2019 NOVEMBER ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News by The Editors, Inc

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1

& NOVEMBER 2019

HAP MAGEE: GENUINE LOCAL LEGEND

By Jody Morgan

By the time Hap Magee brought Texas longhorns to the area, cattle ranching had been a way of life in the San Ramon Valley for over a century. Hap added the iconic symbols of the Old West to his herd to breed, to supply to rodeos, and to eventually provide for leading roles in commercials. His knack for showmanship resulted in entertainment for his neighbors that made him a local legend during his lifetime. Today, a portion of the land on the Danville-Alamo border where he resided from 1953-1985 welcomes visitors as Hap Magee Ranch Park.

ROOMS OF HOPE MAKEOVER BRINGS JOY

By Fran Miller

Twenty years ago, Shelley Ham made a promise to God that if her child was allowed to live, she would spend the rest of her life helping other seriously ill children. Ham’s daughter is now nearly 22 and healthy, and in 2014 Ham founded Rooms of Hope, an organization with the mission of providing dream room makeovers to children with life-threatening medical illnesses or conditions.

Rooms of Hope volunteers pose at a room makeover ‘reveal.’

“This is my passion,” says Ham. “I am an interior designer, and my husband is an architect, so this mission is perfect for us.” A Rooms of Hope room makeover is available to any child (ages 4 Magee longhorns: Magee longhorns were a novel sight in downtown Danville. Photo courtesy of Beverly Lane.

Hap’s parents, Harry and Juanita, purchased the property previously known as Camp Swain in 1946. Run as a summer camp for orphans in San Francisco from 1911 until World War II disrupted their routine, the site had buildings gone derelict from disuse and a 75-foot swimming pool in need of repair. Restoration work put the structures back in shape. Another house was added when Hap married. The family renamed the ranch Edgewood Farm. Hap’s brother Jerry and his wife along with their children Jed, Susan, and Ann spent summers in what park visitors know as the Swain House. Jed recalls, “Summers on the ranch were ideal for children. We could swim or saddle up a horse and ride through the hills. A small th Hap Magee was Grand Master of Danville's 4 of pond where we could fish was stocked July Parade in 1982. Photo courtesy of Jed Magee/ with perch and bluegills.” Mark Harrigan. Poolside barbeque’s were enjoyed in the roundhouse that provided shade and adequate dining space. But the pool and roundhouse succumbed to progress as I-680 tore through the landscape.

See Magee continued on page 21

Local Postal Customer

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA

ECRWSS

See Hope continued on page 24

HELPING ONE WOMAN

By Fran Miller

With the knowledge that many of her hometown Fresno friends had been positively effected by the generosity of the National Helping One Woman (HOW) non profit, Kindra Brusseau sought to create a Danville chapter of the organization that helps women in need. HOW’s mission is simple and includes community coming together to provide comfort

See Helping continued on page 26

The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville

Volume XIX Number 11

Volume X 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.

PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

BOULEVARD VIEW

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

A couple years ago I was fortunate to become the owner of a Glowforge laser printer. While I don’t particularly call myself a “creative,” I’ve had fun using the machine for different projects. Last holiday season after the Butte County Camp fire, I had read that many folks missed their holiday ornaments. The posts from survivors spurred an idea, and I created a collection of wooden ornaments for them. Initially, I was worried that the ornaments, carved by the laser light, might trigger folks with their burnt appearance and smell. However, one ornament recipient wrote upon receiving a piece that the destructive element of fire that took so much was used to create something beautiful and meaningful. The ornaments then took on a new significance. The ornament project went a little viral and I, along with a bunch of wonderful neighbors and friends, produced and shipped over 4,000 of them to individuals who had nothing. Last year it was the only ornament many of the survivors had. The donation heads off to Teen Esteem. With the holidays approaching, I recently started creating local historical ornaments. This is a project my daughter and I will begin working on together as a business. For the moment, though, the ornaments are being created as fundraising pieces with half of all proceeds donated to non-profits. Partnering with my friend Marcia Harmon, owner of the vintage boutique Cottage Jewel (located at 100 W. Prospect Ave. in downtown Danville), I have dropped off 7-8 different designs of local historical landmarks such as the Alamo Hay & Grain, the Danville Train Station, San Ramon Valley High School, and local post offices and hotels that stood in the early 1900s. I love looking back on our past and recreating these items to remember the bygone days of our towns. The first set of ornament sales has raised $100 which was granted to the Danville-based non-profit organization, Teen Esteem. Teen Esteem “was founded in 1994 out of a desire to empower young people with tools for making informed choices, avoiding the lure of risky behaviors that can lead to a path with lifelong threats to their well-being.” The group has been instrumental in supporting and bringing programs to our youth and community. To learn more about Teen Esteem, visit their website at www.teenesteem.org, call 925-855-9941, or email info@teenesteem.org. As ornaments sell, further donations will be earmarked for other local and neighboring-area non-profits. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I hope you take the time to pause, be with friends and family, share bounties, have gratitude, and perhaps bring a little family history with those you love. I wish you a great holiday.

JoinJoin UsJoin in to to to UsOur inMission Our Mission UsOur in Mission

Danville Area Chamber and the Town of Danville presents....

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Friday, November 29 Diablo Road Danville 5:15-8PM 5:15PM SRVHS & Danville Girls’ Choruses, directed by Ken Abrams, will delight the crowd in singing holiday classics

★

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NATIONAL W REATHS AREATHS CROSS AA MERICA D AY DAY D N W CROSS A MERICA NATIONAL ATIONAL W REATHS A CROSS A MERICA DAY AY NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS A MERICA

6:15PM The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road will be lit by our special guests, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel

To be held at

Alamo Cemetery

El Portal off Danville Blvd. Contributions can be made to WAA, P.O. Box 1, Danville, 94526 wreathsacrossamerica.org wreathsacrossamerica.org

Sponsored by: San Ramon Valley Republican Women’s Club

wreathsacrossamerica.org wreathsacrossamerica.org

#EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart

6:30PM Holiday entertainment, and refreshments at Downtown Danville merchants

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L

NEW CONSTRUCTION • ACTIVE

ACTIVE • MAGEE RANCH

ACTIVE - MUST SEE

ACTIVE

11 MARION COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 4,380 SF, 3 CAR GARAGE

11 BRIGHTWOOD CIRCLE, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 7 BATHS, 5,324 SF, .47 ACRE LOT

148 ERSELIA TRAIL, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 4,005 SF, .52 ACRE LOT

134 SANTA CLARA DRIVE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 3,201 SF, 16,218 SF LOT

OFFERED AT $3,450,000

OFFERED AT $2,499,000

OFFERED AT 2,288,000

MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS | 925.765.9095

LESLIE SHAFTON | 925.360.9192

OFFERED AT $1,475,000

ZOCCHI & ASSOCIATES | 925.788.5942

BRYAN HURLBUT, HURLBUT TEAM | 925.383.5500

PENDING

SOLD - OVER ASKING, MULTIPLE OFFERS

SOLD • MAGEE RANCH

1837 CHAPARRO COURT, WALNUT CREEK 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3,196 SF, .38 ACRE

143 BIRCHBARK PLACE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3,062 SF, 5,200 SF LOT

52 BRIGHTWOOD CIRCLE, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 4,558 SF, .49 ACRE LOT DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP | 925.800.3510

OFFERED AT $1,695,000

OFFERED AT $1,599,000

401 LIVERPOOL STREET, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 2,484 SF, .3 ACRE LOT CALL FOR PRICE

BRYAN HURLBUT, HURLBUT TEAM | 925.383.5500

DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP | 925.800.3510

MARGY LYMAN | 925.963.6380

SOLD • REPRESENTED BUYER

42 NEW BOSTON COURT, DANVILLE 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 2,819 SF, .27 ACRE LOT

3133 WITHERS AVENUE, LAFAYETTE 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 2,810 SF, .27 ACRE LOT

1329 MILTON AVENUE, WALNUT CREEK 3 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,303 SF, .53 ACRE LOT

SOLD FOR $1,755,000

SOLD FOR $1,398,000

SOLD FOR $1,303,000

DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047

ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214

BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500

REALTOR® | DRE#01177737

REALTOR® | DRE# 01347508

DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142

SOLD FOR $2,210,000

FRIDAY, NOV. 29 • 5:00PM CORNER OF HARTZ AND PROSPECT AVE.

EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409

JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053

JULIE DEL SANTO 925.818.5500

KATIE HENDERSON 925.286.0026

KERI FRYER 925.980.9979

REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328

REALTOR® | DRE# 01938194

BROKER/OWNER DRE# 01290985

REALTOR® | DRE# 02061210

REALTOR® | DRE# 02068960

MARY PISCITELLI & PETER GILLIS 925.765.9095 925.765.0629

MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952

MICHAEL & JACKIE GERRY 925.209.5140 925.209.5130

SABRENA LAWTON 925.768.2992

STEFANIE PASSEY 925.268.0780

TERESA ZOCCHI 925.360.8662

REALTOR® | DRE# 01821910

REALTOR® | DRE# 01442889

REALTOR® | DRE# 01907345

REALTORS® DRE# 01426129 / 01364038

REALTORS® DRE# 00905114 / 01364056

REALTORS® DRE# 01307893 / 01702866

REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181

LESLIE SHAFTON 925.360.9192

MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380

REALTOR® | DRE#01944775

REALTOR® | DRE# 02067680

DANVILLE

WALNUT CREEK

LAMORINDA

BRENTWOOD

Distinctive Properties

WWW.DUDUM.COM ©2019 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902

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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

VETERANS DAY

For many years now, your local Veterans Service Organizations have celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony at San Ramon Valley High School and an open house/museum at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley located in Danville. This year, however, many members of these groups will be traveling to Vietnam with the Wheelchair Foundation. Through their fundraising efforts, the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley, in partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation, have raised money for 400 wheelchairs, and the group will personally distribute them in locations throughout Vietnam. The timing of this trip precludes the planning and implementation of the usual Veterans Day activities. Even though no formal activities will happen this year at the High School or Veterans Memorial Building, it is hoped that you will keep Veterans in your thoughts on November 11th. The annual celebration will resume in 2020.

Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison

AUTHORS AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

Tri-Valley Trapper

925-765-4209

On Sunday, November 17th from noon-3PM, The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is proud to be hosting four excellent and very knowledgeable authors. The event will feature Stephen Joseph, A Story of Place and Inspiration and Mount Diablo, the Extraordinary Life and Landscapes of a California Treasure; Steve Minniear, Dublin California: A BUSINESS CHALLENGES? Brief History; James Moore, The Life of Robert Noble Burgess; and Museum The Danville Small Business Advisory Council (DSBAC) is a group of curator, Beverly Lane, San Ramon Chronicles and Vintage Danville. seasoned professionals providing a complimentary service Enjoy a fall afternoon hearing these authors speak about the history and landto help businesses analyze issues and make important scape of the San Ramon Valley . Learn about the man who played a key role in the decisions. Our experience and knowledge is in: history of Walnut Creek as well as the founding of the historic Diablo Country • Accounting • Lending Club. Hear about the histories of the cities Dublin, San Ramon, and Danville, • Financial Planning • Insurance and learn more about Mount Diablo, the beautiful backdrop to the valley. • Information Technology Admission is free. The event will be held at the Museum of the San Ramon • Sales & Marketing Valley, located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. For more information, contact the museum at museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750. DSBAC serves businesses of the Tri-Valley area. This is a

SKI AND SNOWBOARD SWAP 2019

courtesy service provided to the business community by the

Saturday DSBCA throughNov the Danville Chamber of Commerce. Saturday Nov16th 16th For more information email consult@dsbac.org 9:00am 9:00amto to3:00pm 3:00pm

Winter is around the corner, so come to the San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS) Ski and Snowboard Swap for the best deals around on skis, boards, boots, outerwear, goggles, Admission $5 (free to 5yrs and younger) and much more for the entire family before you hit the slopes! Admission (free HOLIDAY TREE SAN RAMON V A L L E $5 Y H I G Hto S5yrs C Hand O O younger) L CEREMONIES The money raised will go back to the school to help students get theS Abest N RedA M O N V A L L E Y H I G HRDS C H O O L LIGHTING OF THE OLD OAK TREE 501 DanvilleDANVILLE Blvd, Danville43 CA 94526 ucation possible. Not only will you get great discounts on new and gently 501used Danville Blvd, Danville CA 94526 It’s the most wonderful time of year when the Snow Angel gear, but you will be supporting SRVHS students and teachers. Is it time to clean your closets or garage? The Ski and Snowboard Swap is and Father Christmas come to town to light the Old Oak Tree. The “happiest season of all” will begin on Diablo Road, Friday accepting donations of gently used skis, snowboards, and outerwear. night, November 29th at 5:15pm. th The Swap is a PTSA sponsored event to be held Saturday, November 16around Winter is just the corner, so come to the Ski Swap Winter is just around the corner, soby come toDanville the Ski Swap Hosted the you hit the slopes for the best deals around on skis,Area Chamber of Commerce and Town of Danville, from 9am to 3pm. Admission $5 (free for children under 5). The salebefore will be held before you hit the slopes for the best deals around on skis, boards, boots, outerwear, goggles and much more for thefor entire the event has something all ages. The amazing San Ramon Valley High School at the school, located at 501 Danville Blvd, in Danville. boards, boots, outerwear, goggles and much more for the entire family. The money we raise will go back to the school to help Choir and Danville Girls’ Choir, family. The money we raise will go back to the school to help directed by Ken Abrams, will perform your holiday For more information on the Swap or donating, visit SRVskiswap.com our students getor the best education possible. So you not only our students get the best education possible. So you not only before the Old Tree is lit by the Snow Angel & Father Christmas. This get great discounts on classics new and gently used gear, but Oak you will email srvswap@gmail.com. get great discounts on new and gently used gear, but you will be supporting San Ramon Valley High students and teachers.treat of snow! The kids from Next Step Dance Studio will be followed by a special be supporting San Ramon Valley High students and teachers. will lead the procession of festive dancing down Diablo and Hartz Avenue. ANNUAL FALL FOOD DRIVE Visit our website SRVskiswap.com Visit our website SRVskiswap.com Along Hartz and Prospect Avenues, you’ll discover holiday treats and live local RD or email us at srvswap@gmail.com TO BE HELD BY KIWANIS ON NOVEMBER 23 or email usentertainment at srvswap@gmail.com from several local church choirs. The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley will be holding Perrin, Danville Area Chamber President says, “It is our goal to bring the Is it time to clean your closets or Zae garage? The Ski Swap is the club’s annual Fall Food Drive. With help from over 30 accepting Is it time to cleanofyour closets garage? Swap is donations gently usedor ski, boards The and Ski outerwear. community together for family fun and encourage attendees to shop local and accepting donations of gently used ski, boards and outerwear. our website for more information on donating to the swap. volunteers, including Key Club high schoolers, members ofVisit Visit our website more information donating to the swap. The SRVHS Ski and for Snowboard Swap is advantage a on PTSA sponsored event take of big savings for their holiday gift giving.” the National Charity League, Boys Team Charity, and friends/ The SRVHS Ski and Snowboard Swap is a PTSA sponsored event For a complete list of features and a schedule of activities, please visit danvilfamily, the Kiwanis Club hopes to collect over 850 bags of leareachamber.com. groceries, totaling an estimated 7,500 lbs. of food. Danville Area Chamber and the Town of Danville presents....

Friday, November 29

Ski Skiand andSnowboard Snowboard Swap Swap2019 2019

Kiwanis members will be set-up outside Safeway stores in Alamo, Blackhawk, Dougherty Valley, and San Ramon from 9AM to 2PM on Saturday, November 23rd, reminding shoppers about the food drive and asking them to purchase a $10 bag of food inside the store. The group will also be accepting tax-deductible cash donations. The food and funds collected will be delivered to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, located in Concord. The goal of the event is to help fill all local food banks so that no child or family will go hungry this holiday season. Additionally, the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation will be donating $3,500 directly to the Food Bank to purchase even more groceries. “Our one-day contribution accounts for about 10% of all food distributed between Thanksgiving and New Years by the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano,” said Nancy Bray, Chair of the Kiwanis 2018 Food Drive. The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday from noon to 1:30PM at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. Meetings include networking, lunch, and a guest speaker. Learn more about the Club at www.srvkiwanis.org.

ALAMO TREE LIGHTING

Diablo Road Danville 5:15-8PM

5:15PM SRVHS & Danville Girls’ Choruses, directed by Ken Abrams, will delight the crowd in singing holiday classics

6:15PM The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road will be lit by our special guests, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel 6:30PM Holiday entertainment, and refreshments at Downtown Danville merchants

The Alamo Rotary Club is sponsoring the annual Alamo Tree Lighting. This free event will take place from 4:30-6:30PM on December 8th at Oak Tree Plaza, located at 3000 Danville Blvd. in Alamo. School choirs, jazz bands, and Santa Claus will all be making an appearance! These performances are a highlight of the year for the school music groups who perform for their parents, friends, and Sunday, Dec 8 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm community. The event is a fitting way to begin the holiday season. Scheduled features include the Stone Valley Jazz Band, the Athenian School A Capella Choir, the Alamo School Music Group, the San Ramon Valley High School Chamber Singers, the Monte Vista Choir, the Tree Lighting, and of course Santa’s visit. Alamo Rotary needs your help to offset the costs of staging this event. Donations can be made to the Alamo Rotary Foundation (Tax ID#77-0600752), 1005 McCauley Road, Danville, CA 94526. Your support is deeply appreciated.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5

SOLD

115 Windover Drive, Danville Don represented Seller | Sold 9/2019 | $1,600,000

NEW LISTING

1528 Avenida Nueva, Diablo Don represented Buyer | Sold 10/2019 | $2,885,000

3200 Carpenter Way, San Ramon 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 1 Bd + 1 Ba Casita | Call for Price

I am also involved in Commercial Real Estate… I have sold 5 small investment properties this year. If you are an investor or looking to invest in Bay Area Real Estate, Call me! 22228 Montgomery, Hayward - 4 plex 2425 Clement Ave, Alameda - Mixed Unit 4 plex

Don Magalhaes

1414 165th Ave, San Leandro - Duplex 16520 E. 14th St, San Leandro - Retail Commercial

925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221

16550 E. 14th St, San Leandro - Commercial/ Residential Duplex

I represented the Buyer & Seller on all of the above properties.

Results. Pure and Simple.

BEAUTIFUL MODERN &

SANTA’S BUSIEST NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

The tradition continues with Christmas Memories at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. This year the Museum celebrates Santa’s Busiest Night. You will be able to visit Santa’s North Pole Village as he gets ready for his busiest night, delivering toys to boys and girls around the world. Watch the Polar Express train travel on its magical journey through a forest of trees. Santa and his sled will be there loaded with toys. Be quiet as you tiptoe past sleeping children with sugar plums dancing through their heads. View photos of iconic Christmas trees from around the world. A display of toys from the Toy Hall of Fame will also be on display for your enjoyment. Also, don’t miss the return of the merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and Father Christmas! Young and old alike can enjoy visiting the playhouse stocked with a variety of toys to play with. The playhouse is also a great photo opportunity. BEAUTIFUL The exhibit opens on November 23rd and will close on January 4th. On Friday, November 29th after the Tree Lighting in Danville, Santa will be making a special stop at the Museum. Come by and visit! The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturdays 10AM to 1PM. On Sundays, the hours are noon to 3PM. The Museum is closed on Mondays. The Museum is located on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. For more information, call 925-837-3750 or visit www.musemsrv.org.

MODERN & Upgrade Your Cabinets

DANVILLE COMMUNITY BAND

The Danville Community Band will present “Christmas Pops” on Sunday, December 15th at 4PM. The free concert will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, located at 222 W. El Pintado Rd. in Danville. Slide into the holiday season with a wonderful concert for the whole family! For answers to questions or more information about the band, visit danvilleband.org or call 925-372-8420.

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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

C ALIFORNIA INDIANS EXHIBIT ENDING

Fall is a time when the Museum of the San Ramon Valley celebrates the Valley’s first inhabitants. Archaeological findings show that the first people settled in California well over 5,000 years ago. The current exhibit covers their housing, tools, entertainment, and food. Understand how Native Americans were able to harvest, process, and store food to last the winter. An exciting addition this year is the display of handmade Indian baskets. These baskets had a variety of uses such as gathering, cooking, serving as water containers, sifting seeds, drying meats and fruits, and more. Basket weaving was considered a sacred tradition and an absolute necessity for the Indians. Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973 In a world that had no pantries, shelves or cupboards, baskets were a critical item that served 2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J 3191-J Crow Canyon Pl multiple purposes. Today, people are struck by Concord San Ramon Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone (925) 680-4433 the quality and beauty of these baskets. (925) 866-2200 Since 1973 www.MacFloor.com • info@macfloor.com (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House) Baskets can be an equal part utilitarian object and exquisite work of art. Even baskets woven for functional use may contain JOIN THE CONVERSATION! elaborate design patterns and complex stitching. The museum is thankful to the Join Envision Contra Costa 2040 to continue the conversation about the future collector for allowing them to display part of his collection. of the Alamo/Castle Hill area. The first community meeting as part of Envision Please take the time to stop by and enjoy Contra Costa 2040 was held earlier this year, and community members turned this wonderful exhibit. The exhibit closes on out to discuss opportunities and challenges in the community. Please attend this November 10th. next meeting to review and provide feedback on the draft profile which describes The Museum is open Tuesday through the community and provides policy guidance that reflects the values, priorities, Friday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturdays 10AM to and aspirations for the future shared by its members. 1PM. On Sundays, the hours are noon to 3PM. The The Alamo/Castle Hill meeting will take place at Museum is closed on Mondays. The Museum is the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Railroad and Prospect located at 902 Danville Boulevard in Alamo, on Avenues, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30PM. For more information, call 925-837-3750 or visit www.musemsrv.org. For questions or to learn more about Envision Contra Costa 2040, visit www.envisioncontracosNOMINATE ALAMO ROTARY CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ta2040.org, call 925-674-7871, or email Will.Nelson@dcd.cccounty.us. At the Christmas Tree Lighting, to be held December 8th at Andrew Young Park in Alamo, the 2019 Alamo Citizen of the Year will be announced and honored. TREATS FOR THE TROOPS Please nominate an Alamo resident who is making a difference in Alamo, the U.S., Service group Delta Nu Psi sends fun foods and coffee to American serth or the world. All nominations must be received by Friday, November 15 . To obtain vicemen and women located in the War Zones. The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo on the first Friday of each month and at Lunardi’s a nomination form, call Dick Olsen at 925-855-1598 or email dickolsen@att.net. in Danville on the second Friday of each month. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:45PM. To learn more, visit www.deltanupsi.org. ALAMO WOMEN'S CLUB

JEWELRY SALE

The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) sponsors jewelry liquidation sales to provide scholarships for Bay Area foster youth and low income students. All sales take place at the Creekside Community Church, located at 1350 Danville Blvd, Alamo. The next sale will be held Friday, November 8th from 10AM to 4PM and on Saturday November 9th from 10AM to 3PM. The December Holiday Sale has been rescheduled to Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th. Prices for costume jewelry start at $5, and designer jewelry will be marked 50% off the lowest market price.

SAVE THE DATE

Save the date for the upcoming AWC Looney Luau Crab Feed which will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2020. Everyone is welcome.

MEMBERSHIP

Interested in joining a group with numerous opportunities for philanthropy, education, and fun? The Alamo Women's Club has groups that enjoy hiking, golf, wine and dine events, canasta, exploring, mah jong, quilting, and reading as well as devoting time to the many local charities they support. The Club also has monthly speakers who share information and their experience on current items of interest. The Club is always looking for women from all over the East Bay who bring new ideas, energy, and of course, a commitment to shaping the future. For more information, visit www.alamowomensclub.org.

DANVILLE WOMEN'S CLUB UPCOMING EVENTS

Come join with the members of the GFWC Danville Women’s Club at the following upcoming events.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

From 6-8PM come for a casual fun evening party and learn how to paint on wood! Appetizers and beverages will be provided. The cost is $25. The event will be held at the GFWC Danville Women’s Club, located at 242 W. Linda Mesa Ave., Danville. Call (925) 837-1165 to join in the fun and make a reservation for yourself and a friend!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21TH

Join members of the Club at their next monthly luncheon, featuring speaker Jeff Hebel from Danville Emergency Services who will discuss “How to survive any emergency.” Reservations are required. Please call (925) 837-1165 to make your reservation. Lunch is free for first-timers. The event begins with socializing at 11AM, followed by the speaker at 11:30AM, and lunch at noon. You are welcome to stay for the 1PM business meeting to learn more about the Club. The event will be held at the Alamo clubhouse.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22TH

Join members of the Club and Hospice East Bay at the Danville Town Hall, located at 201 Front Street in Danville, for the Tree of Lights ceremony. Arrive at 5:30PM to celebrate a loved one’s life and to turn on the magic in the Tree of Lights.

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November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7

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PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

GREENBROOK ELEMENTARY

By Rhea Murphy, Principal

Fall is in the air, and it’s apparent as you walk past every classroom. As the leaves drop their vibrant colors around Greenbrook Elementary, you might see a scarecrow winking at you from the window of a third-grade classroom or a haiku about autumn displayed on a wall. In our kindergarten classrooms, the walls are filled to the brim with smiling pumpkins and black cats that boast word patterns on their bellies. And, while we love celebrating the change in seasons, our focus this month is on the character trait “Responsibility.” This month we will honor one student in each class who takes the opportunity to act independently and make good decisions. We will continue to create opportunities for all of our students to succeed in this important skill in life. Students are excited as they get ready for the big Halloween parade! As adults know, Halloween itself is often a rite of passage for many. We’d like to encourage you to drive slower on Halloween night, and look out for little goblins all throughout your neighborhood. Additionally, there’s a trend that we hope will gain some ground. If a family “marks their home” with a blue pumpkin, it shows support to kids with food allergies. Halloween is not always the easiest to participate in when a kid could possibly get something with peanuts or another potentially dangerous allergy ingredient out there, so they often stay home. If you are willing to offer up allergy-free treats or hand out small toys, mark your home with a blue pumpkin displayed on doorsteps, or in the front. Kids with allergies know that they can visit and be greeted with a safe alternative instead of candy. Likewise, if you see a child carrying a blue pumpkin, they could have autism or be non-verbal. We want to make sure that all kids who want to be involved feel included. To help our students fall in love with reading, some classes are writing pumpkin book reports and decorating pumpkins to look like the characters in their books. All of our classes have “book clubs” and continue to encourage reading, not only to learn strategies that will help with decoding and comprehension but also for the sheer joy of reading. Fall is a perfect time to encourage the little monsters in your life to keep reading practice going at home. A cozy couch or pillows in the living room is all it takes to create “family reading hour.” We hope that you’ll take this time to help kick off a lifelong habit. If you happen to have a fireplace or want to serve a little hot chocolate to sweeten the valuable time to enjoy words, go for it! We wish you a wonderful autumn season and hope you fall in love with a book, or two, or three, or more.

ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL

By Maria Ward, Principal COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

The month of November is glorious, offering some of my favorite fall things: colorful leaves, cozy weather, time with family and friends, and delicious food. Bring on the pie! It also provides us an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. At St. Isidore School, we have much to be grateful for: students excited about learning, a team of dedicated teachers and staff, and a community of supportive parents. I am grateful for all.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

We invite you to join us on Friday, November 8th, at 10AM as we gather together in the Msgr. Cardelli Center to honor and celebrate those who have served and those who continue to serve our country at our annual Veterans Day ceremony. Students, parents, and staff look forward to this patriotic event and celebrating together our great nation. We would love to include you or a veteran you may know. To attend, please contact the school office at (925) 837-2977 or email phawke@stisidore.org.

SIP & SHOP HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

On Wednesday, December 4th, from 5:30-9PM, St. Isidore School invites you to kick off your holiday shopping at our annual Sip & Shop Holiday Boutique. Attendees will enjoy wine, champagne, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and desserts from some of Danville’s favorite restaurants and specialty shops. Over 30 local vendors will be on-site to help you find something special for everyone on your list. Tickets can be purchased for $35 at www.stisidore.org or $40 at the door. Mingle and be merry while supporting SIS!

MONTAIR ELEMENTARY

By Ondi Tricaso, Principal

October is an exciting month for many reasons and not just because of Halloween! October is special because it is National Bullying Prevention Month. Our classrooms have been discussing anti-bullying messages as part of our social emotional curriculum. Recently, Teen Esteem hosted assemblies for our 4th and 5th graders where cyberbullying was discussed. Students talked about how important it is to take action when they see bullying or unkind behavior. Earlier this month, our Inclusion and Diversity Club created wonderful posters they placed all around school, encouraging us to stand up to bullying. We were challenged to be the “i” in somebody’s Adrien Jarmy SMILE, KIND, NICE, and FRIEND. I love these messages as they are a wonderful reminder of how we all hold the power to make someone else’s day. It is easy to be kind, and the more we practice kindness and inclusion, the easier it is to demonstrate those skills. We all know it is up to us to BE THE GOOD in the world! Here’s to another great month together!

Bailey Zimmerman

VISTA GRANDE ELEMENTARY

By Osi Juergens, Principal

There is much to celebrate on the Vista Grande (VG) campus. Our teachers met with each family during conference week to review their student’s goals for the school year. Our teachers are dedicated to making a difference in their students’ lives. The annual Run for Education was well attended by our students, families, and staff. We broke our record with over 100 participants! It was a great district event, and we were happy to support the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation. We also participated in the national Great Shake Out. This is an annual earthquake preparedness drill. Our students know how to DROP!, COVER!, and HOLD ON! In October, we also enjoyed the annual VG Carnival. This year’s theme was Boardwalk. We will end the month of October with an annual Red Ribbon Week where we stand together against drugs and bullies. This week kicks off our No Place for Hate recertification. We work hard each day to make sure that all students and staff feel safe at school. On November 8th, The VG PTA will host a Parent Education event with Officer Lauren Brown from the Danville police department. Lauren will review what parents need to know about cell phones, social media, and vaping. As the days turn colder and darker, and with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we take the time to be thankful. I am thankful for the opportunity to be the principal at VG where I get to support and work alongside our students, families, and staff.

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RANCHO ROMERO ELEMENTARY

By Sandy Kontilis, Principal

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Danville, Alamo Home for Sale

Rancho Romero ElemenDanville-Alamo - According to industry experts, altogether. In most cases, you can make a tary exploded with activity there are over 33 physical problems that will come reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what during the month of October. under scrutiny during a home inspection when your you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking Our Inclusion and Diversity home is for sale. A new report has been prepared for can help you prevent little problems from growing committee set the stage for which identifies the eleven most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. a month of student, teacher, and community learning problems, and what you should know about them To help homesellers deal with this issue before centered on Kindness. Bullying Prevention Month is before you list your home for sale. their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 promoted nationally and throughout our school district. Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Rancho Romero’s students participated in a fun activity there are a number of things that can fall short of Inspection" has been compiled which explains the that promoted positive behavior. Based in literacy, the requirements during a home inspection. If not issues involved. book How Full is Your Bucket?, written by Tom Rath and identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could To hear a brief recorded message about how to Mary Reckmeyer, was read to all students by our school’s cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1librarian, Linda Mailho. Students then wrote a generic critical that you read this report before you list your 844-941-0941 and enter 1003. You can call any time, statement on a “water drop” cut-out that could “fill home. If you wait until the building inspector flags 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to someone’s bucket.”The water drops were collected and these issues for you, you will almost certainly ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale displayed over a bucket in our school’s hallway. Specific experience costly delays in the close of your home of your home. themes such as “Be a Friend” were used to inspire bucket sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away filling pictures, phrases, and ideas. This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © The annual Great California Shakeout held on 2019 th October 17 was the precursor to practicing our school’s disaster and evacuation protocols. Practice makes perfect which is why on-going drills are strategically practiced throughout the year. In November, our campus will practice for a shelter-in-place and a fire evacuation. In early October, Rancho Romero hosted their productive parent-teacher conferences. A parent-teacher conference is a short meeting between the parents and teachers of students to discuss a child’s progress at school and find solutions to academic or behavioral problems. The triangle -- parent, teacher, student - is a winning combination, so a genuine thank you goes out to the parents that took the time to meet with their child’s teacher. Finally, our Halloween parade was extra special this year because of the musical performance by the San Ramon Valley High School Band. Seeing some of our alumni play in the band was an added treat. The fairy tale theme was apparent with our staff members! As one of the “Three Little Pigs,” students enjoyed seeing their teachers and staff dress up to participate in this seasonal celebration. 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.

ALAMO ELEMENTARY

By Stan Hitomi, Principal SOWING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

So much of what we do in elementary school is in preparation for our students’ future. We are the first step. We are lanting seeds, that with proper support and reinforcement, will grow into healthy habits throughout their lifetime. At Alamo School, those seeds take many forms. Sometimes, they are quite literal. This month our garden educator, Lynn Hoaglin, is working with students and adult volunteers to bring our gardens to life. Our “kindness pots” have been refreshed and are looking mighty good! Lynn also works with classroom teachers to have their students water and take care of the pots throughout the year. I also caught Lynn carrying bags of daffodil bulbs to plant on our familiar landmark, Daffodil Hill. Planting in the fall ensures that they will experience the cold soil they need. Experts say “the more chilling they get, the better the quality of the bloom and the longer the stem length.” I hope these early experiences in our gardens will foster in our students a lifelong appreciation for plants and the beauty they bring into our world. Like the bulbs, with our students planting early will ensure they have the time to develop. This past week I was fortunate to visit Ms. Fettig’s 2nd/3rd grade combination class and observe a Sanford Harmony lesson. Sanford Harmony is our recently adopted curriculum for Socio Emotional Learning (SEL). Partnering in pairs (buddy-ups) they worked through a lesson to develop their ability for empathy. They explored the ways that people read each other’s emotions, like surprise, anger, happiness, or embarrassment. They practiced using visual cues like facial expressions and body language. These kids are well on their way toward experiencing better socio-emotional health. Recently, I was fortunate to experience seeds of an entirely different form being sown. At the beautiful home of Yael and Yaniv Benaroya (thank you for hosting!), our Auction Committee had their kickoff meeting. There was time for team building, brainstorming ideas, and setting direction for the creation of this major event. Under the leadership of Auction Chairs Tori DeCoite and Kate Rudick, our gala is sure to be a huge success. Save-the-Date for the auction to be held March 7th. Anyone who has an item they would like to donate to the auction, please contact Tori DeCoite at Toridecoite@gmail.com.

SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY By Jamie Westgate, Principal

The Thanksgiving season is my favorite season of the year. What a gift it is to slow down, to remember, and to give thanks for what God has been doing all around me. When I pause to think of the people with whom I work, the students and teachers that bless me, and the loving family to come home to, I can’t help but feel that my heart is full. Having feelings of gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, however. This is something that we must be taught. Children are born in a very self-centered state because they are fully reliant on others. They cry when they have a need, a want, or even because they’re bored. Somewhere along the way, they begin to realize that they fit into a larger society of others who also have needs, wants, and desires. Selfishness is diminished, and children begin to realize that doing something nice for someone else actually brings joy to oneself. This past month, Community Presbyterian Church engaged nearly 2,000 people with service activities in our community and the surrounding Bay Area for Serve Day. Many of those serving were our students and their families. I was thrilled to see students supporting the homeless, writing letters to soldiers, and cleaning up the Iron Horse Trail and local school campuses. Kids were washing cars, raking leaves, and painting walls. It was refreshing to see children looking past their own needs and supporting others. With the partnership of parents, educators have so many responsibilities when it comes to preparing a child for the world today. Here at SRVCA, we are very proud of our high standards and academic achievement, but our greatest joy comes in shaping the hearts of our students. This intentional process happens through everyday conversations, special events, and especially through prayer. We want our students to love people and be respected for putting others before self. By doing so, I believe gratitude will follow. Beloved childhood author, A.A. Milne wrote in his Winnie the Pooh novel, “Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude.” Even the smallest of hearts can overflow with love and appreciation if we help to shape it that way. Happy Thanksgiving to our San Ramon Valley and especially to those precious ones I see at school every day. I’m very thankful for each one of you.

PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

ACTION POOL REPAIR

Monte Vista (MV) is completing an incredible October and is looking forward to Thanksgiving Break and the last Serving Alamo & Danville Since 1979! weeks of the Fall Semester. October kicked off with MV Choir’s annual Bach to School concert. Led by MVs new Choir Director, Rosalind Neisinger, our students performed two nights of incredible music in front of packed houses. On October 6th, I had the honor of attending the American Legion Post 246’s annual Boys and Girls State Luncheon where MVs Amber Xu was recognized for being elected as the Governor of California Girls State. www.actionpoolrepair.com It was wonderful to see such a great student leader representing our community. Homecoming Week 2019 provided amazing festivities and celebrations for our students and our community. Months of planning culminated in three days of fantastic events beginning with our first Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony where we recognized 12 individuals and two teams for their accomplishments at MV and beyond. Please visit mvhs.schoolloop.com for a full list of inductees. The Homecoming Contractor Lic# 978033-C53 game featured a community tailgate party, a pre-game parade, and further recognition of our inductees. The evening ended with a big win over Foothill, and we followed up the next evening with an equally spectacular Homecoming Dance. A huge thank you goes to Activities Director, Tommy Greenless and his leadership classes, Athletic Director, Andy Popper for organizing the HOF Induction, our Athletic Boosters, and all of our parent volunteers, organizations, and students who contributed their time and energy to make Homecoming an outstanding community event. From October 22 - 25, all MV juniors, half of our sophomores, and numerous teachers took part in our annual Breaking Down the Walls program. In this program, students spend one day of the week connecting and/or re-connecting with another, listening to their peers’ personal stories, and building a positive school culture. We are proud to bring this program to our students and are thankful to our community for their donations in support of it. Our drama program once again gave us a dose of frights as they opened their annual Haunted House. November and December will host numerous visual and performing art shows on our campus, so please check our 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 our annual rivalry game with San Ramon Valley High School. We look forward to a great game, a big Mustang victory, and a return of the Gellerman Trophy to our campus. MV Women’s Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Water Polo, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country are all also prepping for their regular season finales as they vie for EBAL crowns and going deep into NCS playoff runs. I look forward to sharing their successes with you in the future. We invite everyone from the MV community to come out and support the Mustangs.

925.820.3640

ALAMO ROUNDABOUT

By Candace Andersen

In what is now several years in the making, the community of Alamo appears to be moving closer to having its long-awaited downtown roundabout. Plans for the roundabout, which will be placed at the intersection of Danville Blvd and Orchard Court, arose out of concerns from residents over increased traffic and the need for enhanced vehicle/pedestrian safety in the retail and commercial heart of downtown Alamo. Accidents at this location are twice as high as at other locations. The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) spent several years studying this intersection, listening to input from the public, and ultimately decided that a roundabout would be a much better solution than installing traffic signals. Thanks to the work and collaboration between the MAC, Contra Costa County Public Works, and other community stakeholders, the roundabout just outside the Alamo Plaza Shopping Center, will serve nearly 20,000 vehicles that make their way through the intersection each day. Since the roundabout’s inception, concerned Alamo residents laid out certain suggestions to make the eventual roundabout and surrounding area safer and more efficient, while also being aesthetically pleasing. The project will also reconstruct the sidewalk to provide ADA pedestrian access throughout the corridor. The design is almost complete, after several mandatory procedures; including a Public Works Design Team survey, topographical work, and documentation -- including an exception through Caltrans for a Historical Resource Evaluation Report, which is required as part of the project, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, a right-of-way study, and negotiations with property owners. In 2016, the project received its Highway Safety Improvement Program grant of $2.718M. The cost for the downtown roundabout is $4.143M. Partial funding of $1.370M has been received from Measure J Regional Funds. The small funding shortfall will be covered by local road funds. The most recent focus of the Alamo MAC was on landscaping options for the center of the proposed roundabout, with three alternatives considered.

The landscape designs took into account similar parks in the area along with landscaping that meets sight distance requirements. At October’s Alamo MAC meeting, MAC members voted unanimously in support of placing a live oak tree of an appropriate size in the middle of the roundabout, as well as a seal of Alamo, to go with stained concrete to wrap around the roundabout. The MAC also voted in favor of plants such as Ceanothus, Sulfur Buckwheat, and California Fuchsia to adorn the structure. Several community members in attendance also voiced their opinions on the presented options. As part of the process, County Public Works is also reviewing the affected parking and the access from the roundabout to the Alamo Plaza shopping center and the impact of construction on access to the shopping center. Parking is always a concern at this popular shopping center, so the County’s design consultant is evaluating a shift in the roundabout to minimize impacts to one parking area. When the project is finally complete in 2021, the downtown area of Alamo will not only be safer to navigate but will also offer a new, revitalized centralized downtown for all Alamo residents to enjoy. My office serves the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

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November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11

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PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

New Member Spotlight

Cielito Cocina Mexicana 445 Railroad Ave., Danville

(925)725-4732 www.cielitodanville.com

117-E Town & Country Dr. Danville, CA 94525 Phone: (925) 837-4400 Fax: (925) 837-5709 business@danvilleareachamber.com

Whimsy Kidz

814 Sycamore Valley Rd. - Livery, Danville

(925) 854-2656 www.whimsykidz.com

Additional new members

• IMX Pilates • The Liza Maribel Foundation,Inc. • Choicelunch

IMX Pilates and Fitness

812 Sycamore Valley Rd. - Livery, Danville

(925) 453-6937 www.imxpilates.com

Community Presbyterian Church – Preschool addition at San Ramon Valley Christian Academy 222 W. El Pintado, Danville

(925) 838-9622 www.srvca.org/preschool

VALLEY VIGNETTE

THE SAN RAMON VALLEY’S SIX HISTORIC GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, PART 1 By Beverly Lane

Teaching children is important in every culture. Some teach skills and traditions orally and by example, which was true of native cultures in California. For pioneers who settled here and began their families after the Gold Rush, setting up formal schools was an essential part of their new lives. In the 1850s and 1860s, sometimes schools were set up in homes with teachers hired for local families. One young boy (who wrote later about valley schools) was Jimmy Smith who credited his mother’s teaching as most important. We know there were schools in D r a w i ng o f t h e f i r s t Al a m o the Howard’s large Green Valley home and at the Harlan home in San Ramon. Grammar School Eventually, six grammar school districts were created in the greater San Ramon Valley. A boundary would be agreed upon, and voters would tax themselves for the property and a school building. The first school we know about was begun in 1854 by Alamo’s Mary Ann Jones. Mrs. Jones wrote: “People began to come in with their families, and we began to think about having a school for our children. So we built a schoolhouse on the Hemme Place (near today’s El Portal and Danville Blvd.) and hired a teacher.” Later, Jimmy Smith (who became Professor James Smith) wrote about attending this basic school building with a stage which also served as a church. Alamo’s first school district and larger school building began in 1876 at today’s northwest corner of Danville Blvd. and Stone Valley Road. The 2 ½ acre property on which this and later grammar schools were located was sold for $200 by Mary Ann Jones to be used for school purposes that year. The first Danville grammar school was built south of Danville in 1858 on land donated by early settlers Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Nicholson with Danville Grammar School District established in 1865. There were several schools. In 1895, Danville Grammar School proudly dedicated in 1896 a $5,000 bond issue was passed for a handsome new school. A Contra Costa Gazette article dated August 31, 1895, stated, “We…want our schoolhouse to be one of the most prominent buildings in the valley, located on such a street and facing in a direction to attract attention from any transient traveler or tourist through our valley. Let everybody know we have an interest in education by looking at the building.” The first school in the Green Valley area was built by the Howard brothers for neighborhood children. In 1865, the school cost the princely amount of $575, which made it the third most valuable school facility in the county. It was built on a hill off Green Valley Rd., north of today’s Blemer Road, on land owned by Andrew Inman. There was a barn, and water was pumped from wells which were five feet across and 20 feet deep. Amelia Howard Ridgway wrote that the school “served two purposes: a school during the week days and a gathering place for Sunday worship. We did not always have a minister, but we could meet, have Sunday school and sing the good old hymns.” These school districts provided important official boundaries in the San Ramon Valley. When the first Danville fire department was set up, for example, the district included the Alamo, Danville, Sycamore and Green Valley school district Green Valley School boundaries. A public high school district was voter-supported in 1910, and the first high school opened for students in 1916. Sources: Contra Costa Gazette, archives of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, several Contra Costa County history books, notebooks at the County Historical Society’s History Center.

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IBERIAN PENINSULA ADVENTURE

By Kelly Neumeister, Alamo World Travel & Tours

In September, I had the great fortune to visit the beautiful countries of Portugal and Spain. I absolutely loved both countries, but was captivated by Portugal! We began our journey at one of the largest squares in Europe -- the Praco do Comercio, or Plaza of Commerce. Surrounded by elegant buildings on three sides, the square faces out onto the bustling Tagus River. If you walk down to the waterfront, you will see a bridge connecting the two sides of the river. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought I was looking at the Golden Gate Bridge! There are many wonderful neighborhoods in Lisbon with an abundance of local flavors. In my books, food is a huge part of the travel experience. I figure, why not combine history and good food? I found that one of the best ways to learn about destinations is through a food tour. A very knowledgeable tour guide escorted us through many neighborhoods in Lisbon and along the way told stories of local lore, gave history lessons about the locations, and introduced us to different dining experiences. One of my favorite neighborhoods celebrated the past artists of Portugal’s soul through a musical genre known as Fado. The mournful, melancholy songs of Fado speak of life, struggle, and passion. Plan on enjoying Fado in one of the bohemian cafes! The evening ended with Portugal’s famous custard tarts and shots of Ginjinha, Portugal’s famous cherry liqueur. In southern Spain, we enjoyed Flamenco dancing in an alley club in Seville, the spectacular deep El Tajo gorge, and a tour of a bullfighting ring in Ronda. Ronda is the third most visited destination in southern Spain. The “New Bridge,” which spans a portion of the 328 ft. deep gorge, was completed in 1793 after 40 years of construction. It is such a daunting and intimidating piece of work. At least 50 lives were lost during the building process. Ronda is also the birthplace of modern bullfighting. A tour of the local bullfighting complex provides much history of the sport itself as well as great tales of past epic fights between the valiant matadors

QUICK TRIPS

BERLIN TO SAN FRANCISCO THEATER By Linda Summers Pirkle

My husband, whose stepfather was a noncommissioned officer in the Air Force, remembers his teen years as a military dependent with mostly good memories. His fondest time as a military brat (slang term for armed forces dependents) was when he was living in Berlin in the American sector, long before the Wall came down. The base was in the southwest region of the city and was a “Little America,” mostly independent of the Germans. The bases had their own clubs, libraries, sports facilities, shops, restaurants, service facilities, churches, schools, hospitals, post offices, sports clubs, and theaters. For my husband and his buddies, the base movie theater was a particularly welcome place. Life in a foreign land had its challenges, and the theater played current American films, a welcome respite. On a recent trip to Berlin, my husband and I visited the old base where he lived so many years ago. The Outpost Theater is now the home of the Allied Museum permanent exhibit which focuses on the immediate post-war period from 1945 to 1950, with an exceptional exhibit on the Berlin Airlift. A Hastings TG 503, which transported coal during the Berlin Airlift, sits on the grounds, and not far from the plane is the last guardhouse from Checkpoint Charlie. There is even a segment of the Berlin spy tunnel, which tells the story of a thrilling intelligence operation from the Cold War. The Allied Museum is free of charge and open daily except Monday. The website is www.alliiertenmusem.de. Another military base theater that has been transformed is the Presidio Theatre in San Francisco. Closed since 1994, the Spanish Colonial theater which had extensive damage, including a collapsed ceiling and major water damage, recently opened their doors after a $40 million dollar renovation project. The revamped theater is gorgeous with gleaming displays, a new and enlarged stage, comfortable theater seats, new carpet, meeting rooms, dressing rooms, green rooms, catering facilities, and expansive restrooms. Legacy donor, Peggy Haas says the Presidio Theatre is so intimate, “it feels like it’s hugging you.” Jennifer Tait, Director of Operations and Community Relations at the Presidio

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13

and the powerful bulls they faced! Before flying to Madrid, our final stop on the trip, we spent three wonderful nights in Granada. Granada is a picturesque and beautiful city in southern Spain surrounded by hills and mountains. The architecture of the city has an Islamic and Arab flavor that dates back centuries. A stop at The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and southern Spain’s most renowned monument and fortress, is a must. Sitting on a hilltop in the city center, The Alhambra dates back 1,000 years and mixes the characteristics of the Islamic, Christian, and gypsy cultures. Of course, one evening there we also enjoyed another interesting and delicious food tour led by an engaging local expert. The highlight stay of the trip was at the spectacular Alhambra Palace Hotel, a five-star Signature property. The Alhambra Palace sits majestically on a hillside just below and within walking distance of The Alhambra. The views from the room, overlooking the city and forests of The Alhambra were spectacular. This historic hotel is the oldest 5-star hotel in Spain. Many people like the ease and comfort of an organized bus trip. I personally like the freedom that independent travel provides. Our vacation was a whirlwind trip, but due to my trusted travel agency, Alamo World Travel, we were able to experience the true essence of the places we visited. There are a lot of travel options out there, and you want to maximize your time, experiences, cost savings, safety, and reliability. Alamo World Travel, being a member of the Signature Travel Network, can provide more affordable luxury hotel stays along with the wonderful amenities that come with staying in Signature hotels throughout the world. We can help you design the perfect vacation, whether it be an organized tour with a reliable tour operator or an independent trip suitable to your interests. For all of your travel needs, please call 925-837-8742, email info@alamoworld.com, or better yet stop by our Alamo World Travel & Tours office, located at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 255, Alamo in the Alamo Commons center between Ace Hardware and Peasant’s Courtyard Restaurant. Get travel ideas and information from thousands of searchable travel options on our website www.alamoworld.com. Alamo World Travel and Tours has been providing expert travel service for 38 years. We know the suppliers and the destinations. Advertorial Theatre shared some history about the project. “In 1938, the United States Army, in partnership with the U.S. Army Motion Picture Service, began construction of the Presidio Theatre on the Main Post of the Presidio of San Francisco. Constructed through the efforts and funding of the WPA, the Presidio Theatre functioned as a Pop-up rehearsal Presidio Theater - September 22, 2019. movie theatre and assembly Photo by Terry Lorant - Photography space during World War II and up through the Cold War. Bob Hope, Loretta Young, Jack Benny, and Marlene Dietrich were among those who performed for the troops during World War II. When the army left the Presidio in 1994, the building was one of the few non-residential structures that maintained its overall use and floor plan through the duration of its life. In 2019, made possible with the donation by the Margaret E. Haas Fund and in partnership with the Presidio Trust, the Presidio Theatre was reborn as a home for dance, theatre, music, cinema, and performing arts.” On Thursday, November 7th, at 8PM, Perla Batalla, 2015 Grammy nominated singer, longtime band member, and close friend of the late Leonard Cohen (third anniversary of his death is November 8th) will pay tribute to Mr. Cohen with songs and anecdotes. “In this show, there are times when I ask my audience to sing with me,” Batalla says. “I feel that the coming together of voices has the power to touch Leonard’s spirit and with it, his lifelong devotion to art and the mysteries of the human heart.” The Presidio Theatre is in the Presidio at the Main Post, located at 99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. Their website is presidiotheatre.org. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel writer, consultant, and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

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11 Veteran's Day Celebration 10:00am-5:00 @Veterans Memorial Hall

18 BBR Business Connection 11:30am-12:30pm @Danville Area Chamber Offices

Tuesday

Monday

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BBR-Sunrise Alliance 9:00-10:00am @Danville Area Chamber Offices

13 BBR-Sunrise Alliance 9:00-10:00am @Danville Area Chamber Offices

Wednesday

Friday

Thanksgiving

6:30PM Holiday entertainment, and refreshments at Downtown Danville merchants

6:15PM The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road will be lit by our special guests, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel

5:15PM SRVHS & Danville Girls’ Choruses, directed by Ken Abrams, will delight the crowd in singing holiday classics

Diablo Road Danville 5:15-8PM

Friday, November 29

Danville Area Chamber and the Town of Danville presents....

14 15 Monthly Networking Mixer 5:30pm-7:00pm @Hospice of East Bay 444 Diablo Rd

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CLIP NOTES

By Jody Morgan

I recently had the pleasure of reading best-selling British novelist Penelope Lively’s Life in the Garden, a philosophical reflection on the impact of gardens on those who create them as well as those who experience them in real or imagined visits. Writing from the perspective of a life-long gardener and avid reader, Lively leads the reader on a ramble reminiscent of a stroll through a series of well-tended garden rooms. Sometimes, the focus is narrowed to the work or a single artist as if framed by a formal yew hedge. Other times, the view broadens out as though opening onto the countryside beyond as Lively examines the impact of influential landscape designers from Capability Brown to Gertrude Jekyll, and recounts her personal experience touring gardens created by others and tending her own. Claude Monet described his garden as “my most beautiful masterpiece.” Yet Lively notes that his series of water lily paintings transcends the immediate experience of seeing or filming the garden. “The photograph reports; the painting examines, interprets, expands.” Examining the way writers use gardens to establish mood, Lively highlights Daphne du Maurier’s opening chapter of Rebecca setting the stage with a dreamed return to the sinister scene of action. “The rhododendrons stood fifty feet high, twisted and entwined with bracken, and they had entered into alien marriage with a host of nameless shrubs …” How much does fashion guide what happens in the garden? Historically, owners of prominent English properties were determined enough to have the latest style that they were willing to have late 18th century landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown completely reconfigure their large estates. His “natural” look often involved re-grading existing hills and re-directing water features on 100-acre spaces to generate vistas of rolling meadows and placid lakes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Gertrude Jekyll redefined the natural garden to incorporate swathes of colorful, free-flowing perennials and concepts adaptable to more modest plots. Her advice liberated gardeners from Victorian dictates requiring intensive care of strictly linear floral borders. Lively believes that contemporary gardeners “are opportunists, not slaves to ,

THE DISH ON DIRT: VINEYARD SOIL By Monica Chappell

Soil is a grape’s bread of life. The soil a grape grows in can have significant impact on the taste of the wine it makes. While soil may seem a simple topic, once you know the different composites, porosities, and permeability soil can assume, you may see a whole new dimension to the fascinating and complex experience of wine. In essence, wine offers the exciting opportunity to literally taste the earth.

MOST PLAYERS IN THE WINE-MAKING WORLD AGREE THAT THE BEST VINEYARD SOILS ARE • Moderately deep to deep • Fast draining • Fairly light textured, often with gravel • Relatively infertile

GOOD DIRT: THE GROUND RULES

• Soil determines water supply, and thirsty grapes make good wine. Watering down the wine is considered a crime, and the wrong soil can do just that. The texture and porosity of soil determines a vine’s water supply, and a moderate consistent water flow that drains quickly to restrain growth is the way to go. • Soil moderates temperature. The laws of physics state that dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect it. Whether this principle applies to soil in a way meaningful to grapes has not been thoroughly verified by science, but many wine-makers subscribe to the theory that a soils’ color scheme can affect the wine. • Grapes need a balanced diet and beyond that don’t care much about soil chemistry. A grapevine destined to produce good tasting wine generally hungers for a moderate, balanced menu of nutrients, acidity, and alkalinity in the soil. Too many organic compounds can spur too much growth, leading to flabby wine flavors. Though agreement has been achieved on most of these points, Old and New world wine-makers don’t necessarily agree on the degree of soil’s influence over the finished product. Mapping the outcome – so what does it mean? While soil is not the sole determinant of a wine’s outcome, it does matter, and success is in the details. Monica Chappell is a local wine writer and educator, and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com fashion. Most know a good thing when they see one, and are pragmatic enough to change course if that looks expedient.” Yet, she confesses to having yielded to the lure of trying to install the latest trends with disastrous results. Of rock gardens much in vogue in the 1970s she writes: “What happens, in practice, is that, having created your small hill of large rocks and earth, you plant up with alpine treasures and then find that every possible weed has snuck in and triumphantly shot its roots under rocks, from where it is impossible to get them out.” Speaking from personal experience, she asserts: “A garden is never just now; it suggests yesterday and tomorrow; it does not allow time its steady progress.” The text is replete with similar quotations that resonate with anyone who actually spends time down in the dirt planting and planning. “Gardening, we step beyond the dictation of time. We create order. We design and direct.” The first course I took in landscape design convinced me I could never work with anyone who didn’t understand that plants are not like sculpture. You can’t plant them at precisely the height and configuration you want and expect them to remain fixed in place. Plants grow, change, surprise, and sometimes disappoint. I envision the 15-foot shrub my latest acquisition will become, but my husband, not a gardener, sees only the scrawny two-foot specimen newly purchased in a one-gallon pot. Scientific research on the health benefits (and consequences) of gardening supports Lively’s comments. “We get right in there with the plants, escape worldly worries, do-in our knees and our backs, set spinning our circadian rhythms, jack-up our immune systems, and possibly live a few years longer.” Longevity is never guaranteed. Ruth Bancroft started creating her dry garden in Walnut Creek at the age of 64. She knew trees she started from seed would someday tower above the garden but not that she would live beside them for another 45 years. As an octogenarian, Lively retains her ability to engage in plotting, potting, and planting bulbs, seeds, and the latest offerings at the local nursery with an eye to how they will grow and bloom together. “Gardening is not outdoor housework; it is a manipulation of the natural world, the creation of order where order is appropriate, the subtle adjustments of disorder where that would be effective.”

DANVILLE ALAMO GARDEN CLUB

NOVEMBER PROGRAM ~ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14

French philosopher, author, and journalist Albert Camus’s quote notes, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” As California gardeners, we also know that autumn is indeed a second spring, a time to plant. At the Club’s November meeting, one of our all-time favorite speakers, Dustin Strobel, will return to entertain and educate with his presentation, “Seasonal Gardening.” He will tell what to plant and what not to plant. Dustin, is a California Certified Nurseryman and manager of the Concord Sloat Garden Center. He is passionate about plants. When you hear him speak, you will be ready to head right for the nursery, and then to the garden. Danville-Alamo Garden Club (DAGC) meets on the second Thursday of the months September to June. Meetings begin at 9AM at the Alamo Women’s Club, located at 1401 Danville Blvd, Alamo. The public is welcome to attend October through May (except December). There is a $10 guest fee. For questions, email membershipvp@dagc.us or visit www.dagc.us.

WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB MEETING

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, November 11th at the Gardens at Heather Farm, located at 1540 Marchbanks Drive in Walnut Creek. The topic of the November presentation will be “The future of our open space,” presented by Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo since 2015, Ted Clement. Ted has worked in the conservation field for over 30 years. Save Mount Diablo envisions a permanently protected natural reserve in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, with the peak of Mount Diablo at its heart. The meeting begins at 10AM with club business. Social time is at 10:30AM, and the program begins at 11AM. The Club invites you to attend a meeting and consider becoming a member. You do not need to be a gardener to join the Walnut Creek Garden Club. If you have questions or need further information, contact the Club’s Publicity Chair, Catherine Accardi, at caacat@comcast.net or 925-934-9015.

MOUNT DIABLO ROSE SOCIETY

The Mount Diablo Rose Society meets the second Wednesday of the month from September through June at 7:30pm in the Community Room of the Dublin Public Library at 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin. Enjoy fascinating programs presented by rose experts, and meet new friends who love gardening as much as you do. For more info, visit www.mtdiablorosesociety. org or email secretary@mtdiablorosesociety.org.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17

UPTO 35%SALE

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BECOMING THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR

By Robert Cucchiaro, Summit Wealth & Retirement

In 1996, Thomas Stanley published a book (The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy) that changed the way many people thought about affluent families in America. Through years of research and interviews, Stanley concluded that the typical millionaire family in America was comprised of small business owners who worked hard, lived below their means, and invested in appreciating assets. This was a surprise at the time when shows like Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous were portraying the typical millionaire as a spendthrift that flaunted their wealth at every opportunity. Stanley’s book is considered a “must read” in the financial planning community because it validates what we’ve all seen from our own experiences, which is that our most financially successful clients have achieved results by making a lot of good financial decisions, compounded over time. One of Stanley’s realizations was that many of the millionaire families he interviewed achieved great wealth by establishing pension plans through their small businesses. What he found was that establishing one’s own pension came with two great financial benefits: first, the ability to save an extraordinary amount of money each year through the business, and second, pensions are funded on a pre-tax basis which meant every dollar saved creates a significant tax savings. This is a space that we at Summit Wealth know well and one that 23 years later still holds true. Pension planning for small business owners is complicated because each business owner needs a customized plan based on factors such as business entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, corp), number of employees, age of employees, salary of owners, and a host of others. That being said, let’s look at a fairly common situation we see in our area. Consider the case of Mr. & Mrs. Jones who own a local business and work from home. They make $250,000 per year in profits and pay themselves $200,000 per year in wages. They are the only two employees of their company, which is structured as an LLC being taxed as an S corporation. By establishing a Solo 401K plan, Mr. & Mrs. Jones can save $25K per year into the plan on a pre-tax basis. In addition, their company can contribute 25% per year of gross wages. In total, Mr. & Mrs. Jones can each get up to $62,000 saved into their solo K plan based on 2019 contribution limits. Assuming they do this annually for the next 12 years (how long they plan to work), using a 6% growth rate, they will end up with a nest egg of $2M at their planned retirement age. And they’ve saved close to $50,000 per year in taxes along the way. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. For high-income earners, we can look at pre-tax profit sharing plans and even traditionally defined benefit pension plans and help clients save over $100,000 per year each on a pre-tax basis. If you would like us to assess how you can become the millionaire next door, 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. Visit us at www.summitwealthandretirement.com. Advertorial

SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY

Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, there are a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, and baseball games include spouses, friends, and guests. The next luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 20th at 11am. The guest speaker will be Mr. Dan McGovern. Mr. McGovern had a distinguished career as an attorney in the federal government during the presidency of Ronald Reagan and later became the head of the Environmental Protection Agency in the western U.S. during the President George H.W. Bush administration. Be prepared for many of his interesting stories while working under the Reagan and Bush administrations. The $26 luncheon includes a meal, guest speaker, and great opportunity to socialize with other retirees from the Valley. To reserve a space for the November luncheon, please send an email by Thursday, November 14th to info@SIR128. com. The luncheon will be held at The Bridges, 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. For more information, visit www.SIR128.com.

To advertise call 925.405.6397

VOLUNTEER WITH AARP TAX-AIDE FOR 2020 TAX SEASON

Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team that provides free tax preparation for individuals residing in Contra Costa County. Tax-Aide volunteer positions include tax counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and client facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November, classes for tax counselors start in January. Service is needed February through April 15, 2020. If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.

BOOKS FOR THE HOMEBOUND

If you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 314-3756 for more information.

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ESTATE PLANNING “NO-NO’S”!

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

This article highlights a number of the more common, critical, estate planning mistakes people make and some positive steps that can be taken to avoid them. 1. Failing to Plan. You know the old saying: “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” Every adult should establish a Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive and a Will, and many people also benefit greatly by having a Revocable Living Trust. Everyone should have a plan in place for themselves and their loved ones. 2. Not Obtaining Proper Legal Advice. Too often, people have big problems administering a trust (or estate) because the decedent whose trust they are administering failed to obtain sound legal advice before he or she executed documents. “Canned” documents purchased online or prepared by an inexperienced attorney, a paralegal, or a document preparation service are often, in and of themselves, of little value. Real value arises when one receives excellent legal advice about the structure, alternative provisions, and essential terms of these documents. Without expert legal advice, unlawful, ineffective, or impractical documents are often produced. Resulting fees and costs are typically far more than (sometimes many multiples of) the modest investment that would have been required to obtain thoughtful, meaningful, and professional advice to begin with. 3. Neglecting to Fully Fund Your Living Trust. It is not uncommon for people to establish a Living Trust but not adequately “fund” it (i.e. not formally transfer title of assets into the trust). Failing to properly re-title substantially all of your assets into your Trust leaves your estate vulnerable to an unnecessary probate. Fortunately, it’s easy to transfer assets into your trust with appropriate instructions, advice, and forms. 4. Not Having Current Beneficiary Designations on File For Life Insurance and Retirement Plans. The rules about who receives these kinds of assets on death, including potential income tax ramifications (particularly for retirement plans), are commonly misunderstood. Payout of retirement plans (e.g. IRAs, 401Ks, and life insurance policies) is governed by beneficiary designation. On the death of the participant/owner, distribution is made to the living beneficiary(ies) designated and on file with the financial custodian or insurance company. The beneficiary designation trumps whatever your Will or Living Trust might provide. So, it is imperative that you have a beneficiary designated and on file for each such account/policy. You should also have at least one contingent beneficiary on file – in case the primary designee(s) predeceases you. Frequently, people have no beneficiary designated or a designation inconsistent with their current wishes. Sometimes, no contingent beneficiary is designated. Any of these problems can lead to unintended consequences. ). For example, I have a client (facts changed a bit) whose ex-wife died. After she died, he learned that he was the beneficiary designated on her $3 million life insurance policy. She had never submitted a new beneficiary form to the life insurance company after they divorced 10 years earlier. She did not likely want her ex-husband to receive the $3 million death benefit, but he did receive it because he was still the designated beneficiary at the time of her death. 5. Nominating Inappropriate Candidates for Key Positions. It’s hard to overstate the importance of this. Whether naming a successor trustee in your Living Trust, an executor, or guardian in your Will or an agent under your Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive, it’s easy to emotionally or irrationally designate someone who is not suitable, or at least not optimal. These decisions should be explored carefully with legal counsel. Choosing the wrong people can wreak havoc with the smooth management of affairs and succession to loved ones. Estate Planning |Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 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

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19

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. For more information, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.

DANVILLE LIONS CLUB

The Danville Lions Club meets at 6:30PM at Crow Canyon Country Club on the 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. Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca for details. For club information contact Mike Huggins at 510-460-5376, email mikehuggins@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.danvillelionsclub.org. Visitors and new members are welcome.

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.

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 Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com or call 925-336-0000. 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. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/ San Ramon meets at Amador Rancho Community Center, 1998 Rancho Park Loop Road, San Ramon, on Wednesdays at 5:10PM for networking and social time with the meeting and guest speakers starting at 5:40PM. For more information, contact Joe Tagupa at (510) 599-2351 or mizutag@sbcgobal.net. 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.

DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE

Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a constantly video-recorded space. With proximity to police headquarters and video recording, the goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more about the safe zone, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.

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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

CLEANING HOUSE By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President NOVEMBER MEANS AUTUMN, COLORFUL FOLIAGE, AND THANKSGIVING AT THE ALAMO FARMER'S MARKET

Please join your neighbors in experiencing the live music at the Alamo Farmers Market, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us all through healthy food for our meals and our bodies. Our vendors welcome the opportunity to discuss their work and produce with you. The Market is open 9AM – 2PM every Sunday in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd. Make the Market a part of your Sunday, every Sunday.

EMERGENCY PLANNING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY

Ready.gov has made it simple for you to make a family emergency plan. Download the “Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids” at www. fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/34330. The campaign includes age-appropriate tools and resources to introduce conversations about disaster preparedness to children including a downloadable family emergency plan, emergency kit checklists, and guidelines on how to make preparedness a year-round activity. Due to disaster damages and heavy phone traffic, it is often easier to communicate with someone who is out-of-state during an emergency. Therefore, have a family communication plan. Choose an out-of-state relative or 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. Don’t forget to talk with your out-of-state contact to make them aware of the plan and this role. To start your emergency communication plan, discuss what you’re doing so that everyone in the household understands where to go during a different type of disaster like an earthquake or wildfire. Collect information - create a paper copy of contact information for your family, and share that information with all of them. Designate a family 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. Have regular household meetings to review and practice your emergency plans, communication plans, and meeting place after a disaster. For more information on how you and your family can prepare, please visit www.fema.gov/media-library/resources-documents/collections/344, www. fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/159970, www.ready.gov/make-a-plan, www.ready.gov/kids, and www.ready.gov/california.

AIA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can be justifiably proud to call “home.” Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association (AIA) and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” As Board President, I want to thank our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 63 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Now in its 64th year, AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has an outstanding history of serving our community and helping shape it into the place we love to live. Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo residents, membership forms and more. Don’t be left out; now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA. Please complete and return your membership form to AIA, P.O. Box 156, Alamo, CA 94507. ! Advertise in your hometown paper.

Keep local news alive! Contact us at 925.405.6397 Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com

I am drowning in data. My accumulation started in 1986 during my first “real” post-college job. It began with basic computer files such as spreadsheets, documents, and PowerPoint presentations. Then, in the late 1990’s until the early 2000’s, I accumulated thousands of songs in the MP3 format. In 2007, after the onslaught of digital photography with the introduction of the iPhone and then iTunes, I was doomed! Fast forward three decades, and I now have a completely unmanageable amount of data. I know I am not alone! Why is this important right now? First, data overload is out of control and, I’ve been avoiding it. It’s time. Second, as we have shifted much of what we do to the cloud, it is ridiculous for me to pay an online service to store such a messy collection of data that hasn’t been reviewed. Here are my counts (there are many duplicates counted in here, which is part of the problem): personal photos: 61,931 (172GB), documents: 59,985 files (510GB), music: 145,467 files, (716GB). It’s interesting to note that when I started Portable CIO, a 40GB hardisk was far larger than we could conceive needing. Over the next 15 years, hard drives became huge. We regularly saw 500GB, 1TB, and even 4TB drives installed in computers as we accumulated more “stuff” on our systems. With cloud-based services taking off, the trend is reversing. Now, we’re seeing 256GB, 128GB, even 60GB drives on new computers that will be used with cloud-based storage. Disk storage is coming full circle. I will be deleting large amounts of old personal and work files that are no longer relevant or useful. I’ll use a duplicate file finder utility to help me identify and delete copies that have accumulated. I also know that I’ll have to do some down-and-dirty personal review of the remaining files to ensure whatever I have decided to keep is actually relevant and usable. Tools and utilities will help me reduce the mountain to a foothill. However, there is no software substitute for my own eyeballs when evaluating the data. To begin, use your web browser search for “duplicate file utility,” and choose one such as CCleaner, Auslogics, or EasyDuplicateFinder which are all credible products. Before you start whacking files, make sure you have a good backup of your computer. Always, always, always have a verified safety net before you start removing data. First, I must choose basic rules for culling the duplicate files. For instance, do I select all duplicates for a file, just the newest versions of the file, or the oldest versions of a file? I chose to delete all newer versions of the same filename, leaving the original in its original folder. I’ll be honest: it’s nerve wracking to “let go” during this process and have faith in the tool. Once you’ve cleaned up your unwanted files, it’s time to adopt some new habits to prevent things getting messy again. There are many methods for file organization. A web search for “computer file management tips” will provide many websites with great suggestions. Here are a few ideas you can try. • Skip the Desktop. Never ever store files on your Desktop. • Skip Downloads. Don’t let files sit in your Downloads folder. • Empty your trash. If you delete a file (or an email), “flush it” by emptying the trash. Otherwise, you’re improperly using your Trash or Deleted Items folder as more disorganized storage. • File things immediately. As soon as you create or receive a file, put it in its proper place. • Sort everything once a week. Inspect and delete any unnecessary files at the end of your week. Stay on top of it. • Use Windows Search. If you’ve named your files and folders distinctly, they will be easy to find. • Use descriptive file names. When you name your files, use descriptive names. “Marketing plan” is generic and hard to locate through Windows Search. “Marketing Plan - Client X – Nov 2019” is more searchable and reduces the chance you’ll lose the file and need to recreate it. • Avoid using “nested” folders. Out of sight is out of mind, and nested folders hide your data like Russian Matryoshka dolls. Each folder should have a minimum of 10 files in it. If you only have two or three files in each folder, you need to reconsider your folder structure. • Keep tweaking. Adapt your method to your workflow rather than trying to force your workflow to adapt to a rigid file structure. • Stick with it. Don’t just give up. It always takes a little time to adapt to something new. Commit to using your file structure for a month to see if it will work. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this probably won’t be done in a day, either. It takes time. It’s a journey we can coach and cajole you through. However, in the end, it has to be your finger that will press the “Delete” button! When you’re ready for motivation and new ideas, you can give us a call at 925552-7953 or email info@pcioit.com. Advertorial

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Magee continued from front page

Completion of the Danville-Dublin stretch was celebrated on September 24, 1966. The space occupied by the pool and roundhouse was roughly where I-680 crosses La Gonda Way. The fishing pond is now engulfed by a housing development. Hap held Jackpot Roping events so aspiring cowboys and experienced cowhands could have some fun. The Longhorn Arena stood not far from where the 1.5-acre Canine Corral invites dogs to range off-leash today. Each team put money into the pot, and the top teams with the fastest roping time got to divide the spoils at the end of the event. Occasionally, Hap drove his herd of longhorns to land he rented at Camp Parks in Dublin. A vintage photograph commemorates a day when a few of the longhorns paraded through the center of Danville. Andy, lead steer in a team of matched oxen, became a novel celebrity. Hap reconfigured his Lincoln Continental convertible to accommodate Andy’s 1,800-pound frame on a custom-built platform that replaced the back seat. Hap learned the hard way that he had to load Andy from the passenger side in order to be out of the line of fire in the driver’s seat when Andy needed to answer nature’s call. Andy got a red carpet welcome at the MGM Grand in Reno, Nevada as Hap arrived at the hotel with his Hap Magee Lincoln Continental with steer in back seat. pet steer for the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association Convention. Like the buffalo, purebred Texas longhorns came close to extinction. Congress appropriated money in 1927 to establish a federal herd. In the book History of Longhorns in America, author Michael Casey writes: “Over the next several years, two U.S. Forest Service rangers inspected over 30,000 head of cattle and found only 20 cows, three bulls, and four calves that were in their opinion purebred Texas longhorns.” These cattle were taken to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. They were selected from disparate herds unrelated to the six herds of purebred longhorns known to exist at that time. In 1964, with founding of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, a registry of breeding records was created. The “Merrill Lynch is Bullish on America” slogan evolved in 1970 from analysis of a failed The 75' swimming pool at Edgewood Farm in 1949.Photo courtesy of Jed advertisement. Hap Magee’s longhorns took starring roles in some of the commercials. Magee/Mark Harrigan. However, when a new agency launched the “Merrill Lynch: A Breed Apart” campaign in 1979, Los Angeles animal trainer Joan Edwards schooled the bull tiptoeing through the china shop. As the story goes, during filming for a commercial on the Manhattan docks, one of the Magee longhorns made a break for freedom. If you’ve ever spent time in the company of advertising folks, you can easily imagine their frenzied histrionics as they envisioned all manner of disasters a large, sharp-horned animal loose on the streets of New York could cause. One of the cowboys in attendance calmly mounted his horse, quickly roped the escapee, and immediately restored order.

See Magee continued on page 22

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PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

HEALING ARTHRITIS - FROM THE INSIDE OUT

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC, Align Healing Center

Joint pain, known as arthritis, comes in many forms. The most common type is osteoarthritis, known as “wear and tear arthritis.” Joint pain can flare up for a number of reasons — some of which may be overlooked by conventional practitioners. Many of my patients ask me if their pain is caused by arthritis. Sadly, it is estimated that one in five Americans has been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. There are over a hundred different arthritic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis being the most well known. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the synovial fluid of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet, and is frequently accompanied by a hot or warm feeling in the joint, stiffness for over 30 minutes in the morning, the same joint affected on both sides of the body, polyarthritis (more than one joint affected at a time), and pain that can last through the night. With this form of arthritis, most of my patients notice the pain eases the more they use the joint. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, feels worse the more we exercise and as the day wears on. Also linked to inflammation, this type of arthritis can be traced back to a breakdown in the joint cartilage. It generally affects the hips, knees, spine, hands, and feet and develops as more of a wearand-tear situation, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is closely tied with genetic factors that lead to an autoimmunity problem.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU SUFFER FROM ARTHRITIS

All forms of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation — either local or systemic. When injured, a chain of events in your immune system known as the inflammatory cascade is triggered. This is what causes the redness, swelling, and pain we often see with an acute injury. When this process, known as local or acute inflammation, turns on and then off in response to injury, it’s a sign of a healthy immune system. Yet when the symptoms of inflammation don’t disappear, it tells us that your immune system is unable to turn itself off when it should and therefore leads to a state of chronic inflammation.

HOW DO I BEGIN TO HEAL MY ARTHRITIS PAIN NATURALLY?

1. Adopt a healthy diet rich in natural anti-inflammatories. Choose a diet of richly colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and pure omega-3 fatty acids. Remove foods that contribute to inflammation such as refined sugar, white flour/baked goods, and canned or packaged foods. 2. Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function and contribute to chronic degenerative processes such as chronic inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Special blood testing can reveal what your body has absorbed from your food and/or supplements over the past six months and zero in on what is deficient. Micro-Nutrient Testing allows a person to know exactly what to eat and/or supplement in order to support their healing process. By correcting nutritional imbalances, the body is given the building blocks it needs to naturally create its own anti-inflammatories and heal from the inside out. 3. Class IV Laser Therapy. Ending the pain caused by arthritis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser therapy 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 quickly relieved. We have great success helping people solve the causes of their joint pain. If you suffer from arthritis, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and which combination of therapies will help heal it. The good news is you can do it without drugs, and you don’t have to give up any of the activities you love! Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville. For more information or to set up a consult, call 925362-8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com. Advertorial

Magee continued from page 21

A member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Hap Magee served on the Board of Trustees at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City from 1977-1980. He amassed an extensive collection of Western memorabilia including a branding iron collection estimated to have contained 1,500-2,500 pieces. Marks made by friends invited to try incising a brand on the floor can still be viewed in the “Brand Room” at Hap Magee Ranch Park. Hap designed trailers to hold his mobile museum. He entrusted the memorabilia before he passed in 1985, to his contemporary Paul de Fonville who had established his Cowboy Memorial and Museum in Caliente, California in 1962. Paul was a champion rodeo performer with fond memories of riding in the Rose Bowl parade. On their way to Bakersfield several years ago, Danville residents John and Tena Gallagher detoured to view the collection. Describing Caliente as “barely a town” and the man in charge of the museum as someone who “seemed to be living in his past,” John writes: “Anyway, he had two or three very old semi-trailers that held an enormous collection of brands, both for cattle and horses. One trailer was chockablock with brands, and the other had a sort of display for anybody to see, but of course there was nobody who knew about the collection to look at it.” Where the brand collection is today is still open to speculation. After De Fonville died, an individual purporting to have documents signed by Hap’s daughter Julie took possession. Unfortunately, the identity of the bearer of those papers remains unidentified. The Magee family has a long ranching history in Nevada. Although Hap grew up in Piedmont, California, breeding cattle was always part of his heritage. Longtime Danville resident Don Wood writes: “I knew Hap from a different aspect than his parades and cattle drives. He was my neighbor to the north, separated by about a mile of fence line. His longhorn cattle were not as respectful of the fences as would have been ideal. In addition to his longhorns, he used the Diablo ranch to graze stocker cattle (weaned calves) about four months a year as did I on Wood Ranch. They often got mixed up.” After Don took over management of Wood Ranch in 1968, Hap befriended

his young neighbor, explained the advantages of wintering some of his livestock in Nevada where feed was plentiful and mud non-existent, and he made the all-important introductions. Wood remarks, “Hap told stories when I was on trips with him to Nevada and Denver. He was a great storyteller and intended to publish his stories in a book he planned to title Windshield Cowboy about his experiences truck driving all over the west. Someone stole the briefcase

‘Chisholm Trail’ revived in Danville.

See Magee continued on page 26

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LUNG CANCER

By Gigi Chen, MD, Diablo Valley Oncology

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23

Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin Offering Treatments for: Skin Cancer Moles Precancerous Lesions Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Warts, Molluscum Keloid and Scar Revisions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Underarm Sweating Physician-Strength Skin Care Products

Each year in the INTRODUCING United States, approximately 230,000 EMSCULPT D ONLY FDA CLEARE patients are diagELECTROMAGNETIC nosed with lung cancer, and over 140,000 ETING TECHNOLOGY TARG patients die from it, making lung cancer the D AN L NA MI ABDO R BODY leading cancer death. However, we are now beFO S LE SC MU GLUTEUS PAD ginning to see a decline in lung cancer deaths CONTOURING, FAT Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: LIFT! TT in both men and women due to a decrease in REDUCTION AND BU Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E smoking, which is the main risk factor for this Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, type of cancer. Other risk factors can include and Rejuvenation prior radiation therapy and environmental Frown Lines and Jawline Reduction toxins such as asbestos and radon. Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and Previously, lung cancer was mainly diPost-injection Bruising agnosed based on symptoms. However, the Pigmentation and Melasma Sun Damage and Scars National Lung Screening Trial compared CT A place where beauty Body Sculpting screening to chest Xray screening (which has Thinning Hair and/or Balding and healthy skin meet not shown to improve survival) and saw a 20% Hair Removal Visit us at our Center of decrease in lung cancer mortality in heavy Technology & Procedures Excellence with a combined Offered smokers who were screened annually via CT 12,000 square foot, state Cellfina screening over three years. As a result, the Cool Mini for neck of the art, newly renovated Coolsculpting® Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Our Women’s suite. We are dedicated Cryoshape has agreed to cover the cost of CT screening Wellness Center to Medical, Cosmetic, and Diolite 532 laser now offers EMSella, in approved programs for those ages 55 to EMSculpt Surgical Dermatology and FDA approved noninvasive EMSella 77, who have a 30 pack/year smoking history, are a place for medical electromagnetic technology Excel V Laser and if they have quit, have done so within 15 treatment (with clothes on) Excimer Laser skin consultation, aesthetic years. The goal is to screen high risk patients, Fractional CO2 Laser for urinary incontinence rejuvenation, and face and GenesisPlus Laser and feminine intimate diagnose lung cancer in the early stages, and body contouring. Infini Microneedling RF rejuvenation! therefore improve survival. Models are used. Kybella DrWilliamTing.com/EMSella Liposonix® The most common symptoms of lung Microneedling with PRP Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com cancer at diagnosis include cough, shortness MiraDry for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, of breath, pain, and weight loss. Once the Mohs Micrographic Surgery product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. NBUVB Phototherapy cancer is diagnosed, the patient will have Pico Genesis Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! additional imaging to evaluate the extent of PicoSure Laser cancer involvement. A patient with stage I or PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation William Ting, M.D., Vbeam Laser Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon stage II cancer will usually undergo surgery to Silhouette InstaLift remove the cancer. After surgery, depending 500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 Spectra Laser 2262 Camino Ramon Hercules, CA 94547 on the pathology result, additional treatment Superficial Radiotherapy San Ramon, CA 94583 Tel: (510) 669-5700 Tel: (925) 328-0255 Thermage™ such as chemotherapy may be recommended. Ultherapy™ Email: staff@caldermcare.com For patients with early-stage lung cancer who drwilliamting.com Vaser Shape *Welcoming new Medicare patients VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation are not able to undergo surgery, radiation may be an alternative method of treatment. For patients in stage III of the disease, a combined approach concurrently using chemotherapy and radiation is generally preferred. Immunotherapy can be used afterwards if there is no growth of cancer. For patients in stage IV of the disease, we generally offer systemic therapy. There have been many new developments in the last few years in the treatment of advanced lung cancer. This enables us to offer a more personalized approach to lung cancer treatments. For some patients, we may be able to find a driver mutation such as EGFR, ALK fusion, BRAF, ROS-1, or NTRK that causes the cancer to grow, and as a result, we offer these patient oral medicines that specifically target the driver mutation and therefore shrink the cancer. There are a number of new targets that are under investigation; some examples include MET abnormality and RET rearrangement. Another exciting major advancement in treatment of lung cancer is immunotherapy. For patients without a drive mutation, they may be candidates for either immunotherapy alone, if tumor PDL-1 expression is 50% or higher, or a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, if PDL-1 is less than 50%. In addition to treatments, maintaining an active lifestyle as well as good nutrition are all very important aspects of cancer treatment. Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating lung and gynecologic cancers and sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, and San Ramon. Advertorial ***Come hear a panel discussion on advances in treating lung cancer, followed by a Question and Answer session, at the upcoming Many Faces of Lung Cancer presentation. Hear Dr. Chen and other medical experts on November 19th from 6:30-8:30PM at the Lafayette Library, Community Room, located at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in Lafayette. For more information or to register for the program, please call 925-677-504, x272.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PEOPLE WITH ADULT LOVED ONES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Open Our Hearts, an outreach program on mental illness, offers a free support group for family members of adults with severe mental illness from 7 to 8:30PM on the fourth Monday of each month at Temple Isaiah, located at 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette. Drive across the parking lot and down the hill to the two-story building on the right. This program is open to all faiths. For more information or to RSVP, contact karen@mmcohen.com.

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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

Hope continued from front page

through 19) with a life-threatening illness that requires treatment for six to nine months. The child must live with a parent or guardian and reside within one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. Rooms of Hope donors and volunteers create unique dream bedrooms based on the personalities and requests of each participating child, while also creating joy for the entire family. Though the mission is focused on the child in need, Rooms of Hope addresses the desires of the child’s siblings as well. “We know the entire family is affected, and we do not leave out the siblings,” says Ham. “We also provide mini-dreamroom makeovers to all siblings as well because they need a little TLC, too. It’s not easy to watch your sibling go through so much.” “When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical illness, like cancer or end stage kidney disease, their world changes forever,” says Ham. “They go from being a healthy child to a child fighting for their life. Their routine goes from normal to filled with doctors’ visits and treatments, and if they aren’t being treated or hospitalized, they usually are home without the ability to go to school or Breezy Bochenek who received a dream room and won have friends over because her battle with sarcoma. of their depressed immune systems. Often times, they became physically and emotionally depressed as well.” That’s where Rooms of Hope comes in. During these very challenging times, Rooms of Hope allows its youthful clients to create a space that becomes a safe haven. “In a world where they have no control, with outcomes unknown, they are allowed to have control and be creative,” says Ham. Ham estimates that the group serves nearly 20 children each year, plus 30+ siblings. “This means we put smiles on 50 to 60 children each year by creating spaces that matter for those who need it most!” says Ham. Each room makeover takes anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the needs of each family. And each project averages a cost of $7,500 for the client and his/her siblings. For every makeover, Rooms of Hope works with three premier retail partners: The Home Depot and Foundation, Sherwin Williams Paints, and Mancini’s Sleepworld. For necessary items that are not donated, Rooms of Hope secures in-kind donations and purchases items with funds raised through corporate and individual donations and via its two major annual fundraisers: a fall Gala and a Beard Growing Contest, to be held this year on November 2nd at First Street Alehouse in Livermore. Ninety-nine percent of the makeovers are handled by capable volunteers, some of whom are interior designers or construction specialists including contractors and electricians. Some are artisans including muralists. Some are professional painters, stagers, or seamstresses, “Each has a big heart,” says Ham. “Several volunteers have been with us a long time...mostly via word of mouth. Once you participate and see a child’s happy face, you want to come back. A lot of families join us once their child is well or has sadly passed on. Team Depot helps us (volunteer associates from their stores around the Bay Area), and sometimes companies will have their employees participate. “We are always looking for talented people to come help us at makeovers, and we are also always looking for individuals, grantors, or companies that would like to sponsor and possibly even bring their team to a makeover.” For more information about sponsoring a room and Rooms of Hope events, visit www.roomsofhope.org. To apply for a room makeover, visit www.roomsofhope.org/childrens-room/childrens-rooms-and-referral.

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST

HOW TO LOWER YOUR CARB CRAVINGS By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

Carbohydrate cravings are one of the most common complaints I hear from clients. The good news is that there are several ways to outsmart these cravings. Here are some common scenarios that may lead to carb cravings and tips to control them. 1. Going Too Long Without Eating - Going too long without eating will lead to low blood sugar, which will increase the urge to eat carbs. I doubt many of you crave broccoli when you have not eaten for eight hours. Tip: Eat meals at regular intervals and plan a healthy snack. 2. Consuming Too Many Processed Low-Fiber Carbs - Foods such as white rice, sourdough bread, granola bars, and high-sugar yogurts which are low in fiber will cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a quick drop which can create a false sense of hunger and therefore an urge to eat carbs. Tip: Choose whole wheat products that contain a lot of fiber. Good examples include Ak Mak crackers, Kashi Go Lean cereal, La Tortilla Factory whole wheat tortillas, and Dave’s whole wheat breads. 3. Not Eating Adequate Protein at Meals - Eating meals that contain only carbs such as bagels, a large bowl of pasta, or frozen yogurt with granola will cause a rapid rise in blood sugar which causes the insulin response, and then a crash of blood sugar. Protein helps to slow digestion and keeps you feeling full for a long time. Tip: Add a protein source at meals and snacks. Protein sources include foods such as meats, chicken, turkey, fish, egg whites, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. 4. Not Eating Adequate Fats at Meals - I find many clients are fat-phobic and go out of their way to avoid all fats. This never works as having too few fats exacerbates carb cravings. Fats take a longer time to digest which prevents spikes and drops in blood sugar. Tip: Add olive oil and an avocado to your salad, or almond or peanut butter to your toast. 5. Control the Amount of Sweets in your Home. I always tell my clients to make sweets more of a treat to go out and buy. Look forward to going out for a cupcake or a small ice cream instead of having large amounts of desserts laying around your home to tempt you. Tip: For sweets you keep in the home, purchase frozen portion-sized desserts such as fudgesicles, fruit juice bars, puddings, or low fat ice cream sandwiches. 6. Getting Enough Sleep - Sleep affects hormones that regulate satiety, hunger, and how efficiently you burn calories. Too little sleep can lower leptin levels and increase hunger for sweet and starchy foods. Tip: Get adequate sleep or take naps (which are calorie free!) to catch up.

IN SUMMARY

If you are experiencing frequent carb cravings record what you eat and see if you can see patterns that I am suggesting. I would be happy to hold your hand and show you how to balance out your meals and snacks so you no longer have constant carb cravings that will most definitely derail your weight loss efforts. I also recommend paying more attention to the food labels of each item you buy to ensure you are getting the best nutrition. I take a lot of time to educate my clients on how to read the food label. As you have noticed there is a new food label where the calories are in large, bold print and they have left out calories from fat which I am not happy about. I thought seeing the percentage of fat per serving was a very important part of the food label. I go shopping with clients and show them how to understand the new food label and look for the best food products available in-line with what they most enjoy eating. The good news is nutritional counseling is covered by most health insurance companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, and more. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutrition concerns, email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com, and visit my website www. LindaRD.com for past articles. Advertorial

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November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25

TURNING BACK THE CLOCK THROUGH COSMETIC FACIAL SURGERY By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS

Let’s talk about facelifts. As we age, skin begins to lose elasticity, and our face loses volume. The lower face sags, forming deep wrinkles, and we start to notice loose skin on the neck. The loss of youthful contours in the face are the result of thinning skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, or smoking, in addition to heredity and stress. While these changes are a natural part of growing older, we don’t have to leave our youthful looks behind as the years pass. With the help of a skilled plastic surgeon, you can take steps this winter to counteract the effects of time and gravity, and restore the naturally vibrant appearance you remember from years ago or even address the early signs of aging before they take hold. Both popular and commonly requested, facelifts produce results that patients find consistently satisfying. The operation, when performed with skill and care, is very safe. Rhytidectomy, which literally means wrinkle (rhytid) removal (-ectomy), is the medical term for the facelift operation which is designed to remove wrinkles and decrease the sagging that occurs on the face and neck with aging. The key to a 2020 facelift is lifting up tissues while restoring lost volume without pulling the face back. It is often said that having a facelift works to “turn back the clock,” helping a patient look like a younger version of him or herself by removing excess and sagging skin, smoothing deep folds, and lifting and tightening the deep facial tissues and muscles. Facelifts are frequently combined with eyelid surgery, brow lifting, laser resurfacing, and fat transfer to achieve facial rejuvenation. As we age, skin above and below the eyes tends to droop, making eyes look small and puffy. It also causes your forehead to wrinkle, trying to support your eyelid muscle when opening the eyes. Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, removes excess skin and fat, and tightens sagging muscle, giving you a younger, sharper look. Laser Resurfacing is a very effective tool in the rejuvenation of aging skin. Resurfacing removes or reduces fine lines, skin discoloration, acne scars, and other scars and at the same time tightens the skin. The action of the laser encourages collagen production, causing elastic fibers in the skin to increase in number. This means that the skin will have properties more similar to an earlier time in your life. Sun damaged, cigarette damaged, and aged skin is rejuvenated in a fashion and to an extent never before attainable with chemical peels and dermabrasion. Fat transfer to the face revitalizes and corrects volume loss. When combined with a facelift, fat transfer to the face can offer more youthful lips, brows, and eyelids, in addition to stronger cheeks, improved jaw lines, and facial contours that are both natural and youthful. Once the facelift is complete, excess sagging tissue is repositioned, volume is restored, the skin is resurfaced, and the clock is turned back. Aging will continue from there of course, and you will look much better at any given age than you would have without the operation. Seeing our own patients around town up to 15 years after surgery demonstrates long-term results. To continue the conversation about facelifts and other ways to look your best this holiday season, please give us a call to schedule your consultation today! 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 925283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MOBILTY MATTERS HELPING SENIORS AND VETERANS

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that provides free, door-through-door, one-on-one rides to ambulatory seniors and veterans who cannot take other forms of transportation primarily for medical appointments and grocery shopping. In September, John Muir’s Caring Hands program ended their senior ride services and Mobility Matters is now providing rides for those seniors. Since Mobility Matters took over several new clients all at once they are in great need of new volunteer drivers. Each ride is lasts about three hours and you get to schedule your own hours. Most volunteer drivers provide one ride every week or two. Please contact David Benet at Mobility Matters at (925)284-2215 or david@mobilitymatterscc.com if you are interested in more information.

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Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams

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Contact Lens Exams

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Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses In many cases, we are able to make your glasses in our office with our On-Site Lab

215 ALAMO PLAZA SUITE D ALAMO, CA 94507 www.poplarspecs.com

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY MONDAY—FRIDAY: 9 - 6 SATURDAY: 9 - 4

925.202.2846 CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS AND HELP OTHER BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS!

The San Ramon Valley Rotary is collecting items for the homeless and the impoverished of the Bay Area. Coats, sweaters, and blankets, for men, women, children, and infants are needed. Please bring items which are clean and in good condition. The collection will be held Wednesday, November 4th throught Monday January 6th, 2020 at various drop-off spots. For a full list of drop-off spots please visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary. com or call Bernie at 925352-2155 for locations or other questions. The One Warm Coat project was started in 1995 by the San Ramon Valley Rotary Charter President, Bill Gregory. The first collection was a modest start from Bill’s garage and 55 coats and sweaters were donated. Now in its 24th season the group is expecting even more than the 12,000 fabulous items received in 2018. Bishop Ranch has graciously housed the drive for the last 17 years, and provides a critical space to sort and distribute the many items of clothing. All items received are given back directly to local charities and programs such as the annual “Christmas for Everyone,” St Vincent de Paul, and Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa. Cash donations to help with program expenses, are also always appreciated.

PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019

Magee continued from page 26

containing his handwritten manuscript from his truck when he was on a cattle-buying trip down along the Mexican Border.” Reluctantly accepting invitations to speak about his family, Jed Magee maintains, “The memories I have are from the perspective of a child who enjoyed an idyllic time on the ranch.” Don Wood, however, says Jed has inherited a touch of his legendary uncle’s story telling talent. In 1982, the year Danville incorporated, Hap Magee was Grand Marshall of the 4th of July Parade. One float carried Danville’s first Town Council. Over time, Hap and his brother Jerry divided jointly-held parcels of land so each held sole title to specific acreage. After Hap died in 1985, a series of transactions gave the Town of Danville and the Alamo Parks and Recreation Committee shared Susan Magee on Joey enjoys a summer day at responsibility for developing Edgewood Farm. Photo courtesy of Jed Magee/Mark Hap Magee Ranch Park. Harrigan. Jed Magee remarks, “I am glad to see the place I knew as Edgewood Farm as a park. On a recent Sunday morning, I was happy to see how many people were there – families with children pushing strollers and pet owners with dogs in the Canine Corral.” Special thanks for input and photographs to Jed Magee, Mark Harrigan, Beverly Lane, Don Wood, and John Gallagher.

Helping continued from front page and support to another woman when she needs hope restored to her life. HOW members demonstrate support by helping one woman at a time to move forward on her journey through times of devastating trouble and loss. The belief is that when one woman is assisted, so too is her community. “I loved the simple concept of people coming together for a monthly night out with the end result of helping someone in the process,” says Brusseau. “With friends connecting and reuniting over dinner, the feeling of connectedness grows, our sense of community is strengthened, and hearts are touched. I knew after living in San Ramon and Danville for the last 22 years that we are a generous and tight knit community that could really get behind an organization like ours. I felt a tug on my heart to do more for others, especially women and mothers.” One HOW recipient - a local woman experiencing trying times, as randomly selected from group nominations - is honored each month at a dinner, held the second Tuesday of each month at The Prickly Pear Cantina in Blackhawk. Nominees are those experiencing an irreplaceable loss within the past 12 months. The parameters include death of a spouse or child; a debilitating diagnosis of honoree, her spouse or child; or house fire, etc. Recent honorees included a single mother tackling breast cancer, and a mom of three helping one of her children battle leukemia, a bone marrow transplant, and subsequent year long isolation. Friends and family of the honoree, as well as interested members of the community are welcome to attend each dinner. Reservations are placed via Eventbrite, and the $30 cost for the all inclusive meal (soda, dinner, tax, and tip) is collected at the restaurant. A minimum $10 donation is also required at check in, and participation in a raffle is optional but fun. All proceeds from the evening are provided to the honoree as a ‘no strings attached’ gift. “There is no membership to HOW,” says Brusseau, who credits her hardworking team (Audra Carrion, Jen French, Stacey Galde, Sue Hix, Catharine Hubbard, Tracy Nelson, Stephanie Savage, and Jasmine Szyrko) for making the monthly event possible. “Attendance at our monthly dinners is voluntary. Sometimes complete strangers to the honoree attend, but everyone leaves feeling connected and inspired. We invite the community and local business to get involved by attending these dinners by nominating friends, family, or acquaintances who would benefit from being an honoree or by contributing small items such as gift cards or wine that can be used for the evening's prize drawings or larger items that can be auctioned for the recipient's benefit. “As our motto states, ‘One woman with $10 can buy another woman lunch. Ten women with $10 can buy another woman's groceries. One hundred women with $10 can make a real difference in another woman's life.” To join the monthly newsletter email list, send a request to howdanville@ gmail.com, or ‘like’ the Helping One Woman Danville Facebook page.

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THE EYE OPENER

WHY DID I BECOME AN OPTOMETRIST? By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

As I talk to patients who are college students, I often inquire about their field of study because I find the varying interests of our patient base fascinating. Since I have owned the practice for over 12 years, I have been the primary eye care doctor for many of these students, and it is nice to see them grow up, mature, and enter higher education. As part of these conversations, it has come up as to why I chose my career path. I think it is a good thing to know a little bit more about your health care provider as that can give you more of an insight into the person and why they chose their given profession. I have been drawn to eye-care since I was a child. Since the age of 2, I have been seen in an optometrist’s and ophthalmologist’s office. I was born with esotropia, which is an inward turn of one of the eyes. Depending on the severity, esotropia can be treated with full time glasses, patching, surgery, or a combination of these. If this condition is severe, as it was in my case, it usually requires surgical intervention. It is important that this condition is treated at an early age to prevent vision loss in the affected eye. At ages 3, 4, and 10, I had surgeries to attempt to correct the esotropia. Technology in the 1970’s is not what it is currently, so the success rate was lower. The last surgery was successful in that, for the most part, my eyes are straight, and my correctable vision in both eyes is 20/20. My depth perception is not that great, but in my opinion having good vision in both eyes is much more valuable. After the surgeries, I wore glasses, and I was allowed to try contact lenses in my early teen years. I wore contacts for many years to help with vision and to help keep the eyes aligned. As I got older, my eyes stabilized, and I no longer needed the contacts. Now that I am in my mid 40’s, the “short-arm syndrome” is in high gear, and I am having difficulty with near tasks without my glasses. My digital lenses (non-progressives) give me the opportunity to wear my glasses full time and not have to take them on and off all day as I would if I just had reading glasses. As a patient, I have been through many of the things that my patients are dealing with. From being a child needing their eyes dilated many times, to needing surgery and glasses, and learning how to insert and remove contact lenses, I have had a lot of first-hand knowledge that I use every day to empathize and help my patients. I think my early exposure to the eye-care field stirred an interest that might not have been there if I just had “normal” eyes and vision. The surgeries and associated office visits, in addition to annual exams, brought about a fascination with the eye and how important it is in our daily lives. I knew I wanted to enter the eye-care field and help people see better. Since medical school and surgery did not appeal to me, I decided to attend optometry school. With a lot of hard work, I graduated and eventually came to own Alamo Optometry. Everyday, I enjoy serving the local community and helping patients with their vision and eye health issues. 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 and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

COPING WITH THE DEATH OF PETS

When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief. Hospice of the East Bay (HoEB) and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at HoEB (925) 887-5681. HoEB Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

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THE DADBOD EPIDEMIC

By Dr. Jerome Potozkin

Summer is definitely over, and winter is around the corner. For many men/dads, with the cooler weather we find we are happy to be wearing more clothes. If you’re like me, maybe you were not thrilled with how you looked in a bathing suit. Maybe the demands of work and family have not allowed as much time in the gym as you would like. Many of us have seen our physiques become the “DadBod.” Of course diet and exercise are the best first line of defense for keeping a tone body. However, if your body isn’t looking as you’d like, modern technology has come a long way to help. CoolSculpting has become the gold standard for non-surgical fat reduction. It is not for women only; we see many men who seek treatment as well. CoolSculpting works great for pesky love handles and abdominal fat. Many men feel that excess weight makes them look out of shape, tired, or older. Diet and exercise plus CoolSculpting can be an excellent remedy to feeling better. CoolSculpting works by freezing the fat cells. Fat cells are more sensitive to cold temperatures than the other skin structures, so we can selectively destroy the fat cells without harming the other skin structures. This procedure requires no social downtime or time off from work. At my office we offer “dual-sculpting.” We have two CoolSculpting machines, so we can treat two areas of the body at once, essentially cutting your treatment time in half. As part of your treatment, we also use the ZWave Pro device which can enhance your results. To pass the time, we will have your favorite TV station available for viewing in our dedicated CoolSculpting treatment room. Instead of beer and pretzels while you watch your favorite game on ESPN, you can have your fat reduced! Do you prefer watching HGTV during you treatment? We have that as well! We are committed to not only getting the best result but also to making the experience as easy as possible. Do you have a busy work schedule? If so, we can offer weekend treatments. A new device that can actually stimulate and tone muscle is about to hit the market. Once we have removed some of the fat, either with diet and exercise or with CoolSculpting, we can tone the muscle with CoolTone. The device has not been released as of this writing but should be released within weeks.

November 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27

We will be one of the first practices in the country to offer this treatment. If you have excess fat, we always recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet. However, if you have fat that you still can’t get rid of, call us at 925-838-4900 today. During November 2019 we are offering complimentary CoolSculpting consultations. To learn more, you can also visit our website at www.potozkin.com. 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

C L A S S I F I E D ALAMO OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE

Downtown Alamo Office Space, 3150C Danville Blvd. 450 sq. ft. includes water, PG&E, high speed wifi, private restroom, plenty of parking. Adjacent to CVS, Peet’s, Safeway, Wells Fargo. $1,450/month. Contact Dennis at 925-899-8059.

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 NO JOB TOO SMALL! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877

PAINTING SERVICES

Interior, exterior, and commercial painting. 40 years of service in Alamo and Danville areas. Excellent references. Free estimates and color consultations. Call Richard Dean Painting 925-837-6291. License #540063

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.

PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2019