Live Locally Danville Winter 2023 Edition

Message from the Town Council

Happy New Year! The holidays have come and gone, and we are excited to venture into 2023. This edition provides a glimpse of what we are doing throughout your community.

In this first newsletter of the year, we have some great information to share with you. The center pages feature updates on the adopted Downtown Master Plan and the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program. A glimpse into what will be featured in the upcoming Town Talks with Mayor Storer is shared, as well as tips on Winter Emergency Preparedness from our Emergency Services Manager.

The Danville Police Department provides knowledge on how to prevent bike and catalytic converter theft, and introduces you to our fantastic School Resource Officers. Our Economic Development team spotlights a few Danville fitness centers for those wanting to reinvent themselves this year, and features a few new businesses that recently opened.

The Recreation, Arts & Community Services team is as busy as ever, with a new exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery titled From Sand to Silicon Chip: New Technology in Clay; a fun trivia night at the Village Theatre; and our popular Recreation Expo & Open House, where visitors can learn all about the many different programs available in the Town of Danville.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead and wish the best for you and your families as we Live Locally in Danville.

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

Be

• Don’t drive unless necessary, and when you do, increase your following distance in winter weather.

• Check your disaster readiness supply kits for your car and home.

• Stay connected: be sure to have a way to receive weather updates through your computer, cell phone, or television.

• Make sure you are registered for Nixle alerts by texting your zip code to 888777. Nixle enables local emergency updates from agencies such as the Danville Police Department.

• Sign up for Community Warning System (CWS) alerts at www.cwsalerts.com.

• Storms can cause power outages, so be sure you are ready for a loss in power.

• Bring pets indoors to protect their safety as well.

• Check your carbon monoxide detector to ensure it’s operating properly.

• Stay hydrated and well nourished.

• Check your home for winter protection such as insulation, gaps in windows and weather stripping around doors.

New Year, New Town Offices

In November 2022, the Danville Town Offices and Police Department relocated to a new home at 500 La Gonda Way, at the corner of El Cerro Boulevard and La Gonda Way.

The Town acquired the Danville Financial Center building and 2.7 acre property in December 2019 at a cost of $12 5 million. The property included a 38,161 square foot office building and 11,932 square feet of unfinished space, previously slated for use as a theater. The unfinished space has been converted for use by the Town Police Department, who will be housed in approximately 18,000 square feet of space. The Town Offices will occupy 20,000 square feet on the ground floor of the office building with current tenants of the former Financial Center occupying 18,161 square feet on the top floor.

The Town Offices and Police Department were previously located at 510 La Gonda Way, next door to the new location, originally constructed as a medical office in 1973. Acquired by the Town in 1985 shortly after incorporation, it was intended as an interim location until such time as a more permanent solution could be found. The move next door allows the Town to relocate to a newer, larger and permanent location, and eliminates the need to retrofit and upgrade a 50-year-old building.

The new location includes the Danville Police Department, the Town Permit Center, Development Services (Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Engineering and Transportation), Administrative Services (Finance, Human Resources and IT), and General Government (Town Council, Town Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, and Economic Development and Community Outreach).

Your new Town Offices and Police Department are open during regular business hours Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, save the date for an official grand opening event on January 23, 4–6 p.m. Details will be posted to the Town website after the new year.

Town Talks with the Mayor

Town Talks with the Mayor is a monthly live stream broadcast held on the first Friday of each month via Zoom. Mayor Robert Storer invites guests to discuss a variety of topics of interest to Danville residents.

Topics coming up in the next few months:

January 6: Join the Mayor and guests for an update on Danville’s Housing Element.

February 3: Get an update on the Downtown Master Plan as the Mayor is joined by Town Staff.

March 3: Tune in as the Mayor will be discussing the Town Council’s Goals for 2023 into 2024.

All recordings are available on the Town Talks with the Mayor webpage, where you can also find all the information for this program, www.DanvilleTownTalks.org.

Participants can ask questions using the chat feature or email questions ahead of time to towntalks@danville.ca.gov.

For more information on Town Talks with the Mayor, contact Management Analyst Cat Bravo at (925) 314-3377 or cbravo@danville.ca.gov.

Legislative Update for Winter 2023

The 2022 California Legislative Session officially ended on September 30, 2022 the final day for the Governor to take action on bills passed by the legislature. At the start of the session, more than 2,000 new bills were introduced, focusing on key issues facing the state including climate change, affordable housing development, mental health, and transportation. Of the 1,166 bills passed by the legislature, Governor Newsom signed 997 measures into law and vetoed 169. Bills signed into law have taken effect January 1, 2023

The Town’s Legislative Committee follows legislation that is identified as a priority by the Danville Town Council based upon the Town’s legislative framework and the Tri-Valley Cities Coalition. The Town continues to engage directly with state legislators to advance solutions, addressing regional issues while fighting to retain local control and community character. Residents are also encouraged to get involved by:

Attending Danville’s Legislative Committee meetings held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Town Offices.

Tuning in to the Town Council legislative updates the third Tuesday of every month at 5 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall or livestream at www.danville.ca.gov.

Signing up for legislative updates on the Town website Legislative Advocacy page.

Contacting state legislators to voice your opinions on legislation impacting the Town.

Senator Steve Glazer, representing the 7th District: (925) 651-4007 and https://sd07.senate.ca.gov

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, representing the 16th District: (925) 328-1515 and https://a16.asmdc.org/

GET TO KNOW YOUR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

The Town of Danville and the Danville Police Department are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its youth. School Resource Officers (SRO) are assigned to the two San Ramon Valley Unified School District high schools in Danville. Each SRO assists the school administration in maintaining a safe and secure environment by providing onsite security, as well as staff and student training.

Both students and staff benefit from the SRO’s knowledge and experience in handling a variety of situations such as assaults, controlled substances, thefts, trespassers, and weapons violations. SROs provide a service to the surrounding community by addressing concerns such as loitering, speeding, or loud car radios, which many times involve students coming or going from school.

Meagan Morales, School Resource Officer Officer Meagan Morales was assigned to the Town of Danville in January 2022 as the School Resource Officer at Monte Vista High School. Meagan has attended the following formal training: School Resource Officer, Traffic Collision Investigation, Search/Seizure, Search Warrants, Behavioral Threat Assessment, Forensic Interviewing of Child Victims, Vulnerability Assessments at School Facilities, Forensic Interview, and Criminal Investigations. The specialized training Meagan has is well above Police Officer Safety Training standards and allows her to perform her duties as an SRO at an exceptional level of service to the schools, staff, and residents in Town.

Alma Tinajero, School Resource Officer

Officer Alma Tinajero graduated from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Academy in 2012 and worked with the City of Antioch until 2014. Alma began with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in 2015 and has worked various assignments such as Custody (jails), Court Security, and County Patrol. She joined the Danville Police Department in 2021 and is currently assigned as a Juvenile Detective and School Resource Officer at San Ramon Valley High School. Alma’s interest in law enforcement started at the age of 10 when she moved to the United States from Mexico. Later in life, it was a SRO’s helpful and positive demeanor that sparked her interest in someday becoming an SRO herself.

MAIL THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

Protect yourself from mail theft by using the United States Postal Inspection Service following tips:

• Promptly pick up your mail: Try not to leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.

• Deposit mail close to pick up time: Deposit outgoing mail into USPS Blue Collection Boxes before the last collection or inside your local Post Office.

• Inquire about overdue mail: If you do not receive a check, credit card, or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the sender as soon as possible and inquire about it.

• Don’t send cash: Be careful about what you send. Don’t risk sending cash in the mail.

• Arrange for prompt pickup: If you cannot be home to receive a package, make another arrangement or use the USPS Hold Mail Service.

• Use Hold for Pickup: When shipping packages, use the Hold for Pickup option, and the recipients can collect the package at their local Post Office.

• Request a signature confirmation: When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature Confirmation for the intended recipient.

• File a change of address: If you move, make sure you file a change of address with the Postal Service and let your financial institutions know as well.

Combating Catalytic Converter Theft Safe Driving Tips

There has been a rise in theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in our town and throughout California. A catalytic converter is part of a car’s exhaust system that converts gases and pollutants into harmless gasses. Thieves are stealing converters for the precious metals contained inside. The metals — platinum, rhodium, and palladium are expensive, and can be sold for several hundred dollars each.

Tips to prevent theft: Park in your garage when possible. If you don’t have access to a garage, consider installing motion sensor security lights in areas covered by surveillance video.

Activate your vehicle’s alarm system.

Install a catalytic converter anti-theft device. Protective shields or guard plates can be purchased from most dealerships and third-party auto parts websites.

Consider having your vehicles license plate or VIN number etched onto your catalytic converter. Law enforcement may be able to locate the owner of the vehicle if it is recovered. Etching the catalytic converter doesn’t guarantee it will not be stolen or guarantee recovery.

Call 911 if you see suspicious activity, or County Dispatch at (925) 820-2144 if you need to report being a victim of a catalytic converter theft.

FROM THE DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT TEAM

The Danville Police Department Traffic Enforcement Team consists of a Supervising Sergeant and three Traffic Enforcement Officers. Two of the Officers are assigned to motorcycle units and the third Officer is assigned to a team vehicle. The Traffic Enforcement Team is responsible for vehicle code enforcement and the investigation of traffic collisions that occur within the Town of Danville. Additionally, the teamwork with the Town of Danville Transportation Department in analyzing and addressing trafficrelated issues in the Town.

The Traffic Enforcement Team would like to remind drivers of things they can do to avoid being in a collision: slow your speed, put down your phone, and stop at signal lights. Driving takes a significant amount of our attention, and our phones often keep our eyes off the road for an extended period. Other major contributors to traffic collisions are driving too fast, not obeying traffic signal lights, and driving impaired.

Remember, it only takes a couple of seconds for a dangerous situation to develop on the road. As we approach the winter season, the roads will become slippery, making these behaviors even riskier. Take those extra seconds to ensure you make it to your destination safely. Thank you for driving safely!

SPORTS F I ELD AND DOG PARK MORATOR I UM

Danville’s natural grass sports fields and dog park are set to close on December 1, 2022 and reopen on March 1, 2023, weather permitting. During the annual moratorium closure, maintenance crews will make repairs, replace sod and renovate the fields for the new season.

Why Building Permits are Essential

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, installing a pool, or replacing a water heater, you may have questions about why you need a building permit. The answer is simple: Securing a building permit before the start of your work allows the Town to ensure that your project is built under the current State of California building codes and that the proposed project meets the minimum state mandated health and safety standards.

The Town has seen an increase in projects without permits in the last few years. The majority of the complaints are being reported by neighbors. The Building Division experiences the aftermath of work done without permits and the price is high. Any work that is completed without the correct permits subjects a homeowner to liability for additional costs, schedule delays due to work stoppage, and if the project is far enough along, the removal of construction and/or a lien on the property. In addition, contractors performing work without a contractor’s license or securing proper permits are subject to criminal charges and/or fines.

If you are planning on doing work to your home and have questions regarding whether your project will require permits, feel free to call our Permit Center at (925) 314-3330. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your future projects and submittal requirements. For more information, contact City Engineer Steven Jones at (925) 314-3339 or sjones@danville.ca.gov.

NEW NOT I FICAT I ON SYSTEM FOR DOG PARK AND SPORTS F I ELDS

Residents can check on the status of the sports fields or dog park by signing up for alerts. If you would like to receive an email and/or text alerts anytime the status changes for the sports fields and/or dog park, please go to the ‘How Do I’ section on the Town website to sign up!

Enroll Now for the Spring 2023

Citizens’ Academy

If you’ve ever wanted to get an extended look at what law enforcement is really like, consider participating in the Danville Citizens’ Academy! Our next academy will be held in the Spring of 2023. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m for seven consecutive weeks with one Saturday session. Learn more and apply for the academy at www.danville.ca.gov/citizensacademy.

Time Extension Approved for Expanded Outdoor Dining

DESIGN GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED FOR TEMPORARY EXPANDED OUTDOOR DINING

The Danville Town Council unanimously voted to extend the temporary operation of expanded outdoor restaurant dining on public and private property, including “Parklets” until January 2, 2025, subject to the adopted design and development standards. These design standards focus on the overall design for the outdoor dining areas, offering options for modular prefabricated designs or custom design build options, as well as establishing safety, maintenance, and operation standards.

Previously issued Temporary Land Use Permits (TLUP) allowing expanded outdoor dining were set to expire on January 3, 2023. Restaurant operators that intended to continue to utilize expanded outdoor seating areas were required to apply for a new TLUP and a Building Permit. All TLUP applications require businesses to adhere to adopted design guidelines and development standards.

All temporary tents, canopies, signs, electrical hookups, metal barricades, etc., were required to be removed from both public and private property by January 3, 2023.

Restaurant owners interested in taking advantage of this two-year extension are encouraged to review the recently adopted design guidelines and development standards and contact the Planning Division at (925) 314-3349 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/tempoutdoorpermits for more information about this program.

Conceptual design: Intersection Improvements

Conceptual design: Theatre Plaza

TIPS TO AVOID BICYCLE THEFT

On average, over 157,000 bicycle thefts are reported in the country each year according to the FBI’s data in 2019. Here are some suggestions to keep your bike from being stolen:

Lock your bike with a reliable bike lock. We suggest using a U-lock which is heavier than other bike locks and harder to cut through. Make sure the area you are parking your bike in is well-lit and well-traveled.

Lock your bike securely in a bike rack, by locking both your wheel and frame together within the lock. Take any parts that can be easily removed off your bike when you are locking it. For example, your bike light, storage bag and helmet, so they don’t get stolen as well.

Take pictures of your bike and keep your bike’s serial number on file in the event you need to prove ownership if your bike is lost or stolen.

Please contact the Police Department if your bike is stolen to file a police report.

Oak Hill Park Playground Replacement

As playgrounds age in our public parks, the equipment requires replacement approximately every 15 to 20 years, essentially establishing a rotational replacement program. The next playground in the rotation and scheduled for replacement in Danville is Oak Hill Park, which was last renovated in 2000. While repairs over the years have extended the life of the play equipment, the time has come replace the playground and make it an exciting destination for children of all ages!

The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission reviewed options and approved a playground that offers a variety of play features—from swings and slides to a rope climbing dome and musical equipment. The Oak Hill Park playground is sure to become a new favorite in the area, and construction is expected to begin in the spring.

DON’T FLIP YOUR LID!

California Organics Law SB 1383

Requires Annual Organics, Recycling and Landfill “Lid Flip” Route Reviews

Since January 1, 2022, California law SB 1383 requires local jurisdictions to monitor contamination and proper sorting of organic waste by performing annual route audits. To accomplish these tasks, and to manage its organics, recycling, and landfill services and programs, the Town of Danville is a member of RecycleSmart, a Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority.

RecycleSmart has retained a consultant to conduct visual “lid flip” inspections of trash cans to ensure proper waste sorting. Throughout the year, you may see an inspector in your neighborhood performing “lid-flips” and looking into your organics, recycling and landfill (residential and commercial) carts. RecycleSmart is only looking for proper sorting of materials. Inspectors may leave outreach on your carts, including a “Good Job” or “Oops” tag, with helpful tips and suggestions.

As part of these visual route reviews, RecycleSmart will not be imposing any fines or taking photos of the contents of the carts. Additionally, the inspectors will not be touching materials in the carts or dumping the contents of the cart. For information about proper waste sorting, please visit www. RecycleSmart.org or test your waste sorting skills at www.RecycleSmart.org/game.

TOWN WEBSITE GETS USER-FRIENDLY UPDATES

Have you seen our updated Town of Danville website? The project was completed at the end of 2022 with a new home page layout, updated photos, and easier access to our most visited webpages.

Visit www.danville.ca.gov to see our new look and to stay up to date with what is going on around town!

Downtown Merchants and Employees Parking Program

With a thriving downtown comes a need to ensure that the parking supply is maintained in a way that allows a healthy balance of parking options for both businesses and patrons to support the Downtown’s economic vitality.

To optimize its parking supply, the Town of Danville encourages Downtown business owners and employees to utilize the Downtown Employee Permit Parking Program. For 2023, employee parking permits are free, but must be obtained and properly displayed to take advantage of allday parking privileges in one of the three designated downtown permit parking zones

For more information about the employee parking permit program or to apply, please visit the Town’s website at www.danville.ca.gov/employeeparkingpermit. Proof of employment in the form of a recent pay stub or business card is required, and verification can be completed either through the online ordering process or by submitting documents in person to the Danville Police Department, 500 La Gonda Way, Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sycamore Valley Road Park & Ride Improvements Completed

The Town has recently completed the construction of the Sycamore Valley Road Park & Ride pedestrian and drainage improvements. Pedestrians now have a direct connection from the Park & Ride to the Iron Horse Trail.

A bioretention basin was also constructed as part of the project. The bioretention basin contains landscaping features adapted to provide on-site treatment of stormwater runoff from the existing parking lot. The bioretention basin will enhance stormwater quality through adsorption, filtration, evapotranspiration, nutrient uptake in plants, and enhance infiltration and groundwater recharge. For more information, contact Senior Civil Engineer Nader Salama at nsalama@danville.ca.gov.

Photo by Paige Green

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE THEATRE

On January 27 at 6 p.m., the Village Theatre and Art Gallery will host a trivia night. Teams will compete to determine who is the Ultimate Trivia Champion. Each team of four players will be required to bring either a laptop or tablet in order to connect to Kahoot. The team captain must sign up the entire team during registration. The fee per team is $20. Team costumes are highly encouraged.

To register, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/recguide.

Town to Host the 13th Recreation Expo & Open House

The Recreation Expo returns Saturday, February 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at:

• Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street

• Village Theatre & Art Gallery, 233 Front Street

• Danville Senior Center at the Veterans Memorial Building, 115 E. Prospect Avenue

Get the inside scoop on the Town’s summer programs from class instructors and Town staff. Discover the wide variety of activities that the Recreation, Arts & Community Services Department has to offer. Use your Willie Wonkastyle Golden Ticket to receive information on how to register ahead of the spring class and summer camp registration window.

ADVENTURE AWAITS IN NEW DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

CLASSES

This winter, an experienced Dungeon Master will teach new players from age 12 to 17 years old how to navigate a magical adventure. Participants will create an original character along with drafting an effective backstory. Then players will apply their newly created character through the world of the game where they will enter dungeons, slay monsters, find the treasure and possibly save the kingdom from an unforetold doom. This class will be offered on Fridays and Saturdays starting February 10.

For experienced players, there will be a campaign-only session that will consist of just playing the game with fellow Dungeons and Dragons fans. This session will take place on Saturday evenings, starting February 11.

To join the adventure party, visit www.danville.ca.gov/ recguide. Registration is $160 for residents, $192 for nonresidents.

Learn more about the programs offered, such as swim lessons and summer day camps, plus youth, adult and senior activities in art, cooking, fitness, foreign languages, and more. As part of the Open House, recreation buildings will all be open, and visitors will also get an opportunity to observe class demos, some of which will include Arts & Rec on the Go at the Danville Community Center, trivia and artwork displays at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery, and Bingo at the Danville Senior Center.

The spring Activity Guide will arrive in mailboxes by January 25. Registration for spring, aquatics, and summer camps programming begins on Tuesday, February 14, but when you take advantage of “early bird” registration at the Expo, you’re ensured a coveted spot in spring classes and summer programs.

Clay Meets Technology

The Village Theatre Art Gallery has a new kind of exhibit that will appeal to not only art appreciators, but technology and engineering enthusiasts as well. The gallery will be kicking off the New Year with an art-meetstechnology exhibit curated by the legendary Bay Area ceramic artist John Toki. What do the materials in hip replacements, microchips, flower vases and wine jugs all have in common? All of these are made from clay! The new exhibition, titled From Sand to Silicon Chip: New Technology in Clay will appeal to everyone.

Clay is a versatile element that is naturally derived from the earth and has been used for thousands of years by humans. This exhibition will take visitors on a tour through time with information on the history of the uses of clay and provide information on how technology has been used to advance clay, as well as how clay has been used to advance technology. The Gallery will be host to a 3D clay printer, which will be on view and in action in a live demonstration during the reception January 21 (and at various times throughout the duration of the exhibit). Have you ever seen a 3D clay printer in action before? If not, now is your chance to see one at work right here in Danville!

Guest Curator John Toki is considered by many to be a legend in the ceramic world. He has served on many art foundations, organizations, and museum boards; he has transformed from art student, to professor, to textbook author, while always maintaining his own arts practice for over 40 years. Mr. Toki has ceramic work featured in museums and art houses all over the state of California and now he will be donning his curating hat in exhibiting an eclectic and comprehensive collection of different applications of clay-meetstechnology at this exhibition on view from January 21 to March 18.

STRENGTH BEG I NS W I TH SUPPORT I NG LOCAL GYMS

Spenga Danville

TOWN

I LLE

Town of Danville 500 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740

COMMUN I TY MEMBERS HONORED AT ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT

Danville’s 41st annual Mayoral Installation and Community Service Awards ceremony was held on December 6, presided by Mayor Newell Arnerich. Robert Storer was selected to serve as Mayor for 2023 and Karen Stepper will serve as Vice Mayor. The Town Council recognized Commissioners who left office in 2022 and presented service awards to Commissioners who reached milestones for years of service. The Town Council also honored the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community:

AWARDS OF MER I T

Andro Stolarzyk: For his community service as a Cub Scout and Eagle Scout, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children, highway cleanups, and serving holiday meals. He is a member of Los Cerros Middle School Leadership and he is a Tobacco Use and Prevention Education peer educator

Lee Halverson: For his extensive service to Veterans activities and his commitment and dedication to fundraising and operation of the Veterans Memorial Building and Veterans Museum.

Bob Hammer: For having founded the Have a Ball Foundation in 1999, which has hosted non-celebrity golf tournaments raising millions of dollars for cancer since 2005.

FOR the Valley Team: For contributing to the success of the 9/11 event in Danville. FOR the Valley mobilizes volunteers throughout the San Ramon Valley to support our community in the areas of families, education, first responders, faith & charity, local government, arts & entertainment, and small business.

Paige Meyer: For his dedication to improving care and advocacy for community members suffering from a mental health crisis in the San Ramon Valley, and spearheading the Public Safety for Mental Health Response Project.

M I CHAEL K. SH I MANSKY COMMUN I TY SERV I CE AWARD

Sonia Sharma: She and her Girl Scout troop launched a program called Project emPOWER, and worked with the Town of Danville to form an after-school program where students could take self-defense classes. After a successful pilot run, Sharma decided it would be more efficient to train PE teachers to teach self-defense instead.

THE DANV I LLE AWARD

Tim Argenti: For his resourcefulness, generosity and compassion in serving the Danville community as a strong pillar, and man of great integrity and wisdom.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO THE TOWN OF DANVILLE