE PRICING
Great Clips customers want a great haircut and then want to get back to their active lives. Because the company focuses on haircuts and does not offer color or other salon services, Great Clips hair stylists do more haircuts a day than any other salon brand, and they get REALLY good at it. They can complete a haircut in 15 to 20 minutes that can take others 30+ minutes. That keeps prices low, so you get a great haircut at a great value.
APPRECIATING VETERANS
As a community service, on Veteran’s Day, veterans and current military members may receive a free haircut or free haircut card (redeemable until December 31, 2018). Any customer may ask for a free haircut card to give to a veteran you know.
ABOUT THE OWNER, RAY SOLNIK
I have been living in the Bay Area for 20+ years, and have been a Great Clips franchisee for nine years with locations around the East Bay. Before owning Great Clips, I was a high tech executive. I live with my wife, twin teenage kids, and dog Baxter. The Great Clips store is located at 3478 Camino Tassajara Rd, Suite B, in Danville. You can reach us at 925-718-7118 or visit our website at www. greatclips.com/salons/2681. Come check us out! Advertorial
THE HOUS E OF COUTURE COMES TO DANVILLE
By Sharifa Raouf, The House of Couture
After 25 years in Walnut Creek, The House of Couture has recently relocated to downtown Danville. Come visit us for custom designed evening wear, bridal and bridesmaid attire, men’s suits and shirts, tuxedos, and prom gowns. We also offer custom alterations and tailoring of any garment. Let us help you get that perfect fit! The House of Couture produces garments that are 100% tailored to you. With an eye for design, and over 2,000 distinctive fabrics imported from the world’s finest mills in Italy, England, and France, we can create your dream piece at a reasonable price. We now also carry ready-to-wear dresses and tops in our store. We are located at 130 E. Prospect Ave in Danville. Mention this article for 20% off your holiday-wear alterations. You can reach us at 925-943-1505, or visit our website at www.thehouseofcouture.com. Advertorial
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets for dinner at Crow Canyon Country Club on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club supports blind charities, Sight First, the curing of pediatric cancer, local sight screening, the fight against diabetes, and many local charities. The group has interesting speakers at each meeting. Contact Truman Howard (925) 787-2565 or truman.howard@gmail.com for reservations. Visitors and new members are welcome. For more information, visit www.danvillelionsclub.org.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant located at 600 Hartz Avenue in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner, located at 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch (up to 3x). For more information, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. For information about the group contact Peter Walron at peter.waldron@lfg.com. The Danville Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. For information, contact Bob Chace at bchace@pacbell.net or by phone at (925)838-7007. If you are interested in visiting the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Jim Coleman at coleman_jd@pacbell.net. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM at Crow Canyon Country Club. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets for dinner every Wednesday night at the Blackhawk Country Club in Danville. Networking and social time starts at 6:30PM with the meeting starting at 7PM. For more information, call Bernie at 925-352-2155. You can also visit www. sanramonvalleyrotary.com. Lastly, Rotary Club of San Ramon meets every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm at the Crow Canyon Country Club. For more information, contact Dennis Harvey at dennis@dharveyrealtor.com or 925-519-4748.
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
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VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
CENTENNIAL OF THE GREAT WAR
It was called the Great War and the War to End All War. Now, we call it World War I. It began with an assassination in 1914, America joined in 1917 and, one hundred years ago, hostilities formally ended on November 11, 1918, at 11AM, 11-11-11. The United States was reluctant to join the war, as our longtime allies France and Great Britain urged us to do. President Woodrow Wilson even ran for his second term using the phrase “He kept us out of war.” But the Lusitania was torpedoed, German U-boats attacked many merchant ships, and Americans were infuriated. The notorious Zimmerman Telegram showed that Germans were urging Mexico to attack us from the south. We declared war on April 6, 1917. The war itself was devastating, destroying a whole generation of young men in Europe where, in France and England, 80% of their young men fought. Nine million Europeans died – seven million of them were civilians (with many victims of genocide). There were more fatalities than in World War II. In addition the influenza pandemic added to the trauma. World-wide, an estimated 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 people died of the influenza, about 2-3% of the world’s population. Beginning in a traditional way, the cavalry was viewed as an important part of military plans. Some expected the war to be short, but new armaments were soon deployed: tanks, airplanes, rapid-firing weapons, the Zeppelin, and poison gas. Millions were killed and maimed as trench warfare lasted for years. About four million American families sent children to the war, suffering 116,516 deaths from combat and disease. Thirteen percent of the soldiers were from minorities – African Americans and Native Americans. Columnist Nelda Rego wrote about the Great War in Contra Costa County. When the first local boys left for the military, the “Concord Chamber of Commerce gave them a ravioli dinner at Horgan’s Hall and handed each man a $5 gold piece.” Called Liberty Boys, they went to training camps at Camp Lewis, Washington and Camp Kearney near San Diego. There were plenty of local debates about entering the war prior to 1917. Viola Lynch, a young woman in the first graduating class of San Ramon Valley Union High School in 1914, gave the graduate’s valedictory address. She recalled that it was a long, supportive discussion of the country’s peace movement. Once it started, local workers rode the electric railway to shipyards in north Contra Costa County. Joe Ferreira said he and his dad rode it to Bay Point from 1918-1919, taking about an hour each way. He recalled, “There used to be a group of about 20 of us who’d wait for ‘The Riveter’ which left (from Danville) and took us through Saranap, Walnut Creek, and Clyde. We had to walk a half-mile to the factory.” The train was the Danville Branch of the Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern Railway which came down the boulevard through Danville, then curved east to the new Mount Diablo Country Club. Liberty bonds were sold throughout the country. The May 18, 1918, Contra Costa Gazette announced that Danville had 290 subscribers for a total of $37,100 and received an honor flag. Volunteer salesmen included Charles J. Wood, Theodore Nissan, John F. Baldwin Sr., J. C. Jones, W. R. Meese, Henry C. Hurst, Fred C. Wiedemann, and chairman Frank A. Marshall. When young men from the San Ramon Valley were enlisted and conscripted, their eyes were opened to vastly new experiences. Photos show them in the distinctive war uniform looking jaunty: Jim Root, George Freitas, Tony and Paul Noia, Merton Groom, Lorenz Humburg, Frank Enos, Ed Anderson, Noel Norris, Romie Thorup, Lloyd Wood, and nurse Ella Olsson. Five of these Liberty Boys did not come back. George Freitas of Danville died from the flu/pneumonia on a ship in the Atlantic returning from Europe. Lloyd Wood of San Ramon died of war-wound complications at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco. Peter Byers of Tassajara and Simeon Anderson of San Ramon died on the Western Front on 9/28/1918. And, William Peterson of Danville died in a New York hospital of measles/flu while based at Camp Mills waiting to ship out to Europe. A 1922 plaque from the Danville Women’s Club, now located at the corner of the Veterans Memorial Building, lists the five men. So much of today’s world view began with the Great War’s end. America became the leading advocate for democracy worldwide. Four great empires fell apart: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, Russian, and German. The contributions of colonial troops from Asia and AfricaGeorge Freitas from Danville. weakened European control, and Wilson’s promise of “self-determination” planted the seeds for the end of colonialism. It was the start of the American Century and helped define what it meant to be an American. After the Great War, taxes were assessed by Contra Costa County, and each community with an American Legion Post was able to build a Memorial Hall. In 1926, the Danville Legion Hall was dedicated to honor Great War veterans. It served and serves the community, providing a library for 25 years, meeting spaces for scouts, seniors and others, and a place for the Legion Follies, events, and dances. From November 1 to December 30th, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley will provide an exhibit which features the end of the Great War and the Spanish Flu, titled The War to End All Wars: The Great War Centennial. See the web site at museumsrv.org for more information. On 11-11-2018 at 11AM there will be a special ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville, honoring the Centennial. It is a collaboration between the veterans and the museum. There will be a color guard, greetings from the Mayor, poems from WWI writers, a short history of the SRV Liberty Boys who died, a bugle playing taps, and a bell rung 11 times. Please join us then in remembering The Great War.
JAMES NOE NAMED 2018 ALAMO CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
James A. Noe, a longtime Alamo resident, has been selected as the 2018 Alamo Citizen of the Year. Jim is a very well deserving recipient of this honor and was recognized for his outstanding and tireless efforts in making an impact on Contra Costa County’s (CCC) impoverished communities. Jim becomes the 33rd Alamo citizen recognized since the Rotary Club of Alamo began the program in 1985. In presenting the award, Steve Polcyn, past president of the Rotary Club of Alamo and the 2017 Alamo Citizen of the Year, stated: “Jim epitomizes the Rotary slogan of Service Above Self. He has helped alleviate human suffering and provided for the neediest individuals in our greater community.” After retiring in 2006 Jim threw himself into full-time volunteer work serving as a Board Member and Board President at Shelter, Inc. and as an active volunteer at Loaves and Fishes of CCC, working quietly to help provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to people in need. Jim also served as a Board Member and Board President at Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) of CCC. Under Jim’s leadership, SVdP grew and expanded its services to meet needs Jim recognized in the community including building the SVdP Free Dining Room in Pittsburg. The dining room now serves over 120 meals per day, over 31,000 meals per year! Jim also helped SVdP respond to the needs of the uninsured in CCC. He helped build, and later expand a four-exam-room clinic at SVdP’s Pittsburg Family Resource Center. Jim developed the partnership with the Rotary Club of Alamo and 10 other local Rotary Clubs and RotaCare Bay Area, which provides the clinic license and malpractice insurance for volunteer physicians and nurses, to open the clinic. With Jim’s leadership, the RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic provides health care and referrals to uninsured adults with acute or chronic medical conditions. The free medical clinic has provided over 10,000 patient visits to uninsured CCC residents. Jim is almost always the first person to say, “Yes, I can help,” when presented with any kind of problem affecting impoverished members of our community, his efforts are essential to the nearly 150,000 people served by St. Vincent de Paul, Loaves and Fishes and Shelter, Inc. of CCC each year. The Rotary Club of Alamo meets at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo, at 12:15PM on Wednesdays.
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
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5 beds | 5.5 baths including guest house | approx. 5600 sq. ft.
Newly built exquisite estate. Home theater, sparkling pool and spa, 4 car garage. Magnificent views! 1700ReliezValley.com | $3,575,000
Spectacular Views! Luxurious gated estate, Black bottom saltwater pool, wine tasting room, vineyard and bocce court. 564ElPintado.com | $3,345,000
Best Decision Ever.
Outstanding In Her Field.
“Celeste provided exceptional guidance beginning with our first meeting and continuing throughout the entire process.
“I’ve known a lot of Real Estate Professionals, and I suppose that like any other field, there are a lot of people that are licensed within the profession. So, the real question is, how do I know who is good, who I should avoid, and who is outstanding in their field. We ask friends and neighbors, those whose opinions we value, in this internet age we look to feedback from others who might know. Celeste is in every way outstanding in her field, she is patient and understanding during what is likely one of the most stressful times in our lives; but just as important, maybe more important, is her integrity. While you will find a myriad of people who are willing to take your business, Celeste is in a class above the rest, and provides the highest quality of service I’ve ever seen. So, were someone to ask me who to contact, I would recommend Celeste without hesitation.”
She developed a marketing strategy that was perfectly aligned to the local real estate environment which directly contributed to multiple offers. Following acceptance of an offer, the buyer’s agent presented several matters of contention in an attempt to weaken the sale. Celeste’s experience, knowledge and extraordinary attention to detail successfully defended every challenge. Above all Celeste possesses a naturally warm personality and an unwavering positive attitude which provided welcome support throughout the entire process.” ~ CKEGRS
~ ITNOTC
Celeste Pacelli 925.395.1511 celeste@celestepacelli.com Lic 01862387 celestepacelli.com
Coming Soon!
1318 Chapel Avenue, San Leandro 4 beds | 3 baths | approx. 2200 sq. ft.
See Celeste’s 52 client reviews on Zillow.com To receive Up-To-Date Market Analysis Reports, email me today.
PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
CRYSTAL MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE - MARSEILLE TO BARCELONA
By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel & Tours
My wife and I had the opportunity to be Signature Travel Network hosts on a fantastic Crystal Mediterranean cruise. We enjoyed a pre-cruise in Switzerland, then cruised from Marseille, France to Barcelona, Spain. We love Crystal Cruises, and this was our fourth cruise on the highly awarded all-inclusive cruise line which holds more awards from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler than any other cruise line. For years, they offered ocean cruising only. However, they now also offer great river cruises and a Crystal yacht as well. We flew into Zurich, then went to Lucerne, a beautiful city with picturepostcard views. We took a cable car for mountain views and enjoyed Swiss fondue before departing for Marseille where we spent a night at the Intercontinental, an excellent Signature hotel, before boarding the ship. After departing Marseille, our first port was Antibes, a beautiful French Rivera location. We love Antibes and its great beaches. Since we had recently been there, we decided to take a tour to Cannes. Our next port was Genoa, Italy from which we enjoyed visiting the scenic coastal towns
QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle
CANDYTOPIA
Do you remember a commercial with Martha Stewart showcasing a gorgeous mosaic at the bottom of her huge swimming pool? In 1994, American Express came out with a new credit card, and Martha Stewart pitched it with a tongue-in-cheek ad telling her audience that this new credit card will outperform all others. But, don’t throw out those old credit cards; you can put them to good use. “Recycle them!” Martha quips, scissors in her hand, as she’s cutting up a huge pile of plastic credit cards. The camera pans to a beautiful almost finished mosaic in her swimming pool made with credit card shards. “It’s a good thing,” the queen of craft says at the end of the commercial. Another good thing is Candytopia, a new pop-up located in San Francisco, a tribute to “confectionery bliss.” Instead of credit card pieces, as in Martha’s pool, Candytopia is a series of interactive art installments in eleven environments, filled with candy, candy, and more candy. Replicas of Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup and Marilyn Monroe, sculptures of flying unicorns, a candy aquarium among other creations are painstakingly made with thousands of pieces of candy. On a recent visit, I met with John Goodman, CEO of Candytopia. Goodman credits his partner, Jackie Sorkin who is behind the candy art: “She brought this enthusiasm about a candy wonderland where people could interact with the candy and the environment.” The San Francisco pop-up is the fifth Candytopia location, and according to Goodman, it is one of his favorites. “San Francisco is the hub of so many new ideas and concepts. From technology to art, it is such and exciting city, and we felt that people would really embrace Candytopia here.” Candytopia S.F. ushered through 30,000 people in their first three weeks. John Goodman mentioned, “We have refined the process of building the museum, and this is an area where my partner, Zac (Hartog), who has background in set design and production, excels. Zac and his team can build the most intricate and interactive environments in any space and in limited time. It’s truly unbelievable what he can do.”
www.yourmonthlypaper.com of Santa Margarita and Portofino. Porto Venere, Italy was our next stop. Porto Venere is a little known port but is a stepping-off point for Cinque Terra, a beautiful area featured in vast numbers of travel photographs and a place I long-wanted to visit. We really enjoyed the tour which visited three of the five cities. Another memorable stop was Ajaccio, Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon. We next visited Palma, capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca and home to the massive Santa María cathedral, a landmark begun in the 13th century. Along the way, in addition to the fine Crystal food, we enjoyed the local cuisine. France, Italy, and Spain have outstanding cuisine. The cruise ended in Barcelona, one of our favorite stops. Barcelona is a beautiful, cultured city with many attractions including the best known one, Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. It is a site everyone should visit. We hated to have the cruise end, but we are already looking forward to our next Crystal cruise, our first Crystal river cruise. For over 37 years, Alamo World Travel & Tours has been taking care of all your travel needs. Luxury, Standard, or Custom Travel; Cruises; River Cruises; Tours and Resorts for individuals or groups. Please visit our office at 3201 Danville Blvd. Suite 255 in Alamo, call me at 925-837-8742 ext. 14, email me at mike@alamoworld.com, or check out our website at www.alamoworld. com. Ask us, we’ve been there. Advertorial
Come to the River Cruise & Safari Night November 8, 6:30PM
Forbes Mill Steakhouse. African Travel & Uniworld River Cruises will be there. Wine and Hors d’oeuvres, Travel Discounts, and Prizes.
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The “Candy Gang” trio opened their first Candytopia in Southern California and came up with the concept after a weekend spent in Hermosa Beach brainstorming about their ideas. Goodman says, “It takes a village to set up a Candytopia, from finding the real estate with our exacting needs, to handling the freight and trucking of the sets, loading and installing it all in time for opening day, it’s quite exhilarating. The greatest reward, and the reason we do everything we do, is the hundreds of thousands of smiles we help create. Seeing grandparents and grandchildren swimming through a marshmallow pit holding hands, or a couple on their first date inspecting our candy Sphinx, there’s nothing like knowing you’ve helped create those moments. We’ve created Candytopia to bring happiness to people’s lives. We’ve put in all the hard work to provide 60-90 minutes of carefree fun.” Candytopia is located at 767 Market Street, San Francisco and is open through Sunday, January 6, 2019. Buy tickets online at Candytopia.com. Adults: $34, kids ages 4years-12years: $26. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long-term Danville resident, is inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
Sisters Lena and Margo Weber relax in a giant pool of marshmallows.
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
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PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
LE BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU EST ARRIVÉ
By Monica Chappell
WHAT IS IT?
At one-minute past midnight on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau is officially released. There aren’t many wines that provoke a reaction as strong as Beaujolais Nouveau. You either love it or hate it. Just a few weeks old and barely through fermentation, this grapey wine has become, for better or worse, a worldwide phenomenon.
Loved for its simplicity, Beaujolais Nouveau is fruity and ready to drink. It is amazing to realize that just weeks before this wine’s release it was a cluster of grapes in a grower’s vineyard, and within six weeks after the harvest, the wine is shipped quickly around the world. It has become a worldwide race to be the first to serve to this new wine of the harvest. In doing so, it has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, and runners to get it to its final destination.
THE DEBATE
Beaujolais Nouveau provokes debate among amateurs and connoisseurs. From the connoisseur’s standpoint, Beaujolais Nouveau has three strikes against it. The grapes come from the less distinguished vineyards in the Beaujolais region. They’re picked early, before they have time to develop
TVC continued from front page
sufficient natural sugar and flavor. And the wine is almost always consumed in infancy, before it can develop enough complexity to be taken seriously. For others, drinking Beaujolais is a casual endeavor and doesn’t demand deep thought or deep pockets.
HOW TO SERVE IT
This wine is meant to be drunk upon release and appears on shelves timed perfectly for Thanksgiving dinner. Beaujolais Nouveau should be served at “cellar temperature,” slightly chilled (cool, not cold) to bring out its cherry flavor. It goes with a wide variety of foods and pairs well with rich and fatty foods because the high acidity of the wine cuts through them perfectly. Its fruitiness is terrific as a counterpoint to spicy dishes as well as grilled sausages and soft goat cheese.
CRU WINES TO TRY
If you consider basic Beaujolais a bit lightweight, look to crus Beaujolais from the region’s top 10 villages. While the grape remains the same—Gamay Noir—the quality is typically several notches above that of a Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages. Some to look for include Louis Jadot Fleurie, Georges Duboeuf Jean Ernest Descombes Morgon, and Joseph Drouhin Brouilly. No one claims it is wine worth a critic’s review, but Beaujolais Nouveau has won the hearts of consumers. Maybe it is a long way from the pinnacle of what wine can be, but it is a wonderful reminder of what wine is; so, give this juicy wine a try and toast to the new vintage. Monica Chappell is a local wine writer and educator and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
canine family, have to shelter? The 2013 Morgan Fire on Mount Diablo brought rebirth to wildflowers, but sent animals scurrying for safety while the blaze burned. Ferguson notes that worldwide the length of the wildfire season increased 18.7% from 1979 t0 2013. “As for the western United States, a review of Forest Service records shows that the wildfire season today is longer than it was in 1972 by an astonishing 75 days – about 10 weeks.” In 2014, TVC partnered with other area organizations including Save Mount Diablo, Sierra Club, and Greenbelt Alliance to preserve Doolan Canyon, an important wildlife corridor connecting Livermore and Dublin with Mount Diablo and beyond. Dublin voters rejected the project proposal planned to replace the scenic home of rare and threatened species ranging from soaring golden eagles to flitting Callippe silverspot butterflies with 1,990 houses, dozens of additional buildings, and the essential network of roads and infrastructure to support them. Burrowing owls, threatened inhabitants of Doolan Canyon, are finding themselves homeless. Anderson relates, “Despite their predicament, these peculiarly long-legged owls are known for enthusiastically greeting visitors by nodding or dancing for them. Cowboys used to call them the ‘howdy birds’ since they could always be counted on for a friendly hello, even in a lonely landscape. TVC continues to protect the tradition of viticulture in the Livermore Valley through conservation easements. (photo by Beth Wilson) Even though they are only about 10 inches tall, these native birds are fantastic natural pest controllers.” They nest in burrows abandoned by other species being driven from grasslands by encroaching development. The TVC Burrowing Owl Project will build owl condos on 78 acres. Do you value recreational opportunities? TVC is working on a trail connection through five parks, creating a 44-mile regional trail from Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore to Mission Peak in Fremont. In order to have the least impact on wildlife and parkland, construction is slated to commence in August 2019. Anderson explains the importance of the connected trails creating “exponential recreation opportunities, drawing more people to parks through more possibilities and access to exercise and adventure. Without people connecting to the land and what it has to offer – a place to play, nature, gorgeous views, fresher air, and cleaner water – they may not understand why it’s so crucial that we protect it before it’s gone.” By the 1960s, rapidly advancing urban sprawl was transforming East Bay communities previously composed of orchards and ranch-land into clusters of housing developments. Five years after Danville incorporated in 1982, and four years after San Ramon did likewise in 1983, the South Livermore Valley Steering Committee formed to create a plan that would preserve sufficient open space to ensure the continuation of the area’s tradition of viticulture and the availability of locally grown food by equitably regulating future development. In 1994, the South Livermore Valley Agricultural Land Trust initiated that plan with the goal of preserving a minimum of 5,000 acres. Bill Hoppes moved to Livermore in the 1990s, in time to serve on the original Board of Directors. Involved in the land trust movement since 1983, Hoppes writes: “Probably most importantly, the Trust is a unique public-private partnership that is conserving land and an industry in the very teeth of some of the most intense development pressure imaginable.” Building on its foundation as an advocate for agriculture, TVC continues to preserve open space by securing conservation easements on both private and public land. The voluntary legal agreement may cover the entire property or a portion of the property such as a section providing crucial habit for threatened or endangered indigenous animals or plants. By restricting the use of the acreage encompassed by the easement, landowners retain the ability to own and pass on their holdings to their heirs while permanently protecting the space from inappropriate development. Anderson describes the win-win proposition, “We all need air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and a place to live. Land provides all of that and so much more. But as our populations grow, so do the demands on finite space.” She continues, “A single property with the right management plan can even support both nature and agriculture, allowing for the critical multi-functionality that our limited space requires.” What does managed care of properties with conservation easements entail? See TVC continued on page 26
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CLIP NOTES
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
By Jody Morgan
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The Native Americans who crashed the Pilgrims first harvest celebration hadn’t ALL TREE WORK been raised in the traditions of European hospitality, but they definitely didn’t Present coupon & receive discount. TREE & LANDSCAPING CO. come empty-handed. The five deer they delivered were greatly appreciated as an TREE REMOVAL, addition to the fowl bagged by the Pilgrims. Although cranberries grew wild in the STUMP GRINDING, area, the Pilgrims would not have served them in any of the versions of cranberry TOPPING, TRIMMING, 45 YEARS EXPERIENCE SHAPING, LANDSCAPE, sauce that are staples of our current Thanksgiving meals. Sugar was not in stock in LAWN MAINTENANCE cwtreeservice.com Plymouth Plantation larders. If the settlers ingested cranberries during their 1621 Lic #724531 • Insured PL & PD Workmans Comp. Insured Thanksgiving repast, they may have eaten them in pemmican, a Native American FREE WOOD CHIP MULCH 25 yards & free delivery Call For Your FREE Estimate concoction made of dried berries, animal fat, and meat. Contemporary writers describing the bounty of New England list a number of edible berries that could be enjoyed with no added sweetener. John Pory, tasked with assessing the settlement at New Plymouth for the Virginia Company, visited not long after the original Thanksgiving. He was on his way back to England in 1622 following a three-year posting as Secretary to the Governor and Council of Virginia. Following his account of the abundance of fish and water fowl, he wrote to the Earl of Southwick: “Touching their fruit, I will not speak of their meaner sort, such as rasps [raspberries], gooseberries, strawberries, delicate plums, and others. But they have commonly throughout the country five several sorts of grapes, some whereof I tasted, being fairer and larger than any I ever saw in the South Colony …” Having no scientific names for the berries they encountered, early visitors to New England called species similar to those found in the Old World by familiar common names. Blueberries, indigenous to the New World, were referenced as bilberries, a related species found in Europe. Regional appellations for the same fruit are whortleberry and hurtleberry. Blackberry vines growing in New England were listed as dewberries. Legend credits German settlers with naming cranberries “kranbeere” because the flower resembles a crane’s head. The first edition of William Wood’s New England Prospect appeared in 1634. Wood spent four years living in New England before returning to England in 1633. In his chapter headed “Of the Herbs, Fruits, Woods, Waters, and Minerals” he states, “There is likewise strawberries in abundance, very large ones, some being two inches about; one may gather half a bushel in a forenoon. In other seasons there be gooseberries, bilberries, rasperries, treackleberries, hurtleberries, currants – which being dried in the sun are little inferior to those that our grocers sell in England.” What is a “treacleberry?” John Jossylyn printed New England’s Rarities Discovered in 1672 following an eight-year residence in Massachusetts. He had earlier spent over a year in the colony in 1638. He lists “Solomons-Seal, of which there is three kinds; the first common in England, the second Virginia Solomons-Seal, and the third, differing from both, is called Treacle Berries, having the perfect taste of Treacle [a super-sweet syrup] when ripe; and will keep good a long while; certainly a very wholesome Berry, and medinicinable.” False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), also called False Spikenard and Treacleberry, is native to moist woodlands on both coasts of North America. It thrives in the coolest parts of the Bay Area. While the flowers of true Solomon’s-Seal form in the leaf axils, the fragrant white blossoms of False Solomon’s Seal appear in terminal clusters opening from May into June. The berries are not necessarily as sweet as early explorers suggest. Modern recipes for treacleberry jelly, jam, and sauce use lots of sugar. In Wildflower Folklore, Laura C. Martin explains, “Late in summer, the plant produces mottled red berries, round and juicy. Enjoyed by ruffled grouse and a few other species of birds, these berries are edible, but rather bitter.” Palates in the early 17th century were not yet transformed by easy access to sugar. Possibly berries we find sour seemed sweeter to the settlers, just as the taste of treacleberries modern writers dismiss as bitter delighted Europeans of the era. New England Indians called cranberries “sasumuneash.” They used the berries in medicinal as well as culinary preparations. Cranberry farming became economically viable in the early 19th century following Henry Hall’s 1816 observation that sand blowing over the bogs increased berry production. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed November 26th as the first Thanksgiving Day perpetuated as our annual national holiday. Cranberry sauce made its first documented debut on the Thanksgiving table in 1864 when General Ulysses Grant The Veteran’s Memorial Building in Partnership with the Town of Danville Presents ordered it served to Union soldiers.
707-552-8733 925-229-4999
DANVILLE-ALAMO GARDEN CLUB
NOV 10 | NOV 11 | NOV 12 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. • 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. • 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Danville-Alamo Garden Club (DAGC) meets on the second Thursday of the month between September and June, starting at 9:15am, at the Alamo Women’s Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. The public is welcome with a guest fee of $10. On November 8th, the speaker will be Shawna Anderson who produces creative and beautiful containers of all kinds at Orchard Nursery in Lafayette. She is a well-known and appreciated presenter in the area. Let her inspire you to plant containers to their best advantage for the look you want. If you have any questions, email membershipvp@dagc.us or visit www.dagc.us.
WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB
The November 12 program of the Walnut Creek Garden Club features Barbara Gordon, National Garden Clubs Master Flower Show Judge. Barbara will inspire the group with creative and unique holiday floral designs. The talk/meeting takes place at Heather Farm, located at 1540 Marchbanks Road, in Walnut Creek. The business meeting begins at 9:45AM followed by social time at 10:30AM and the program at 11AM. Everyone is welcome. For questions, email mslittle44@gmail.com.
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
JOIN US FOR THIS 3-DAY OPEN HOUSE COMMEMORATING THE END OF WORLD WAR 1 Also recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam Tet Offensive Event features displays and artifacts honoring the service of our nation's veterans which will be of interest to the general public - young and old.
VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526 | (925) 362-9806 For more information visit vmbsrv.org
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a constantly video-recorded space. With proximity to police headquarters and video recording, the goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more about the safe zone, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
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PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
Have you struggled with deciding which electronic devices to bring with you when you travel? Do you have a home-based business and want to work from a local coffee shop, and haven’t found the right combination of products to make it work? I’ve struggled with the same questions and will share what I’ve found. The first big question is whether you need to bring a full laptop computer to perform the majority of your daily duties. If you’re a light user, perhaps you can get away using a tablet or even a large smartphone. As more of our applications and data have gone towards the cloud, it matters less and less which type of computer you prefer. Except for a few specific vertical applications that we use, such as Quickbooks or an industry application that still runs locally on your computer, most everything can be done equally well from either a Mac or a PC. Assuming you’re mainly a Microsoft Office type of user needing to use email all day, I might challenge you to consider trying out a tablet. Other than being able to access vertical applications, the big obstacle to using a tablet is that most data is all sitting on your desktop or laptop hardisk, which means you’re stuck. But what if we could inexpensively and securely move that data to the cloud, allowing you to access your data from literally any device you use? That’s what I’m doing now, and it is extremely convenient. I love the freedom of having everything I need no matter which device I use. And I love being unchained from lugging around a computer. As all of my data is now cloud-based, I’m able to use my iPad as my primary device. However, I’ve been very disappointed by both the keyboards Apple offers and the majority of those I’ve found for sale online. The problem with tablet keyboards
is that they’re terrible for good typists like myself. They have those miserable little “Chiclet” keys, the home keys on the keyboard are ill-defined, and there is very little ‘travel’ on the keys when pressed. My productivity is far less when I am constantly back-spacing to rewrite mis-typed sentences. With that in mind, I went searching. I found a keyboard that fit my criteria. Actually, it was the only keyboard that fit my criteria, which was surprising. It’s a Bluetooth keyboard that pairs easily, and it supports three separate Bluetooth connections. That feature enables you to pair it to your phone, tablet, and computer, switching between them with a keystroke. But what I love about the keyboard is that it appears to be modeled after the legendary Dell keyboard that they ship with their desktop computers. It has the same scooped keys, travel, feel, and a 10-key pad on the right side. It works very well. The next challenge was finding a good stand for my tablet. Again, I’ve been very disappointed with the wimpy stands and covers that come from Apple, so I went searching and found a terrific substitute. I want something portable, but that wouldn’t collapse and drop my iPad. The stand I found says it’s for the iPhone, but it fits both iPhone and iPad and works great. It has an adjustable carrier to tilt your device to the right angle. A little carveout at the bottom allows you to charge it while you’re working. If you’re interested, in either item, here are the Amazon product links: https://tinyurl.com/pcio-stand, and https://tinyurl.com/pcio-keyboard. The total cost for both was $41.98. As a test, I took my iPad and new accessories down to Starbucks and worked for a couple of hours to see if I missed having my laptop. The verdict is in; it worked like a champ. Because I chose the smaller iPhone stand, I have to be a bit more mindful about knocking my tablet, but it’s not a big concern. Cloud computing is changing the way we work. If you’d like to investigate how you can travel more lightly and productively, call me for a chat at 925-552-7953 option 1, or email info@pcioit.com. Advertorial
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RETIREMENT ADVICE
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
By Robert Cucchiaro
Fall in Danville and Alamo is my favorite time of year. After a hot summer, I look forward to the change in temperature, the holiday season, and the MLB playoffs/World Series that consume all of my TV time in October. But while most people think of April as “tax season,” real tax pros know that tax season takes place in the fall. If you’re a regular reader of my columns, you know that tax planning cannot be done in March or April; the time to do it is now (October - December). To reiterate why tax planning is so important, there are two things you should know as we head into the end of 2018: a) The amount you pay in taxes is not fixed, and it is not the same for everyone who receives the same amount of income. Small business owners and those with significant after-tax investments (brokerage accounts and rentals) tend to be the ones most in need of guidance because they can take advantage of the rules and avoid overpaying their taxes. b) A significant change in our tax code has taken effect and will show up for the first time when you file your 2018 tax return. With that in mind, here are five actionable strategies that can help you manage your income tax exposure in 2018: 1. Estimate your 2018 tax bill – Ask your tax advisor or financial planner for a 2018 tax projection so you will at least know where you stand. Do this now so you still have time to plan based on the results. 2. Maximize deductions to 401k’s, FSAs, and HSAs – The maximum contribution for an individual into their 401k plan is $18,500 this year, plus those over age 50 can add an additional $6,000 catch-up contribution. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are additional ways to fund pre-tax savings. The FSA limit is $2,650, and the HSA limit is $6,900 for a family and $3,450 for an individual. All of these accounts are funded pre-tax which means they lower your tax-bill considerably. 3. Establish a donor advised fund – If you have any large unrealized gains in your brokerage account AND you normally give donations to charity at yearend, combine the two by establishing what’s called a donor advised fund (DAF) and funding it with appreciated stock. This provides two big tax benefits in one as you get a tax deduction for funding the DAF and you avoid capital gains taxes when the stocks are sold inside of the DAF. This could also be a great way to trim your portfolio and reduce risk if you have a few funds that have performed really well and you haven’t rebalanced because you fear taking the tax hit. 4. Consider a Roth IRA conversion – If your income will be lower in 2018 than it normally is or than what you expect it to be in the future, take advantage by converting some or all of your IRA into a Roth. You will pay taxes on the conversion now, but the Roth will grow tax-free forever and produce tax-free income for you in retirement. 5. Donate all or part of your RMDs directly to charity – Once you turn 70.5 years old, the IRS forces you to start making withdrawals from your retirement plans (401K/403B/IRA). These withdrawals are called required minimum distributions (RMDs). These get added to your income, pushing up your adjusted gross income and reducing the value of certain itemized deductions. The IRS allows you to donate up to $100K per year of RMDs direct to charity, and this strategy can help lower your taxes. Plus, under the new tax law, your charitable contributions might not even count, so there is all the more reason to give away RMD money and lower your tax bill. We are proud of the fact that our office in Danville has three Certified Financial Planning Professionals on-site, and we are here to help families in Danville and Alamo make better financial decisions. Visit our website, give us a call at 925-927-1900, or email me at rob@swrpteam.com. Robert Cucchiaro is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Summit Wealth & Retirement, a financial planning firm that has been serving Danville for over 30 years. Summit Wealth has three Certified Financial Planners (CFP®), a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), an MBA and a Tax Director (EA) all on staff and in Danville. Visit us at www.summitwealthandretirement.com. Advertorial
IS IT TIME FOR AN ESTATE PLANNING REVIEW?
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
People are often warned about how important it is to establish a comprehensive estate plan. But some are under the misconception that once they do so, they can simply place their estate planning documents in a file cabinet and ignore them. Generally, I advise my clients to have their estate plans reviewed every 3-5 years or sooner if anything material changes with their personal or financial circumstances, people they’ve nominated to serve in key positions, and/or their wishes as to the key provisions in their documents. Changes in the law can wreak havoc with your estate plan or render it much less effective than it should be. A prime example involves the major Federal Estate Tax changes in 2013 (and others in 2018). These changes make it very important to conduct a review, particularly for married couples. One or more of the following serious consequences often result from failing to have one’s estate plan reviewed by experienced legal counsel on a regular basis – before death or incapacity: 1) the wrong person ends up with legal authority to handle your financial and/or medical affairs; 2) all or some of your assets will be subject to probate; 4) your desired beneficiaries will not receive assets you want them to receive on your death; 5) young adult beneficiaries will inherit from you before they are mature enough to handle the inheritance; 6) unnecessary income tax and/or estate tax will diminish the amount of assets your loved ones will inherit; 7) expensive and burdensome litigation – for example, a Trust or Will contest – will be filed; and/or 8) valuable relationships among your loved ones will be damaged or destroyed. Below is just one simple example of a case I handled a few years ago that illustrates how problems can occur when someone’s life changes materially, and he/ she does not engage in an estate planning review [I’ve changed the names and
facts to keep my client anonymous]. I represented Roger, an only child, whose parents divorced decades ago. In 1998, Roger’s mother, Regina, remarried a guy named Fred. In 2004, Regina established a Trust that provided, in pertinent part, that Regina’s $500K IRA would go to Fred, and she submitted a beneficiary designation to the IRA custodian (financial institution), listing her Trust as IRA beneficiary. In 2006, Regina divorced Fred. Regina (who didn’t like to spend money on lawyers) made a critical mistake: she never went to her estate planning attorney to review her estate plan after divorcing Fred. Thus, she never amended her Trust and never changed the IRA beneficiary designation before she died in 2014. Following her divorce from Fred, most attorneys would have: a) advised Regina to submit a new beneficiary designation form to the IRA custodian, designating the desired individual - her son, Roger - as beneficiary; and b), prepared an amendment to Regina’s Trust to delete the provision under which Fred would receive the IRA. After Regina died, and while I was helping Roger administer Regina’s Trust, Fred’s attorney asserted that, pursuant to the Trust provision, Fred was entitled to the IRA. Fortunately, helpful legal defenses I raised ultimately persuaded Fred’s attorney not to pursue the claim, so Roger received the IRA per his mother’s wishes. Regina undoubtedly believed she saved money by not going to an attorney to review her estate plan after her divorce. Instead, her failure to do so caused Roger to spend several times the amount Regina “saved.” Roger was lucky because had circumstances been a bit different, Roger could easily have suffered much more substantial financial harm, inconvenience, and anxiety. Is it time for a review? Estate Planning |Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET
November means autumn, colorful foliage, and Thanksgiving! Please join us and your neighbors in experiencing the live music and family-oriented activities at the Market, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us. The Alamo Farmer’s Market is located in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd near Bank of America in Alamo. It is open Sundays, 9AM – 2PM. There is plenty of free parking and live music! Make the market part of your Sunday, every Sunday!
EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY
What is Smart911? Smart911 is free and allows you to provide valuable information about yourself and your family to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders in the event of an emergency call. If a disaster strikes, first responders can have vital information such as home access information, utility shut off information, bedroom location, and pet information. At a time when seconds count, being able to provide 9-1-1 with details that could impact response the second an emergency call is placed could be the difference between life and death. Now is the time to create a Safety Profile for your family at www.smart911.com. Ready.gov. Ready.gov provides age-appropriate tools and resources to introduce conversations about disaster preparedness including a downloadable family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and guidelines on how to make preparedness a year-round activity. Ready.gov has made it simple for you to make a family emergency plan. Download their “Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids,” and fill out the sections before printing or emailing to your family and friends. Please Google FEMA “Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids.” Communications. Due to disaster damages and heavy phone traffic, it is often easier to communicate with someone that is out-of-state during an emergency. Therefore, choose a long-distance relative or close friend that your family will all contact if separated. Teach your household to use this number as a form of communicating and letting one know that the other is safe. Lastly, don’t forget to talk with your out-of-state contact to make them aware of the plan and ensure they are comfortable with this role. To start your emergency communication plan, plan where to go. Plan together in advance so that everyone in the household understands where to go during a
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steps,” says MaKieve. “A subsequent community conference helped to identify the needs of this isolated part of our community and revealed that the stigma of mental illness is complicated by shame, guilt, and fear. The overwhelming need that came out of the conference was to have available safe and supportive groups where people dealing with mental illness could reveal their stories and engage in social support with others dealing with similar situations Whether we are aware or not, families and individuals with mental health challenges live within our community, many in isolation and silence,” continues MaKieve. “We know the numbers: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that 1 in 5 adults will experience a diagnosable mental illness in a life time, and 1 in 25 will live with a serious mental illness. At Temple Isaiah alone, a congregation of 800 families or about 2,000 individuals, those numbers tell us that we could have 400 congregates with a mental illness and 80 with a serious mental illness. That’s a lot of silence.” MaKieve’s committee initiated the first support group in 2009, and the group has been meeting monthly since that time. While her work to end the isolation of individuals and their families that struggle with mental illness is far from over, the support group is a start - giving individuals a place to reveal their stories and share their suffering within a framework of total acceptance. The group is facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, Rosemarie Frydman, and a NAMI certified trainer, Karen Cohen. P’tach Libeynu: Open our Hearts Where meets the fourth Monday of each month (December excluded) at the Temple Isaiah Talmud Torah Center (TTC) lower campus education building in room 204 (second floor). For more information, visit www.openourhearts.net.
different type of disaster like a earthquake or wildfire. Designate a meeting place that your family will immediately go to when disaster strikes. The place you choose should be outside your neighborhood in the event that it is not safe to return to your home or stay in its surrounding areas. Each family member should be capable of reciting the address of the meeting place or locating it on their own if need be. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Collect information. Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family that includes phone numbers (work, cell, office), email, social media, medical facilities, doctors, service providers, and school. Share information. Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board. Practice your plan. Have regular household meetings to review your emergency plans, communication plans and meeting place after a disaster, and then practice, just like you would a fire drill. To protect vital digital documents and pictures, look for services that backup your data and provide “versioning” of your documents. Visit PC Magazines rating for some of these services for 2018 at www.pcmag.com/ roundup/306323/the-best-cloud-storage-providers-and-file-syncing-services. Please visit www.fema.gov/media-library and www.ready.gov for their vast amount of resources including PDF documents and videos. Look for guides and emergency plans for your families, pets, seniors, the disabled, and your businesses. Save this article for reference, and take actions to prepare today!
AIA MEMBERSHIP
Now in its 63rd year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo (and Danville) residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement: to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 62 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Please complete and return your annual membership form to AIA at PO Box 156, Alamo, CA 94507. Please visit our website at www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out. Now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA.
To advertise call 925.405.6397 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a Community Action and Problem-Solving Program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. Meetings can be held by a Crime Prevention Specialist who will share more information about the program. Please contact Christina Lind-Winters (925) 313-2682 or clind001@so.cccounty.us for more information.
CELEBRATE THE DANVILLE LIBRARY ENDOWMENT’S 20TH YEAR!
The Friends of the Danville Library Endowment is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the hope that this year it will reach $1 million. Since 1998, donors have been building an Endowment that supports the library with grants for fiction, non-fiction, DVDs, Farsi and Chinese language books, and specialized sections such as business and self-help books. The Endowment also supports programming that includes Arts Enrichment in the Library and STEM programs for students. You can help do even more for our community library. Please make a donations in any amount. They are always acknowledged and appreciated. If circumstances permit you to contribute $300 or more, your support will be recognized with a bookplate in a specially purchased book. Our local community has rallied, and the library has support from Mechanics Bank, Republic Services, three private citizens, and in-kind support from Diablo Printing. Your donation will automatically double in size because of their generosity. Please send your donation to FODL Endowment, 400 Front St., Danville, CA 94526. The Endowment Committee is a volunteer organization, and donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information, please email reedgard@ sbcglobal.net and use the subject line Endowment.
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
OSTEOSTRONG: NOT A GYM, DIET, DRUG, OR SUPPLEMENT
By Sherry Schwartz, Osteostrong Danville
OsteoStrong is not a gym, diet, drug, or supplement. In fact, it’s something entirely different than what you may expect. Results are predictable and measurable. Sessions only take about seven minutes, one time a week. People of all ages are loving the results they are getting. So what is it?! President and Founder of OsteoStrong, Kyle Zagrodzky says, “OsteoStrong is the natural way to trigger a person’s built-in adaptive responses that will increase bone density, improve balance, and bolster physical strength at any age. “OsteoStrong is for people of all ages and currently has clients from ages 8 to 97 taking advantage of these easily attainable results. The simple concept Use your Flex Spending Account money on new: is set to change the paradigm of how we increase bone density, strength, and Glasses balance, and it won’t leave you feeling sore or sweaty,” said Zagrodzky. More than 35,000 people have already seen what results are possible from Contact Lenses the OsteoStrong, and best of all, they come to their session dressed as they are. Data from over a million sessions at OsteoStrong and countless personal Prescrip�on Sunglasses testimonies are changing how people are choosing to strengthen their bones and muscles, and improve their balance and agility. Mike, an OsteoStrong client noted, “After 20 years of intense pain caused by degenerative disc Come in early to beat the end‐of‐year rush. disease, after eight sessions of OsteoStrong, the pain is taken away and it makes me feel like a new person.” OsteoStrong takes advantage of a unique, You only have un�l the end of the year to spend patented system that helps to safely activate natural biological responses. your FSA money...otherwise, you lose it. OsteoStrong employs the concepts of Wolff’s Law which have been used in medical schools for decades and are substantiated in the US Surgeon General’s 2004 report on Osteoporosis and Bone Density. Come visit us in the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Zagrodzky said, “You no longer need harmful medication or hours of Located between Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Panera Bread strenuous exercise to reverse osteoporosis, improve balance, or just regain your physical strength.” Even though athletes were not the primary focus of OsteoStrong, study results on over 50 athletes were undeniable. So far, they have shown that after 215 Alamo Plaza Suite D only four sessions, each participant had a 99% chance of having significant Alamo, CA 94507 improvements in their broad jump, vertical jump, 40-yard dash, and bench (925) 202-2846 press. Client Graham H. notes, “I’m a scratch PGA golfer, but after turning 30, I www.poplarspecs.com didn’t expect to see my game improve with age. After about five sessions at OsteoSMon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-4 trong, I started hitting all of my drives about 15 to 20 yards further! Now when my friends and I have a long shot to on the fairway, we just OsteoStrong it!” A session at OsteoStrong is unlike anything the market has seen before. The goal of a session is to help trigger the natural adaptive responses found in every human body that can grow bone and muscle tissue, automatically, just like people do when they are teenagers. Once the process of bone and muscle tissue growth has been triggered, the human body does the rest of the work without any effort. Just like cutting hair or finger nails more frequently will not cause them to grow any faster, more frequent sessions at OsteoStrong will not accelerate bone or muscle tissue growth beyond what a single session can accomplish each week. OsteoStrong offers two free sessions as a way to educate the community and allow anyone to experience the safe and natural way to activate their own adaptive responses to experience fast, incredible, improvements in physical health, balance, and performance. Come visit our brand new location located at 3442 Camino Tassajara Rd. (Safeway shopping center) in Danville. Call us at 925-967-2809, or visit our website at www. A recent “St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk" was held in Danville and led by Danville teen coordinators Sasha Williams, Isabelle Frasca, Dante Barsi, and Michael Barsi.The event raised over $3,000 to support safety-net programs osteostrong.me.
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provided by St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County. One hundred percent of the funds raised remain in the county.
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
THE NEW FACELIFT
By Dr. Barbara Persons
During the Holiday Season, it’s all about checking off lists (and checking them twice). There is one check list no one wants to have, I know that it’s true for me. Saggy skin? Check. Loose jowls? Check. Turkey waddle? Check. If these are just a few of the problems looking back at you in the mirror, chances are you may want to consider a facelift. It sounds drastic, but times have changed. Twenty years ago, the surgeon who did the tightest facelift was considered the best. In recent years, the facelift has enjoyed a makeover of its own. Significant advances have helped me achieve far more natural-looking results for patients, while minimizing scarring and downtime. I see patients of all ages, even forty-somethings, who’ve experienced the limitations of nonsurgical tools which no longer transform the lower face and neck in a meaningful way. A facelift is performed to reshape the face, remove excess skin, and offer the patient a more youthful appearance. A blepharoplasty surgery, also known as eyelid surgery, can be combined with your facelift procedure to enhance your visual fields as well as create a rested appearance by removing the excess tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. In addition, a neck lift and chest resurfacing can be performed on their own or in combination with a facelift. The lasting effects varies somewhat from individual to individual. Once the excess skin is removed and the sagging tissue is repositioned, the aging process still continues. But the improvements will last eight to 15 years, depending upon skin tone, general health, previous and continued sun exposure, and smoking, including past and current use. However, you will look much better at any given age than you would have without the operation. Trust me…you simply would not believe how many men and women around you have had facial rejuvenation surgery. When facial rejuvenation is done correctly, no one will ever know you had any “work done.” But based on my personal experience and patient feedback, you may notice a difference in how you are treated after the procedure. In fact, a recent study backs up what I’ve known for decades: more often than not, people who have facial rejuvenation procedures, including face, eyelid and eyebrow lifts, are often perceived as more successful and healthy, not just merely beautiful. The study, published in April 2017 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests cosmetic surgery “conveys an even larger societal benefit than merely restoring a youthful appearance to the face.” I have experienced it firsthand. At 25 years old, I was hit by a semi-truck whose driver had a seizure when drinking behind the wheel. Just days later, I recall going to my doctors’ office with my twin sister. We had always attracted a great deal of attention as a set of bubbly, bright red-haired firecrackers. I had no choice but to acknowledge that my sister looked less like a twin to me, and instead at that time, was more of a reminder of how I used to look. It was tangible proof that my appearance had changed, and that physical beauty mattered greatly to me and the world viewing me. In total, I underwent 18 surgeries, which included bone grafts, implants, titanium plates, and countless screws. The surgeries allowed me to get my face and life back, and put me in the unique position to truly understand how cosmetic surgery can transform one’s life. When I see you in my office, I will be honest about what will make the most significant improvement in your face over time, with the least risk, and within your budget. Using my hands, my heart, and my artistic sense, I operate in our fully accredited operating facility, which is located on the premise of Persons Plastic Surgery in Lafayette. I believe it is among the most perfect places on this earth and one where I can make a real difference in your life. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925.283.4012 or drpersons@ personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
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THE EYE OPENER
DRY EYE SYNDROME By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Dry eyes seem to be affecting everyone these days. Whether the cause is allergies, medications, age, or contact lenses, the resulting irritation, redness, and overall scratchy feeling are both visually and cosmetically disruptive. Sometimes the remedy is easy and sometimes it is complex, but it can be attacked by several different means. Dryness can be caused by several reasons, but the most common reasons are insufficient tear production, increased tear evaporation, and poor tear film quality. Tear production can be decreased by most auto-immune diseases; however, it is more commonly medication-induced. The leading contributors are antihistamines, antidepressants, and any hormone therapy or changes in hormone levels. Oral antihistamines are popularly used to treat seasonal allergies. However, from an ocular standpoint, these drugs help alleviate allergies but contribute to dryness. Tear evaporation is becoming more of an issue since we are spending most of our professional and personal time in front of a desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone. Whenever we are doing sustained up-close work, humans tend to stare; when this happens, tears are not distributed on the ocular surface, and the tears that are on the surface of the eye evaporate into the air. I always advise taking breaks every 20-30 minutes to rest the eyes and making it a point to blink during long sessions at the computer. Also, it is best to keep your monitor a little below eye level, and that will force your upper lids to lower a little and leave less surface of the eye exposed to the air. Since the tears are made up of five layers, a defect in any layer can cause an unstable tear film. The most common layer for disruption is the outermost layer called the lipid layer. This layer helps limit tear evaporation and is produced by the glands on the edge of our eyelids. Any lid or eyelash irritation, or infection, can cause these glands to not work properly. When this happens, the tears evaporate too quickly into the air which gives a burning and stinging feeling. Now that we know some of the causes of dryness, the big question is how to treat it. I tell my patients that depending on the severity, there are many options. The most common is non-preserved or sterile artificial tears. These are good for augmenting tear volume, but do not help restore function or increase production. For mild cases, a drop in each eye once or twice a day generally improves comfort. The main thing to remember is to use non-preserved or sterile tears as preservatives tend to sting and therefore make the eyes redder. For more advanced cases, I have found that Restasis works very well. This is a medicated drop used twice a day that augments tear production. It can take up to 2-3 months to reach full effect, but after that period, most patients notice an improvement in comfort. These patients might still feel the need to use tears, but the frequency will be less. Another treatment option that is used by severe dry-eye sufferers is punctal plugs. In each eye we have a “faucet” called the lacrimal gland that makes the tears and two “drains” that remove the tears from the eye and drain into the back of the nose and down the throat. A plug is put into one of these drains to help keep the tears on the eye longer. It is usually only necessary to plug one in each eye. They are easy to put in and last as long as needed. Patients that also have allergies should not do this because the allergens in the tears now stay on the eye longer and cause more havoc. In addition to these remedies, some lifestyle changes will also help reduce eye dryness. The first one is to stay hydrated and reduce caffeine intake. Remaining hydrated will help with overall tear volume, and since caffeine is a diuretic, it will make a dry eye situation worse. Obviously, dry eyes are more complex than can be discussed here. However, after your examination and depending on your individual situation and needs, a personal treatment plan will be recommended to you. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 925-820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
HOW TO MAKE VEGGIES TASTE GOOD
All of my clients know that veggies are an important component to a healthy diet, but still they don’t eat enough of them. Many prefer to eat broccoli with cheese sauce or creamed spinach, but they know they are loaded with fat. They all have a story--whether it is mom overcooked veggies, or their husband and kids hate veggies, and they feel they just waste their time trying to incorporate them into a meal. It is amazing to me how many options there are to make tasty veggies without having to wash/slice/dice them. Please take advantage of fresh bags of veggies that can be steamed in the microwave. You then can easily add your own sauces such as a few tablespoons of a sweet and sour sauce to broccoli or a terriyaki sauce to string beans to boost their flavor. Consider buying Birds Eye or Green Giant Steam-in-the-Bag veggies which are lightly seasoned and high quality. I have heard clients say they thought frozen veggies were unhealthy and contained no nutrients. In fact, frozen veggies can be just as nutritious as fresh as they are flash frozen in the fields at their peak of ripeness and are brilliant in color. These frozen packages are perfect in that they can be great for a dinner and then used as a leftover for lunch the next day. After a long day, you do not want to prepare veggies, and this is a smart option which does not equate to laziness. Many of my clients take an hour on Sunday to prepare veggies for the week. It enables them to be successful and make sure there are veggies available for the family each day. There are creative ways to sneak veggies into your dishes such as by adding grated zucchini and carrots in your meatloaf or making the family chili and then spooning it over a bed of broccoli or string beans. Many of my clients like taking a baked potato and then adding light sour cream or cottage cheese or eating tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with salt and pepper. Remembering they were once cucumbers, adding pickles to your life can be enjoyable as well. Enjoy Mezzetta blanched veggies such as peppercinos, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, Medical & Surgical Dermatology and hearts of palm available in jars of vinegar For Healthy Skin and spices. Keep them cold in the refrigerator Offering treatments for: where they are a good addition to your lunch. Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Cysts and Lipoma Do you enjoy coleslaw or broccoli slaw? Make Hair and Nail Disorder your own with a lighter dressing. Keloid and Scar Revisions Moles We now have easily available riced cauliPhysician-Strength Skin Care Products flower and spiralized zucchini, carrots, and Precancerous Lesions butternut squash. Use them instead of rice for Revolutionary Psoriasis and Vitiligo Skin Cancer stir-frys or for your favorite pasta sauce. Please Nonsurgical Underarm Sweating be aware that some of the cauliflower pizza Eyebag Therapy Warts, Molluscum available. crusts are very high in fat, and do not be taken Cosmetic Dermatology Call for in by the fact that it is made with cauliflower. For Beautiful Skin consultation! Offering treatments for: To add flavor with minimal calories, try Body Sculpting sautéing veggies with olive oil and then Eyebag Reduction splashing them with flavored vinegar such Introducing Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, and Rejuvenation as balsamic. A popular recipe that my clients Women’s Wellness Frown Lines and Jawline/Jowl Center, featuring Vlase enjoy is a miso sauce drizzled over veggies. Reduction I T. miso paste 1 clove garlic minced 1 tsp. sesame oil 1 tsp. honey ½ tsp. rice vinegar ¼ cup vinegar Chopped green onions Simmer all ingredients for 1 minute until miso dissolves, and then add oil and vinegar. Drizzle sauce over your steamed or sautéed veggies. I take pride in working with clients on an individual basis and understand the secret of successful weight loss and other nutrition concerns. Eating balanced meals with veggies is very important for success. My clients report to me that when adding a large serving of veggies to meals, they get at least an extra hour of fullness. The new plate guidelines recommend that half of your plate should consist of veggies. Allow me to take you by the hand and help you painlessly improve your nutrition. I am glad to inform you that I am contracted with most insurance companies Aetna, ABMG, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Sutter, and UHC. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutrition concerns, email me at Lifeweight1@yahoo.com, and visit my website www.LindaRD.com. Advertorial
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November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
ARE BULGING DISCS GETTING ON YOUR NERVES?
Dr. Niele Maimone, DC, Align Healing Center
If you are suffering from a pinched nerve or herniated disc, you know how debilitating it is and how the pain slowly leaks the vitality from your life. Since1999, when Align Healing Center opened its doors, we have been specialists in treating pain naturally; whether it’s back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or any other pain, we have been there to awaken the healing potential in the body and relieve the pain. That being said, we are always in search of miraculous new ways to relieve pain without the use of drugs, invasive procedures, and certainly without inducing more pain! If you or someone you care about suffers from a pinched nerve or disc related pain, it is worthwhile to explore the exceptional, non-invasive, natural therapies that are available today.
CAN I HEAL MY PAIN WITHOUT DRUGS OR SURGERY? YES, HERE’S HOW! NON-SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a state-of-the-art treatment that has been helping thousands of patients with chronic neck or low back pain, sciatica, and herniated, bulging, or degenerated discs. This is an entirely different treatment from traditional chiropractic adjustments. Many of the patients who are candidates for this procedure have already tried chiropractic, physical therapy, and/or injections, and may have been told they would need surgery. This breakthrough treatment works by gently separating the vertebra which decompresses the disc, thus causing the bulging material to be drawn back into the disc. It does this by reversing the internal disc pressure, thus creating a vacuum effect. According to the Journal of Neurosurgery (vol. 81, 1994), decompression was found to substantially reduce the pressure inside disc, therefore allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed and initiating the healing process within the disc itself. Non-surgical spinal decompression is very effective, has a high success rate, and can be utilized for both neck and low-back disc injuries.
CLASS IV LASER THERAPY
Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser Cube Class IV Laser. Class IV Laser therapy gets to the root of the injury and treats it at the cellular level, providing energy to the cells so they can heal. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.
THERE IS HOPE!
We have found that a combination of Class IV laser therapy and spinal decompression offers outstanding results in healing stubborn pain due to a pinched nerve, bulging disc, or spinal degeneration. As a general rule, most patients experience significant changes in symptoms within one to three sessions. Occasionally, a more advanced degenerative condition or multiple level herniated discs may take 8-10 sessions before realizing a major decline in symptoms. Relief response varies according to age, body morphology, and the degree of severity. This unique combination of non-invasive therapy offers a chance for realizing a permanent cure for back or neck pain. This eliminates the long-term care commitment forced upon patients by other symptomatic back pain treatments, such as drugs, injections, or surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation of your spine, you can be back to your healthy self quickly! For more information about Dr. Niele Maimone, DC or to set up a complimentary consult, call 925-362-8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com. Advertorial
Non-Surgical & Drug-Free Health & Wellness Options
• Acoustic Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction • Performance Enhancement Shots • Vampire Facial, Facelift, & Breastlift • PRP for Hair Regrowth, Acne Scars, Musculoskeletal Injuries • Laser Skin Resurfacing for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Acne Scars • Forever Young BBL / IPL for Hyperpigmentation • Non-invasive & Effortless Cellulite Reduction • PRP for Vaginal Rejuvenation • O-Shot for Vaginal Wellness & Urinary Incontinence • P-Shot for Erectile Dysfunction • Regenerative IV Drips
Personal experience drove Drs. Jeffrey and Frances Mark to seek a more holistic approach to health and early regenerative wellness. Together they founded All Functional Health to offer a highly personalized assessment and treatment plan for every patient that combines functional and regenerative medicine with a focus on holistic health and wellness. Dr. Jeffrey is quadrupleboard certified and has completed a stem-cell fellowship allowing him to offer the best of conventional and functional gastroenterology to heal your gut and brain. Dr. Jeffrey helps with many health conditions from gut healing, post cancer gut regenerative therapy, to Alzheimer’s reversal and drug-free treatment for ADD/ADHD, and cutting edge non-surgical Jeffrey Mark, M.D. PRP and Cellular Regenerative Therapy. Frances Mark, PHARM.D. “Together we look at every factor in each patient’s life and history, because everyone’s health is different. We work to optimize health for all people to turn back the hands of time.”—Dr. Jeffrey Mark
Board Certified in PERSONALIZED AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE | FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Complimentary Phone Consultation 10% OFF Any Services Expires 10/31/2018 111 Deerwood Rd., Suite 168, San Ramon | 925.736.8228 AllFunctionalHealth.com
MEALS ON WHEELS
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been supporting seniors since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers. Your help is needed now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
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UPCOMING CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
• FRANKLY SPEAKING ABOUT CANCER: CLINICAL TRIALS - Wednesday, November 14, 6-8PM. Clinical trials have led to major advances in the field of oncology today by validating the benefits of new and improved cancer treatments. This workshop, presented by Dr. Elie Richa, Medical Oncologist, Contra Costa Oncology, will highlight the importance of research and how clinical trials work. Not every person will be on a clinical trial or needs to be on one, but should be aware that a clinical trial may be a treatment option. • THE MANY FACES OF LUNG CANCER - Thursday, November 15, 6:30-8:30PM. An educational event focusing on the unique issues of lung cancer patients. Join medical experts as they discuss the latest advances in genomic testing, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as the importance of anxiety management and psychosocial counseling. Q & A session to follow presentation. Register with sjung@dvohmg.com or call 925-677-5041 x272. • INTRODUCTION TO THE HEALING SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA - Wednesday, December 19, 6-8PM. Learn about post-traumautic stress related to chronic illness and explore the phenomenon of transformational inner healing that can occur in spite of medical trauma with Cynthia Grace, PsyD, CSC Therapist. We’ll look at the neurobiological processes that underpin the practice of meditation as one of the many tools for cultivating inner peace and well-being. The free programs take place at the Cancer Support Community, located at 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. For more information and reservations please call 925-933-0107. The programs are open to cancer patients and their caregivers.
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PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
FEMALE BL ADDER , BOWEL OR PELVIC ORGAN ISSUES? THERE’S A DOCTOR FOR THAT By My-Linh “Mimi” Nguyen, MD
Incontinence (urinary or fecal) and pelvic organ prolapse can be bothersome, cause embarrassment, and significantly impact the lives of women who suffer from these conditions. Because these are sensitive topics to discuss, many women do not bring them up with their physicians, foregoing treatments that could significantly improve their quality of life. There is a specialized field that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor. This specialty is known as urogynecology. It is a unique combination of gynecology, urology, and reconstructive surgery. Urogynecology is also known
TVC continued from page 16 Land Conservation Associate Carolyn Newton schedules regular Stewardship Visits at each property engaging TVC volunteers in devoting two or more hours in evaluating compliance with the particular conservation easement’s requirements. Cynthia Ross, Advisory Council member writes, “I accompanied Carolyn on easement visits and was fascinated by the number of vineyards and amount of acreage – much more than I ever realized – in the area. I have also learned about the pistachio and olive farms and other agriculture we have.” As Communications Manager for Save Mount Diablo (SMD) before joining the TVC staff in 2015, Beryl is familiar with the ways in which the organizations differ while working closely together to protect critical connecting spaces. SMD’s game plan begins with purchasing properties and managing them until they can be added to public parks. TVC prefers to act as steward of land held by the current owners. SMD is able to lead hikes and offer group events both on land owned by the organization and through cooperating parks. TVC does hold easements through public parks, but hikes and events there are organized by Park Rangers. Lori Souza’s connection with TVC began with appreciation for progress on preservation reported in the newsletters. “I joined a ‘behind the fences’ tour and
as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery because it addresses a variety of conditions that can affect the female pelvis, particularly in women who are in their reproductive years, menopause, and post-menopause. A urogynecologist is a physician who is trained in the comprehensive management of female pelvic floor conditions that can include the bowel, the bladder, and the gynecologic organs. They specialize in treating women with benign, complex pelvic issues, many of which can be managed conservatively, while other conditions may require surgery to correct. Leakage of urine or bulging and/or falling of the bladder or vaginal walls are some of the most common patient complaints. Urogynecologists complete four years of medical school, a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), and three years of postresidency fellowship training in Urogynecology/Female Urology/Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. They are double-board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Urogynecologists provide care for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders, the most common of which include: • Overactive bladder syndrome • Urinary incontinence • Pelvic Organ Prolapse • Fecal incontinence • Pelvic Pain • Vaginal atrophy/Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause • Recurrent urinary tract infections A urogynecologist will work with patients to identify the proper treatment for their conditions. For pelvic organ prolapse, the treatments a urogynecologist may suggest include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries (intra-vaginal support devices) and surgery. For stress urinary incontinence, the suggested treatments may include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pessaries, urethral bulking, and urethral or facial slings. For overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence, a urogynecologist may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, nonsurgical procedures and injections like Botox. As pelvic medicine specialists, urogynecologists can help women achieve improved pelvic health. Women experiencing pelvic floor disorders should contact their primary care provider to discuss whether a urogynecologist is the appropriate next step. My-Linh “Mimi” Nguyen, MD is a urogynecologist with Pacific Urology. She specializes in treating women with complex benign pelvic conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, and lower urinary tract disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen, call 926-937-7740 or visit www.pacific-urology.com. Advertorial
C L A S S I F I E D HAIRSTYLIST & COLORIST
Hair by Dana Kettunen at Aqua Salon and Spa located at 168 Danville Blvd. Ste. D, Alamo, (925) 915 – 7374, $10 off any service with this ad.
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring •Sliding doors and more! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877. Burrowing Owl shows how being homeless feels. (Photo by Marc Davis).
was very impressed.” Responding with donations to back her belief that “the mission of the organization was important for the community now and forever,” Souza, now TVC Resource Committee Chair, says, “It’s very fulfilling to help TVC make steady progress towards reaching a vision of a Tri-Valley region where agriculture, range, and park lands are preserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.” TVC reaches the next generation through the Discovery Youth in Nature program which is aligned with updated fourth grade curriculum. The three-day introduction to environmental science begins in the classroom. The second day features a 1.5 mile hike through Holdener Park. Nearly half of the students have never been on a hike before. The third day back in the classroom involves creating a giant web to see how living things are all connected. After participating in the program, 100% of the students confirm they want to protect open space. TVC is approved by California Fish and Wildlife and holds easements on protected wildlife habitats. For more information, visit www. trivalleyconservancy.org.
HOUSE & PET SITTING
Local, mature, and reliable woman available for house and/or pet sitting. Available overnight. $50-75 per day. References available. Call Jackie at 310-418-0459.
ROOMMATE WANTED
Widow looking for compatible single-woman to share a leased house or townhouse in the Alamo-Danville area. Timing flexible. If interested please email probert1@ix.netcom.com.
Place Your Classified
Reach over 21,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies...$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117,Alamo,CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.Payment by check made out to “The Editors,” or credit card placed on file by calling 925-405-6397 must be received before ad will print. Your canceled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
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BOTOX
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
Many people, millions in fact, love getting Botox treatments. However, because of how Botox is portrayed in the media as creating an unnatural look, it is something that other people fear. Botox has gained in popularity since its initial discovery and is now the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the world. Unfortunately, we see many people with crazy looking brows and frozen faces because of the trend of inexperienced and poorly trained practitioners offering these treatments. When done properly and by a skilled practitioner, nothing beats Botox. Botox, like many medical discoveries, happened accidentally. I first learned about Botox to treat wrinkles in the late nineties. I attended a lecture given by Dr. Jean Carruthers at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Carruthers, an ophthalmologist, had been using Botox to treat patients with blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is a condition where people have uncontrollably twitchy eyelids. Dr. Carruthers was injecting Botox into the muscles around the eye that cause the twitching. One of her patients came back to her telling her that she was happy that her twitching was better and she was ecstatic that the wrinkles around her eyes were softer. She begged Dr. Carruthers to inject her forehead. As chance would have it, Dr. Carruther’s husband was a dermatologist. Over dinner they discussed Botox and how it could be used to treat a variety of wrinkles. When I returned to my office, I treated my nurses’ frown lines. The results were like magic. Thus, a star was born. Botox is in a class of medicines knows as neuromodulators. Dysport and Xeomin are two other similar drugs currently FDA approved (with several others expected to be approved in 2019). They all work in a similar fashion, sort of like a mute button on a phone. They block the signal from a nerve telling a muscle to contract. Botox doesn’t act as a filler. Rather, it acts to prevent a muscle from repeatedly folding the skin which creases the skin. Once you stop folding the skin, the lines soften over time. Most people receive treatment about three times per
November 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
year to maintain the results. When done properly, by skilled hands, the results with neuromdulators can be amazing. The goal is to create a natural, refreshed look. A frozen face is not natural and is not the goal. In my experience, people not only feel better about their appearance but, because they don’t look angry, they find others respond more positively to them. People in sales have told me their sales numbers went up after starting Botox treatment. There are also published studies that show improvement in depression. The most common areas we treat are the frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead. There are other areas that we treat on the lower face and neck as well. The key is that everyone’s face is different, and the treatment must be customized to the individual. If you have been considering Botox or have received treatment by an unskilled practitioner, receiving unsatisfactory results, and want to explore Botox again, we are happy to help. If you bring this article with you between now and Young woman attempting to frown before and after 12/30/18, you will receive a Botox demonstrating the softening effect (individual free gift of SkinCeuticals HA results may vary). Top photo “Before Botox,” bottom intensifier with any two areas photo “After Botox.” treated. We look forward to seeing you soon. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We are accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and at www. MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2018
The Combs Team
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Professionals You Can Count On
Nancy
This is Rockcliff Country
Joe
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CONDOS INCREASE IN VALUE 20% FROM LAST YEAR
Condo* Sales Alamo, Black Hawk, Danville, Diablo (Jan1-Sept29) Units Sold Days on Mkt. List Price Sold Price $ Sq. Foot Last year I reviewed the Condo Market for the first time since 2011 and thought it would be nice to revisit last year’s analysis to see if there was an indication of a Bottom 2011 108 54 $ 403,193 $ 394,580 $ 256 directional change. Since Condo’s represent the lowest priced properties in our 2017 132 16 $ 714,358 $ 719,269 $ 478 market and have more first time buyers than single family homes, we would likely see 2018 137 13 $ 790,291 $ 806,179 $ 517 a reaction to rising interest rates very quickly. Chg. 2011-2018 27% -76% 196% 204% 202% For the purpose of this review, we take a look at the combined Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo and Danville, Condo and Town-home market, in what is essentially the Danville Area. Our Condo Market peaked out in 2006 and declined both in price and dollars-per-square-foot until it bottomed in 2011. From that point on, the Condo Market rallied and roared. From the bottom to 2018, the price of an average condo has advanced from $394,580 to a stratospheric $806,179. That is an amazing increase of 204% in the short span of seven years. That works out to be an increase of about 29% per year and is an incredible advance in price. Dollars-paid-per-square-foot actually advanced a little slower, moving from $256 per square foot in 2011 to $517 per square foot in 2018 for an increase of 202%. If you are like me, you are wishing you had bought a couple. In the data, we see something unseen before. The price-per-square-foot paid for a condo or town-home in our area is now on par with the amount being paid for a multi- story home in Alamo. Historically, condos run well behind single family homes in price. Is this because retirees are finding condos a better alternative to moving out of the area or is the demand for our high quality schools pushing up the values because the absolute cost of single family homes is so terribly high? It is a really good question. Something else comes to mind as well. If you look at the difference between the 2017 and 2018 sales volume you see an increase in the number of sales, but the days-on-market have dropped significantly from 16 to 13, meaning that condos today are selling about 9% faster than last year. That indicates that the Condo Market is impacted by low inventory just like the single family market. This is further reinforced by the fact that the condos sold today are on average selling for $16,000 more than list price compared to last year, when condos sold for $5,000 more than their list price. That is a significant improvement. Condo Townhome Market Danville Area Sold Price These yearly average prices are comprised of unit prices ranging from $516,000 to $1,180,000. Median price is just about in the middle of the range at $795,000 and is within 1% of average price. This is a strong indicator that there is no systematic error in the data, and the prices are relatively evenly spread. $806,179 $900,000 $719,269 I think we can view days-on-market as well as price appreciation as indicators of positive market direction for the Danville Area Condo $800,000 $700,000 Market. Also, the Condo Market is averaging 16.5 sales per month, and there is only one month of inventory on hand. If there were suddenly $600,000 six months of inventory on hand, it would be a different story. That said, I think it’s safe to say that 29% average annual appreciation is $394,580 $500,000 unlikely to persist into the future. However, the 20% we saw this year is really good. $400,000 $300,000 Nancy and I have more than 3,000 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of print publication. Sign up on our website, or $200,000 just send me an email and we can add you to the list. I assure you no spam will follow. $100,000 If you would like an honest “no strings attached” opinion of your home’s current market value and suggestions for preparing it for $Bottom 2011 2017 2018 market, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com. Please visit our website to discover more information on our local market www.thecombsteam.com.
Alamo 10 Acre Estate
Round Hill Oaks
D SOL
D SOL
Alamo Oaks Single Story
Stunning Gated Alamo Estate Home with Private Entrance to Mt. Diablo. Priced to Sell. $5.650,000
Rare Round Hill Oaks home. Never on Market. Nancy and I represented the buyer and the seller. Wish to sell quietly? We can help you.
Stunning Remodel, 3644 sq. ft. 4 bedroom 2.5 bath. Pool/Spa Exquisite landscaping, photovoltaic power. Priced to sell $2,100,000!
Danville Gated Community
West Side Danville Single Story
Alamo Springs!
D SOL
D SOL
D SOL
Five bedroom 3 bath in gated community. One bed downstairs, designer kitchen, spacious master. Priced to sell $1,300,000
Nicely Updated 3 bedroom 2 bath single story on a 1/3 of an acre level landscaped lot. Free standing office. Walk to Montair School. Call for details and price.
Five bedroom 4.5 bath, Luxury abounds. Chef’s kitchen, outdoor kitchen, pool & spa, sports court. Priced to sell $2.8M
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs DRE #0144125, Nancy Combs DRE # 01274945, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526