Live Locally Spring 2024 Edition

live locally

TOWN OF DANVILLE

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Message from the Town Council

After the rain comes the sun... and lots of activity in Danville.

We are especially proud to start construction on the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project the first week of April. This is a $4.9 million investment in Historic Downtown Danville, in response to the desire of the community expressed during the pandemic. A vibrant Downtown fosters community, supports local businesses, and contributes directly to the overall economic vitality of our Town. We invite you to visit www.danvilletowntalks.org for updates, see Page 4.

We also expect our Housing Element to be state certified soon, which will help us maintain a minimum level of local control over development. We have done as much as possible to adapt to the state mandate of accommodating 2,241 housing units, and you can read more on Page 6. Spring is also a wonderful time to get out and enjoy our parks. The Recreation, Arts & Community Services team has an outstanding lineup of activities and events for all ages. Now is also the time to plan for summer camps and aquatics. There are hundreds of options to choose from, and you can find out more on Page 8.

And don’t forget to visit us at the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays — see Page 11. We look forward to a festive, fruitful, flourishing spring season.

Danville Farmers’ Market

CALIFORNIA, PLACES & PEOPLE EXHIBITION

The next Village Theatre Art Gallery exhibition, California, Places & People, takes place April 20-June 21. This exhibition will feature works depicting California, places and people from The California Watercolor Association (CWA). CWA’s mission is to create, foster, and sustain artistic growth and interest in water media. The opening reception is Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to Noon, and is free and open to the public.

For more information, including gallery hours, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/arts.

Children and their families are invited to be creative and messy at Art in the Park Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Budding artists can try both process-based art and take-home crafts. This is a great opportunity for families to spend a relaxing afternoon making artistic and imaginative creations in a park setting. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. This event is for children ages 5-10 years old and will take place at Oak Hill Park.

14TH ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION •

TheTown of Danville invites all creative artists to submit works for its 14th Annual Juried Exhibition, Botanica. From the graceful dance of a tulip to the regal presence of a rose, let your imagination bloom as you capture the essence of flowers in their many forms. The deadline for submissions is May 3, and the entry fee is $30 for up to three images. Acceptable media includes

CALL FOR ARTISTS

faux flowers or plant arrangements, multimedia, sculpture, acrylic, ceramic, charcoal, color pencil, collage, digital art, oil painting, pastel, photography, and watercolor. The Botanica exhibition takes place July 13-September 20 and is juried by Tiffanie Turner. For more information, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/arts.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

TERRI DONNER Administrative Assistant

In January, the Town of Danville lost Terri Donner, a staff member who played a key role in keeping our office running with efficiency and thoughtfulness. Terri worked for the Town for nearly six years, most of that as an administrative assistant in the Town Manager’s Office. Terri handled high-profile assignments for the Town Council and Town Manager, as well as the City Attorney and City Clerk. Most of her work was behind-thescenes, handling complex schedules as well as the more mundane functions of government with equal kindness and positivity. Many Danville residents also benefited from Terri’s knowledge of every aspect of Town operations. She provided a listening ear and thoughtful guidance in response to the myriad inquiries that come into a Town office every day. While her work was demanding, Terri maintained a positive outlook and always showed kindness to residents as well as her fellow staff members. We will miss Terri’s warm, open nature and her smile.

TALK WITH THE MAYOR APRIL 26 AT 10 A.M.

Be a part of the discussion during the next Town Talks with the Mayor. Watch on YouTube or Facebook as the Mayor discusses the latest Town news, including the latest updates from the Downtown Master Plan construction project. Mark your calendars for Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. More information at www.danvilletowntalks.org.

DIABLO VISTA PARK PROGRESS

The planned play area renovation and new multi-sport skate park are making progress at Diablo Vista Park. Town staff are working with engineers on the final design drawings, and are preparing the project for public bid. After the public bid process ends and a contract is awarded, construction is expected to start in summer 2024. Visit www.danvilletowntalks.org for more information.

SPRING IS SPLASH TIME

The water features at Hap Magee Ranch and Sycamore Valley Parks are on for the season. These child-friendly water play features are user-activated and run from noon until 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The Town’s water features typically run annually from April 1 to October 1. Weather conditions—including inclement weather and drought—might mean that the Town will need to switch off the water features during the season. Please check www.danville.ca.gov/waterfeatures before planning your visit.

News briefs from the Town of Danville

RECYCLESMART SURVEY OPEN NOW

RecycleSmart is putting the collection, processing, and disposal contracts for recycling, organics, and landfill services out to bid, and would like feedback from Danville residents. RecycleSmart is the Solid Waste Authority for central Contra Costa County. This survey is the first of several RecycleSmart will use to solicit feedback from our residents and businesses before the new services begin in 2027. To complete the short survey, visit www.recyclesmart.org/survey.

PAVING PROJECT STARTS IN SUMMER

The Town’s Pavement Management Program seeks to maintain Danville roads in the most efficient and costeffective ways possible. Beginning this summer, San Ramon Valley Boulevard will have a completely new road surface from the southern Town boundary to Hartz Avenue. The project represents a $2 million investment in Town infrastructure, and Town staff secured the majority of the funding through county and federal grants.

Providing a

PROJECT DETAILS

Cost:

$4.9 million

Duration:

Through late fall 2024

Starting Area:

Hartz Avenue and Church Street Intersection Improvement

STAY INFORMED

As construction progresses, the Town welcomes feedback and questions about the project. Visit www.danvilletowntalks.org to provide feedback and subscribe to updates about the Downtown Master Plan project.

This project site also includes updates on:

• Housing Element

• Diablo Vista Park

• Private Development

• Town Talks with the Mayor

FIRST PHASE OF DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN FOCUSES ON COMMUNITY & SAFETY

The Town of Danville chose to call the first phase of the Downtown Master Plan a “Catalyst Project” because not only will it be the first of future phases, but the Town seeks to continually invigorate the Downtown area by fostering safe and welcoming spaces for gathering and entertainment. The goals of the Catalyst Project are a reflection of public input received during the pandemic, serving as a catalyst for building community in Danville. The construction plan prioritizes continued access and enjoyment of Downtown Danville over the course of the project.

Any construction project will cause some disruption, but careful planning means every precaution is being taken to provide continuity for our Downtown. Here is what you can expect from the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project:

All businesses will remain open and accessible:

As we invest in the long-term success of Downtown Danville, we will ensure that the many wonderful shops, restaurants, and services remain open and accessible throughout the project.

Hartz Avenue will remain open:

Not only will businesses be accessible, but Hartz Avenue will not need to be closed until the very end of the project, and even then only for overnight paving. There may be some lane narrowing and other traffic flow adjustments, but the road will be open.

Construction will be in phases, intersection-by-intersection:

The project focuses on intersection improvements for pedestrian safety, which means that even the minimal disruption of construction will be isolated at any given time. Within each intersection, work will also be limited to one side of the street at a time, whenever possible.

Most construction activities will happen Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

A major part of daily life for so many residents is strolling Downtown Danville, especially evenings and weekends. Visit your favorite businesses and check in on the construction progress without active construction happening.

Downtown community events will go on as planned:

While there may be some adjustments to locations, summer events such as the Devil Mountain Run, Hot Summer Sunday Car Show, and the KiwanisDanville 4th of July Parade will happen as scheduled. More details on modifications will be available closer to the event dates.

When paving happens, it will be overnight:

At the very end of the project, Hartz Avenue will be freshly paved to finish off the renovation project. Paving work will be scheduled to happen overnight, to avoid major traffic disruptions.

ARE YOU A PIONEER OR A PROSPECTOR?

Town offers online resources for residents and business owners.

Are you a pioneer, looking to settle in a new territory? Or a prospector, seeking a golden business opportunity? Either way, the Town has improved online resources available to help residents and business owners meet their goals.

Danville Pioneer is a residential planning and research website. It includes information about zoning (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.) and

community demographics. Visitors can search an interactive map to find details on specific land parcels, useful for planning construction, renovation, or a move within the Town.

Danville Prospector is a new website that helps business owners looking to open in Danville or expand their business. The site includes an interactive property map with available commercial rental spaces, along with zoning information. The site

also includes community demographics such as labor force and education levels to help business owners decide on the best place for their investment.

These online tools are paired with Danville staff to answer any questions you may have – whether you are a pioneer or a prospector. For more information, visit www.danville.ca.gov/planning.

Seating Opportunity & Intersection Safety Improvements at Linda Mesa Ave. Village Theatre Plaza Improvement (Flexible Space)

Hartz Ave. & Diablo Rd.

Intersection Safety Improvements

Clocktower Shopping Center

Primo’s Pizza

Hartz Ave. & School St.

Intersection Safety Improvements

600 Hartz Driveway

Hartz Ave. & Church St. Intersection Safety Improvements

Prospect Park Plaza and Hartz Ave. & Prospect Ave.

Intersection Safety Improvements

2023–2031 Housing Element

Accommodating Additional Housing in Danville

TFACT

Adopting a Housing Element ensures a consistent public process for approving new development.

he Town Council recently adopted the state-mandated 2023-2031 Housing Element. With the requirement of accommodating 2,241 new housing units the Town also made adjustments to the General Plan and Zoning ordinances. What does this mean for Danville? Here are some answers:

What is the Housing Element?

The Housing Element is a state-mandated policy document within the Danville General Plan. It outlines strategies for accommodating current and future housing needs for people of all income levels in the Town, as determined by the state.

Why is the Housing Element important for Danville?

Adopting the Housing Element helps protect Danville’s character and maintain some local decision-making authority related to site design while accommodating the statemandated housing requirement.

How are housing units assigned to Danville?

The number of housing units Danville must plan for is determined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every eight years, based on population projections. For the current 6th cycle (2023-2031), Danville was mandated to plan for a minimum of 2,241 housing units.

What is the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), and how does it affect Danville?

RHNA is a process where the projected housing need for each region is determined by state agencies, such as the Department of Finance and HCD. Danville, within the jurisdiction of the Association of Bay Area Governments, is required to accommodate a portion of the Bay Area’s projected housing need.

FACT

Multifamilly housing sites were intentionally located to maintain the integrity of established neighborhoods.

FACT

Zoning changes did not affect any of the Town’s designated parks or open space.

Are cities like Danville required to build the assigned housing units?

No, cities are not required to build housing units. Instead, they must ensure sufficient land is available to accommodate the assigned units “by right.” This involves designating appropriate sites, often through amendments to the General Plan and Zoning designations, to allow for a greater variety of housing development densities.

What are the consequences of not complying with the Housing Element requirements in Danville? Non-compliance can lead to penalties such as limited access to state funding, court-imposed fines, and lawsuits. Additionally, the General Plan of Danville may be deemed invalid, risking loss of local control over building matters and potentially leading to court-mandated attorney fees and court-approved housing projects.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

RILEY ANDERSON-BARRETT Associate Planner

In the video game SimCity, players can build cities based on their own design, planning, and creativity.

Danville Associate Planner

Riley Anderson-Barrett sees some correlation between the game and her real responsibilities – except in Danville, building is guided by thoughtful planning to foster a robust and cohesive community. Each day, Riley works to support the goals of customers while also maintaining the unique design and charm of Danville. She was named the 2023 Town of Danville Employee of the Year for effectively balancing customer service with responsible planning guidance.

Whether she’s helping a salon owner find a location in Town or helping a resident realize their dream of raising backyard chickens, Riley says she enjoys “playing a part in getting ideas permitted.” She takes the time to understand the project goal and explain the process to most efficiently achieve it. Her approach helps remove bureaucracy and build community. Thank you, Riley!

Summer

will be here before we know it and it’s time to start filling those calendars with fun activities! Brush up on your swim technique with swim lessons for all ages (group or private lessons) and skill levels. Play away the summer with traditional full- and half-day camps where kids can participate in crafts, outdoor games, playground time, sports and free play. Some of these camps also include field trips! Or target a new hobby or particular interest with enrichment summer camps, held on specific subjects. Enrichment camps are generally offered in a Monday-Friday format, and there can be from one to six different camp options per day, depending on the subject and age range. Visit www.danville.ca.gov/recguide for more information and to sign up.

Spring Activities

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FUN UPCOMING EVENTS HOSTED BY THE TOWN OF DANVILLE!

Volunteers 16 years and older are welcome to help local seniors with yardwork during Lend a Hand Day on Saturday, April 27. Duties include raking, weeding, spreading mulch and other assorted yardwork tasks. Volunteers will meet at the Danville Senior Center at 8 a.m. and depart to a local senior’s home to provide volunteer yard work, and can register for a full day or half day. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.danville.ca.gov/volunteer. To register a group, contact Leah Martinez at lmartinez@danville.ca.gov.

At the May the 4th event, Star Wars Day comes to Danville with multiple ways for young Padawans and their families to celebrate! Start with a pancake breakfast in the morning followed by Jedi training later in the afternoon. A free scavenger hunt will start and end at the Danville Community Center, and the first 100 participants to finish will receive a grab bag of Star Wars treasures! There’s more in store, including a special Moonlight Movie and Cantina specials, so visit www.danville.ca.gov/maythe4th for details.

Danville Goes Global is an international culture celebration organized by the Danville Youth Council for kids and teens age 4-18. This event will feature booths from various nations and cultures, providing our community with the opportunity to uncover its diverse cultures through sports, activities, crafts, and games at the Danville Community Center. Danville Goes Global takes place on Saturday, May 18. Registration is required and available at www.danville.ca.gov/recguide.

Spring & Summer Performances:

MUSIC IN THE PARK

• June 22: MomoTombo (Latin Rock)

• July 6: Jackson Michelson (Country)

• July 20: Judd Hoos (Rock, Alternative, Independent)

• August 3: The Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute)

VILLAGE THEATRE PERFORMANCES

• April 6: Tom Rigney & Flambeau • 8 p.m.

• May 25: Magic wtih Brian Scott • 10:30 a.m.

• May 31: The Big Jangle 8 p.m.

Vilage Theatre tickets can be purchased at:

www.danville.ca.gov/tickets

GREGORY DROLET

Officer of the Year

If you ask Officer Gregory Drolet about his favorite parts of his job, a theme develops: community. The emphasis he brings each day to helping the community is a key reason why he was named the Danville Police Department Officer of the Year for 2023. Greg says “helping people and doing what I can do to make the community safer, I can leave work at the end of my shift feeling rewarded and accomplished.”

One of his favorite ways to interact with the community is at events such as the annual 4th of July parade. The Police Department has a role in safely closing streets for the parade, but also having a presence throughout the day. Meeting people and talking with them helps Greg build relationships with residents

Having an impact on the community is also why he values conducting DUI investigations, since keeping impaired drivers off the streets directly benefits the community. Greg points to the many outstanding officers and supervisors who work together as a primary benefit of his job. Thank you, Officer Greg Drolet!

Protect Your Home & Business

TOP TIPS TO PREVENT THEFT

To safeguard your homes and businesses from burglaries, here are some vital security tips. Despite a downward trend in burglaries in recent years in Danville, it’s essential to remain vigilant and secure your properties:

• Secure Doors and Windows: Lock all entry points, including garage doors and sliding doors, before leaving.

• Illuminate Your Property: Use timers, motion sensors, or duskto-dawn lighting to deter burglars by creating the impression of occupancy.

• Install a Home Security System: Alarm systems and cameras offer effective protection, and displaying signs can act as a deterrent.

• Maintain Your Yard: Trim bushes, trees, and avoid leaving tools or ladders outside that could aid intruders.

• Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Avoid obvious hiding spots for keys and ensure valuables are not visible from outside.

• Get to Know Your Neighbors: Build a community network to monitor deliveries and keep an eye on each other’s properties.

• Be Vigilant: Report any suspicious activity to the police and utilize vacation house checks and mail-holds when traveling.

Looking for a fun and fresh way to kick off the weekend? Rain or shine, the Danville Farmers’ Market brings flavor and fun to Saturdays year-round, welcoming visitors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nestled in the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, this downtown market offers plenty of parking and is easily accessible to cyclists and pedestrians from the Iron Horse Trail. With an array of producers and vendors, there’s something for everyone – from fresh fruits and veggies to fish, eggs, meats, coffee, and pastries. Operated by the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, the vibrant atmosphere is complemented by live music and fun activities for kids, making it a perfect outing for families and

friends alike. You can also talk to Town Councilmembers during their “office hours” at the market.

After exploring all the market has to offer, why not extend the adventure? Stop next door for a dose of local history at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Then, take a leisurely stroll to discover charming stores and eateries nearby. There are a variety of specialized retail shops along with foodie destinations for every craving.

Each visit to the Danville Farmers’ Market is a chance to support local businesses and farmers. So come on down and experience a variety of warmth and small-town charm. For more information on the market, visit www.danville.ca.gov/ farmersmarket.

DISCOVER YOUR ‘NEW’ FAVORITE BUSINESS

A recent survey of more than 100 small business owners showed more than 75% of businesses have been in Danville for more than 5 years and have 5 or fewer employees. Many businesses have been in Danville for decades but their ever-evolving offerings keep valued customers coming back.

To support local businesses – old and new – the Town has launched programs to help the community discover a “new” favorite business, even if that business has been around for years. On the Town social media

accounts (@DanvilleCAgov), you can learn about sales, promotions, and specials through the “Tell the Town” series. Follow the Town and look for regular posts about Danville deals. You can also look for the newest businesses in the “Open in Danville” series. A few times a month, a member of the Town Council visits a new business to welcome them to the Town.

If you are a local business owner and want to participate in these programs, email business@danville.ca.gov or tag the Town in social media posts.

Essence BJJ

177 Hartz Ave

www.essencebjj.com/us

Lush Salon

408 Sycamore Valley Road West

www.lushsalonstudio.com

Maison Benoit-A French Bakery

402 Railroad Ave #100

www.instagram.com/maisonbenoit.us

Romana Pizzeria

251 Hartz Ave

www.romanapizzerias.com

Sourdough & Co.

241 Hartz Ave

www.sourdoughandco.com/danville

Town

500

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS • APRIL–JUNE

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

RED, WHITE & BLUE BOOGIE

Friday, April 5, 7 p.m.

Community Hall at Danville Senior Center

TOM RIGNEY & FLAMBEAU

Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Village Theatre

CALL FOR ARTISTS: BOTANICA : 14TH ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

March 4–May 3

ARTISTS’ OPENING RECEPTION FOR CALIFORNIA, PLACES & PEOPLE EXHIBITION

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.–Noon

INTERFAITH EARTHFEST

Sunday, April 21, 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara

LEND A HAND DAY

Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

Danville Senior Center

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

Saturday, May 4, 8:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

SPRING SIP & STROLL

Thursday, May 9, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown

COMMUNITY BIKE RODEO

Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Charlotte Wood Middle School

BIKE TO WORK DAY

Friday, May 17

Energizer Station on Iron Horse Trail in Lunardi’s parking lot

NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY!

Friday, May 17, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Danville Senior Center

DANVILLE GOES GLOBAL

Saturday, May 18, 1–3 p.m.

Danville Community Center

DEVIL MOUNTAIN RUN

Sunday, May 19, 8–10 a.m.

Historic Downtown

ART IN THE PARK

Sunday, May 19, 1–3 p.m.

Oak Hill Park Picnic Tables

SHOPS AND HOPS

Thursday, May 23, 6–9 p.m.

Historic Downtown

PRESCHOOL PERFORMANCE: MAGIC WITH BRIAN SCOTT

Saturday, May 25, 10:30 a.m.

Village Theatre

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Monday, May 27, 10:30 a.m.

All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park

THE BIG JANGLE (TOM PETTY TRIBUTE)

Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.

Village Theatre

DANVILLE LIONS SPRING RESTAURANT WALK

Tuesday, June 4, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown

MOONLIGHT MOVIES

Friday, June 14 and 28, 6:30–10 p.m.

Town Green

ARE MY ANTIQUES VALUABLE? AN APPRAISAL EVENT

Wednesday, June 19, 2–4 p.m.

Danville Senior Center

SUMMER ARTS FLING

Friday, June 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 22, 6–8 p.m.

Oak Hill Park

KIDCHELLA

Wednesday, June 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.