Live Locally Summer 2023 Edition

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TOWN OF DANVILLE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Message from the Town Council

Summer is the time for reading a good book, cycling around Town, enjoying an outdoor concert, and treating roads with slurry seal. While that last one may not seem as fun, you can read about all the summer news in this issue of the Live Locally quarterly newsletter.

Along with finding out why slurry seal is often applied in summer, we have details on summer fun as well. The Town’ s Cultural Arts team is ready with a spectacular lineup of art, movies, and music. Bound for Books: An Artful Book Bench Project features benches shaped like open books, which artists used as a form to create designs inspired by their favorite books (see Pages 6–7). Seek them out as you attend the remaining concerts and movies in our annual summer series — look for information on Page 8.

This issue also includes tips and incentives for summer bicycling, and a very special employee spotlight. In addition to reading all about the Pavement Management Program on Page 4, you can see what else Town staff are up to this summer with the Maintenance Roundup, an update on Teen Centers, and tips on how you can assist in crime prevention by being a good witness.

Have feedback? We’d love to hear from you. Send our newsletter staff an email at teamdanville@danville.ca.gov.

Morganne Spragins was inspired by Little Women for this Bound for Books piece.

Summer on Two Wheels

Danville is a bike-friendly town, and in addition to supporting and enhancing bicycle-related infrastructure, staff also work closely with local agencies to encourage bicycling. This summer, the 511 Contra Costa program is providing many incentives to get people out and moving on two wheels. More information on these programs is at www.511contracosta.org.

Summer Bike Challenge: Bike to local destinations on a gameboard and win prizes.

Secure Your Cycle: Pledge to bike to work and get a $20 BikeLink locker card.

E-Bike Rebate: Apply for a cash rebate of $150-$500 on qualified e-bike purchases.

Danville has two bike shops in town to get you on the road: Danville Bike and Trek Bicycle Danville. To get involved in local bicycling initiatives, attend the next meeting of the Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission July 24. You can find more information at www.danville.ca.gov/activetransportation along with a bicycle trails map.

Downtown Master Plan Next Steps

The Downtown Master Plan (DMP) Catalyst Project continues to move forward in the planning stages. The Catalyst Project is the first phase of the Downtown Master Plan, and Town Council approved the schematic design for the project at their April 11 study session. The project now moves into the detailed design and construction document preparation phase.

The Catalyst Project includes enhancements along Hartz Avenue between Linda Mesa Avenue and Church Street. Enhancements at the Linda Mesa, Diablo Road, Prospect Avenue, Church Street and School Street intersections will enlarge pedestrian spaces and improve safety while reducing vehicle speeds. The estimated $5 million project also includes specialty art lighting and a new convertible Village Theatre Plaza. The Catalyst Project is partially funded by Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received through the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For updates, visit www.danvilletowntalks.org/downtown-master-plan.

2023 Legislative Update

The 2023 California state legislature reconvened on January 4, starting the first year of California’s two-year legislative session. A total of 2,632 bills were introduced, the highest number in a single session over the past decade. The Town of Danville Legislative Committee meets monthly to review progress on pending and possible legislation within the Town’s legislative framework.

The committee consists of two Town Councilmembers, appointed annually by the Mayor. In addition to following and advocating on legislation that impacts the community based upon the Town’s legislative framework, the Town of Danville is also an active member of the Tri-Valley Cities Coalition. The Tri-Valley Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville represents more than 350,000 residents, making the coalition one of the largest cities in the state. The Tri-Valley Cities Legislative Framework seeks to inform all levels of governmental interaction (e.g., federal, state, regional, local) regarding legislation, policies, and programs that have a direct impact on the region. As part of the 2023 Legislative Framework, focus areas include Transportation and Infrastructure; Climate, Environment, Health, and Safety; Economic Development; Affordable Housing and Homelessness; Mental Health; and Fiscal Sustainability. Residents can get involved in many ways. For more information, visit www.danville.ca.gov/legislative.

Join the Youth Academy

Have you ever wondered what it’ s like to be in Law Enforcement?

The Danville Police Department Youth Academy is a behind-the-scenes five-day camp for high school students ages 14–18, held July 24–28 Teens will have the chance to learn about the exciting career of Law Enforcement through demonstrations and hands on exercises in police tactics, forensic collections, report writing, investigations and traffic patrol. This program is suitable for students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade and students who graduated in 2023. Call 925-314-3700 for registration details.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

AUGGIE, Town Mascot

If you’ve ever driven down Diablo Road, you've come across our Town’s giant oak tree. But did you know that our Town's fun-loving mascot, Auggie, calls that grand tree home?

After having fallen from a mighty branch, Auggie was scooped up by a squirrel and then met a raven; together, they explored the Town. After experiencing Music in the Park, a summer in the pool, fun excursions, and countless other classes and activities, Auggie decided to stick around for good. With Auggie’s exceptional ability to connect the Town residents with programs and events, Auggie was thrilled to take on the role of ambassador for all the fun activities happening around Town.

In a nutshell, Auggie is the heart and soul of what makes Danville fun. While Auggie has only been here a few short years, his roots here are strong, and we couldn't imagine Danville without our favorite acorn. Thank you for all you do, Auggie!

Where the Rubber Hits the Road: INSIDE THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Who would have thought that pavement management is a data-driven process? The Town of Danville uses engineering expertise and analytic software to determine when, how, and where to conduct pavement maintenance. To make best use of the $3 million average annual investment in Town-maintained roads, Town staff analyze pavement conditions based on a number of factors, including age, number of nearby streets receiving the same treatment, future construction or utility improvements within the coming three years, traffic loads, and available funding. With soaring construction costs and heavy storms, Town staff are working harder to stretch every pavement dollar.

The Pavement Management Program is part of the Town Capital Improvement Program. To manage the program, the Town uses the standard measure of pavement quality called the Pavement Conditions Index (PCI) to rate our roads. On a simple 100-point scale, a new road has a PCI of 100, and the Town Council has adopted a minimum average target of 70 for all Town roads. Even as an established municipality with older pavement, Danville maintains roads to a higher PCI than is average across the Bay Area.

In fiscal year 2022–23, the Town completed pavement maintenance projects on nearly 50 roadways in Danville — in addition to ongoing street maintenance such as pothole repair. Pavement maintenance options vary in cost and complexity. Typically roads are treated with slurry seal, consisting of crushed gravel, asphalt and water, which cures in a few hours when the weather is warm.

MA I NTENANCE ROUNDUP SUMMER 2023

Work on our parks is a year-round commitment, and the Town Maintenance Services team has been working on a few improvements to help you enjoy our local parks.

Sycamore Valley Park: Approximately 225,000 square feet of synthetic turf is being replaced, in an area used for a variety of sports. Project is expected to be complete by the beginning of August.

Oak Hill Park:

The new playground will be completed in late summer. The project replaces 20-year-old equipment with new and exciting features, including accessible and interactive elements.

On the simple 100-point scale, a new road has a PCI of 100.

Slurry seal helps maintain roads in aboveaverage condition, and is applied every 5 years. After about 15 years of slurry seal maintenance, roads can no longer be treated with this method, but are still drivable. Once the road gets closer to 30 years old, it becomes a candidate for replacement. The road is still safe and drivable during this time, but may show signs of wear.

Another cost-effective treatment for roads is rubberized cape seal, a good combination of durability, longevity, and cost. This option may cause some debris for a few weeks while it settles, but provides a more durable surface than slurry seal at a lower cost than asphalt replacement. The combination of approaches keeps Town roads and the Town budget healthy.

The recent Camino Ramon project involves removing the top layers of asphalt and replacing them completely. This is an expensive and longlasting option reserved for roads that have been successfully maintained over time and can no longer be treated with slurry seal effectively.

There are nearly 100 roadways under consideration for pavement maintenance in fiscal year 2023–24. Streets will be selected for maintenance projects based on the PCI score, visual inspection, location, and treatment type (slurry seal, rubberized cape seal, or replacement). Updates on roadwork will be shared on the Town’s website and social media channels. You can read more about the Capital Improvement Program and Pavement Management Program in the Town’s adopted budget, available at www.danville.ca.gov/budget.

Wildfire Ready with Weed Abatement

Each year, the Town undertakes the considerable task of performing weed and vegetation abatement on various Town-owned parcels and public right-of-way areas. This work is done in accordance with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) Exterior Hazard Abatement program, and must be complete prior to May 31 to prepare for wildfire season. These efforts significantly reduce the risk of fires and help keep our community safe.

Over the summer, as you are enjoying Danville parks, let us know if you have any feedback or issues to report. Visit www.danville.ca.gov/danvilleconnect to report online or download the Danville Connect app.

Property owners are also responsible for managing their vegetation to meet Fire District requirements. SRVFPD provides a list of properties subject to the Exterior Hazard Abatement program, as well as educational resources, on their website at www.firedepartment.org/weedabatement. Homeowners can also visit this site to report concerns about properties that may not be in compliance. Wildfire preparedness is a community concern, and we appreciate Danville residents helping us all be better prepared.

A Summer of Reading and Art

Danville celebrates books through art, activities and movies all over town.

Is your summer reading list ready? Gain some inspiration from art exhibits and reading-related activities around Danville this summer. Themes of fantasy, romance, adventure, mystery, and more will be explored through art, and the community is invited on a journey deep into our favorite stories.

The cornerstone of this reading journey is Bound for Books: An Artful Book Bench Project. Artists were invited to paint and embellish fiberglass benches in the shape of open books, drawing on themes and inspiration for their designs from their favorite books. After a public call for entries in December, 10 artists were selected to participate in this year’s Town public art project. The benches depict scenes from beloved children’s tales, classic novels, and even a cookbook.

The book benches will be on display in Downtown Danville until the week of September 25 when they will move back to the Village Theatre and Art Gallery patio for a closing reception and auction, with proceeds benefitting future public art projects. The closing reception is Thursday, September 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery. Patrons can view the benches there through October 2, and participate in an online auction September 29–October 2. The entire community is invited to participate in the closing reception and auction, to help support public art in our community.

The Giving Tree by Brian Sal Corral

Watch for story times to be held by library staff at various benches over the summer.

While the benches are on exhibit, there will be several ways to dive into the books behind the art. The Village Theatre will show a series of films based on the book bench inspirations, and the Danville Library will have displays featuring the books as well as other books by the same authors. At any Town facility, including the Gallery, Danville Community Center, and Senior Center, pick up a passport with information on each bench so you can visit them all. Library staff will also hold story times at some of the benches over the summer. Rounding out the summer of books and art is the 13th Annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Village Theatre Art Gallery. After a call for artists in the spring, 36 artists were selected to exhibit in The Art of the Story, featuring works inspired by books or created with pages from books. The opening reception for both the juried exhibit and Bound for Books was held June 9, and the gallery exhibit is open through August 11.

For more information on the summer art activities, or on the book bench auction, visit www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks.

Summer Art and Reading Events

Through September 25: Bound for Books Public Art Exhibit; Downtown Danville

Wednesdays: Family Story Hour; Danville Library

June 23–September 8: Monthly Bound for Books movie series; Village Theatre and Art Gallery

September 28: Bound for Books Closing Reception; Village Theatre Art Gallery

September 29–October 2: Bound for Books Online Auction and Display; Village Theatre Patio

More events to be announced soon — check www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks

Goodnight Moon, by Erin Cherniss

Dr. Seuss, by Ranjany Krishnan

Heidi, by Lucy Bell

Magic Treehouse, by Rekha Joshi

Lifelong Danville residents Hannah Sidhom, Tristan Patterson and Kaylie Klotz drew on themes of curiosity and exploration for their bench depicting Alice in Wonderland.

Summer Sounds and Scenes

Our annual concert and movie series started in June, but there is more in store. Join us for these upcoming events.

All movies are shown on the Town Green at 8:15 p.m., with kids’ activities starting at 6:15 p.m.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

July 8: The Shania Twain Experience (Country); Oak Hill Park

July 22: Project 4 (R&B, Soul & Funk); Oak Hill Park

August 5: Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Classic Rock); Town Green

MOONLIGHT MOVIES

July 14: The Emperor's New Groove (G)

July 28: The Karate Kid (1984) (PG)

Exploring Paper as an Artform

It’s common to see artwork on paper, but looking at paper itself as a medium for artform is perhaps a bit less common. This autumn, paper as an artform is a concept that will be explored in Paper Trails, a new exhibit at the Village Theatre Art Gallery.

Historically, paper has been used as a substrate, a surface on which to create artwork such as drawing or painting or printmaking, but in all of its glorious versatility it can also be used as a medium itself. Cutting paper into designs and shapes, molding paper into sculptures, or layering and dying paper to create collages are all instances which will be examined and on view in this showcasing of paper art which has been curated by Bay Area artist, Michael Shemchuk.

Visitors to the Art Gallery will be sure to see something that intrigues and delights them in this colorful and elegant collection of artwork. There is an Artists’ Opening Reception scheduled for Saturday, August 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. which will be free and open to the public. This exhibit will run August 26–October 20, 2023. For more information on current and upcoming exhibits, visit www.danville.ca.gov/vtart.

Surface Tension, by Shem

Housing Element Update Register Now for Teen Centers

The upcoming school term is fast approaching as summer is underway. The Town of Danville is preparing to reopen Teen Centers at Charlotte Wood, Los Cerros, and Diablo Vista Middle Schools. The Town is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the centers to ensure a secure and enjoyable place for teens after school.

Students enrolled in each middle school can participate in team building, arts and crafts, movie clubs, and more at that Teen Center location. Trained recreation staff will create a healthy and engaging after-school environment for teens. The Teen Centers open after Labor Day weekend and follow the San Ramon Valley Unified School District calendar, remaining open until the last day of school. On regular school days, the centers will stay open until 5:30 p.m., and on minimum days, they will stay open until 4:30 p.m.

Danville staff provide teens with a safe and supportive environment in Teen Centers. Registration is $175 per trimester, $525 for the entire academic year. Registration is required to participate.

For more information or to register, visit www.danville.ca.gov/recguide or call the Danville Community Center at 925-314-3400.

CRIME PREVENTION VS INTERVENTION

Being a Good Witness

Crimes are frequently solved as a result of a partnership between the community and its police department. The Town of Danville believes this partnership is vital to keeping our community safe from criminals. We can do our part in apprehending those taking advantage of our citizens, and we rely on residents to report crimes without intervening. Without this vital link between the police department and citizens, crimes may go unreported and unsolved.

Remember, your safety comes first: Being a good witness means not placing yourself or others in danger. Remain calm enough to call the police and provide critical information. It's better not to confront or get involved in a conflict with the suspect. Never put yourself in between a suspect and his/her escape route.

The most important role residents can take in supporting officers is to be a good witness. When calling 911 or the police, you may be asked to provide details about the suspects such as:

• Gender

• Race/Ethnicity

• Height — Sometimes difficult; you may use an object to compare the subject’s height with.

• Weight/Build — slim, heavy, muscular, etc.

• Facial Features — clean shaven, mustache, beard, etc.

• Clothing Description to include footwear — type and color, etc.

• Any other characteristic features — scars, tattoos, glasses, etc.

If the suspects(s) are in a vehicle, be prepared to describe the vehicle and provide a direction of travel from the scene. With your help, we can keep our community safe. Report incidents by calling 911 or the Danville Police Department Dispatch at 925-820-2144.

The Town of Danville adopted its 2023–2031 General Plan Housing Element on January 17 and submitted it to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (State HCD) before the statuary deadline, on January 31. State HCD is required to review and determine if the Housing Element meets all requirements of State Housing law within 60 days.

Danville, along with the vast majorities of cities and counties, has since received a comment letter from State HCD. In its letter, the State determined that Danville’s Housing Element met many, but not all, of the statutory requirements. Specifically, State HCD believes that many of the Town’s housing development standards — particularly those associated with height and parking requirements — must be less restrictive. The Town is working to address the comments received, with the goal of re-submitting to State HCD by the end of summer.

As a reminder, for the upcoming 2023–2031 planning period, the Town is expected to accommodate a minimum of 2,241 new homes, regardless of available land capacity. To date, just 19 out of the 109 cities in the San Francisco Bay Area have a State-certified Housing Element.

For more information about the Housing Element and to read the comment letter, visit www.danvilletowntalks.org/ housingelement

TOWN LAUNCHES NEW EMA I L NEWSLETTER

No matter how you want to receive updates from the Town of Danville, you’re covered, with the addition of a new monthly email newsletter. Community members can sign up to receive updates on key projects and initiatives covered in this print newsletter, and also take a look at the month ahead in Danville.

In May, the Town switched its social media accounts to the @DanvilleCAgov handle, and consolidated all Town social media accounts into one. This helped residents find one source for the latest daily updates. Now the new Live Locally Update monthly email newsletter will give residents a handy guide to events, road work, news, programs, and more directly in their inbox.

With the launch of this new email publication, the Town is following both best practices and federal anti-spam guidelines, so recipients will need to sign up for this newsletter even if they already receive some emails from the Town. It’s very easy to start receiving this monthly email, and easy to unsubscribe if you’re not enjoying it. To sign up for the Live Locally Update monthly email newsletter, and to see the many ways to stay connected to the Town of Danville, visit www.danville.ca.gov/ stayconnected.

Get Married at the Town Offices

The Town of Danville is now offering civil marriage ceremonies at the Town Offices. City Clerk Marie Sunseri performs the weddings — the only City Clerk in Contra Costa to offer this service, and one of only a few county municipalities offering civil ceremonies. Weddings can be held either indoors in the lobby rotunda or outdoors on the patio.

In California, City Clerks are authorized to perform civil marriage ceremonies throughout the State of California. In Danville, you must make an appointment for the City Clerk to officiate at a wedding ceremony, which are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays and last approximately 10 minutes. Reservations for the ceremony can be made no more than 90 days in advance. Couples must obtain a marriage license through the Contra Costa County Office of the Clerk-Recorder prior to having a ceremony. Wedding parties are limited to a total of 10 guests.

City Hall weddings are increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Couples who do not practice any particular religion — or those blending religious backgrounds — often find that a civil marriage ceremony provides neutral ground for a memorable occasion. Some couples also like the simplicity of a meaningful simple ceremony that close friends and family members can participate in and attend.

Couples who wish to schedule a civil ceremony appointment should complete an application at www.danville.ca.gov/weddings. For more information, contact the City Clerk at msunseri@danville.ca.gov.

live locally

LOCAL BUS I NESSES G I VE YOU A SUMMER REFRESH

Summer is all about special experiences, and Danville businesses have many ways to bring a little summer to your every day.

• Bring the bloom with fresh flowers for your home from a Danville florist.

• Shop for bright and cheery home accents at our many unique home furnishing stores.

• Reminisce about childhood summers by indulging in an ice cream cone or candy.

• Dive into a summer read at Rakestraw Books, celebrating their 50th anniversary.

• Find the perfect summer outfit, whether you like the latest styles or re-wear vintage.

• And of course, peruse the Danville Farmers’ Market for summer produce. Don’t forget that by shopping local, you are supporting our Town — not only the shop owners, but supporting Town services and infrastructure.

NEW BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT:

TOWN TALKS WITH THE MAYOR

Learn more about the Downtown Master Plan (Page 2) and its positive impact on local businesses during the next Town Talks with the Mayor. This live online quarterly discussion brings you the latest on Town projects and priorities, including an update from our Police Chief. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 28 at 9 a.m. More information at www.danvilletowntalks.org

UPCOMING COMMUN I TY EVENTS

Visit www.danville.ca.gov/calendar for more information.

MUS I C I N THE PARK

Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

July 8 and 22 at Oak Hill Park

August 5 at Town Green

The free summer concert series offers a wonderful array of live performances in the park.

MOONLIGHT MOVIES

Fridays, July 14 and July 28,

Activities: 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Movie: 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Town Green

Family-friendly film shown in a picturesque outdoor setting under the stars. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to make it complete.

FAM I LY CAMPOUT

Saturday–Sunday, July 29–30, 3 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Enjoy the great outdoors with your family at Mt. Diablo State Park. You will enjoy hiking in the park, youth crafts, family games, and campfire activities. Pre-registration is required

HARRY POTTER'S BIRTHDAY BASH

Monday, July 31, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Community Center

Come celebrate the magic of Harry Potter’ s Birthday! Activities include: crafts, snacks, potions, Quidditch and Butterbeer! All muggles are welcome. Pre-registration is required.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Request a visit from the Danville Police Department at your community or neighborhood celebration at www.danville.ca.gov/NationalNightOut.

ART I STS' OPEN I NG RECEPT I ON FOR PAPER TRA I LS

Saturday, August 26, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Village Theatre Art Gallery

An exhibit featuring artwork made from paper on paper, examining paper and pulp as an artform.

HOT SUMMER SUNDAYS CAR SHOW

Sunday, September 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Historic Downtown www.dhsscs.com

Take in the sights of contemporary hot rods and classic automobiles while enjoying live entertainment, browsing local shops, and dining downtown.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

Sunday, September 11, 5:30 p.m. Oak Hill Park

Honor first responders and those who served following this historic day.

FA I RY MOONL I GHT ADVENTURE

Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Community Center

Create your own fairy homes, dragon lairs, and other mythical crafts. Pre-registration is required.

SEN I OR VAR I ETY SHOW

Saturday, September 16, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Village Theatre

Come enjoy the wide variety of talented performers ages 50 years and older! Tickets available at: www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows.

CLOS I NG RECEPT I ON & AUCT I ON FOR BOUND FOR BOOKS

Thursday, September 28, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Village Theatre Art Gallery

Take a last look at our public art project and participate in a public auction September 29–October 2.

DANV I LLE FARMERS' MARKET

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot Support your local community market while enjoying fresh produce and unique artisan goods.