Danville Today News, June 2014

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The Gardens at Heather FarmBy Jody Morgan

More than a thousand roses bear blooming testimony to the success of the sustainable gardening principles practiced at the Gardens at Heather Farm (GHF). A Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Green Business, GHF is open free to the public daily during daylight hours. Although the 6-acre parcel that contains GHF remains the property of the City of Walnut Creek, GHF is a separate non-profit organization responsible not only for the design and maintenance of the gardens, but also for educating the public about preserva-tion and protection of the environment.

Visitors routinely ask docent Christy Wilson where the heather is. They are startled when she responds that heather doesn’t grow well in Walnut Creek. As a member of one of GHF’s founding families, the Howards, Wilson has lots of historical information to share. Heather Farm, she explains, is named

for Heather King, a champion stallion owned by John W. Marchbank who pur-chased Sulphur Springs Ranch in Walnut Creek in 1921 to breed thoroughbred race horses. Scenes for MGM’s 1931 release Sporting Blood, the first motion picture in which Clark Gable had a starring role, were filmed at Heather Farm.

Marchbank arrived in California around 1906 already in possession of a fortune made as miner and gambler. His subsequent efforts gave gambling and horseracing a measure of respectability. He played Santa Claus at Christmas, distributing food and funds to widows and orphans. During the Depression of the 1930s, he is reputed to have saved several homes from foreclosure. Marchbank died in 1947 at the age of 78. His Spanish-style house is preserved as the rectory of St. John Vianney Catholic Church.

Walnut Creek had only 447 residents when Marchbank established Heather Farm and a mere 2,420 in 1950. In 1951, the opening of 38 stores at the Broadway Shopping Center, Contra Costa’s first major retail center, initiated a steep increase in population. When Heather Farm Park officially opened on July 4, 1970, Walnut Creek boasted 39,844 inhabitants.

The concept of creating a garden center for community members to learn and practice horticulture was first suggested by John Chamberlain, a Parks

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See Gardens continued on page 24

See Fire continued on page 22

A goat herd has been brought in to keep tall grasses at bay and help with fire-suppression of local hillsides. Photo by Ted and Barbara Shapas.

Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Day ProgramThe Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley has four pillars for its platform: patriotism, youth activities, community service, and its national project child abuse prevention. The

Exchange Club has over 100 centers across the nation, providing families with information and counseling. Local chapters observed Child Abuse Prevention Day by providing families with helpful information ranging from behavior to computer security. Pictured above are local Exchange Club members and volunteers at the Club’s table at the Prevention Day event. Photo by Steve Mick.

Perfecting the magic of the roses Susan Penn and Ned Soares pause to enjoy the moment. Photo provided by the Gardens at Heather Farm.

Prepare for High Fire Danger By San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District

California is experiencing elevated fire conditions due to drought. San Ramon Valley Firefighters would like to remind residents that creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes is critical.

Firefighters urge property owners to not delay in preparing their family and home for wildfire. Take the following actions now:

• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures.• Properties over an acre may require fuel breaks around the perimeter.

Volume V - Number 8 3000F Danville Blvd. #117,

Alamo, CA 94507(925) 405-6397

Fax (925) 406-0547

Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publishereditor@

yourmonthlypaper.com

The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Danville Today News.

Danville Today News is not responsible for the content of any of

the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

www.yourmonthlypaper.comI accepted it as reality even though I fully should have known otherwise.

Movies and videos take us away to new and different places. With tools and technology shows can be created to form an illusion and replica of another place and another time.

Most LA film studios offer a behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities which are less amusement park and more a view of the actual production and support departments that are used. Recently I have toured both the Sony and Paramount Studios and learned a few tidbits.

To take a show on site to a filming location can oftentimes be very costly and complicated. Instead, studio lots can be morphed to become whatever the producer needs. At Paramount Studios a parking lot can be shut off, filled with water, and be filmed to represent an ocean. A sign outside a soundstage indicated both the Soul Train dance series and many scenes from Little House on the Prairie were produced in the same place. My childhood vision of the Little House on the Prarie Ingalls family living in Walnut Grove, Minnesota has been forever tarnished when I found out LA and a Hollywood set were where the family was actually hanging out.

To avoid copyright issues, 15-20% of a product or brand needs to be changed. Whereas our eye might see the familiar Visa, Mastercard, and American Express signs on a window of a business shown in a TV show, movie, or commercial, upon closer inspection they say, “Vista, Mestercard, and American Excess” with also some of the coloring and shapes slightly changed. What you think it is may not be what you saw at all.

Sounds are also often manipulated and recreated. When Rose in the movie Ti-tanic woke up, her frozen hair crackled as she began to move. In order to duplicate the sound, a Foley sound technician tore a lettuce leaf to simulate the actual noise.

In this age where you can easily buy “Likes” and positive reviews, where Photoshop can transform any image and you can cut and paste the face of one person on to the body of another and promote it as truth, it is important to trust what you see, hear, and read, but it is always a good idea to verify the information as well.

- June 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Boulevard ViewBy Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

A picture popped up in my Facebook newsfeed the other day. It was titled “Castle House Island in Dublin, Ireland.” It showed a seemingly far away remote island with a castle perched on top. At the time of my seeing it, the photo had received 322,000 “Likes” and 10,300 comments of Facebook with readers oohing and ahhing over how beautiful the place was and commenting that it was now on their bucket list of places to travel to and see.

However, as I read more, some of the comments also questioned the accuracy of the photo and indicated the place didn’t exist at all. A little digging and the truth came out. This was a “fantasy island.” The picture was a creation of someone’s masterful Photoshop skills - a combination of places on different sides of the globe. It was just all a grand illusion. I realized I had fallen in the artist’s trap like many others.

The photo has gone viral and has circulated for about two years. How many viewers of it still believe it is real? I often tend to believe without question, and I start to wonder how many times I have fallen for a hoax, a myth, a rumor, an urban legend, or a Hollywood filming trick.

A few months ago I went into an office. Upon looking around the room I saw sports memora-bilia on the wall, a desk, and a window reflecting a sunny day. The setting was serene and profes-sional. My daughter who was with me made a comment about how the window and setting behind it were fake. Upon closer inspection I noticed the framed window was backed by an illuminated picture with a plant in front. It was an amazing illusion. Of course if I had thought about the window it made sense. The office was in the middle of a large building, and upon reflection, when I walked into the building it was a misty twilight evening. The illusion that it was a sunny day had me fooled.

[email protected] Danville Today News ~ June 2014 -

Museum Volunteers Needed Looking to get involved in your 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 send an email to srvmuseum@

sbcglobal.net for additional information.

Danville Today News ~ August 2013 - Page 3

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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.

Dance the Night Away at the Danville Senior CenterEnjoy the spring evening in beautiful downtown Danville. D.J. Geri Foley

will play old and new tunes for adults 55 and over who wish to practice their tango, waltz, cha-cha, or two-step. Dancers are encouraged to wear their dancing shoes, or they may relax and listen to their old favorites.

The dance social will take place on Friday, June 6 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Danville Senior Center located at 115 E. Prospect Avenue, in the heart of downtown Danville. Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is recommended. The cost is $6 for residents, $7 for non-residents and $10 at the door. For more information or to register, please call the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3490.

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.

Alamo-Danville Newcomers ClubWe welcome those new to the area and long time resident to join us. Like

to play card games, read good books, wine taste, hike, or golf? Please contact us to learn about the Newcomers Club and the many activities we offer.

For further details call us at (925) 281-1307 or visit our website at www.al-amodanvillenewcomers.com or email us [email protected].

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

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

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

Parade categories are Parade Theme, Animal, Auto Special Interest or An-tique, Band, Church, Community Service, Dance/Theatrical, Float, Marching Unit, Neighborhood/HOA, Novelty-Comic Group, Retail Business, Scout Unit, Service Business, and Sports Team.

The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade is an incredible event which typically attracts between 35,000 and 40,000 attendees, including local com-munity residents as well as friends and family from areas far beyond Danville.

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

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Spend a Cool Summer Night with a Moonlight MovieThe Town of Danville welcomes back the free Moonlight Movies series

this summer as a way to show appreciation to the members of the community. Offering a mix of animated, live action, new run as well as classics, there is always something for every member of the family.

The five movie series, which will be held on the Town Green located at 400 Front Street, will kick off the second Friday in June. The following five movies will be shown throughout the summer:

• June 13 - The Croods • June 27 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty• July 18 - Independence Day • August 1 - Goonies• August 15 - RioCrafts and activities for children start at 6:30PM with the movie following at sunset.

Families are asked to bring a blanket and lawn chairs. Registration is not required. For more information, please call (925) 314-3400 or visit www.danville.ca.gov.

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

ticipate 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.

The June speaker will be Mr. Dan Franklin, a survivor of the Nor-mandy Invasion on June 6, 1944 and the recipient of the French Legion of Honor. He was 16 when he joined the Navy in 1942, and on D-Day his landing craft was charged with delivering soldiers and ammo to the bloody Omaha Beach. His presentation will incorporate first-hand experiences of what went on before that day, during the invasion, and the days following the landing.

Lunch begins at 11:30am, June 16th, at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. Guests are welcome and may make reservations by calling 925-322-1160 by Wednesday, June 11th. The cost for the luncheon is $15.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. Group activities include book discussions, bridge, comput-ers, fishing, golf, walking, investments, photography, poker, travel, and more fun things. For information about SIR activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org.

Father’s Day Car ShowEach Father’s Day the Blackhawk Automotive Museum located at 3700

Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville, and nearby Blackhawk Plaza host a Car Show for all dads to bring out and enjoy their favorite classic, collect-ible, rod, muscle, or special interest cars. This year’s event will take place on June 15th from 10AM - 2PM.

Drivers 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.

Singer, Songwriter Makky Kaylor Performs at Village Theatre

Backed by a trio of top musicians, a renowned Nashville 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 one day 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. Kaylor’s new album and live show, A Little Sentimental, celebrate the classic Nashville Sound of the 1950s and 1960s, but takes an invigorating, slightly sophisticated approach to country music, harkening back to a more romantic era in music. 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.

[email protected] Jeweled Life in Danville

Please join the Blackhawk Museum Guild for a hands-on journey through time beginning with the jewels and accoutrements of the 1910’s. Meet at Cottage Jewel Antiques, located at 100 W. Prospect Avenue in Danville, on Wednesday, June 11th at 10:30am for an informal “Q and A” about the life and artifacts from the turn of the century. Afterwards, we will stroll down Prospect Avenue for lunch at Father Nature’s Shed and a “show and tell” featuring women’s embellishments and accessories. Decade by decade you will see original period pieces, learn how they were worn then, and receive tips on adapting them for today’s fashions.

Award winning Cottage Jewel boutique owner, Marcia Harmon, will share her knowledge and inspiring perspective on wearing jewelry as a communication tool through the years.

If you are interested in this “Field Trip,” please e-mail Dee at [email protected] or call Dee at (925) 820-1432.

Danville Today News ~ June 2014 -

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Rattlesnake Safety for DogsRattlesnakes are a well-known reality of the desert environment. Accord-

ing to biologists and wildlife officials, rattlesnake numbers and encounters are going to be at an all time high this year due to the dry winter and warm temperatures. Most people have the sense to avoid rattlesnakes if they come across one, but a dog’s natural curiosity puts them at great risk of receiving a potentially deadly venomous bite.

GetRattled - Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for Dogs is holding a train-ing clinic for the Mt. Diablo area at Oak Hill Park, located at 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville on Sunday June 8th, from 8am - 4pm with sessions lasting 20-30 minutes. Proceeds will benefit host organization Walnut Creek Aquanuts Synchronized Swim Team. For a small training fee, people will get the extra assurance and peace of mind that their dogs will avoid dangerous rattlesnake encounters, while protecting the dogs and their families from suffering the tragedy of a rattlesnake bite.

Not only does GetRattled train dogs, but it also aims to educate the public, providing professional information along with a Live Rattlesnake display. Also shown are commonly mistaken harmless snakes, which are often on-hand at events and available to touch and hold for people open to the experience as well as those brave enough.

For more information, contact 775-234-8844 or [email protected].

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, June 18th. 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.Second Annual Alamo Run

The 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.


Lost Dog!

Danville Dog is MissingHe has become lost in this paper!

Juli and Dave Siegfried are our winners!

If you find him and your name is drawn!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to:

Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507

$50 REWARD

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

Community Band presents a "Summer Vaca-tion" 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 winner in the band's annual Student Instrument Scholarship Award. The free concert begins at 3pm at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado Road, Danville. For more information about the band or its concert season, please visit www.danvilleband.org.

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A Fine Summer Tradition of Concerts in the Park By Supervisor Candace Andersen, Contra Costa District 2

With the arrival of summer comes one of my fa-vorite activities to enjoy in District 2 - the Summer Concert series that so many of our communities host every year. Each local community has put together a wide range of musical opportunities for your entire

family to enjoy, and I thought it would be helpful to list them all in one place. The concerts are held on various nights of the week, and the music reflects

many different genres. The park settings and a picnic dinner are perfect complements to an evening of music outdoors. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your own community or visit a new one!Alamo – Held at Livorna Park, Friday evenings, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Call 925-313-2272 for information.

June 20th: The Sun Kings (Beatles Tribute Band)July 11th: The Fabulous Cruise Tones (Classic Pop)July 25th: El Desayuno (Latin Jazz)August 8th: Moonalice (Classic Rock)

Danville – Held at Oak Hill Park (or on Town Green as noted), Saturday nights, 6pm – 8pm. Call 925-314-3400 for information.

July 12th: Super Diamond: The Neil Diamond TributeJuly 26th: East Bay Mudd (Funk)August 9th: Apple Z (Rock) Held at the Town Green, 400 Front StreetAugust 23rd: Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys

San Ramon – Held in Central Park, Sunday nights, 5:30pm. Call 925-973-3200 for information.

June 29th: US Air Force Band of the Golden WestJuly 4th: Celebrate America, Celebrate San Ramon Event with the San Ra-

mon Symphonic Band followed by David Martin's House Party (4:30PM to 7:30PM )July 13th: Joel the band (Billy Joel Tribute)July 20th: The Houserockers (Rock & Soul Band)July 27th: Double Funk Crunch (High Energy Band)August 3rd: Mustache harbor (70’s Soft Rock)

Walnut Creek – Held in Stanford’s parking lot, Thursday nights in August, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Call 925-939-7600 for information.

August 7th: Super DiamondAugust 14th: ForeverlandAugust 21st: Stealin ChicagoAugust 28th: Joel the BandHave a great summer and I hope you have a chance to take advantage

of the free concerts with your family and friends in our great communities. 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.

Now HIRING for bench and field tech positions. Send résumés to [email protected].

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

nior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood 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.

Danville Lions ClubThe Danville Lions Club invites you to join us for dinner and to learn

more about how our club serves the community. Meetings are held at the Brass Door, 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7PM. For more information, call Dr. Brent Waterman at (925) 275-1990.


Role Players Ensemble’s 2014-2015 SeasonThe dictionary describes “Cat and Mouse” as a game involving constant pursuit, near capture, and repeated escapes. It is a hunt in which the advantage constantly

shifts between the contestants. The Role Players Ensemble’s plays this season feature the hopes, the fears, and the thrill of the chase. In Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Maggie is on the prowl for love from the enigmatic Brick. They are entangled in a game of sex and salvation. With Of Mice and Men, Lenny and George seem to be hunted by fate yet continue to yearn for a better life. The plays Arsenic and Old Lace and The Ladies Man embrace the spirit of the chase. Both feature frenzied reversals of fortune, leading to unexpected surprises. The actors in these farces will be breathless, and the audience will be breathless with laughter. Let the games begin!

• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams ~ September 5 - 20• Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring ~ October 31 - November16• The Ladies Man by Charles Morey (adapted from the French farce by Georges Feydeau) ~ January 30 - February 15, 2015• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck ~ April 17 – May 3, 2015Subscription tickets for a 4-Play series costs $80-$92, and a 3-Play series costs $60-$69. Tickets are available at www.RolePlay-

ersEnsemble.com or by calling (925) 314-3400. Single tickets are available starting in mid-July.The Village Theatre is located at 233 Front Street in Danville.

Cancer Support Community Holds a Celebration at the RanchA Celebration at the Ranch, honoring all cancer survivors and their families, is being held on Sunday, June 8th. The event, hosted by The California

Parks Company, will be held at Little Hills Ranch, located at 18013 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Lunch will be provided.This celebration, honoring National Cancer Survivor’s Day, begins at 10AM and ends at 4PM. The fun-filled day includes live music, dancing, and games.

Activities include bingo, ping-pong, foosball, volleyball, drumming, yoga, massages, and games for the kids.As part of the event, Cancer Support Community’s annual Wings of Hope Butterfly Release will take place at 10AM. Live monarch butterflies can be

purchased in advance for $25 each and will be available for release to honor those touched by cancer.To attend, RSVP to the Cancer Support Community at (925) 933-0107.

Diablo Choral Artists Diablo Choral Artists performs “To Music,” featuring Brahms’ Six Quartets, op. 112, Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music,” and other musical gems

on June 6 at 8PM at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek, and on June 8 at 3PM at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1101 Keaveny Court, Walnut Creek.

Tickets are available at the door, from chorus members, or in advance at Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/16457. For more information, visit www.vmschorus.org.

Danville Rotary ClubsThe Danville Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at Faz restaurant in Danville.

For information, contact Jim Crocker at [email protected] or by phone at 925-577-6159. If you are interested in visiting the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Jim Coleman at [email protected]. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM at Crow Canyon Country Club.


St. Isidore Car Wash Raises Funds for Two Charities

The 4th Annual St. Isidore School 8 th Grade Car Wash was a t r emendous suc -cess this year, raising over $4,500 . Th is i s an an-nual project the 8 th grade class does collectively, and they unanimously chose to raise money for The Natalie Giorgi Sunshine Founda-tion and Joshua’s Journey of Hope Organization. Nat-alie Marie Giorgi died at the age of 13 from an allergic reaction to peanuts while on a family trip last summer. The foundation was created to reduce dangerous food allergy deaths by spreading public awareness, provid-ing educat ion regarding emergency responses, and increasing the availability of epinephrine injectors in public places. She was loved by her many cousins, family, and friends at St. Isidore School.

Joshua is a 7-year old boy diagnosed with Cys-tinosis, an extremely rare metabolic disease that over time destroys the organs in the body. There are only 500 cases in the United States. This non-profit organization is dedicated to raising funds and supporting research for improved treatments and a cure for Cystono-sis. Joshua is the cousin of one of our 8 th grade students.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in making a donation to the Natalie Giorgi Sunshine Foundation, visit www.nateam.org If you would like to to contribute to Joshua’s Journey of Hope, visit http://www.joshuasjourney.org.

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005164161-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: NOVAMAYAUNIVERSITY PROOF CREATEDAT: 4/25/2014 2:29 AMSALES PERSON: Katie Brown NEXT RUN DATE: 04/29/14SIZE: 6 X 10 PROOF DUE: 04/25/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-East Bay Publications

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Charlotte Wood Middle School By Christopher George, Principal

We are close to wrapping up another school year at Charlotte Wood, and as always it is a busy time. We’ve had a lot to celebrate, and we have a lot to look forward to as we set our sights on the 2014- 2015 school year.

We celebrated our 2nd Annual Field Day, which took place on campus and throughout Osage Park. This event was the result of an immense amount of work by our Leadership Class, led by Ms. Jakus. Students (and a ton of parent volunteers) had a great time playing games, listen-

ing to music, having lunch outside, and dressing like superheroes for the afternoon.We also celebrated our year with our annual Open House and were thrilled to see

so many parents, students, and future students come to see the student work of which we are so proud. We were clearly able to see the fruition of the curricular changes in Common Core and in technology, and also able to see just how hard our kids and teachers work day in and day out. There are many events still to come for the end of the year, including music performances, awards ceremonies, and of course, our Promo-tion Ceremony. Please check our website at www.cwms.srvusd.k12.ca.us for details.

This year, I’d also like to recognize two retiring teachers who have been stalwarts of the Charlotte Wood Community for many years: Brad Duffey (PE) and Kim McConnell (6th grade core). They have both been central figures in the last few years of Charlotte Wood’s proud history, and we wish them the best. More importantly, they have dedicated their lives to education and to our students, and they leave with the best wishes of many former students and staff members as well. We’d also like to recognize another central figure at our site, our secretary, Jeannie Bergtholdt, who will be retiring as well. Most of you know her as she has done a fantastic job of being the friendly face and public ambassador of Charlotte Wood for all of our visitors throughout the years in our front office. She has dedicated her time here to students and their well being and in helping the school run as well as it has for many, many years.

Lastly, we at Charlotte Wood would be remiss if we didn’t thank our community for the support we received last month as we dealt with threatening graffiti. While the whole incident was hugely disruptive for learning, our Charlotte Wood community clearly emerged from that event stronger than ever. We could not be more grateful for the parents who brought food, cards, and encouragement for our staff; the police department who was tireless in helping to ensure safety and calm; and the district staff who was unwavering in their support, assistance, and availability. I especially want to thank our teachers and staff for helping to take care of the students and for providing them with a calm and collected learning atmosphere throughout that week, which in turn helped kids feel safe and secure and reminded them not only of how safe their school is but of how much their town cares about their well being.

As always, please let us know your questions, concerns, or comments. You can follow us on twitter @cwmsinfo for information as well. Have a great end of the school year.

Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun K. McElroy, PrincipalAwards Showcase

Last month we honored the folks who have made a great impact on the lives of our students. The 2013-14 Honorees are

Parent Recipients - Margie Hart, Miriam Han-non, Tanya Aungle, Mary Ann Mooyman, Nicole Shay, and Nina Fishman.

Teacher Recipients - Wendy Paulson - Home Economics Teacher, Model Home Economics Classroom, Author SVMS Block Schedule, School Climate Committee, School Site Council Member, Teaches nearly every student at SVMS in all grade levels.

Karen Macaulay -Special Education Teacher, SRVUSD Model Special Educa-tion Classroom, Staff Development Committee, Mentor Teacher.

Greg Phillips - Spanish, Computer, Science teacher, Site Testing Coordinator Staff Photographer, Golf Coach, Technology Guru, Translator, First Aid/CPR Trainer.PTA Alumni Scholarship Award Winner

The PTA Alumni Scholarship is given to a deserving high school senior who gradu-ated from Stone Valley. 2010 SV graduate Logan Silliman who is a senior at San Ramon Valley High School, has a 4.22 GPA; participates in volleyball, swim team, and water polo, volunteers to work with children with Downs Syndrome; serves as ASB treasurer; and is a member of National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation.Alamo Rotary Teacher and Student of the Year

Courtney Konopacky – 8th grade Core teacher, Washington DC trip Coordina-tor, Member Staff Development Committee Member Field Day Committee, 8th grade Core Lead Teacher Leader in Common Core Implementation, Leader in Culturally Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning, Student of the Month Coordinator, Created 8th grade Core Ellis Island simulation for all core students.

Carmen David – 8th grade student, AAUW Tech Trek Award Winner, 3.97 GPA, WEB Leader, SuperStar 3 Years, Leadership Officer, Math Olympiad High Scorer, Teachers Choice - Student of the Year, 6/7th Girl Scout Bronze level, SRVUSD Battle of the Books competition, Champion Member SV Hand Chime and Chorus.San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Shining Star Award

Wendy Nacamu - Math teacher, WEB Leader, Math Counts Coach, After School Sports Coach, Math Department Lead Teacher, Staff Development Com-mittee Member, M.S. – Mathematics Education.12th Annual Field Day a Huge Success

Since 2003 SV students have enjoyed a very special end of the year activity called field day. The day-long event includes a Spirit rally, two arts and crafts games, a student talent show, a shared lunch time, inflatable outdoor games, carnival attractions, face painting, snack shacks, movie theater, free play area, and a culminating afternoon rally with a slide show of the day. Our thanks to the many parent volunteers and our Field day committee: Courtney Konopacky, Devrah Lawver, Eric Rasch, Ben Loomer, Teresa Butler-Doran, Wendy Nacamu, Chris Sherwood, Rachel Lynch, and Jeff Hager.Facilities Update

We continue to move forward with plans for the construction of the new Stone Valley. The school board recently approved the conceptual design. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2015, and the opening is scheduled for fall 2017.

Updated information on construction projects throughout the district can be found on the SRVUSD website at www.srvusd.net/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1346747333230.

SRV Christian Academy By Jan Brunkal, Principal

We made it! What a busy, fast school year it has been. It has been filled with the usual activities, but every year seems unique with its own special stamp. Our 8th grade graduation was meaningful and a great testimony to the wonderful students here at SRVCA. Our graduates shared stories, speeches, memories, and music that inspired all of us. What a talented group of wonderful young adults. As they leave us,

many of them will be heading to various high schools, both public and pri-vate. No matter where they attend, I know they will leave their mark on their campuses. This class stands out for so many reasons: their character, their loyalty and love for one another, but most of all their desire to follow Christ.

I write this article with very mixed feelings. I will be retiring at the end of June from SRVCA; a place I have called home for the past 27 years. What a huge blessing this wonderful school has been to me with so many wonderful families, an amazing, dedicated staff, but most of all the students I have been privileged to know. These students have gone on to excel in academics, sports and leadership, and best of all have become wonderful people who understand the value of hard work, perseverance and serving God and others. They have been leaders on their high school campuses and beyond. Some of our alumni have done long and short term missions trips, taught oversees, gone into full time ministry, played college and professional sports, and excelled in all aspects

of life. What a blessing it has been to be a part of their lives. I will be heading back to Sintaro, Ethiopia in July with a wonderful team

to do a Bible camp for 200 school children. Community Presbyterian Church, which SRVCA is a ministry, is sponsoring this village. Part of the sponsorship includes digging a well, starting a school, and community development. I was fortunate enough to travel with an assessment team last October to meet these precious people and see what their needs are. I look forward to returning to see these folks again and continuing to build relationships. SRVCA is com-ing along side Sintaro and the team by collecting supplies for the upcoming Bible Camp. I am always so overwhelmed by the generosity and outpouring of love by our kids to others less fortunate. An example of this outpouring was demonstrated by one of our sixth graders. She took it upon herself to sell bracelets she made and gave the entire profit of $300 to help the children in Sintaro. What a privilege to be a part of the SRVCA community where children are taught, “To much that has been given, much is expected.”

I refuse to say goodbye to my SRVCA family, only, so long for now.


San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, PrincipalJune is a time of reflection and appreciation as we prepare to watch our students get ready to embark on the next segment

of their lives. I wanted to share some quotes regarding how educators impact and guide our students. Their power and sense of responsibility in their work with our children is enormous, and I cannot thank our entire school staff enough for the amaz-ing work they do with our students.

“A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” ~ Henry Brooks Adams; “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” ~ Mark Van Doren; “Education is not the filling of the pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ William Yeats; “A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils.” ~ Ever Garrison; “Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth.” ~ Helen Caldicott

Let me share some parting words for the Class of 2014 as they get ready to start their real adventure, beyond Danville and SRVHS toward a world full of opportunity. Do not be afraid to be the very best you can be, for you alone set your limits. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal

I am writing about winding-down our 2013-14 school year when it feels like I was just writing about the excitement of starting a new year. Our end-of-the-year activities are almost completed. We have so many opportunities for students to participate and be recognized; here are just a few. During May we were able to recognize almost 200 students with Students of Excellence Awards

or Department Awards. Students of Excellence Awards are given to students who consistently demonstrate Monte Vista Pride (Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, and Integrity) in their classes. These are the students who work hard, work corroboratively with their peers, ask questions, and are good citizens. Department awards are given to students for high academic achievement. One student per department receives the highest recognition, a Legacy award. Our Drama and Dance departments put on successful productions. Athletic teams ended their seasons with many teams qualifying for North Coast Section playoffs.

I know it is difficult to keep students on track the last few weeks of school, but if you have influence over a young person, I urge you to encourage them to continue their hard work until the last bell rings. Final exams are important in high school and even more important as our students move on to college when their college course may only have three or four grades for the entire marking period. The usual sug-gestions apply as your student gets ready for end-of-the-year projects and exams. Help your student stay focused. Some students can use help organizing their study time. Encourage students to use different study strategies for different classes. For some classes online or paper-and-pencil flashcards may work, but for other classes diagrams, charts, and story boards are more appropriate. And always, praise your student for a job well done. We should not be asking for perfection, just that students put forth their best effort.

As you make your summer plans, the following dates may be helpful:Inspirational Ceremony - Sunday, June 8 at 5pm at the Al Gentile

TheaterGraduation - Friday, June 14 at 6pm in the Samuel Zackheim StadiumRegistration Packet Pick-up - August 13 and 14 in the Drama RoomRegistration - August 18 and 19 in the GymNew Student Orientation - August 21, 8am – 1:15pm

New Student Dance - August 21, 7:30pm – 9:30pm in the Small Gym First Day of School - August 25, Minimum Day ScheduleIf you want to know more about Monte Vista and our activities,

please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.


Del Amigo High School By Joseph A. Ianora, Principal

It is hard to believe, but it is true - the school year is almost over! We are entering into our final weeks, with graduation on June 4th and the final day of school on June 12th…then we are out for the summer! I would like to share a few thoughts and reflections as we near the end of the school year.Graduation: On June 4th we will be celebrating with 39 seniors as we graduate them from Del Amigo. The ceremony, which takes place at

the Performing Arts Center on the SRV campus, will highlight student speakers and singers. Mr. Mark Kauzer, former counselor, will be addressing the Class of 2014. We are excited to have our Superintendent of schools, Mary Shelton and Director of Student Services, Lisa Ward handing out our diplomas.

Awards: Our Del Amigo students were the recipients of five scholarships which were given out to seven students:

1. Alamo Women’s club - $500 each – Stephanie Stoup and RJ McCuskey2. Blood Bank of Contra Costa - $250 -Caleb Fives3. Danville-Sycamore Rotary Scholarship - Cole Ortiz4. Danville Women’s Club - $500 - two students5. San Ramon Valley Council of PTA’s Scholarship - Patrick ArindenField Trips/projects: We have been very busy with “hands on projects” and

many field trips. We are just finishing up our Hovercraft project. This has been an exciting project and a real learning experience for students and our teachers! We have traveled to the Bedford Gallery to view the new art exhibit, volunteered at the Contra Costa Food Bank, explored the Exploratorium in San Francisco, and viewed the Las Precitas Art Murals in San Francisco.

Endings: As the year ends, we have two staff members who are concluding their careers at Del Amigo. One is off to enjoy the benefits of retirement and new adventures, and the other is off to new adventures.

Peggy Ebersole is retiring after 20 years of working for SRVUSD – 18 years at Del Amigo High School as our Resource Specialists. She came to Del Amigo in 1996 after serving as a Home/Hospital teacher. She has been the face of Del Amigo, and we will miss her very much. In addition, Carole Edwards VanMujin will be moving on to other endeavors after 12 years. She will be sorely missed as she has been the heart and soul of our Culinary Arts program.

Del Amigo has been changing and growing as we continue to receive students from all over the district. The Alamo and Danville communities have been a tremendous support. I want to give the community, parents, staff, and students of Del Amigo a big THANK YOU! This was a very positive year, and we would not have been as successful without your support. Enjoy your summer!

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Things to do Before you GraduateBy Devin Holliday, (Graduating) senior, San Ramon Valley High School

There are about eight school days left. Trust me,

I’ve been counting down since eighth grade. The thought of graduation alone is enough to infect me with a giant smile; it’s also enough for me to start feeling nostalgic. Ever since my older sister started high school here at the wonderful “Home of Champions,” I’ve dreamed of becoming a Wolf; that was in 3rd grade. In fact, I was so obsessed with becoming a Wolf, that I’d wear her track speed suit to my CYO sport practices at the high school. I was living the dream and hoping to be mistaken for an actual student. Now that I’ve lived out my days walking the cobwebbed, yet charming halls of San Ramon, I’d like to give a few words of wisdom.

1. Do what you want - High school is a crucial period of four years in your life. Please, do what you love. You’ll have a much better time if you always stay true to yourself. Don’t concern yourself with what other people want you to do; be your own person! If you’re interested in something that doesn’t already have its own club, create it yourself!

2. Respect and get to know your teachers - The first part of that state-ment should be obvious to all students, but sadly in my observations it does not resonate with some. San Ramon has such a great array of teachers in all subjects, and all of them deserve your respect and attention. Each and ever one of my teachers these past four years has pushed my mind to becoming a better student. I’ve written papers relating Satan’s fall in Paradise Lost to the subatomic properties of precious metals, astrophysics and l‘énergie nucléaire. All of these, when first assigned, seemed impossible and made me want to whine and cry. But thanks to my amazing teachers I learned the true value of expanding my comfort zone. San Ramon Valley teachers are some incredible people, and yes they are more than just teachers--they’re inspirers! If you’re lucky enough to still go to the Home of the Wolves, your teachers are your greatest resource, so take advantage of their life experience!

3. Escape campus - Being able to go off campus was probably the best perk of being an upperclassman. There are too many delicious places downtown to not go off campus at least once a week. Going off campus is more than just an opportunity to eat great sandwiches at Ike’s; it’s a retreat and a well-deserved break. While San Ramon’s campus has that quintes-sential high school vibe and then some, sometimes we all could use a little escape. Whether it’s that quiz we thought we just failed or those people that are just a little “too much” to handle, our minds could use a little hiatus. Downtown offers a refreshing look at the bigger picture, also known as life outside of the pressures of high school.

4. Go to school events - Would you like some humble pie? Go to any dance, sporting, musical, or theatrical event on campus; all of them are fabulous, and you’ll leave the event in awe of your classmates and a bit sad for your own lack of an amazing talent. Being a competitive athlete, it was painfully hard to stop two sports that I had been playing since age seven this year, but going to sports events at SRV let me feel I felt like I was in the game again! Our sports teams are amazing, enthralling, and of course, winners! The choir is literally world class, and after every concert I went to, I left singing in a perpetually off-key tune and green with envy of the star power of my fellow classmates. Every dance performance I’ve seen these past four years has made me regret my 6-year-old self’s decision to spurn ballet. The bottom line is: go to as many events as possible because our school is full of future super stars!


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Repeat After Me...By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

Repeat after me... “Just because I don’t know com-puters, doesn’t mean I am stupid!” This may seem like an odd way to start an article, but it reflects part of the psychological counseling we administer to some of our clients on a daily basis. It’s so disconcerting to hear people I respect talking about themselves so negatively.

For many reasons, there is a belief in our society that unless you know everything about computers like

the back side of your hand, you’re somehow inadequate, dumb, or behind the times. It isn’t logical, but here we are. We encounter this attitude every day we come to work. It comes in various flavors, but at the end of the day the story is the same: “I should have known.” Guess what? No, you shouldn’t, unless you’re a trained professional. And even then sometimes you're going to get tricked. I admit that I too have fallen for “phishing” emails, for a moment at least.

We’re at a very interesting time in societal development. On one hand we have an amazing array of technology and international interconnection, and access to information like never before. When you and I ponder that, we think about kids doing reports at the kitchen table using the internet instead of the Encyclopedia Britannica. On the other hand, we have, through the internet, opened our doors to people who think differently than us. Maybe they’re earning $2/day in a call-center somewhere. Maybe they work in an internet sweat-shop, calling US phone numbers in hopes of tricking them into letting them on your computer. Never before, in the history of mankind, has a wealthy population been bridged and opened to unwealthy, potentially hostile populations in such a massive and complete way. It’s very much like a train being built between the barrios and the wealthiest neighborhoods of the world, and neither community yet fully understands the implications. It comes down to a struggle between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots,’ and unfortunately some of the ‘have-nots’ come from a predatory orientation. They see the internet and the information now available as opportunities to get what they want, however and through whomever they can reach. And, being a “rich American,” you are the target.

I don’t consider myself cynical, and I think this way because we get calls on a daily basis from people who have been victimized. What I’m trying to convey is that there are a lot of people out there trying to rip you off, and they are not working from the same moral code that you and I grew up with. They’ll straight-up lie to

you on the telephone, and they are well-trained in how to trick you into doing what they want. They want your money, and in some cases they want your identity, too.

Now, let’s get back to this misconception of you “being dumb.” These people who call you up are well-trained. They’re pros. They have a well-oiled approach and know how to build the false credibility that causes you to let down your guard. They also know how to apply an aura of urgency to the conversation, in order to stampede you toward an action they want you to take before you have had time to think it through. They know just what to say, and they know exactly what emotional ‘buttons’ to push to motivate you. They will have an answer for every one of your concerns or objections. Remember, if someone is trying to spin you up and “help” you solve a problem you didn’t know existed, call someone you know, like us, first. We will tell you if you have something to be concerned about. In addition, “Windows” (Microsoft) or any of the other “brand name” electronic companies will never, ever call you to tell you there are viruses on your computer. They have no way of knowing.

There is no police force to track these internet predators, stop them, or prevent them from doing this. If you want to pull the same scam on them, you can dial up someone in their country and do the same thing. There’s a saying in the world of conning people that states it’s not stealing if you give your money willingly to the con. That’s what makes it hurt so much worse, because you can’t even say they stole from you, because you gave them the credit card number, because they tricked you.

If you’ve never encountered this caliber of swindler before, how are you “dumb” if they simply managed to trick you? Unless you’re a professional or have encountered this before, you’re just not going to know. And if you are in the 50-80 age group, you’re especially vulnerable because we have a hard time believing people can be this evil, this dishonest to your face. But they are, and this is the “new world order,” internet-style.

The best thing you can do if you sense you are being scammed, is to slow things down. If someone really wants to help you, they won’t mind if you check on them or call a friend to help out. When you take that breather, call, or email your friends at Portable CIO, and we’ll help you set the record straight. We can be reached through our Help Desk at 925-552-7953 or by emailing [email protected]. Advertorial


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Tip of the MonthProtect Your SkinBy Deborah Weiss

This past winter, I went into a local drugstore to buy sunscreen. I was surprised to be told that the store doesn’t carry sunscreen until the spring. Even if you aren’t going to get sunburned, unprotected sun exposure can still trigger the sun’s aging effects and can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer. You need to apply sunscreen as part of your daily routine regardless of the weather.

The sun, not time, is the skin’s greatest adversary. The sun’s rays lead to more than 80% of the changes that result in aging. The sun’s radiation includes two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. UVBs are the more potent rays, lead-ing to sunburn and skin cancer. The sun’s UVA rays are responsible for tanning but also penetrate deeper into the skin, causing the effects of aging like wrinkles and spots. These rays are not just a product of direct sun but of all natural light, capable of reaching the skin through glass, clouds, and smog.

So, which sunscreen to use? The SPF (“Sun Factor Protection”) of a sunscreen measures its ability to screen out skin damaging ultraviolet rays, primarily UVBs. Some sunscreens claim to be “broad spectrum,” protecting against both types of rays. However, despite such a designation, there are still concerns about any sun-screen’s ability to protect fully against UVA rays. Despite improved sunscreen usage and labeling, skin cancer is still increasing at disturbing rates.

A super-high SPF factor will not negate the sun’s risks. An SPF of fifty blocks about 98 percent of the sun’s rays. Any number above that will not provide significantly more protection. People often wait too long before reapplying their sunscreens, or they stay outside too long, thinking a high SPF protects against many hours of sun exposure. The big numbers give people a false sense of security.

Dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 for everyday and an SPF of 50 if you’re going to participate in outdoor sports. An SPF of 30 means it would take 30 times longer to burn than if you don’t use any sunscreen. However, sunscreen is not a panacea. The only way to avoid the effects of the sun is to stay out of the sun, avoiding the mid-day summer sun and generally avoiding sun exposure between 10AM and 2PM.

People are often concerned that they will not get enough sun exposure to maintain their Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, keeping bones strong. Because Vitamin D isn’t present in most foods, people use sun exposure to maintain ad-equate levels. But maintaining Vitamin D takes only minimal sun exposure. The Office of Dietary Supplements says it takes only a half hour of sun twice a week to ensure that you have enough Vitamin D.

Active ingredients in sunscreen come in two forms, mineral and chemical. The active ingre-dients in chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin. Laboratory studies have shown that these active ingredients can be hazardous. For example, the ingredient oxybenzone may cause allergic reac-tions and disrupt hormones, posing a risk of in-terference with pregnancies. Avobenzone, another chemical ingredient, breaks down in sunlight, making it a less effective sunblock compared to other options.

Avoid sunscreens which contain the ingredi-ent Vitamin A, also called retinyl palmitate or retinol. Government data, although disputed, has shown exposure to ingredients containing Vitamin A may accelerate the risk of develop-ing skin cancer.

The top recommended sunscreens contain zinc oxide as the active ingredient because it provides the best protection from UVA rays and has the fewest health concerns. Plus, zinc oxide does not break down in the sun. Years ago, zinc oxide sunscreens were unpopular. They went on in a thick, white coat (think lifeguards’ noses in older movies), but today there are far better versions.

People with sensitive skin are less likely to have a reaction from zinc oxide as opposed to other active ingredients. As someone with very sensitive skin, a zinc oxide based sunscreen is the only type I can use. It took some trial and error, but I did find a brand which does not leave a visible white film and which feels pleasant to apply, as opposed to drying.

Stick to a sunscreen in the form of a cream. It’s important to avoid sunscreens in the forms of powders, pumps and sprays. You can mistakenly inhale these types of sunscreen, causing them to enter your lungs, and from there the bloodstream. Health concerns from inhaling sunscreen include the risk of cancer and tissue-damage.

Apply sunscreen cream plentifully and thickly. For proper protection, you need to use about one shot glass, about two tablespoons, of sunscreen for your face and body. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours. And check the expiration date. Sunscreen generally has a three year lifespan. Protect areas not covered by sunblock: wear sunglasses and an SPF 30 lip balm. Don’t forget to protect yourself before your fun in the sun and all other times too!


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Clip NotesBy Jody Morgan

Roses are hard to resist, especially when grown in immaculate gardens tended by the loving labor of oth-ers. As a devotee of the principle that pruning is best done whenever you have clippers in hand, my only advice on trimming roses is to go at it early enough to permit comfortably clothing yourself in protective garb. I appreciate survivors sturdy enough to shrug off clumsy clipping, but I resent dangerously armed combatants

that fend off my attentions by clawing my face and shredding my attire.On tour last year, I encountered England’s largest rose at Kiftsgate Court.

Although individually small, the fragrant white flowers cluster in panicles up to 18 inches in diameter. The ‘Kiftsgate’ rose blooms only once a year in July, but the scale of the plant is readily apparent in all seasons. The exuber-ant embrace of this seemingly unstoppable specimen has already smothered three trees. Even with regular pruning, it measures approximately 80 feet x 90 feet x 50 feet high. Planted by Heather Muir in 1938, this gargantuan nonagenarian seems to be rooted in the fountain of eternal youth.

Credited with naming this rose cultivar ‘Kiftsgate,’ Graham Stuart Thomas brought Kiftsgate Court to the attention of horticultural enthusiasts in his May 1951 article in the Royal Horticultural Society Journal. He praised the garden as “the finest piece of skilled colour work that it has been my pleasure to see.” A few years later, Muir’s daughter Diany Binny took over care of Kiftsgate, subsequently opening it to the public. The rose and its surroundings now thrive under the solicitous attention of Muir’s granddaughter Anne Chambers.

The origin of ‘Kiftsgate’ is unrecorded, but it is considered to be an offspring of Rosa filipes, a species native to China. The specific epithet “filipes” (mean-ing “threadlike stalks”) refers to the only delicate part of this plant: the thin stems from which the flowers dangle. The vigorous growth is more suggestive of Jack’s Beanstalk than a filament of finely spun thread. Huge hooked thorns aid heaven-ward ascent through neighboring trees. Shade encountered en route is no deterrent.

Anna Pavord’s humorous summary of her own attempt to tame this selection indicates that the amateur gardener is unlikely to enjoy jousting with ‘Kifts-gate.’ In the January 28, 2012 issue of The Independent she writes: “Pruning it every year was a business I dreaded. Vast lengths of new growth lashed about in the wind, thorns caught in my hair and gored bloody tattoos on my face.”

Another famous white rose blooms at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent. The pruning technique initiated by Jack Vass when he became head gardener in 1939 is: “treat them mean, keep them keen.” Plants stressed enough to think they are about to expire respond by flowering profusely in order to provide for survival of their species. By bloom time, cascades of seemingly out-of-control blossoms belie the extensive training essential to their performance.

The pruning begins in November with the climbers and ramblers that cover almost every available space on the brick walls. Most of the current year’s growth is removed, and large woody stems are sliced almost to the base before the work of re-attaching the branches in graceful arcs is undertaken. Shrub roses get cut back once they have begun to leaf out.

Records do not indicate precisely when the current centerpiece of the white garden, Rosa mulliganii, was planted. When first designed by Vita Sackville-West in the 1930s, the garden included Rosa filipes. In 1939, Sackville-West decided to revamp this space, originally conceived as a pink and white tribute to Persian art, into Sissinghurst’s much-emulated white, silver and green display. By 1970, the climbing roses were compromising the health of the entire avenue of almond trees. Whether Rosa mulliganii was one of the culprits or a later addition is unknown.

Grown at the Royal Horticultural Society’s property at Wisley, England from seed collected in China by George Forrest, Rosa mulliganii was named in 1937 by G. A. Boulenger, a Belgian botanist for Brian Mulligan who identified the seedling as a previously undocumented species. Mulligan was Assistant-Director at Wisley at the time, but is best known in the US for the 50 years he spent shap-ing and directing the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. His namesake rose also finds life in the Pacific Northwest congenial, where it can climb 40 to 60 feet when trained through a sturdy evergreen. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators in early summer. The red-orange hips nourish birds in autumn.


Life in the Danville Garden Personal PathBy John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect

To view a beautiful garden from a distance is to bring joy to the eyes, but to walk through and ex-perience a beautiful garden touches all the human senses. The pathway is an essential structure to any successful landscape design. A pathway brings you into the garden and brings the garden to you.

The goal of any garden path is to allow egress in and out of your land-scape. It can lead you to that hidden secret sitting area where you love to sit in the warm sun and read a good book or enjoy quiet meditation away from the fray of life, or it can provide functional access to high-use areas in your yard such as swimming pools, patios and decks, and sports amenities.

Depending on the purpose, the path can either be formal or informal. A formal path is generally more structured, permanent, and more direct. For instance, the path to your front door, pool, or patio should be more formal. Design it with the idea of transporting people more directly. A path to your door should be proportionate to the size of your home. If you have a large two-story façade, you don’t want a three-foot wide meandering path to your front door. Generally, a path for a larger proportioned home should be a minimum of five feet wide. It should be constructed of a permanent surface like concrete, stone, or brick mortared onto concrete for stability. Pick a ma-terial that is solid and easy to walk on. A formal path should be more direct. It doesn’t need to be straight, but it does need to be direct. A formal path can have curves, angles, or straight edges. In other words, it shouldn’t take you from the entry at the street around the side of your house, curve back around to the front through a grove of trees, and across to the other side before ar-riving at your front door. Just being funny!

An informal path can be an added design feature to any Danville landscape. Most Danville lots tend to be quite spacious, which allows for informal paths to get you out into your garden. An informal path generally is less structured, less permanent, and less direct. The purpose of an informal path is to provide access to the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of your garden. It is a less direct way of getting someplace or nowhere. It gives you access to a hillside with views, a quiet corner for meditation, or gathering an assortment of fruits, herbs, and flowers. It should be constructed of a less permanent mate-

rial, such as loose-set flagstone with ground cover in between, concrete steppers, or gravel. I particularly like gravel because of the “crunching” sound it makes when you walk on it.

A garden path is one of the most im-portant hardscape el-ements in your land-scape design. It is a core element of your landscape. One of the first elements that I work out in my de-sign process is the pathways. The path system defines the softscape areas and provides access for use. A path system can be as elaborate or as simple as you want.

Remember that every element in your garden has purpose. Define the purpose of your path system before you design it. The garden path is most likely the most used hardscape element of any landscape design.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: A primary path should always be wide enough (4-5 ft at minimum) for two people to walk side-by-side comfortably.

Gardening Quote of the month: It is a great art to saunter. ~Henry David Thoreau, 1841

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

Italy the Beautiful By Monica Chappell

Are you looking for a beginner’s guide to the world of Italian wines? Trying to distill down Italy’s wine regions, varietals, producers, and vintages into a beginner’s guide is like trying to thread a rope through a needle, but here it goes... Three Simple Steps for Conquering Italian Wines

• Get to know the two most famous regions: Tuscany and Piedmont

• Familiarize yourself with the “cheaper-but-good” - wines that are widely available and inexpensive

• Dabble with one-of-a-kinds. These are too original and delicious to missFirst things First!

Tuscany – Tuscany is the major center for experimentation and the headquarters for the “classic” Italian reds. Tuscany is a very visual region with beautiful architecture and walled hilltop towns.

The classic red wines of Tuscany are Sangiovese based wines. Styles vary from everyday to world class. Next to Napa, Chianti is probably the second most popular wine region with most Americans.

There are seven subzones within the Chianti region: Chianti Classcio See Wine continued on page 25



The Art Of Screening By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

Trees and shrubs provide many valu-able services in the urban ecosystem. One of the most important, from the perspective of homeowners, is screening for privacy and to hide undesired objects.

Well-placed foliage can keep out prying eyes and enhance personal safety, and a view of beautiful leaves and branches gives more pleasure than the view of a neighbor’s garage. Over the long run, preserving a living screen requires planning and judicious pruning.

Plants grow toward the sun; they maximize foliage where there is most light. As trees mature, the density of the canopy can act as an umbrella and shade out the interior lower branches, which causes them to die. To see a clear example of this, look at a mature oak in the forest. The majority of foliage is in the outer shell; the interior is bare. This natural phenomenon works well for plants in the wild, but it may not succeed well for your screening needs. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this loss of valuable screening.

All strategies for maintaining screen involve keeping sunlight flowing to interior branches. Sufficient light on the leaves reduces dieback. It is best to act before the screen is compromised (an ounce of pruning is better than a ton of replanting). In plants with latent buds, English laurels for example, trunks can re-sprout even after interior branches have withered. However, many species lack latent buds and are incapable of re-sprouting, and for those species preventative medicine is the only medicine. Even for species with latent buds, keeping branches healthy is much easier, and more effective, than reinvigorating them.

• Eliminate light competition from surrounding plants. Evaluate the plants growing near your screen plants to see if they are casting a shadow on branches critical to screening. Plants shading out important screen plants can be removed, or they can be thinned and shaped to increase illumination of screening branches.

• Thin the screen plants themselves. This may seem counter intuitive, but the exterior of the screen plant may be shading its interior. It is not uncom-mon to see 40-foot pittosporums that look like balloons, with the only green occurring in the canopy. To revitalize, it is generally best to remove all dead wood, thin the top heavily, and even thin the screen area. The goal is to maintain layers of green from the edge of the canopy through the interior. A thick, multi-layered screen is less prone to failure. If it is not acceptable to lose any bottom screen, even temporarily, a good compromise is to thin those portions above the screen area. Thinning only one portion of the tree is an aesthetic challenge, but it can be done.

• Shape the tops of screen plants. It is sometimes possible to shape back the tops of screen plants to allow more light to reach the lower branches. Our philosophy of pruning requires that the overall beauty of the plants be considered in all pruning cuts. Because health and beauty are often synony-mous, we have found that bringing light into the interior usually enhances tree aesthetics.

What do you do if you have already lost the screen? It is difficult to get branches to grow back once they have died, but radically thinning or lowering the plant may induce growth in lower foliage. Unfortunately, this is hard to achieve without sacrificing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs. Sometimes it is possible to fill the gap with shade-loving plants. Other times the only solution might be to remove the plant and start over. Each case is different.

If you need help, do not hesitate to give us a call, for advice or to do the work. At Brende and Lamb, we have 20 years of experience balancing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs and maintaining your screening needs. 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

Sacramento SitesBy Linda Summers Pirkle

Soaring summer temperatures may not bring Sacramento to your mind as a destination in June, July and August, but a few ideas may inspire you.

The Historic Governor’s Mansion is a unique step back in time, from the Victorian age to the mid-sixties when the Reagans were the last family to live in the Mansion. It was built in 1877, and the State of California purchased the house for California’s first families in 1903 for $32,000.

Our group spent an hour and forty-five minutes with two very knowl-edgeable guides. We learned about the different families who have lived in the Mansion and saw hand-tied Persian carpets, marble fireplaces from Italy, gold framed mirrors from France, and exquisitely handcrafted hinges and doorknobs. For me, the most interesting part of the tour was seeing the framed photos of the Governors’ wives and families who lived in this his-torical home. New outdoor lighting was recently installed, and if you are in the area, take the time to check out the Mansion at night. The effect is like a “soft wash on the exterior,” said Joe Wolfenden, Lead Guide at the Mansion.

The Capitol building is just a few minutes drive from the Governor’s Mansion. Don’t miss the original 1860’s tiles from England on the second floor west landing of the stairs and the famous 120 foot Rotunda. Be sure and ask how they change the Rotunda light bulbs.

The summer months bring a reprieve from the hundreds and hundreds of school kids and their field trips; summer can be a quiet time for adults and families to explore these important and historical locations, even with the soaring temperatures in Sacramento!

June thru August, the Musical Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion in Sacramento features renowned new productions of classic musicals. The Summer Music Circus 2014 season features A Chorus Line from June 24-June 29, Mary Poppins from July 8-July 13, South Pacific from July 22 to July 27, Brigadoon from August 5 to August 10, and La Cage Aux Folles from August 19 to August 24. The theater is the largest continuously oper-ated musical theater-in-the-round, making it a landmark in the professional theater community. Their website is www.sacramentomusiccircus.com and their phone number is (916) 557-1999.

* Governor Jerry Brown recently celebrated his birthday at one of his favorite restaurants in Sacramento: Lucca Restaurant and Bar. Ask to sit in the garden area which is beautiful. Their risotto is superb.

* The Governor’s Mansion is located at 1526 H. Street, Sacramento. Their phone number is (916) 323-3047, and hours are 10AM-5PM. Fees are $5/ adults,$3/children.

*Capitol tours are available daily and are free. Weekday hours are 8AM-5PM and 9AM-5PM on weekends. The address is 10th Street, Sacramento. Their phone number is (916) 324-0333. .

* Lucca Restaurant and Bar is located at 1615 J Street, Sacramento. Their phone number is (916) 669-5300. Call for hours.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resi-dent, 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].

925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com

1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut CreekMonday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed

[email protected] Optimal Approach for Selling Your BusinessBy Christopher McClure

In conjunction with Lincoln Financial AdvisorsHaving a sound business strategy includes having an

exit plan in place that prepares you for the sale of your company long before you have to make the transition. Early exit planning gives you the confidence to look for a buyer when the time is right, or to weigh buyout offers

in relation to your goals. Exit planning early is crucial because it may take one to five years to obtain the best price and close on a sale. You may be motivated to sell your business at different times for a variety of reasons, including:

• Market upturns or downturns • Increased competition• Burnout • Changing family needs• A desire to retireHaving an exit plan that effectively coordinates with your financial plan en-

ables you to determine if what you can get for your business today will help you meet your long-term financial goals. If you need or want more for your business, you should consider what steps you should take to obtain a favorable selling price. Having access to a qualified team of advisors will help you objectively value your business, outline your goals for the sale, and keep you on track financially.Develop a Viable Sales Plan

By identifying your goals, you can explore the feasibility, timing and values of several sales strategies, such as:

• Selling everything for one price• Offering to work through several months of transition• Accepting a portion of the sale as a buyout with scheduled payments which

provide you with an income over time• Selling part of the business now and keeping the remaining part for a

future sale in order to defer taxes• Transferring or gifting part of the business to family members in order to

remove it from your taxable estateOnce you have a succession plan in place, be sure to re-evaluate it peri-

odically. A succession plan is not something you can prepare and then forget. It’s important to stay in touch with market influences and current tax laws, in addition to reviewing your changing income and cash-flow needs. Reviewing

Danville Today News ~ June 2014 - your plan helps clarify whether or not you need to expand the business before selling it in order to get what you want from the deal.Getting the Best Price Available

Long-term strategic exit planning with specialists can help you objectively de-termine an appropriate value for your business and can determine ways to enhance value over time. You should choose an industry professional with sales and negotia-tion experience as your liaison. This person can then manage the advertising, bidding process, and negotiations involved in a sale while keeping this process private.

Ideally, you want to be able to take advantage of favorable market condi-tions. For example, if you own a chain of sandwich shops and they turn out to be the hot business trend this year, you want to be confident that your sale price takes advantage of bullish market demand.

You will also want to ensure that the timing of the sale complements your long-term goals. While your exit planning specialist may not be able to tell you whether $2 million or $10 million is a good price to fetch for your business, your financial planner can tell you how much money you need to help meet your financial goals.Succession

Succession planning is important to maintaining the success and productivity of a business, especially if you’re relying on the business to provide you with an income or ongoing return on your investment. Accordingly, your exit plan should include strategies for transitioning authority, retaining valued employees and key clients, and maintaining day-to-day operations.

If your business involves client services, it may be vulnerable if revenues are sustained by maintaining relationships. In this case, it may be wise to sell your business to a known competitor that has a good track record in your industry.

Work with your exit planning specialist, financial planner, attorney, and tax advisor to select the appropriate strategies for distributing and reinvesting the proceeds of a business sale. Your immediate goals may include reducing your tax liabilities and providing an income to support your changing lifestyle.

Please contact Chris McClure to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation. Call (925) 659-0213 or email [email protected].

Christopher T. McClure is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor, 3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 400, San Ramon, CA, offering insurance 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 circumstances. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors for its representatives and their clients. Advertorial

Ranching in the San Ramon Valley By Beverly LanePart 3 - Modern Ranching

There are still ranches in today’s modern San Ramon Valley with the tradi-tional challenges of drought added to new ones related to suburban develop-ment. Cattle graze in the Tassajara Valley, in Crow Canyon, and on East Bay Regional Park lands. Often successful ranchers own properties in other parts of California or Oregon, which gives them flexibility in moving their stock.

In the early years of Valley ranching, cattle were driven directly to slaugh-ter houses from local ranches. Eddie Canton, who worked for Hap Magee, said that in the forties “I would drive cattle from Mount Diablo down Dan-ville Boulevard, then through Crow Canyon to Hayward, and into what’s now called Union City, to a slaughterhouse there. It would take three days.”

Herds ready for sale were directed down Tassajara Road from both direc-tions to the Wood Ranch cattle scale. According to Don Wood, “Roger Podva of Danville was one of the ‘country buyers’ (agents for slaughter houses) that bought cattle over this scale.”

One crisis that confronted the stockmen was the hoof and mouth plague of 1924, when losses over the state ran into millions. Some of the most valuable herds in the San Ramon Valley were attacked, and a quarantine was estab-lished from Danville to the county line. The epidemic was felt throughout the state, with Contra Costa County ranchers experiencing losses of $233,764.

Annual round ups and brandings were an essential part of raising cattle. Ranchers vaccinated, branded all calves, and castrated the males. People came from all over to watch the brandings, do some roping, and enjoy themselves. All this work was followed by a potluck and barbeque. These gatherings were a welcome break in what seemed to be unremitting work for ranch families.

The ranching lifestyle may be seen as a romantic one, with cattle dotting

the landscape and horseback rides into the hills. But hard work and uncertainty come with the life. Cattlemen and their cowboys tended the cattle (feeding and watering, breeding, vaccinating, and branding), decided when to buy and sell the stock, built and took care of fences, fended off intruders (both people and animals), all while relying on decent rainfall to make a profit. California’s periodic droughts were a nightmare for ranches and farmers.

The Tri-Valley, with its weather and cattle forage, is premier ranching coun-try, according to Sunol rancher Tim Koopman. Pat Flanigan said that the burr clover at The Blackhawk made that ranch the best in the west for raising cattle. Ranching in the Modern Era

When the interstate freeway opened in the mid 1960s and property owners were taxed on the “best use” of the land, the ranching era drew to an end. In a newspaper interview, Jeff Wiedemann said “The only reason there are houses in the San Ramon Valley is that ranchers got squeezed out.”

New residents arrived with different attitudes toward farms and ranches. Orchard crop dusting came to an end. Tractors were vandalized when left

out, people cut fences letting cattle loose, teenagers drove over the land doing wheelies, and dogs chased the livestock. The new folks said they valued the open space and clean air, but many of them didn’t acknowledge that these agricultural lands were private property.

The ranching support system also declined. With development, stores which sold parts, chemicals, and basic ranching supplies moved east to the Central Valley. Traffic came with suburban development, and modern roads are no longer available for cattle drives; today cattle are loaded on trucks for transport.

Ranchers coped by selling land for development near the freeway, putting conservation easements over their property, and running cattle on EBRPD lands. With few exceptions, East Bay ranchers today make their living away

Wiedemann Ranch branding

See Ranching continued on page 25


How to be Safe with Safe Deposit Boxes By Robert J. Silverman

In the course of handling a trust administration for two brothers whose parents had died, an issue arose about the parents’ safe deposit box. California law gov-erning safe deposit boxes is somewhat complicated and has important, but not well known, implications. So, I thought it might be helpful to write about the core legal and practical aspects of safe deposit boxes, including

ownership/titling alternatives, access and content protection. When a consumer rents a safe deposit box (“box”) from a financial institu-

tion (e.g. bank or credit union), the rental agreement between the parties controls the relationship. The consumer should take time to read this contract to become familiar with its terms.

Most often, the consumer party to the contract is an unmarried person or, in the case of a married couple, both spouses. While this makes sense, such titling is actually not ideal, particularly in the case of incapacity or death.

You may, for convenience, designate a co-owner (e.g. a trusted relative or friend) on the rental agreement. Such person(s) will possess a key and have unfet-tered access to the box, before and after your death. Consequently, you should be very cautious about whom, if anyone, you make a co-owner.

A separate potential co-ownership problem involves unintended consequences. Suppose you have two children, John and Mary, and for convenience purposes, you list John as a co-owner of the box. Suppose further that your Will states that John and Mary are to receive all of your assets, in equal shares. Contrary to your intentions, upon your death, John, as the co-owner, asserts that as the then sole owner of the box, he is legally entitled to all of its contents.

California law provides that on the death of the box owner, the institution at which the box is located may deliver the contents to certain defined people (including, but not limited to, a “relative”) if: a) the institution has no reason to believe there is a dispute over the contents; b) the person to whom the contents are delivered provides reasonable proof of identity; and c) reasonable records are kept in accordance with related rules.

Energy MattersA Stable InvestmentBy Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar

Since 1950, virtually all of the stock market’s annual-ized gains were concentrated in the November through April time period. This spring season’s trepidations and volatility are no different than years past.

A current solar customer of ours is planning on a with-drawal of monies from his 401K to pay for a solar PV sys-tem. He’s going to pay early withdrawal penalties for a cash

transfer. Seeking information, (and fodder for this article and marketing) I asked him why he thought this was a wise choice. His response, “When was the last time electric rates went down?” followed by “When and how hard did the market fall last time and the last time the sun didn’t come up? I’d rather remove the market risk and invest in solar.”

There is typically no need to “sell the numbers” to finance professionals. They clearly understand the very low risk associated with an investment in solar PV. Their main concern is mitigation of risk via selection of the finest products and installation team. Only then will a solar PV system return the lowest long-term cost of energy. Returns will average over 12% per annum This investment will pay for itself 10 times over and equate to hundreds of thousands of dollars of zero return monies not paid to PGE. It’s also safe to say that there’s no volatility present in his investment, using history as a guide; PGE rates aren’t likely to crash. Solar has simply become another means by which the savvy investor can diversify his or her investments.

The psychoanalyst: Using an “auto-pay” payment method for your utility bills is akin to an ostrich keeping his or her head in the sand. Ignoring utility bills won’t make them go away or you any more rich.

Cringe-worthy moment: I recently received a solicitation that provides solar contractors incremental awards for contracting leased or power purchase solar systems to homeowners through their finance company. “Close 40 deals, get a television, a computer, AND $5,000 in travel rewards.” It certainly sounds to me like the finance companies are doing quite well by providing consumers with “zero down” solar systems if they can incentivize the sales with such gifts. It’s not snake oil--power purchase agreements can save homeowners money, but the real

savings lay in ownership of a solar PV system. If you’re considering solar, do your pocketbook and financial future a favor. There are plenty of finance options that lead to OWNERSHIP of a solar PV system. You’ll keep all the savings yourself.

Disclaimer: Even though we can offer a power purchase option to our pro-spective customers, we’ve have had very little success “selling” them. When local consumers are educated about where the majority of the savings go (to the finance company), they’ll lose interest and find a loan or pay cash to maximize their returns by purchasing the solar system. Don’t get me wrong, I’d certainly love a new “television, computer and travel rewards,” but I’d rather provide financial return to customers than to leasing companies. We come across very few customers who have no tax liability; therefore most can take advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit for renewable energy, accelerating the payback of the solar PV system.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed indictments against five members of the People’s Liberation Army of China, accusing them of exfiltrat-ing data from five U.S. corporations, including SolarWorld USA. SolarWorld just happened to be at the forefront of the International Trade Commission and DOJ trade case that charged the Chinese solar industry with illegal dumping and illegal subsidies. This was a case that the Chinese lost miserably and resulted in tariffs on all Chinese panels. The bankruptcy of the then largest manufacturer of solar panels, Suntech, also resulted. Now the Chinese have been accused of spying on a US solar company, amongst other companies. They’re not our allies, not in trade or otherwise.

By purchasing USA made solar panels from SolarWorld or Sharp, you’ll not only support USA solar manufacturing jobs (Hillsboro, Oregon and Memphis, Ten-nessee respectively), but you’ll also get better long term value from these products which have decades of field proven performance.

Consumer alert: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall on the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm. The hazard is that “activity near the product during a fire can prevent the alarm from immediately sounding when the Nest Wave feature is enabled.” For more information go to www.nest.com and click on Nest Protect Safety Notice.

Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 948715). GoSimpleSolar (www.GoSimpleSolar.com) can be reached at 925-331-8011, or [email protected]. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s solar and roofing showroom at 100 Railroad Avenue, Suite B, Danville, (behind Pete’s Brass Rail Restaurant) Advertorial

These statutory rules seem logical, but they can cause serious problems. Sup-pose that the financial institution has no reason to believe there is a dispute at a time when an untrustworthy relative comes in. Thus, the contents are lawfully delivered to this relative. The problem is you (the then-deceased owner) would never have granted access to this relative. If this relative happens to sell, hide, or give away valuable or sentimental items, no satisfactory recourse may be available for the loved ones who are rightfully entitled to these items.

Other somewhat convoluted rules give certain access and control upon your death to a person who presents a key to the box. These rules are also subject to potential abuse and can create logistical problems.

Many of the above-referenced potential problems can be mitigated by having your revocable living trust own (i.e. rent) the box. If your living trust is the box owner, your named successor trustee will only have access to and control over the box when necessary and authorized by you (e.g. upon your incapacity, your resignation as trustee of your trust or your death). The successor trustee has a fiduciary duty to preserve, protect, and distribute your property (including the contents of the box) in accordance with your wishes, as set forth in the trust.

If your trust owns the box, whoever is serving as your trustee at any given time can simply present the institution with a proper trust certification attesting to that fact. He or she will then be given full access to the box, without legal obstacles or the risks associated with owning the box in your own name(s) or with one or more co-owners.

Finally, however remote the risk is of loss or damage, the contents of a box are not insured by the financial institution or FDIC. Check with your insurance agent to ensure that you have applicable insurance coverage for the contents. Think hard about what items are best kept in the box vs. stored elsewhere. Finally, inventory whatever items you store in the box and keep copies of documents stored there. Taking photos or a video of the items in the box is also wise.

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 * Business

This 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


FREE Orthodontic Consultation for New Patients

(must be accompanied by exam, teeth cleaning, and x-rays)FREE Fluoride Treatment for children under 12

Expires July 01, 2014

STONE VALLEY DENTAL welcomesDr. N. Yamato PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST and Dr. Y. Lai ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST to the practice.


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 Founda-tion 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 Ser-vices 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.

Ask us about the IntelliFlo pump by Pentair, proven to save $100 or more each month. In addition, as certified PGE installers we can offer a $100 PGE rebate on the pump!

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Fire continued from front page

very similar to this woman’s. I consulted with her, and we agreed on a course of treatment that involved replacing the baseball stitches with 100 finer care-fully placed sutures that will result in a more aesthetically pleasing and less painful repair. The result for this began with a consultation that allowed me to improve her situation and offer her a more aesthetically pleasing result in my office … away from the long lines and crowds of the typical ER.

As a mother I know first hand that the emotions involved when your child is injured are amplified on an exponential scale. The injury (especially facial laceration) itself is traumatic enough, but add to that a lengthy wait time in an unfamiliar environment and what is already a scary experience can become almost unbearable. I treasure my involvement in this community, and I want to be used as a primary resource for these types of injuries. Please call me and I will ensure that it will be a calm and comfortable experience for your child. Most importantly, the injury will be optimally repaired the first time, avoiding the need for future scar revision.

An additional note - It is a common misconception that lacerations must be repaired immediately. In some cases, if the laceration is cleaned well and kept moist, excellent results can be achieved days after the initial injury.

Common sense must prevail with all bites, cuts, scrapes, or burns. Elevate and apply pressure for bleeding, ensure safety of the environment, and call 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency. The paramedics in our area are fantastic!

Keep in mind that our office accepts most insurance plans and even on a cash payment basis treatment at our office is likely to be a less expensive op-tion. As always, it is my pleasure to offer my expertise and I look forward to consulting with you soon. Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer season.

Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Sur-gery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or [email protected]. Advertorial

Healing with Minimal ScarringBy Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.

As summer approaches, I find that my practice is busier than ever. Most people would think that plastic surgeons become busy in the summer because that’s the time of year when people want to look better in a bathing suit. While it’s true that summer does bring people into my office looking to enhance their ap-pearance through cosmetic surgery, summer is also

the time of year when I see more patients after being involved in an accident. Local emergency rooms are packed in the summertime with people who have been involved in accidents while participating in warm weather activities such as swimming, hiking, and biking. I have spent years during my training in trauma centers and emergency rooms, working in high-pressure situations and focusing my attention on saving lives, and ensuring that patients are not at risk of serious illness or infection.

My advanced training in aesthetics is an added benefit my patients receive. For example, repairs to facial lacerations from a biking accident can be done in a way that leaves minimal scarring. Please use me as a resource and give me a call, especially when kids are involved. I would be happy to help.

Recently my patient’s sister was involved in a car accident. She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where they made sure she had no major injuries and evaluated for a number of horrible lacerations on her forearm. My staff and I told our patient to call us if there was anything we could do for her sister. Two days later we were asked to take a look at her sister’s arm because it was painful and oozing. The woman had baseball type stitches in the larg-est laceration and 17 centimeters of cuts in a star-like pattern on her forearm. During my fellowship in hand and microsurgery, and other advanced training in cosmetic and maxillofacial surgery, I repaired countless traumatic injuries

• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.• Limb up trees six feet from the ground.• Remove branches away from roofs and 10 feet from chimneys. • Keep wood piles and other stored flammable materials at least 30 feet

from your home.When doing maintenance on your property to prepare it for wildfire, keep

the following tips in mind:• Check the weather before starting any weed abatement project. If the

temperature is high, winds are strong or humidity is low, choose another day. • Never attempt an abatement project during a red flag warning day.• If possible, wet the area you are going to abate prior to cutting the weeds. • Always mow or cut weeds before 10am, when moisture levels are highest.• Always use tools that are made for cutting weeds; lawn

mowers are for lawns, not tall dry grass.• Insure you have a garden hose, large container of water,

or a fire extinguisher with you while you are cutting dry grass or weeds.

• If a fire should start from any abatement efforts, always contact the Fire District, even if you have put the fire out. Fire-fighters would like to insure the fire is completely extinguished and will not reignite later in the day or overnight. We are always here to help!

If wildfire occurs in your neighborhood...• Don’t wait to be told to evacuate. Authorities may not have

enough time to order an evacuation. If you feel threatened, leave on your own initiative.

• Obey all evacuation orders.• Drive calmly with your headlights on for visibility.• Do not block the access roadway for fire engines and emer-

gency personnel. Fire Prevention staff will be educating residents and evalu-

ating properties to make sure they are in compliance with Fire District standards beginning June 2. For more information and to view the District’s Minimum Abatement Standards, visit www.firedepartment.org/abatement.


Hospice of the East Bay Estate Sale Service

After the death of a loved one, dealing with the entire contents of a home and a lifetime of possessions can be overwhelming.

Hospice of the East Bay (HEB) Estate Sales, formally known as Diablo Appraisal and Estate Sales, is an estate sale and liqui-dation service that manages and coordinates your entire estate and provides you with a tax benefit by sharing the profits from the sale with HEB. We provide caring and trained professionals that can help you handle the entire process, making the seem-ingly impossible attainable.

We will assess each item’s value, advertise the sale through multiple channels, organize and display your estate items, pro-vide security before, during, and after the sale, run the estate sale smoothly and professionally, take unsold items to HEB thrift stores and provide with a tax deductible receipt for those items, clear out the house at the end of the sale, and leave the house empty and ready for cleaning. Everything will be handled for you, and best of all you won’t even need to be present! Families are provided with a guaranteed honest, efficient, and reliable service.

HEB Estate Sales was established in 2001 for families requesting help in selling the contents of their homes. Funds generated from the sale help benefit the patients and families in the care of HEB. Please call Patricia Wright at (925) 887-5678 or email [email protected] for more information.

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.

Books for the HomeboundIf you or someone you know has a passion for reading and

can no longer visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library volunteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 837-4889 for more information.

New Genetic Prostate Cancer TestsBy Jeremy Lieb, MD

Getting the diagnosis of cancer is usually an overwhelming and emotional process. There are several stages to understanding your disease. After the initial tests have been completed, most patients start with the process of determining the next step in treatment with the goal of complete cure. Advances in medical technology and treatments have allowed for tremendous improvement in care. There are several new tests for patients with prostate cancer that can help to predict the timing and need for treatment.

It’s important to understand that all cancer cells do not behave in the same manner. Some cancers can be very aggressive, and other cancers can have a very slow growth over many years.

Most men with low or low-intermediate risk prostate cancer can often opt for active surveillance. This is the process of continuing to monitor the disease with intermittent PSA blood testing, prostate biopsy and exam, with the goal of delaying treatments which may have associated risk. A newer option is genetic cell testing which can be run off your exist-ing biopsy tissue, without any additional procedures needed. These tests analyze the DNA inside of the cancer cells to help provide additional information regarding the aggressiveness of the cancer. They can help to predict the next steps and future outcome. These tests can be very helpful to patients when trying to make difficult decisions.

The first test, called Oncotype DX, uses the biopsy tissue to determine if the can-cer has a more or less favorable outlook for the future. For example, a less favorable result may help to initiate treatment sooner for a more aggressive cancer. The second test, called Prolaris, provides both predictive testing and will also report your risk of dying of prostate cancer in 10 years without treatment. I recently had a patient who we believed had a higher risk prostate cancer; however his Prolaris test reported his risk of dying of prostate cancer in 10 years is 3%. Obviously, that was a HUGE relief to this patient. Instead of investing energy into his treatment, he is spending more time with his grandchildren and family.

I expect that more similar tests will be available in the future for different cancers. Dr. Lieb is a Board Certified Urologist with Pacific Urology. His practice has offices

in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon Brentwood, Livermore, and Antioch. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (925) 609-7220 or visit www.PacificUrology.com. Advertorial

Join Dr. Lieb and Pacific Urology at their annual event: ‘Pints for Prostates’ and Men’s Health Fair at Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek on June 12th from 6-8PM. Your $20 dona-tion includes beer, beer glass, and hors d’ouevres. Space is limited and must be reserved by calling (925) 677-5041 x272.

A Hidden Jewel in Our CommunityBy Jewel Johl, MD

We tell every patient about the terrific services and programs available through the Cancer Support Community (CSC) in Walnut Creek. The work they do for our patients is incredibly valuable. Their mission is to “ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.” What more can I say?

The people at the Cancer Support Community enable cancer patients to partner with their treatment team to manage their treatment and recovery most effectively, ultimately providing for the highest possible quality of life. They provide counseling, support groups, nutrition, exercise, and patient education programs— not just for people with cancer, but

for their families or caregivers as well. One of the things I appreciate most about CSC is that all of our programs and services are evidence-based to positively impact cancer treatment outcomes.

Programs and services are all delivered by professionals who are licensed or certified in their area of expertise. “We never turn anyone away, and all of our services are always provided free of charge in order to be readily accessible to people facing cancer in their

time of need. We now serve 2,000 cancer patients and their families each year,” explains Jim Bouquin, President & Executive Director for the Walnut Creek Cancer Support Community.

CSC is still the only organization of its kind in Northern California. They are an affiliate of the international Cancer Support Community organization, but they are an independent nonprofit corporation, so all of the funds they raise are used to underwrite direct programs and services in our local community. I encourage everyone to support this local nonprofit organization – a hidden jewel in our community.

You can help by bringing your old tax returns and other documents containing personal information to Diablo Valley Oncology’s upcoming DOCUMENT SHREDDING FUNDRAISER, benefiting the Cancer Support Community, on Saturday, June 28th, 1-3PM at Diablo Valley Oncology/California Cancer and Research Institute parking lot at 400 Taylor Blvd, Pleasant Hill.

Dr. Johl is a board certified Medical Oncologist & Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. He also serves as a Board of Director for the Cancer Support Community. For more information or to contact Dr. Johl, please call (925) 677-5041 or visit www.DVOHMG.com. Advertorial

www.yourmonthlypaper.comResearch has shown that movement and exercise is key to recovery from injury and in maintaining optimum health. Avoiding performing activi-ties that a person believes will cause pain only makes his or her condition worse in many cases. Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Pain

• Pain persisting beyond six months after an injury• Allodynia - pain from stimuli which are not normally painful and/or pain

that occurs other than in the stimulated area• Hypersensation - being overly sensitive

to painTreatment

• Stay active! Your doctor can help you de-termine the proper type and amount of activity for you to perform that will be beneficial to your recovery rather than harmful.

• Relaxation training, hypnosis, and biofeedback can help you cope with chronic pain. Cognitive therapy can also help patients recognize destructive patterns of emotion and behavior and help them modify or replace such behaviors and thoughts with more reasonable or supportive ones.

• Work with your doctor or nutritionist about establishing a proper diet that promotes healing and will fight inflammation in the body to ensure a healthy internal environment.

• As mentioned earlier, there may be nerve dysfunction in the spine in cases of chronic pain which will require the evaluation of a doctor trained in spinal and nervous system health. Consult with your Doctor of Chiropractic about natural treatments and techniques for relieving pain, restoring function, and range of motion so that you can reclaim your quality of life!

Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www.sycamorevalleychiropractic.com or call 925-837-5595 for more informa-tion or to schedule an appointment. Advertorial


Chronic Pain and DepressionBy Melissa Ko, DC, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic

Over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Chronic pain can persist after an injury for weeks, months, or even years. Some people, often older adults, suffer from chronic pain without any definable past injury or signs of body damage. Until recently, some doctors who could not find a physical cause for a person’s pain simply

suggested that it was imaginary - “all in your head.” However, emerging scientific evidence is demonstrating that the nerves in the spinal cord of patients with chronic pain undergo structural changes, so the pain is quite real. For those suffering from chronic pain, problems may go far beyond the pain itself, as the condition creates, or is amplified by, stress which then may lead to feelings of frustration and depression.

Depression is the most common emotion associated with chronic pain. Depression is thought to be three to four times more common in people with chronic pain than in the general population. The combination of chronic pain and depression is often associated with greater disability than either depression or chronic pain alone.

People with chronic pain and depression suffer dramatic changes in their physical, mental, social well-being, and quality of life. Such people often find it difficult to sleep, are easily agitated, cannot perform their normal activities of daily living, cannot concentrate, and are often unable to perform their duties at work. This constellation of disabilities starts a vicious cycle - pain leads to more depression, which leads to more chronic pain.

Several factors may cause chronic pain conditions, including an in-dividual’s general state of health, level of fitness, past injuries, and diet. Until recently, we believed that bed rest after an injury was important for recovery. This has likely resulted in many chronic pain syndromes.

Gardens continued from front page

See Gardens continued on page 26Board president Ned Soares offers one of his favorite views of the Gardens. Photo provided by the Gardens at Heather Farm.

Department employee, and enthusiastically embraced by Ruth Wallis, Director of Parks and Recreation. Various groups offered input as the proposal gained momentum. In March of 1968, Robert Cowden, for whom the rose garden is named, was elected Chairman of a group composed of garden enthusiasts from the entire region including Robert and Alice Bridges (Lafayette), Bob and Pat Cowden (Walnut Creek), Jack and June Cunningham (Orinda), Aloha Pridmore (Walnut Creek) and many members of the Howard family – Harmon and Joan (Walnut Creek), Peter and Ruth (Walnut Creek) and Bruce and Jeanette (Orinda).

The City of Walnut Creek suggested a need for offices, meeting spaces, and classrooms not in the group’s original plans. GHF broke ground for the How-ard Center on August 12,1979. Today, 13,000 area children benefit each year from GHF programs both at the Gardens and in local schools. Adult education opportunities include lectures and hands-on workshops. Horticultural therapy, which utilizes gardening activities to improve an individual’s overall health and well being, is available for all ages.

Garden clubs from the San Ramon Valley to the Caldecott Tunnel have supported GHF over the years. Diablo Women’s Garden Club, whose members took a leading role in establishing GHF, continues to care for the sensory garden filled with fragrant and fun to feel plants. The Orinda Garden Club maintains the semi-circle of David Austin roses donated by their members. The Walnut Creek Garden Club organizes the Teddy Bear Tea, an important annual fundraiser.

Originally concerned with showcasing plants that thrive east of the Tunnel, GHF began focusing on sustainable gardening practices when Patrice Hanlon was hired as Garden Director in January 2000. Not long thereafter, an EBMUD grant funded the weather-based watering system. Soil improvement by mulching and the addition of organic matter dramatically reduced the need for water. “If you have healthy soil,” Hanlon explains, “plants intake water more efficiently.” Initiated under her guidance, the “7 Principles of Bay-Friendly Landscaping” are firmly in place: “Landscape Locally; Less to the Landfill; Nurture the Soil; Conserve Water; Conserve Energy; Protect Water and Air Quality; Create Wildlife Habitat.”

Leaves left to decompose provide homes for beneficial insects. Ninety-seven percent of the insects inhabiting gardens are beneficial. Teaching the public not to assume every bug on a rose is a problem is a GHF priority. Eliminating the application of herbicides and pesticides allows natural predators to control the non-beneficial insect and rodent populations. Bluebirds and owls are among the creatures enjoying the now healthy habitat.

Weeding and removal of undesirable debris is done by hand. The only area kept com-pletely free of decomposing foliage is the rose garden. Slow-release organic nutrients make the roses healthy enough to recover from common diseases such as black spot without chemical intervention. The recently installed deer fence keeps hoofed herbivores from devouring the blossoms but allows easy access for humans.

Each of the 24 demonstration beds has a specific theme, but the roses tend to steal the show. “I love the roses. They are magical,” says volunteer Gwen Colley. She and Christy

[email protected]

from their ranch and don’t depend on ranching for their main income. The drought of the mid-seventies was a final straw for the Wiede-

manns as grass for the cattle dried up. Accepting the inevitability of development, they sold land (now Twin Creeks) to Dame Homes, acreage on the eastern hills (now Canyon Lakes) to the Blackhawk Develop-ment Corporation, and part of their original ranch off Norris Canyon Road to Toll Brothers.

The Rasmussens, Elworthys, and Wiedemanns families do continue to ranch. And these families have reconciled to the changes. Ann Wiedemann Kaplan said in one interview: “It is too bad that [the land] is all being devel-oped, but what can you do? It is a beautiful area with a wonderful climate, and you can’t fault people for wanting to live here.”

In 1900, the San Ramon Valley was populated by a mere 2,727 people with small villages, farms, and ranches covering the landscape. By year 2000 the area had been reshaped by housing developments, retail centers, Bishop Ranch Business Park, and two incorporated cities. The 2010 valley population was 141,646.

Danville Today News ~ June 2014 -


Your Personal Nutritionist 8 Week Weight Loss Program and a New You ForeverBy Linda Michaelis RD,MS

Lately I have been receiving a tremendous interest in my 8 Week Royal Treatment Program. I am thrilled to see that people are willing to commit to this amount of time to lose weight the right way for once and for all.

Many studies have shown that it takes 21 days to change eating habits and create new behaviors.

I have seen in my practice that it takes at least two months to consciously establish a comfort level with a new behavior such as remembering to eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are full. The longer you sustain a new behavior, the more it becomes second nature. It is my job with my client to keep them focused on the new behaviors they have learned and remind them of the long-lasting benefits they will receive for life. It is also my job to show them that they can lose weight while enjoying their favorite foods, having their cocktails and wine, and still enjoying the good life.

Let me tell you about a couple, Lori and Michael, referred by a local physician who I often work with.

The doctor told Michael that if he didn’t lose 50 pounds the doctor would have to put him on a statin for high cholesterol, Glucophage for elevated blood sugar, and Lasix and Dilzatizem for high blood pressure. Michael had not been to his doctor in a year, and all of the sudden his blood work was in the abnormal range. He felt like he was falling apart and took the doctor’s advice to work with me on my eight week weight loss program. Lori jumped into the program with Michael, since she wanted to lose 30 pounds and also provide support.

I asked both Michael and Lori to come to my office with a food diary covering a few days so I could see their eating habits. They both work full-time and I could see the pattern of eating very skimpy during the day and then eating all of their calories at night.

For breakfast Michael would walk out the door with toast and butter, or Honey Bunches of Oats cereal with 2% milk. All day long Michael would enjoy snack size bags of chips, cookies, candy, and nuts that the office manager buys. At lunch he thought he was being a good boy by having a Cobb, Chef, or Caesar Salad. He would arrive home famished and eat cheese, salami, and crackers galore until

dinner was ready. Lori, a gourmet cook, would prepare a large traditional evening meal which was heavy in meats, starches, and a veggie.

Lori usually had a Quaker Oats granola bar for breakfast, Greek yogurt for lunch with some Wheat Thins, and then along with Michael she ate the cheese and crackers and drank two glasses of wine while preparing dinner. They always had ice cream for dessert.

In my office I have several sample products to look at. When looking at the packages I could see Lori and Michael had many misconceptions about the food label. As usual, Michael and Lori were focusing on carbs instead of grams of pro-tein, fiber, sugar, and calories per serving.

These are the areas that I covered with them in the two months that I worked with them:

• Set up weekly goals to build new habits• Educated them on what is considered a balanced breakfast, snack, lunch, and

lighter dinner• Established a list of snacks for Michael to have at the office to prevent him

from snacking on junk. Michael was thrilled that the office manager took the list and started buying some of the items

• Gave advice on how to handle all social, impromptu, and restaurant occasions • Looked at websites together before dining at restaurants and decided what

are the best items to order.• Taught them the skills to be prepared and organized for the day • Met with them at Trader Joes and created a shopping list for them • Helped them keep motivation up and keep the food plan exciting with high

flavor and favorite foods • Discussed the importance of intense consistent exercise, and taught them

about interval trainingLori, Michael, and I spoke almost daily thru phone and email. I am glad to inform

you that Michael has lost 30 pounds, and Lori has lost 20 pounds in the last two months. They are continuing on a new program and want to reach their ideal weight. Michael’s doctor is shocked at his success, and the great news is that Michael does not have to be on any medication. There is a large smile on Michael’s face every day.

Linda would like to inform you that often her services are covered by insur-ance. Please feel free to call Linda at (925) 855-0150 or email her at [email protected], and ask her about your nutrition concerns. Visit her website at www.LindaRD.com for past articles and nutrition tips. Advertorial

Cattle traveling to market using roads, c. 1940

Ranch continued from page 19 While grazing exists in the Regional Parks and on some valley proper-ties, most working ranches have moved east as development has occured. The impacts of post World War II growth and the vagaries of weather have transformed cattle ranching.

But the memories remain. Valley families recall the joys of ranch life, the hard work, the waving green spring grass, annual brandings and barbeques, and the neighborliness of a past era. Ranchers like Gordon Rasmussen af-firm, “This business gets in your blood. Even in tough times, when you could make other moves, you still get a kick out of it.”

For more information, visit museumsrv.org.Sources: Quotations from CC Times, SRV Herald, SRV Times, interviews, and articles

by Richard Rutherford and Don Wood.

Wine continued from page 17(heart of the chianti zone), Chianti Rufina, Chianti Montalbano, Chianti Colli Senesi, Chianti Aretini, Chianti Colli Fiorentini, and Chianti Colline Pisano.

Piedmont – If Tuscany is visual, Piedmont is aromatic. One can smell and taste the richness of the foods. Piedmont translates to “Foot of the Mountain.”

The best known red wine grapes of Piedmont include Dolcetto, which produces light bodied wines; Barbera, which is the most widely planted grape and the workhorse of Piedmont; and Nebbiolo, the prized grape of Piedmont which makes Barolo and Barbaresco both powerful wines that can age with complexity. Three ways Italian Wines are Named

• Regional names – a village or district like Chianti• Grape name plus a regional name – Barbera D’Asti• Proprietary name – brand or fanciful made up name – Sassicaia and TignanelloMonica Chappell is a wine writer and educator. Visit www.lafayetterec.

org for the next class on Italian Wines.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com - June 2014 ~ Danville Today NewsThe Eye OpenerBy Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo OptometrySocial Media

As an office we are always trying to tinker with how we do things to make ourselves and our product better. Whether that is adding new technology to the office, offering our patients new contact lenses to the market, or finding better ways to make visits to our office more enjoyable, our goal is to enhance our office and services to be able to meet and exceed the needs of our patients.

Regardless of the type of business, that company has to continue to grow and gather new clients, patients, etc. to be able to succeed. If a company does not alter the way they conduct business to meet market changes and demands, they will definitely not prosper. Since we took over the office almost seven years ago, we have made several changes including adding new frame lines and office instru-ments, introducing new lens products as they come to market, and changing some of the décor in the office. Our new project is to better connect our office to our current patients and the members of our local community. Thankfully, we have our current patient base talking and recommending our office to their friends and family members. In conjunction with our loyal patient base, we are trying to enter the 21st century regarding social media. Even though I am not person-ally into the social media sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, taking selfies, nor mastering the use of the hashtag, many of our current and potential patients use them all the time.

The main goal of utilizing these sites is to help share information with our patients and the community. Whether it is an interesting article about cataracts or a new treatment for macular degeneration, new daily disposable contacts for astigmatism, or just a random good vibe, the purpose of these sites is to help educate people about good vision and eye health, and the procedures, products, and treatments that make that happen. We are encouraging those who are so inclined to engage the office and the community by using Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, by posting their selfies of their new sunglasses or their new look wearing daily disposable contacts, or to tweet any eye-related issues or ques-tions that you have. This will start threads about eye-related subjects or products that can shed some light on a topic of interest to you or introduce you to a new sunglass frame.

Up to this point we have had a blog on our website and a Facebook page for several years now, where we (mostly my wife) would post interesting articles or things going on at the office. Even though that has been successful, we are trying to expand our reach to our patients and the local community about our office and services. It is probably going to take a while for us to master the use of these sites, but we are learning. And to be honest, when you see a post, tweet, or a re-tweet, you can be pretty sure it was done by my better half. Come follow us on Twitter @Alamo Optometry, and we are Alamo Optometry on Facebook and Instagram.

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 website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

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1211138-TSO-ALToday-5x6.25.indd 1 11/16/12 9:28 AMGardens continued from page 24Wilson recently led a tour of 30 women who refused to exit the remarkable display. Rental of the rose garden for weddings is a significant source of funding. “GHF is a wonderful venue and great value for a beautiful wed-ding,” Gwen affirms.

Volunteers are essential to running all aspects of the organization. “My background is in HR, so I have helped draft the GHF policy manual, assist with recruiting, and do other HR tasks when requested,” Colley notes.

“What I find most rewarding about volunteering at GHF is the friendships I have made,” Colley continues. “When I was working in San Francisco, I didn’t know many people in Walnut Creek.” Rita Shand, who heads the volunteer propagation program, concurs. “I love the camaraderie. I started as one of the youngest and am now one of the oldest. I treasure the relation-ships I have formed with fellow volunteers. It’s a pleasure to have known them and to have them in my life.”

“Propagation is a labor of love, but it is also a lot of work,” remarks Shand. In addition to supplying specimens for the Gardens, the propagation team grows all the material marketed at the GHF Spring and Fall Plant Sales. Slips donated to the group are potted and prepared for sale. The team cultivates material purchased for propagation before offering it to the public.

Some programs have a modest fee. Others are free thanks to funding such as the grant from the City of Walnut Creek for the “Sense of Place” series. The final lecture on June 4th from 7-8:30pm is “Tick Tock: Is Our Planet Out of Sync? An Introduction to Citizen Science.” Christy Wilson recognizes the importance of the city’s ongoing support for GHF: “When you are in partnership with your city, it is tremendous.”

Joan Lucchese, GHF Board Vice President, recalls spending time in the Gardens with her children when they were young before signing on as a volunteer. She still finds time to work along with the 25-30 garden regulars who come weekly to propagate on Tuesdays and tend the beds on Wednesdays. Ned Soares, Board President, began his association with GHF in 2010 as a docent and garden volunteer.

Visit the Howard Center at 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek or the website www.gardenshf.org for information on programs, tours, volunteering and renting meeting space or scheduling an event at GHF.

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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. Assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact [email protected] or 925-264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org.

ELECTRICAL WORKEVERYTHING ELECTRICAL! Need new light fixtures, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, or track lighting installed? Need a dimmer switch or GFCI installed? Do you want to change the color of your outlets in your kitchen or install 220V power for the new hot tub or stove? I also troubleshoot electrical problems. FREE ESTIMATES. Licensed and bonded. 30 years experience. CALL 925-389-6964.

Danville Today ClassifiedsReach over 15,000 homes and businesses in Dan-ville - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, 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 “Alamo Today” or “Lafayette Today” 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.

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

GOPHER 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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DAYCARECOZY BEAR IS A HOME-ESTABLISHED DAYCARE, opened in 1999 to serve the needs of families with children from three months old to five years old. The program is based on a loving, nurturing, and safe environment for optimal growth of the children. For more information, please visit www.cozybearchildcare.com. To contact us, please call (925)855-8268 or email us at [email protected]. License #073402072

SUMMER TUTORING - Credentialed substitute teacher with San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Experience working with students K-5 in all subjects. Offering personalized instruction to fill in learning gaps, minimize learning loss over the summer, and help your child begin the up-coming school year with confidence. Affordable rates and flexible scheduling. Tutoring can be done in my home or yours. First session FREE. Call 925-953-3072.

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TENNIS LESSONS - Looking for the PERFECT summer activity? Improve your tennis game while having a blast! College student and avid tennis player looking to give private or group lessons to beginner and intermediate players of all ages! Call or email for more information and to book you lesson! (925) 890-7500, [email protected].

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Eye BagsBy Dr. Jerome Potozkin

Instant gratification is something many of us seek. In many instances the term has a negative connota-tion. However, one year ago I found a new beauty product that offers instant gratification to improve the appearance of under-eye bags. It just became available and is sold under the name Neotensil®. Neotensil® is the only noninvasive solution that can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags. It can re-

store a more youthful well-rested appearance.Through the years I have seen many patients complaining of under-eye bags

because they feel they make them look old and tired. Blepharoplasty surgery is a procedure that we perform in our fully accredited operating rooms with local anesthesia and mild oral sedation. This is an effective procedure that produces a long lasting result. However, there are some risks associated with it as well as downtime from work and social functions. On occasion we will also laser the lower lids to tighten them. For some people the under-eye bag doesn’t bother them to the point of considering a surgical option. For those averse to surgery, an injectable filler can be injected into the hollow area between the under-eye bag and cheek. This area is commonly referred to as the tear trough. A fully natural, rested look can be accomplished with these injections. However, there is always the risk of bruising and swelling that can impact one’s work or social calendar. Many people have hoped for a non-invasive method of improving the under eye area that requires no downtime.

Neotensil® is sold in our office. It is applied to the lower eyelid skin in two steps and creates a polymer that tightens the skin. It is considered an invisible shapewear®. I like to think of it as sort of like SpanxR for you lower eyelid. It is applied at home and tightens the appearance of sagging skin for up to 16 hours. There is special makeup that can be applied on top of the Neotensil® layer. In clinical studies 94% of patients showed a greater than 1 grade of improvement of under-eye bag severity, 87% of patients saw improvement of lower lid wrinkles. A majority of patients felt they looked five years younger. It takes only five minutes to apply the product and lasts for 16 hours.

Neotensil® is available in my office. Call us today at (925) 838-4900, and we would be happy to schedule an appointment so that we can teach you how to apply it to your lower lids. Your friends will be amazed at the results.

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


Danville Alamo Real Estate Market: Seller’s are Kings!We’re near the end of May so we have enough data to review this year’s market

performance against the same time period last year (January 1-May 23) and be fairly confident that it has meaning.

The market continues to rise both in Alamo and Danville. A key driver to that growth is lack of inventory and fantastic interest rates for buyers. Low inventory coupled with strong demand has been an issue in Danville and Alamo for three years and has yet to be resolved by market forces delivering a sufficient number of properties for sale to tip the balance in the favor of buyers. I think buyers will likely be at a disadvantage for the foreseeable future.

Sales of homes declined in Alamo by 11% from the previous year, while average purchase price jumped 18.1% year over year. There is no lack of demand, only lack of inventory. This price jump is not an insignificant change even though the size of the homes being sold is 12.9% larger than last year. Typically larger homes sell for a lower price per square foot than do smaller homes and this change in sales mix pulled the numbers lower than they otherwise would have been.

Dollars paid for square foot came in at a 4.6% increase. If it doesn’t sound like much growth, think about it, this data represents sales for less than half the year. Remember too, as the base price grows a single percentage point is worth more dollars. The dollar growth year on year is $233,960. A percentage point last year was worth $12,890. Moving forward, a percentage point will be worth $15,230. We’re talking really big growth in terms of dollars.

Two numbers on this chart suggest that the Alamo market may be starting to move


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.

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Alamo Danville Single Family Home Sales Jan. 1-May 23 Sold DOM List Price Sold Price Sq. Foot $ Sq. Foot

Alamo 2013 88 34 1,295,434$ 1,289,226$ 2,984$ 432$ Alamo 2014 78 38 1,535,742$ 1,523,186$ 3,369$ 452$ % Change -11.0% 11.0% 18.5% 18.1% 12.9% 4.6%

Danville 2013 205 26 963,168$ 975,332$ 2,607$ 374$ Danville 2014 208 22 1,109,124$ 1,131,438$ 2,668$ 424$

% Change 1.4% -15% 15.1% 16.1% 2.3% 13.4%

to a more normal pattern. One is Days on Market (DOM). DOM is up by 11% from the previous year. A normal market would have inventory lasting from 90-180 days, so at 34 and 38 days respectively, we are still in the midst of a red-hot market.

Also, something to note is that actual selling price in Alamo is falling below list price for the first time since 2011. At present it is about a half point discount on average. Taken in tandem with increasing days on market, we might just be seeing our first glimpse at buyer push-back on pricing. If you are a seller, don’t be alarmed, we will have to see this discount number hit 2-3% before we can say definitively that buyers have been lifted to equal status with sellers. Now, and for the foreseeable future, Alamo remains a seller’s market.

The story for Danville isn’t a lot different from Alamo. In reviewing the chart, it occurs to me that Danville is just now experiencing in 2014 what Alamo experienced last year in terms of growth. Although units sold is up slightly at 1.4%, inventory remains very low. DOM have declined by 15% to 22 suggesting much greater heat in Danville than in Alamo. Another sign of strength for the Danville Market is that Sold Price is greater than List Price by about 1%. No inventory, no negotiation! Sellers are Kings and “Animal Spirits” are driving buyers to bid the market higher.

On a very small increase in size, dollars paid per square foot eclipsed the magical $400 and settled at $424 for a 13% increase over last year. Compared to 2013 this is an average price increase of $156,000. This is extremely rapid growth of 2.6% per month and if it continues at this rate for the remainder of the year, Danville Real Estate values will be off the charts. Right now Danville lags Alamo by a mere $28 per square foot. With a growth rate at 2.9 times Alamo’s current growth rate, this could be the year Danville catches up.

Nancy and I have more than 2,500 email subscribers who receive this article in advance of publication. You can add yourself to the list by sending me an email or signing up for it on our website www.thecombsteam.com. I assure you no spam will follow.

Trying to figure out your next move? Need numbers and answers to make your deci-sions? Nancy and I will be happy to provide you with a personal consultation to help you figure it out. No charge and no pressure just our honest opinions. Please call 925-989-6086 or send me an email [email protected].

Danville Today News, June 2014

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Transcript of Danville Today News, June 2014