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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& OCTOBER 2018
DIABLO VISTA CHORUS
SAVE THE DATE - FREE “3-DAY MUSEUM,”
RECOGNIZING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TET OFFENSIVE
By Fran Miller
Whether you are a shower singer, a former high school choral performer, or a full-on diva, Diablo Vista Chorus (DVC) just might be your calling. This group of 50 women meets weekly in Walnut Creek to rehearse the form of a cappella known as barbershop music. (Yes, women form barbershop musical groups, too.) A chapter of Sweet Adelines International, an organization of 25,000 women
worldwide committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education, competition, and performance, DVC’s repertoire includes standards, Broadway and show tunes, jazz, and even a bit of country. So it’s not strictly barbershop, but it is strictly a cappella, which involves four-part harmony. When sung properly, the notes ring with clarity (Think Pitch Perfect). And, when performed with feeling and heart, barbershop is its most entertaining. Within DVC, any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training, can find a part that fits her voice range, with the guided help of DVC’s musical leaders and director Caitlin Castelino who started singing barbershop when she was only 11 years old. A speech-language pathologist with Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Castelino travels from San Jose weekly to direct the women in DVC. She helps members with vocal production and technique. “After working with the ladies for a couple months, I knew that I needed to take a chance on them and commit to the drive,” says Castelino who has served as director since October 2015. “There was something really special about them. They were picking up techniques quickly and were really eager to learn, but more importantly, they were having a blast while doing it. Every week I left rehearsal feeling more excited about the chorus and the musical product, and I couldn’t imagine not returning the next week. The women in the chorus are truly remarkable human beings; they are incredibly thoughtful, kind, encouraging, intelligent, and have a special spark that is indescribable. “Our performance at the regional contest this year surpassed every expectation I had. We qualified for the international Harmony Classics competition in New Orleans in September of 2019, a goal I originally thought would take 3-5 years given how challenging it is for groups to qualify and how
See Chorus continued on page 26
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
San Ramon Valley veterans will be welcoming families and the general public to a special “Three Day Museum” in Danville starting on Saturday, November 10. The militarythemed exhibits, gathered from local residents, will A volunteer hands a helmet to a guest in the cockpit of a F-8 be displayed inside Crusader jet. the main auditorium of the Veterans Memorial Building as well as outside the building and is centered around Veterans Day on November 11. “Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Tet Offensive” is this year’s theme and will recognize those who participated in the defense of South Vietnam as a surprise attack was launched by combined NVA and Viet Cong forces during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year in 1968. American and South Vietnamese forces were initially surprised by the attack on multiple cities and
See Museum continued on page 22
GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS! HANDBELL CHOIRS CREATE HARMONY
By Fran Miller
Margaret Settle remembers distinctly the moment she was stunned by the melodious power of handbells. One of her daughters, part of a youth handbell choir, was performing at The Claremont Resort for a large group of business people. As the crowd grew larger and louder, Settle thought, “What are we doing
here? These boisterous partying people will never be able to hear, appreciate, or be touched by the music that our kids are about to share.” But, as the bells began
See Handbell continued on page 16
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XVIII Number 10
Volume IX Number 10
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 • October 2018
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
Twice in one week when crossing the Iron Horse Trail I viewed a “FREE” sectional sofa and more recently a “FREE” end chair dumped, but perhaps justified, with the “FREE” sign attached. I’ve got to say the items looked comfortable and even in decent condition, but really, who finds this behavior OK? Leaving an item on the trail abandons any personal responsibility, and if no one claims an item, whose problem does it become? How long do these items need to sit out before realization hits that no one is finding “FREE” to be a very good price? If the item was left at the end of ones’ own driveway with a sign, I could understand. But on a public trail? That appears to be plain and simple abandonment of ones trash. How about the abandoned chair that has sat for days on the NB 680 Sycamore Valley Rd on-ramp or the king size mattress along the same freeway? My guess is these items may not have just “fallen off the truck.” Likewise, someone recently posted a picture on NextDoor showing a scooter, coolers, and other seemingly useful items abandoned in front of their home while they were out for the evening. Some responders pondered that the discards may have been from someone leaving the items for the semi-annual garbage clean-up day, but even if that were true, they weren’t items from the home it was dumped in front of. Worldwide, our “stuff ” is rapidly accumulating. We don’t live in an era where everything the family owns will fit in a covered wagon. In addition things are no longer made to last and often have built in obsolescence. The younger generations don’t want our old furniture; they want something that reflects who they are, something modern, something new. Thrift store and other donation bins overflow. Look online and you can find 100 pound bales or 1,000+ pound pallets of our used clothes for sale...cheap. Imagine what all those garments cost new. I guess it is good these secondary markets exists because we really don’t throw our stuff away, as there really is no “away.” In David Mas Masumoto’s book Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacies from the Land he writes, “Baling wire was a metaphor for farm economics and family finances. Small farms barely held it all together, mending leaking operations by patching them here and there, finding a way to get through another year, another season. We grew accustomed to hanging on and measured value in ways other than money....Not many people use baling wire anymore, and the seemingly inexhaustible supply has run out. Hay bales are now tied with twine, a cheap, thin strand of rope, too weak to be reused. Yet with the demise of bailing wire, we may have lost a creative spirit. We toss away things rather than fix them, or we tolerate things that have been broken, no longer trusting ourselves to find solutions and repair our environments. We increase the stuff that goes into landfills and garbage dumps -- junk that can’t be used and recycled.” Hands-on fix-it skills seem to be a lost art. The site BudgetDumpster (https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/where-does-trash-go.php) notes, “The United States is the top producer of municipal solid waste, in the entire world, generating about 251 million tons of trash every year. So, where exactly does all that trash go? The answer differs wildly between regions, states and even cities. The landfill is the most popular destination for solid waste, by a wide margin.” A study found China has imported about 45% of the world’s plastic waste since 1992 for recycling. In the U.S. alone, nearly 4,000 shipping containers full of plastic recyclables A DAY had been shipped to Chinese recycling plants. But China is no longer interested in our junk, and we had better figure something out something different to do with it... fast. It starts with us. There are many options for us to get rid of unwanted items: Craigslist, consignment stores, NextDoor, eBay, Thrift Stores, recycling, and as a last resort, the dump. However, we need to do the work to get rid of our own stuff, and not leave our messes for others. Honestly, the chair on the trail appeared to have years left in it, but that’s not the point. When you are done with this newspaper, please use it to line a bird cage, add it to your compost bin, clean a mirror, wrap a present, or any number of other things with it. Get more idesas on Pinterest.com and type in “reuse newspaper.”
ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB
Are you a new resident of Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk, or Diablo, a longtime resident, newly retired or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a woman’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all our club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. The next “Welcome Coffee” will be held on October 23rd from 10AM to noon. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
CPC PRIME TIME
Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) “Prime Time” is a gathering of senior adults who like fellowship, fun, and making new friends! The group meets in the Multi-Purpose Room of Community Presbyterian Church from 9:30AM – 12:30PM on Tuesdays, September to May. Please join in the fun. Activities often include games (cards, dominoes, and mahjong to name a few), blood pressure screening, water painting, devotions, informative presentations, and various forms of entertainment that also take place. A home-made lunch is Gopher/Mole Removal provided for $4. No Poison Get pampered, get fed, and get loved! For Tri-Valley Trapper more information, visit www.cpcdanville.org/ primetime/.
925-765-4209
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
SRVHS SKI & SNOWBOARD SWAP SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH ~ 9AM-3PM
The San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS) Ski and Snowboard Swap is THE place to get all your winter gear for skiing and snowboarding at discount prices. You will find a huge selection of new and used skis, boards, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, and apparel in adult and children's sizes, along with expert advice to make sure you get just the right fit. Experience one-stop shopping for the whole family. Come early for the best selection. Need to clean out your closet or garage? Donate your gently used equipment and outerwear. The money raised will go back to SRVHS to help students get the best education possible. Admission is $5 and free to children 5 and under with an adult. The sale will be held in the Commons at San Ramon Valley High School, next to the Performing Arts Center. For more details, go to the Ski Swap website at www.srvskiswap.com.
LOCAL TEENS FOCUS ON POVERTY IN CONTRA COSTA COORDINATE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE POOR® WALK/RUN
Local teens are helping St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP), a nonprofit organization that helps those living in poverty, conduct the 11th Annual Friends of the Poor® Walk/Run on October 13th to benefit Contra Costa County residents struggling with the challenges of poverty. The event starts at 9AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church, located at 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. Danville Teen Walk Coordinators are Sasha Williams, Isabelle Frasca, Dante Barsi, and Michael Barsi. One-hundred percent of proceeds and donations from the event will directly benefit the people in Contra Costa County served by SVdP, and there are no administrative fees associated with the event. Anyone interested in learning more, participating, or making a pledge can visit www.fopwalk.org. Select Walk for “Contra Costa County” or the Concord or Pinole Walk to participate. Participants also can make an online pledge. SVdP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and all donations are tax-deductible. Services provided by SVdP of Contra Costa County include a free dining room, free medical and dental care for the uninsured, a daytime homeless shelter, food pantries, clothing/furniture for those in need, and employment and mentoring for those with barriers to employment. SVdP of Contra Costa County operates a Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, 29 parish-based branches, and two thrift stores. SVdP of Contra Costa provides over 100,000 instances of help to county residents annually. To learn more, contact St. Vincent de Paul at www.svdp-cc.org, by phone at 925-439-5060, or register to walk/run at www.fopwalk.org.
SAN RAMON VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society invites you to attend their meeting on Tuesday, October 16th from 10AM to noon. The group meets at the Family History Center, located at 2949 Stone Valley Rd., Alamo. The program will be “Virginia, 1607 through the Colonial Period,” presented by Dr. Jane “Xan” Alexander. For further information, please visit www.srvgensoc.org.
FRIENDS OF DANVILLE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
The next Friends of Danville Library (FODL) book sale will be held October 12th - 14th. On Friday, October 12th, FODL Members preview will be held from am 9 - 10am. Public hours will run from 10am - 5pm. On Saturday, October 13th, public hours will be held from 10am - 4pm. On Sunday, October 14th, there will be a $5 Bag Sale. Public hours will be held from 12:05pm - 3:45pm On Friday and Saturday, all hardcover books, books on tape, and DVDs will be on sale for $2, and all paperback books and CD’s will be sold for $1. Please plan on stopping by the library, located at 400 Front St. in Danville, to see what new treasures you can find!
VOLUNTEER WITH AARP TAX-AIDE FOR 2019 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 providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages 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 2018, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2019. Service is from February through April 15, 2019. If interested, apply online at www. aarp.org/taxvolunteer, or call (925) 7263199 for additional information.
Purchase tickets through Eventbrite at Brewitupwineitdown.eventbrite.com
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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
OUR SHARED GOALS:
RE-ELECT DANVILLE COUNCILMEMBERS KAREN STEPPER & ROBERT STORER
Fiscal Responsibility Preserve our Small Town Atmosphere & Outstanding Quality of Life North end of Hartz Avenue Improvements Veterans & Seniors Partnerships with Schools Open Space Preservation
“Leaders you can count on.”
Paid for by Storer for Council FPPC#1325812 Paid for by Stepper for Council FPPC#1247916
DANVILLE COMMISSION APPLICANTS SOUGHT
The Town of Danville is looking for public-minded individuals interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new members. The following commissions are in the process of accepting applications. • Heritage Resource Commission – 2 regular vacancies, 1 alternate (4-year terms begin 1/1/19) • Design Review Board – 2 regular vacancies, 1 alternate (4-year terms begin 1/1/19) • Planning Commission – 3 regular vacancies (4-year terms beginning 1/1/19) • Contra Costa County Library Commission - 1 Danville representative (term 12/21/18 - 6/30/22) Applicants will be invited to interview with the Town Council on one of the following dates: December 11 – study session (Tuesday morning) or December 18 – Town Council meeting (Tuesday evening). The deadline to file an application is 4PM, Thursday, November 15th. Applications are available at www.danville.ca.gov/commissionrecruitment. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.
MUSTANGs FOR LIFE Monte Vista High School 50th Homecoming Celebration Friday October 12th
TREATS FOR THE TROOPS
Thanks to all of the generous shoppers who have helped charity group Delta Nu Psi send over 40,000 pounds of gourmet junk food in 1,608 boxes to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones! The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo the first Friday of each month, and at Lunardi’s in Danville the second Friday of each moth. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:30PM. Please shop for the men and women serving the United States. To learn more and see photos of recipients receiving packages, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
DANVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB
BUNCO
Kickoff @ 7:00 pm
Tailgate Party
4:30 - 6:00 pm (Parking Lot Behind the Pool)
Music, Games, Food, & FUN
PRE GAME PARADE
6:30 pm Class Floats Homecoming Court Sponsored by MV 12th Man
HALFTIME SHOW
Performances by MV Marching Band & Spirit Leaders
Please join the ladies of the Danville Women’s Club on Thursday, October 11th for a fun night of Bunco! The doors will open at 7PM. Contact Karen Lee at (925) 785-2534 to let her know you would like to play. Even if you have never played Bunco before, you’ll catch on in about five minutes -- really! The cost is $20.
MONTHLY LUNCHEON
Everyone is invited to the Club on Thursday, October 18th for the monthly luncheon.
See DWC continued on page 26
Generous Donations Made By: fieldingdesigngroup.com
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
Buy And Sell With The Best.com SOLD
SOLD
DANVILLE 255 Montair Drive
ALAMO 1640 Ridgewood Road
$2,100,000*
SOLD
$1,300,000* ALAMO 310 David Drive
Pamela & Don Colombana
$1,650,000*
SOLD
$1,050,000* MONTCLAIR/ OAKLAND 1428 Mountain Blvd.
925.878.8047 BuyAndSellWithTheBest.com CREG@BuyAndSellWithTheBest.com Lic. #01979180, #01979181
SOLD
LEASED
Represented Buyer & Seller
LAFAYETTE 28 Greentree Court
WALNUT CREEK Private Sale
A PROUD MEMBER OF
CADRE#01882902
$1,047,000
Represented Owner & Tenant
In this competitive market, the right representation matters. *Represented Buyer
THE RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN CALLS ON COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORT
It’s hard to miss the robust steel building that has recently etched its way into the skyline on Bancroft Rd near Ygnacio Valley Rd. in Walnut Creek. This building is the new Visitor & Education Center for The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery. The Center will open the door to educational symposia on droughttolerant gardening and water conservation, allow for private event rentals such as weddings, parties, and corporate retreats, and give the Garden a much needed facility upgrade for visitors, volunteers, and staff. It will provide increased revenue streams for the Garden which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has become a resource and example of sustainability in the community. When the Garden set out to make the organization’s dream of building a Visitor & Education Center a reality (back in 2015), it seemed like a long-shot.
See Garden continued on page 24
CHROMATICA SINGS “FROM RUSSIA WITH MUSIC” IN EARLY NOVEMBER CONCERTS
Chromatica, a popular Danville chorus that recently performed two concerts with the Diablo Symphony and several other choirs to great acclaim, will perform choral music from the great Russian composers in its three fall concerts. The first will be held at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church at 1570 Kirker Pass Road in Clayton at 7pm on Saturday, November 3. The next concert will be held at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette at 3pm on Sunday, November 4. The final concert will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara in Danville at 7pm on Saturday, November 10. Tickets for the Danville concert include a wine reception after the performance. Chromatica is noted for the extraordinary range of its repertoire ranging in time from the 12th to the 21st century and in genre everywhere from classical to contemporary. This time, Chromatica’s focus is on the spectacular choral compositions of Russian composers. And yes, both Irving Berlin and George
See Chromatica continued on page 20
From Russia with Music Balakirev, Borodin, Cui, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninov, Rimsky-Korsakov +++ 7 pm Saturday November 3 Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church
3pm Sunday November 4 Lafayette Library 7pm Saturday November 10 Peace Lutheran Church, Danville Tickets ($20/ adult, $10/ student) at www.TicketRiver.com
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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
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1700 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette
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4 beds | 3.5 baths | approx. 3296 sq. ft., See Celeste’s 51 client reviews on Zillow.com To receive Up-To-Date Market Analysis Reports, email me today.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
THE FIRST RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA NOW AT MSRV
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) has on display two exhibits, each with the common thread of the first inhabitants of California. One is entitled “Native California and The Anza Expedition,” and the other is “California Indians: The First People.” In the Museum Waiting Room, you will find paintings and a map showing the 1775-76 Juan Bautista de Anza expedition route from Culiacan, Mexico to San Francisco, and the Native American tribes encountered along the route. The trip covered 1,200 miles and had over 200 people and 2,500 head of cattle. The exhibit tells the story of this famous Anza Expedition. Many of the paintings on display were commissioned by the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation. In addition, there are artifacts from the period such as a saddle, sword, and clothing to name a few.
The general exhibition area exhibit is titled “California Indians: The First People.” The display covers how the area’s first residents lived and showcases their housing, tools, entertainment, and food. In addition, there is a display on “Precious Cargo,” featuring the carriers Indians used to move and carry their babies around. The beauty and quality of these are striking. “Native Californians and the Anza” exhibit will be on display until October 28. “California Indians: The First People” will be on display through November 11. The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave in Danville. Learn more by visiting museumsrv.org or by calling 925-837-3750. The Museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 1- 4PM, Saturday from 10AM-1PM, and Sunday from noon-3PM.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DIABLO VALLEY AND AAUW PRESENT PROS AND CONS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT INITIATIVES
California faces many grave problems. The state’s tangled history and a sometimes dysfunctional political culture combine to keep the Golden State on edge. How can residents balance budgets, rebuild a crumbling infrastructure, keep the economy going, face up to drought, and fund vital services? These are not easy questions. The League of Women Voters Diablo Valley will help attendees sort through the latest array of ballot initiatives in search of possible answers. Given past experience with initiatives, the presenters might also help the audience ferret out bad ideas hidden in the slick appeals some on the ballot offer us. The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) in partnership with the Diablo Valley League of Women Voters will be presenting the “Pros and Cons on the November Ballot Initiatives” on Monday, October 15th, at 7 pm. The public is welcome to attend the event at the Sycamore Main Clubhouse, located at 635 Old Orchard Drive, Danville. For questions, email daw-aauw@gmail.com.
FAMILY HISTORY CENTER
For almost two decades The Danville Family History Center has been serving the community. Everyone is welcome during library hours to use the resources available. There is a friendly and experienced staff who volunteer to help you to utilize the materials, including the Family Search web portal to over a dozen subscription-based genealogical research services, such as Ancestry.com. In addition, you may order online and have films or microfiche shipped from the main Salt Lake Library for viewing in our center. We are located inside the LDS building at 2949 Stone Valley Road. Enter the left side of the building. Hours are Monday 1-4pm, Tuesday 7-9pm, and Wednesday 10-4pm and 7-9pm. For questions, call 925-552-5920.
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
By Jamie Westgate, Principal
September was a great month for SRVCA. Our 7th and th 8 graders had a wonderful retreat to Woodleaf Camp where they enjoyed four days of ongoing social and spiritual growth opportunities. Our students will always remember the time spent learning more about God, peers, and teachers, especially when two brave educators impressed our group with a fabulous belly flop contest! We came home tired, but appreciative for one another and for a God who loves us unconditionally and has a plan to prosper each of our lives for His good purposes. This past month we also enjoyed the Fall Family Carnival, sponsored by our Parent/ Teacher Fellowship. We recognize that children benefit greatly when supported by a larger community. Events like the carnival help us build memories with one another by reminding us that we belong to each other and are available to offer support when needed. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sticky, cotton-candy fingers and red-cheeked sweaty faces of the kids who participated in the merry-making! One of the highlights for our teaching staff this school year has been some professional development training in the area of “Growth Mindset.” We are quickly embracing this new way of thinking which will help students focus on learning, improving, and being resilient. Rather than allowing students to develop a “fixed mindset” where they feel successful in only a limited number of things, the growth mindset allows a child to appreciate and celebrate challenges and the learning process in most any area. We are ridding comments such as “you’re so good at math” which supports a fixed mindset and replacing them with “your hard work will bring you success” which revisits the value of effort, supported by a growth mindset. We’ve been making these changes, and already we’re reaping the benefits as students grow in confidence, demonstrating resiliency even when making mistakes. Although this past month was a busy one, October promises to bring its own fill of special activities. We look forward to Family Worship Night, the middle school leadership conference, the end of our first quarter, as well as parent conferences. It’s a busy month to come!
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RANCHO ROMERO ELEMENTARY
By Sandy Kontilis, Principal
September was an exciting month for our Rancho Romero Elementary Community. Our parent community was busily preparing for the 2018-2019 year by holding their first PTA, Education Fund, and Site Council meetings. It’s truly remarkable to have volunteers care deeply about our students and staff. The countless hours dedicated to plan our school auction, organize programs to support student’s academic and social growth, and support classroom teachers is astonishing. Thank you Veronica Menta, Devon Mitzel, and Jennifer Nicholson for your dedication to Rancho Romero. Our Harvest of the Month program is in full bloom. Our students and staff are taking responsibility for leaving our planet a better place by recycling during their school day. Our campus is growing tomatoes, lettuce, kale, and carrots. Once harvested, students will prepare various recipes using their organically grown vegetables. Rachel Day, parent, and Jen Harrington, classroom teacher, work in tandem to educate students and promote environmentally responsible behaviors. I’m proud of our school’s energy surrounding being “green.” Our student 4th & 5th Grade Green Team is daily teaching younger students how to sort their leftovers into compost, recycle, and trash bins. Learning lessons young is key to developing lifetime “green” behaviors. As I write this article, Rancho Romero Elementary is preparing to participate in our district’s 35th Run for Education. Rancho Romero is a school that likes to “run” as our 7:50AM Run Club has begun. Twice a week, students, teachers, and parents run laps around the school’s track. Wearing powder blue t-shirts and gigantic grins, participants find that running provides exercise and a boost of energy for the classroom. As the leaves begin to turn color, and the temperatures dip, Rancho Romero students look forward to learning, growing in friendship, and building solid relationships with their teachers and staff. Happy Autumn!
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
Monte Vista is entering the third month of the school year and our student and staff are well into a full schedule of academics, arts, athletics, and activities. As I visit classrooms, I continue to see exceptionally great instruction and high levels of student engagement which indicate that there is a lot of learning going on. It always makes me proud to visit classrooms and see that our students have such great teachers and vice versa – our teachers and faculty are truly blessed to work with such an amazing group of students. In mid-September, we were honored with the announcement that 10 Monte Vista Seniors have been named as National Merit Scholars as well as an additional 43 earning academic commendations. These recognitions come with our high success rate on the PSAT, which is a nationally normed exam. In the past, the PSAT has been administered on a Saturday for interested students; however, this October, our district has made it possible for all 10th and 11th graders at MV to take the PSAT by administering the exam on a Wednesday. We hope that this will result in more equitable student access to the test as well as even more recognized scholars. MV’s athletics teams have enjoyed early success. Monte Vista’s Football team is regionally ranked and is challenging for an EBAL Title. MV’s Women’s Tennis is vying for a fifth straight NCS championship, and MV’s Women’s Water Polo Team is aiming to defend their EBAL title by claiming a second straight banner. MV’s Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Women’s Golf have gotten off to fast starts in league and regional contests, and MV’s young Women’s Volleyball Team is shaking off a slow start with a strong push for the NCS playoffs. The 2018 athletic campaign is in full stride, and we are looking for a strong close to the fall season from our student-athletes. Monte Vista’s Arts programs have also been very busy. Our Marching Band has entertained our fans at all home football games, and our Choir has performed their annual Bach-to-School Concert as well as performed at a number of community event throughout the late summer and early fall. Dance and Drama will add more performances as we move deeper into the fall season. Homecoming Week is set for October 8th through October 13th. There will be a number of events going on throughout the week with the festivities culminating at our Friday Homecoming Game against Granada and the Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening. There are many opportunities to see the great things our students are doing – just check the Monte Vista website for the latest about what is happening on our campus. I invite the community to come to any of our events and support our outstanding students. Thank you for all your support.
ALAMO ELEMENTARY
By Stan Hitomi, Principal
The other day I caught myself gazing out our staff room window and watching our students arriving at school. There were moms and dads, grandparents, uncles and aunts, neighbors, and caregivers driving and walking our students to school. Some were dressed for work, and others were more casual. Some were in a bit of rush, and others were more relaxed. This was the “village,” that collection of adults that it takes to raise a child. It occurred to me that everyone I was seeing that morning was directly involved in creating the future for our community, our nation. Individually we don’t feel the importance of our work. But, as I gazed upon our community as a collective body and ponder the thousands of other schools across our country, I realize there is no other work that is more critical to our futures. This is work that is too often taken for granted. Although our classrooms have become more routine in October, the same cannot be said for the work of the “village.” Our adults are busy bringing the “extras” that are as important as the core instruction in our classrooms to the educational experience of our students. Harvest of the Month, Odyssey of the Mind, Reflections, Student Council, and our GATE (Gifted & Talented Education) program all ramp up their work in October. These are all examples of adults, both
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parents and staff, working together to create experiences for our students that will last a lifetime. The benefits of these programs are not directly measured on report cards and state tests, but they offer our students unique opportunities to experience leadership, creativity, and perspectives on healthy living. However, October is not all work and no play. Three of our biggest events of the year happen in October: the Run for Education, Hoedown – Fall Festival, and our annual Halloween Parade. The SRVEF Run for Education has been a source of pride and a means of collective school spirit for Alamo School. For the past seven years, Alamo School has captured the coveted “highest performing school” title, with the highest percentage of registration. The Hoedown, a long-time tradition, has reached new heights by moving from a Sunday afternoon event to a Friday night. The result has been an event not to be missed! The one thing I say to all of our new families is “save-the-date” for the Hoedown. Your students will never forgive you if they miss this highlight event! October closes out with our annual Halloween Parade. There is no singular event that captures the elementary school experience as well as our Halloween Parade. Traditionally, the parade draws our largest attendance of parents, grandparents, family, and friends. Fortunately, October is followed by November and December. The Thanksgiving Holiday and Winter Break will give us the time we need to recover!
A S S I S TA N C E L E A G U E W AY SIDE INN THRIFT SHOP PLANS CASHMERE SWEATERS EVENT
The dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop take pride in preparing for the Cashmere Sweaters event that will begin on Tuesday, October 9 and continue while inventory lasts. Located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, Lafayette’s well-known landmark will transform to a virtual garment district, featuring racks and shelves bulging with previously owned, but many times infrequently worn, high end items that will appeal to discerning shoppers. Let this fact warm your hearts: Cashmere is actually a fine-textured hair that is light and soft, yet stronger than wool with three times the insulating capacity. You’ll appreciate these attributes as lower temperatures approach. You’ll certainly delight in the palette of colors, styles, and insanely low prices. This event will provide wise investments while your donations and purchases at Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop will help fund nine hands-on philanthropic programs. Another wise investment, it will improve the lives of those in our community who are vulnerable. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s philanthropic programs that the thrift shop funds, please visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
HAPPY FALL Y’ALL! By Maria Ward, Principal
Parent/Teacher Conferences. Conference week was held for our students, parents, and teachers. We love having the opportunity to sit down with our parents and learn more about their children, set individual goals, and develop a relationship with each one of them. We believe in educating the WHOLE child—that is, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically, the most important being the spiritual. It is a gift that our students are with us each and every day. Our Challenge Success. Challenge Success partners with schools and families to offer information and strategies they need in order to create a more balanced and academically fulfilling life for their kids. They believe that effective change happens when all stakeholders— administrators, faculty, parents, counselors, and students—come together to identify problems and work on solutions. The overemphasis on grades, test scores, and rote answers has stressed out some kids and marginalized many more. We all want our kids to do well in school and to master certain skills and concepts, but our largely singular focus on academic achievement has resulted in a lack of attention to other components of a successful life: the ability to be independent, adaptable, ethical, and engaged critical thinkers. The work of Challenge Success helps to foster learners who are healthy, motivated, and prepared for the wide variety of tasks they will face as adults. Our Challenge Success team had its training with an overnight in-service last month at Stanford University, where our team participated in a plethora of workshops. Topics included the New Adolescence, project-based learning, the Well-Balanced Student, and assessment roadmaps, to name a few. This is an exciting opportunity for our school and community. We hope to implement the Challenge Success philosophy on “PDF”—Playtime, Family Time, and Down Time—as a set norm. Red Ribbon Week Is Coming Up! During the last week of this month, our school will participate in Red Ribbon Week. At St. Isidore, we focus on being healthy and making good choices. We integrate our Gospel Values into Red Ribbon Week, which helps us promote a Christian atmosphere where students feel valued and safe. At St. Isidore, we strive to make our first choice always to follow Christ. Our students generously give to the Monument Crisis Center during Red Ribbon Week. Last year, we collected more than 1,500 cans of food, which created approximately 3,000 meals for those in need. This was awesome, and I am truly grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. Outdoor Education. Our eighth-grade students will be heading out for their exciting adventure to Caritas this month. Caritas is an outdoor camp that we send our middle school students to. Caritas’s purpose is to help young people discover the connection between all living things; to build bridges between diverse socioeconomic and ethnic groups; and to foster in youth a deeper connection to the natural environment, to self, to the Spirit of Love, and to community. This outdoor environmental education program correlates with our school’s curriculum. The program is located in Occidental, which is not too far away. This gives our middle school students an outdoor experience that we hope will be truly memorable for years to come. Open House. If you are interested in St. Isidore School, we will be hosting an Open House Parent Information Meeting on October 19th, at 10AM in the St. Isidore Room. For more information, visit our website at www.stisidore.org.
CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB
HOW TO HOOK YOUR READERS…AND REEL THEM IN
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HELPING TO KEEP OUR CREEKS HEALTHY
By Candace Andersen
We are fortunate to have many beautiful creeks and streams running throughout our end of Contra Costa County. Who maintains them, and how do we keep them from being tarnished because of trash, weeds, invasive plants, and even rats? If a property has a creek or a waterway flowing through it, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain it. Typically, private property extends to the center of the creek and not just to the fence line. These privately owned creeks are an important part of our county’s ecosystem and drainage system, and are regulated by County ordinance, but the County does not maintain them. Some creeks have been converted into flood control channels, and the Contra Costa County Flood Control District cleans them out and maintains them. However, most of the creeks in the County are natural, and when on private property they are the responsibility of the property owner. When a creek area is not properly maintained, the resulting obstructions can lead to increased flooding, changes in the course of the creek, and increased erosion. Proper creek care includes removing blockages (whether natural or man-made) that could cause flooding, keeping banks vegetated to prevent erosion, preventing pollutants from entering waterways, and removing trash to help maintain a healthy watershed. It is imperative that the work be conducted in such a manner that it will not adversely affect the natural habitat of vegetation and wildlife that share the creek with us, and in a way that will preserve the beauty of our creeks. Property owners are legally responsible for damages to adjacent property that result from neglect or unpermitted activities on their property. They are also responsible for the actions of gardeners, landscapers, maintenance workers, and contractors. It is against the law to block drainages within the County and illegal to cause discharges of pollutants to our creeks and waterways. To learn more about caring for a creek in a back yard, visit the County’s web page at www.cccounty.us/5754/Private-Creeks. If the property is located in an unincorporated area of the county and you are unsure whose responsibility it is to maintain a particular drainage facility on or near the property, call the County Public Works Department at (925) 313-7000. If the property is located within the city limits, please call that city’s Public Works or Engineering Department. With hundreds of miles of creeks in our County, even seemingly minor incidents and changes in vegetation can have significant impact on the health of our waterways. Invasive plants have become an epidemic, and the County and local resource conservation organizations are seeking help from the community to remedy this situation. The most invasive weed endangering our creeks is called Arundo Donax, or Giant Reed. This bamboo-looking plant grows rapidly and causes erosion and bank failures by encroaching on the waterway. It takes over native vegetation, provides habitat for rodents, is a fire and flood hazard, and is very hard to remove and prevent re-establishment. We are seeing more of it clogging the San Ramon Valley Creeks. Friends of San Ramon Creek have taken on Arundo removal as an ongoing project and are looking for more volunteers to make their efforts successful. You are invited to join the Friends of San Ramon Creek as they remove trash and invasive weeds from 9AM to noon on October 20th at Hap McGee Park in Danville. Bring gloves, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and drinking water. Contact Elissa Robinson at erobinson@ccrcd.org to sign up. For more information about Friends of San Ramon Creek, visit their website at www.ccrcd.org/fosrc. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
Award-Winning author Penny Warner will present “How to Hook Your Readers…and Reel Them In” at the next workshop and luncheon of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club on Saturday, October 13th, at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. The hands-on, three-hour workshop will include examples of compelling openings, what comes after the hook, and how to come up with the best one for your work. She’ll also explain how the “inciting incident” moves the story and keeps it going. She asks participants to bring pen and paper, and maybe your favorite opening hook. Sign-in will be held from 10:30 to 11AM. The workshop begins at 11AM followed by a luncheon from noon to 1PM. The workshop resumes at 1PM and runs until 3PM. Registration is $45 for CWC members and $55 for guests. The reservation deadline is noon, Wednesday, October 10th. To reserve, visit https://cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting/. To learn more, visit http://cwcmtdiablowriters.org.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
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PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
DESTINATION ALASKA!
By Alicia Perdue, Alamo World Travel
Alaska is a destination which can be found on most people’s bucket list. Cruising remains the easiest way of traveling to this diverse state. Visitors can look forward to wildlife viewing, excursions to a glacier, fishing in Ketchikan, hiking in a National Forest, and the delicious local Alaskan cuisine. My sister and I had the pleasure to sail on the beautiful Eurodam Holland America cruise ship this September. The trip was a seven day roundtrip cruise, setting sail out of Seattle with port stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Sitka, and Victoria, Canada. Our time at sea was spent enjoying the many amenities the ship has to offer including the relaxing Greenhouse Spa. The evenings had a plethora of entertainment choices. We would start our evening enjoying dinner in the dining room or trying out one of the specialty restaurants onboard, and afterwards we could listen to the fun dueling piano bar or dance at B.B. King’s Blues Club. For a quieter evening, guests could enjoy the Lincoln Center Stage playing classical favorites. One of the evenings we decided to play Bingo, and I won $200! The highlight of our trip was a day-long visit to Glacier Bay National Park. The only way to reach the park and preserve is by boat or plane. As we approached the glacier, the sun was shining, the weather was cool, and the scenery was stunning. The friendly cruise staff had hot chocolate and coffee waiting on deck for the guests to enjoy. As we entered the park, one of our on-board National Geographic naturalists pointed out black bears roaming the beach and several white mountain goats on Russell Island. The calm waters allowed us to spot sea otters splashing around and several humpback whales.
If a cruise to Alaska is on your list next summer, now is the time to start planning. I can assist you with the best itinerary that fits your needs. For travelers looking for something extra special, consider adding a land tour to Denali National Park or the Yukon. Cruising to Alaska typically begins in May and ends in September. I enjoy planning multi-generational travel, milestone birthdays, as well as individual and group travel. If you would like more information regarding a Holland America Alaskan cruise or the luxury small ship Seabourn, contact me at alicia@alamoworld.com or call 925-837-8742, ext. 16. Fun Fact: Totem poles from Alaska are carved to display stories. They often include eagles, fish, bears, ravens, and human faces. If you know the type of wood Alaskans use to carve these totem poles, and are the first person to email me with the correct answer, you will receive a gift card! For over 37 years, Alamo World Travel has been taking care of all your travel needs. Please visit our office at 3201 Danville Blvd. Suite 255 in Alamo, or check out our website at www.alamoworld.com. Advertorial
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CHICO STATE UNIVERSITY By Linda Summers Pirkle
In a blog I follow, nine college towns are rated for their dining experiences as well as campus vibe. Number one, no surprise, is U.C. Berkeley, with its rich history, stately buildings, the Campanile, and Sather Gate. Great dining can be found at Gather, just a few blocks from the campus and also at Comal which offers up haute Mexican cuisine. Comal is known for homemade chicharrones, squash blossom quesadillas, and white shrimp ceviche. Tucson is also on the list for college town dining experiences. University of Arizona students can have a hearty meal for under $5 at Taqueria Pico de Gallo, and another downtown restaurant, Café Poca Cosa, is a great place for homemade mole, tamale pie, and the best birria north of the border. Although Chico is not on the blog list yet, my daughter and I recently spent a lovely weekend in this college town. There are gorgeous brick buildings, a rose garden, lovely pedestrian-only bridges, flat terrain, and plenty of benches under trees to rest, relax, and listen to the birds. Chico State University is a tranquil spot on a Sunday morning in the fall. On our self-guided tour, we were among a handful of other people. Chico State University is the second oldest California State University. It was founded in 1887 and sits smack dab in the center of the town of Chico. Pioneers John and Annie Bidwell donated their eight-acre cherry orchard to begin the State Normal School for teachers, and the corner boundaries of their cherry orchard are marked today by the planting of cherry trees each with a plaque that commemorates this gift. The university is one of the few in the nation with a creek flowing through the center of campus. It has nine footbridges and trails alongside the creek. Kendall Hall, a beautiful red brick building with sand colored arches, sits on the site of the original Chico Normal School. Huge cone shaped shrubs line the stone path to the entrance. Trinity Hall, also brick, is one of the three oldest buildings on campus. The bell tower’s carillon sound can be heard up to one mile away.
Since Chico is known for its soaring temperatures for much of the year, Chico State campus plants and trees are a combination of California native plants and compatible drought tolerant plants that require minimum water once established. We learned these diverse plant selections also attract beneficial insects and provide colorful blooms from spring to fall. We saw gorgeous Coastal Redwoods, Western Redbuds, orange Southern Monkey flowers, delicate Matilija poppy, Deer Grass, lovely London Plane trees, distinctive bright orange Sedge, bright pink Texas Sage, Blue Sedge, and lime green Fern-Leaf Yarrow, among others. After our morning tour, my daughter and I café hopped in the town of Chico. Mom’s Town Hall, located at 209 Salem Street, is a popular brunch spot and was full of locals. I’m an oatmeal-in-the-morning person, and it was made just fine (steel cut with brown sugar, dried cranberries, raisins, walnuts, and almonds), but the biscuits and gravy were clearly the fan favorite. Our next stop, the cheery Chico Coffee Company, located at 145 Main Street, was a nice place to people watch and the food was great. Megan, our waitress, recommended their Avocado toast. The secret is scrumptious whole grain bread which is made fresh daily in Lake Tahoe. The thick slices are toasted to perfection with a generous smear of fresh smashed avocado and lightly grilled sliced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Oh. My. Goodness. Chico State University is located at 400 W.1st Street, Chico, CA. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
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SUPERVISOR CANDACE ANDERSEN IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS
Supervisor Candace Andersen is looking for interested, motivated residents to serve on a few Contra Costa County citizen advisory boards. These volunteer boards usually meet monthly and advise the Board of Supervisors on a variety of issues. They play a vital role in county government, and the input provided is invaluable. Applications are currently being accepted from residents of District 2 (which includes the communities of Alamo, Canyon, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Parkmead, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Saranap, and Walnut Creek (West of N. Main Street)) for seats on the following boards: • Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, Youth Representative - To advise on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other local agencies located within its boundary, which includes parks and recreation, lighting and landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and transportation. Learn more at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/3595/ Alamo. • Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee (CSA P-2B) - To advise the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff 's Department on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for police services. • Emergency Medical Care Committee - Reviews the County’s ambulance and other emergency services as required in State law, and serves in an advisory capacity to the County Board of Supervisors, and to the County EMS Agency, on matters relating to emergency medical services. Learn more at https://cchealth.org/ems/committee-emcc.php. For additional information about each board visit https://cacontracostacounty2.civicplus.com/6408/Boards-and-Commissions-Database. To apply on line, visit https://contra-costa.granicus.com/boards/ forms/321/apply/857634?code=8b348807-3ade-472e-b33f-d30e829cd812, or contact, Jill Ray at 925-957-8860 or via email at jill.ray@bos.cccounty.us.
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Alamo Rotary Club meets at Round Hill Country Club 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays
ROTARY EASTER EGG HUNT – LIVORNA PARK, ALAMO The Rotary Club of Alamo was founded on May 7, 1971 and has 50 members. The Club’s major on-going activities include: • The Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day at Livorna Park. The event in March 2018 attracted over 700 children and with their parents, grandparents, etc. the crowd was estimated at over 2,500 people. • Support for two RotaCare Free Medical Clinics that provide free health care in our community for uninsured and under-served adults with acute or chronic medical conditions. • Cash and volunteer time for Meals on Wheels. • Renovations at the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. • Renovations at the Choice in Aging Adult Health Day Care in Pleasant Hill. • Support for two Cub Scout packs. • Support for a water-harvesting project in Tanzania. • Contributions to the Rotary International End Polio campaign. • School dictionaries distribution to local third grade students. • •
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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
VALLEY VIGNETTE
NAMING MOUNT DIABLO By Beverly Lane
Mount Diablo is a prominent, beloved landmark for people in Contra Costa County and beyond. How it came to have that name is a fascinating story. We do know the mountain was sacred to the Indians of different tribes who lived for thousands of years in view of it. Some of their names for the mountain have been noted by ethnohistorian Beverly Ortiz: oj-ompil-ee (Northern Sierra Miwok), supermenenu (Central Sierra Miwok), sukku jaman (Nisenan), and tuyshtak (Chochenyo). In the early 1800s, the mountain was called “Sierra de los Bolbones” by Spanish explorers and missionaries. In October, 1811, Father Ramon Abella of San Francisco and Father Fortuni of San Jose explored the Delta and pronounced the mountain’s name to be “Cerro Alto de los Bolbones” – Tall Hill of the Volvon. This title referred to the Bay Miwok Volvon Indian tribe which lived north of the mountain in the Clayton area. Other Spanish writers spelled the name Golgone, Bolbone, or Volvone. During the early years of the nineteenth century, missionaries were actively recruiting Indians for the missions. They wanted to baptize the Natives (and thus save their souls), and they needed workers for mission orchards, gardens, livestock-tending, and domestic work. When baptized Indians fled the missions and persuasion failed to get them back, soldiers were sent to retrieve them. In 1805 or 1806, soldiers tried to capture Indians in a marsh north of Concord and, when the Indians completely disappeared into an eerie thicket in the night, the soldiers named the area Monte Diablo (thicket of the devil). The name “m. de diablo,” signifying an Indian rancheria, first appeared on an 1824 map created by Father Narciso Duran. The English expedition of Edward Beechey in 1826 mapped the Bay and called the mountain “Sierra Bolbones.” When Salvio Pacheco petitioned for and received his Concord area grant in 1828, he named his rancho Monte del Diablo. Later, American and European explorers took the name Monte Diablo and placed it on the isolated mountain. During the 1840s explorers Charles Wilkes (“Montes Diabolo”), John Fremont (“Mount Diavolo”), and Eugene Duflot de
A NATURAL PAIR
By Monica Chappell
Wine and cheese are friends from way back. Both are the product of fermentation and both can express terroir, or the taste of the place they come from. In the case of cheese, the taste of terroir emerges from the different milk-giving animals, which can range from cows, goats, sheep and even water buffalos – which makes one of my favorite cheeses of all time.
WINE & CHEESE PAIRING TIPS
The first rule of thumb is that white wines usually pair better with cheese than red wines do – sorry red wine lovers. White wine’s acidity cuts through cheese’s butterfat beautifully. The creamy and nutty flavors in cheese can also bring a white wine to life by contrast. Along those lines, some consider Sauvignon Blanc the overall cheese-friendliest wine. Among red wines, the easiest to pair with cheese are the light and fruity varieties. Terroir-inspired combinations, wine and cheese coming from the same region, are almost always winners.
PAIRINGS THAT PLEASE
• White or bloomy rind cheeses such as camembert and brie are the trickiest to match; safe bets include soft, fruity reds such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais-Villages. • Hard cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, and Manchego go with the widest range of wines; safe bets are medium to full bodied reds without too much tannin such as a softer style Bordeaux or good quality Cotes du RhoneVillages. A buttery, medium bodied Chardonnay is a surprising star as well. • Blue cheeses can be troublesome partners for any wine apart from the classic partnerships of roquefort and Sauternes or port and stilton. The salty with sweet principle prevails here. • Strong, pungent cheese offers no safe bets. Sweet or fortified wines are likely to pair well or try an aromatic white such as the classic combination of Munster and Gewurztraminer.
Mofras (“Mounte de Diablo”) used versions of that name. The Volvon name was usually forgotten. When the new state legislature was organizing counties in 1850, they considered naming this area Mount Diablo County. Mariano Vallejo wrote that Photograph of Mount Diablo by Bill Hockins “both branches of the state legislature, after heated debates on the subject, resolved upon the less profane one of Contra Costa.” In 1851, the mountain’s summit became the base point for U.S. land surveys of central California and Nevada. Today, we view the mountain’s name as settled and acknowledge the name’s beginnings in that north Concord marsh. But the name does seem to draw controversy. Bret Harte wrote a fictitious essay in 1863 which told about a missionary’s battle with the devil in the guise of a bear, after which the father named the mountain for the devil. A local Congregational Church wanted to call the mountain Kahwookum which they said was an Indian name meaning “Everywhere Seen.” This name has come several times including when a journalist in 1916 said the mountain should be Koo-Wah-Kum. As recently as 2005, an Oakley resident unsuccessfully petitioned the U.S. Board of Geographic Names to re-label it Mount Kawukum. No evidence for such an Indian name has been found. The name Diablo appears throughout northern California in schools, school districts, ships, housing developments, foot races, streets, businesses, and magazine names. In the San Ramon Valley, Diablo Country Club is named for the mountain. The name is here to stay. Sources: Erwin Gudde, 1000 California Place Names; Bret Harte, “The Legend of Mount Diablo,” Atlantic Monthly, Oct. 1863; Randall Milliken, A Time of Little Choice, 1995
• For goat milk cheeses, Sauvignon Blanc is a good match, especially with young soft cheeses; the more acid in the cheese, the more acid the wine should have. • Sheep milk cheese can handle a robust red made from Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache or Tempranillo grapes. Or try countering the cheese’s saltiness with a little sweetness in the wine.
STRATEGIES FOR HARMONY
When planning a cheese platter, try adding walnut bread and a selection of dried fruits to create a more wine-friendly match. When serving a selection of cheeses, try to choose three or four which all pair well with a style of wine. Highly-oaked and super-tannic wines can be difficult to pair with cheese so be careful! Pairing up cheese with wine can work like a charm. Just say “cheese please,” and discover a delicious new dimension to your wine-drinking pleasure. Monica Chappell writes about wine and can be reached at 'GIVE HOCKEY A TRY' wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
George Washington was probably not thinking about the critical role of native trees in sustaining indigenous wildlife when he sent instructions to his estate manager Lund Washington on August 19, 1776, to plant two groves of flowering trees and shrubs on either side of his Mount Vernon home. As British vessels bearing soldiers gathered to invade his homeland, Washington wrote that his new garden should contain only North American natives – no English plants would be tolerated. Thanks to research piloted by Doug Tallamy, Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, we now understand the environmental value of the trees Washington ordered dug from the forests of his Virginia plantation and shipped to him from throughout the thirteen colonies and wilderness beyond. Oaks support 557 species of caterpillars, critical components of the diet of innumerable kinds of baby birds. Branches shelter adult birds and supply nest sites. Acorns feed ground-foraging birds and mammals. Pines nurture 210 species of caterpillar and offer winter seed to birds and mammals. Rhododendrons support 50 species of caterpillar. Magnolias provide shelter and food for birds and pollinators. While I have long been aware of Washington’s passion for gardening, I was fascinated to learn of his interest in working with native plants. The opening chapter of Andrea Wulf ’s Founding Gardeners chronicles the General’s correspondence and diary entries (with a bibliography documenting every page of her text) concerning his determination to give visitors to Mount Vernon a spectacular introduction to America’s horticultural bounty. Wulf writes of Washington’s arrival home in December 1783 after eight year’s of absence: “Washington left in 1775 as a wealthy Virginia colonist, but he had returned as a war hero who had transformed his country and freed his people from tyranny. Standing in Mount Vernon, he realized that what had been perfect for a successful plantation owner was now woefully inadequate. Fresh from revolutionary triumph, he resolved to tear up the driveway, pull down the walls and dig up the hedges to liberate his garden from its claustrophobic corset of geometry, just as he freed his country from
www.yourmonthlypaper.com Britain’s imperial yoke.” Freeing landscapes from the oppressive man-made hedge walls and rigid grids of the then traditional English gardens was a concept Washington studied in a book he bought in 1759: New Principles of Gardening by Batty Langley (1728). In the introduction, Langley wrote: “Nor is there any Thing more shocking than a stiff regular Garden.” Washington embraced Langley’s advice on using more relaxed curving paths, inviting exploration, and planting trees in natural groves. Washington also relied upon information presented by Philp Miller in Gardeners Dictionary (1731). Many North American species were already in cultivation in England thanks in large part to shipments from Pennsylvania plantsman John Bartram. Reading of their virtues and cultural requirements, Washington ordered plants from both northern and southern acquaintances. He requested balsam firs, white pines, and eastern hemlocks from George Clinton, Governor of New York, in letters dated November 25 and December 8, 1784. He asked his nephew George Augustine Washington to send the southern magnolia and the umbrella magnolia from South Carolina on January 6, 1785. However, Washington selected a remarkable number of specimens from the woods encompassed by his own holdings. On January 12, 1785, undaunted by icy winds or the covering of snow on the ground, he began marking trees in the wooded areas of his estate for transplantation to Mount Vernon’s formal beds. Wulf notes: “Painting with trees, Washington contrasted the smooth white bark of the aspen against the furrowed trunk of black gum and set the fluttering large leaves of maples against the tiny droplet-like leaves of honey locust.” Completed in March, the initial planting was half-dead by the time the first magnolias were delivered on May 21, 1785. Discouraged, but not defeated, Washington went back to work designing and directing the installation of beds containing ornamental and utilitarian plants. His botanical garden served as the testing ground for species not native to Virginia. “George Washington cared deeply about the appearance of his gardens, in both style and type of flora, and closely supervised the planting process at Mount Vernon,” explains the Mount Vernon website (mountvernon.org). “He demonstrated his love of the United States through types of native flora that he planted on his estate. After Washington retired, first from war and then from politics, he fulfilled the image of a gentleman planter, using Mount Vernon as his own personal statement of independence and republican simplicity.”
Handbells continued from front page to ring, like magic, the rowdy flock instantly quieted. “They were mesmerized,” says Settle, as was she. Long had Settle helped haul her daughter’s handbell set-up to varied performances. But this time, she thought, “Why should they have all of the fun? Let’s start a bell choir for adults!” She convinced the director of the youth choir to form the Agape Ringers for adults and is the third director of what has become a multi-generational ensemble of individuals with prior musical experience. She also formed The Prime Time Ringers for elderly folks and rookie ringers. Both bell choirs practice weekly at Danville’s Community Presbyterian Church, 222 West El Pintado Road, and perform throughout the year at senior centers and senior residences, at other nearby venues, and at various community events such as local Christmas Tree lightings. The Prime Time Ringers English handbell choir meets Tuesdays at 1:30pm and includes those just learning to read music as well as veteran ringers. Teens are welcome. Aside from the necessity of having a willingness to learn, there are no requirements to join the class. Each person becomes an important part of a team of rookies and veterans ringing together. “I can’t think of many other activities where at age 95 you can be part of a team,” says Settle, whose own mother-in-law participated at that age. “This group meant the world to her. It really can make a difference in people’s lives. We are supportive and care about one another.” The Agape Ringers English handbell choir ensemble includes teens, adults, rookie ringers, and old pros with current and prior music experience though no handbell ringing experience is necessary. “If you have a willingness to learn, we will bring new ringers up-to-speed,” says Settle, who serves as director of both choirs and is a private flute, clarinet, and saxophone teacher working primarily with Danville and Alamo youth. “Whether you've never held a bell before or are just dusting off skills you haven't used in awhile, we have veteran ringers who will happily help each rookie phase into the bell choir.” This group meets Thursday evenings from 7 – 9pm. Both groups practice with five octaves of bells and five octaves of bell chimes, and both have what Settle describes as a ‘family feel.’ “Rehearsals are a time of fun and fellowship, and the Agape Ringers even have a snack break,” says Settle, who thoroughly enjoys the teamwork aspect of a handbell choir. “Nobody in bells is more important than anyone else – everyone is necessary,” she says. “It’s all about teamwork, and it’s magical. I fully believe that if everyone was in a bell choir, conflicts would cease. It’s that powerful. Additionally, it’s genuinely fun and it is FREE.”
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB
The Walnut Creek Garden Club welcomes you to their October 8th meeting. The program will be “Resources, Recovery, and the Future of Wastewater,” with Melody LaBella, Professional Engineer for Central San. Melody will talk about innovative developments for recycled water projects. The meeting will be held at Heather Farm, located at 1540 Marchbanks Road in Walnut Creek. The business meeting begins at 9:45AM followed at 10:30AM by social time and the program commencing at 11AM. Everyone is invited. For questions, email mslittle44@gmail.com. ! Advertise in your hometown paper or share a story! Contact us at 925.405.6397 or Editor@ YourMonthlyPaper.com
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LIFE IN THE ALAMO/DANVILLE GARDEN
BACKYARD ORCHARDS By John Montgomery, Landscape Architect, ASLA
Here in the California Bay Area, we are blessed with a Mediterranean climate capable of supporting a wide range of fruiting trees. From citrus to pomes, the ability to grow our favorite fruit in our own backyards is a unique feature of California outdoor living. Introducing fruit trees to the landscape is easy, and autumn is an excellent time to plant an orchard of any scale. With the right planning, foresight, and attention to maintenance, you can enjoy fruitful harvests for many years to come! As with any designed landscape, the first step of a backyard orchard is planning. Whatever you are growing, ensure that your trees will have enough space and sunlight to thrive, and that your layout will make care and harvesting easy. You may consider integrating fruit trees into the landscape as ornamentals, or instead create more formal rows or groupings of fruiting trees. For smaller spaces, consider espaliers (trees grown on a trellis), dwarf cultivars, or trees that continue to fruit well with heavy pruning. Citrus are particularly well-suited to growing in containers, if you are really strapped for space. The summer Pear Espalier. Photo from This NZ Life heat and mild winter chill in Alamo Magazine. and Danville make for great lemons, grapefruits, and oranges. Figs, apples, pomegranates, and pears also do well in our climate. Limes prefer more regular heat but will tolerate warm, protected spots near buildings. Many stone fruits, such as peaches and cherries, require colder winters, but choosing varieties with low chill hours can increase your harvest. Stone fruits are also best planted in pairs or in groups with other varietals, so you may want several cherry or peach trees for a successful harvest. Maintenance is crucial to the success of any orchard. With attentive awareness of a plant’s needs, anyone can have a ‘green thumb!’ Pruning fruit
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trees in late winter is an important task that keeps trees healthy, increases fruit yields, and makes harvesting easier. Fertilizing is also important to encourage healthy buds, flowers, and fruit. Young, newly planted trees will need a little extra care, but the rewards will be lasting. As in our lives, the first years of a tree’s life are the most important in establishing health and fruitfulness. This autumn, plant trees that will bring you joy to tend throughout the seasons, and you will soon look forward to each coming year’s fruitful harvest. “Opportunity is born with each new year.” ~ David Mas Masumoto, California Peach Farmer My column will return to Alamo Today & Danville Today News in January after a short winter hiatus. We wish all of our readers a happy holiday season! Our studio is still open, so please visit our website and follow our blog at jmontgomerydesigns.com. See you in the New Year!
Advertorial
ROLE PLAYERS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS OTHER DESERT CITIES
On Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm between October 19thNovember 4th, Role Players Ensemble will present Other Desert Cities at The Village Theatre located at 233 Front Street, in Danville. The show features writer Brooke Wyeth who has come home for Christmas and dropped a bomb on her very wealthy and well-connected parents in their affluent Palm Springs home. She has written a memoir about a very painful chapter in the family’s history and wants to publish it. As they battle over who has the right to tell the family’s story, new revelations emerge. Full of witty and entertaining dialogue as well as intense family drama, Other Desert Cities offers those moments we all can relate to. Tickets can be purchased online at www.RolePlayersEnsemble.com, at Danville Community Center, 420 Front St, Danville, or by calling (925) 314-3400.
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PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
INHERITANCE JACKPOT
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
In our area, many people have sizable estates. Consequently, when they die and their children (or other loved ones) receive an inheritance, it can be analogous to hitting the jackpot. A primary goal of most clients - aside from other important objectives, such as avoiding unnecessary taxes and estate administration costs - is to help make their children comfortable. Many say: “I just want my kids to be happy.” But will the receipt of a substantial inheritance make the children happy?” The answer is “of course,” right? Interestingly, when looking at lottery winners, the answer is not so clear. In a Wall St. Journal article from a number of years ago entitled “America’s Dangerous Powerball Economy,” the author cited a famous 1978 study. The study found that after an initial “happiness boost” right after winning the lottery, within a few months the winners’ happiness had receded to a pre-lottery winning level. As more time passed, the winners were actually less happy than they had been before winning! The author rightfully points out that it would be misguided to conclude that money makes us unhappy. Rather, he referred to voluminous research demonstrating that money, when earned, is typically associated positively with happiness; but, “conversely, when it is unearned and raw purchasing power is untethered from hard work and merit, people are much less likely to be happy and feel successful.” These findings are consistent with anecdotal evidence and my 25+ years of experience helping people plan and administer their estates. During the planning process, it can help to ask clients about the legacy they wish to leave. A fascinating question is, “How much is too much to leave your children (or other loved ones)?” For some, the answer is $1 million, and for others, it’s significantly more or less. Many say that no amount is too much to leave their children. A related question – particularly for those with more substantial wealth is:
“Might you feel better and your kids be just as happy if you leave them a bit less and give some portion to worthwhile charitable organizations? For those with minor or young adult children, a crucial question is: “When is the right time for your children to receive their inheritance outright, with no strings attached?” I often include a Living Trust provision under which children receive regular distributions for their needs, while deferring distribution of funds beyond their needs until they reach an age, or a portion at several ages, deemed appropriate by the clients. Some people choose instead to create a lifetime trust for each child in which varying standards of distribution may be established, without any mandated age for outright distribution. Besides potentially serving as a “happiness” tool, this option can create helpful creditor protection, including the shielding of inherited assets for any married child (or child who later marries) who might otherwise commingle the inheritance with his spouse and later get divorced. Once a child develops a solid work ethic and starts to experience successes based on the fruits of his own labor, the receipt of an inheritance is less likely to create problems. But choosing the right distribution age(s) in your living trust is often difficult and is a moving target. Your children change as do your assets and perhaps also your objectives. So, it’s important to have your estate plan reviewed regularly by an experienced estate planning attorney. This helps ensure that your trust distribution provisions (among other trust provisions and other estate planning documents) comport with your wishes and the law as each evolve. It also just might help your loved ones avoid the inheritance “Powerball trap.” Estate Planning |Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
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HOW DO YOU KNOW? DON’T YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF?
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
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“I have it all done,” that is a statement that I have Weddings, heard multiple times over the years when I ask people Graduations, Memorials, To schedule food for your gathering about their long-term financial plan. I respond with, Cioppino, call Russ at 925-708-5167 “How do you know?” This month, I will be continuing Pasta, & the six-part series where we explore this dialogue. I will or 925-937-6886 reiterate that you must have your strategy tested with a real-life scenario to know Crab Feeds. Email rizzieb@aol.com for certain that you “have it all done.” There are a few major life events that can Events from www.bellecifamilycatering.com 50-500. test your strategy: death, a major health event (disability, stroke, dementia, etc.), retirement, divorce, the sale of a company, and receiving an inheritance. You can plan for the worst, but it is not until a major life event occurs that you can be certain that your plan will be successful. Last month, we discussed the commonly overlooked planning elements in the event of a major health event, and this month’s article will focus on the financial impact of retirement. Retirement is one of the biggest events of a working person’s life. It marks the end of a career which has defined you as a person. You have spent more time at work than at home and it is where you built friendships and grew your knowledge and skills. This transition can be more difficult for business owners, as they have put everything into building and maintaining their dream. Some have stated that their business is their most important accomplishment, and leaving it would feel like abandoning their dream. I understand that the transition to retirement is important both financially and emotionally, so before your finances are addressed make sure you have thought about how the change is going to impact your life. When you retire, you are no longer earning a salary but are drawing income from investments and social security and/or a pension. The change from earning a salary to living off of a fixed income should not be taken lightly. Many people are using online calculators to assess whether they are ready for retirement, however financial planning with regards to retirement should include income models that consider assets, income, taxes, life expectancy, and expenses. The financial planning should also be stress tested using a true Monte Carlo analysis (a simulation that helps understand the risks involved in a model) and should have a variety of different scenarios provided to you so you can understand what your finances will look like given different conditions. Another area to consider with retirement is estate planning. Often, people will give away large portions of their estates to help with estate taxes without considering how this may impact their own well being. A common tax strategy is to give money to charity or to kids. While this makes us feel good, and gifts to charity might help with taxation, without proper financial modeling how can you be sure that future needs won’t be impacted? When business owners transition into retirement, they must determine how much control they are willing to let go. Oftentimes, business owners will often want to keep their business going into retirement, while reducing their work load. A part-time business owner can be susceptible to risk, particularly when they rely on the income from the business to support their retirement. The business income has the potential to be reduced based on poor performance or unexpected business conditions, and may require unintended attention taking them away from retirement. Finally, in last two articles we discussed death and long-term care. Both should be modeled in your retirement planning to understand their impact on your retirement. A properly created financial plan model and plan will help keep you comfortably retired. It is important to note that finical modeling should be comprehensive and consider all potential events so that you can enjoy and maintain being retired! This article only scratches the surface. Working with an advisor or a team of advisors will help you answer these questions. My next article will explore the financial impact of divorce. “Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” – Fred Rogers Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN2251808-092118 Advertorial
SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement San Ramon Valley Branch 128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally members have lots of fun participating in a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Many other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, baseball games and holiday parties include spouses, friends, and guests. Please join with the group at The Bridges Garden Pavilion room located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon on Wednesday, October 17th at 11AM for the next monthly luncheon which will feature guest speaker, Glenn King. In 2009, Glenn developed a passion for a relatively new segment of football officiating - Instant Replay and was hired as part of a replay crew by the Big 12 Conference. In 2014, he joined the National Football League in the same role. Glenn is looking forward to sharing with us not only the nuances associated with Instant Replay at both levels but also football officiating in general. He is excited to share his passion for his NFL officiating avocation. Your $25 luncheon includes a meal, Glenn’s presentation, and a great opportunity to socialize with at least 170 other retirees from the San Ramon Valley. To reserve a space, please email info@SIR128.com by Thursday, October 11th. For more information about the Retirement branch and activities, visit www.SIR128.com.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com CELEBRATE THE DANVILLE LIBRARY ENDOWMENT’S 20TH YEAR!
The Friends of the Danville Library Endowment is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the hope that this year it will reach $1 million. Since 1998, donors have been building an Endowment that supports the library with grants for fiction, non-fiction, DVDs, Farsi and Chinese language books, and specialized sections such as business and self-help books. The Endowment also supports programming that includes Arts Enrichment in the Library and STEM programs for students. You can help do even more for our community library. Please make a donations in any amount. They are always acknowledged and appreciated. If circumstances permit you to contribute $300 or more, your support will be recognized with a bookplate in a specially purchased book. Our local community has rallied, and the library has support from Mechanics Bank, Republic Services, three private citizens, and in-kind support from Diablo Printing. Your donation will automatically double in size because of their generosity. Please send your donation to FODL Endowment, 400 Front St., Danville, CA 94526. The Endowment Committee is a volunteer organization, and donations are tax deductible. If you would like more information, please email reedgard@ sbcglobal.net and use the subject line Endowment.
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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET
To celebrate the season, the Alamo Farmer’s Market will be hosting a Harvest Festival during October. Please join us and your neighbors in experiencing the live music and family-oriented activities at the Market, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us. Also, stop by and guess the weight of our Great Pumpkin! The Alamo Farmer’s Market is open 9AM – 2PM every Sunday. There is plenty of free parking and live music! Make the market part of your Sunday, every Sunday!
THE GREAT CALIFORNIA “SHAKE-OUT” WILL OCCUR AT 10:18AM ON OCTOBER 18TH
Wherever you are at 10:18AM on October 18th– at home, at work, at school, anywhere – pause and DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON, and practice as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for at least 60 seconds. What we do now will determine our quality of life after the next big earthquake, so being prepared is of utmost importance. Are you prepared to survive and recover quickly? Protect yourself and spread the word. Official rescue teams who have been dispatched to the scene of earthquakes and other disasters around the world continue to advocate use of the internationally recognized “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol to protect lives during earthquakes. 1) DROP to the ground (before the earthquake drops you!) 2) Take COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table. 3) HOLD ON to it until the shaking stops. The main point is to not try to move but to immediately protect yourself as best as possible where you are. Earthquakes occur without any warning and may be so
Chromatica continued from page 5
Gershwin have Russian roots as well. Says founding music director David Huff: “At a time when our relationship with Russia is problematic, to say the least, we can all agree that some of the greatest choral music was written by Russian composers. It’s our pleasure to showcase the best of Russian choral music, at once emotional, stirring and unforgettable. While some of the music in the concert is well-known (particularly the Rachmaninov Bogoroditse Devo and the Gershwin/ Berlin pieces), much of it will be new to our audiences. We think they’ll love its high energy, pathos, and humor. Come and hear the best that Russian music can offer!” Chromatica was founded in 2011 and now includes 26 men and women singers. It has performed eleven prior series of ticketed concerts in the East Bay, attracting large and enthusiastic audiences. Led by David P. Huff, an outstanding director and operatic tenor who has sung both in New York and San Francisco and accompanied by the exceptional pianist, Julie Rieth, it seeks to perform challenging pieces at a high level of professionalism. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For concert tickets, visit www.TicketRiver.com. Tickets for all concerts are also available at the door. To find out more about Chromatica, visit www.chromaticachorale.org. For a more personal look, you can find Chromatica on Facebook.
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violent that you cannot run or crawl. You therefore will most likely be knocked to the ground where you happen to be. You will never know if the initial jolt will turn out to be the start of the big one. You should Drop, Cover, and Hold On immediately! For more information on this important annual event for earthquake preparedness, please visit www.shakeout.org/california, shakeout.org/california/ whyparticipate, or earthquakes.usgs.gov/regional/nca/maps/index.php. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance. Determine how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what will you do in different situations. A “Family Emergency Plan” should be part of your preparation. First, identify an “out-of-town” contact. Next, make sure each family member knows the contact number and has a way to contact the out-of-town individual by cell phone or prepaid phone card. Teach family members to send text messages, and subscribe to “Alert Services.”
COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM
The Community Warning System (CWS) is able to send notifications to residents and businesses within Contra Costa County impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, an emergency or disaster. The system is used to notify about the event and actions they are advised to take. The system uses the countywide 9-1-1 database, provided by a local telephone company, and is thus able to contact landline phones whether listed or unlisted. It is also TTY/TTD capable.
GET ALERTS ON YOUR CELL PHONE
The CWS message will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lockdown, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) are necessary to protect life and health. For more information about these alerting devices and how to receive alerts directly, visit the Community Warning System website at https://cwsalerts.com.
AUTOS OF ALAMO
The sixth annual “Auto’s of Alamo” Car Show was a great success! A big “Thank You” to Jim Farrell, Jim Wadsworth, Tim Feibig, all of the Committee Members, AIA volunteers, and vehicle owners that presented their prized autos (and motorcycles).
AIA MEMBERSHIP
Now in its 63rd year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo (and Danville) residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement: to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 62 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Please complete and return your annual membership form to AIA at PO Box 156, Alamo, CA 94507. Please visit our website at www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out. Now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA.
The “Good Old Days” are now! Rates are better than 50-60 years ago!
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a Community Action and Problem-Solving Program and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within your community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. Meetings can be held by a Crime Prevention Specialist who will share more information about the program. Please contact Christina Lind-Winters (925) 313-2682 or clind001@so.cccounty.us for more information.
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
What am I going to do with all of my photos, I wonder. Like desktop documents and spreadsheets, my smartphone photos accumulate faster than I can deal with them. And I lack the patience to cull, label, and organize them for future enjoyment, so they sit on my phone and my PC. Until recently, my iPhone was the vehicle of my downfall, my Achilles heel. My photo storage was a mess. This unfortunate state of affairs ended when I discovered Prime Photos by Amazon. If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, this service is free to use. It allows you to upload, store, and access unlimited photos and up to 5GB of videos. The service doesn’t discriminate over where my photos were taken or previously stored; it will host them all. That means existing photo libraries you may have tucked away in USB storage somewhere can be uploaded, and it will only cost you the time. On the topic of cloud availability, photos may be uploaded directly from your smartphone via the free iPhone or Android app. The app immediately uploads your photos to the Prime repository when you take a picture. This is handy in two ways because most people don’t backup their phones, and everything uploaded can immediately be accessed from the Prime Photo website. Over the past twenty years, my wife scanned our extensive family photo archives and amassed over 110,000 pictures and videos, going back to the early 1900’s. Until recently, we used Google’s Picassa desktop program on a desktop PC. Picassa let us tag and edit photos, and kept everything accessible in one place. Picassa used facial recognition which let us categorize large swaths of photos by tagging whomever was photographed. Searching for someone was easy if you had tagged their face using the program. (Prime Photos has that feature, too.) One drawback with Picassa was that all photos were stored locally on your PC. Good backups are always important, but they’re critical when you could lose your whole tagged photo library. Also, being local, Picassa didn’t
October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
lend itself to sharing photos with our kids or relatives. In an attempt to move people to the cloud, Google stopped Picassa development and encouraged everyone to move their libraries to Google Photos. Unlike Google, Amazon allows you to store your photos exactly how you took them with no compression. This is important. In the end, these decisions are always about money, and because Amazon is already collecting $100+ for my Prime subscription, they have some wiggle room on the storage they’ll give me for “free.” Google doesn’t have a “Prime” system, so they have to charge. When visiting with relatives, we’ve used the Prime Photos smartphone app to instantly access and share our huge archive of photos. It’s very fast, and it stores the photos in their full uploaded size, so you’re not working against tiny thumbnails or photo compression that degrade the quality of the picture. And, when someone wants a photo, sharing pictures from the app could not be easier. The Prime app is not perfect, and improvements keep coming. Amazon appears to be actively working on it, investing a ton of effort into making the app easy to use. While the service itself is free for Prime customers, you will need to pay for any video storage over the included 5GB allotment. This is completely reasonable, because a single video could be as small as a few megabytes or it could be a full-length, two-hour-long video, hundreds of gigabytes in size. Their storage could be overwhelmed if they didn’t charge for video space. As such, they allow you to “buy up” your video storage for a very small price. I chose to do so and felt it was entirely reasonable. Extra video space is $11.99/year for 100GB, or $59.99/year for 1000GB (1TB) of storage. Memories are important. Photos are an important way for us to put a pin in the great cork-board of life and say, “I did that. I was there.” It’s a shame to hide those memories on a disorganized computer or, worse, to lose them because they weren’t backed up properly. Let PCIO help you get organized, and you’ll never look back. Prime is an awesome tool, and I know you’ll love the results. Let’s make our own memories together as we organize your photos! We’ll take a picture, and by gosh, you’ll be able to find it! You can reach us at info@pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953 x1. Advertorial
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PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
REAL RESULTS - PRF AND MICRO NEEDLING
By Dr. Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS
There is a bit of a buzz at Persons Plastic Surgery. I get very excited when I find cosmetic treatments that work. I make a point of being somewhat of a guinea pig—by making sure to try out new cosmetic treatments on myself before I offer it to my patients. That being said, I am thrilled to offer PRF or Platelet Rich Fibrin with Rejuvapen for a Micro-Needling option or with Micro-Cannula Injections for both skin and scalp. I’ve tried it, my staff has tried it, and we’ve all witnessed the amazing results firsthand.
WHAT IS A PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN (PRF)?
PRF or Platelet Rich Fibrin is the newest development in using one’s own body to help create beautiful glowing fresh skin. It is a natural way to look young. A progression from PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, PRF has been used in other areas of the world including Europe and specifically France. Now it’s catching on here. And it’s no wonder why it’s gaining popularity—it’s 100 percent natural with real results. PRF is a treatment that involves the use of your body’s platelets. Your treatment begins with a blood draw, no different than the one you might have at a lab. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge, which separates out the PRF (platelet-rich fibrin). The growth factors found in PRF are vital to helping reverse the telltale signs of aging. It has a higher concentration of platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells, along with a small number of stem cells. The platelets attach to the fibrin network and release the growth factors that are responsible for creating new skin cells, collagen, and blood vessels. The growth factors in PRF are also released slower than in PRP, which provides the bonus of a longer lasting anti-aging treatment! PRF can be done as a standalone
Museum continued from front page
towns throughout the country, but managed to repel most of the attacks over the next four days. “Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I” is an additional theme that will feature exhibits at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. The Armistice, which was the formal declaration ending the war, stated that all hostilities would cease at the “…eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.” This is why we recognize November 11th as Armistice Day, now called “Veterans Day.”
injection or blended with a compatible hyaluronic acid based dermal filler like Sculptra in a one-to-one ratio.
PRF COMBINED WITH MICRO-NEEDLING
Micro-needling with PRF stimulates collagen production and produces new collagen and elastin fibers. It shrinks pores, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture and tone for beautiful skin for a healthy glow. We begin the treatment by applying a strong topical numbing cream to the targeted area for optimal comfort. Then, we put a new sterile cartridge containing nine microneedles into the pen and set the depth based on your skin’s unique needs. Before, during, and after the micro-needling procedure we apply your prepared PRF to the treated area to ensure it gets fully absorbed. A microcannula is used from a small numbed port site to inject the PRF, allowing you to have minimal downtime. With the micro-cannula injection method, there is no visible damage to the epidermis, while underneath, immediate activation of longer-term release of the stem cell cascade stimulates keratinocytes that activate the production of new collagen and epidermal growth factors yielding the best anti-aging result from the cellular level. The procedure is quick and painless. Areas most popularly injected with PRF are tear troughs (under eyes), fine lines around lips, nasal labial folds, and marionette lines, in addition to supporting hair restoration for both men and women. You can expect to be puffy under the eyes for 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. It is very rare to bruise from this procedure.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?
PRF is performed in a series of treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart. The visibility of expected benefits and results of the PRF treatment are typically seen after six weeks after the initial treatment. The volume will dissipate within the first week, although long-term effects, such as skin tightening, collagen production, and enhanced skin quality, may take up to two to four months to be noticed and will last up to a year or longer. 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
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Volunteer explains display of Air Force equipment.
Visitors to the Veterans’ Memorial Building, located at 400 Hartz Ave. in Danville, will have the opportunity to speak with local Vietnam Veterans about their experience in the “Living History” area, along with a number of other live presentations. Docents will be available to guide guests around the permanent museum displays. In addition, there will be exhibits which include military memorabilia from a variety of time periods such as a full size cockpit of a F-8 Crusader jet from the USS Hornet (OK to climb in), a “Huey” helicopter (OK to climb in), carvings and art work by military combat artists, aircraft instruments and communication gear, children’s activities identifying objects, and a table to send a postcard to current overseas service personnel via the Blue Star Moms. Admission is to the event is free. For more information, contact info@ stevenburchik.com, call 925-998-9433, or visit www.vmbsrv.org.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
RADIATION FOR SKIN CANCER
By Christine Chung, MD
Non-Surgical & Drug-Free Health & Wellness Options
Mrs. E is a 75 year old woman who had been treated with Mohs • Acoustic Wave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction microsurgery for a skin cancer on her nose many years ago. More • Performance Enhancement Shots recently, she developed a new pink bump on her foot. A biopsy • Vampire Facial, Facelift, & Breastlift showed basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the skin of her foot. She asked • PRP for Hair Regrowth, Acne Scars, Musculoskeletal Injuries me, “I hated going under the knife for my other skin cancer. Is there • Laser Skin Resurfacing for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Acne Scars • Forever Young BBL / IPL for Hyperpigmentation another option?” BCC of the skin is one of the most common malignancies • Non-invasive & Effortless Cellulite Reduction diagnosed in the US each year. It occurs most frequently on sun- • PRP for Vaginal Rejuvenation exposed skin in fair-skinned individuals, though may also develop in people with darker • O-Shot for Vaginal Wellness & Urinary Incontinence skin. BCC of the skin is associated with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (UVA • P-Shot for Erectile Dysfunction and UVB) and use of tanning beds. Patients who have undergone organ transplantation • Regenerative IV Drips Personal experience drove Drs. and require chronic immunosuppression are also at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Jeffrey and Frances Mark to seek a more This type of cancer can take many forms, including flat red spots, painless bumps, or scaly holistic approach to health and early patches on the skin. A doctor may biopsy the skin to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. regenerative wellness. Together they Over 90% of skin BCC are cured with local therapy alone, such as surgical excision with Mohs founded All Functional Health to offer a highly assessment and treatment plan microsurgery. An advantage of Mohs microsurgery is that the surgeon can look at the cells as personalized for every patient that combines functional and they are being removed to ensure that all of the cancer has been fully excised. Low-risk BCC may regenerative medicine with a focus on holistic also be treated with electrodessication and curettage, or a topical cream, such as Aldara. Some health and wellness. Dr. Jeffrey is quadruplepatients may need radiation after surgical excision if the cancer cells have aggressive features, board certified and has completed a stem-cell fellowship allowing him to offer the best of such as invasion into the local nerves, or if the cancer could not be fully excised. conventional and functional gastroenterology Radiation therapy alone is another non-invasive way to treat skin cancers. High-energy to heal your gut and brain. Dr. Jeffrey helps x-rays are directed at the tumor to kill the cancer cells. Using radiation to treat skin cancer with many health conditions from gut healing, is a reasonable option for patients who cannot tolerate surgery or those who have problems post cancer gut regenerative therapy, to Alzheimer’s reversal and drug-free treatment with wound-healing after surgery. It is also used for skin cancers in sensitive regions where for ADD/ADHD, and cutting edge non-surgical surgery could be potentially disfiguring, such as at the tip of the nose or the ears. The cure PRP and Cellular Regenerative Therapy. Jeffrey Mark, M.D. Frances Mark, PHARM.D. “Together we look at every factor in each rate for early stage skin cancer is over 95% with radiation therapy alone. life and history, because everyone’s health is different. We work to Radiation therapy can be delivered in several different ways, including superficial electron patient’s optimize health for all people to turn back the hands of time.”—Dr. Jeffrey Mark radiation or electronic brachytherapy. Electronic brachytherapy using the XOFT system uses a miniaturized X-ray source to deliver Board Certified in radiation to the skin PERSONALIZED AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE | FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE cancer. The treatment is given twice a week for Complimentary Phone Consultation four weeks, and each 10% OFF Any Services Expires 10/31/2018 treatment lasts about Saturday, October 27, 2018 five minutes. A recent 111 Deerwood Rd., Suite 168, San Ramon | 925.736.8228 AllFunctionalHealth.com study published in the Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy in 2017 showed equivalent outcomes between Come and experience a special event focusing on the unique needs and issues of breast cancer survivors. Our program will provide insights and electronic brachytherapy and Mohs microsurgery for patients with nonmelanoma skin updates about the latest cancer treatments, advances in breast cancer. The side effects can include skin irritation and redness, hair loss in the treatment reconstruction, psychosocial issues and benefits of post-operative physical area, and possible blistering and peeling of the skin. The treatment is not ideal for all therapy. Our panelists will include a plastic surgeon, medical oncologist, skin cancers, but it may be a convenient option for some patients. psychotherapist, physical therapist and a breast cancer survivor. Dr. Chung is a board certified radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group in Pleasant Hill. She has a special interest in treating skin and breast cancer. Dr. Chung sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. For more information call 925-825-887. Advertorial 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Saturday, October 27, 2018 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker: Breast Cancer Survivor
RSVP: sjung@dvohmg.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
White Pony Express (WPE) is a nonprofit group dedicated to helping to end hunger and poverty in Contra Costa County. The program has been so well received that additional volunteers are urgently needed to help keep up with its rapid growth. The need in our communities remains great. Seven days a week, WPE Food Rescue volunteers take trucks to supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets where they pick up thousands of pounds of surplus food—high quality, nourishing food (fresh meats, dairy, eggs, deli, baked goods). Most all of this food is distributed free-of-charge to those in need within two hours of the donation. In its first four years, WPE delivered more than 6,000,000 pounds of food (equivalent to 5,000,000 meals) that the hungry would have gone without. Also, in addition to rescuing food, WPE collects donations of new or like-new clothing, shoes, toys, games, and books. More than 400,000 of these items have been distributed to those in need—all free of charge, through WPE’s unique “Mobile Boutiques” and its Direct Distribution program. Interested volunteers should please contact Mandy Nakaya at 925-818-6361 or mandy@ whiteponyexpress.org. For more information, visit www.whiteponyexpress.org.
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PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH WITH CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
By Marchelle Milligan, The Rhythm Within
When our body gets a little out of balance such as from a cold, having an achy neck, or a sore back, our body is designed to heal itself. It does so very well, most of the time. However, the demands of a modern world often challenge the systems in our body. We get pulled in competing directions -- work, family, phones -- with everything wanting our time and attention. Stress begins to creep in, making it more difficult for our body to access its own healing abilities. Craniosacal (CST) therapy is a healing modality that grew out of osteopathy. Precise and gentle touch is applied to correct imbalances in the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Why is this important? The craniosacral system pumps nutrient-rich cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between your brain and spine. The CSF has a big job to do as it bathes membranes, acts as a shock absorber in the brain, and provides essential fluids and nutrients to the central nervous system. If the CSF can flow without restrictions, the body can maintain and/or restore balance. CST can help improve how your nervous system responds to stress and illness. It can be effective in helping with stress management, headaches, neck and back pain, concussions, depression, post traumatic stress disorders, chronic pain, sleep disorders, and vertigo to name a few. For more information, log onto www.therhythmwithin.org. To schedule an appointment, please book on the website or contact me at (925) 286-6237. My office is located in Alamo. Advertorial
Garden continued from page 5
Pooling resources from Garden supporters, members, and volunteers, the Garden began the ambitious work of raising the estimated three million dollars needed to fund construction. Two women, Billie Hopper and Gretchen Bartzen,both retired from previous careers, have led the efforts for this capital campaign. Faced with insurmountable obstacles, the two have pushed their way forward day-in and dayout to come within inches of reaching the fundraising and construction finish line for the new building. Following in the footsteps of the Garden's pioneering founder, Ruth Bancroft, the two have proved the naysayers wrong by overcoming hurdles that many would have found daunting. Due to rising construction costs, the project’s budget now totals $4.9 million of which $4.4 million has been raised. The Garden is asking for the public’s help to raise the remaining $500,000 to complete construction. Donors of $500 or more can become a permanent part of the new building with a personalized donor tile. The tiles are part of a "welcome wall" installation just outside the entrance of the new building. The Ruth Bancroft Garden is home to a collection of succulents, cacti, and water wise plants. Ruth Bancroft planted the Garden in 1972, and it has become a world-renowned attraction both locally and abroad. The Garden serves as a community hub for close to a hundred active volunteers and is a retreat for anyone looking for a place to connect with nature and unwind. The Garden hosts educational workshops that offer guidance in starting and maintaining a drought-tolerant garden, DIY succulent creations, art, and more. The new building will be a beautiful facility for the community to gather, celebrate, and learn more about water-wise gardening and sustainability in a time when our precious natural resources are running dry. To donate visit www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/support or call (925) 944-9352.
WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST WHEN YOU SEE FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
It’s never to soon to get ready for the holidays. It seems like once Halloween hits, it is a race to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. For many of us, the holiday season is the first time we will be seeing friends and family who we haven’t seen in quite some time. This might be an anxiety-provoking thought as you want to look your best when you face your relatives. Maybe you weren’t as religious as you should have been in using sunscreen last summer, and you are starting to see the ravages of time on your skin. Not to worry; we can help in time for the holidays. Now might be the time to think about your daily skin care routine. Medical grade skin care products can have significant effects over time. The single thing I recommend the most is a high-quality sunscreen that blocks out both UVB and UVA ultraviolet light. We have great sunscreens that feel good and have a natural tint so that no one will know you have them on. If you are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, take an oral supplement. Secondly, a topical prescription retinoid can help stimulate collagen production and help reverse some sun damage. The last in the basic ingredients is a topical antioxidant such as Vitamin C or Resveratrol. This is the bare minimum that I recommend. We routinely customize skincare regimens to fit an individual’s skin type and lifestyle. Maybe you need a bit more help or quicker fix. Injectable fillers and neuromodulators can offer a significant, rapid improvement. We have new and improved fillers that last longer and create a natural look. The biggest fear patients new to fillers have is that they are going to look distorted or abnormal. My goal is always to create the best natural-looking version of you without distortion. This is highly technique dependent. We have many different fillers available today to replace the volume in our face that diminishes with time. Neuromodulators such as Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, and Xeomin act by relaxing muscles. With proper use we can create a natural relaxed appearance (which is helpful during the stressful holiday season). I have had some people in sales tell me that because they appeared more relaxed their sales success improved. Lastly, lasers, light based devices, and chemical peels can help with color and surface changes in the skin. These changes that we hate tend to be more related to our “photo-age” due to how much sun exposure we have had rather than our biological age. We have treatments ranging from light chemical peels and Photofacials that require minimal to no down time to more aggressive laser treatments that might require a week of social downtime. For some, the holiday time is ideal to take a week off of work to get maximal benefits. If you have broken capillaries, brown spots, and textural changes, chances are we can help you get rid of them. Whatever your situation is, we are happy to help. Many of our patients seek our help because what they see in the mirror does not match the active, youthful spirit that they have. If you are motivated to look and feel your best, we are here to help. Wishing you and your family a great, healthy, and a happy holiday season. 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
www.yourmonthlypaper.com MEALS ON WHEELS
Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been supporting seniors since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers. Your help is needed now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
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PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
Chorus continued from front page
talented the other choruses are in our region.” “Caitlin is amazing,” says Kaylyn Hyman, DVC’s marketing and events coordinator. “She has really propelled us to the next level.” A retired optician, Hyman drives from Sonoma for the weekly rehearsals. There are other Sweet Adelines chapters closer to her home, but she chose the Walnut Creek group for their Director’s energy and spunk. “I’ve met some of my best friends through Sweet Adelines, which includes women ages 20 to 85 from all walks of life and professions, and from all Bay Area locales. We are all here because we love to sing.” “The group of women in DVC never cease to amaze me with their willingness to take on new challenges and rise to the occasion when I ask so much of them during rehearsals and performances,” says Castelino. “I have many goals for the chorus, but one of the most important is being able to connect with any audience and make a difference in the audience members’ day. Music is a very powerful medium—it can affect people of any race, religion,
socioeconomic status, or culture—and we are fortunate to be the story tellers of the message within each song.” DVC performs throughout the year, singing for civic and charitable organization, private groups, community events, and fundraisers. The group has even sung the National Anthem at an Oakland A’s game. Members also provide inspirational support to Concord high school’s Ladies First all girls choral group. DVC rehearsals are open to the public and to potential new members. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday, 7:30PM at 860 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. “Anyone can walk through the door and sing with us,” says Hyman. “We are constantly accepting new members.” For more information, visit www.diablovistachorus.com.
DWC continued from page 4
Socializing begins at 11AM. The speaker will be, Linda Turnbull Executive Director of Teen Esteem, whose topic will be “What is going on with our teens?” The talk begins at 11:30AM. Lunch will be served at noon. The Danville Women’s Club supports the “Free the Girls” organization and encourages you to please bring any gently used (or new) bras to the meeting. The bras will be sent to Free the Girls. For more information on their group visit www.freethegirls.org. Reservations are required for the lunch and presentation so please contact Rita at (925) 837-3056 or e-mail danvillewc@gmail.com to sign up. Lunch is free for first-time visitors.
AFTERNOON OF BRIDGE
MENOPAUSE MATTERS
By Timothy Leach, MD, FACOG, CNMP
Many women have an incomplete understanding about the physiologic changes that occur during menopause and the treatments available to address bothersome symptoms. Women obtain information about menopause and hormone therapy from various sources (Google, girlfriends, family members, and well-intentioned doctors) that may provide conflicting and/or inaccurate information. An international online study of 1,500 menopausal women in the UK reported that only 50% reported feeling like they were able to make an informed choice about hormone therapy. Survey results in 2012 by the U.S. Health and Medicine Division of the National Academy of Sciences found that what 69% of women want from their doctor is to be listened to, to be given the truth about their diagnosis, and to be given information about the risks and quality of life impact of treatment options. However, the same survey said this only happened ~39% of the time, where their provider clearly explained the latest medical evidence. This shows a big disconnect from what patients want and what they get. Menopause matters, but so is finding the right doctor. Having a doctor who is able to explain the nuances of a diagnosis and willing to collaborate about therapeutic options helps patients make better-informed decisions regarding treatment. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (www.ACOG.org), the North American Menopause Society (www.menopause.org) and the International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (www.ISSWSH.org) are trusted and respected organizations we turn to for up-to-date information. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines a three-pronged approach to facilitating high-quality medical decisions as follows: timely access to the best available medical evidence, doctors who are able to provide sound counsel based on evidence-based medicine, and patients’ preferences must be actively elicited and fully honored. Our practice works hard to achieve these goals and is always open to new patients looking for a collaborative relationship around making shared decisions. You can learn more about us by visiting our website (www. leachobgyn.com) and checking out the various menopause articles, videos, and links to health-related topics from responsible and trusted sources. Our office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Please call us at (925)935-6952. Advertorial
Please join members and friends for lunch and an afternoon of Bridge on Thursday, October 25th. This is a fundraiser for education and arts scholarships (the Patty Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund). The fun begins at 11:30AM at the clubhouse. A seat is $20, or you may purchase a table for $80. Please contact Mary at 837-3860, or e-mail marynmac@yahoo. com. HANDYMAN SERVICES Finally, please note that the Danville Women’s Club has a web page on Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall Facebook now (https://www.facebook.com/DanvilleWomensClub/). Click on repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing EVENTS, and find out more about what’s coming up at the Club! •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring The Danville Women’s Club is located at 242 W. Linda Mesa Avenue in •Sliding doors and more! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877. Danville, not far from Trader Joe’s. All of the above events will take place there.
C L A S S I F I E D
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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October 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
THE EYE OPENER
THE OPTIC NERVE By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin Offering treatments for: Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Keloid and Scar Revisions Moles Physician-Strength Skin Care Products Precancerous Lesions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Skin Cancer Underarm Sweating Warts, Molluscum
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I think most of Nonsurgical my patients are aware of what the optic Eyebag Therapy nerve is and where it is located, but they available. Cosmetic Dermatology don’t completely understand its importance Call for For Beautiful Skin in vision. For some people, that is enough consultation! Offering treatments for: Body Sculpting information, but for the rest, I will give a little Eyebag Reduction more information about this very important Introducing Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, element of the visual system. and Rejuvenation Women’s Wellness Frown Lines and Jawline/Jowl First of all, the optic nerve is the second Center, featuring Vlase Reduction of the 12 cranial nerves. These 12 nerves Hair Removal nonablative laser for feminine supply the motor function of the face and Pigmentation and Melasma dryness, atrophy, and stressRosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and neck region which includes chewing, head induced urinary incontinence, Post-injection Bruising movements, and blinking. They also supply Sun Damage and Scars and PRP for hair thinning the sensory features of the head; the senses Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars and rejuvenation. Thinning Hair and/or Balding of hearing, smelling, and vision are carried Technology & Procedures through these cranial nerves to the brain. Offered The optic nerve is derived from the same A place where beauty Cellfina tissues as the brain, so it is considered part Cool Mini for neck and healthy skin meet Coolsculpting of the brain and the central nervous system. Visit us at our Center of Excellence Cryoshape The optic nerve itself is made up of cells Diolite 532 laser with a 10,000 square foot, that are connected to the photoreceptors Enlighten Pico Genesis Laser state of the art, newly renovated Excel V Laser in the retina. The actual number of fibers suite. We are dedicated to Excimer Laser can vary from person to person, but the Medical, Cosmetic, and Surgical Fractional CO2 Laser average is 1 million. In comparison, there GenesisPlus Laser Dermatology and are a place for Infini Microneedling RF are 125 million photoreceptors (rods and medical skin consultation, Kybella cones). The photoreceptors capture the aesthetic rejuvenation, and Liposonix face and body contouring. light, transfer it into an electrical signal, and Microneedling MiraDry then transfer it along the optic nerve to the Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com Mohs Micrographic Surgery brain. In fact, the only place on the retina NBUVB Phototherapy for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, PicoSure Laser where there are no photoreceptors is the product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation optic nerve head itself, this is our physiologSchedule your free consultation appointment today! Vbeam Laser ic blind spot. An optic nerve cell connects Spectra Laser Superficial Radiotherapy Dr. William Ting, MD to only a few photoreceptors in the macula. Thermage™ Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Since there is a much lower ratio of macular Ultherapy™ 2262 Camino Ramon 500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 photoreceptors per optic nerve cell, more Vaginal Rejuvenation San Ramon, CA 94583 Hercules, CA 94547 Vaser Shape detail and higher resolution visual informaTel: (925) 328-0255 Tel: (510) 669-5700 VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation tion is carried to the brain for processing. *Welcoming new Medicare patients Email: staff@CalDermCare.com At other places in the retina, there can be www.DrWilliamTing.com thousands of connections to one optic nerve cell; thereby leading to lower quality vision. All of these cells from all over the retina come together at the back of each eye and then travel back towards the brain as the optic nerve. The optic nerve from each eye meets and partially crosses at the optic chiasm. It is at this location that the visual signal from each eye goes across to the other side and travels to the visual centers in the brain. For instance, the signal of what you see out the left side of each eye now is traveling and processed on the right side of the brain and vice versa. If a patient therefore has a defect on the visual field test, we can direct further studies at certain parts of the brain since the location of the nerve fibers that correspond to each part of the visual field is known. The optic nerve has several functions that it facilitates in the eye. The main one is visual acuity. Even though it is not responsible for light perception, it is does transfer the message from the photoreceptors to the brain. Included within these fibers are visual field information, depth perception, color vision, and pupil function. Because the optic nerve is so vital to the normal functioning of the eye, any damage to the nerve can therefore lead to visual compromise. Diseases of the optic nerve and brain such as glaucoma, stroke, and tumors can lead to abnormal pupil function, abnormal visual fields, and decreased vision; this is why these are tested at every exam. Several situations that can cause abnormal pupil function and visual field changes don’t initially cause pain, headaches, or decreased vision and can potentially be diagnosed during your eye exam. This is only meant as a cursory introduction to the optic nerve due to its complex structure and function. Even though most conditions of the optic nerve and brain will require co-management with a specialist, the initial information can be gathered at your eye exam and the proper course regarding timing and treatment will be discussed. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 925820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial ®
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PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2018
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ALAMO SINGLE STORY HOMES DO THEY HAVE THE EDGE?
It’s been a while since we looked at the difference between one story and two story homes. At the time I concluded that both were doing just fine. They still are. In Alamo, 12% fewer two story homes sold than one story homes during this time period. That’s a big change from a year ago when one story homes were leading by 60%. The closing of this gap may be another sign of market normalization in Alamo. Seventy-eight single story homes sold versus 69 two story homes sold. The least expensive Alamo single story sold for $684,750 at $15,000 less than asking price. The least expensive Alamo two story home sold for $780,000 at $21,000 above asking price. The most expensive single story sold for $3,550,000 at $49,888 below asking price. The most expensive two story home sold for $6,000,000 at $1,850,000 less than asking price. So, at the bottom of their respective price ranges, the two stories sell for more dollars, and at the top the two story homes sell for more dollars. However, it appears that there is more room for a buyer to negotiate when buying a two story home. On average, single story homes in Alamo are selling for $1,604,156 while their two story counterparts are commanding an average sales price of $2,264,329, making the single story approximately 41% less expensive than Alamo’s average two story home. In real estate, size is very important, so if we look at the difference in size between the homes in the two groups, we find Alamo single story homes to be quite a bit smaller. Single story homes average 2,647 square feet compared to the two story’s massive 4,369 square feet, making the Alamo two story home 65% larger than the single story but only 41% more expensive. Despite the size differential, both types of home are selling relatively fast. Single story homes are selling on average in 21 days while the two stories are selling in 48 days. Clearly, single story homes are selling faster than the two story homes. The sales pace of each proves that Alamo is still a hot market. That said, only one Alamo single story home has been on the market in excess of 100 days, while six two story homes have lingered.
On the basis of price, it may appear that the Alamo two story home is dominating the single story. However, when we adjust dollars for size, we see a completely different picture. Alamo single stories are selling at $620 per square foot compared to $517 per square foot for their counterparts. This is a significant difference of $103 per square foot, or 17% in favor of the single story. So, foot-for-foot, the single story homes in Alamo sell for a lot more money. Single story homes are up in price by about $27 per square foot from 2017. The price per square foot for the two story home has improved to $517 from $488 year-over-year. In our Alamo market, the trend continues where both baby boomers and their parents, two generations, are downsizing at the same time. This large move down is putting a lot of positive pressure on the single story homes. As for the next generation, the millennials who begin turning age 40 in 2020, only 26% of them own a home today. This is considerably fewer than the baby boomers at the same age. We are starting to see some dual income millennial couples show up in the Alamo market, and if the economy continues to improve, we may experience a greater housing boom than we experienced in the nineties when the boomers went on a home buying spree that sent real estate soaring. Trying to figure out your next move? Need numbers and answers to your fix-up questions to make your decision? Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a personal consultation to help you figure it out. There is no charge and no pressure, just our honest opinions. Please call 925-989-6086 or send me an email at joecombs@ thecombsteam.com.
Round Hill Country Club
Round Hill Oaks
D SOL
D SOL
Round Hill Area
D SOL
Sensational Mediterranean backing the golf course. 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 2 master suites. Pool/spa outdoor kitchen and living room. Priced to sell $2,900,000.
Rare Round Hill Oaks home. Never on Market. Nancy and I represented the buyer and the seller. Wish to sell quietly? We can help you.
Pristine 5 bedroom in a great location. Stainless steel and granite Kitchen. Private lot. Priced to sell $1.4 million.
Danville Gated Community
West Side Danville Single Story
Alamo Springs!
D SOL Five bedroom 3 bath in gated community. One bed downstairs, designer kitchen, spacious master. Priced to sell $1,300,000
D SOL Nicely Updated 3 bedroom 2 bath single story on a 1/3 of an acre level landscaped lot. Free standing office. Walk to Montair School. Call for details and price.
Five bedroom 4.5 bath, Luxury abounds. Chef’s kitchen, outdoor kitchen, pool & spa, sports court. Priced to sell $2.8M
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs DRE #0144125, Nancy Combs DRE # 01274945, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526