Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& OCTOBER 2021
June 19,1921 celebration of the creation of Mount Diablo State Park. Photo courtesy of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF PRESERVATION By Jody Morgan
On June 19th, 1921, area residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the creation of Mount Diablo State Park. The new park encompassed only 630 acres. Today, over 20,000 acres are included within its borders. On October 16th, 2021, Mount Diablo State Park, in partnership with Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA), Save Mount Diablo (SMD), and Cal State East Bay, will hold a centennial celebration at the Cal State East Bay Concord Campus from 10AM to 4PM. Mount Diablo, sacred to native people, became important to settlers soon after California was ceded to the United States by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 at the close of the Mexican-American War. The treaty honored existing private land ownership. But many Mexicans receiving land grants when the Mexican War of Independence ended in 1821 had occupied their ranchos without waiting for deeds to be legally processed. Boundaries had to be surveyed before settlers could document claims to parcels purchased from Mexican landholders. In July 1851, Col. Leander Ransom struggled to the top of Mount Diablo through dense brush. As General Land Office Deputy Surveyor, he was tasked by the Surveyor General for California with establishing the initial survey point as well as the north/south meridian and east/west baseline intersection to form the basis for property boundaries in Northern California. Ransom chiseled a hole in solid rock at the summit and set a flag to mark the place to be used as the sighting point. When R. D. Cutts of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey traveled to the peak of Mount Diablo the following year to set a survey marker for mapping the surrounding waterways and topography, he chose a flat ledge more suitable for setting up a tripod and survey equipment three feet southwest of Ransom's flag. William Brewer joined the staff of Josiah Whitney, California's first State
See Celebrate continued on page 8
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
DANVILLE CHILDREN’S GUILD MAINTAINS ITS SUPPORT OF LOC AL CHARITIES By Fran Miller
As new moms back in the late 90’s, friends Lisa Pellegrini and Heather Ninekirk sought a project that would better connect them to their Danville/ Alamo community. Their research led them to a long-dormant nonprofit organization, Danville Children’s Guild, founded in 1977 by Mary Church and Linda Schwaderer. Further research revealed that Ninekirk’s mother had been a member of the group that raised funds for East Bay children’s charities. In 1999, Pellegrini and Ninekirk, with the hearty support of past members, revived Danville Children’s Guild. Now, more than 20 years later, the duo and their committed guild members, have raised more than a million dollars for East Bay charities focused on bettering the lives of children. “The original founding members were thrilled that a new generation picked up where they had left off in the 80’s,” said Pellegrini, who serves as president. “Our current members include many original members’ daughters and daughters-in-law.”
See Guild continued on page 14
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XXI Number 10
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XII Number 10
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 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
Happy Fall Y’all!
I have been consistently serving clients in the area for over 35 Years. I'm not going to bore you with the homes I have Sold or how much over asking price at closing. Just to be clear... The asking price of the home versus the sold price is no reason to boast or brag as a realtor. The price is market driven and mostly demand driven. WE ARE IN A SELLER’S MARKET. The sold price of a home is determined by the buyer’s perception of the value! That is a fact and it is undisputed. I have some ideas which are unique to maximize your sales price. So please call me if you would like to sell or buy a home.
Don Magalhaes Fall is here and once again I have grown a giant pumpkin in my front yard. Please feel free to stop by and take a picture at 16 Tracy Court, Alamo!
925.786.1855 don@compass.com DRE 00897221
Results. Pure and Simple.
BOULEVARD VIEW By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
My maternal grandfather was a kind and sweet soul. He died far too young, when I was in third grade. I fondly remember his love of avocados and the delicious little tidbits he made with them for my sisters and me. He'd take a Ritz cracker...ALWAYS a Ritz, place a little mayo on it and top it with a chunk of avocado, and garnish with a little salt and pepper. They were simple and absolutely delicious. Grandpa always kept in touch, sending postcards when he and grandma traveled and letters from his home in Los Angeles to mine in Northern California during my childhood. I recently came across one of his letters that he sent in the early 1970s. It began, "Dear Alisa, I just read an article in a magazine about a 'Tree of Your Own.' Do you have a favorite secret tree somewhere? I do. My number one tree is in our local mountain, and I am sure no one else can claim it as their favorite as I do. My first tree love is an apple tree. It is growing by the side of the road between Red Box and Charleton Flats. It is the most unlikely place for an apple tree. Someone must have left an apple core there, and one seed survived the elements, fires, drought, deer, squirrels, and other animals. I have seen the tree bare in the winter with blossoms and leaves in the spring and one or two apples waiting to be picked in the fall. I have not seen my apple tree for at least ten months, and I hope it is still alive after such a dry year. I will go to visit my tree soon, and this time I will give it two gallons of water. I’m sure the tree will appreciate it. When I first saw the tree, it was a struggling sapling, and now it is ten feet tall. It looked so different and out of place. Imagine a lonely apple tree trying to grow among the rocks and scrub oaks and no one caring if it survived. The only friends it has are the bees and me. My love for this tree grew out of curiosity, sympathy, and, most of all, admiration. The tree is growing and living against insurmountable odds. It is now more than ten years since I first saw my tree, and no doubt it will still be challenging the elements long after I am gone. To me, this tree is a living symbol of survival by utter determination. It is stronger than the nearby oaks and pines. I hope some fall I can have just one apple, just for sentimental reasons and a tribute to a lasting admiration. This tree is the apple of my eye." The letter continued, and the next section was for my sister. "Dear Suzanne, Do you have a favorite tree? My number two tree was given to me in 1968 by your mother, father, and sister. This tree I love because it was given to me by ones I love so much. I see it more often than any other tree. To me, it is a living symbol of growth and the passing of time...of little girls growing up to be wonderful little women. I planted this tree, with your other grandfather's help, on December 18, 1968. It is now a sturdy and healthy pine tree getting loving care. It is now the sentinel of Sonora Avenue." The third granddaughter received this note, "Dear Laura, Do you have a favorite tree? I’ll bet you like your cherry tree. I do. My real number three tree is in Carmel. Just for beauty's sake! The first time I saw this tree, it was beautiful and loaded with holly berries. I looked at it a long time and again before leaving for home. This Eastern Holly tree is located near the entrance to the library in Carmel. This is one Christmas tree that needs no other decorations. It is beautifully shaped and looks great the year around." Grandpa then included a 1950s clipping from the New York Times Nature Editorialist, Hal Borland (if you have an online subscription to the New York Times, the piece can be found at www.nytimes.com/1950/10/08/archives/a-tree-of-your-own.html). It read, "Everybody should own a tree at this time of year. Or a valley full of trees, or a whole hillside. Not legally, in the formal way of 'Know all men...' and 'heirs and assigns' written on a paper, but in the way that one comes to own a tree by seeing it at the turn of the road, or down the street, or in a park, and watching it day after day, and seeing color come to its leaves. That way it is your tree whenever you choose to pass that way, and neither fence nor title can take it away from you. And it will be yours as long as you remember." We live in an area surrounded by a variety of beautiful trees, and fall is a time when many of them put on a colorful show. Is there one that you have as a favorite tree? I'd love to hear about it.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
MOUNT DIABLO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Mount Diablo State Park (MDSP) turns 100 years old this year. To mark the occasion, California State Parks and its partners invite the public to attend a special event on Saturday, October 16th. This birthday celebration takes place at the foot of the mountain at Cal State East Bay’s Concord Campus, located at 4700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Concord, from 10AM to 4PM. This will be a time for the community to celebrate the 100-year history of the park. The day will feature information and activities highlighting the natural and cultural treasures that have been preserved, as well as the recreational and educational opportunities that abound in MDSP. Activity booths will showcase the park’s fascinating wildlife, history, and ways to safely and responsibly enjoy the park. Discover the variety of creatures that call the park home as you meet live animals such as bats, snakes, and local birds of prey. Meet the volunteers and horses of the Mounted Assistance Unit who roam the trails on horseback, discover why the oldest rocks layers are on top of the mountain, and see how astronomers view the heavens from the mountain’s heights. California State Parks, the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA), Save Mount Diablo (SMD), and Cal State East Bay hope you will join at this event to celebrate MDSP’s birthday, its many stories, and the community’s connection to this amazing place.
FILM SHOWING
MDIA has created a film about the mountain's natural heritage and human history, featuring naturalists Ken Lavin and Michael Marchiano, SMD land conservation director Seth Adams, former East Bay Regional Park general manager Robert Doyle, East Bay Ohlone and co-founder of Cafe Ohlone Vincent Medina, and Mount Diablo State Park supervising ranger Cameron Morrison. Join online on October 14th at 4PM for a premiere showing of this new film— an inspiring journey through the lands that sustain us close to home. The film is presented by MDIA in partnership with SMD and MDSP. R e s e r ve you r sp ot at w w w. e ve nt br ite. c om / e / mou nt - d i ab lo-state-park-100th-anniversary-film-premiere-tickets-175737624967.
CALL FOR PERFORMERS
SEEKING PERFORMERS 50+ YEARS OLD FOR VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15TH
MASKS MASKS REQUIRED REQUIRED
Danville’s seniors are sure to steal the show as the Town of Danville’s Senior Center and Village Theatre are pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show. The show is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th, from 1:30PM to 3PM at the Village Theatre, located at 233 Front St. in Danville. This fast-paced array of performances will include a wide variety of 3-5 minute acts. Previous shows have included dance, singing, musical performances, stand-up comedy, clogging, skits, poetry reading, and more. Auditions for the show will be held on Friday, October 15th. Interested performers aged 50 or over should schedule an audition by emailing Program Supervisor for Adults & Seniors, Leah Martinez, at lmartinez@danville.ca.gov, or by calling 925-314-3431. Tickets for the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show will go on sale in late October.
ALAMO WOMEN’S CLUB AUTHORS’ FAIRE
MASKS MASKS REQUIRED REQUIRED
On Wednesday, October 20th, The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) will be hosting the 6th Annual Authors’ Faire at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Tickets are $75 and include valet parking and a served brunch. Reservations are required. The event will start at 10AM (doors open at 9:30AM) and will be moderated by Robert Dugoni, critically acclaimed author and number one best-seller on Amazon. Bestselling authors who will discuss their books and their writing journey include Rhys Bowen, Lee Goldberg, Tim Tigner, Simon Wood, as well as Dugoni. For reservations, send a check to Alamo Women’s Club, P.O. Box 151, Alamo, CA 94507. Seating will be assigned with eight people per table. Pay together and sit together, if you'd like. Checks must be received by Saturday, October 8th. All Covid mandates by the CDC, state, and county will be followed. Please provide a picture of your vaccine card with your check. If you have not been vaccinated, you must provide negative test result taken at least 72 before the event and show at the door. At-home tests will not be accepted, and masks will be required--no exceptions. All monies raised will benefit AWC, their philanthropies, and their scholarships. For more information on this event and on AWC visit Alamowomensclub.org.
PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
VOLUNTEER WITH AARP TAX-AIDE FOR 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 held in November 2021, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2022. Service is from February through April 15, 2022. If interested, apply online at www.aarp. org/taxvolunteer, or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.
Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973
SONS IN RETIREMENT
BRANCH 128 - SAN RAMON VALLEY
Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone
Since 1973 www.MacFloor.com • info@macfloor.com
3191-J Crow Canyon Pl San Ramon (925) 866-2200
Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement (SIR) San Ramon Valley Branch #128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, members have fun participating in a variety of Zoom-related activities including investing, book groups, fantasy football, technology, wine tastings, and more. Members are also now participating in various outdoor activities including golf, bocce ball, bicycling, and hiking. The October meeting will be a virtual event via Zoom. The speaker will be Mr. Paul Ruff. Paul has been a San Francisco bar pilot for over 10 years. These are the people that jump onto the large ships that come into San Francisco Bay every day. Mr. Ruff will share numerous stories about “ships on the Bay.” Get ready for a very interesting presentation. The presentation will be held Wednesday, October 20th at 11AM. To access the virtual meeting as a guest, please email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the group, visit www.SIR128.com.
BRANCH 116 - LAS TRAMPAS
At the September meeting, SIR Las Trampas Branch 116 was fortunate to host guest speaker George Kourounis, a well-known global adventurer, storm chaser, and explorer. It was a treat and thrill to hear firsthand about George’s adventures. SIR Branch 116 continues to lead the way in offering its members enriching experiences and social connections that are important to all. Come join the group for future events and activities. SIR is a California-based social organization for semi-retired and retired men. The strength of Branch 116 lies in the 18 various activities, members enjoy. From robust golf programs for experienced and novice golfers, to book groups, and bridge, there is an activity for everyone. If you wish to become a member of SIR Las Trampas Branch 116, please visit https://sirinc2. org/branch116/, or call 925-322-1160.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW) PRESENTS WOMEN WORKING IN WATER
On Tuesday, October 26th from 6-7:30PM, the Danville Alamo Walnut Creek (DAW) branch of AAUW invites you to a conversational Zoom program with the DAW Program Chair, Bette Felton, and two local engineers, Laura Johnson and Erin Mackey. Laura and Erin work on drinking water systems and are two very different kinds of engineers! During the program, the group will learn the complexity of procuring, providing, and conserving drinking water in California. You’ll hear of the systems and acronyms that allow the community to drink clean and safe water from the tap, and appreciate the difficult work from people working in those systems. The group will learn how Laura and Erin work, and the opportunities and challenges they face as women in what once was a male dominated career. They will also share how they mentor younger engineers and their outlook for water in California. Register for the free event at www.daw-ca.aauw.net.
JEWELRY FUNDRAISER FAIRE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 ~ 10 -7 & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5 ~ 10 -4 TH
AM
PM
TH
AM
PM
Beautiful costume jewelry starting at just $5 and designer jewelry at 50% off will be for sale at the Alamo Women's Club (AWC) Jewelry Fundraiser Faire. The sale will be held at the AWC located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. Proceeds benefit the AWC mission and local scholarships. Masks and distancing are required when shopping.
2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Concord (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)
WINE & EQUINE 2021: WALK ON!
"WALK ON" is the term kids use to get their horses walking, but it can also be seen as how individuals move on into the future after a challenging season. Sonrise Equestrian Foundation will be hosting their Masked Ball in person, as well as offering a virtual option to those who are unable to attend. All proceeds from the event fund the work of transforming the lives of children with special needs at no cost to their families! A formal "masked" ball and live auction with wine from Wente Vineyards and a fabulous dinner will be held at Blackhawk Country Club on October 9th beginning at 5:30PM. Please note that Contra Costa County is now requiring a vaccine or negative covid test within 72 hours of the event. Enjoy the event with emcee ABC7's Mike Nicco, auctioneer Frank Hanna, live music with "The Cool Tones," and wine from Wente Vineyards. Purchase tickets at www.sonrisekids.org/wine-andequine-2021.
Gopher/Mole Removal No Poison Tri-Valley Trapper
925-765-4209
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
THE YEARLY REAL ESTATE MARKET CYCLE IN THE GREATER DANVILLE AREA
By Joe Gatti
As we transition into the fall of 2021, I thought we would look at what I will call the “seasonal cycle” of the real estate market in our local community. Like our sought-after weather, the entry of homes on the market, and buyers anxious to get settled, have general predictors with the yearly seasons. Note, the best time of year to sell your home, or when to buy, is when it is ultimately best for you. As real estate professionals, part of our expertise is evaluating the motivation and best interests of clients to structure a road map for success in each of the four seasons I describe. Below are the sold homes in winter, spring, summer, and fall going back to 2019 and the periods they encompass.* Winter, December 1st-February 15th - Historically, the slowest period during the real estate year due to holiday activities, colder and wetter weather for leaving the home, and shorter daylight hours for viewing and property preparation. In 2018-2019, 184 detached properties sold, in 2019-2020 sold properties increased to 234 (up 27.1%). During the winter of the first pandemic year, 324 properties sold, likely due to the publicized increase in selling prices, property inventory entering the market later in the year due to delays resulting from the pandemic, and the increase of interest in our area from urban/city buyers. Spring, February 16th-June 15th - Seen as the busiest season of the year. The spring season typically begins in mid-February, but that can fluctuate. Reasons for this period having more activity are both sellers and buyers participating or interested in our local schools can anticipate their close of escrow to coincide with the end of the school year in early June, and the weather/day length is more favorable for showcasing landscaping and outdoor entertainment spaces. For example, a pool looks very inviting when the temps outside are reaching 80 to 90 degrees. In 2019, 619 detached properties sold, during the uncertainty of the pandemic year 438 properties sold with a number of properties being pushed back to the summer period and beyond. This year 912 properties sold, which is a 47% increase from the 2019 spring total. Summer, June 16th-September 15th - The summer months are perceived by the public as being very busy for real estate professionals, and in many years they can be. However, summer tends to not be as frantic as the earlier spring period. Some reasons for this include the school year ending the first to second week of June and beginning again the second week of August. Many people allotting time for summer vacations, travel, the July 4th holiday, and the activity level of sellers and buyers moving for the quality of our local schools is lessened due to the realization that school enrollment needs to occur a month or so prior to the actual school start date. In 2019, 445 properties sold, while the summer of 2020 served as the de facto spring market with 694 properties being sold and classroom teaching not occurring (a large 55.9% increase). This year, with classroom enrollment reopened, sold properties finished at 576. Fall, September 16th-November 30th - Now to the season at hand. The fall market has historically been the second most active season in our local area. Many seller’s would like to take advantage of our prolonged warm weather, and both sellers and buyers would like to complete the selling and purchasing process before the holiday season begins where the home becomes the focal point for holiday activities. Three hundred and sixteen detached properties sold in 2019, compared to 518 in 2020, a 63.9% increase. Our inventory level in the next month, which is currently low, will be the indicator to watch for how the fall season will fair compared to the rest of 2021! I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for close to the last 10 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass and work out of the 15 Railroad office in downtown Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time, or have questions about this article please email GattiRealEstate@ gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you! *Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.
Recent Activity in Your Community! As Danville Natives, We Know Danville and the San Ramon Valley Sold $105K Over Asking
Pending Over Asking
115 Camino Encanto, Westside Danville 4 Beds | 3 Bath | 2,305 SqFt | $2,195,000 First time on market in 31 years! Prime Westside Danville location! Close to downtown and Iron Horse Trail! Updated kitchen and expanded guest primary bedroom/possible au pair space. Backyard deck that leads to pool. Near award-winning schools.
Sold $51K Over Asking
357 Cordell Drive, Westside Danville
135 Gaywood Rd, Westside Alamo
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,666 Sq Ft | Sold for $2,300,000 Westside Danville location on one of the most sought-after streets. Located on a flat 1/2 acre, the future home possibilities are endless. A short distance from the Iron Horse Trail, and award-winning schools.
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,227 Sq Ft | Sold for $1,850,000 Location, Location, Location! First time on market in 45 years! This single story rancher is three short blocks from the Iron Horse Trail, shopping, Hemme Station Park, and a short distance to award-winning schools.
Call us regarding how our Compass Concierge and Bridge Loan programs can help you!
Joe Gatti Broker Associate 925.588.3590 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 01914487
Ron Gatti Broker Associate 925.596.1972 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 00623995
gattirealestate.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
ONE WARM COAT & TOGETHER WE GIVE
For the 26 year, Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley will hold their One Warm Coat drive. Please clean out your closets, and gather gently used, new, and clean, coats, sweaters, blankets, hats, and gloves of all sizes. Donations will benefit Christmas for Everyone in Martinez, Food Bank clients at their distribution sites, homeless camps, and agencies like Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program. Drop off bins will be placed throughout the community from October 30-November 30. In Alamo, bring items to Roundhill Country Club - 3169 Roundhill Rd., or, on the west side, a bin will be placed on the porch of a home at 172 Via Serena - near Ace Hardware. In Danville, boxes will be placed at Monte Vista High School, located at 3131 Stone Valley Rd., Peet's Coffee - 435 Railroad Ave., Compass Real Estate - 190 Hartz Ave., and Heritage Bank - 387 Diablo Rd. San Ramon drop-off locations include Club Sport - 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane, and Bella Vista Elementary School - 1050 Trumpet Vine Ln. In partnership, on Wednesday, November 3rd from 2PM to 5PM, the Alamo Women’s Club’s Together We Give project will be offering curbside donation drop off on. Tax receipts will be available. The Club is located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. With winter approaching, it is hoped that the community, families, and friends continue their generosity in keeping others warm.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
AGGRESSIVE & SKILLED LEGAL ADVOCACY Protect your rights after serious injury or wrongful death.
No recovery, no fee.
th
SAVE THE DATE, DANVILLE AREA CHAMBER MIXER TO BE HELD IN ALAMO
Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, November 11th at 5:30PM. For the first time in years, the Danville Area Chamber Mixer will be held in Alamo, at Alamo World Travel. Alamo World Travel is located upstairs in the Alamo Commons center, located at 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 255, Alamo. Many Alamo business owners remember the wonderful mixers held at Alamo businesses when the Alamo Merchants and Professional Association (AMPA) was in full swing. AMPA was later named the Alamo Chamber and eventually became part of the larger Danville Area Chamber. If you are a business owner, especially in Alamo, please plan to attend the November mixer, and talk to like-minded local business owners. If you are not a Chamber member, plan to attend and see what you missing! For questions or more information, visit www.alamoword.com or call 925-835-8742.
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers monthly meetings of small groups with common interests to discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books to information on local genealogical libraries. Classes are also offered for the beginning researcher and those interested in genetic DNA. You are invited to join the Tuesday, October 19th, 10am ZOOM meeting with a presentation by Dr. Joel Weintraub entitled "Here Comes the 1950 Census! What To Expect." The U.S. 1950 census will become public on April 1, 2022. Joel will cover what a census is, who uses the census, census caveats, how the 1950 census was taken, training of enumerators, enumerator instruction manuals, census sampling, 1950 population and housing forms, census questions, post enumeration codes, 1950 undercount and a summary of the results. He will conclude with a discussion on his and Steve Morse's 1950 locational tools which are online (and free) at www.stevemorse.org. Joel Weintraub is an emeritus Biology Professor at Cal State University, Fullerton. He became interested in genealogy over 20 years ago and volunteered for nine years at the National Archives in Southern California. Joel helped produce location tools for the 1900 through 1950 federal censuses and the New York State censuses for New York City (1905, 1915, 1925) for the Steve Morse "One-Step" website. He has published articles on the US Census and the 72-year rule, the name change belief, finding difficult passenger records at Ellis Island, and searching New York City census records with the problems of New York City geography. He has a YouTube channel that has his genealogy and biology talks at "JDW Talks." There are well over a dozen videos concerning the 1950 census on that channel. To become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org, and click on the “Join SRVGS” tab on the left side of the Home Page. To attend as a guest, please email your request to Steve Watty at president@srvgensoc.org.
Call us today to schedule a consultation.
925-587-9949
“Making the world a safer place, one case at a time.” Alamo resident since 2002
www.gattopc.com
2540 Camino Diablo, Suite 200, Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.
Danville Glass Shower & Windows Best Quality, Prices, & Service All types of residential glass Fogged Dual Panes • Mirrors Broken Glass • Shower Doors
By appointment only: 4115 Blackhawk Plaza Cir #100, Danville
925-277-0555
danvilleglasscompany.com Email for free estimates dgc94526@gmail.com
Sho p
L oc
al!
Licensed and Insured #795837
ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB
Are you a new or long-time resident of Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk, or Diablo? Or are you newly retired or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club (ADNC) is a woman’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. Consider meeting the group at an outdoor "Information Coffee" on Thursday, October 21st at 9:30AM. For details about attending, or questions on how to get involved with ADNC, please email alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
THE HISTORY OF MOUNT DIABLO
Mount Diablo State Park is having a birthday and celebrating 100 years since being established in 1921. Join the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) for a webinar that will explore the human history of the mountain. The presentation will cover the park from its humble beginnings to the present day, and include the historic Civilian Conservation Corps who built most of the State Park infrastructure. Discussions will include the history of early Native Americans, cattle ranching, horse racing, automobile racing, and tourism on the mountain. See how different organizations like Mount Diablo Interpretive Association (MDIA) and Save Mount Diablo (SMD) protect the mountain. The event speaker will be Danville native Steve Smith. Steve is a hiking enthusiast who acts as a natural history docent and volunteer team leader for trail signage and maintenance projects in the park. He is also the president of MDIA and oversees its many programs and committees. The free online program will take place on October 21st at 11:30AM. Please join in for this interesting and entertaining discussion on the history of the biggest thing in Contra Costa County, Mount Diablo! To attend, please visit www.museumsrv.org, and go to the "Events" section to register, or call 925-837-3750. The MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. The museum is now open Tuesday-Friday 1PM-3PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday 12PM-3PM.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
COMING SOON
NEW
ACTIVE
PENDING
225 RIVERTON PLACE, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,288 SF, 0.16 ACRE LOT
2320 SOMERSET AVENUE, CASTRO VALLEY 2 BEDS, 1 BATHS, 915 SF, 0.10 ACRE LOT
457 RYAN TERRACE, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 1,956 SF
OFFERED AT $1,148,000
OFFERED AT $725,000 JOHN FONDNAZIO | 925.817.9053
2470 CABALLO RANCHERO, DIABLO 4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 5,081 SF, 1.33 ACRE LOT OFFERED AT $3,695,000 BRYAN HURLBUT | 925.383.5500
ALISON PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
OFFERED AT $960,000
PENDING
PENDING
SOLD
SOLD
3002 ROSSMOOR PKWY #5, WALNUT CREEK 2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,444 SF
101 RUBICON CIRCLE, DANVILLE 2 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1,287 SF
3303 FREEMAN ROAD, LAFAYETTE 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 2,733 SF, 0.67 ACRE LOT
22 PINEVIEW COURT, PLEASANT HILL 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,201 SF, 0.16 ACRE LOT
OFFERED AT $820,000
OFFERED AT $724,000
SOLD FOR $2,150,000
SOLD FOR $1,248,000
SUZY PECK | 925.200.2988
ALISON PETERSEN | 925.984.7214
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL | 925.984.1344
SOLD
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD - REPRESENTED BUYER
221 OPAL COURT, SAN RAMON 3 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS, 1,523 SF, 0.07 ACRE LOT
326 GOLDEN GRASS DRIVE, ALAMO 6 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 5,296 SF, 0.43 ACRE LOT
123 BRIA COURT, WALNUT CREEK 5 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 2,908 SF, 0.31 ACRE LOT
103 POPPY COURT, WALNUT CREEK 5 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 3,114 SF, 0.47 ACRE LOT
SOLD FOR $1,200,000
SOLD FOR $3,650,000
SOLD FOR $2,205,000
SOLD FOR $2,100,000
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES | 925.298.2249
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA | 925.878.8047
MARGY LYMAN | 925.963.6380
ALISON J. PETERSEN 925.984.7214
BONNE WERSEL 510.304.3303
BRYAN HURLBUT 925.383.5500
DANI O’CONNELL 925.786.2176
REALTOR® | DRE#01177737
REALTOR® | DRE# 01173288
REALTOR® | DRE# 01347508
BROKER ASSOCIATE DRE# 01892167
DON & PAMELA COLOMBANA 925.878.8047 925.482.4142
EVA ELDERTS 925.726.9409 REALTOR® | DRE# 02039328
REALTORS® DRE# 01979180 / 01979181
JOHN FONDNAZIO 925.817.9053
KORY MADGE 925.366.9899
MARGY LYMAN 925.963.6380
REALTOR | DRE# 01938194
REALTOR | DRE# 01345227
REALTOR | DRE# 02067680
®
DRE# 01882902
WWW.DUDUM.COM
®
DANVILLE
®
WALNUT CREEK
MEREDITH & BONNIE KUMMELL 925.984.1344 925.980.9952
SCOTT & FONIA HUMPHRIES 925.298.2249 925.998.4444
REALTORS® DRE# 00905114 / 01364056
REALTOR® / BROKER DRE# 02078065 / 01019063
LAMORINDA
BRENTWOOD
SIERRA TAHOE
SUZY PECK 925.200.2988 REALTOR® | DRE# 01224695
Distinctive Properties
©2021 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY By Jamie Westgate, Principal
Now that October is here, our hallways are donned with construction paper colored leaves and cut-out orange pumpkins on most every bulletin board. I love this time of year, and it gives our students the opportunity to learn more about the importance of the dormant phase in the plant cycle. Instead of putting their energy into new growth, perennial plants stop blooming to protect themselves from the harsh weather ahead. They redirect their growth until milder weather returns in the spring. It may look like these plants aren’t thriving, however their roots are busy growing deeper and stronger, so they are even more fruitful the next year. After so many challenges these past two years, I can’t help but wonder if this fall would be the perfect time to encourage families to embrace an analogous rhythm of "going dormant," not as an escape from these challenges, but rather as an intentional move toward cultivating our faith and family values. Although there are many activities (such as school) that we can’t give up, we can choose to manage our time wisely and protect our family members physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus reminded us in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” God knows that we are likely to fall prey to busy schedules, and He uses this scripture to remind us to stay connected to Him. When we spend time abiding in Him, we deepen and strengthen our spiritual roots which lead to a peaceful heart, a healthy mindset, and stability in our relationships with others. Every year, I select a book of the year to give to our families. I can’t imagine a parent on the planet who can successfully navigate the child rearing years without some Godly wisdom and solid parent education. John Mark Comer, author of this year’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, writes about the benefit of slowing down and prioritizing family time and rest. He references another favorite author and speaker, Corrie Ten Boom, by acknowledging that she once said, “If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy. There’s truth in that. Both sin and busyness have the exact same effect – they cut off your connection to God, to other people, and even to your own soul.” Here at SRVCA, we take great delight in not only providing exceptional academics for our students; we treasure the time we spend pointing students to God. Our greatest desire is to see deep spiritual roots in our students and their families. When they’re cultivated and cared for, we know our students can produce God’s love, joy, and peace which ultimately grow a garden of goodness all around us. I hope you can slow down a bit and enjoy this harvest season!
Celebrate continued from front page
Geologist. Brewer's letters and journals describing his travels with Whitney's geological survey of California are collected in Up and Down California 18601864. In the entry for May 18, 1862, Brewer notes: "Although Mount Diablo is the initial point of all surveys for this part of the state, strangely enough, its topography had not been mapped. Nor was the geology at all understood, although it is a most important spot as furnishing a key to many formations of the state, and of great pecuniary interest from the fact that the only coal mines worked to any advantage in the state are on the north side of the mountain within five miles of the summit." Brewer describes ascending Mount Diablo on May 7th, 1862. "First up a wild rocky canyon, the air sweet with the perfume of the abundant flowers,
Mount Diablo State Park has grown from 630 acres to over 20,000 acres since 1921. Photo by Stephen Smith, MDIA.
•
Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams
•
Contact Lens Exams
•
Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses In many cases, we are able to make your glasses in our office with our On-Site Lab
215 ALAMO PLAZA SUITE D ALAMO, CA 94507 www.poplarspecs.com
OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY MONDAY—FRIDAY: 9 - 6 SATURDAY: 9 - 4
925.202.2846 the sides rocky and picturesque, the sky above of the intensest blue; then up a steep slope to the height of 2,200 feet, where we halted by a spring, rested, filled our canteens, and then went onward." Access to the summit became easier when Joseph Seavey Hall opened the Mountain House in 1874. The previous October, he formed the Green Valley and Mount Diablo Summit Road Company to build two roads to the hotel, one from the Ygnacio Valley in Walnut Creek (now the Stage Road trail) and the other from Danville through Green Valley. Cost including purchase of right of ways through ranch land was $22,000. Having completed the Summit House on New Hampshire's Mount Washington in 1852 in partnership with Lucius Rosebrook in just 40 days, Hall was experienced in getting a hotel built quickly. During its first month of operation, 800 people paid a 25-cent fee to travel the toll roads. In Mountain Lore, Rich Mcdrew and Rachel Haislet describe the success and failure of Hall's venture. They quote Hall's August 2,1874, letter to his siblings in New Hampshire. "'Our house is located on the Mount Diablo Summit Road, the road I built; it is very pleasantly surrounded by large oak trees and is very favorably located to accommodate visitors to the mountain. We have but 11 rooms, but near the house a large tent with good floor and beds are arranged to accommodate 20 people.'" Margaret Sloan purchased the hotel in 1878. Following an 1891 wildfire, patronage plummeted, and the hotel closed. Ranchers had been complaining for years about the twice daily stagecoaches bringing guests to the hotel. In 1901, arsonists burned the building to the ground. Local folks enjoyed camping on Mount Diablo. In the book San Ramon Valley, Beverly Lane and Ralph Cozine include a photograph captioned: "Festive groups stayed on Mount Diablo and dubbed their campsites names like Camp Humbug and Camp Jolly. A Semi-Weekly Gazette article in 1889 said Camp Jolly had a 'brass band, a choral society, and a gun club.' The group cooked venison, fended off rattlesnakes, and hiked to the eastern summit, beginning at 4AM and returning at 8:30PM." Born the year Hall sold Mountain House, Robert Noble Burgess moved to California with his family as a six-year-old. In From Country Estate to Country Club: The History of Mount Diablo Country Club, David Mackesey and Linda Hamilton detail Burgess's acquisition of Oakwood Park Stock Farm, also known as the Railroad Ranch, and development of Mount Diablo Park Club. Burgess acquired
See Celebrate continued on page 20
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
“Celeste’s knowledge of the market is impressive and her attention to detail is incredible.” – AG
COMING SOON | CALL FOR MORE DETAILS
1625 Campesino Court, Alamo 6 Bed | 5.5 Bath | 7440± Sq Ft | 1.40± Acre Lot Views of hills. Private setting. Wine room holds 200 bottles. Library with fireplace. Home theatre has 9 recliners and 120” screen with custom speakers. Backyard patio has rustic pavilion with wood burning pizza oven, fire pit and waterfall.
“Celeste is extremely professional. She is excellent at negotiating contracts and always has her clients best interest at heart. Her knowledge of the market is impressive and her attention to detail is incredible. I was trying to decide between two different areas and Celeste helped me to figure out which one was best for me by evaluating all of the pros and cons of each neighborhood. I would highly recommend her!” ~ AG
JUST SOLD | 9579 Velvetleaf Circle, San Ramon $2,155,000 | Represented Buyer
Celeste Pacelli Broker Associate | DRE 01862387 | 925.395.1511 celeste@celestepacelli.com | celestepacelli.com
Top 1.5% of All Agents Nationwide - WSJ Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals List Top 1% of Agents in Contra Costa & Alameda Counties! See more of my 71 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ reviews on Zillow! Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
CATCH UP ON SOME “Zs”
TRICK OR TREAT By Jaime Kaiman, Monte Vista High, junior
October is the month that truly signifies fall is here. Pumpkin spice comes in season, the leaves change color, and there is usually a nice breeze in the air. It is also a time in which sweaters are in use again, and at the end of the month, everyone scurries all over town trying to find a last minute costume for Halloween. This is what a typical October is like, but like last year, this October is far from typical. With the Coronavirus and its variants still infecting people today, I am pondering questions like, “Will there be trick-or-treating this year?” or“Am I going to be able to go to that Halloween party that was supposed to happen last year?”Although this October might feel a bit more normal than last year, the community’s wellness is still most important, and doing certain activities might still put our health in jeopardy. I remember how fun it was to go trick-or-treating every Halloween when I was younger. I would be so excited to hit the streets to show off my “spooktacular” costume to my neighbors. Of course, I would also be excited to compete with my sister to see who could get the biggest candy haul at the end of the night. It was fun to trade candy and chocolate with friends, and bring the leftovers to school for the following couple of months. I don’t go trick-or-treating anymore, but I still remember the excitement of it all. I am sad that many kids missed out on that excitement last year, and might miss out again this year as well. I think there are still plenty of ways for kids to have fun this Halloween without the trick-or-treating tradition. I know I would’ve enjoyed a scavenger hunt for candy just the same as going house-to-house as a kid, so that could be a good alternative this year! As for Halloween parties, I’m not sure that getting a large group of people together in a house is the safest option to do this October. It’s frustrating that we won’t get to groove to songs like “Monster Mash” or “Thriller” at a Halloween bash, but again, there are other, safer alternatives. This year, I think I’m going to get a close group of friends together to watch scary movies and eat buckets of candy together. If it was a costume party that got cancelled, one way to show off your outfit could be to take pictures and share it with your friends! I know that I’m still unhappy that we can’t fully be back to 100% normalcy yet, but I’m glad that there are plenty of ways to adapt to the circumstances we’re currently in this October. All in all, this October is still as spooky and strange as last. With Halloween festivities possibly being postponed again, it’s clear that October has not yet reached normalcy again. The pandemic keeps playing far too many tricks on us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find a treat within those tricks. Stay positive this October, and have a very happy Halloween!
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
FLUTE LESSONS DURING COVID AND BEYOND By Karen Van Dyke
As in-person learning resumes this fall and life slowly returns to normal, live musical rehearsal and performance is also beginning to gradually make a comeback. Aspiring musicians who were unable to start an instrument last year in (or outside of) school are once again able to pursue their dream instrument with opportunities to perform in person and to begin private lessons on their instrument of choice. I am pleased to be able to accept new students in my Danville flute studio in an on-line format until in-person lessons become safe and then at my home studio thereafter. Lessons cover tonal work, technique, musicianship, interpretation, performance skills, and sight reading through examination of the classical solo repertoire. Lesson curricula are custom planned depending on the age and goals of the student. All-state band or college music major/minor hopefuls, school band students in need of formal instruction, and total beginners all thrive in my studio. All ages and levels are welcome. In my studio, the last year and a half of instruction exclusively on Zoom has proven that tremendous progress is absolutely attainable in on-line lessons for students of every level. Recently relocated to Danville from San Jose, I am a lecturer in the Music Department at Stanford University, where I founded the highly acclaimed Stanford Flute Ensemble over two decades ago. In addition to my work at Stanford, I maintain an active and versatile career as a private flute teacher, freelance orchestral and chamber musician, and for the last 27 years Director of Northern California Flute Camp, an international summer program for students ages 12-18 held in Carmel Valley (www.flutecamp.com). In my 35 years of teaching privately, my students have occupied the flute sections of all-state, county, and area youth ensembles, they have won competitions, and numerous graduates of my private studio have gone on to major in music at top music schools. For further information on lessons, or to schedule an introductory Zoom lesson, please email kvandyke@stanford.edu, or visit www.karenvandykeflute.com. Advertorial
MUSTANG SOCCER STUDENT ATHLETE AWARD APPLICATIONS
Mustang Soccer League recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of their membership by presenting the Student Athlete Award. This prestigious award is granted to up to four Student Athletes for as much as $1,000 each. The award honors their members' accomplishments in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. Candidates must be high school seniors, in the Class of 2022. Go to mustangsoccer.com for more information and to apply. Award recipients will be notified in time for them to include the achievement on their college applications. The deadline to receive applications is 10 pm, Friday, October 15th.
Kitten and Cat Adoptions Saturdays 11AM-3PM
Petco 2005 Crow Canyon Pl., San Ramon All cats are spayed or neutered, receive FVRCP shots, feline testing, microchip
Learn more at feralcatfoundation.org 925-829-9098
25 Alamo Square, Alamo Next to Alamo Cafe
hippievibetribe.com 925-451-2443
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
MONTE VISTA HIGH
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
As Monte Vista (MV) moves into October, it is hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of the first quarter of the school year. The new school year appears to have completely re-engaged and re-invigorated our campus as we continue our focus on providing equity, deep learning opportunities, and social-emotional support to every student on our campus. As I walk around campus throughout the day, I am so grateful to work with such an amazing community of students, parents, and educators. A few weeks ago, MV received our first-ever "No Place for Hate" designation from the Anti-Defamation League. Led by MV Equity TSA Carrie Leadingham, she worked with students, staff, and parents on a variety of activities that focused on making our school a more equitable and inclusive place. The program has been well received throughout our community, and we are excited to continue this important journey. Sixteen MV seniors were recently named as National Merit Semi-Finalists. An additional 40 students earned academic commendations. These honors are earned through qualifying scores on the nationally normed PSAT. This high success rate is unprecedented at MV, and it is a tribute to the hard work our students put into their academic success. In mid-October, all of MV’s 10th and 11th grader students will take the PSAT once again, and we hope for their continued success. MV's visual and performing arts programs have already hit their stride after a year of remote learning. MV’s choir performed their annual "Bach to School" concert the last week of September, and the MV marching band returned in force to our home football games. Our visual art program provided us with a first-ever collaborative installation of a variety of artwork. These exhibits can be seen around campus and have definitely created both aesthetics and conversations about what each piece of art is saying. MV athletics is also off to a great start. MV’s women’s golf is playing at an incredibly high level and is currently the #1 ranked golf team in the country! Women’s volleyball and women’s tennis are also off to strong starts with several big EBAL wins and eyes on championship banners. Men’s and women’s water polo teams are
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
also both playing very well and will definitely compete for EBAL championships, and men’s and women’s cross-country teams are coming off great showings at two big regional invitationals. Last, but certainly not least, MV’s football team is enjoying a great season, is regionally ranked, and aims to challenge for an EBAL Mountain Division Title. The crowds at our athletic contests have been bigger than ever, and that just adds to the fun of seeing our student-athletes give it their all on the field, on the court, and in the pool. Finally, Homecoming Week took place the last week of September, right before this paper was printed. This year’s theme was “Painting the Festivals Red & Black” with the freshman choosing Stagecoach; the sophomores with Rockville; the juniors with Coachella, and the Seniors with Snow Globe. There were events going on all week with everything culminating in a Friday pre-game carnival, tailgate, and homecoming football game against Livermore and a Saturday homecoming dance. Please check the MV website (mvhs.schoolloop.com) 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.
ACTION POOL REPAIR Serving Alamo & Danville Since 1979!
925.820.3640 www.actionpoolrepair.com yourpoolman@hotmail.com Contractor Lic# 978033-C53
PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
THE BAY MIWOK AND MOUNT DIABLO
This month, Mount Diablo State Park celebrates its 1921 centennial as a California park, certainly a milestone worth commemorating. The iconic mountain was and is a sacred place to Native peoples, has intriguing historic stories, and provides treasured memories for those of us who look to it daily. For thousands of years, people have lived in the Bay Area and Northern California, and each tribe had a name for the mountain, some of which we know today. Here is a sampling: Tuyshtak (Chochenyo Ohlone) Oj.ompil.e (Northern Miwok) Supremenenu (Southern Miwok) SukkuJaman (Nisenan) In the 1700s, when Europeans began to invade traditional East Bay lands, native peoples who spoke Bay Miwok surrounded the mountain, with Ohlone speakers living to the south. The Miwok tribes were named Chupcan, Julpun, Ompin, Saclan, Tatcan and Volvon by the Spanish who recorded their names in the Franciscan mission baptism, marriage and death registers as researched by ethnohistorian Randall Milliken. The San Francisco Bay Area included several linguistic groups including Coast and Bay Miwok, Ohlone/Costanoan, Patwin, Wappo, and Delta Yokut.
THE LANGUAGE
As early as 1821, Father Arroyo de la Cuesta of San Juan Bautista recorded a Saclan vocabulary which he wrote was demonstrably different from the Ohlone/ Costanoan language used in the rest of the East Bay. According to linguist Catherine A. Callaghan, Miwok is a family of seven genetically related languages spoken in Central California. Miwok include the Western Miwok languages (Lake and Coast) and the Eastern languages (Bay, Plains, Northern Sierra, Central Sierra and Southern Sierra). Natives were often bilingual or multi-lingual.
THE TERRITORIES
The six Bay Miwok tribes had one to five semi-permanent villages and numerous temporary camping sites within a fixed territory of about 6 to 10 miles in diameter. Each tribe knew its land and boundaries intimately, and owned the land communally. They lived within different watersheds; consumed seasonal foods such as acorns, seeds, and salmon; were experienced hunters; and supported extensive trade systems. The Bay Miwok tribes each ranged in numbers from 200-500 at the time of European contact, according to Milliken. Autumn tribal gatherings on Mount Diablo included opportunities to visit, worship, trade, find marriage partners, and dance. The summit was a sacred place, reserved for people with special religious powers. It continues to be sacred to native descendants. Visitors would have requested permission to travel through various tribal areas on their way to the mountain festivals. Here is some brief information about Contra Costa’s Bay Miwok people. The Tatcan lived on the west side of Mt. Diablo in the San Ramon Creek watershed. This area includes today’s Danville, Alamo, and parts of San Ramon and Walnut Creek with their largest villages located in downtown Danville and Alamo. The Chupcan were a river people whose homelands probably included Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clyde, Pacheco, and several of the islands in Suisun Bay. In 1772, Lt. Pedro Fages wrote that the main Chupcan village was comparable to the largest villages he had seen in California. The Julpun lived in the northeastern corner of the East Bay, including present-day Oakley, Brentwood, and some of Antioch at the confluence of the San Joaquin River and lower Marsh Creek. John Marsh’s Rancho Los Meganos included the Julpun territory; he called his Indian workers "Pulpunes."
The Ompin had a village north of the Sacramento and San Joaquin River around today's Collinsville. Their territory probably included both sides of the river, present-day Pittsburg, and the islands in between. They controlled the entrance to these important rivers. The Volvon held the peak of Mount Diablo, the vast Marsh Creek watershed to the east, and the Clayton area. The Spanish called Mount Diablo "Cerro Alto de los Bolbones" (High Point of the Volvons) beginning at least in 1811. Some Volvon also worked on the Marsh Rancho. The Saclan tribe lived in the inland valleys east of the East Bay hills, including present-day Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, and probably part of Walnut Creek. They were first identified in the Mission San Francisco records in 1794-5 when 143 Saclan were baptized. A serious drought may have been the reason they came to the mission that year. Once baptized, converts could leave only with permission. But this influx of people overwhelmed the missionaries' ability to house and feed them, and an epidemic killed many recruits. Returning to their East Bay homelands, Saclan and Volvon were identified as the leaders of a major Indian rebellion. They killed the Christian Indians sent to retrieve them and resisted the Spanish troops who pursued them in five expeditions from 1795 to 1805. The Spanish may have used the name "Saclan" to include other Bay Miwoks in their accounts.
THEIR FATE
Milliken summarized the distress experienced by Natives as village life became untenable and diseases decimated them: “Unquestionably, the tribal people loved their homelands and their traditional ways of life…Individuals belonged to – and drew much of their personal identity from – specific places. The move to a mission inevitably resulted in deep emotional trauma. When people left their home valleys, they left behind a major portion of that identity.” Mexican ranchos were granted to Californios on Bay Miwok homelands beginning in the 1830s and the 1848 Gold Rush brought even more disasters. By 1850, the Native population in California was estimated at 100,000, a third of the 1770 figure. For more information, visit the Museum of the San Ramon Valley’s current exhibits “The First Peoples of the Valley” and “Two Cultures Collide.” Sources: Callaghan, Catherine A., Bay Miwok Language, Paper presented before the Bay Miwok Symposium, September 20, 2003; McFarland, Bunner, Drawings of Bay Miwok; Milliken, Randall, A Time of Little Choice, The Disintegration of Tribal Culture in the San Francisco Bay Area 1769-1810, Menlo Park: Ballena Press, 1995, pp. 219, 240-259; Mount Diablo State Park exhibit text, 2000.
Connect, Engage and Thrive We invite you to come see what’s in our bubble. Discover a safe and tight-knit community with strong connections and bountiful opportunities for exploration, friendship, growth and joy.
Join our community
We are proud to uphold the highest level of safety and wellness. Our communities enjoy a high vaccination rate for residents and associates. Watermark’s commitment to your safety and well-being includes mandatory vaccinations for associates, a comprehensive plan and certification process implemented in our community. FE
BE WE
LL
er tifie
c
Learn about our incredible amenities, services and wellness offerings. Call 925-854-0364 or visit wrcbubble.com/sanramon.
WE ARE OPEN AND WELCOMING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFELY
d
What’s in YOUR bubble?
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
STAY S A
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
12720 Alcosta Blvd. San Ramon, CA 94583
sanramon.watermarkcommunities.com
ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE 21-SRS-1918 RCFE LICENSE #079200962
QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle WORLD WAR II DISNEY
The show Peppa Pig has taken the world by storm. Airing in more than 180 countries, appearing in movies and stage shows, with numerous games, toys, and memorabilia, the star of the show recently recorded an album and hales from England. The latest British invasion is led by the adorable animated character Peppa, a four-year-old pig, who along with her little brother George and their parents, Mummy and Daddy Pig, is ranked second in the world (Sponge Bob is first) in popularity. Peppa Pig debuted in the U.K. and Australia in 2014 and has been on Nick Jr. for the past ten years. If you’ve seen the show, you know the characters have all sorts of sweet adventures from going to their grandparents' to help make compost, to having a party during a rainstorm, and then going outside to do their favorite activity: jumping in puddles. The 10-minute animated segments are simple with bright colors and close-up camera angles. The piggies and most of their animal friends have a notable characteristic in that they speak with a British accent, and the mostly preschool-aged audience seems to embrace the show much the way the world embraced the Beatles. According to a recent NPR segment on The World, a “strange phenomenon is occurring among small American children—they’re speaking in a British accent!” Marco Werman of The World interviewed a young American mom whose daughter is one of the many kids who has adopted the British terms and accents from the successful show. “It lasted about a year,” the mom said, “and even today she still calls Santa “Father Christmas.” I learned firsthand the power and influence of the cartoon when my two-year-old granddaughter, a Peppa Pig aficionado, casually mentioned to her mom as they arrived at Trader Joe’s, “Let’s go get the trolley” a British term for the grocery cart. Except in China, where I read Peppa is known as a subversive character, the vast influence of the show seems to be positive and refreshing. Much loved animated characters have been influential even during war time. In the 1940’s, the U.S. government turned to the master of animation, Walt Disney, to assist with the war effort. During WWII, Walt Disney Studios responded enthusiastically to the call by enlisting influential animated characters of the day including Daffy Duck, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Mickey. They starred in short films to educate a frightened public as well as influence people to pay their taxes, buy war bonds, enlist, conserve critical resources, and increase food production. Most importantly, according to historians, the wartime productions boosted the morale of Americans during that difficult time. On a recent Sunday afternoon, I was thrilled to visit the much-anticipated Walt Disney Studios and the WWII exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco at the Presidio. Walt Disney was eager to assist in the war effort and devoted more than 90% of the studio’s wartime output to produce military and government training, propaganda, entertainment, and educational films, as well as designing insignia and print media. I found it particularly interesting that women, who before the war were mostly delegated to secretarial or work in the Ink & Paint Department, at the end of the war were an integral part of every aspect of animation. The special exhibit is a treasure trove of original drawings, posters, and film, all with recognizable characters that are known and loved by Americans of all ages. Walt Disney Family Museum is located at 104 Montgomery Street, Presidio, San Francisco. Separate tickets must be purchased to see the WWII exhibit. Hours are 10AM-5PM, Thursday-Sunday, through January 10th, 2022. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel writer, Francophile, consultant and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten-path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
While researching dramatically dwindling populations of birds and insects around the world, I discovered several UK organizations advocating preserving and restoring hedgerows. I suspected when I first encountered the word "hedgerow" in 19th century British literature that it referred to something quite different from formally trimmed hedges used to define garden borders and provide privacy screens. Indeed, although hedges are usually constructed of a single plant species, hedgerows are composed of a complex intertwinement of many species. In The Mill on the Floss, George Eliot writes: "These familiar flowers, this sky, with its fitful brightness, these furrowed grassy fields, each with a sort of personality given to it by the capricious hedgerows -- such things are the mother tongue of our imagination, the language that is laden with all the subtle inexplicable associations the fleeting hours of our childhood left behind them." I doubt anyone would call a carefully clipped boxwood or yew hedge "capricious." The People's Trust for Endangered Species describes the hedgerows they seek to save and appropriate maintenance procedures. "Hedgerows of the UK are invaluable to our wildlife, providing home to many of our wild animals and corridor to travel for others... Hedgerows are so teeming with life that one study counted 2,070 species in one 85-metre stretch. Even this was thought to be an underestimate as many taxonomic groups were not thoroughly sampled." Just to be confusing, however, hedgerows are frequently referred to as hedges by those touting their significance. Sheared single-species hedges create relatively sterile configurations, while hedgerows feature multi-dimensional layered plantings encouraging all manner of living organisms to thrive. Nevertheless, without routine management, hedgerows eventually are reduced to rows of primary tree species and scruffy, albeit perhaps berry-rich, understory shrubs. In 2017, John Wright published A Natural History of the Hedgerow. In his introduction, he writes: "Now that our wildlife habitats have been so drastically
Guild continued from front page
Guild members play an essential role in the activities and development of the organization and its beneficiaries, and participate in a variety of areas including finance, fundraising, marketing, communications, public policy, social media, research, and administrative work. Membership is open to individuals who accept and support the Guild’s vision, values, and services. The group has become well-known for their annual fundraiser, a fashion show luncheon and vendor fair for 350 guests held at Diablo Country Club, for which business sponsors and guests provide critical support. The fashions are loaned by local boutiques. Naturally, Covid has changed the course for the past two years, and the Guild has relied on general DCG co-founders Heather Ninekirk donations gathered via online fundraising and Lisa Pellegrini drives in order to fulfill their charitable commitment. They are hoping to reinstate the popular fashion show format in November of 2022. “Our first fundraiser was held in 2000,” said Pellegrini. “We couldn’t find a venue for the event, as we had no money in order to make a deposit. Bridges Golf Course had just opened, and they graciously offered their venue. An anonymous donor matched the funds we raised, and we were able to provide $44,000 to Comfort for Kids, a hospice program for children.” Since then, the Guild has provided support to scores of organizations such as Children’s Skin Disease Foundation, Hope Solutions, New Day for Children, Down Syndrome Connection of the East Bay, Moment by Moment, Rooms of Hope, Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, and Winter Nights Family Shelter, among many others. “There is a perception that our region has little need,” said Pellegrini. “That’s simply not the case. There are so many groups that really need the funds. Several years ago, Foster a Dream was ready to close its doors. We
See Guild continued on page 22
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews reduced, hedgerows lead the field. While few of the reasons for planting or retaining hedgerows remain that relevant today, their importance as a natural history habitat cannot be overstated." He notes that while a hedgerow is a viable and vibrant ecosystem, if connection to a nearby habitat is absent, the species supported within the hedgerow will diminish over time. Hedgerows were first planted in the British Isles in ancient times to define boundaries and separate fields. Unlike fences and formal hedges, they establish lines of separation that serve critical environmental functions in addition to delineating where one landscape feature or field ends and the adjacent one begins. In the US, hedgerows are receiving lots of attention for the many benefits including biodiversity they provide. "Hedgerow Information and Projects," posted by the UC Davis Center for Urban Horticulture, asserts: "The SmartScape hedgerow projects promote low-water use, and the use of locally native plant species to create edge borders as wildlife habitats and refuges. Pollination services will be provided to nearby regions due to the plant life and abundant food resources which attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. The hedgerows will also prevent run-off, soil erosion, and combat climate change through carbon sequestration and microclimate regulation services for wildlife." "These hedges of mixed plant types address air quality by absorbing carbon and diminishing wind and airborne dust and pollutant distribution; they address water quality issues by filtering and slowing rainfall, allowing runoff to percolate slowly into the soil and water table; they address soil biology through healthy and extensive root systems and diminishing soil erosion; and they support feeding and housing pollinator, beneficial insect and wildlife populations, which in turn increase pollination of food crops and help control pest populations." (Jennifer Jewell, "Hedgerows for Habitat & Haven: In the Large Landscape, in the Garden" posted November 2011 by US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources and Conservation Service California). Heather McCargo, founder and executive director of the Maine-based non-profit Wild Seed Project, explains in "Native Hedges and Hedgerows: Beauty and Biodiversity" (Ecolandscaping.org, 6/15/2019): "A hedgerow should be a minimum six feet wide, with 15 feet or more as the ideal. Connecting the hedgerow to other vegetation, such as woodlands, meadows, wetland, existing yard trees, and neighboring yard's plantings, will link disconnected habitats and assist plants and animals in their movement." Most homeowners don't have space for a full-scale hedgerow, but every mixed border of native plants helps connect birds and beneficial insects to nearby habitats. Including a few flowering shrubs adds a layer visually interesting to people and important to birds for food and shelter.
DANVILLE ALAMO GARDEN CLUB
The Danville Alamo Garden Club would like to invite you to their monthly meetings where they will share their knowledge and love of gardening. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month and are currently presented via Zoom. The meetings feature an inspiring and educational guest speaker and program. Please visit www.DAGC.us to find detailed information about the monthly program, activities, and contact information. To contact the Membership VP, click on “About DAGC” then “About Membership.” The group looks forward to meeting you!
WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB
You are invited to visit meetings and to become a part of the Walnut Creek Garden Club! You’ll find friendly members, with varying interests including: • Creating and improving gardens with new plants and techniques • Supporting garden education in local schools • Supporting local environmental charities with community grants • Learning about the fun of arranging flowers • Volunteering to help local gardens, fundraisers, and plant sales The group meets the second Monday of each month at 9:30AM, September through June, at The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek. If you are interested in joining the Club or for more information, please visit www.walnutcreekgardenclub.org.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Goodbye Grass Hello Garden! Rebates up to $2000
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
Standard Rebate Convert your lawn to a water-wise garden and receive $0.75 per square foot. *New* Super Rebate Convert your lawn using ecological principles and receive $1.50 per square foot—double the standard rebate amount. Irrigation Upgrade Upgrade your system to increase efficiency. Rebates are available for irrigation controllers, drip irrigation, and more. Call 1-866-403-2683 or visit us online at ebmud.com/rebates for program details, mulch coupons, and eligibility requirements.
STAY OUT, STAY ALIVE! OCTOBER IS CREEK AND CHANNEL SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
In February 2011, on the heels of a winter rainstorm, two Walnut Creek high school students took an inflatable raft and set sail on a nearby creek. Close to 100 feet from where the boys entered the stream, there was a chute with 20 foot high walls and no way to get out. The cold, rapidly moving water sucked them underground into a three-quarter mile-long tunnel beneath downtown Walnut Creek. A few miles further downstream, they tumbled the equivalent of two stories into a deep pool designed to slow the storm runoff. The bodies of the two boys were found the following day in the waterway near Buchanan Field in Concord, separated from their deflated raft, which was found upstream near a drop structure. Both had drowned. The tragedy caused widespread shock and mourning, and left residents and officials wondering how such outcomes could be prevented from occurring in the future. Unfortunately, teens drowning in Bay Area creeks is nothing new. Contra Costa Flood Control District staff warn that these facilities will always pose a grave risk to those who do not proceed around them with caution. As we move into the rainy season, we don’t know what is in store. We have had very light rainfall the past few years, and we may have become complacent about its potential impact. As the creeks and channels take on higher stormwater levels, the conditions will produce even more dangerous circumstances which should prompt a greater sense of heightened awareness. Local law enforcement warns that once you enter one of these channels, you likely won’t be able to get out. Walls can be up to 30 feet high with a current moving as fast as 20 mph. The water is often frigid and filled with debris, according to the Flood Control District. Such factors make for an almost impossible task for rescue teams – even if they are notified in a timely manner. The Flood Control District, which manages over 70 miles of flood control
channels throughout our County, warns all residents that such facilities should never be used for recreation purposes, and that its control channels are solely for vital flood control measures. These channels prevent flooding in our communities by taking stormwater out to sea. As a result of the 2011 creek drownings, the Board of Supervisors declared October as Creek and Channel Safety Awareness Month and directed the Flood Control District to continue implementation of the Creek and Channel Safety Awareness Program. The program ushered in an extensive campaign to raise awareness and promote safe creek and channel practices for students and adults, with the additions of improved signage around creeks, safety brochures, school and community outreach, Swiftwater Rescue coordination, a safety evaluation, and many others. “The Stay Out, Stay Alive” program administered in schools has been widely successful. The program delivers a poignant message to all students: • Be aware of fences and warning signs identifying the flood control channels • Stay out of the channels • If you see a person in the channel, immediately call 911 • Inform your family members about the program and its messages This year, the Flood Control District has reached out to all the schools in the County, offering the Creek and Channel Safety Awareness Month free banner to hang at their school site. The Flood District will then share a photo of the school with the hung banner with kudos on their participation on their social media. To learn more about Creek and Channel Safety Month, please visit www. contracosta.ca.gov/5633/Creek-and-Channel-Safety-Awareness-Progr. To learn more about the Contra Costa County Flood Control District in general, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/5586/Flood-Control-District. For more information on the Contra Costa County Water District, visit www.ccwater.com/212/Canal-Safety. 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 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.
PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
Hometown help from your local and personal technology experts, since 2001.
Portable CIO
PCs | Macs | Servers | Work From Home | Cloud Solutions
REMOTE HELPDESK SUPPORT AVAILABLE
925-552-7953 support@pcioit.com w w w. p c i o i t . c o m
Technology Solutions for Today.
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
SECURITY: HOW DO YOU STACK UP? By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
For as long as I’ve been in the technology industry, a cat-and-mouse game has existed between hackers and the rest of us who are just trying to use our computers. For several years, we’ve witnessed whole new ways of breaking into computers and ripping people off. It would be a lot more depressing if we didn’t have such good ways to fight back! In this article, I’m going to describe the different ways and systems we use to protect ourselves. After reading my list, you may decide to make some changes. Network: We use a Cisco Meraki firewall/router. As long as you are using a device from your ISP (Comcast, AT&T, etc.) and/or an off-the-shelf device (Netgear, TPLink, Linksys, etc.), you can check this box. WiFi: We recommend, and use, WPA2-Personal (PSK) security for WiFi passwords. Can it be broken? Yes. Easily? No. Create, and use, a good WiFi key of 15-digits or more, and include some complexity such as punctuation and numbers. Email: We are a Microsoft shop, and we strongly advocate the use of Microsoft Exchange through Office 365. In my opinion, it is the best email system available for business. It has its own exhaustive set of security options to consider. The most common is to use two-factor-authentication (2FA), and we strongly recommend setting it up. Professional Applications: Many businesses use special industry-specific software to store or manipulate data. For example, Salesforce is very popular. We use an IT industry software called Autotask, and it uses rigorous password controls that demand frequent password changes. In addition, it requires using 2FA using an authenticator app from our phones to login. And yes, 2FA takes a moment longer, but it is an excellent way of ensuring that the right person is logging in, not some hacker trying to mess with your life. (Side note: Precautions we take are seldom convenient. It is the unfortunate price we must pay to participate in electronic commerce these days. I wish it weren’t so.)
Computer Endpoint Security: Our managed clients use a combination of endpoint security, password security, encryption, and DNS security. The endpoint security we use and recommend is Webroot. We like this product because it is very “light” on the computer, yet it works extremely well to detect and thwart viruses and malware. We (still) do not recommend the “Internet Security” version of Webroot or any other antivirus software. It is our belief that “everything-in-one” products like this are more burden on the computer than the prevention they offer. Think about it this way: you can walk around a dark alley with a flashlight and a club to protect yourself (that’s Webroot), or you can carry a fully armed Navy Seal on your back to take care of literally anything that may pop up in your travels. However, the catch is that you have to carry him on your back! With that extra burden, you’re unlikely to be very agile. Your computer feels the same way. Computer Login Passwords: This is highly dependent on your situation. If you have a business or a company laptop, absolutely the machine should have a login password. If you’re a casual web-browsing home-user, use your own judgment. Computer Encryption: Business laptops should be encrypted. Using full disk encryption is the ‘get out of jail free’ card because if your computer is stolen, there’s no way the thief will get to your data. Computer DNS (Domain Naming Service): DNS security is the way we prevent computers from conversing with known bad sites across the internet. The internet has been cataloged, and many of the bad actors have been identified. By blacklisting the bad sites in your DNS, we prevent your computer from communicating with them, which keeps their junk, like ransomware, off of your system. Backups: There are many types of backups, and we love them all. For critical systems that need to quickly recovery from calamitous failures, we recommend whole-system image-based backups. This type of technology is designed to recover someone back into productivity within fifteen minutes. If you don’t need a whole-system image backup, maybe you just need your files backed up. For that, we use and recommend iDrive, as it is reasonably priced, they offer a ton of storage, and their internet backup and recovery speed is very good. How does your situation compare with today’s list of security choices? There’s so much more. If you want to know more, please drop me a line at info@pcioit. Advertorial com, or call our office at 925-552-7953 ext. 1.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
YEAR-END TAX STRATEGIES
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
"Dear IRS, I am writing to you to cancel my subscription. Please remove my name from your mailing list." ~ Snoopy The end of the year always has a way of creeping up on me. Suddenly, I turn around, and there are boxes of fall decorations piled in the garage ready for a literal explosion of colors throughout my house (my wife loves autumn). Fall is also a great time to start thinking about taxes – more specifically, how to mitigate them. Every year, we contemplate various ways to potentially reduce our tax bill, and every year, the rules change ever so slightly. If you are interested in some ideas about how you can lower your taxes, read on, as this article will articulate some of those strategies. When it comes to year-end tax reduction strategies, here are the top 12 items that individuals and business owners should focus on.
INDIVIDUALS
• Employee 401(k) Contributions - $19,500 (50 and older: $26,000) – Make sure that you maximize your retirement contribution. Every dollar that you put into your 401(k) is a dollar that reduces your taxable income. Your employer’s contributions are above and beyond these limits, so be sure your dollars are maxed out. Roth 401(k)s are a good idea for lower-income earners and sometimes as you approach retirement. • Charitable Donations - 100% of adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash donations / 30% of AGI for stock donations – If you don’t itemize your deductions (and instead use the standard deduction), your taxes will not be reduced by donations. However, if you itemize, you can take advantage of charitable deductions. Remember, the goal of donating is to help society in addition to reducing your tax bill, but you must give up something. If you don’t know what cause to support, you can use a donor-advised fund to begin funding future giving today. • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) - $3,650 for individual / $7,300 for family – HSAs eliminate taxes on expenses like doctor office visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy, among other items. This type of account also allows you to accumulate and spend your money out of a pre-tax account. • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) - $5,250 for individual / $10,500 for family – Similar to an HSA, a FSA allows you to save on a pre-tax basis and then spend those dollars on eligible dependent care expenses, such as preschool, nursery school, summer day camp, and adult day care. • Tax Loss Harvesting - $3,000 to unlimited – While this seems straightforward, many people miss the opportunity to save tax dollars because they are not mindful of their taxable investment accounts. At the bottom of the market in March of this year, you could have booked losses while remaining invested for the recovery. These realized losses are matched against unlimited gains and can be carried forward until they are exhausted. If you don’t have gains, you can use the losses to offset $3,000 of normal income. • Starting a Business - Starting a small business provides many benefits, including the ability to write off expenses like phones, cars, a home office space, computers, travel, and much more. It is important to note that the IRS does not consider a hobby to be a business; you will need to earn an income. Remember, any income earned is taxable unless there are expenses to offset. • California Assembly Bill (AB) 150 - In essence, this allows a K-1 recipient to reduce adjusted gross income (AGI) rather than having a state tax deduction on Schedule A, which would be subject to the $10,000 SALT deduction limit. The owner reports the net income to California (which doesn’t include the tax payment) and receives a California tax credit equal to the state tax paid by the passthrough entity on behalf of the owner.
BUSINESS OWNERS
• Depreciation – If you purchased assets this year, make sure to depreciate them on your tax return. This includes office furniture, equipment, computers, appliances, and automobiles. Review whether Section 179 and bonus depreciation apply to your purchase(s). • Cost Segregation – For investors in commercial and multi-unit properties, you can complete a cost segregation analysis to reestablish more favorable depreciation schedules for parts of your property. For example, some of your property’s elements (AC, flooring, etc.) have a depreciation schedule that is shorter (seven years) than the typical 27.5 or 39 years. You can move that tax
See Strategies continued on page 22
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNDING YOUR LIVING TRUST
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Following up on last month’s joint titling article, it’s great to take the opportunity to reinforce a common principle: establishing and titling assets in a Revocable Living Trust (“Trust”) is nearly always optimal. Access and control of Trust assets by you, as trustee, is simple. Further, upon your incapacity or death, your designated successor trustee can readily access and manage assets for your benefit and that of your loved ones. Bonus, if substantially all of your assets are titled in your Trust upon your death, then Probate – a long, expensive, and inconvenient court proceeding – is avoided! Unfortunately, people sometimes establish a Trust, yet neglect to adequately “fund” it (i.e. they don’t formally transfer title of most of their assets into their Trust). This mistake leaves your loved ones vulnerable to control problems and Probate. Fortunately, with appropriate legal advice, instructions, and forms, it’s quite straightforward to transfer assets into your Trust. Certain kinds of assets, including retirement plans (e.g. 401Ks and IRAs), are not transferred into your Trust. Nevertheless, retirement plan accounts avoid Probate by being transferred upon the plan participant’s death to the person(s) designated on a beneficiary form submitted to the custodian financial institution. Of course, this assumes that the designated beneficiary is alive on the plan participant’s death. Since that is never a certainty, it is important to designate a contingent (aka secondary or alternate) beneficiary(ies). Also noteworthy is that whom you designate and how you designate such beneficiaries on the retirement plan beneficiary designation form can have substantial consequences on those inheriting beneficiaries, including how the potential distributions will be directed, controlled, and taxed. Accordingly, legal and tax advice should be obtained as to these beneficiary designations. Similarly, life insurance and annuities are governed by beneficiary designations on file with the applicable insurance company upon your death. Often, your Trust is the appropriate beneficiary to designate, but this should be discussed with your estate planning counsel and integrated with your Trust. Finally, upon the death of a joint account owner, the surviving joint owner(s) automatically own the account. Many married couples have substantial cash and securities in joint accounts. If one spouse dies, the surviving spouse seamlessly becomes the owner. Notwithstanding this convenience, upon the death of the surviving spouse, that asset is not protected from Probate (if it does not get re-titled in the surviving spouse’s Trust). Fortunately, an applicable Probate Code statute provides a “legislative cushion” that enables a limited amount of assets in a decedent’s name to avoid Probate. If any assets were inadvertently or intentionally titled in a decedent’s name only (i.e. not in his/her Trust, not in a joint account, and not in an account that has a living beneficiary(ies) designated to receive it upon death), Probate is avoided if the aggregate of such non-Trust assets is less than $166,250. If a decedent’s non-Trust assets are under that threshold, each such asset is frozen for forty days after death. Then, a “small estate affidavit” must be prepared, signed under notary, and presented to the financial institution by the authorized person (e.g. executor of the decedent’s Will) to access the decedent’s funds. It is not infrequent that a Probate proceeding must be initiated because a decedent did not fully or properly “fund” his/her Trust. Again, you should be sure that your non-Trust assets, if any, are limited to those, perhaps such as an automobile and a very small bank account, with an aggregate value of far less than the $166,250 legislative cushion. Periodic reviews with your estate planning attorney should encompass updating documents and these critical Trust funding issues. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business| Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@ rsilvermanlaw.com.
This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial
PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
A DERMATOLOGIST DEBUNKS SEVEN COMMON MYTHS
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President GREAT PUMPKIN AT ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET
Guess-the-weight of our Great Pumpkin, vendor decorating contests, ready-to-eat food such as Taste of Texas BBQ and Rhose Glenda Lumpia, and more are available during the October Harvest Festival. In addition, check out the selection of fall fruits and vegetables available for sale including persimmons, apples, grapes, and pomegranates. The Market is open Sundays from 9AM – 2PM, in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is free parking, live music, and friendly vendors.
AUTOS OF ALAMO
A big “Thank You” to all of our sponsors and committee members including Valerie Schooley, Rick Lyding, Jim Farrell, Jim Wadsworth, Tim Fiebig, Sandy Fink, Lou Plummer, JoAnne Jacobson, and all of our great volunteers that helped make the eighth annual Autos of Alamo a success. Deep appreciation goes to the car owners that presented 150 of their prized autos too, as well as everyone who attended the event and made it a resounding success.
WHAT ARE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES?
The Office of Emergency Services is responsible for planning, outreach, and training as it relates to Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness. Emergencies are fluid in their development. Collaboration of all first responder agencies and the Contra Costa Office of Emergency Services (OES) is critical to developing solutions for evolving and changing situations. Do you wonder how the County’s Emergency Response Services coordinate their efforts in an emergency? The following list is part of the process. 1) OES coordinates efforts to protect life, property, and the environment. This is done through managing and coordinating resources, disseminating public information, and use of the Community Warning System. 2) During an evacuation, the OES creates and clarifies the big picture of a disaster to support the appropriate response from a team of government and volunteer agencies. 3) The OES utilizes the initial input from first responder agencies on scene. 4) A unified command post is then established in coordination between all first responder agencies including law enforcement, fire agency, and emergency medical services to coordinate the appropriate response during a major disaster/emergency. 5) If the emergency escalates, a County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is brought on-line for coordination of additional services, such as the Red Cross and the possible need for assistance from other Bay Area first responders. 6) In the event of a major disaster, the CCCounty Warning System will send out alerts and post regular updates on their website. 7) Public access television stations and radio stations KCBS-740 AM and KGO 810 AM will broadcast ongoing status reports. 8) The public can also call 211 or visit www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/2269/ Emergency-Information. To receive emergency alerts, please sign up for CCCounty’s Community Warning System at cwsalerts.com, cococws.us, cococaer.org, and CalOES. ca.gov. For a digital version of “Residents Guide to Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation," please visit cccfpd.org, cococws.org, or cocosheriff.org.
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY – GET READY!
The Great California “Shake-out” will occur at 10:21AM on Thursday, October 21st. Register to participate at www.shakeout.org/register/index. php?start=california. What we do now will determine our quality of life after our next big earthquake. Are you prepared to survive and recover quickly?
AIA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Now in its 66th 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”! Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo (including Danville and Walnut Creek) residents, membership forms, and more.
This month, I wanted to share with you some of the frequent myths I hear and my responses to them. 1. Only teenagers get acne - Unfortunately, this is a huge myth. In fact, we see almost as many adults with acne as we do teenagers. Genetics, stress, and hormonal factors play a critical role. The good news is that we have effective treatment for both acne and acne scarring. 2. If you shave, hair will come back in thicker and faster -This myth is so old, it dates back to when I was a teenager and delayed shaving for as long as I could. Unfortunately for me, walking around with what appears to be a caterpillar on my upper lip was not a good look. The rate and thickness of hair growth is mostly determined by genetic and hormonal factors, not by shaving. If you have hair that you want to get rid of feel free to shave or better yet, schedule a consultation with us for laser hair removal. 3. Botox will make my face look frozen - Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world. Botox works by relaxing muscles. It helps soften the lines caused by the pull of the muscles such as forehead lines, crows feet, and the "11’s" between your brow. When Botox is injected by someone poorly trained or inexperienced, you can get suboptimal results. For more information on Botox, please schedule a consultation with us, or purchase my book, Botox and Beyond: Your guide to safe nonsurgical cosmetic procedures available at www.amazon.com. 4. SPF in sunscreen doesn’t matter - Ask almost any dermatologist, and they’ll likely tell you that they use sunscreen with the highest Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating available. The SPF is important. The higher the SPF, the greater amount of protection there is from the sun. Sun avoidance can help keep your skin looking young and will prevent skin cancer. 5. A tan at the tanning salon is a good idea before a vacation - Another myth that needs debunking is the myth of the “safe” tan or “base” tan at the tanning salon. The more UV exposure you have, the higher the chance one has of developing skin cancer and prematurely aging your skin. The only safe tan is a spray-on tan. 6. Acne is caused by teenagers being dirty and not washing their face This is one that has landed me in hot water with many a mother imploring me to tell their teenager to wash their face more often and more vigorously. The truth of the matter is that acne is a genetic skin disease and isn’t related to not washing. Washing two times a day with a mild cleanser is all that is necessary. We have great treatments that can actually clear acne, so there is no need for your teen to suffer. 7. Lip filler will make me look like a duck - Having performed injectables such as fillers and Botox, I can tell you these are highly techniquedependent. When filler is done properly, it looks great and can make a subtle but significant change. The key is not to overdo it and to inject with great technique and an artistic eye. As we age, we tend to lose volume, particularly around the mouth. A little bit of plumping looks great; too much can look ridiculous. Less is usually better than more. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The practice is accepting new patients and Advertorial can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience. Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon. Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
925-831-8310 Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful threeyear post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction. Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturday’s of each month.
Meet our patients, Graham and Mitch Hertz I can’t recommend Dr. Hyland enough. She and her staff are extremely knowledgeable, efficient, and caring. Dr. Hyland is also an expert in snoring solutions. She fitted me with a dental device that is more comfortable than any other I’ve tried. It feels more like a mouth guard. My wife now allows me to sleep in our bed! My son, Graham and I switched to Dr. Hyland and couldn’t be happier. ~Mitch Hertz Mitch is a commercial real estate advisor who helps companies create a global real estate strategy. Graham is a 7th grader at Stone Valley Middle School.
PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
EATING TOO MUCH FAT WHILE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
I am seeing many clients who are struggling with weight loss. They do not realize that one issue causing problems is the high percentage of fat they are consuming. Many people have taken on the keto diet which says that fats are good for you because they help one to lose weight. However, I have seen many casualties of the diet and don't find it a regimen to follow for a lifestyle.
AVOCADOS
Avocado toast is a popular breakfast food. It is often served with a layer of cream cheese and a half of an avocado. Cream cheese is pure fat, and many people use more than the 2 tablespoon portion size. A 1/8 of an avocado is equal to 5 grams of fat, which is equal to a pat of butter, or a tablespoon of mayo. When you eat half an avocado, that is four times that amount, or 20 grams of fat. Avocados are plant based and have mono-unsaturated fat, which unfortunately still goes to your hips.
NUTS
Many clients are working from home and snacking on nuts all day. Serving size for all nuts is around 200 calories for 1 ounce, which is just a handful. Nuts do not quickly fill you up. It takes many handfuls, or 1,000 calories later, to feel full. Nuts are 80% fat and not overly high in protein.
HUMMUS
Hummus is another common snack which is high in fat and does not have substantial protein or fiber. Hummus is made from pureed garbanzo beans, tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, and spices. Tahini is pure fat. Hummus is often paired with high-fat pita chips as well.
CHEESE
Gourmet cheeses are mostly fat. Unfortunately, many do not have food labels. One ounce of cheese is about 100 calories, and 80 calories of that is from fat or 80% fat. Many people at first think that cheese is full of protein, but it is not. A slice of cheese can have an ounce of protein but you have to eat six slices to get the protein you need for lunch, and that would be too much fat.
Celebrate continued from page 8
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL
Many people are snacking on olives. Think about where olive oil comes from, pressed olives. Olive oil is 125 calories/Tablespoon. Oil often seeps into your food and that can be many tablespoons later. For cooking, I recommend getting your skillet very hot before adding any oil to the pan. This will ensure your food does not sit in the oil. You can buy olive oil spray which can be helpful to control the amount of oil you use. When ordering meals from restaurants, request they be made with light oil. Many restaurants are happy to accommodate this.
BALANCING HIGH FAT ITEMS WITH PROTEIN AND FIBER
We can still enjoy all of the high fat foods mentioned above by balancing them out with a high source of protein and fiber. Let me give you some examples. • Enjoy one tablespoon of cream cheese and ¼ of an avocado on one slice of toast. If you are very hungry, you can eat it with an egg white omelet with lots of veggies. This will give you a balanced meal with the egg whites as the source of protein, and the veggies provide fiber. • Nuts should be limited to a handful. Add a source of protein and fiber such as cottage cheese and salsa, or slices of turkey wrapped around a pickle. It is good to sprinkle nuts on oatmeal, salads, or main entrees. • Hummus should be enjoyed with veggies and homemade tuna or chicken salad. • Eat only two slices of cheese, and have them with several slices of turkey for a sandwich, or enjoy turkey wrapped around cheese along with a pickle. Do not snack on cheese alone. • Olives can be enjoyed on a crudité platter with other veggies and shrimp cocktail or slices of turkey or other meats. If you are struggling with your weight, I can educate and support you to reach your goal in a reasonable amount of time. Nutritional counseling can be covered by health insurance such as ABMG, AETNA, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, and UHC. Feel free to call me, and I will check with your insurance and see what coverage is available for you. Please email me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, call me at Advertorial 925-855-0150, or refer to my website, www.LindaRD.com.
Oakwood in a deed of trust signed June 17,1912. He secured national advertising support for the project in 1914 by inviting William Randolph Hearst to visit and taking him on a four-hour horseback ride across the mountain. The Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern Railway's electric trolley line opened that year stopped short of Burgess's Mount Diablo Villa Homes, but it soon extended all the way to Diablo. Before it closed in 1924, residents could commute to San Francisco departing Diablo at 7AM and arriving in the city at 8:35AM. Construction of Mount Scenic Boulevard encouraged motorists to test their skills. The first automobile party ascended the new toll road on May 30, 1915. In the fall of 1915, engineers for the Dodge Brothers tested their motor car in a 1-hour 42-minute low-gear run to the summit. Soon, high-gear competitions followed. The grand opening of Mount Diablo Estate on May 14,1916, brought 3,000 visitors and $40,000-worth of building lot sales. Burgess dreamed with Hearst of building a castle-like hotel on the mountain's top to be named Torre del Sol. But World War I erased the vision, stalled sales, and burdened Burgess with bankruptcy in 1918. In 1919, Walter P. Frick, a charter member of the Mount Diablo Park Club, began piecing back together parcels of land Burgess lost. Fond of hiking and camping on the mountain, Frick supported the concept of creating a state park to preserve the natural beauty of the land. A San Francisco Chronicle article dated May 29, 1921, reported that "the people of the Sate have within their grasp an opportunity to reclaim that which has almost been lost to them, for Governor Stephens now has before him a bill that was passed by both houses of the last legislature -- the Senator Sharkey bill -- which calls for the creation and management of the Mount Diablo Park and the appointment of five commissioners with power to acquire and manage a suitable area at the summit of the mountain." The Sacramento Bee outlined plans for the following day's celebration in a June 18,1921, article. "A portion of the exercises will be held at the amphitheater adjacent to the Mt. Diablo Country Club and a portion at the peak near the cement flagpole erected by Mount Diablo Parlor five years ago in honor of Contra Costa Pioneers." The Stockton Daily Evening Record noted the same day: "Everyone is urged to bring his own basket lunch. After the speaking and luncheon hour, the ascent of the mountain will be made for the additional dedication at the top. The American and Bear flags will be unfurled from a 46-foot pole. Airplanes will be hovering above, and movies are to be taken to advertise this new mountain park." Band music, choral performance, and community singing capped the program. Celebrating 100 years of encouraging public appreciation of its natural resources, while sustaining native animals and plants in habitats that include the intersection of the northernmost reach of many species with the southernmost extension of others, Mount Diablo State Park enjoys the support of many local non-profits. One hundred percent of proceeds from centennial merchandise offered by MDIA, from t-shirts to commemorative mugs, benefits Mount Diablo State Park (https://mount-diablo-interpretive-association. square.site/). MDIA fosters "Preservation through Education." SMD preserves natural lands through acquisition, restoring habitat before transferring properties to public agencies. At activity booths on October 16th, attendees will see live creatures that inhabit the park, from bats and snakes to birds of prey, learn why the oldest rock layers on Mount Diablo are at the top, and meet park volunteers including the Mounted Assistance Unit Once RN Burgess opened Mount Diablo Boulevard in 1915, testing and racing autos up the mountain became a popular pastime. and their horses. See page 3 for more details. Photo courtesy of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
THE EYE OPENER
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry MEDICAL INSURANCE VS. ROUTINE VISION COVERAGE
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
Medical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin
INTRODUCING EMSCULPT D
ONLY FDA CLEARE ELECTROMAGNETIC ETING TECHNOLOGY TARG ABDOMINAL AND FOR BODY GLUTEUS MUSCLES PAD CONTOURING, FAT LIFT! TT REDUCTION AND BU lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E
Offering Treatments for: Skin Cancer Moles Precancerous Lesions Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Warts, Molluscum Keloid and Scar Revisions Psoriasis and Vitiligo Cysts and Lipoma Hair and Nail Disorder Underarm Sweating Physician-Strength Skin Care Products
Since we have had some questions lately regarding insurance, I wanted to try to cover some of the basics here. People are often confused when it comes to insurance; there is a difference between Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: vision and medical plans, and most patients have Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars separate medical and vision coverage. As we are Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, well aware, insurance coverage can be very conand Rejuvenation fusing; every plan is different, therefore making Frown Lines and it very difficult to administer. What we all need Jawline Reduction Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and to keep in mind is that the insurance companies, Post-injection Bruising not our office, make the rules about which plan Pigmentation and Melasma to bill, what is covered, etc. Sun Damage and Scars A place where beauty Body Sculpting Vision plans cover routine, annual, comprehenThinning Hair and/or Balding and healthy skin meet sive exams. They do not cover medical office visits Hair Removal Visit us at our Center of or medical-based exams. A medical plan is billed Technology & Procedures Excellence with a combined Offered for all other exams and visits. That distinction is 12,000 square foot, state Cellfina sometimes determined during the exam, but it Cool Mini for neck of the art, newly renovated can also be known ahead of time. As an example, Coolsculpting® Our Women’s suite. We are dedicated Cryoshape if a patient has diabetes, high blood pressure, or Wellness Center to Medical, Cosmetic, and Diolite 532 laser cataracts, a medical plan should be billed because now offers EMSella, EMSculpt Surgical Dermatology and FDA approved noninvasive a medical diagnosis is being followed and/or EMSella are a place for medical electromagnetic technology Excel V Laser treated. If a patient presents to the office with a treatment (with clothes on) Excimer Laser skin consultation, aesthetic complaint of decreased vision, it will depend on Fractional CO2 Laser for urinary incontinence rejuvenation, and face and GenesisPlus Laser the reason for the vision change. If it is a change and feminine intimate body contouring. Infini Microneedling RF rejuvenation! in lens prescription, then the vision plan should Models are used. Kybella DrWilliamTing.com/EMSella be billed. If the diagnosis is macular degeneration, Liposonix® Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com Microneedling with PRP then the medical plan should be billed. There are for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, MiraDry many companies offering vision insurance, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. our office is an in-network provider for Vision NBUVB Phototherapy Pico Genesis Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, and Medical Eye PicoSure Laser Services (MES). In addition, if you have Kaiser for William Ting, M.D., PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Vbeam Laser your medical coverage, you might have VSP for 2262 Camino Ramon Silhouette InstaLift vision coverage, so you can go to any private office San Ramon, CA 94583 Spectra Laser Tel: (925) 328-0255 for your routine eye care. The nice thing about Superficial Radiotherapy TEXT us at (925) 328-0255 24/7 Thermage™ vision insurance is that it tends to be simpler to Email: staff@caldermcare.com Ultherapy™ authorize and administer than medical insurance, Vaser Shape drwilliamting.com and no referrals are needed. VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation *Welcoming new Medicare patients Our office only directly bills the above-mentioned vision plans. For medical insurance, we are in-network providers for Medicare and PPO plans for Anthem, Blue Shield, Aetna, and United. However, for other vision plans such as Davis and Spectera, and medical HMO plans and Kaiser, we are happy to provide an itemized receipt for you to possibly submit for reimbursement. For most vision plans, annual exams are covered with a small office co-pay. In addition, an allowance and discounts for glasses or contact lenses are usually permitted annually, depending on the individual plan. With all plans, you use your benefits or you lose them; you can’t go back and utilize unused benefits from the past. Also, full VSP benefits can only be used at private offices, not at commercial stores like Costco and Lenscrafters. If we are unable to help you find the glasses for you, we recommend you at least find an office where your benefits can be fully utilized. As for most medical plans including Medicare, they will cover the medical portion of the exam, not the refraction (the determination of your eyeglass prescription). Medicare does not have any benefits towards contacts or glasses, the exception is there are some discounts available towards glasses after cataract surgery. If you have already met your annual deductible, Medicare will cover 80% of the exam, and most supplemental plans will pay the remaining 20%; in those cases, only the refraction is paid by the patient. To aid in the confusion, there are some medical plans that have routine exams as part of the plan. These plans can be difficult to determine coverages and co-pays, but we will do our best to figure out all eligible benefits, help explain your benefits to you, and discuss how to best utilize your coverage. Please have all necessary insurance information when you call the office to make an appointment so we can either authorize your insurance while we have you on the phone or be able to do more research before we can schedule your exam. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we would be happy to assist you. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and join in on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
Strategies continued from page 17
benefit forward and potentially put cash back in your hands versus stretching the benefit over the next 39 years. • Amortization – The idea of buying someone else’s business might seem daunting; however, the government will give you a tax benefit of which most people are not aware: amortization. If you purchase another business, you can amortize the cost of the purchase over 15 years, which means that every year part of the purchase price is deducted from your tax bill. • Employee Benefits – You can choose to provide your employees with different benefits, including retirement and insurance such as health, disability, life, and long-term care. These benefits have various levels of deductibility. Additionally, as an owner of the company, you can also participate with certain limitations and advantages. Note that with the passing of the CalSavers law, retirement plans may be mandatory depending on the size of your company. • General Deductions – While it is important to run a cash-flow positive business, don’t forget the old adage: “In order to make money, you must spend money.” The MBA in me would pose a few questions: "What is the cost of the capital? What will the return be on the spend? What is the break-even analysis?" In all seriousness, bringing on a new employee can boost productivity, spending money on marketing this year might lead to growth in the future, and developing your people (which costs money) could enhance your competitive position. Taxes are an inevitability, but you as a citizen deserve to take advantage of the code provided. It isn’t about cheating the system but rather exercising your rights. While life gives us two guarantees – death and taxes – hopefully this article provides some insight into how you can limit the impact of one of them. I wish you and your family a wonderful start to your fall season. “I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is – I could be just as proud for half the money.” ~ Arthur Godfrey To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com.
Peter T. Waldron, California Insurance License #0E47827, is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory services through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 190 PO Box 528, Alamo, CA 94507. Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Insurance is offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This material is for use with the general public and is designed for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax or direct investment advice. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-3782728-092221 Advertorial
Guild continued from page 14
were able to provide them with a check for $40,000 which kept the doors open. The founder was in tears. It is very rewarding to be able to boost those in need.” The region’s need is evidenced by the number of groups that annually apply to the Guild for support. One charity is selected each year via a stringent vetting process that includes member nominations, committee research, applicant presentations, a Q&A, and then a member vote. Selected organizations must have non-profit status, and they must support children. Those not selected are encouraged to apply again in subsequent years. This year’s beneficiary is Youth Homes. The annual fundraiser will take place virtually throughout the month of October and includes a jewelry raffle. Sponsors are still needed, and all are encouraged to visit danvillechildrensguild.com in order to participate in any way possible. NBC’s Jessica Aguirre, who has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Guild’s past seven fundraising events, will reprise her roll virtually. “We are so happy to have Jessica’s support,” said Pellegrini. “She is phenomenal and one of the reasons for our success these past many years. “Although I now have three adult kids, Danville Children’s Guild will always be my baby and near and dear to my heart,” added Pellegrini. “It has been such fun to watch our little charity grow over the years as we do good for our community.”
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
KICK YOUR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis is an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot toward the five toes. The plantar fascia helps hold up the bones on the bottom of the foot, creating the arch. When this fascia becomes inflamed, it makes walking painful and difficult. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Plantar fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: • Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches) • History of low back pain or sciatica • Tight achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel) • Obesity • Running, extended amounts of driving, or repetitive stress to the foot or leg • Sudden weight gain
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Western medicine typically treats plantar fasciitis with oral and/or injectable anti-inflammatories. These may temporarily reduce the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, but they do not treat the cause of the problem and by no means heal it. Long term correction of plantar fasciitis is a two step process. First: Heal the damaged fascia Ending the pain caused by plantar fasciitis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the Summus Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During laser therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored, and pain is relieved. Second: Correct the foot and gait mechanics This involves rehabilitation of the spine as well as the arch of the foot. Arch rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific insoles and/or specific taping of the foot in order to re-establish proper motion of the arch while walking, then specific strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the foot and lower leg to ensure lasting results. At Align Healing Center, we are having great success treating plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries, and more, even if it’s longterm residual pain. Arthritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can also see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. To set up a complimentary consult, call 925-362-8283, or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com for more information. Advertorial
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS AND VETERANS
2019 check presentation to NAMI.
Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that gives rides to seniors and veterans in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old. Please call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for more details. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.com.
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News | editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
TURNING BACK THE CLOCK ON SUN DAMAGE
By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS
Despite our best efforts to mind sunscreen, the treasured summer days outdoors and under the sun take a toll on our skin. By the time your skin shows pink with sunburn, most of the harm has already been done. Sunburns happen when Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages the DNA in our skin cells. Over time, these injuries add up and can lead to physical changes like wrinkles and skin cancer. While there are plenty of things you can do to ease the pain, there are only a few ways you can counteract the damage before it’s there for good. While most of us want to take on summer’s final victory lap, these last weeks of the season are a good time to pause, evaluate, and make a plan for damage control. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells. Laser can even be used to combat precancerous cells such as actinic keratosis which is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. Advanced laser technology is used to target your unwanted brown spots on damaged skin. The energy delivered through the laser targets brown or sun-damaged spots, allowing them to disappear through the body’s natural healing process, revealing clearer, more beautiful-looking skin. It also heats the deeper layers of the skin to promote collagen production, creating a more even appearance. Laser resurfacing is an effective tool in improving the appearance of aged skin and in post-surgical or acne scars. In aged skin, one treatment will have significant results in rejuvenating the skin. In severely sun-damaged and aged skin, a series of two to four treatments are often recommended. In these cases, the first procedure can offer 20 to 30 percent improvement with the second session initiating a 30 to 40 percent improvement overall. There is generally very little pain after laser resurfacing; however, effects can vary between individuals. Newly resurfaced skin must be
October 2021 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
protected from the sun for several months, and one should avoid direct sun exposure during this time. This means avoiding spending a lot of time outside in the sun, wearing sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or greater), as well as wearing sun-protective clothing, even on cloudy days, when you do go outside. As you can imagine, this can be difficult and inconvenient during the spring and summer when you want to spend your weekends lounging around a pool, enjoying the park, and taking advantage of the warm weather. For this reason, the cooler months of fall and winter provide the perfect opportunity for patients to minimize their risk of side effects from laser procedures. Fall in love with laser this autumn, and you can turn back the clock on sun damage! Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
C L A S S I F I E D CAREGIVER SERVICES
COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER at your service! Experienced, reliable, caring. Overnights, live-in or short hours. No minimums. Available weekends, holidays. Flexible schedule. Highly recommended, references available. Covid vaccinated. Quality care, reasonable rates. Call or text 925-360-9860.
HANDYMAN SERVICES Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring NO JOB TOO SMALL! Call James, owner, at 925-934-0877
Place Your Classified
Reach over 28,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, & Diablo.$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 words. Email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or call 925-4056397 to place your ad. We reserve the right to reject any ad.
PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • October 2021
www.yourmonthlypaper.com | Instagram: @Alamoanddanvilletoday | #atdtnews
Cleaner Energy, Greater Savings. LIC#932914
(925) 403-4452
Keep your lights on and save more with solar + battery storage.
SolarTechnologies.com
What’s Your Home Worth?
Visit www.assessmyequity.com to find out for FREE! Jon Ahern, Real Estate Broker 925.838.9999 | jon@ahernregroup.com
Camille Ahern, CLHMS, Real Estate Professional
DRE# 01169357
Coming Soon
17 Waterloo Pl., Moraga
Sold with multiple offers
2000 Camino Ramon Pl., Danville
256 Red Pine Ct., Danville
Beautiful Danville corner duet home. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings & recessed lighting create a bright and open feel.
Modern & private estate with breathtaking views. Has an additional space prime for an au pair or guest retreat conversion.
4 BED | 2.5 BATH | 2,263± SQ FT | 0.06± ACRES
Sold at $1,250,000
4 BED | 5 BATH | 5,774± SQ FT | 1.50± ACRES
Sold at $4,900,000
DRE# 01865464
Sold - Off Market
519 Ellesmere Dr., Walnut Creek
4 BED | 2 BATH | 2,791± SQ FT | 0.93± ACRES
3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,569± SQ FT | 0.25± ACRES
Offered at $1,949,000
Sold at $1,750,000
Rare single level home with captivating views of the Moraga Valley sets on almost a full acre on a private cul-de-sac in highly sought after Rheem Valley Manor.
Sold with multiple offers
925.963.0068 | camille@ahernregroup.com
Sold with multiple offers
216 Red Pine Ct., Danville
6 BED | 6 FULL/2 HALF BATHS | 6,075± SQ FT | 1.13± ACRES Tuscan Mediterranean gated private estate with views of Mt. Diablo and Danville on one of the most prestigious lots in Blackhawk.
Sold at $4,400,000
Represented the buyers in the off market sale if this beautiful Northgate home equipped with amaing pool and outdoor kitchen great for entertaining.
Sold with multiple offers
450 El Pintado Rd., Danville
4 BED | 2 BATH | 2,312± SQ FT | 0.36± ACRES Beautiful ranch style single story Danville home with lush backyard and a beautiful koi pond.
Sold at $1,550,000
Coldwell Banker is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.