Alamo Today, May 2014

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How to Cook and Make a MealBy Vick Koc

It began with a survey of teenagers who were facing upcoming emancipation from the foster care system. The teenagers were about to transition to being inde-pendent with no safety net – some were as young as 17. Asked what the teens needed help with as they looked forward, the most common responses were how to cook or how to make a meal. With those responses from Youth Homes After Care teens, the Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) liaison Peggy Flem-ing and Philanthropy Chair Pamela Singh began asking for help from Club members to meet the teens’ needs.

Fortunately, AWC mem-ber and long time Alamo resident, Patt Larkin had the time, the skill, and the background as a former Home Economics teacher to respond to this re-quest. And she loves doing it! With a kitchen facility at the Alamo Women’s Club, Patt began enthusiastically planning for classes of six to eight Youth Homes children and their counselors. Every month since last August youth have come to learn to cook and to make complete meals.

Patt’s detailed recipes are geared to all reading levels. She understands need-ing to blend both aspects of learning how to cook to making a cost-conscious meal at the same time. She gives students the whole picture -- starting with how to chop, to how to be creative, to what to cook. She also bases recipes

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See Cook continued on page 24

Volume XIV - Number 53000F Danville Blvd. #117,

Alamo, CA 94507Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397

Fax (925) 406-0547

Alisa Corstorphine ~ [email protected]

Sharon Burke ~ WriterThe opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

See Ability continued on page 31

Patt in action during the cooking class for the Youth Homes foster kids.

A goat herd has been brought in to keep tall grasses at bay and help with fire-suppression of local hillsides. The goats move from plot to plot and are contained by temporary fencing. Photo by Ted and Barbara Shapas.

From the Heart: Embracing the Ability to Enable Others By Jody Morgan

Thanks to the inspiration of three local men collaborating with the creativity of area educators, 48,000 students in 53 schools are enjoying a fresh approach to Ability Awareness this academic year. Founders of Del Corazon (From-the-Heart), Don Routh, Josh Routh, and Bill Wheeler, support the curriculum with informative videos, personal presenta-tions, and the loan for a week to each participating school of 10 wheelchairs. Children learn to appreci-ate their own abilities and embrace the challenge of enabling others to realize their full potential. Also known as the Wheelchair Foundation Schools Project, the initiative fosters respect for the strengths of peers coping with intellectual, developmental, and physi-cal challenges, while raising funds to send wheelchairs to hundreds of individuals who would otherwise remain immobile.

The Wheelchair Foundation, established by Ken Behring in 2000, pro-vides wheelchairs to people around the world who need but cannot afford a wheelchair. In many countries, a wheelchair costs a worker’s entire annual income. To date, 955,000 wheelchairs have been delivered, bringing mobil-ity, dignity, and hope to individuals aged two to over 102.

Since Bill Wheeler, founder of Blacktie Transportation, first invited Don

Elizabeth Campos at Montair Elementary found teaching from a wheelchair a daunting experience. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Compos.

www.yourmonthlypaper.comestablishments, and fast-food joints, I found myself in the midst of farms and rice fields. I heard flocks of birds and passed roads named with simple names like “Critter Creek.” Only nature and a few homes and farms surrounded me.

I took an extra few minutes out of my journey and scoured around for a few hidden geocaches (learn more at www.geocaching.com) en route to my destination, learned a little history of the area, and added a couple logs to my geocache collection.

Where before I may have arrived at the gathering feeling frenzied, instead I arrived calm and refreshed.

With just a minimum of planning there are a lot of things to see and do that might be a little different or unique when going on a trip. When planning vacations I always search the internet with queries such as “unique things to do in ____location.” This has led me away from some of the tourist trap hotspots in favor of a jaunt off the beaten path.

I recently stumbled upon a website called Atlas Obscura (www.atlasobscura.com). The site is “for people who still believe in DISCOV-ERY,” their “About Us” page describes. They go on to say the site is the “definitive guide to the world’s wondrous and curious places.” While they list unique places and sites to see all over the world, such as homes built entirely out of paper, gigantic flaming holes in the ground, the Smile Face museum, and the “Crypt of Civilization,” considered to be the first conven-tional time capsule; there are also over 100 places that have been shared on the site that are within an hour of our local community. There is the Maz-zariello Labyrinth in Oakland, the “Cow Bones of Mount Diablo,” the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum in Fremont, the “Gnomes of Lake Merritt,” the Bohart Museum of Entomolgy at UC Davis that holds a collection of over six million insects from all over the world, and the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda. I have had a chance to visit a few of the local spots and now have a queue of sites to see when we have out-of-town guests or are just looking for “Staycation” ideas.

As summer is drawing near, now is the time to put a list together of places to see and things to do, before heading out on the road less traveled!

Page 2 - May 2014 ~ Alamo Today

Boulevard ViewBy Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

I recently went to a gathering in the town of Lincoln, California which is about an hour and a half northeast of our area. When I programmed the address I was going to into my Maps program, I was given three routes I could take. The first route was the quickest, and the trip was all traveled major highways. The second choice added an estimated five minutes to the journey and traveled on some lesser

traveled highways and back roads. The third choice added 30 minutes to the route and took more a few more back roads. I figured that for an extra five minutes I would change up the scenery a little and see a few new roads in California that I had never traveled.

The drive started off on the busy multi-lane highways of 680, 80, 505, 5, and 99. As soon as I exited the highway for the back roads part of my venture, I found myself on a narrow two lane road. I was in another world. Where I could have been in a bustling pack of cars and looking out at billboards, retail

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 4 - May 2014 ~ Alamo Today

AAUW Garden TourThe Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of

University Women (AAUW) is hosting its 14th annual Garden Tour on Friday, May 9th and Saturday, May 10th from 10AM to 4pm. Begin your Mother’s Day weekend by treating your mothers and daughters to this self-guided tour of five of the loveliest gardens in the Alamo and Danville area. From the calm serenity of an artist’s studio garden to an exquisite entertainment garden featuring expansive lawns, a terraced hillside and multiple patio areas, you will be inspired by the creative elegance of each of these unique gardens.

Tickets can be purchased at East Bay Flower Company (206 Sycamore Valley Road West in the Danville Livery) or online at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/garden. Light refreshments will be provided. All proceeds from the tour benefit scholarships, research, and grants for aspiring women scholars.Delta Nu Psi

Service group Delta Nu Psi has sent eight 30 pound boxes of “gourmet junk food” to 145 squads located in the War Zone since 2004. The total weight of the food-filled boxes is 28,660 pounds spread over 1,172 packages.

Our upcoming collection will be held May 9th at Lunardi’s in Danville. The collection time will be from 11am to 2pm.

Please come by, grab a list, and shop for our men and women in the War Zone. For more information, visit deltanupsi.org.

Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San

Ramon Valley - meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building located at 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, located on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, May 21st. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at (925) 362-9806. Mail to: VFW Post 75 San Ramon Valley, P.O. Box 1092, Danville, CA 94526. Find out more about the VFW and our Post on the internet at www.vfwpost75.org.

Let’s Chile Up!Join the Town of Danville for toasting some stellar Chilean wines, eating tasty

Chilean tidbits, and enjoying the sounds and rhythms of a Chilean dance troupe. Taste and Toast of Chile will be held on Thursday, May

15 from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Danville Senior Center located at 115 East Prospect Avenue.

The cost is $5 for residents, $6 for non-residents and $8 at the door. For more information or to register, please call the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3490.

This is the third program in the Taste and Toast of…series for adults, ages 21 and older. The series celebrates countries from around the world in a festive and informative style.

Second Annual Alamo RunThe second annual Alamo Run will be held on June 22nd. The race will

start and conclude in the downtown Alamo area. The run includes a 5k com-petitive run and also a fun run for the Alamo community.

Last year, participants ages 4 to 85 ran pushing strollers and alongside pets and family members.

The run is sanctioned by the USATF and is professionally managed by On Your Mark run management. Entry costs $35 per person (pre-registered) and $40 on the morning of the event. All participants will receive a com-memorative T-shirt.

Runners can sign up through www.Active.com or through www.Alamo-Run.com. All proceeds will benefit the educational programs of the non-profit Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek.

• Daily horseback riding • Grooming and horse care • Safety around horses • Horse anatomy class• Arts and crafts • Care of farm animals• Obstacle course • Games and more!

All the King’s HorsesSummer Camps in Alamo

Contact Kim for information 510-928-3867www.allthekingshorsesequestrian.com

• Three summer sessions for kids 6-12• June 23rd-27th, July 21st-25th, August 4th-8th

• Camps run 10am – 3pm Monday thru Friday• $425 per session

Pinot’s Palette Danville is dedicated to bringing a fun experience through art entertainment. Join our 2 to 3 hour painting class where you can sip your favorite wine and paint!

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Kitchen TourThe Lafayette Juniors will hold their 15th Annual Kitchen

Tour on Saturday, May 17th, from 10am – 3pm. Tour six special Lafayette homes with unique rustic, ranch, Cape Cod, open concept, traditional, and farmhouse style kitchens.

The tour benefits First Place for Youth, STAND!, the La-fayette Library, SEED, and Twin Canyon Camp. Tickets are $40 ($30 tax deductible), with a box lunch available for $15. Purchase tickets online at www.lafayettejuniors.org or from Douglah Designs and Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.


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Alamo Home Sales – April 2014 Bed/Bath List Price Sale Price133 Alamo Springs Drive 5 5½ $2,838,500 $2,838,500115 Angela Avenue 3 2½ $1,299,000 $1,300,000169 Canyon Vista Place 5 3 $1,175,000 $1,150,00027 Cole Court 4 3½ $3,295,000 N/A1285 Danville Boulevard 4 4 $1,180,000 $1,155,00030 Ina Court 4 3 $1,100,000 $1,100,00011 Jay Court 4 3½ $1,698,000 $1,725,00011 La Serena Court 4 3 $1,299,000 $1,220,0001681 Las Trampas Road 3 2 $1,100,000 $1,135,00066 Mayfair Court 4 2½ $1,200,000 $1,230,000111 Megan Court 4 3½ $2,349,888 $ 2,350,0001495 Paseo Nogales Road 5 4½ $1,750,000 $1,720,00010 Ray Court 6 3 $1,169,000 $1,150,0002568 Rolling Hills Court 5 4½ $1,649,000 $1,700,0002378 Roundhill Drive 4 3½ $1,249,000 $1,234,0003059 Sandstone Road 5 4½ $1,749,000 $1,716,0753083 Sandstone Road 8 7½ $2,595,000 $2,450,00015 Stone Creek Place 4 2 $1,198,000 $1,175,0003282 Stone Valley Road 4 2½ $1,470,000 $1,425,000311 Twin Peaks Lane 4 2 $1,249,000 $1,188,000330 Twin Peaks Lane 4 4 $1,389,000 $1,375,000168 Via Bonita 4 3 $1,298,000 $1,400,000185 South Via Lucia Lane 4 5½ $2,595,000 $2,750,0001475 Vine Lane 6 6 $2,548,000 $2,575,000125 Winestone Court 4 2½ $1,299,000 $1,275,000

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Museum of the San Ramon Valley Exhibit and Saturday Speakers On May 10, a new exhibit, Connecting Parks to People, the 80th Anniversary of the East Bay Regional Park District, will open at the Museum of the San

Ramon Valley which is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. On three Saturdays at 11AM, there will be speakers on Regional Parks topics.Saturday, May 17 ~ 80 Years of Regional Parks

Hear a history of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) from one of the Park District’s most knowledgeable historians, Jerry Kent, former As-sistant General Manager of EBRPD Operations.Saturday, May 24 ~ The Iron Horse Regional Trail -- 30 years, 35 miles

Promoters of the Iron Horse Trail (IHT) and members of the original Right of Way Trail Advocates (ROWTA) share the challenges of creating this popular trail. Speakers will be Bickford Hooper, first president of ROWTA and avid hiker, Mary Lou Oliver, former San Ramon Mayor and equestrian, and Beverly Lane, EBRPD Director, hiker and occasional biker.Saturday, May 31 ~ The Beginnings of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Two people who advocated for Las Trampas as a regional park will share their stories from the 1960s and 1970s. Speakers will be Manfred Lindner, Chair of the Las Trampas Wilderness Committee and Sally Germain Goldner, Danville chair for the successful annexation of Contra Costa County to the EBRPD in June of 1964.

In the depth of the Depression, 1934, voters in Alameda County created a special district to acquire and manage parks for the public. It was an extraordinary decision, supported by cities, UC Berkeley and legislative leaders, the Contra Costa Hills Club, the Sierra Club, and many others. The first parks were Tilden, Sibley, Temescal, and Redwood. During the thirties, the parks were developed using Contra Costa County and Works Progress Administration workers. In 1964 Contra Costa County voters joined the EBRPD. Today there are 65 parks covering 115,000 acres in the East Bay.

This exhibit will trace the history of EBRPD in the East Bay, focusing on the Iron Horse Regional Trail and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Preserve. There will be a video, maps, bro-chures, artifacts displayed, and programs.

For more information about the museum, call (925) 837-3750 or visit museum-srv.org. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 1-4, Saturdays from 10-1, and Sun-days from 1-3. For EBRPD information, visit ebparks.org.

Connecting Parks to People Celebrating 80 Years of the

East Bay Regional Park District

an exhibit at the

Museum of the San Ramon Valley

May 10 - June 8, 2014

In partnership with EBRPD, this exhibit will trace the history of EBRPD in the East Bay, focusing on the Iron Horse Regional Trail and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Preserve. There will be a video, maps, brochures available and several Saturday programs.

Museum Hours: Tues. - Fri. 1 - 4pm; Sat. 10 - 1pm; Sun. noon - 3pm

205 Railroad Ave, Danville ~ (925) 837-3750 ~ www.museumsrv.org


Alamo Women’s ClubThe Alamo Women’s Club is open to any woman who

would like to join a “place where women come together to work toward a better community for all.” We have nearly 100 years of community involvement and a grow-ing vibrant membership.

At the May 28th Speaker Series Luncheon Jan Wahl returns to entertain us about movies and Hollywood. The luncheon is open to the public for a non-member cost of $25 which in-cludes lunch. Please RSVP by May 22nd to [email protected]. The luncheon starts at 11:30am.

Odyssey of the Mind team, Fear the Brain, took 1st place in their problem (It’s How We Rule) and division at the state level and will be competing in the World Tournament in May. The team is excited this year to have sponsorship from the Alamo Rotary. Pictured left to right: Ellery Lewis, Sae Joon Oh, Kieran Woerner, Hayden Neustadt, Cayla Quinn, and Kristian Woerner.

SRVRWF Candidates and Scholarship WinnersPlease join the San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated at their up-

coming Candidates and Scholarship Winners luncheon on Tuesday, May 27th at Crown Canyon Country Club located at 711 Silver Lake Drive in Danville. Social hour begins at 11:30am and lunch at noon. The cost is $25. Come meet Judge Tue Phan who is running for Congress 11th District and Catharine Baker who is running for the Assembly 16th District. Also in at-tendance will be our high school scholarship winners - Natalie Baldacci from Las Lomas High, Kathryn Clark from California High, Isabella Salazar from Dougherty Valley High, Carley Zenker from Monte Vista High, and Mikayla

Flicek from Dougherty Valley High. For reservations, call Mary at 925-837-5465 or email srvwf.

[email protected]. Reservations are due by Friday, May 22nd.

Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presents the

2014 Summer Concert Series2014 Summer Concert Series2014 Summer Concert Series Fridays 6:30Fridays 6:30Fridays 6:30---8:30p.m. 8:30p.m. 8:30p.m.

at Livorna Park at Livorna Park at Livorna Park ( A t th e corner o f L i v orna R oad a nd Mi randa Av enu e in A la mo )( A t th e corner o f L i v orna R oad a nd Mi randa Av enu e in A la mo )( A t th e corner o f L i v orna R oad a nd M i randa Av enu e in A la mo )

Admission is FreeAdmission is Free

Bring blankets, chairs, snacks, family, and friends. For information call Recreation Staff at (925) 313-2272.

June 20th: The Sun Kings Performing the music of The Beatles with driving

energy, authentic arrangements and spot-on harmonies, reminiscent of the earliest Beatles concerts!

August 8th: Moonalice An original blend of Rock, Country and Blues music. Evoking a communal experience between band and

listener, Moonalice has something for everyone!

July 11th: The Fabulous Cruise Tones

Enjoy a wide variety of familiar dance songs from any decade up to the hits of today!

July 25th: El Desayuno “Great musicians, a Latin groove, killer live

performance...connect the dots and you’ve got El Desayuno.” Roy Jeans ~ Armando’s

Congratulations to Rancho Romero’s 5th grade Odyssey of the Mind team that came in first place at Regionals and second place at the State competition. The team coached by Sarah Belzer and Danielle John is headed to Iowa to compete in the World competition at the end of May. Team members created and presented a performance about a community that feels threatened by something in a location it has never visited. The team includes Sam Belzer, Milly John, Andrew Corkern, Cole Lourenco, Emma Hinckley, Tyler Pollack, and Kate Schiermann.

Do you have a story idea? How about sporting news?

Call us at 925.405.6397, or email us at [email protected].

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“A lovely home, a solid portfolio, a great financial life.”

Join Michael and Pat for lunch and an informational presentation of:

Thursday, May 22 at 12:00pmRoundhill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo

No cost, but reservations are required. Call 800.472.8305, option 1

www.dontinvestandforget.com

Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA, SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. Pasquale Vitucci, CA Insurance Lic.#0758212, is an Endorsed Agent of Vitucci & Associates Insurance Services CA Insurance Lic.# 0I06319. Vitucci & Associates Insurance Services - 877 Ygnacio Valley

Rd., Suite 220, Walnut Creek, CA 94696 - and NPC are separate and unrelated companies. Alamo Luxury Homes, RE/MAX Accord & Michael Hatfield are not affiliated with NPC. You may be contacted by a representative as a result of attending this seminar and insurance sales presentation. #83022

For Home, Contact:

Alamo Luxury HomesCall: 925.984.1339

For Portfolio, Contact:

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A SPECIAL INVITATION!

Sons in Retirement If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in

fun activities, and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join Sons In Retirement (SIR) - Las Trampas Branch 116. The group has a monthly luncheon where guest speakers address the branch members on topics of general interest.

Meetings are held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, on the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Group activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, fishing, golf, walking, investments, photography, poker, travel, and more fun things.

For information about SIR activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org. Luncheon guests may make reservations by calling (925) 806-8874 by the preceding Wednesday. Cost is $15.

Blackhawk Republican Women Present Laer Pearce

Join the Blackhawk Republican Women on May 14th for hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar cocktails to hear Laer Pearce, California public affairs expert and author. For 32 years, Pearce has had a front-row seat to what he sees as California becoming progressively more anti-business, more spend-thrift, less rational, and less competent.

Experiencing this dysfunction up close prompted him to write Crazifornia: Tales from the Tarnished State, copies of which will be available for signing. Every time Pearce feels he has a thorough grasp on all California has done to make things worse, another “Crazifornia moment” crops up, requiring the play book to be updated.

Pearce gained his insights at his public affairs firm, Laer Pearce & Associ-ates, which he opened in 1982. His firm helps developers, water agencies, local municipalities, airports, healthcare plans, and other regulated businesses find success in the face of regulatory over-reach and bureaucratic ineptitude. He’s picked up a lot of great stories along the way, which he’ll share at the event.

The event will take place at the Blackhawk Country Club with check-in and social time beginning at 5:30PM, and the speaker beginning at 6PM. The cost is $25. Please make reservations or cancellations by noon on Monday, May 12 by contacting Marianne Lyons at 856 Turrini Dr., Danville, 94526, [email protected], or (925) 820-6452.

Pet Adoption DaysA miniature schnauzer named Maddie inspired a $300 million legacy dedicated

to giving every dog and cat in the United States what she had: a loving home. This year, $10 million of that legacy will go to Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days, a free pet adoption event for the nation’s homeless dogs and cats, now in its fifth year.

Maddie was a beloved four-legged family member of David Duffield, founder of Workday® and PeopleSoft, and his wife, Cheryl. For the last four years, Maddie's Fund®, their family's foundation, has sponsored Maddie’s®

Pet Adoption Days to honor her memory.“When we look into the eyes of the dogs and cats at the adoption event,

we see Maddie's spirit in every one of them,” says Duffield. “We want all of them to have a chance to inspire, love, and enrich the lives of their future families the way Maddie did ours.”

This year, Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days will be held the weekend of May 31 - June 1, and will expand to include 200 animal shelters and rescue groups in 14 communities across the United States. Maddie’s Fund has earmarked $10 million as a way to give back to the participating organizations, donating up to $2,000 per adopted dog or cat. The goal of the event is to find loving homes for 10,000 homeless dogs and cats over the weekend by waiving all adoption fees for the public.

For locations and hours of upcoming adoption sites, please visit adopt.maddiesfund.org.

Exchange Club of SRVThe Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednes-

day of every month in downtown Danville. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. For more information, call Karen Stepper at (925) 275-2312, email [email protected], or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.


Rancho Romero Elementary School By Skye Larsh-Faraghan, Principal

Victor Hugo once wrote, “There is one thing stron-ger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” (Hugo, 1883-1884). Teachers, parents and students committed to improving educa-tion through rigorous curriculum, meaningful context, and life skills should be heartened by Hugo’s assertion. It has been an unprecedented year in building under-standing, consensus and excitement for sustained,

substantive school improvement. Rancho Romero’s theme of Strengthening the Core was driven by the goal that each teacher and administrator would develop a deeper understanding of the Common Core Content Standards, and align lessons and assessments to those standards. Additionally, each grade level team would develop English Language Arts and Mathematics Units of Study to promote increased depth of knowledge, problem solving and complexity of thinking. Recently, as staff met to score, analyze and evaluate common math and writing assessments, student results exceeded goals in both areas, evidence that powerful teaching and learning has been taking place. The school is never one to rest on its laurels, but pausing to reflect on accomplishments and celebrate successes is a necessary part of the process.

Hard work and commitment to excellence does not stop with the staff. Our parents and families make it possible to augment and enrich our programs and services. The Rancho Romero Education Fund is busy 365 days a year engaging the local communities and collaborating with School Site Council and PTA in support of the instructional program. Addressing the whole child comes about with strong curriculum and instruction, appropriate and timely interventions, and promoting a positive school climate to support the well-being of all students. The 2014 Rancho Romero Auction themed Midnight In Paris, also exceeded goals this year in raising funds. Some of the wonderful programs and services students will experience in 2014 2015 as a result of our Education Fund include visual art, general music, instructional technology and project-based learning, reading intervention, social-emotional/behavior intervention, additional 4th and 5th grade science labs, and noontime sports. On behalf of the Rancho Romero Staff, I wish to thank our parents, families and community partners for continued collaboration and the creation of a guiding coalition.2013 2014 Staff Awards & Honorees: CONGRATULATIONS!

Sarah Ware - Rancho Romero Classified Staff of The YearJen Harrington - Rancho Romero Educator of The YearMatt Graham - Rancho Romero Shining StarConnie Adelson - PTA Honorary Service AwardJulie Holcomb - PTA Honorary Service AwardDanielle John - PTA Honorary Service AwardTatiana Wolkenhaurer - PTA Honorary Service AwardKay Krein, first grade teacher at Rancho Romero, will be retiring in June

after 15 years. She has worked with close to 400 students during her tenure and touched every child in a profound manner. Students that come into her classroom in August grow and thrive in unimaginable ways. She is surely the teacher they will remember for the rest of their life. Kay will miss the students, families and staff who have been like a second family. In her retire-ment she is looking forward to spending more time with family, visiting her own parents more often and traveling to see granddaughters on the east coast. Kay is excited to be able to volunteer in her grandson’s kin-dergarten class and her daughter’s 4th grade classroom. All in all Kay has been teaching for 29 years and she is quick to acknowledge that ed-ucation will always be important.

Danville Girls Chorus Presents Annual POPs Concert, “Heroes and Villains”

The Danville Girls Chorus (DGC) will perform their POPs Concert, “He-roes and Villains,” on Saturday, May 31 at 11AM. The performance will take place at East Bay Four Square Church, located at 2615 Camino Tassajara Road in Danville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, and they can be purchased at the door. Come join DGS for an energetic tribute to your favorite “heroes” and “villains” of stage and screen!

The Danville Girls Chorus is made up of 135 girls from 3rd to 8th grades from schools across the Tri-Valley area. The primary goal of DGC is mu-sic education. Under the direction of Ken Abrams, award-winning Choral Director for the San Ramon Valley High School, girls are taught the basics of vocal production and learn the fundamentals of musicianship and note reading. Girls are also introduced to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to contemporary, folk tunes, and pop music.

Please see DGC’s website at www.danvillegirlschorus.org for more information.

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Alamo Elementary SchoolBy Stan Hitomi, PrincipalSpringtime at Alamo School

Springtime at Alamo School seems to be an ex-ercise in seeing just how much activity we can pack into the last eight weeks of school! To start, some of the most important learning of the year takes place in these last eight weeks. There is no review at this time of the year, everything our students are learning is expected to carry them into the next grade.

For our 4th and 5th graders the spring means outdoor education. Our 4th

graders made their annual trek to Camp Arroyo, while our 5th graders will fin-ish the year at the Marin Headlands. Both programs are important from both an academic standpoint as well as our students growing their independence.

Springtime is also loaded with long-time traditions at Alamo School. On April 25th we held our annual Camp Alamo. Over 100 students enjoyed an evening of specialized camps that ranged from claymation, to carpentry, to carnival games. This year Camp Alamo was headed up by Jaime Garson, Alice Lee, and Elisabeth Masoudi. Staffing each of the camps were teachers, parents, and community volunteers. The evening started with a pizza dinner and ended up with ice cream. Food, fun, and fundraising...what could be better?

Speaking of fundraising, for the first time, Alamo School participated in the Wheelchair Project. The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. The Wheelchair Foundation was founded in 2000, by Ken Behring of Blackhawk. The week-long program featured an assembly where our students learned about disabled people around the world in need of a wheelchair. The students also had a chance to try using a wheelchair in PE or PMT. This was followed by a fundraising campaign that included coin collections and a lemonade sale by the Student Council. In

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For music lovers there are many opportunities to enjoy the sounds of music throughout the month of May. Our annual kindergarten concert kicks off the concert season on May 11th, followed by an evening performance of the 2nd grade play coordinated by Mrs. Herrmann and Mrs. Hennon the same night. May 21st at 7PM our students will perform at the District Strings Festival at San Ramon Valley High School, followed the next night – May 28th with the Alamo Instrumental Music Concert at 7PM. May 30th at 7PM is the night of our 4th grade play coordinated by Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Benit and Mrs. Raaum. Moving into June we have our annual Spring Vocal Music Concert on June 6thand our 1st/2nd grade concert on June 10th.

Spring would not be complete without some awards and recognition. Competition was very stiff this year for the Hoedown T-shirt contest! The five finalists were Sarah Keilman, Tabitha Rountree, Maggie Heil, Olivia Chrisman and Madison Siu. Congratulations to our winner Madison Siu, whose artwork was proudly displayed on this year’s T-shirt!

Spring is also when we give out four very special awards of recognition. Our incredible custodian, Mr. Roberto Bonilla, was named the Alamo School Classified Employee of the Year. Roberto was honored at a special reception by the San Ramon Valley Board of Education. Margie Hart, former president of the Alamo School EdFund (2010-2013) and co-chair of Citizens for Mea-sure D, was named the Alamo School Shinning Star for 2014. Margie, along with Stars from the other 34 schools, was recognized at a dinner on April 29th at the Diablo Country Club.

This year the Alamo School Rotary Educator and Student of the Year are Jolene Martin and Ane Kiepen, respectively. Mrs. Martin (4th grade) has been a fixture at Alamo School for over 15 years and is recognized for her leadership in the areas of professional development and literacy. Ane Kiepen (5th grade) has spent all six years here at Alamo School and excels in sports, dancing, and academics. She has an incredible attitude and positive outlook that she uses to make a positive difference with others. Congratulations to all of our awardees!


Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun K. McElroy, PrincipalHey Where’s the Fire?

On Tuesday, May 6th the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District will train all 7/8 students in CPR/AED during their regularly scheduled PE classes. Training 400+ students in these life saving skills will lead to a safer place for resi-dents of San Ramon Valley. All middle school in the district are participating in this free program.

Vertical ArticulationOn May 6th Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley high schools’ 9th

grade English teachers will join Stone Valley Middle School 8th grade language arts teachers in collaboration with staff developers Gianna Lillig and Nicole Chaplan to develop common pathways and expecta-tions from middle to high school.CLR Strategies

Culturally and Linguistically Responsive (CLR) teaching strate-gies continue to grow. Our original cohort of “experts” (Jim Purcell, Courtney Konopacky, and Melinda Daly) will be joined by a second CLR cohort of teachers (Rachel Lynch, and Chris Sherwood) who will lead a third round of training for staff on May 14th. For information on this program, visit http://culturallyresponsive.org.Summer Plans for Professional Development

Many of our staff have made plans to attend summer workshops. Our math department received a grant to attend the Silicon Valley Math Initiative training for one week.

Physical education staff will be attending two separate week-long trainings focused on implementing Common Core strategies in their program.

Special Education staff will attend a Google Apps for Education workshop.

Language arts teachers will attend district-led staff development activities and history workshops sponsored by the National Council for History Teachers.Construction Process has Begun!

To date we have had two meetings related to the new construction on the Stone Valley campus. I met with the architects and facilities personnel to discuss the construction process. A second similar meet-ing was held with members of the Stone Valley staff, as well as fa-cilities oversight committee members Margie Hart and Dwight Winn, Superintendent Mary Shelton, Assistant Superintendents Toni Taylor (Education Services), Gary Black (Facilities), community member Stan Hitomi, Senior Planning and Development Manger Tina Peralt, Facilities Director Rich Lowell, Senior project Manager Rick Kendrick, and the architects.

Our meeting focused on conceptual design plans for our new school. We are hopeful for a summer/fall 2015 start date. Our next meeting will be held in mid-late May. Updated information on construction projects throughout the district can be found on SRVUSD’s website at www.srvusd.net/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1346747333230.

By the way, all students completed the new Smarter Balance testing – try the sample test at www.smarterbalanced.org/sample-items-and-performance-tasks. This year we are testing the test, so no individual results are given.

Upcoming Community Meetings and EventsAIA - Alamo Improvement Association - Please visit www.alamoca.org for upcoming meetings - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd.Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First Tuesday of each month 6pm - Alamo Chamber of Commerce Office 120-B, Alamo PlazaP2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - First Monday of each month, 5pm

- Meets at Alamo Chamber of Commerce Office located at 120 -B, Alamo PlazaP5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - Second Wednesday of each month, 7pm - Meets at Round Hill Country Club - Lower Level Meeting Room CERT classes - Community Emergency Response Team - Visit www.firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/upcoming_classes.asp

Put on Your Red Shoes and Follow that Yellow Brick Road

An enthusiastic group of five to 18-year olds has been busy following that famous yellow brick road as CAE’s Youth Theatre Company (YTC) prepares its production of The Wizard of Oz.

“This is the one time each year that all four components of YTC work together on one production,” explains producer Rachel Pergamit. “Junior Theatre students play the main parts with Mini Kids, Kids Theatre, and Teens playing ensemble roles like the munchkins, Ozians, and so much more.”

The Wizard of Oz runs May 16 at 7pm and May 17 at 11am, 2pm and 7pm at Del Valle Theatre, 1928 Tice Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $12 – 16.75 and can be ordered by calling 925-943-SHOW or going online at www.lesherartscenter.org.


Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal

Spring break is over and we are heading into the last six weeks of school, but Monte Vista is definitely not slowing down.

Before our break Monte Vista students were able to participate in the “Every 15 Minutes” program. “Every 15 Minutes” is a two day event that was originally conceived of by the CHP and the Office of Traffic Safety in 1990. At that point, alcohol-related traffic fatalities occurred

every 15 minutes in the United States. The focus of the presentation included driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs, and distracted driving while texting. The program challenged students to think about their choices and their responsibility as they get behind the wheel. The first day featured a “crash scene” with the police, fire, ambulance, and coroner on scene. The second day featured a “funeral assembly” where the students who “died” in the accident were honored, and students had the opportunity to listen to com-munity members who have lived through a tragedy caused by impaired drivers. Bob Pack, from the Troy and Alana Pack Foundation, spoke to the students and urged them to think and act responsibly.

While no program can guarantee that our students will always think and act responsibly, I was so impressed with the respect and attention they paid to this program. During the 75 minute crash scene, students in the stadium were quiet and attentive. The funeral assembly took place in the gym for our 11th and 12th grade students, and a live feed to classrooms was provided for our 9th and 10th graders. Students were visibly affected by the speakers and took to heart their stories.

A huge thank you to our PTSA and parent community for sponsoring the program and for the hours of volunteer time they donated. A very special thank goes you to Laurie Terzolo who was the Chairperson for this program. Without her dedication and organization, the students would not have had this opportunity.

If you want to know more about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.

San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, Principal

May always feels like the calm before the storm. We rush through the spring, following state testing windows, CAASPP pilot tests and the AP tests, and then suddenly things are quiet for just a few weeks before graduation in June.

This year, May is the month of many of our school’s culminating events - senior ball, our new talent show/art auction, and a safe driving assembly.

The pace does not let up until we hit finals week and then graduation.Every year this is a bittersweet time as we watch our seniors get ready to

graduate and move on with the next phase of their lives. We have watched them grow for four years, develop, learn, and mature, and it is so exciting to see them in the final weeks before they leave SRVHS for bigger, better, and more exciting adventures.

Our parents have been doing an amazing job planning grad night and getting everything ready for the graduation ceremony. It is always a team effort to get us through the end of the year.

We have also seen the completion of our new bleacher project, the fin-ishing touches have been added to our pool, and a new batting cage for the baseball program has been installed.

Finally, we are planning retirement events for a group of our outstand-ing veteran teachers. Lisa Sabatini, Ken Castleman, Mike Slater, Carol MacPhail, Hans Delannoy, Jeff Torquemada, and Lorrie Harris are all leaving SRVHS this year after exemplary and distinguished careers.

They will be graduating along with the 100th graduating class in June, and their contribution and commitment to SRVHS is unparalleled. I would like to recognize each of them for their incredible work with our students over the years.

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Interested in Participating in Government?Seeking Volunteers for County Advisory Boards

Supervisor Candace Anderson is looking for interested, motivated resi-dents to serve on a few Contra Costa County citizen advisory boards. These voluntary boards usually meet monthly and advise the Board of Supervi-sors on a variety of issues. They play a vital role in county government and provide important input.

District 2 includes Alamo, Canyon, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Parkmead, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Saranap, and Walnut Creek (West of N. Main Street). Applications are currently being accepted from residents of District 2 for seats on the following boards:

• Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board: Applicants shall have a professional interest in, or personal commitment to, alleviating problems related to drug abuse and inappropriate alcohol use in their community.

• Aviation Advisory Committee: Advise the Board of Supervisors on aviation issues as they relate to the airports in Contra Costa County.

• In Home Support Services Public Authority Advisory Committee: Make recommendations to the BOS regarding the IHSS program.

• Mental Health Commission: Reviews and evaluates the community's mental health needs, services, and facilities. Consumer Seat available.

• Alamo Municipal Advisory Council: Advise the District 2 Supervisor on issues and concerns related to services provided by the County or other lo-cal agencies located within its boundary, which includes parks & recreation, lighting & landscaping, land use, code enforcement, public safety, and trans-portation. One Alternate Seat and one Youth Seat available.

• Alamo Police Services Advisory Committee: Advise the District 2 Supervisor and the Sheriff on the needs of the Alamo/Danville community for extended police services.

• County Service Area P-5 Citizen Advisory Committee: Advise the District 2 Supervisor and the Sheriff on the needs of the Roundhill, Regency Woods, and Windsor Green communities for extended police services.

For more information about each board, go to http://contra.napanet.net/maddybook/. For an application, go to www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/Docu-mentCenter/View/6433. For additional assistance, you may contact, Jill Ray at (925) 957-8860 or [email protected].

County Victims Assistance Program Gives Victims a VoiceBy Supervisor Candace Andersen, Contra Costa District 2

Recently, I attended the District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office Victims’ Rights Week Recognition Ceremony. This annual event honors individuals who make a difference for crime victims in Contra Costa County. This year’s recipients included Victim Assistance

Program support staff, District Attorneys and Investigators, local Law En-forcement Officers, community crime victim advocate volunteers, a witness to a crime, and a crime survivor.

The Contra Costa County Victim Assistance Program seeks to empower victims and witnesses of crime through advocacy and support. Support staff and volunteers work tenaciously to give victims a voice in the criminal justice system, protect their rights, and treat each individual with dignity and respect. The programs are 100% grant funded through Cal-OES, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Victim Witness Centers are located in all 58 counties in California and provide mandated services under Penal Code sec-tion 13835. The Centers were put into effect with the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) in 1984 with the recognition that victims needed access to services to recover from trauma and to give them some rights in our justice system.

Advocates are assigned to all filed violent crimes that are being prosecuted

in the DA’s Office. An advocate makes contact with the victim or family and will stay with them through the end of the criminal case and even beyond. The focus is to provide information about the court process, offer resources, and assist with applications to the California Victim Compensation Program. They also help protect and advocate for victims’ rights --under Marsy’s Law which was passed by the voters in 2008 and is part of the California Con-stitution -- assist with restitution and victim impact statements, and provide emotional support. Advocates go to court with victims and act as a liaison with Deputy District Attorneys, law enforcement, and community agencies.

There are two Victim Assistance Centers, one in Martinez at 900 Ward Street, (925) 957-8650; and one in Richmond at 100 – 37th Street, (510) 374-3272. There are also Advocates located at the Pittsburg and Richmond Police Departments who focus on reaching out to crime victims shortly after a crime occurs to provide services and resources as soon as possible. They work closely with law enforcement in East and West County to offer support and information about the criminal process. These advocates help victims in situations where there may not be a suspect or not enough information to file charges, or when the investigation may take a lot of time to complete. Advocates are reaching out to people who were previously underserved to make sure that they have the needed resources to begin recovering from the crime.

The program is always in need of volunteers to help support the work the advocates do. In fact, grants require that volunteers are utilized to help provide services to victims. If you are interested in volunteering, call (925) 957-8650 or email [email protected].

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at [email protected] or 925-957-8860.

Search and RescueThe Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs vol-

unteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.

Carroll Shelby Memorial Classic Car Show The Pacific Coast Region of Team Shelby will be hosting their Carroll

Shelby Memorial Classic car show at the Blackhawk Museum Plaza on Sun-day, May 10, from 10AM to 1PM. This inaugural memorial car show, honoring the legacy of Carroll Shelby to NorCal “Powered by Ford” enthusiasts, will feature Shelby, Ford GT, Cobra, and Boss vehicles. The event will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation and also the Wheels for Wheelchairs Foundation.Father’s Day Car Show ~ Sunday June 15th

Each Father’s Day the Blackhawk Automotive Museum and Blackhawk Plaza host a car show for all dads to bring out and enjoy their favorite clas-sic, collectible, rod, muscle, or special interest car.

Driver’s receive free admission to the Museum and a goodie bag (first 300 cars). You can pre-register at www.blackhawkmuseum.org or enter the day of the event.

There will be a variety of family oriented activities in the Museum and on the Plaza and live music during the day. The Bay Area Engine Modelers and the European Train Enthusiasts will have working displays.Alamo Jewelry, Fine Art & Craft Show

Painters, jewelers, sculptors, and other artisans will be gathering on Moth-er’s Day weekend at Alamo Plaza Shopping Center for the annual “Alamo Jewelry, Fine Art and Craft Show.” This popular two-day event will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 from 10AM to 6PM.

This year’s show features local and regional artists exhibiting original works of art including paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, glass, woodwork, mixed media, photography, and more.

“This celebration of art offers a great opportunity for art lovers to meet with and purchase directly from some of the West Coast’s most talented art-ists and artisans,” said festival director John Holland.

To reach the Alamo Plaza, take the Stone Valley Rd.West Exit from Hwy. 680, then turn right 1 block on Danville Blvd.

Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.jhfestivals.com.


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Alamo Municipal Advisory CouncilBy David Barclay, ChairLivorna Park Bocce Ball Update

Last summer the Ala-mo Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) approved the construction of two bocce ball courts that will replace the sand volley-ball area at Livorna Park. Construction of the bocce ball courts should start in the spring of 2015. Public Works has completed the preliminary design and applied for Measure WW Funds through the East Bay Regional Park Dis-trict. Given the popularity of bocce ball, we antici-pate these new courts will get plenty of use.Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Improvements

Last summer Supervi-sor Candace Andersen’s office, in conjunction with the Alamo MAC, conduct-ed several public meetings to get community feed-back on how to use Area of Benefit (AOB) funds available to the commu-nity. Every few years the AOB project list is updated, and the Alamo MAC recently went through a process of prioritizing the project list.

Based on community input and priorities, future AOB projects will focus on pedestrian and traffic safety in the downtown area along Danville Bou-levard, the intersection of Wilson Road and Livorna Road near the Alamo Elementary School, and Hemme Avenue near Rancho Romero.The Public Works department will be restriping Danville Boulevard between Jackson Way and Stone Valley Road this summer and will reconfigure the strip-ing near Jackson Way to improve pedestrian safety. Public Works is also working on a comprehensive downtown plan that will improve pedestrian safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly. Elements of this plan will focus on the Jackson Way and Orchard Court intersections on Danville Boule-vard. It will also look at ways to improve and make safer our downtown Boulevard of Trees. New Methodist Church Gymnasium

On April 1, the Board of Supervisors approved construction of a new church gymnasium at the Methodist Church on Danville Boulevard. The facility will be available for youth programs throughout the community. The MAC actively supported this project on behalf of the community and is looking forward to its completion.Alamo MAC

The Alamo MAC is made up of seven Alamo residents, each with the goal of representing their neighbors’ interests to Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, who in turn, makes decisions and recommendations to her fellow supervisors that impact our community.

The MAC meets at 6pm on the first Tuesday of every month at the Wom-

an’s Club on Danville Boulevard. The public is encouraged to attend the meetings and provide comments and ideas on issues relating to the Alamo Community. If you would like to be on an email list for the monthly agenda, please contact Donna Maxwell at (925) 957-8860 or by email at [email protected] of Lafayette

Don’t miss the town of Lafayette’s favorite dinner party – the “Taste of Lafayette” restaurant stroll is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th from 5:30-9pm

There will be 24 participating restaurants. Tickets are on sale now. Sample signature dishes from the town’s regionally popular Restaurant

Row restaurants and local caterers as you stroll through downtown Lafayette. The evening starts with entertainment and a hosted wine and beer recep-

tion for all at 5:30pm at the Lafayette Plaza Park. The “stroll” begins at 6:30PM, when ticket holders head out at their own

pace to stop at any or all of the participating restaurants for sampling over the next two hours. Participating restaurants include Amarin Thai Restaurant, American Kitchen, Back to the Table, Chevalier Restaurant, La Finestra Ristorante, Mangia Ristorante, Patxi’s Pizza, Postino, Round Table Pizza, Rustic Tavern, Susan Foord Catering, SusieCakes, The Cooperage, Uncle Yu’s Szechuan, and Yankee Pier. Two free shuttle buses will also serve the route.

At the end of the stroll everyone meets back at Lafayette Plaza Park at 8:30PM to compare notes over dessert and coffee.

Tickets are available online at www.lafayettechamber.org, at the Lafayette Chamber offices, located at 100 Lafayette Circle, Suite 103 or by calling 925-284.7404. Tickets are $45/person when you buy them by May 9th and after that date $50/ticket.


PLEASE JOIN US! Let Us Help You “Fill” Your Bucket List

Alamo World Travel presents

Vacation Showcase 2014Thursday, May 22 from 5:30 to 7:30pm

At Round Hill Country Club’s Vista Ballroom in Alamo

Wine Reception 5:30 to 6:30pm Grand Prize Drawing

Verandah Suite on Holland America Pacific Coastal Cruise

Please RSVP to Lisa-Lorene 925-837-8742or email [email protected]

Alamo World Travel 3201 Danville Blvd. #255, Alamo, CA 94507 925-837-8742 800-848-8747

Ruth Bancroft GardenBy Linda Summers Pirkle

My sister and I inherited our mother’s jade plants. Mine are planted in three very heavy terra cotta pots. Every winter I drag the pots from the edge of my patio to a place near the house to keep them from freezing, then come spring I drag them back out to their spots. My mother had them for many years before I got them; they are at least forty years old. I have to admit, they are not my favorite plant -- I always thought they were a bit old fashioned, a bit like the purple carpet of ice plant we had in our front yard. But they were mom’s, so of course they have a special place in my heart.

Succulents, like my jade plants, echeveria, and aloes are very popular plants now, because of their drought resistance and easy maintenance. The latest Martha Stewart Living magazine features an article called “Sensational Succulents.” A portion of the article states, “This group of plants is quickly becoming popular with home gardeners because of the ease with which they can be propagated, raised, divided, and even shared with friends and other gardeners. In addition, because most require only small amounts of moisture, little cultivation, and pruning, and modest amounts of growing medium, they are excellent varieties to enjoy in even drought-plagued areas and warm or hot climates.”

For Ruth Bancroft, age 105, of the Ruth Bancroft Gardens in Walnut Creek, these plants have never gone out of “style” and have been a focus for her incredible collection for the past 40 years. According to the website for the Garden, when Ruth was in her 60’s she began to plant succulents on the three-acre property, and her garden attracted much attention from horticulturists and gardeners. She learned about gardening from reading and experimenting and figuring out what worked. The garden opened to the public in the early 1990’s.

I visited the Ruth Bancroft Gardens on one of the few rainy days this spring. Although the garden is located on a parcel of land between the busy streets of Treat and Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek, it is a very serene spot. With umbrellas, our group of ten followed Adrian, our guide, down pathways, under trees and into a glorious green house filled with gorgeous, sometimes eerie plants that are examples of what may be a garden of the future because of its ability to thrive with little water.

Adrian shared stories of how Ruth collected some of the plants and pointed out various drought tolerant plants, all unique, each with its own story.

There is a lot going on in this special garden. They offer tours, seminars, and events including author events, art and jazz, agaves and tequila, and sculpture displays in the garden.

The garden is a nice spot to take a picnic lunch; there are picnic tables and benches tucked in among the many plants.

*The 20th annual Sculpture in the Garden event, is a one of a kind event combining outdoor art with the garden’s stunning sculptural succulents. Opening day is June 13.

*Outdoor weddings are now available at the garden. As of April 2014, the beautiful grounds are available for your special event. This brand new service is not being advertised, but the garden will most likely be a very popular venue for outdoor weddings of 75 to 150 people.

*Ruth Bancroft Garden is located at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek. Their phone number is 925-944-9352. Their website is www.Ruthbancroftgarden.org. * Hours are 11AM to 6PM, Monday thru Sunday, and 7PM on Thursdays.Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several

years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “If it’s a trip for my husband and me, my husband drives and I talk (he’s a captive audience) – the perfect combination! What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email [email protected].

Museum Volunteers Needed Looking to get involved in the community? The Museum of the San Ramon Valley

needs your help. Volunteer positions are available in the following areas:• Greeters • Docents• Walking Tour Docents • Events Committee• Educational Programs (One Room School/Indian Life) Call Eve or Donna at 552-9693, or email [email protected] for

additional information.

Want to Become a Better Speaker? Toastmasters allows its members to practice their speaking and presentation

skills in a supportive environment. Our local club, Danville AM Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30AM at Father Nature's Restaurant in downtown Danville (172 E Prospect Ave). Please drop by and visit us! For more information, contact Hans Thoma at [email protected].

MM tthh aayy MMaayy 1100tthh && 1111tthh

Contra Costa Wind Symphony Presents “Johan de Meij Live!”

The Contra Costa Wind Symphony (CCWS) will present “ Johan de Meij Live!”on Sunday, May 18 at 7:30PM. The event will feature a rare Bay Area appearance by the Dutch composer, who will conduct several of his works including the West Coast premiere of his new “Symphony No. 4, Sinfonie der Lieder (Symphony of Songs).” This work features acclaimed mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein from New York and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir.

The performance will take place at the Lesher Center for the Arts, located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Tickets can be purchased by calling (925) 943-SHOW(7469) or visiting lesherartscenter.org. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, and complimentary for students.

To learn more, visit the CCWS website at www.CCWindSymphony.org.


Cinema Classics and Musical NotesMy Man Godfrey and KleingeldBy Peggy Horn

This month’s Cinema Classic recommendation is, My Man Godfrey, (1936) starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, and Gail Patrick.

Although this movie is described as a screwball comedy, it has as its plot a valuable social commentary: the treatment of the “forgotten man.” The forgotten man refers rather indelicately to members of the

homeless, unemployed population, many of whom are living at the local city dump. The homeless population was a genuine problem since the 1929 stock market crash predated the filming of this movie by only a few years. The movie begins with a scathingly inappropriate scavenger hunt in which a “forgotten man” was to be furnished to the scavenger hunt headquarters. Sisters Cornelia Bullock, played by Gail Patrick, and Irene Bullock, played by Carole Lombard, are each vying to be the first to find a forgotten man. Cornelia goes to the dump in her evening gown, finds Godfrey, and offers him five dollars to make an appearance. Finding Cornelia’s behavior insulting, Godfrey turns her down flat, but he offers to help Irene whose approach is more tactful, even endearing. Irene ends up hiring Godfrey to be the family butler, providing him with much needed employment and an opportunity to think things through. Through his job as butler, Godfrey is able to improve his own state of affairs and that of the Bullock family, as well.

My Man Godfrey, is a delightful film and was deemed “culturally significant” by the United States Library of Congress in 1999. It is available for purchase or rental online.Musical Notes

To complement this month’s movie, why not download the soundtrack from the Broadway play, Annie? In the Broadway production, Andrea McArdle plays the starring role which was nominated for a Tony award.

Energy MattersBy Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar

As a business owner, there is no better place than the contracting industry to apply some very basic principles which I was fortunate enough to learn while on active duty as an officer in the military.

A business needs to have and execute a “mission state-ment.” Ours is simple: do what we say, when we say, for the price we say. A business must also recognize the im-portance of continually communicating to its customers. Price changes are rarely legally justified and typically inap-

propriate. There are obvious differences between business and military missions, but success is a result of planning, executing, and improving for the next project or mission.

To guarantee success of a solar project: Find a high quality contractor with the appropriate licenses to install your solar PV system. Ninety percent of construction litigation stems from issues involving water damage which are mostly preventable with use of licensed roofer. In addition, many municipalities require an electrician to do the electric portion of the solar work because of the complexity of the installation. A high quality contractor will recommend products that have a 25 plus year history of performance in the field. If documentation of long-term performance history is not provided, find a contractor who will provide documentation. Trust, but verify.

NEMA (Net Energy Metering Aggregation) is a new PG&E solar rate which allows an electric customer with a single solar system to reduce electric costs to multiple electric meters on the same or contiguous properties. Electric connection to only one of the meters is required. Cost offset percentages are proportioned by the property owner and credited to the other meters on the account via PG&E software.

The ability of a consumer to check a businesses’ performance and customer satisfaction via online review websites is getting very popular. Review websites

have the potential to become “the great equalizer” between businesses, large and small. For the most part, it’s a valid process and makes companies’ business prac-tices transparent to the public. Unfortunately, some false reviews do exist. Some consumers choose a local small business because of an assumed service quality advantage, while others find comfort by doing business with big box companies for the perceived stability of that company. But no longer can a large business hide behind its size as an obvious consumer choice if it has a history of poor reviews. The moral of the story for construction and solar projects: Do business with those with the best business record and products. These things are easily searchable online these days. Even Facebook is getting into the review business. Of course, back up your initial choice by checking license status at www.cslb.ca.gov, confirming liability and workman’s comp insurance status, and the oft forgotten step of calling references.

State rebates, still available: The New Solar Homes Partnership is a program which provides rebates to solar projects on new and fully remodeled homes. Most new homes automatically qualify because of local efficiency regulations for a new build. Today’s average rebate is about $8,000 additional monies back to the homeowner for an average sized solar system. The 30% Federal Tax Credit is still available for two and a half years.

A recent article in Solar Today titled “Sorting Out Legal Responsibility for Defective Solar Panels” was a head shaker yet provided me much business model validation. If a business offers safe product choices to its customers, and installs them properly, “defective solar panels” and “sorting out responsibility” will never be an issue. The best warranty IS the best product. The finger pointing in the article is tragic; the manufacturer blames product failure as a result of poor installation practices on the installer, and the installer blames poor quality control at the manufacturing plant. The agreement between the insurer and solar panel project owner restricts the ability of the claimant to identify the solar panel manufacturer so as to not “harm” the manufacturer. Who suffers? The consumer. Why put risk into an investment that essentially doesn’t have any if done properly and with the right products?

Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construc-tion Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 948715). GoSimple-Solar can be reached at 925-331-8011. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s NEW and larger showroom at 100 Railroad Avenue, Suite B, Danville (behind Pete’s Brass Rail) and receive a $500 discount on your solar system. Go to www.GoSimpleSolar.com for a free quote, or email [email protected]. Advertorial

GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction, Inc is seeking a recently separated United States Marine or other armed service member for an entry level position. The candidate should be disciplined, have the ability to work with people, be agile, and motivated. SFC Inc/GoSimpleSolar will offer a true career path to the right individual for growth in earnings, experience, and leadership.

Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, snacks, family and friends. For information call Recreation Staff at (925) 313-2272.

Alamo Municipal Advisory Council presentsAlamo Municipal Advisory Council presents

2014 Movie Under the Stars2014 Movie Under the Stars Friday, July 18thFriday, July 18th

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Sustainable Danville Area Tip of the MonthBy Carol Rossi

There’s something about spring that inspires folks with even the brownest of thumbs to celebrate the season of rebirth and renewal by getting out in the garden and planting something, only to watch their cherished seedlings struggle, flounder, and then wither and die. Don’t despair if your horticultural efforts of the past have produced disappointing results. Even experienced gardeners have disappointments in the garden because Mother Nature does not always cooperate. Success in gardening, as in life, is often just a matter of good timing.

Yes, the days are getting longer and warmer, and the nurseries are full of seedlings - heirloom tomatoes, exotic peppers, eggplants, squash, cucumbers – all symbols of summer’s vegetable bounty. But spring night temperatures still drop into the 40’s. April brings its showers and May its desiccating winds. These are conditions that can permanently stunt heat-loving summer varieties, causing poor growth and fruit production even if they do survive. The wise gardener knows to wait until mid to late-May before setting out the long-season summer seedlings and to channel his or her enthusiasm with traditional spring crops that thrive in the cooler weather and gentle rains which grace our region from February through May.

Sugar snap peas can be direct sown as early as mid-February and will produce for almost two months until they are cleared out in late May to make way for tomato plants. Lettuce and spinach seedlings can be set out every two weeks staring March 1st to ensure a steady harvest until June. Fast-growing Bok Choi, set out after the last frost date in late March, will be providing tender baby leaves for salads within three weeks and larger plants for stir fry before the end of April. Green onions are another great “catch crop” that will fill vegetable beds from mid-February through May. Simply buy yellow onion bulbs (or “sets”) at the nursery, and harvest the baby seedlings when their bottom stems are as big as a pencil.

While their spring gardens are producing wonderful salad fixings and sweet, crunchy sugar snaps, patient gardeners can be growing their own tomato and pepper seedlings indoors or watching the nursery sales until day and night temperatures are warm enough to ensure thriving summer crops. Proper selection of varieties is often the key to success at this point. All heirloom vegetables were cultivated to grow in a specific region or climate. The Georgia Streak, for example, was bred to thrive in the heat and humidity of southern summers. San Francisco Fog, as the name implies, was bred to produce even in that city’s famously cold and overcast summers. But neither variety can be expected to do well outside of the environment to which they are inherently acclimated. Gardeners who want happy, productive plants should always check to make sure their selections are adaptable to their specific microclimate.

“Wannabe” vegetable gardeners can also improve their chances for suc-cess by taking a class or receiving rudimentary instruction from more expe-rienced garden hands. A fun way to improve your vegetable-growing skills is by signing up for a season of growing at The Bounty Garden, located at Hap Magee Park in Danville. The hands-on program at The Bounty Garden brings together community volunteers in a fun and friendly environment to learn about growing sustainable, organic vegetables. There is no cost and no experience necessary to be a vegetable grower at the Garden. Volunteers are asked to commit to one growing season of the year and attend two group meetings to meet one another, be introduced to the Garden and the program, and register for a raised bed. Three free workshops on seedling propagation, composting, and harvesting are also offered and are a great chance to learn basic gardening techniques and get questions answered. The Bounty Garden is committed to providing fresh, nutritious greens to people who need them. So, you can keep what you learn, but all vegetables grown in the Garden are donated to the local Food Banks of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Learn more about The Bounty Garden, its program, and its mission at www.thebountygarden.com.

Visit www.sustainabledanville.com or join us at www.facebook.com/sustainabledanvillearea for local green events and resources.



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Walnut Creek Garden Club The Walnut Creek Garden Club (WCGC) will hold a meeting on Monday,

May 12 at 9:30AM at The Gardens at Heather Farm, located at 1540 March-banks Road in Walnut Creek.

The event will include a business meeting, social time, plant exchange, and visits to several members’ gardens. You do not need to be a “gardener” to attend a meeting or join the WCGC. For more information, contact [email protected].

arrive every year to devour your roses, and plants need replacing every so often just like your home needs fresh paint and new carpet.

Now you can relax in your garden; watch the transitions happen, replace and update as necessary, appreciate the majesty of your timeless ele-ments, and rearrange your expectations to accept the transitional! I have a new-found appreciation and pa-tience for the transitional after thirty-something years in the garden.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: One of the services we offer is to work with my staff horti-culturist to do consulting for clients who don’t need a full Master Landscape Plan. This service offers on-site practical advice addressing your “transitional” concerns. Check out my website!

Gardening Quote of the Month: My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant’s point of view. - H. Fred Ale

If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to [email protected] or for design ideas, visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial


Life in the Alamo Garden By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape ArchitectTimeless and Transitional

I like to follow-up with my clients after a period of time to see how they were enjoying their beauti-ful yards. After 35 years of creating gardens, I have discovered a new distinction for how a landscape matures and why some of my clients were disap-pointed even though they absolutely loved their gardens initially. Timeless and Transitional, that’s it!

At first glance the phrase “Timeless and Transitional” seems a little dra-matic. Well, it isn’t really and I will tell you why. It all begins with expecta-tions! We all know a garden can be beautiful, relaxing, stunning, delightful, therapeutic, and all those great things I usually write about. On the other hand, gardens can be ugly, annoying and agitating, and sometimes they just don’t meet your expectations, and that is disappointing! Most likely you have felt the way I feel about my own garden sometimes; you too, at one time or another, have been disappointed and down right upset about your garden. Don’t get me wrong, I love my garden and my clients love the ones I design for them, but sometimes it just seems like nature (and untrained gardeners) get the best of our expectations. Case in point, I went to visit one of my cli-ent’s gardens only to find plants that I had designed in the plans were either missing, woody and misshaped, or turned into little balls and squares. Plants were missing because nature over the last two years had taken its toll. Peren-nials were missing, lavender was just woody half broken stalks, and lovely arching shrubs turned into balls and squares in their prime bloom time! This is not what I expect, and most of my clients didn’t either.

I have written about the importance of the hardscape (built elements) time-less element as one aspect of creating an outdoor environment while the other element is the softscape (living elements) transitional. What I discovered in this distinction of timeless and transitional is that while the backbone of the design of the garden was still there, beautiful and functioning just as I had designed it to be, the softscape was displaying the transitions of the years. If

it wasn’t the harsh cold winter, the ultra-wet spring, and the long hot Indian summer, it was untrained garden-ers, the varmints, the pets, fungus, and you-name-it that thrashed our expectations for a beautiful and everlast-ing show-piece.

Here is the good news and the bad news...Good news, there is hope! Bad news, rearrange your expectations! Gardens are truly “Timeless and Transitional.” Good design will always be timeless and will last over the years. The

timeless aspects of a good landscape design are the beautiful and elegant elements of the hardscape such as well-crafted stone work on your patio, seat wall, and pool; a detailed trellis, pergola, arbor, fences, and garden gates; well-placed timeless trees like Oaks, redwoods, maples, olives, crape myrtles; and long-lasting plantings like laurel, boxwood, mock orange, wisteria, ca-mellias, and more than I can name in one article.

While “Timeless” is a little easier to swallow, “Transitional” is the one that forces us to rearrange our expectations. We need to learn to understand that the living aspect of your design is a moving target and more unpredictable. It has taken me almost 30 years to get it. Snails eat your plants, fungus curls your peach leaves (unless you remember to spray at the precise time), aphids

Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center The Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center is hosting an evening with Miko Peled,

author of The General’s Son, on Thursday, May 29th. A potluck will be held at 6PM, and Peled will speak and make his presentation at 7PM in the Owl Room at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church which is located at 55 Eckley Lane in Walnut Creek.

Peled is the son of an Israeli General who believes that peace for Israel and the entire region will only come when the walls come down and a secular democracy is estab-lished where Israelis and Palestinians are able to live as equals in their shared homeland. He will share his vision for transforming what he views as an Israeli apartheid system into a secular democracy. For more information, visit www.mikopeled.com.

Suggested donation is $20, and bring a dish to share if attending the potluck (No one will be turned away). Students attend free of charge. Additional infor-mation is available at www.ourpeacecenter.org or by calling (925) 933-7850.


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The Incense-CedarBy Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

The incense-cedar graces many Bay Area gardens with its shade, beauty, and intriguing fragrance. Calocedrus decurrens, its Latin name, means beautiful cedar. The striking contrast between the vibrant greens of its

leaves and the trunk’s rich reds creates a pleasing aesthetic further enhanced by the relaxed elegance of the weeping foliage. The beauty of this tree is not confined to the realm of the visual. The incense-cedar gives off a distinctive fragrance that fills the air with a pungent aroma strongly reminiscent of grade-school classrooms and the unforgettable smell of the pencil sharpener. In my youth, and still largely today, pencils were made from the soft and distinctively fragrant wood of Calocedrus decurrens.

The incense-cedar is not a true cedar (thus the hyphen). The so-called “true cedars” are native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas, and are members of the genus Cedrus. These include the majestic Deodora and Atlas cedars, as well as the famous Cedar of Lebanon.

The incense-cedar, which may live a thousand years and attain a height of 150 feet, is a true California native. It evolved in North America, and its current range extends from the Cascade Mountains in northern Oregon, through the Sierra Ne-vadas, and down to the Sierra San Pedro Matir of Baja California. Throughout its range it has been important in the lives of Native Americans. The Klamath tribe of Oregon wove its bark into baskets. The California Paiutes made infusions of its leaves for colds. The Round Valley tribe of Mendocino Country used leaflets as flavoring when leaching acorn meal. This species has provided Native Americans with food, shelter, clothing, and music.

The incense-cedar’s natural resistance to rot made it very useful both in antiq-uity and in modern times. Homebuilders use it for siding, decking, moulding, and interior paneling. Landscapers use its chips and bark for mulch. Its wood is made into furniture, shingles, and railway ties. Sawdust and wood scraps help fuel co-generation of electricity.

The softness of the wood and its resistance to splintering make the incense-cedar ideal for encasing pencil lead. However, these qualities also make the wood fragile, brittle, and potentially somewhat problematic as an urban landscape tree. When it grows as one trunk from a thick base to a single pyramid-shaped crown, the incense-cedar is relatively stable; it requires little work other than the periodic removal of deadwood. But if the trunk of the tree divides into multiple columns or has large branches which turn up and rise parallel to the trunk, the tree has structural problems that make it vulnerable to column failure. After some recent winter storms, Brende & Lamb looked at many incense-cedars that had shed branches and sometimes entire columns. Most of the failed trees suffered from a malady of tree anatomy called included bark. This structural defect occurs when the bark at the crotch folds inward, and interrupts the continuity of the fibers supporting the columns.

Good pruning can ameliorate many structural problems. Co-dominant stems (more than one column of roughly the same diameter) are more likely to fail than trees with a single leading column. Sometimes reducing one of the competing leaders can minimize the hazard. If column removal is not advisable for aesthetic or functional reasons, it is often possible to cable the multiple stems together. However, individual trees are so unstable that removal is the safest alternative. Whatever you do, do not top these trees. Topping a cedar will eventually produce many unstable columns multiplying the risk and, ultimately, the expense of keeping the tree. Preventative medicine is almost always less expensive and more effective than later surgery. If you plant an incense-cedar, choose nursery stock with only one trunk and no crotches with included bark. Remember that a seedling cedar can grow to over a hundred feet, and that tall trees may cause view concerns for yourself and your neighbors.

Calocedrus has graced the California landscape for almost 200 million years. With a little forethought and good pruning, the incense-cedar can continue to bless Bay Area gardens with the subtle fragrance of childhood. It takes a little effort to live at peace with this large California native, but its bounty of colors, shapes, and scents make that effort worthwhile.

If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at [email protected] for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial


Clip Notes By Jody MorganEvery tour at the Ruth Bancroft Garden takes a

different route, but each one I conduct pauses beside the Palo Verde tree in Bed 7. Green even in the direst drought, this desert denizen dresses its branches with glorious yellow blossoms in spring. The delicate foliage provides filtered shade. Most remarkable among the Palo Verde’s survival skills is its ability to drop all its leaves to conserve moisture, yet continue to photosyn-thesize utilizing chlorophyll in the green branches from whence it takes its name, which means “green stick.”

The talking point visitors are likeliest to remember, however, has little to do with the tree’s horticultural virtues. As witness for the prosecution, a Palo Verde was the first plant to provide DNA testimony at a murder trial.

While guiding a tour together several years ago, fellow docent Bud Ro-termund introduced me to the tale. The magazine Science ran an account of the investigation in the May 14, 1993 issue. In 1994, PBS aired the story as part of the Scientific American Frontiers series with Alan Alda narrating.

When the strangled body of a young woman was discovered outside of Phoenix, Charlie Norton became lead detective. A beeping pager at the scene focused his attention first on the subscriber Earl Bogan and then on his son Mark, who had been using it. Mark feigned delight at the recovery of the device. He claimed he had given a hitchhiker a ride, but she had tried to steal his wallet. He grabbed the wallet back before she ran away, carrying his pager with her.

Norton believed Bogan was prevaricating. Could he find sufficient evi-dence to establish guilt? The crime scene yielded neither footprints nor tire tracks, but the detective noticed a Palo Verde tree with a fresh cut in its bark. He picked up a few pods. Examination of the truck Bogan drove revealed no damage, but the truck bed contained some Palo Verde pods.

Asked by his superior officer if a DNA match could be made using the pods, Norton called 14 geneticists who considered the task totally impracti-cal before reaching Tim Helentjaris, Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Helentiaris was not optimistic, but he was intrigued. He casually commented that the chance of conclusively matching a pod to the parent tree was a million in one. Many plant species are so ge-netically uniform that individuals are not distinguishable by DNA markers.

A posse was dispatched to bring in pods from trees in the Phoenix area. Samples collected from 38 Palo Verdes showed each to have a profile as distinct as a fingerprint. The pods in Bogan’s truck matched exactly the gouged Palo Verde at the site where the body was found. For the first time, DNA evidence from a plant was presented in a criminal trial. On May 27th, 1993, Mark Bogan was convicted of first-degree murder.

Indigenous to the deserts of the southwestern US and Mexico, several spe-cies of Palo Verdes provide shade essential to the development of seedlings of other drought-tolerant plants including the Saguaro Cactus. Native people ground the seeds for flour, boiled the pods to eat with meat, strung the seeds for necklaces, and produced red dye from the flowers.

Arizona designated the Palo Verde as its official state tree in 1954. The Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida) and the Yellow Palo Verde (Parkin-sonia microphylla) are native to the Sonoran Desert. The tree in Bed 7 at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata), is native from central Texas to northern South America. All three species share similar traits, but the Mexican Palo Verde is especially spiny. All grow in full sun and require well-drained soil.

Nature has no laws prohibiting cross-pollination by horticultural kissing cousins. Studying Palo Verde seedlings at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson in the early 1970s, Mark Dimmit discovered a spineless specimen with the best characteristics of each the three species listed above. Careful testing indicated all three had contributed to its genetic composition. By 1981, this remarkable hybrid was ready for release as Parkinsonia ‘Desert Museum.’

‘Desert Museum’ blooms from early spring to early summer and may re-bloom during the summer if given supplemental water. The flowers are larger than those of the three straight species. ‘Desert Museum’ can tolerate tempera-tures as low as 15oF. The branching habit is upright. Growth up to 20-30 feet is rapid, but pruning will keep ‘Desert Museum’ sized to fit your landscape.

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Reducing Waste: What you Buy Speaks to your Conservation PrioritiesBy Lois Courchaine, Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority

As a society, we are becoming more and more aware of our dwindling natural resources and the increasingly important role resource recovery and recycling play. But how much does each of us really do every day to make sure we are part of the solution and not the problem?

An easy way to start is by just being aware of what you're doing or not doing with the things you buy, use and then discard. Here are some things for you to consider.

• Let Your Dollars Do the Talking: What you purchase (or don't purchase) speaks volumes about your priorities. Being more conscious about what you put in your shopping cart is really where the rubber meets the road. If we don't take the time to look at labels or pay attention to packaging, we send a signal to the marketplace that the status quo is just fine, and we are settling for less than we deserve (e.g. healthy food and a cleaner environment).

• Know the Rules of Recycling: We’ve all been there. You can’t remember if your empty container is recyclable, and you just don't have the patience to look for that recy-clables list. What to do? If the container is made of paper or metal, chances are it goes into your burgundy recycling cart. If it’s plastic, turn it over and look for the triangular recycling symbol with a number. If the number is 1-5, then it’s recyclable.

And what about packaging that is made from various materials, like kids’ juice boxes? Rule of thumb: When in doubt, recycle it.

• Bag the Bag: Plastic bags may be convenient, but they contribute to litter issues and ultimately marine pollution. Most of us have a stockpile of reusable bags in our garage or car, but we can’t remember to use them. If you are com-mitted to using fewer plastic bags this year, you should try:

• Writing a reminder at the top of your shopping list • Leaving your reusable bags on the passenger

seat of your car • Carrying bags that fit in your pocket or purse.

If you only have a few items, you can forgo a bag alto-gether. Remember: You can’t put plastic bags into your recycling container; they need to go back to the retailer.

• Take the “3 R’s” to Work: Sure, you're recycling at home but why not take that same routine to work? If

See Waste continued on page 30


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Kiwanis Club is Taking Applications for the 2014 Danville 4th of July Parade

The organizers of the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Fourth of July Parade in Danville are now accepting parade applications thru June 23, 12AM. The theme of the 2014 Parade will be “Celebrating Our American Freedom.” Sign up now at www.Kiwanis-SRV.org for your parade entry. The parade will start at 9AM. Mark your calendars!

Sponsorships for the 2014 Parade are still available and are a great way to publicize your business and support the local com-munity. Kiwanis donates 100% of the net proceeds of the sponsorships to local com-munity non-profits through the SRV Kiwanis Foundation Grants program.

Organizers are proud to announce that there will be two Grand Marshals this year.

• Art Gaskin, a local WWII Vet, who was an armored officer with the Second and Thirteenth Armored Division during WWII. He also served in the armies of occupation in both Germany and Japan.

• Noah Bailey, a SPC with the 173rd Air-borne Brigade in a Scout Sniper platoon as a designated marksman and gunner in Afghanistan. He was severely injured when the vehicle he was in took a direct hit from an IED.

About 125 entries in 15 different cat-egories are expected. Parade categories are Parade Theme, Animal, Auto Special Inter-est or Antique, Band, Church, Community Service, Dance/Theatrical, Float, Marching Unit, Neighborhood/HOA, Novelty-Comic Group, Retail Business, Scout Unit, Service Business, and Sports Team. Parade winners will be posted in the newspaper and online. Every participant will receive a ribbon with club info, the theme, and the date.

The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade is an incredible event which typically at-tracts between 35,000 and 40,000 attendees, including local community residents as well as friends and family from areas far beyond Danville. Some folks describe the parade as something from “The Music Man,” and others say it’s simply the last vestiges of small town America.

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley is a community service club comprised of local business leaders and community residents who enjoy sharing good fellowship, building enduring friendships, and helping local organizations and individuals with community service projects and grant funding. For information on membership or how to be involved, please email [email protected] or visit www.kiwanis-srv.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at noon on Thursdays at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Please join the club for lunch, and find out more about the organization

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. More than 600,000 Kiwanis family members in 96 countries make their mark by responding to the needs of their communities and pooling their resources to address worldwide issues. Through these efforts, Kiwanis International truly is “Serving the Children of the World.”

Contra Costa Cribbage Club15-two, 15-four, a pair for six and a run of three make nine. Hearing this

gibberish while seeing two opponents, a deck of cards and a slab of wood that looks like it was attacked by a crazed, but linear minded woodpecker, can only mean one thing. The game is cribbage, a two-person card game dating back to its inception in England during the early 1630s.

The Contra Costa Cribbage Club (CCCC) is one of 188 active Grass Roots clubs across the country. Club director Adrian Levy learned the game when he was 10-years old from his British father. Decades later, he’s still happy to play the game and offer it to others. “Cribbage is a game of probability and psychol-ogy, much like poker. But most of all, it’s a fun social game for people of all backgrounds and ages,” says Levy.

The members of the CCCC can be found every Wednesday evening at 6pm “salting the crib” and avoiding the dreaded “skunk.” They play a nine-game format. The CCCC offers cribbage aficionados a chance to play this great game at an affordable price, too. Members pay a $1 entry fee to the club. Optional pools are paid out to the top 25% of the participants, as well as the high hand. The Club meets at the offices of Dudum Real Estate, 1910 Suite100, Walnut Creek. Visitors are welcome.

For further information, call Adrian Levy at 925-899-1928.


Cook continued from front page

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Pictured below in white is Patt, AWC liaison Peggy Fleming to the right of Patt, and counselors from Youth Homes who come with youth to supervise the lesson.

on accessible grocers, such as the dollar stores and grocery outlets.

Many basics are taught. The students may take frozen vegetables and learn to incorporate them into a pasta meal. In another class students will learn to make three dishes from a pound of hamburger: Sloppy Joe’s, enchiladas, and meatloaf. They may focus on cooking staples such as starches using mashed potatoes, rice, and pasta. Many students work with ingredients or techniques foreign to them, such as artichokes or peel-ing fresh vegetables.

Beginning with basic knowledge of the differences between fresh, frozen and canned foods, Patt uses her skills to give this opportunity to students with very lim-ited circumstances and resources. She strongly believes that teaching any child to use their hands, particularly in cooking, gives them a platform for success that can be parleyed into other areas. Patt feels when students realize they are competent in cooking they can then build on that success in other areas of their lives.

Many of the kids involved in the cooking program have had 10 to 12 home placements in their lives, lots of turmoil, and hard knocks. Some of the students come to the class and refuse to do anything. Patt’s response, “That’s fine! This isn’t school so you’re welcome to just watch.” Students come around as Patt’s relaxed and fun methodology eventually pulls them in. One story Patt tells is about a student who was determined not to participate but then began to stir a pot and eventually suggested how to modify a recipe! In another lesson a previously sullen “watcher” said that although she ‘hated’ cooking, she was having a good time - since then she has been a regular in Patt’s program. These success-ful classes will help these youth as they emancipate, find jobs, and have a place of their own.

Patt believes each student’s cooking experience may be one of the few times they have had a successful outcome. She finds that the children are truly surprised and often can’t believe they made something they enjoy eating. Patt said, “You can tell they’re proud of what they create when cell phone pictures are being taken of each dish!”

This has been a highly successful program that the AWC is pleased to sponsor for Youth Homes. AWC knows there are many ways to help a community, but for a hands-on experience that meets an immediate need, Patt Larkin’s “How to Cook and Make a Meal” classes have surpassed everyone’s expectations.

San Ramon Valley Genealogical SocietyThe San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society was formed in 1985 and

now has over 170 members. The group meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except in August and December. The group gathers at the Danville Family History Center located at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo.

The speaker for the May 20th meeting is Kay Speaks wither her topic, “Passengers Lists and Annotations.” The June 17th meeting will feature Richard Ferman talking on “Pennsylvania Research.”

The group also conducts educational classes for its members and has various special interest groups.

Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc.org, or email [email protected].


Alamo - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the 11 most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers

away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter 2001. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Alamo Sheriff’s Station Staffed and Ready

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Station, located in the Alamo Shopping Center, is now staffed with volunteers to as-sist you Monday through Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 8am-12:30pm. When closed, citizens can use the outdoor red phone for all emergency and non-emergency calls.

For help or information, call (925) 646-6180 or visit the office at 150 Alamo Plaza #C.

Don’t be Afraid of Windows 8By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

Recently I was invited to speak to a large group of gentlemen in Wal-nut Creek. We covered a variety of topics, however there was one sub-ject which is beginning to be a com-

mon part of any computer discussion I’ve had lately. That is, “I need a new computer, but do I have to get Windows 8 with it? I’ve read reviews and they all said it’s terrible…” The Windows 8 situation is a very good example of what can happen when you have a great idea but don’t execute it very well. This month we’ll explore the issue, and I’ll give you a great tip you can use to make Windows 8 as tame as your Windows 7 or XP computer.

I respect Microsoft for their accomplishments just as I respect any successful company which has managed to be huge and prosperous like Xerox, Apple, and IBM. They are all great companies which have taken the market by storm at one point or another, and who have faced good times as well as bad. They all survive today because they employ smart people who figure out their problems and keep innovating, even when they make mistakes or the market doesn’t go their way. Sometimes, companies seem to succeed despite repeated missteps that sabotage their own success. Microsoft is in this category.

Do you remember the Windows Vista operating system? It was actually just the early version of the popular Windows 7 operating system, but Vista was released prematurely. It was slow and worked poorly. To make things worse, Microsoft “certified” it to work on under-powered com-puters to try to sell more units. Millions of computers were sold with insufficient processors and memory, and they ran very poorly as a result. The issue ensured that millions of people would have slow computers, and consumers held Microsoft responsible. It hurt Microsoft’s reputation, and millions of people switched over to computers running the Apple Mac operating system as a result. Apple rightly made out like a bandit.

Because of these missteps we’re perhaps a little too quick to believe the next negative piece of information we hear about Microsoft. Windows 8 is a target for that negativity because it introduced significant changes into the sacred “triangle of user experience.” The triangle of user experience is the keyboard, the mouse, and the display, which encompasses what you see and experience. If you impact what people interact with, you’re going to get some reaction, and that is exactly what the market did.

The two biggest things that bother people about Windows 8 are the “Metro” interface – the new way all of your programs are represented as multi-colored tiles, and navigating the “hot corners” to switch between the “Metro” tiles and the desktop that we’re familiar with. People get lost and frustrated because it’s not intuitive as to how to navigate the new environment. Consumers are so frustrated they don’t have time to appreciate how much faster and better their system runs.

The reason for the creation of the Metro interface is because Microsoft is unifying the “look and feel” of their product-line, including their telephones, their tablets, and their laptop and desktop operating system. The good news is that this “Metro” interface works very well on the phones, tablets, and laptops that have touchscreens. It’s very smooth and intuitive when you have a touchscreen, but it can be difficult if you don’t have one. That means every laptop and desktop sold which doesn’t have a touchscreen is potentially frustrating for the user. Not good.

Some software engineers recognized this problem and wrote a program they call “Classic Shell,” which is a program you can use to bring back the “Start Menu” button in the lower left corner of your screen. It works great as-downloaded, but is also very customizable if you want to change the way your menus work. It’s available at www.classicshell.net. If you or someone you know has been struggling with Windows 8, download this program, run it, then reboot the computer. It will change everything for the better. When your system reboots, it will again look like your old familiar Windows desktop. Just like that, you’re going to enjoy using your computer again. Try it out and let us know how it works. I think you’ll love it.

As you revel in how much more usable your computer is after installing Classic Shell, remember Portable CIO is your local resource to fix computers of all varieties, networks, and just about everything else electronic. Call 925-552-7953 or email [email protected] to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Advertorial

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San Ramon Valley Newcomers The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club is holding its

monthly luncheon on Thursday, June 19th at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore. This luncheon is open to current and prospective members in the San Ramon Valley Area. For further information or a reservation, please contact Dee Bradshaw at (925) 837-9600 or www.srvnc.com.

Diablo Singles Dance ClubDiablo Singles Dance Club holds a public dance the last

Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Shade-lands Art Center located at 111 N. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek. There is live music, refreshments, and free parking. The cost is $7 for members and $9 for non-members. For information, call (925) 837-2851.


Living Trusts – How Far Does Privacy Go? By Robert J. Silverman

One of the many benefits of a revocable Living Trust is substantial privacy. This is in sharp contrast to the court-supervised probate process that’s virtually guaranteed upon your death if you just have a Will, in which many private details about your assets, creditors, and close family members are open to the public.

In general, when you establish a Living Trust, you dictate who will play key roles on behalf of you and your loved ones, when those roles will commence, how your plan will be implemented, and to whom and when you disclose important estate planning information and give copies of key estate planning documents.

Some people incorrectly believe that you are required to have your Living Trust recorded or registered with some governmental agency. Fortunately, this is not true since your privacy would obviously be compromised if you needed to make your trust a public record. For the most part, you don’t need to disclose the terms of your Living Trust nor give a copy of it to anyone unless you choose to do so.

Of course, you may voluntarily communicate with loved ones about your Living Trust, and you may give third parties a copy of the document. However, since you may decide to make significant amendments to your Living Trust in the future, you should exercise caution about when and to whom you elect to provide such crucial, private details.

This broad privacy associated with Living Trusts is, however, trumped to a certain extent by a California Probate Code statute that requires that notification about a trust must be given by the trustee within 60 days after part or all of the trust becomes irrevocable. Recipients entitled to the notice include: a) those mentioned in the trust and b) “heirs” (i.e. closest of kin) of the person(s) who established the trust.

The notification must: i) state certain basic data about the trust and who is serving as the trustee (i.e. manager); ii) enclose a full copy of the trust or inform recipients that they may request a copy; and iii) state in certain minimum font size and in bold that any recipient who wishes to contest the trust must do so within 120 days of the notification or 60 days after the recipient receives a full and complete copy of the trust, whichever is later.

A common client question is: “When must I [or we] give a copy of our trust to our children [and/or other loved ones]?” Applying the above-referenced statute, if you are unmarried, the answer is when you die – because that’s when

your revocable Living Trust becomes irrevocable. If you are married and have a trust, the answer depends on how your trust is structured.

Those who are married and have a “streamlined” trust, under which all assets owned by both spouses are kept in the same trust pot after the first spouse dies (i.e. the surviving spouse owns and controls all the assets), have a trust which re-mains revocable during the surviving spouse’s life. As such, the above-referenced notification requirement is not triggered until the surviving spouse dies.

Alternatively, for those who are married and have an “A-B” trust (or other such trust under which “his” and “her” assets are allocated into two or more separate pots after the first spouse dies), the “B” trust – that sub-trust containing the deceased spouse’s assets - becomes irrevocable upon the death of the first spouse. So, with an A-B trust, the notification requirement is triggered at that time and may not be withheld or delayed until the surviving spouse dies.

As I’ve written about previously, a major Federal Estate Tax law change oc-curred in early 2013. One of the consequences of the new legislation is that most married couples no longer need an “A-B” Living Trusts for Estate Tax purposes. So, for this and other potentially compelling reasons, married couples would be wise to review their trust with an estate planning attorney to evaluate the pros and cons of restructuring it to the simpler “one pot” trust. A relevant consequence of converting to a simpler trust is that no notification requirement is triggered until after the surviving spouse dies.

Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 240, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474, [email protected], www.silvermanlaw.com.

* Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * BusinessThis article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and is not intended nor

should it be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein. Advertorial

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

Danville Community BandJoin us on Sunday, June 8th as the Dan-

ville Community Band presents a "Summer Vacation" performance. The band offers a selection of musical destinations for you to visit--from Zacatecas, to Rome, from the British Isles to Indiana--there is something for everyone. We will also announce the win-ner in the band's annual Student Instrument Scholarship Award. The free concert begins at

3pm at Community Pres-byterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado Road, Dan-ville. For more informa-tion about the band or its concert season, please visit www.danvilleband.org.

Singer, Songwriter Makky Kaylor To Perform

Backed by a trio of top musicians, a renowned Nash-ville vocalist will take his audience on a sentimental journey back to an era in music history when country was cool, smooth, classy and king! Join the Town of Danville in welcoming Makky Kaylor to the Village Theatre, at 233 Front Street, on June 19 at 7:30PM.

This special event will transport audience members through Nashville classics plus the award-winning songwriter’s own soon-to-be standards which are all presented with Makky’s renowned vocal stylings and his winsome southern charm. It is a wonderful, historic foundation of southern music with a fresh coat of paint applied by a gifted artist, Makky Kaylor, along with some of Nashville’s most elite musicians.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the lobby. Tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.villagetheatreshows.com or call (925) 314-3400.


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A Trust Made for MarriagesBrought to you by Peter WaldronIn conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor

One of the things that made the now iconic TV show The Brady Bunch stand out when it first hit the airwaves in the late 1960s was that it depicted what was, at least at the time, a very unusual family dynamic: a second marriage bringing together six children—three from each parent—under one roof.

These days it’s hard to imagine a show like The Brady Bunch even raising an eyebrow. Indeed, with upwards of half of all marriages ending in divorce, households full of brothers and sisters who don’t share the same biological parents are hardly out of the norm.

The increasing prevalence of this sort of mixed-family situation, whether due to divorce or the death of a spouse, poses some estate planning challenges. How, for instance, can you ensure that your children from a first marriage aren’t disinherited should you pass away and your second spouse remarry and start a new family?

One of the tools available to estate planning with these increasingly common, and complex, family situations is the Qualified Terminable Interest Property trust, or QTIP. A QTIP can be a powerful way to ensure that assets built up over a lifetime end up where you want.

When the assets are from a decedent and they’re transferred to a trust that is irrevocable on their death, the assets are generally protected from creditors and bankruptcies and second and third marriages. So it’s a way to help protect the surviving spouse, number one, and it’s also a way to protect the remaining chil-dren, so that the surviving spouse could remarry and not redirect the assets away from the decedent’s children.Securing Your Wishes

The way a QTIP accomplishes both of these important goals is fairly straight-forward. Sticking with The Brady Bunch analogy, here’s how the QTIP, which is a type of a marital trust, works: Let’s say Carol Brady, the mother, brought several million dollars with her into her marriage to Mike.

Taking the hypothetical case a bit further, assume that Carol wanted to ensure that, should she die first, not only would her widowed husband be taken care of, but also that her three daughters would ultimately inherit the bulk of her estate. One option would be for Carol to take advantage of the unlimited marital deduc-tion, which allows a husband or wife to pass their entire estate, no matter how large, to their spouse without getting hit by the estate tax—which, in 2014, kicks

in when assets total more than $5.34 million. It would be understandable if Carol was leery about handing over her estate

and its eventual disposition entirely to Mike; he had been married before, after all, and who knows what his future circumstances might hold? A QTIP trust would provide the perfect solution. When Carol dies, her assets would go into the QTIP, which she would have established as part of her will, and would generate income for Mike to take care of his living necessities. Upon Mike’s death, the remainder of the estate would then go to the three Brady girls, just as Carol wished. Estate Planning/Asset Protection and Tax Issues

While important, ensuring that children from a prior marriage get an inheri-tance isn’t the only reason to use a QTIP. Indeed, the core purpose of a marital trust like a QTIP is to provide support to the surviving spouse. Let’s take the case of a couple in which the surviving spouse— the wife—was a physician.

Understanding that in the reality of today’s world of medicine that the doc-tor, an OB-GYN, would always be threatened by the possibility of litigation, the couple drafted a QTIP trust. It was a move that ultimately eliminated what could have been a lot of anxiety after the doctor’s husband died and the husband’s as-sets were left to the wife in a QTIP trust.

Why? The doctor was named in a lawsuit against the hospital where she had worked. But no matter what had come of the litigation, the assets in the marital trust were protected from that kind of claim.

An equally important reason to utilize a QTIP is for the estate tax advantages it can provide. Because it’s a tax-deferral technique, it allows for the entire estate from the decedent’s spouse to be untaxed until the surviving spouse’s death.

Overall, a QTIP is an effective strategy for estate planning/asset protection, as well as deferment or reduction of estate taxes.

Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation at 925-659-0383 or [email protected].

Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offer investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. Advertorial

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Young Writers Contest Winners HonoredThe Young Writers Contest Award Winners will be honored at the next

meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, May 10 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

Special Guest speaker, Ellen Klages, will address the contest winners, members, and guests. Her topic is “Building a Story from the Ground Up.” She will talk about the process of writing: first drafts, developing characters, plot and structure, and how to get “unstuck.”

Ms. Klages is the award-winning author of the novels The Green Glass Sea and White Sands and Red Menace, and the story collection Portable Child-hoods. Sign-in is from 11AM to 11:30AM, with presentations and luncheon from 11:30AM to 2PM. Registration is $20 for CWC members and $25 for guests.

Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, May 7. Contact Robin Gigoux at [email protected] or by phone at (925) 933-9670. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation.

The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/.

www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 28 - May 2014 ~ May Today

By Roger Smith, PresidentPipeline Safety Information

California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Pipeline Safety Divi-sion coordinates with the Office of the State Fire Marshall (SFM) in regulating the safety of approximately 5,500 miles of intrastate hazardous liquid transportation pipelines and acts as an agent of the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety concern-ing the inspection of more than 2,000 miles of interstate pipelines. The SFM also maintains Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based maps of all regulated pipelines and have been named the state repository for pipeline data by the Na-tional Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS).

NPMS enables the user to view their data by County. NPMS data consists of gas transmission pipelines and hazardous liquid trunk lines. However, it does not include information on the connection lines to residences. To learn more, visit www.npms.phmsa.dot.cov/PublicViewer.

NPMS advises that their data is for information purposes and that anyone excavating needs to “contact 811” to verify locations before any digging occurs.

Additional information is available at http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/pipeline/pipeline.php www.osfm.fire.ca.gov/pipeline/pipeline_locationrequest.php. NOTE: This site has information on the Kinder Morgan Pipeline Walnut Creek accident site along Iron Horse Trail.

On January 3rd, 2012, the Pipeline Safety Act was approved and signed into law. It increases federal oversight of oil and gas pipelines. It provides for enhanced safety, reliability, and environmental protection in the transportation of energy products by pipeline. It increases fines to up to $200,000 per violation and up to $2 million for a series of violations. It requires pipeline operators to assist in investigations into accidents or incidents and provides separate penalties for “ob-struction” of investigations. It also removes the $2 million cap on civil penalties for administrative enforcement actions regarding pipeline safety.

Additional regulations provided by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to be

issued include status of shut-off valves, leak detection systems, and excess flow valves.Kinder Morgan is required to perform periodic physical checking of their

pipeline and to provide regular Integrity Measurement Analysis reports on the construction status of their pipeline to the California State Fire Marshall’s office.

The Federal Department of Transportation and the State Fire Marshall’s office have been contacted by our County’s Hazardous Materials Ombudsman and asked about these “Integrity Measurement Analysis” reports and their review status.

After a six month wait for a response from the State Fire Marshall, in March 2014, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, through their Transportation, Water and Infra-structure Sub-Committee (of which our Supervisor Candace Andersen is a member), now has made a written request of the State Fire Marshall to provide suitable informa-tion about their reviews of Kinder Morgan’s Integrity Measurement Analysis reports.

The State Fire Marshall’s response is expected during May and, if it is ready, will be reported on during the Sub-Committee’s next meeting held on the first Thursday of each month at 1PM in Martinez.

Due to the failure by the State’s Fire Marshall to respond for so long to the County’s original request, it is now of concern that the State Fire Marshall’s office may be negligent in their review process. Should Alamo residents be concerned about the frequency, the detail, and the objectivity of the State Fire Marshall’s review process?A Farmer’s Market for Alamo

Alamo residents having to travel to other communities to enjoy the benefits of a Farmer’s Market may soon be getting their own.

Bill Harlow of the Bay Area Farmer’s Market Association is leading the effort to make an Alamo Farmer’s Market a reality. Bill’s family has lived in our Alamo/Walnut Creek area since 1977. He has a genuine interest in the sustainability of small family farms, the “heart and soul” of California Agriculture, and the “Buy Fresh – Buy Local” movement that Alice Waters has supported and popularized. He has been the Manager of several Bay Area Farmer’s Markets including those in Alameda, Burl-ingame, and Cupertino and is enthusiastic, as are many Alamo residents, about the opportunity to have fresh produce from certified growers available to our community.AIA’s Annual Membership Drive

Now in its 59th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “Alamo - the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the AIA and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.”

As Board President, I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts during the last 59 years in making Alamo the wonderful community that it is today. Please watch for the AIA membership letter and form, and complete and return it to AIA at P.O. Box 156, Alamo, CA. 94507.

Please visit our website at www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo residents, membership forms, and more.

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Kiwanis Named 2014 Charity of the YearThe Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley was presented with the 2013 Chari-

table Organization the Year award by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce at its recent annual State of the Town and Community Awards luncheon. The local Kiwanis Club is most recognized for being the organizer of the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville, an event that they have been conducting since 1975. The parade draws over 40,000 spectators annually, and typically has about 125 entrants.

For the past 16 years, Kiwanis has been solicit-ing financial sponsors for the parade, and dedicating 100% of the net proceeds of the sponsorships to their grants program. Each year, the affiliated San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation conducts a competitive grants application program, and distributes an av-erage of $40,000 to 35-40 local non-profit groups. Since 1998, the Foundation has distributed over $600,000 in the Tri-Valley area to more than 70 worthy non-profits.

In addition to the parade and the grants pro-gram, the Kiwanis Club also performs numerous annual community service projects in the valley, sponsors Kiwanis Key Clubs at each of the four high schools, and also sponsors two Boy Scout, three Cub Scout Troops and a new Aktion Club for young adults living with disabilities. Kiwanis welcomes prospective members to attend a lun-cheon program at noon on Thursdays at Round Hill Country Club. For more information visit www.kiwanis-srv.org.


Hospice Volunteers Needed Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients

and their caregivers. Opportunities include: • Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling• Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy • Mobile Notaries to witness the signing of important documents• Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members

after their loved one has died • Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance To apply for free training, call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678

and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email [email protected]. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that

helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Skin CancerBy Dr. Jerome Potozkin

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness month. There are about 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed each year in the United States, making it the most com-mon form of cancer. Fortunately, it is also prevent-able. This year there will be about 132,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it can be lethal. However, the good news is that early diagnosis can

lead to complete cures. Surprisingly, melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 25-29. Approximately 75% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. While melanoma can be deadly, most patients that we see are diagnosed at an early and fully curable stage.

Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancers. These can appear as non-healing sores or crusted bumps. Some simply appear as a red patch that can be misdiagnosed as dry skin or eczema. The good news is that these skin cancers are much less likely to spread than melanoma.

Most skin cancers have a genetic component. The other key ingredient is sun and ultraviolet exposure such as that from tanning beds. In order to prevent skin cancer, I recommend an ounce of prevention. Do what you love but avoid the peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm. A good guideline, is that if your shadow is shorter than you are then you are out during the suns peak hours. Apply and reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Do not allow your skin to burn as sunburns can dramatically increase your risk of developing melanoma. Forget about going to tanning beds (spray on tans are fine). People who use tanning beds increase their risk of melanoma by 75%. Lastly, see a board certified dermatologist once a year for a full body skin check. It is often a good idea for you to check yourself once a month so that you will be able to notice if a mole or a spot is changing.

Many people have started to worry about getting enough vitamin D if they use sunscreen. The simple solution is to take a vitamin D supplement which is equally as effective as the vitamin D you get from sun exposure.

If you have any spots that you are concerned about or if you can’t remember the last time you were checked from head to toe by a board certified dermatolo-gist, please call my office now at 925-838-4900 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information. Advertorial

Group Helps People Cope with Death of Pets When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death

of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief.

Hospice of the East Bay and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of each month from noon - 1:30PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.

For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at Hospice of the East Bay (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration is required.

Hospice of the East Bay Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

Alamo First in County to Detect West Nile Virus ActivityBy Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District

The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is reporting an America crow found near Danville Boulevard and Camille Avenue in Alamo tested positive for West Nile virus.

“This bird is one of the earliest signs of West Nile virus we’ve had in a season in the county to date,” said the District's Scientific Program Manager Steve Schutz, Ph.D. “Unfortunately, the earlier West Nile virus is detected, the earlier we may see human cases.”

According to Schutz, it’s “no big surprise” that the virus is already here. Signs of an early season include an unusually warm winter that allowed mosquitoes to thrive. They are out early this year and District mosquito inspectors are already treating mosquitoes sources -- a month earlier than usual. To hone in on where to concentrate their control efforts, the District needs the public’s assistance.

“The public’s dead bird reports to the state hotline are crucial for us to understand where to concentrate our mosquito control efforts and to reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission,” said Schutz.

Birds are the reservoir for West Nile virus. The two species of mosqui-toes in Contra Costa County capable of transmitting the virus prefer to feed on birds; however, people can become infected when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then a person. West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can last only a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. West Nile virus of the severe form can be fatal.

Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:

Report dead birds to the state hotline 1-877-WNV-BIRD (1-877-968-2473) or www.westnile.ca.gov.

To help protect yourself:• Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can’t begin their life without water.•Defend against mosquito bites by using repellents containing DEET,

Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.• Report neglected swimming pools by calling 925-771-6195 or visiting

www.ContraCostaMosquito.com. Anonymous calls are accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

Since 2005, 49 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Recent studies have shown that the majority of cases are not diagnosed and grossly under reported.

Visit the District’s website at www.contracostamosquito for current in-formation about West Nile virus activity or to receive automatic emails for when the District fogs for adult mosquitoes.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District is an independent special district and public health agency. They are located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195 or visit their office between 8am and 4:30pm to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs, or neglected swimming pools.

Hearing Loss Association Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association

of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted. An assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact [email protected] or (925) 264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org for more information.


Is Food a Problem for You? Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through

shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.

Your Personal Nutritionist Lose Weight Forever the Right Way and Only Way By Linda Michaelis RD,MS

Lately, I’ve been seeing many clients who are ca-sualties of the latest quick weight loss schemes such as Ideal Protein, Paleo, Cambiati Cleanse, and John Muir’s Fasting Program. As I commonly hear, my client Jim told me he lost 40 pounds in six weeks on Ideal Protein and

was very happy about it but did not feel well throughout the time he was on the program, often felt food deprived, and did not have the energy to exercise. As I see in almost all these programs, Jim gained back the 40 pounds he lost plus more. I feel that it is my job as a Registered Dietitian to educate my community, where people have sophisticated tastes and enjoyment of the good things in life, to help them achieve their weight loss goals and keep those pounds off forever.

The story has not changed with fasting programs. Your body gets used to a regimen of 800 calories a day, and then when you get off the fast and eat 1,500 calories a day, the weight comes back - plus more. Unfortunately, these programs have a major downside because they do a very poor maintenance job – people are confused as what to do after the initial weight is lost. I tell the post-fasting people who find me that I am adamant about them exercising at a high level twice a day and eating meals close to the time after they exercise so that their food will be burned off more rapidly.

The best of the new fads is the Paleo Diet since it includes fruits, veggies, and nuts and eliminates all processed foods that tend to have ingredients which do not provide much nutritional benefit such as excess fat, sugar, salt, and preservatives. The negative side of this diet is that it does not allow for whole grains, potatoes, and legumes that are important sources of B vitamins for energy, or dairy that contains calcium, which many people lack in their diet, for bone health. The big failure of these diets is that they rigidly restrict eating for enjoyment which leads to cravings that cause binging that can often lead to low self esteem and a sense of defeat. When I hear about their experiences on these crazy fad diets, I only wish my new clients had seen me first to save time, energy, and money so I could put them on the road for permanent weight loss.

I was very overweight as a young person, and only through quality nutrition education was I able to finally lose the weight permanently. To this day I know my method is the only effective way to achieve weight loss forever.

When I work with a new client, I take a lot of time to look at their home and work life to understand how food, restaurants, and social life play a role in their life. Everyone is different with their own unique triggers for eating the wrong things. I know that taking an individualized approach is the essence of my success with people. Whether they are sophisticated foodies, overindulge due to emotions, or are plain

uneducated about nutrition, I work with each person to establish a day-to-day meal plan right for them. It is an exciting challenge for me to do whatever it takes to make my client successful with weight loss. I will often visit my client’s home and evalu-ate their present food shopping habits, go food shopping with them at their favorite store, discuss and help them decide on restaurant choices, and be there for motivation and support to help create successful days or encourage them to keep going when they fall apart from binges or when they hit plateaus. If my client wants to have their martini and a glass of wine for dinner, I show them how. If they want to have pizza every Friday night with the kids, I show them how. If they don’t want to give up the desserts they love, I show them how. For example, I show them how to avoid sweets on an empty stomach or in between meals where the result is usually feeling tired, dehydrated, and brain dead. Instead I tell them to eat those delicious desserts after a meal when they can better control portion size. There is no need to deprive yourself of the foods you enjoy; you just need to consume them in the right way.

You can learn, once and for all, how to enjoy your favorite foods and not make them the enemy while permanently achieving your weight goals.

Linda has found that she is most successful when she interacts with her clients, often daily, to help them navigate their way through their food world. Each phone call spans across client meals from the previous day through the following day. The phone calls enable clients to receive just enough nutrition information to take them forward to the next day. Linda is very excited tell you how this method has proven to be very successful for weight loss. Linda’s services are often covered by health insurance. Please feel free to call Linda at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail her at [email protected], and tell her about your nutrition concerns. Refer to website www.LindaRD.com for past articles, recipes, and nutrition tips in her blog section. Advertorial

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

Waste continued from page 22your workplace is already recycling, make sure they're doing it right. If not, why not send out a friendly reminder about why and what to recycle? While you're at it, is your office using recycled content copy paper? What about reusable cups, plates, and cutlery?

The most important thing of all? Know that you are not the only person affected by your actions. Your family, community, and the planet are count-ing on you to care enough to make an extra effort.

Contact Lois Courchaine at [email protected] for more info on recycling.

Death Cafe in Danville...Are you Curious?

Are you curious about what others think about death and dying? Do you have concerns or feelings about your own death?

Death Cafe is an international movement, started in Europe, dedicated to taking death out of the closet and discussing it publicly to increase awareness of death with a view to help people make the most of their (finite) lives.

Death Café is NOT a support group, a counseling session, or a workshop!

Death Café is simply people coming together in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, sipping tea or coffee, munching treats and sharing a respect-ful, engaging, thought provoking and life affirming conversation.

Join in or just listen at the upcoming gathering on May 15th from 6-8PM at the Chapel of San Ramon Valley, located at 825 Hartz Way in Danville. The evening is free. Please RSVP to Alan Vengel, who is a consultant, author, and professional facilitator, at 925-837-0148.


hollowing, and recessed nasal folds.Volume: The overall volume of the face is reduced and temples begin to hol-

low. The rounded curves and heart shape of the upper face volume give way to a more squared look as volume is both lost and “moves south.”

Support: The ligaments of the face, superficial muscular aponeurotic system fascia beneath the skin, and deep layers of the skin sag with age. This can cause heavy eyes, tear troughs, sagging cheeks, nasal folds, marionette lines, jowls, and extra neck skin.

Stress Expressions: These include forehead creases, glabella 11 lines, crow’s feet, bunny nose, smokers lines, and downturn of the mouth. A bal-anced approach in addressing these issues is key.

Skin: Pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, red spots, scars, and laxity. These signs of ageing are especially noticeable around the eyes and mouth.

To start the process of facial rejuvenation, I examine the patients face. I immedi-ately see what procedures will create or recreate the beautiful normal that they desire.

Many of you know I am the poster child for facial surgery. At 25 I was hit by a semi-truck whose driver had a seizure from drinking and not taking his seizure medication. After 18 surgeries, bone grafts, implants, titanium plates, and screws, I still work on the five elements every year. I want the beautiful normal. I have personal experience with the products I use on my patients.

I value my plastic surgeon’s expertise and know my face is worth it. Many of my pa-tients have wasted tens of thousands of dollars on therapies that simply do not work. When a modality actually works, I will add it to my other modalities and promote it like crazy.

When I see you, I will be honest about what will make the most significant and excellent improvement in your face over time, with the least risk, and within your budget. I will make sure you are within your comfort zone, doing what I do best, which is to perform surgery and procedures. Using my hands, my heart, and my artistic sense, our private surgery center in Lafayette is one of my most perfect places on this earth where I can make a real positive difference in your life.

Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. is located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. To con-tact me call 925-283-4012 or email [email protected]. Advertorial

Five Elements for Facial RejuvenationBy Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.

I was in the checkout line at a local drugstore when a gal next to me was talking on the phone. She said, “My sister needs a facelift and a laser peel.” She then looked over at me and we both started laughing…see-ing me in scrubs with my John Muir Hospital badge saying Barbara L. Persons, MD, Plastic Surgeon.

We went on to laugh some more and also to talk about the basic concepts of facial rejuvenation while checking out.

You simply would not believe how many men and women around you have had facial rejuvenation surgery. When facial rejuvenation is done correctly, no one will ever know. This is not your great grandmother’s wind swept look or the slick advertisements of a style that does not last and has many complications.

My patients seek the five elements of facial rejuvenation intuitively without knowing the terms. They seek improvement not out of vanity or because they want to look 22 again. They want to be perceived as naturally vibrant, happy, confident, and whole. As a natural Healer and Hypnotherapist who came to me for eyelid rejuvenation said, “Our bodies are the vessels through which we project our personalities.” It is okay to want to look better. Today, however, in my opinion, we are at times using fillers and Botox, facials, and light therapies because we are afraid to go ahead and fix issues with minor surgery.

There are five elements that come together to create a youthful face (with naturally balanced bone structure and volume, skin and fat in the right position, no sun damage, and minimal scarring), fix a broken face, or create the beautiful face the patient envisions.

The five elements are structure, volume, support, stress expressions, and skin.Structure: The temples, cheeks, chin, and nose should form a pleasant

balance. We lose bone volume with age, especially in women, which can lead to a weak jaw line, loss of cheek projection, sad looking eyes, temporal

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and Josh to join him on a Wheelchair Founda-tion distribution trip, “the Three Amigos” have made 23 distribution trips to 14 Latin Ameri-can countries, delivering 72,000 wheelchairs. Asked to identify his favorite trip, Josh insists: “All of them!” His father, Don, concurs. Each trip is different, every journey life changing.

Josh demonstrates to wheelchair recipients that their personal goals are achievable. Doc-tors predicted Josh, born with Cerebral Palsy, would be a quadriplegic incapable of speech. At 3 ½, he spoke his first word: “Soup!” His indefatigable spirit continues to feed his father’s dedication. A graduate of San Ramon Valley High School, Josh relies on a wheelchair for mobility. Now 35, he lives independently, drives his own car to work, and has multiple sports accomplishments to his credit.

In Paraguay, From-the-Heart delivered a wheelchair to another Josh. See-ing his own son in the four-year old also coping with Cerebral Palsy, Don translated his parental experience into a message of hope for the mother. Recalling how grateful he would have been for the advice of a mentor, Don happily shares his experience, encouraging caregivers to believe in the pos-sibility that their charges will be, like Josh, successful adults.

In spring 2012, Don Routh presented the concept of a schools program to Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi. Ahmadi immediately recognized the value. “The potential of this endeavor as a true service learning project was incredible, and it was obvious that the impact to all involved would be profound,” she comments. “The project al-lows our students to learn and apply their knowledge while serving others globally.” Six PUSD elementary schools participated the following academic year. Six teachers joined a wheelchair distribution tour that summer and all came back as zealous advocates of the program.

Ability continued from front page

The San Ramon Valley Uni-fied School District (SRVUSD) recommended the project to all of its schools for 2013-2014, as did PUSD. Over the course of four months from late spring through summer, Don worked with Special Needs Parents and SRVUSD pro-fessionals to enhance the existing Ability Awareness curriculum to include lesson plans for all grades addressing physical, intellectual and developmental issues.

Terry Koehne, SRVUSD Com-munications Director, gladly ac-cepted the task of promoting the pro-gram with district principals. “Don is amazing – he provides every ounce of support a school needs, including back-ground information, monthly newslet-

Wheelchairs delivered to Costa Rica and Honduras this summer will carry the SRVUSD or PUSD logo, connecting donors and recipients.

See Ability continued on page 32


Ability continued from page 31ters and updates, and makes himself available to do presentations for any group that needs it.” Support materials include a 17-page booklist, movie sugges-tions featuring characters coping with disability, fun ways to try wheelchairs,

and fundrais-i n g i d e a s . P r o u d t h a t the fundrais-ing aspect of the program will provide hundreds of wheelchairs to people who lack mobility, Koehne notes, “ P r o v i d i n g students with real opportu-nities to ex-perience the issue them-selves gives more mean-i n g t o t h e fundra is ing component , and inspires them to get even more in-volved.”

S t u d e n t s and faculty members find

Don Routh’s presentation riveting. He opens by explaining: “There are more than 100 million people with physical disabilities worldwide who are in need of a wheelchair. Thirty million of these are children, and 90% of them do not go to school.” Lacking mobility, they have no access to education and often no social interaction with other children. Sometimes they have to crawl to reach basic items beyond their reach.

Montair Elementary School ran the project in October/November, embedding the program in all aspects of academics. Coin-counting sup-ported math, writing persuasive letters to the business community underscored language les-sons, and walking into Danville to speak to lo-cal business leaders bolstered oral presentation skills. Dennis Simkin, Vice President, Manager recalls the day the students came to J. Rockcliff. “I was in awe of how professional and cute they were.” Simkin estimates that 30 or 40 people came out to hear their presentation.

Taking turns, students participated in a wheelchair basketball game. When one student finally managed to score, the crowd erupted in cheers. Elizabeth Campos spent part of a day teaching in a wheelchair and found maneuvering around her classroom a major challenge. Months later, in February, another school activity high-lighted how much the project affected students. Campos wrote: “At Montair this week we are participating in a No-Name-Calling Week, and as Leadership was discussing ways to promote

8 year-old Alejandro's grandmother carried him to receive his first wheelchair, delivered by From-the-Heart in March.

this, a few students brought up the fact that they actually think name-calling has decreased at school since Ability Awareness and the Wheelchair Founda-tion project because kids learned to accept others for who they are, no matter what they look like or their abilities.”

Gale Ranch Middle School ran the program in February. Counselor Lori Olson volunteered to coordinate. The opportunity for a field trip to the Blackhawk Automotive Museum was a huge incentive for students, and they returned from meeting Wheelchair Foundation President David Behring even more committed to the cause. Blacktie provides field trip transportation and also stores and delivers the two sets of project wheelchairs.

Student reflections indicate how much Gale Ranch pupils learned spend-ing time in a wheelchair. One student commented, “Before this I had never really thought about being in a wheelchair, not being able to do things normal people could, and feeling like you are separated from everyone.” Friends treated them differently. Another student said, “I now know that people in a wheelchair just wanted to be treated the same way as everyone else.” The value of mobility was clearly recognized. A third student said, “When the founder, Don, came to our school, he said not to feel sorry for the people who have wheelchairs but for the people who don’t have one.”

San Ramon Valley High School and Monte Vista are holding Basketball Game Fundraisers showcasing their athletes competing against the nationally ranked BORP Warriors Wheelchair team. Local teams have volunteered to accept the challenge of playing in wheelchairs. Carly Lutz, SRVHS Lead-ership student reports that sign-ups for “Ride-in-a-Wheelchair for a Day” are filling up quickly. Janet Willford, SRVHS Leadership teacher, describes planned lunchtime activities: “a wheelchair relay race, wheelchair bowling, and a pep rally.”

Costa Rica and Honduras (getting Foundation donations for the first time) are slated to each receive a container of 280 wheelchairs at a cost of $42,000 per container. As of April 17th, $61,258.05 has been collected, with many schools about to commence the project. Teachers, parents, and older students accompanied by an adult have been invited to come on this sum-mer’s distributions trips. Ken Behring is awarding stipends of $2,000 toward travel costs to the elementary, middle, and high school achieving the highest per student donations.

Visit www.del-corazon.org for information or to donate.

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Knee Pain Management and PreventionBy Michelle Brown, Gumsaba Boot Camp

It is likely that at some point in our lives we will all experience knee pain. For many of us, knee is-sues were brought on by an acute injury from vigor-ous sports play. For others, knee pain comes in the form of an unwelcome mid-life surprise, a squeaky wheel we ignore until it becomes a chronic injury we have to deal with. The structural complexity of

the knee and the fact that it is an active weight-bearing joint makes it one of the most commonly injured joints in the human body. Regaining knee health without surgery will be a long road, but it is achievable in many cases. More and more, people are taking preventative measures to avoid invasive procedures that often require eventual knee joint replacement. Be warned, patience as well as persistent rehabilitative attention are required and well worth the effort!

The symptoms of knee pain can tell a lot about the cause of the pain. For example, pain on the sides of the knees below the knee cap may indicate that the hamstring muscles in back of the thigh are strained. If this issue is not addressed, the knee joint will destabilize, becoming misaligned and causing a variety of other issues that compound the problem. Tight hamstrings are common in many cultures like ours where sitting is the primary position. Regular movement out of the seated position, daily stretching, and myo-fascial release techniques can alleviate chronic tension of the hamstrings.

Knee swelling is fairly common with knee pain, and it can indicate a need for rest due to overuse or misuse. If swelling from an acute injury does not subside with three days rest, consult a physician or physical therapist. Gently stretching and rolling of the muscles around the knee can bring much needed relief. A trainer that is certified in myo-fascial release, like Trigger Point Therapy, can help you learn how to relieve acute or chronic joint pain with minimal equipment and effort. If you work out on your

own; whether its a long walk, tennis game, or weight training; make time for a solid warm up as well as extended stretching and rolling at the end of your workout. This measure alone is a huge part of injury prevention. Consider it a part of your workout...not an added bonus!

Added weight is one of the most common reasons for Osteoarthritis of the knee. For every pound of unneeded weight we lose, we take four pounds of pressure off our knees. Dropping that extra weight with a combination of exercise and a nutrient rich diet will definitely have a positive effect on knee health.

Acid producing foods such as processed sugar, heavily processed wheat products, alcohol, and caffeine can be culprits of ongoing knee pain and weight gain. Limiting and eventually eliminating foods that cause inflam-mation from our diets will not only help knee health, but our overall health and longevity. Recent studies show that anti inflammatory foods including Vitamin C rich fruits, foods with high levels of Omega 3, and herbs such as turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary, coriander, and ginger curb joint pain when added to a balanced diet.

Listen to your body. Balance exercise and rest. Preventative care is the key to longevity, and in many cases, surgery is not the best option. If you don’t know how to approach a preventative care program, contact a trusted local trainer or a wellness coach. Many of us offer a free first consultation, and, at the very least, we can point you in the right direction.

Michelle Brown is an ACE certified fitness professional, Kung Fu Black Belt, Level 2 TRX Functional Trainer, Certified Trigger Point Re-habilitation Therapist, a board member on the California Health Corps, blogger, public speaker, and owner of Gumsaba Outdoor Fitness. Michelle has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba has been voted best Boot Camp in the east bay by Diablo Magazine readers for two years running, and offers Co-ed, Womens Only and Mens Only and Teen outdoor fitness programs year round. Join Gumsaba for a FREE FITNESS CLASS. Visit our website at gumsaba.com to get started. Use promo code ALAMO to redeem your free week. For more information call (925) 683-5630. Advertorial


New Treatment for Advanced Prostate CancerBy Brian Hopkins, MD

A new treatment that effectively targets cancer cells is offering pain relief, improved quality-of-life, and extended survival time for men with late-stage prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.

This new cancer treatment, Xofigo (Radium-223 dichloride), is for patients with advanced-stage pros-tate cancer that has metastasized to the bones but not

other organs. Xofigo was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2013 for treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Diablo Valley Oncology’s cancer center in Pleasant Hill is among the first in the Bay Area to offer this new treatment.

Xofigo uses radiation to target cancer cells in bone tissue, while causing less damage to surrounding tissue than other types of radiation treatment. Its ability to chemically mimic calcium makes it especially effective in bone tissue.

“This drug has very low toxicity and has the potential to create comfort in men who are suffering, and it may even prolong their lives,” says Sachin Kamath, M.D., a Diablo Valley Oncology radiation oncologist. “It is an impor-tant drug — similar to other types of radiation treatment but more effective.”

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it is the second most common cause of cancer death in men. The New England Journal of Medicine published results of a study in July 2013 showing Xofigo significantly improved overall survival rates in men with advanced prostate cancer.

Dr. Hopkins is a urologist with Pacific Urology. He sub-specializes in cancer of the prostate, kidney and bladder. He also has extensive experience with reconstructive and minimally invasive surgeries. For more informa-tion or to schedule an appointment please visit www.pacificurology.com or call 925-937-7740. Advertorial

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Treatment Options By Sophia Rahman, MD

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Some form of skin cancer is diagnosed in more than three million people each year in the U.S. The vast majority of skin cancers (over 90%) are of the non-melanoma variety, with most being basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). While they have malignant potential, most BCC and

SCC are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body when caught early. They may be locally disfiguring if not treated. Because non-melanoma skin cancers rarely metastasize, the prognosis is generally very good. There are certain characteristics, however, that are linked with a higher risk of recur-rence or metastasis. Some of these high risk features are large tumor size, greater tumor depth, poorly defined tumor border, aggressive tumor growth pattern, tumor invasion near nerves or blood vessels, recurrent tumors, and tumor location in the head and neck region.

Treatment of most non-melanoma skin cancers depends on the size and location of the cancer, whether it is a BCC or SCC, patient age, and overall medical condition. Treatment of the majority of BCC and SCC most often involves surgery, but there are non-surgical approaches that may be considered in certain situations. With surgery, the goal is to destroy or remove the entire skin cancer with a margin of cancer-free tissue around the tumor.

There are different types of skin cancer surgery, and the choice of which to use depends in part on the characteristics and location of the tumor. Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized type of surgery for skin cancer and requires special expertise. The Mohs procedure removes the skin cancer one layer at a time, checking each layer for cancer cells, until it is completely cleared. The Mohs procedure removes the least amount of normal tissue and also has the highest published surgical cure rates for both primary and re-current skin cancers. Other common types of skin cancer surgery are simple excision and curettage with electrodesiccation. Simple excision involves the use of a scalpel to remove the skin cancer with a small margin of surrounding normal tissue. Curettage uses a spoon-shaped instrument (curette) to scrape off the skin cancer, and electrodesiccation uses an electric current to cauterize the edges to control bleeding and destroy any remaining tumor cells.

Common non-surgical options for BCC and SCC include cryotherapy, topical therapy, and radiotherapy. Cryotherapy is used to destroy a skin cancer by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. Topical skin cancer therapy in-volves application of medications like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or Aldara (im-iquimod) directly to the tumor on the skin. Radiotherapy for skin cancer is completely non-invasive and uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells by preventing them from growing and dividing. Common types of radiotherapy used to treat skin cancer include electron therapy, superficial or orthovoltage therapy, and brachytherapy. Like Mohs surgery, treatment with radiotherapy is very technical and, in order to optimize outcomes, requires expert involve-ment of a highly trained team of personnel, including radiation oncologist, radiation physicist/dosimetrist, and radiation therapist. Radiotherapy may be appropriate for older patients with wound-healing problems who cannot tolerate surgery or in cases where surgery may be difficult and/or disfiguring. Sometimes, radiotherapy is recommended after surgery to kill any residual cancer cells that may be hiding in the operated region.

When diagnosed in the early stages, the cure rates for BCC and SCC are very high (over 95%) with good cosmetic outcomes. Within the first five years after diagnosis of a non-melanoma skin cancer, between 30% and 50% of patients will develop another non-melanoma skin cancer. Patients who have had non-melanoma skin cancer are also at an increased risk for developing melanoma, which is known to be more aggressive and challenging to treat.

Dr. Rahman is a radiation oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. Lo-cated in the California Cancer and Research Institute at 400 Taylor Blvd in Pleasant Hill, the practice is home to the largest single site for cancer treatment in Contra Costa County. For more information call 925-825-8878 or visit our website at www.DVOHMG.com. Advertorial

Cancer Support CommunityThe following classes are held at Cancer Support Community, located

at 3276 McNutt Avenue in Walnut Creek. Classes are free of charge, but reservations are required. For information, call (925) 933-0107.Estate Planning Basics – Tuesday, May 13th ~ 6PM – 8PM

Learn the components of a good estate plan, what should be updated, things to look for, beneficiary reviews, and more. Understand gifting and estate planning strategies and how you can leave a legacy that can make a difference. With Tandall Thompson, JD, an attorney with Thompson Law offices and Julia Gordon, Relationship Manager at Schwab Charitable. For people with cancer and their caregivers.Return to Wellness Series – Tuesdays, June 10th - July 29th ~ 5:30PM – 7:30PM

This series focuses on survivorship practices that enhance quality of life and decrease risk of recurrence for people who have completed treatment. Includes group support along with nutrition instruction, incorporating exer-cise, and managing emotions. Facilitated by Anne Case, MFT. For people with cancer and their caregivers.


C L A S S I F I E D

Alamo Today ClassifiedsReach over 6,500 homes and businesses in Alamo & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Les-sons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 or [email protected]. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Lafayette Today” or “Danville Today News” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.

CONDO VACATION RENTAL Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. New luxury 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo on 4th fairway. Minimum 3 night stay. Contact Alamo owners for discounted rate. (925)381-7042, [email protected]

FOR RENTGOPHER AND MOLE REMOVAL : NUISANCE WILDLIFE CON-TROL Trapping No poison, safe for your family, pets and the ecosystem. I’m a licensed and insured state trapper; resolving human and animal con-flicts. Habitat modification, ( to make your home or property less desirable), exclusion barriers, (fencing, wire mesh or sheet metal to keep the animal/s out of your home or property), and trapping, (removing problem wild animals.) For more information visit www.trivalleytrapper.com. Call TRI VALLEY TRAPPER for a FREE phone consultation and estimate (925)765-4209.

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HEALTHNEW ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION TAI CHI CLASSES starting, call Linda Summers Pirkle at 925-820-8101 for meeting times.

GOT AN UGLY DECK? IS THERE SUN DAMAGE, DRY ROT, OR DINGINESS? Decks are subject to the same elements as your home resulting in mold, stains, mildew, moss, and structural failures. KDL CONSTRUC-TION helps maintain the integrity of your deck and the safety of your fam-ily. Proper maintenance enhances the longevity and beauty of your deck. Cleaning, repair, color restoration, and refinishing. Call for a free assessment. Ask about our OTHER SERVICES. KDL CONSTRUCTION Restoration-Remodel-Maintenance-Repairs CA License #989926. Call 510-590-2846.

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The Eye OpenerBy Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo OptometryWhy Do I Need to Get My Eyes Dilated?

As you can imagine, I get this question at the office on a daily basis. Most patients understand that having their eyes dilated is part of the comprehensive examina-tion, but they don’t always know the reasoning behind it. Therefore, patients are always trying to get out of doing it. The dilation is a very important (some would argue the most important) part of the exam, which helps

determine the status of your ocular and systemic health.The most valuable asset of the retina is that it is the only place in the body

where neural tissue (the optic nerve and retina) and blood vessels can be directly viewed without an invasive procedure. Trying to evaluate the retina through an undilated pupil is very difficult because as light is used to see into the eye, the pupil constricts to a pinhole. Looking through a very small aperture does not allow the entire retina to be viewed. The dilating drops will open up the pupil and will not allow it to constrict. Since the muscles within the eye control the focusing power of the eye and the opening and closing of the pupil in response to light levels, paralyzing these muscles is why patients will experience light sensitivity and poor reading for a few hours after the drops are instilled. The typical timing for the drops to wear off is between two and three hours.

A dilated examination can both diagnose and evaluate the progress of many systemic diseases; along with assuring the patient that the eyes and retina are healthy and free of any conditions. The main ocular conditions found during dila-tion include cataracts, diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal holes, tears, and detachments. Systemic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and heart and carotid artery disease can be diagnosed in the course of a dilated evaluation. For otherwise young and healthy patients, dilation should be done about every two years. For patients who are diabetic, have cataracts, have glaucoma, or are taking certain medications, dilation should be done annually at the minimum. For these patients, in addition to visiting your internist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, etc., an annual dilated examination should be conducted. Most physicians real-ize the importance of dilation and will require it of their patients. When these patients come into the office, a letter to the primary doctor will be sent to update him/her on the condition of the eyes.

When an eye professional needs to assess the health of the back portion of the eye, dilation is still the standard of care. There are new digital imaging sys-tems that take relatively good views of the retina. However, they are generally not able to reach the far periphery of the retina, and they are only able to give a two-dimensional view of the retina as viewed on a computer monitor. Dilation using an instrument called a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (BIO) allows the doctor to see all around the retina in three-dimensions. Keep in mind that although reading ability will be impaired for a few hours, distance vision remains the same. Light sensitivity might make it harder to see outdoors, but the actual vision does not change. Please bring your sunglasses with you to your exam; if you don’t own any, we have some shields that will help protect you from the sun.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our newly updated website at www.alamooptometry.com, and like us on our Alamo Optom-etry Facebook page. Advertorial

PARENTING WORKSHOP - Learn to find the peace and joy amidst the chaos. Saturday, May 17, 9:30-1:30 at The Lounge at Civic Park, Walnut Creek. You’ll learn how to respond and not react, have more effective discipline, and create greater connections with your child. Visit www.joreerose.com or call 925-212-2996 for more info or to register. Class taught by Joree Rosenblatt, MA.

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WOMEN’S LACROSSE GOALIE COACHING available June 25-Sep-tember 15. Eight years playing experience, has won College Club (WCLA) National Championship, All-League Team (WWLL), All-Tournament Team (WWLL/WCLA). Please contact Amy Corstorphine at [email protected] for more information.

LACROSSE GOALIE COACHING

Meals on WheelsSeniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and

Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighbor-hood since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.

Stroke Support GroupThe Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its May

meeting on Monday, May 12th in the Sequoia 1 Meeting Room at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus located at 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek from 7-8:30pm. The speaker will be Alayne Balke, from the Fall Prevention Program of Contra Costa County. After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors -- each group led by a trained professional. For further informa-tion about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.


People sitting out the market from 2011 until today have lost 26% in what might best be called “Rebound Appreciation.” These were gains due largely to the market over sell-ing to the down side and quickly returning to more normal levels. In “Alamo Average Dollars,” missing that initial rebound cost a fence sitter $279,000. Ouch!

To return to normal, Alamo average price will need to be $1,529,000 and square foot price for this class of home will need to exceed $504 per square foot. Those numbers were achieved between 2006 and 2007 and had very little to do with the massive sub-prime melt down that led to the financial crisis of 2008. At that time there were more than nine 4 bedroom homes on the market, interest rates were pushing 6%, fewer people were living in the East Bay, Alamo incomes were lower, and if I’m not mistaken, the dollar was worth more than it is today, so it’s not a huge leap of faith to think these numbers will be eclipsed in the not too distant future.

I am often asked the question, “When is the best time to buy or sell a home?” My usual answer to both questions is, “When the prices are moving up.” If you asked me that question today, my answer would be, “right now!”

Nancy and I have more than 1,100 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of pub-lication. You can add yourself to the list by sending me an email. I assure you no spam will follow.

Even if you are not thinking about putting your home on the market, you should know the value of your home. It’s probably worth more than you think and given the run up you may not be adequately insured. Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a free personal consulta-tion. Just call 925-989-6086 or send me an email [email protected]. It will be our pleasure to provide you with this service.


Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.

Beautiful 4 bedroom 4 bath 4200 sq. ft. home. We are representing the buyer.

$1,450,000

The picture is the view from the level back yard of this charming single story 3 bedroom home.

Call for details.

Updated 4 bedroom 3595 sq. foot home with 1.13 acre lot. Perfect for horses or a vineyard.

Call for details.

Spacious, luxurious, 4 bed 3 bath home, Chef’s kitchen,view lot, putting green

and spa. Call for details.

Amazing updated 4 bedroom single story has it all. Large level lot beautiful pool and pavilion.

Call for details.

Danville Single StoryDanville Executive Home

J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526

Auction Sale Diablo Creek Single Story

Alamo Oaks

Professionals YouCan Count On

The Combs Team

Nancy Joe

www.TheCombsTeam.com

®Call the Combs Team

925-989-6086

PENDING

4 bed 2-3 bath homes Sales AlamoYear $ Sq. Foot Avg. Price Size Sq. Ft.

2010 380$ 1,126,000$ 29642011 360$ 1,083,000$ 29802012 379$ 1,108,000$ 29232013 445$ 1,297,000$ 29142014 456$ 1,362,000$ 2986

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Alamo Real Estate Market: Prices Continue RisingAs a reality check, at least once during the calendar year, I like to look at the market for 4 bed-

room 2-3 bath homes, since the majority of Alamo properties fall into this segment. It makes sense to view this grouping of Alamo homes apart from everything else as I believe it provides the least cloudy view of the Alamo Real Estate Market, free from the distortion of luxury homes and condos.

If you look at the attached chart you can see that the market bottom for Alamo was calendar year 2011 when average home prices dipped to $1,083,000 and square foot prices dove to $360 per square foot. That was indeed the true bottom for the Alamo Real Estate Market. It hasn’t stopped climbing up since then.

Last year, was a huge year for this segment of the market in Alamo. Square foot prices advanced from $379 per square foot to $445 per square foot, for an amazing 17% increase. The average home price climbed faster at about 19% to $1,297,000. As of this writing (April 21, 2014) the average square foot price is up 2.49% for the first third of the year and average price is up about 5% to $1,362,000.

Given we are coming into the strongest part of the selling season, it’s a reasonable guess the year will end with prices somewhere between 7% and 15% ahead of last year. Looking at the nine currently active properties in this category, they are carrying an average asking price of $477 per square foot and a list price of $1,513,000. One of these properties is our own listing with a square foot price of $521 and a list price of $1,875,000. It’s currently under contract and furthers the argu-ment for continued market strength.

Nearly every day I talk to someone, still sitting out the housing market rebound, whose question is, “When is it going to go back down again, so I can get in?” The assumption is that we are in another bubble and it will be bursting soon. My answer is, “I don’t think it’s going to burst, I don’t think

this is a bubble. The Alamo Real Estate Market is just now returning to normal.” Someday, yes of course, the market will correct again like it did in 1929 and again in 2008. I just don’t think it will happen again in my lifetime.

Coming Soon!

Documents

Alamo Today, May 2014