Winter 2017
Town of
Danville NEWSLETTER
Message from the Town Council Happy New Year! As we move into 2017, we want to thank all our residents for a productive and enjoyable 2016. We also want to thank all of those who volunteer their time, many of whom were honored recently at our annual Mayor’s Installation and Community Service Awards. To see all the great people who give of their time to the Town, be sure to check out the list of award recipients on the back cover of the newsletter. Many great projects were brought to fruition during the year, including installation of our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, opening up four new bocce courts at Sycamore Valley Park, the renovation of Osage Station Park and the resurfacing of 30 miles of Town streets, including Camino Tassajara. Even so, we have much to look forward to in the coming months. We are looking forward to fun spring events, such as Eggstravaganza and the return of our Trail Mixers hiking program. In addition we have new projects coming online, such as the Rose Street municipal parking lot and the widening and restriping of San Ramon Valley Boulevard. All in all, we are looking forward to more great events, wonderful programs and projects designed to make our lives better. It’s going to be an amazing 2017!
Recess with the Cops—page 9
INSIDE
Clean Energy Initiative: Community Choice Energy
Downtown Public Parking Map
Plan Your Summer Early with the Town of Danville
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pages 6–7
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Should Community Choice Energy Come to Danville? In 2016, the Town of Danville joined forces with several cities and the County of Contra Costa to conduct a feasibility study on Community Choice Energy (CCE). CCE is a program that allows local governments to procure electricity for its residential and commercial electrical customers while maintaining the existing electricity provider, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), for customer billing, transmission and distribution services. Communities throughout California have formed CCE programs in order to secure a higher level of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. An information session on the countywide Community Choice Energy Technical Study will be held January 26, 2017. In the upcoming months, the community will be encouraged to provide feedback on whether or not the Town of Danville should join a countywide CCE program, join an existing alternative program, or remain with PG&E for electricity procurement. A free CCE workshop is scheduled for 6:00–8:00 p.m., January 26, 2017, at the Veterans Memorial Building. For more information about CCE and to provide feedback on the proposal, visit www.danville.ca.gov/ communityenergy or contact Nat Rojanasathira at (925) 314-3328.
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Solar panels installed atop the Veterans Memorial Building
Historic Preservation in Danville
The Town of Danville enjoys a rich heritage that reflects the Town’s role in the development of the San Ramon Valley. This heritage is reflected in individual buildings and sites as well as historic development patterns, particularly in the downtown area. In recognition of this heritage and its essential part in creating and maintaining Danville’s unique character and charm, the Town’s General Plan contains goals and policies aimed at preserving and enhancing the Town’s heritage resources. To implement these heritage preservation goals, the Town adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance, created a Heritage Resource Commission, and prepared a survey of all of the heritage resources in the Town. The ordinance establishes that a structure, site, improvement or natural feature may be considered for designation as a Town heritage resource. It also establishes the criteria for determining a heritage resource. Additionally, the ordinance provides for significant
Historic Podva-Shuey House
incentives, such as fee waivers and tax reductions, as part of any restoration project involving a heritage resource. For more information on the Historic Preservation Program, go to www.danville.ca.gov/heritageresources or contact Principal Planner David Crompton at (925) 314-3349.
License Plate Reader Program Goes Online Danville Police have a new tool in their arsenal to help prevent crime and assist in investigations as the Town has implemented an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program.
In 2014 and 2015, the Town of Danville experienced a 10% increase in property crime. As one strategy to combat the rise in crime, the Police Department recommended the use of ALPR cameras. In June of 2016, the Town Council authorized the use of ALPR cameras at 13 intersections and mounted on six police vehicles. The ALPR camera system went live in winter 2016. The ALPR cameras record license plate numbers of vehicles as they enter the Town, compares them against a database of wanted or stolen vehicles, AMBER Alert vehicles, or vehicles related to a violent felony, and immediately alerts on-duty officers of any such vehicles. The automated cameras on police vehicles work the same way and provide more widespread coverage. The ALPR cameras are not “red light cameras” and cannot be used for enforcement of traffic violations.
What do investigators do for a vehicle that does not have a license plate? In that situation, the Town has installed companion situational awareness cameras (Sitcams) that work alongside the ALPRs. The Sitcams allow for an intersection to be reviewed after a crime has been committed to provide a lead when the involved vehicles do not have license plates.
ALPR technology provides the Danville Police Department with a significant aid in the prevention of crime and the apprehension of those responsible for committing crimes in Danville. ALPR technology does not replace existing crime prevention strategies and is intended to enhance the collaboration of residents and officers in stopping crime. Residents should continue to safeguard their property and report suspicious activity to the Danville Police by calling 911 (emergency) or (925) 820-2144 (non-emergency). For more information contact Lieutenant Allan Shields, (925) 314-3702 or ashields@danville.ca.gov.
ALPR cameras on La Gonda Way
Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan Update For a little over a year, both the Parks and Leisure Services and Arts Commissions have been in the process of updating the Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan. This plan helps guide future investments and improvements to Danville’s parks, recreation, arts and cultural opportunities. Throughout the plan update process, some frequently heard input identified key community needs, including but not limited to: More concerts and performances Innovative public art Stewardship activities such as youth leadership and park cleanup Visibility of, and coordination between, Town and regional trails and paths
This feedback was essential in developing a Needs Assessment document which is helping drive the formulation of the Plan and providing focus areas and recommendations, which include: Capitalizing on low-cost, high impact art and cultural performances Formalizing trails and active transportation connections Investing in the strategic addition of selected recreation amenities in Town parks Collaborating with regional parks, recreation, and arts entities Residents provide feedback at ‘intercept’ events Information about the Plan and its supporting documents can be found on the Town’s website at www.danville.ca.gov/recreation.
Commission members are expected to review a draft of the completed update to the Plan in early 2017.
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What’s Happening on I-680?
Two major construction projects along the I-680 corridor in the San Ramon Valley are getting closer to completion—the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)’s I-680 Express Lanes and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s I-680 Auxiliary Lanes Landscaping projects. The I-680 Express Lanes Project will convert existing carpool lanes to toll lanes between Walnut Creek and San Ramon. The project reached a key milestone in the fall of 2016 with the completion of most of the major infrastructure. Work continues through the winter and is expected to be open in spring 2017. ‘Speed humps’ like these on Danville’s west side help reduce speed on neighborhood streets
Traffic Calming Helps Neighborhoods
Many of us live overscheduled and fast-paced lives. Recognizing that automobile traffic poses one of the greatest threats to the community’s quality of life, the Town of Danville created the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), which provides a community-based approach for addressing traffic concerns within residential areas. Since 1996, the NTMP has provided opportunities for over 40 neighborhoods to come together to help identify causes of their traffic concerns. This collaborative approach helps the Town to implement traffic management measures designed to help minimize the negative impacts of traffic on residents, pedestrians, bicyclists and schools. Currently eight neighborhoods participate in the NTMP: La Gonda Way North Neighborhood Rancho San Ramon Heights Neighborhood Greenbrook Drive North Neighborhood Greenbrook Drive South Neighborhood St. Helena Drive Neighborhood Green Valley Road Neighborhood Tuscany of Danville Neighborhood Lomitas Drive Neighborhood For more information on the NTMP, contact Program Analyst Thomas Valdriz at (925) 314-3374 or tvaldriz@danville.ca.gov.
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The I-680 Auxiliary Lanes Landscape Project, which provides landscaping along Camino Ramon (shown below) between Greenbrook Drive and Sycamore Valley Road, resumed in November 2016 and is expected to be completed in February 2017. For more information about the I-680 Express Lanes Project, visit bayareaexpresslanes.org or contact the MTC by e-mail at info@bayareaexpresslanes.org or by phone at (510) 817-5668. For information regarding the I-680 Landscaping Project, visit www.ccta.net.
What Happens When Our Sports Fields Are Closed for Winter
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Sports field grass is aerated, fertilized and reseeded.
All infields at Town maintained sports fields are graded.
Town staff assess the damage shortly after the bank of the San Ramon Creek slipped near Front Street
Front Street Creek Bank Project
On December 11, 2014, after heavy rains hit the area, the bank of San Ramon Creek adjacent to Front Street began to slip. Over the next several days, the Town placed a barrier along the edge preventing vehicles from traveling near the slide area. Town officials began to formulate a plan for repair. A yearlong environmental study was conducted, and permits received, and as 2017 begins the project is entering the design phase. Located just downstream from the Diablo Road Bridge, the project will require the construction of a retaining wall designed to hold up the creek bank and protect the street. Design work is expected to be completed in spring 2017, with construction to begin in the late summer or early fall.
How Do We Decide Which Streets to Pave?
One of the questions residents frequently ask is, ‘How does the Town decide which streets to pave?’ Every two years, all streets are inspected and given a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) ranging from 0 (bad) to 100 (good). Danville’s average PCI is 74. How those streets are rated determines what services are required: Streets with a PCI between 65 and 80 are put on a candidate list to receive a slurry seal Streets below 65 are put on a candidate list to receive a pavement overlay Each year, approximately $2 to $3 million is approved for pavement management efforts.
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Base pegs, home plates and pitching mounds are checked and repaired.
Outfield fencing, dugouts and windscreens are inspected and repaired.
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Dog Park irrigation is checked and repaired.
New sod is installed at the Dog Park at Hap Magee Ranch Park.
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Benches and other amenities are cleaned, repaired, or repainted.
For more information on field closures, contact Maintenance Service at (925) 314-3450.
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What’s New...
Rose Street Parking Lot Expansion:
This project will expand the existing parking lot from 17 to 78 public spaces and is expected to open in the fall of 2017.
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Approximately 300 parking spaces are designated throughout the downtown for all-day parking with a valid permit. All downtown businesses and their employees are eligible and encouraged to participate in the program. 2017 permits are now available at danville.thepermitstore.com.
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This project includes the expansion of the senior student parking lot by 200 spaces. To help the district in achieving this goal the Town has contributed up to $1.2 million to support the expansion and reduce parking impacts downtown. Estimated completion is 2019.
2017 Downtown Employee Parking Permit Program:
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A roadway improvement project completed in 2016 provided 22 more parking spaces near San Ramon Valley High School and added high-visibility bicycle lane pavement markings.
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Village Theatre Parking Lot Expansion:
The Town is purchasing the property at 279 Front Street to provide additional public parking in this area of the downtown for patrons and employees. The project is expected to increase parking by 130 spaces and estimated to start construction in 2018.
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This project will expand the San Ramon Valley’s largest Park and Ride Lot from 230 to approximately 346 spaces and will support long-term regional plans to improve and expand public transit services. The project also includes bicycle parking and access improvements to the Iron Horse Trail.
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Protect Yourself from ID Theft One of the fastest growing crimes is Identity Theft. Here are some great tips on how to keep your information out of the wrong hands.
Shred financial documents and papers before discarding. Protect your social security number—don’t write it on personal checks. Don’t give out personal information over the phone, e-mail or internet unless working with a trusted source. Don’t click on links in e-mails from people you don’t know or that don’t have a subject line. Take your time and make up a difficult to guess password. Don’t be obvious! Store personal information in a secure location in your home. Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date.
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If In Doubt… Call
THE DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT SPREADS THE ‘IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING,’ MESSAGE. Started by the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority and adopted by the U.S.Department of Homeland Security, the message is designed to partner with the community to help keep everyone safe.
To help maintain a safe environment, Danville Police would like to remind citizens to:
The Town of Danville plays host to many special events, like the Devil Mountain Run (pictured above), that attract large crowds in relatively confined spaces. These events create a densely populated environment that can attract attention for those wishing to cause harm.
Report exposed wiring or other irregularities
Be alert for unattended packages Be wary of suspicious behavior Residents are encouraged to report anything that seems out of the ordinary. If you see something, call 911 immediately and let the Danville Police Department know.
HOW TO SET UP SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS 1 2
Consider what your needs are before choosing a system. Determine if static cameras will suffice or are cameras capable of tilting, panning and zooming needed?
Get cameras capable of both day and night surveillance.
Get cameras capable of producing a high resolution image in order to better help police investigate a crime.
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Multiple cameras with overlapping areas work well.
Camera placement is critical. Consider the pathways to the front and rear doors, side gates, etc.
Mount outside cameras so they can be seen, to serve as a deterrent. Mount inside cameras in appropriate hidden areas to capture suspects if they’ve already entered the premises.
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Make sure your DVR storage system meets your current needs and consider future needs. A minimum of one week’s storage is recommended.
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It is recommended to get a system that sends an alert when your doorbell is rung or a motion sensor is activated.
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How to Safely Dispose of Pharmaceuticals
Recess with the Cops
Abuse of prescription drugs is a rising problem in the United States, and one of the best ways to combat it is by safely disposing of unused or unwanted pharmaceuticals.
For the Danville Police Department, fostering and maintaining the strong partnership between law enforcement and the community is a high priority. With that in mind, this fall the Danville Police Department embarked on a new outreach program called ‘Recess with the Cops.’
The Danville Police Department participates in a bi-annual Drug Takeback Event sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Each year, the Danville Police Department alone takes in nearly 200 lbs of unwanted meds for safe disposal.
This fun and engaging program takes officers out onto the playground at area elementary and middle schools, where they spend recess with the students. Officers play games, hand out stickers and answer questions. But mostly, they show the community’s young people that the police are here to serve and protect.
In addition, two bins are located in the Danville Police front office at 510 La Gonda Way. One is for medicines and one for needles or other sharps. It’s free and anonymous. To drop off, simply remove all labels from the bottles, place the medications in resealable bags and drop them in the bin.
“Seeing us on their turf puts them at ease, allows us to speak with them without the element of ‘Have I done something wrong?’ that can sometimes affect our interactions,” said Chief Steve Simpkins. “We love having this chance to get to know our younger residents and for them to get to know us.”
The next Drug Takeback event will be in spring 2017. Recess with the Cops at Greenbrook Elementary
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Eggstravaganza Hop on down to the Danville Community Center for a fun-filled morning of egg hunts, arts and crafts, face painting and more! Eggstravaganza is set for Saturday, April 15, 2017 at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street. The first session runs from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and the second session from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Hunts are organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find eight treasure-filled eggs. The time slot you register for is for the egg hunt only; families are encouraged to come experience all of the other fun activities within the time slot you signed up for. Bring your camera and take your little one’s picture with the Spring Bunny and the Spring Duck! The event will take place rain or shine. Pre-registration is required. Register at www.danvillerecguide.com.
Jazz artists young and old will take the stage as part of the Jazz Room Series Photo courtesy of Mads Tolling
Jazz Room Series Gets Underway at Village Theatre Starting in January, the Town of Danville welcomes an exciting new jazz series to the historic Village Theatre & Art Gallery stage. The Jazz Room, curated by Artistic Director and nationally acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter Eve Marie Shahoian, will feature artists from around the globe and talent from the local Bay Area jazz scene.
Friday, January 20, 2017, 8:00 pm—The Jazz Room Series Kick-Off Concert features internationally renowned musicians as well as budding jazz talent from local high schools.
Recreation Registration is as Easy as 1, 2, 3! 10
Hundreds attend the annual egg hunt
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Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 8:00 pm— Ridgeway Arts presents piano virtuoso Kari Ikonen from Helsinki, Finland. Sunday, May 7, 2017, 5:00 pm—Two-time Grammy Award winning violinist Mads Tolling and his band, Mads Men. Friday, July 7, 2017, 8:00 pm—Bassist, composer, and jazz educator Jeff Denson and his group, Jeff Denson Quartet. Tickets are available online at www.villagetheatreshows.com or by calling (925) 314-3400.
Go to www.danvillerecguide.com and select the Create an Account link. Follow the prompts to enter your name, address, and contact information. Don’t forget to add family members if registering your children.
Quilting Exhibit Shows an ‘Uncommon Thread’
Come to the Village Theatre & Art Gallery January 19, 2017 to see the newest exhibition, ‘Uncommon Thread,’ featuring the eclectic and contemporary quilts made by the members of Creative Fiber Artists (CFA). Cozy up to the unique creations of these talented fiber artists. The quilts in the exhibition break away from the conventional notions of a patchwork, and go beyond the traditional quilting patterns as they depict colorful animals, florals and more. The exhibition is guest-curated by Margaret Winter, member of CFA, and features many of the artists in the group. The Artists Opening Reception for Uncommon Thread is scheduled 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. on January 19, 2017. The Village Theatre & Art Gallery is located at 233 Front Street. This family-friendly event is sure to delight people of all ages. Complimentary refreshments will be served at the opening reception. Exhibition runs through February 18, 2017. For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mbleier@danville.ca.gov, or visit www.villlagetheatreartgallery.com.
Plan your Summer Early with the Town of Danville
Want to get a jump start on planning activities for your family this summer? All the information you will need is available at the 8th Annual Recreation Program Expo!
To start registering, select Activities from the menu. You can filter activities by age, date, day, activity type or location using the filter menu on the left side of the screen.
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Select Add to Cart and follow the prompts for payment. If a class is full, you can add yourself/child to the waitlist.
This year’s event takes place from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on February 11, 2017, at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street. At the Expo (pictured above), attendees can meet a variety of specialty class instructors and Town staff who will be on hand to showcase upcoming classes and camps and answer questions in person. Get to know more about the programs offered, such as our popular swim classes, and summer day camps. Expo attendees are eligible to receive a 10% discount code for programs listed in the Spring Activity Guide and Summer Camps Brochure. The discount code is only valid on February 11 and 12, 2017. Discounts are not available for swim passes or sports league registrations. For more information, contact the Danville Community Center at (925) 314-3400 or recreation@danville.ca.gov.
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Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Town of Danville 510 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740
Danville, CA Permit 71
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Community Members Honored at Annual Awards Event Danville’s 35th Annual Mayor’s Installation and Community Service Awards ceremony was held on December 6, 2016. Renee Morgan was selected to serve as Mayor for 2017 and Newell Arnerich will serve as Vice Mayor. Councilmembers Newell Arnerich and Renee Morgan, and new councilmember Lisa Blackwell, were sworn-in for four-year terms. Councilmember Mike Doyle stepped down after 25 years on the Town Council. The Town Council recognized Commissioners who left office in 2016 and presented service awards to Commissioners and Councilmembers who reached milestones for years of service. The Town Council honored the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community: The DANVILLE AWARD was presented to Jerry Yahiro
AWARDS OF MERIT
Jaden Andres
The MICHAEL K. SHIMANSKY
Matt Roderick and Vince Richards, Danville School Resource Officers
was presented to Sarah Vawter
Eagle Scout leadership (Troop 36; Troop 60; Troop 225; Troop 228; Troop 236; Troop 252; Troop 803; Troop 805; Troop 815; Troop 1630)
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD PARKS & LEISURE SERVICES COMMISSION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Chevron
Corporation’s Week of Caring Program
ARTS COMMISSION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD: Florence McAuley
Dean Langston and Ashley Provost, Coats and Cocktails
TOWN VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Nicholas Crisosto
For a full description of the event and the awards recipients, go to www.danvilletodayonline.com.
danville.ca.gov