HOW CHILD ADVOCATES ARE CHANGING LIVES IN CONTRA COSTA
By Traci Wyss
“Step up, stand up, rise up.” It’s a simple, yet profound, call to action shared by Executive Director Katharine Mason when she talks about Child Advocates of Contra Costa County. She has seen firsthand how foster youth, caught up in the system, can have what seems like a revolving door of adults getting swapped in and out of their lives. Foster parents, group home staff, social workers, lawyers—these adults have the best of intentions, but they also have full caseloads and behind-thescenes bureaucracy to contend with.
This is where the consistent presence of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) can make a world of difference for youth in the foster care system. A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a well-trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect.
The idea of Court Appointed Special Advocates came from Judge David Soukup in Seattle around 1977. Judge Soukup was faced with many difficult decisions in his time in family court, but one case he spoke about in a 2018 interview was the catalyst for change. A three-year-old girl was brought to the hospital with injuries, and the doctor called the authorities suspecting child abuse. In court, the mother said the child had fallen off a swing and, anyways, her boyfriend had moved out. Judge Soukup looked around the court and wished there was an unbiased party to advocate on behalf of the child with knowledge of all aspects of the child’s needs. Out of this need came CASA, and today there are over 950 CASA programs nationwide.
In 1981, Contra Costa County established its first CASA organization called Court Appointed Special Representatives (CASR) to help in this capacity. In 2001, the organization aligned with the greater CASA programs and changed its name to reflect that, becoming CASA of Contra Costa County.
The organization changed its name in February of 2025 to Child Advocates of Contra Costa County (CCC) to reflect their greater mission beyond providing CASA volunteers to foster youth, offering additional services to foster children to help them succeed. According to Katharine Mason, the mission of Child Advocates of CCC is to provide programs for abused and neglected children to help them find permanent homes and complete their education.
How does Child Advocates of CCC work? For the CASA program, children in need of an advocate are appointed one by the court. These are youth in the child welfare system, whether that be in a foster home or those being monitored by the court while they remain with their families. In recent years, CASA has expanded to support youth in the juvenile justice system to help them fulfill their probation
See Advocates continued on page 13
SERPENTS OF DIABLO
By Wallace De Young
While Mount Diablo is home to many species of snakes, including several species of garter snakes, the endangered Alameda Whipsnake, ring necked and sharp tailed snakes -the largest – the rattlesnake, king snake and gopher snake, earn the title of “Serpents of Diablo.”
The rattlesnake is the only venomous snake capable of delivering a lifethreatening bite to humans in all of California. And in almost all of the state, including Mount Diablo and the surrounding Bay Area, this is true of only a single species, the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake.
While this species has been recorded to grow to a length of about 5 feet, most that we see top out at about 3 feet. Its iconic rattle sends a warning to all to give it wide berth, not as an act of aggression – quite the opposite. Our resident rattler is timid in nature, and relatively less potent in venom, when compared, for example with its cousin, the western diamondback. And no, it’s a myth that baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults – the larger venom glands of adults simply mean more venom. And speaking of snaky myths, the number of rattles does NOT indicate the age of a rattlesnake, as a new button is created with each shed. Younger snakes shed more often than adults, and rattles do sometimes just break off.
See Serpents continued on page 17
HORSES CAME TO ALAMO IN 1772…AND NEVER LEFT By Sharon
Burke
Ask anyone who has lived in Contra Costa County for any length of time what Alamo is known for and most of the time they will say horses. There is a long history of horses in Alamo, beginning with the arrival of Spanish explorers and padres in 1772 and continuing through the 21st century. There are still several horse properties in Alamo where homeowners enjoy living with, and riding, these beautiful animals.
Californios, the name given to California-born descendants of the Spanish, were America’s first cowboys and developed a high degree of horsemanship skills. An 1850s chronicle from Alamo documents an Alamo vaquero, Santos
See Horses continued on page 20
Serafix, owned by Alamo’s John Rogers, shown with trainer Murrell Lacey. From Facebook group “Arabian Horse Shows: The Good Old Days.”
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
As a teen my mother, Angela, was fortunate enough to have her own horse. She enjoyed many days riding and exploring through-out Griffith Park in the Los Angeles area, and also spent lazy days doodling horse images on scraps of paper, and hours reading horse-themed books like the Black Stallion series. Some of the books she passed on to me, and some I acquired as new installments were released. I too spent many a day immersed in them.
While I never owned a horse, we took trail rides and adventures on family vacations, and once I had some more skills under my belt I had the opportunity to be a counselor of a horseback riding program at a Girl Scout camp in Washington state. Idyllic summer camp days were spent leading a horseback riding wagon trip over the logging roads of Washington and Idaho.
As I got older, my husband and I purchased a home in Kirkland, Washington that came with a barn and two boarded horses, Lenny and Moon. We bought the property for the house, the barn and tenants were a bonus!
Across the street from our home was an almost 500-acre equestrian-friendly State Park. We had the best of both worlds. While we did not own the horses, we were allowed to ride them. It was wonderful seeing them at our back door in the pasture, and delightful to have all of the fun with hardly any of the care and maintenance required for their upkeep!
While the front page article features horses in Alamo, many horses existed throughout our valley. If you pick up the book Images of America San Ramon Valley - Alamo, Danville, and San Ramon, chapter 5 “Horse Country” shows pictures of the beautiful, and large, Oakwood Park Stock Farm in the now-named Diablo area. Page 64 features a picture of “Humburg Belle” pulling a buggy and throughout the pages there are historical pictures of ranches such as Blackhawk Ranch, along with racetracks, horses working the local fields, and other large stables that filled our area.
When our family moved to town in 1997, there were still properties along Danville Blvd. and the Iron Horse Trail with horses in pasture.
The D.H. Humphrey Ranch out Stone Valley Road was one of them. Their Double D riding arena was abuzz with activity from youth clubs such as 4-H and equine shows.
Serafix, the purebred Arabian stallion mentioned on page 20 of this issue, was one of the most famous horses of the area. While he passed away in 1973, some folks still remember him and his presence. Do you? It is rumored that somewhere out Livorna Road his grave and gravestone exist. Have you seen it? I’d love to hear more.
For decades, 15 childhood Black Stallion books have sat on my bookshelf -read in my youth, and then tucked away. This summer I decided to go back and reread them. What good is it if they just sit? The books, focused on Arabian horses, are set in the same era as when Serafix was alive. I’ve just started the fifth book in the series and I’m enjoying going back in time to when summers and days were spent outdoors exploring, no technology present, and learning things outside of a structured classroom.
If you have a young-adult reader who would like to read my collection, I’m happy to lend the books out for others to enjoy. Just email me at editor@ yourmonthlypaper.com and we can connect.
Another extremely important story on the front page of this issue is on Child Advocates of Contra Costa County (formerly CASA). My mother volunteered as a CASA after I left the house. She made a difference to the young man she mentored. She feels her actions may have even saved his life. During her time with him, she helped him get his first Christmas tree and my sisters and I contributed to decorations. He was touched and overjoyed, never before having a tree of his own. He later attended Cal State Monterey Bay, and I am certain my mothers guidance helped him through the process to take that step into further education. There are always openings to give others the gift of our time and attention. If we don’t, who will? If you can mentor or donate to these kids, there is always a need. Please read the story and make a difference.
My mother Angela Parizek Horine, riding her horse Chula in Griffith Park, Glendale, California.
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DISCOVER THE JOY OF SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING!
LIVELY MUSIC • LASTING FRIENDSHIPS • FUN FITNESS
Looking for a new way to stay active, meet people, and have fun?
Join in for Scottish Country Dancing! Adult Beginner Classes start Thursday September 4th!
• No partner or experience needed
• Great exercise disguised as fun
• Dance to toe-tapping Scottish reels, jigs, and strathspeys
• Make friends, laugh lots, and learn something new
• Wear comfortable clothing and soft sole shoes
• Join a class for only $8/week!
Weekly classes for beginners and intermediate dancers are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30PM – 9:30PM at the Danville Grange located at 743 Danville Rd.
Contact Monica at monica.van.eck@gmail.com or visit the RSCDS-SF Branch website at rscds-sf.org/classes for additional information.
TAX-AIDE PROGRAM LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers with diverse backgrounds and experiences to become members of a team providing free tax preparation service in Contra Costa County. While prior tax preparation experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. The program provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure all volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles.
• To learn more and apply on-line, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/ taxaidevolunteer or call 925-726-3199 for additional information.
• Orientation Sessions will be held in December 2025 and Certification Classes start in January 2026.
• Tax preparation service is from February through April 15, 2026.
• For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/tax-ccc
The Tax-Aide program is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, and Contra Costa County. Volunteers do not need to be AARP members.
O’NEILL FESTIVAL 2025 FEATURES TWO PLAYS
The O’Neill Festival 2025 brings two plays to the National Historic Site, Tao House in Danville -- Prisontown and Harry Ape
Who belongs and who doesn’t? These questions drive America’s most contentious debates about class, race, immigration, and gender. And in the one-person play Prisontown they force a young writer to confront his own complicated feelings about belonging and the need to bear witness to cruelty and injustice. Prisontown will be presented at the Veterans Memorial Hall/Senior Center in downtown Danville, Saturday, August 23rd at 7:30PM and Sunday, August 24th at 2PM .
Prisontown, starring Osorio and directed by Town Hall Theatre’s Richard Perez, is one of two plays that will be presented at the Eugene O’Neill Festival 2025.
The second is O’Neill’s own daring 1922 play, Harry Ape directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes. This expressionist, existentialist masterpiece explores the still potent themes of racism, industrialization, and income inequality, as it follows a laborer named Yank trying to find his place in the world. Harry Ape will be presented for the Festival’s first two weekends (September 5-7 and September 11-14) at the barn at Tao House, then moves to Danville’s Village Theatre for the final weekend (September 20-21). This production at the Village Theatre provides an opportunity to present the work to a larger audience.
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation is based at Tao House, the estate in the hills above Danville that was O’Neill’s home from 1937 to 1944 and where he wrote his final, greatest plays. The estate is now a National Historic Site, where the Foundation celebrates the works and legacy of America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright. The Foundation also supports new works by writers like Osorio, one of its 2024 Travis Bogard Artists in Residence, who further O’Neill’s interest in the everyday struggles of regular people and the darker side of the American experience. Tickets and information for all Festival events are available at eugeneoneill. org/productions/festival. There is a Shop, Dine, See a Play event also taking place which involves local business offering 10% off to folks who purchase tickets for either play August 23-September 21.
VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS
Veteran Service Organizations meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted.
• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August and October). Odd numbered months at noon and even numbered months at 6PM. Visit americanlegionpost246.org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7PM. Visit vfwpost75.org or email info@vfwpost75.org
• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at The Bridges Golf Club, 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd., San Ramon. Visit vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.
• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. Visit www.facebook.com/MCL942
• Military Officers of the World Wars/Military Officers Association of America meets on the third Monday of each month at 5PM. Email pattywernet@ hotmail.com.
• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. Visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.
• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9 AM to noon.
The San Ramon Valley Little League 11 Year Old District All-Star Team won the District 57 Championship. This was the same team that won last year's NorCal State Championship as 10 year olds. This year’s district win makes them the first SRVLL team to win backto-back District championships in 31 years. Photo courtesy of K&D Photography.
ALAMO MOVIES UNDER THE STARS SCHEDULE
Contra Costa County Public Works, Alamo Parks and Recreation, with support from the Alamo Municipal Advisory Council, invite you to enjoy Movies Under the Stars at beautiful Livorna Park. This summer we will be showing two family friendly films The Wild Robot, Friday, September 19th, and Hotel Transylvania, Friday, October 10th. Showtime is at 7PM. Livorna Park is located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue in Alamo.
Bring family, friends, chairs, blankets, and flashlights. If special accommodations are needed to participate in this event, please contact Alamo Recreation Staff at least 72 hours prior to the event date. Alamo Recreation Staff can be reached at 925-313-2181 or visit www.cccounty.us/alamoparksandrecreation
TOTALLY TRAINS AT MUSEUM SRV
The Totally Trains exhibit is running at Museum of the San Ramon Valley, but sadly it will end on August 24th
The Circus Trains theme brings the magic of the big top to the tracks! Picture a time when grand circuses arrived in town, their dazzling displays transported entirely by the power of the railroad. The main layout showcases charming models of Danville and San Ramon, blending their present and past, with trains gracefully zipping over intricate trestles, soaring bridges, and through majestic mountains. Even the youngest engineers can get in on the fun by loading “coal” into a model steam locomotive, creating a fantastic photo opportunity!
While at the museum, take a moment and visit the waiting room’s exhibit on the history of the depot, now the home of Museum SRV.
The museum’s virtual program returns on Thursday, August 21st at 11:30AM. Thom Jackson will discuss how San Francisco transformed during the Gold Rush and also talk about the many sunken ships that remain beneath modern streets.
To attend this free virtual program, register at museumsrv. org, select “What’s On,” and then “Virtual Programs.”
MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. The museum’s summer hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM -1 PM and Sunday noon-3 PM . For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
DANVILLE SAN RAMON ROTARY CLUB HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD
At the Rotary International District 5160 Awards Meeting recently held in Chico, the Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon was honored with the distinguished Cliff Dochterman Club
of the Year award. This prestigious recognition is awarded to only one club amongst 68 clubs in the district. The award celebrates the Club’s well-rounded and consistent achievements over the past Rotary year.
Club accomplishments include successful fundraising campaigns, impactful international service projects including the District Wheelchair Foundation initiative, and strong support for numerous local community service efforts.
What makes this recognition even more remarkable is that the club was formed through the merger of three separate clubs in the San Ramon Valley. This two-year consolidation process culminated in 2024-25, with the creation of the new 65-member Danville San Ramon Rotary Club. The club’s achievements and this prestigious award stand as a testament to the vision, dedication and teamwork of their membership.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP SENIORS
Join us! To learn more about the Danville San Ramon Rotary Club or to attend a meeting, please contact current Club President Julie McKinney at julie@jbmckinney.com or visit danvillesanramonrotary.com.
The San Ramon Valley Village (SRVV), an affiliate of East Bay Villages (formerly Lamorinda Village lamorinda.helpfulvillage.com), is a nonprofit organization forming in our community to help seniors. Villages provide a vital safety net of compassionate care and connection to seniors enabling them to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Services provided by background-checked volunteers include: social activities/events, driving (medical, dental, and grocery), home repairs and gardening help, tech support, check-in calls/visits, professional referrals, etc. SRVV may be the first Village in the country formed by Rotarians, specifically Rotarians from the Danville San Ramon Rotary Club. SRVV needs volunteers to perform a few hours of work a week on the steering committee to help make the SRVV a reality. Help is needed with publicity, marketing, communications, programming events, membership coordinator, volunteer coordinator, partnership coordinator, administrative support, tech support, fundraising, and a treasurer. You do not need to be an expert with vast experience. Anyone willing to help is welcome. Please contact Claes Elfving, elfvingclaes60@gmail.com, 925- 984-0537 for more information.
Join in for the Eugene O’Neill Foundation (EONF) August 5th Happy Hour at 5:30PM at the Auburn Lounge back room speakeasy (321 Hartz Ave., Danville) followed by an informal 6:30-7:30PM book talk reviewing Becoming Carlotta by Brenda Murphy. You can follow the EONF Instagram page or sign up for email invites to upcoming Happy Hour gatherings at eugeneoneill.org
Pictured above, EONF Board members past-President Carole Wynstra and Librarian/ Archive specialist Vickie Sciacca, and event coordinator Marcia Harmon.
UPCOMING BOOK SALE
The Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) will host a pop-up used book sale to raise money for our local library on Saturday, August 30th from 10am to 2pm. The sale will be held in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library located at 400 Front Street, Danville.
• Book prices start at $2; less for children’s chapter books
• Cash, local checks, and credit cards accepted
• Book donations will be accepted, limit four bags
For more information, visit the bookstore Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm to speak with a volunteer.
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE ‘OFFICE’ TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office offers a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience.
Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon.
For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
FREE GENEALOGY RESEARCH ASSISTANCE
Are you looking for your ancestors? Do you want to do a little genealogy research? Could you use some help or direction?
Bring your questions to the Danville Library, located at 400 Front Street, Danville on Tuesday, August 12 th from 10am-1pm. Genealogy docents from the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society will be available to help you take your research further with print resources from the library’s genealogy collection or online material. The free genealogy research assistance is provided by the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society in partnership with the Danville Library. For questions, call 925-314-3750 or visit srvgensoc.org
SONS IN RETIREMENT (SIR)
SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128
Looking to enrich your retirement years? SIR 128 San Ramon Valley is a vibrant community of men dedicated to making the most of their post-career lives. We’re a lively group of retirees and soon-to-be retirees who believe the best is yet to come, and we enjoy life through a diverse range of activities.
Whether your passion is walking, card games, book club, a round of golf (9 or 18 holes), pickleball, biking, and hiking, you’ll find something to suit your interests. Beyond our regular activities, we organize exciting monthly outings across the Bay Area, offering new experiences and opportunities for exploration. What truly sets SIR 128 apart are our involved members and our variety of activities. Our monthly luncheons are on the third Wednesday at 11:30AM at Bridges in San Ramon. They feature delicious food, engaging speakers, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re coming alone, we have a special table just for you to ensure you feel right at home.
Ready to discover what we’re all about? We invite you to attend a meeting. Email us at membership@sir128.com to get started. To learn more, visit www. SIR128.com. Your next adventure and a welcoming community await!
Thanks to the community for their support at the 12th annual Bobby’s Brigade care packaging event, 1,200 packages were assembled. The care packages are used for auto accidents and other traumatic events where children have to be separated from their parents and locked in the back of the first responder vehicle for their own protection. Bobby’s Teddy Bears give the child something to hold onto until additional help arrives. The coloring book, colored pencils, and special note included provide a distraction from what’s going on outside the first responder vehicle.
Bobby started his own 501(c)(3) charity at age 5. He’s now 17 and has supplied over 17,000 care packages for children in protective custody with the California Highway Patrol.
Learn more and see how you can help, at www.bobbysbrigade.com
IN MEMORIAM
EAST WEST KUNG FU STUDIOS HONORS
LIFE & LEGACY OF SENIOR GRANDMASTER RICHARD LEE (1942–2025)
With deep respect and profound sorrow, East West Kung Fu Studios announces the passing of our beloved founder, Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee, a once-in-ageneration martial artist, visionary educator and lifelong champion of human potential. His legacy lives on in every student, every lesson and every life touched by the powerful spirit of Bok Fu Do.
From humble beginnings in a New England housing project to becoming a globally recognized martial arts pioneer, Senior Grandmaster Lee transformed adversity into strength, skill into mastery, and passion into purpose. His journey began at age four with boxing under his father’s rigorous guidance and evolved into a global quest for martial knowledge that culminated in the founding of Bok Fu Do in 1972—a uniquely American system of Chinese martial arts that continues to shape generations.
Senior Grandmaster Lee was not only a master of technique but a master of people. His East West Kung Fu schools became sanctuaries of discipline and spiritual growth. The Alamo school, in particular, emerged as a worldrenowned center for Chinese martial arts, drawing in kung fu practitioners and admirers from across the globe. Many students commented over the years that they could not believe so much worldwide success had come from a little school in the back of a shopping plaza.
He led with intensity and heart—whether coaching the U.S. team to victory at the First World Kuoshu Championships in 1975, mentoring his students with unwavering dedication, or building bridges with martial arts masters across Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. His life’s work earned him global accolades, including multiple 10th-degree black belt recognitions, induction into multiple international Halls of Fame and a rare honor from Taoist monks in a ceremonial purification.
For all his achievements, Senior Grandmaster Lee always prioritized his students. In his own words: “Bok Fu Do is the single most important thing in my life and I put every ounce of my mind, body and spirit into what it is today.”
That legacy now continues through his chosen successor, Grandmaster John Buckley, whom Senior Grandmaster Lee promoted to 10th-degree black belt in June 2025. Their decades-long partnership ensures the soul of Bok Fu Do remains intact and vibrant for future generations.
“Senior Grandmaster Lee shaped lives in ways that went far beyond the training floor,” said Senior Grandmaster Buckley. “It was the honor of my life to walk alongside him, not only learning the art, but learning how to lead with integrity, serve with heart and live with purpose. He showed us that excellence is not a finish line; it’s a lifelong pursuit rooted in how you show up and strive to be your best every day. I’m humbled to carry his vision forward and uphold the values he so passionately instilled in all of us.”
Senior Grandmaster Lee leaves behind a system of movement, a family and a community united by purpose. His spirit remains a force in motion, forever part of the art, the schools and the lives he so powerfully shaped.
ABOUT RICHARD LEE’S EAST WEST KUNG FU STUDIOS
Founded in 1967 by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee, East West Kung Fu is America’s premiere Chinese martial arts school and the birthplace of Bok Fu Do. With over 50 years of history in San Francisco’s East Bay and a team of more than 40 certified World Champion Black Belts, we offer martial arts, tai chi and self-defense training for men, women and children at our Alamo, Lafayette and San Ramon locations.
Our mission is to change lives through the powerful discipline of Bok Fu Do—a unique system that blends traditional martial arts values with modern training. We are dedicated to building character, leadership and lifelong wellness through a practice that engages the mind, body and spirit. More than just a workout, Bok Fu Do is a way of life. For more information, visit https://bokfudo.com.
FALL INTO FLUTE By
Karen Van Dyke
And we’re off! A new academic year is upon us, complete with excitement and promise. As we turn our minds and our calendars from barbecues and summer sojourns to fresh textbooks, homework, and football games, it’s easy to allow considerations such as creative outlets and opportunities for personal growth to slip off the radar.
Many school-age students are returning to, or entering into school band programs, a marvelous and critical component of any well-rounded education. However, in order to bolster the work of the band director and fully expose the student to in-depth study of their instrument, private lessons are frequently necessary to pick up where ensemble instruction leaves off.
At this time, my flute studio has a few openings for both in-person and on-line instruction. Lessons cover tonal work, technique, musicianship, interpretation, performance skills, and sight reading through examination of the classical solo repertoire. Lesson curricula are custom-planned depending on the age and goals of the student. All ages and levels are welcome. Allstate band, college music major/minor hopefuls, school band students, adult amateurs, and total beginners thrive in my studio.
A resident of San Ramon, I am a lecturer in the Music Department at Stanford University, where I founded the highly acclaimed Stanford Flute Ensemble over two decades ago. In addition to my work at Stanford, I maintain an active and versatile career as a private flute teacher, freelance orchestral and chamber musician, and for the last 31 years, as Director of Northern California Flute Camp, an international summer program for students ages 12-18 held in Carmel Valley (www.flutecamp.com). In my 35+ years of private teaching, my students have occupied the flute sections of all-state, county, and area youth ensembles, have won competitions, and numerous graduates of my private studio have gone on to major in music at top music schools.
Allow the gift of music to color your fall along with the changing foliage! For further information on lessons or to schedule an introductory Zoom lesson, please email kvandyke@stanford.edu, or visit www. karenvandykeflute.com. Advertorial
SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
By Margot Schultz, senior
On August 13th, San Ramon Valley (SRV) will welcome both new and returning wolves to the den! This marks the beginning of a new school year, filled with endless possibilities shaped by our time-honored traditions, engaging classes, unique extracurricular activities, and friendships that make SRV feel like a family.
A few days before the official first day of school, our newest students—the class of 2029—will attend our Link Crew Orientation, a jam-packed three-hour informational session. Organized and led by our upperclassmen, students will split into smaller groups to tour the school and explore the various resources and experiences that SRV has to offer. To wrap up the day, a Link Crew Dance will be held in the evening for all our new students and their leaders. Given that the class of 2029 is one of our largest incoming classes yet, close to 540 students, this is an amazing opportunity for them to meet hundreds of new classmates who will soon become familiar faces on campus
Our new students aren’t the only ones with an exciting kickoff to the school year; the seniors will mark the commencement of their last chapter of school with their own traditions. A few days before school, seniors can take part in Senior Car Painting, adding fun phrases and illustrations to their vehicles to show off their senior pride (You’ll probably see them driving around town!). Then, on the first day of school, they’ll arrive before dawn in their personalized cars and gather on the AUX field to watch the sunrise during Senior Sunrise. It’s a memorable way for the class of 2026 to bond as they begin their final year together.
Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Presents 2025 Movies Under the Stars Movie starts at 7:00 p.m.
Livorna Park in Alamo
(Located at the corner of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue)
Admission is Free
At SRV, we prioritize unity and collaboration by encouraging our students and staff to step outside their comfort zones and participate in our annual Breaking Down the Walls program. This interactive workshop happens a few weeks into the school year and helps create deeper connections in our community. Through activities centered on “play, trust, learn,” participants explore shared experiences in a safe and supportive environment. All students will have the opportunity to sign up for the program via a link sent to their email.
Last but not least, the SRV fall sports teams have spent long, grueling summer hours preparing for the 2025 season. Whether it’s early morning conditioning, fine-tuning plays, or logging hundreds of miles, our Water Polo, Flag Football, Cross Country, Women’s Golf, Women’s Volleyball, Women’s Tennis, Football, Cheer, and Pom teams have shown incredible dedication to make us proud. A weekly sports schedule featuring all SRV home games will be posted every Sunday on Instagram @srvhsathletics. Be sure to mark your calendars for the first home football game on August 29th. It’s our annual “Vets Game,” where we honor local veterans on the field for a special halftime show, followed by serving apple pie to show our appreciation.
As we welcome our freshmen into the SRV community and watch our seniors celebrate their “lasts,” I wish our students, staff, and administration a successful start to the 2025-26 school year. Remember to follow the class Instagrams (@srvclassof(year) and @srvhswolfpack) to receive real-time updates on school events. For a complete list of what’s happening on campus, visit srvhs.srvusd.net Happy August and, as always, Go Wolves!
AAUW DAW AWARDS $23,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL COLLEGE WOMEN
The American Association of University Women, Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch (AAUW DAW) is pleased to announce the award of $23,000 in scholarships to 11 local college women for the upcoming academic year.
Maria Abreu Dennis - Maria is a transfer student from Diablo Valley College (DVC) and will be attending Biola University in the fall. She is majoring in Psychology.
Erika Braun - Erika is pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing at the University of San Francisco. She has a Bachelor’s in Human Developmental Sciences and General Biology from the University of California (UC) San Diego, graduating Cum Laude.
Blanca Flores - Blanca will be a sophomore at DVC this coming fall with plans to transfer to a four-year institution next year. She is majoring in Early Childhood Education. Blanca has an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Criminal Justice from Carrington College.
Katja Friess - Katja will be a junior in the fall, majoring in Food Science at California Polytechnic State University.
Sandra Huntley - Sandra is a DVC transfer student and will be attending UC San Diego in the fall. Sandra’s major is Business Administration/Economics.
Justine Overmyer - Justine, a senior at California State University East Bay (CSUEB) this coming fall, is majoring in Psychology. She attended Los Medanos College where she obtained an Associate for Transfer in Criminal Justice and Psychology.
Olivia Radding - Olivia attends Loyola Marymount University and has a double major in Dance and Marketing. She will be a senior in the fall.
Barbora Soltys - Barbora is a licensed vocational nurse who is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.
Johnnia Tanner - Johnnia is entering her senior year at CSUEB and is majoring in Criminal Justice. She attended Skyline College and received an AA degree in Psychology.
Anata Tran - Anata is attending UC Law San Francisco as a new graduate student in the fall studying International Policy. She is working towards her Juris Doctor. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Human Rights.
Macey Vasquez - Macey will be a senior at CSUEB and is majoring in Human Development with a concentration in Women Studies. Macey attended Woodland Community College and received an AA degree in Child and Adolescent Development.
AAUW DAW has provided more than $179,000 in scholarships since 2011 to help local women complete their college/university degree programs. For many, these scholarships are life changing. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to AAUW DAW scholarships, refer to the AAUW DAW Donate page at daw-ca.aauw.net/donate. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Bring blankets, chairs, family, and friends. If you
THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE
By Joseph Gatti
As the summer real estate season continues, inventory in the Greater Danville Area is at a five-year high, and our region is gaining national attention for its exceptional quality of life. All eyes recently turned to the Federal Reserve’s July 30 th meeting—the final one before fall and the first following a noticeable uptick in inflation. Locally, elevated inventory, pricing, and interest rates are shaping today’s market. With fall just around the corner, both buyers and sellers have distinct opportunities ahead. The Gatti Team, backed by Compass—the #1 brokerage in the U.S.— is here to guide you through this dynamic landscape with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
The July 30 th Fed meeting drew significant attention, both for its response to rising inflation and for what it signaled about Jerome Powell’s future as Chair. Inflation increased in June from 2.4% to 2.7%, with tariffs seen as a key factor. In response, the Trump administration renewed calls for interest rate cuts. The Fed’s decision is expected to shape rate discussions in the coming months and may further intensify debate over whether the administration has authority to replace the Fed Chair before his term ends.
Closer to home, the Greater Danville Area — including Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon—earned positive national recognition. USA Today ranked Alamo as the 5 th wealthiest suburb in the U.S., with nearby Orinda at #9. While Alamo was the highlight, this recognition reflects the broader strength and prosperity of the East Bay, including Danville, Diablo, San Ramon, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek. It’s another reminder of what makes this area such a desirable place to live. In terms of market data, detached home inventory across Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon rose about 5% in July, from 272 to 286. Active listings
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
The 2025-26 school year is on the horizon and the Monte Vista (MV) campus is slowly starting to awaken from summer break. Even with various summer camps and practices buzzing, the break always carries a certain calm across our campus. But, as the first day of school approaches, things will definitely ramp up with the excited return of our students and staff.
While most of our staff enjoyed their summer break, MV’s dedicated custodial and maintenance teams were working incredibly hard behind the scenes, getting everything ready for the first day of school. Upon returning to campus, I had the chance to tour with Ray Tessendorf, MV’s Lead Custodian, and I was amazed by the sheer number of projects his team tackled. A huge thank you to the custodial and maintenance teams for their efforts in preparing the MV campus for the upcoming school year.
On July 31st, MV once again hosted SRVUSDs annual “New Teacher U” which serves as an orientation for all the new teachers in our district. New MV faculty members included Amna Haque in Special Education, Mary Kate Duggan and Leah Ottey in Spanish, Harsha Khichadia in Biology, Michael Cohn in Ceramics, and Stephanie Castellanos as a new School Psychologist. At press time, we still have a few more open positions pending, so we look forward to introducing these staff members soon. We welcome our new staff members to the MV community.
The MV Main Office officially reopened for business on Monday, August 4th, with our team swiftly beginning final preparations for the school year. Our teaching staff also started returning to campus to prepare their classrooms. It’s always great to see everyone back and have the opportunity to reconnect after a long summer break.
On August 6th, Monte Vista’s Mustang Mentors meet to prepare for our annual freshman and New Student Orientation. Our student leaders plan the orientation program and discuss what our newest Mustangs need as they transition to the high school community. I am always impressed by our student leaders’ focus on how to grow and improve the experience of every student on our campus.
On Thursday, August 7th, we celebrate our annual Stampede Day, where our community gets to gear up for the new school year. Families pick up school materials, take photos for IDs, snag spirit wear, and generously support our booster organizations. A huge shout-out to the incredible students, staff, parents, and community volunteers whose dedication always makes Stampede Day such a success!
The excitement continues on Friday, August 8th as we officially welcome the Class of 2028 to MV. Freshman Orientation is always a fantastic and well-organized event, setting our newest Mustangs up for success. Special thanks go out to the MV Leadership Team—Adrianne Bright, Tommy Greenless, and Chris Connor—along with our invaluable Mustang Mentors for orchestrating the event!
Monte Vista’s Fall Athletic Programs hit the ground running with tryouts and practices beginning in early August. It’s inspiring to see so many of our dedicated student-athletes putting in countless hours, preparing for the season ahead. All that hard work and energy are now focused on what promises to be another great year for MV Athletics.
The school year officially kicks off on August 13th and we are looking forward to another incredible year at Monte Vista.
For a full list of what’s happening on campus, visit mvhs.srvusd.net.
HEALTH TIPS FOR TEENS COMBATING DEPRESSION
By Serena Hicks, MVHS sophomore
Depression in teenagers is a serious mental health concern that goes beyond occasional sadness or mood swings. Adolescence is a time marked by rapid physical, emotional, and social development, which can make it difficult to distinguish between normal growing pains and more significant psychological distress. However, understanding the signs of depression and how to respond can play a crucial role in supporting a teen’s well-being and long-term mental health.
Unlike adults, teens may not always express their emotions openly. Depression can manifest in various ways, from persistent sadness and irritability to noticeable changes in behavior. A once outgoing teenager may become withdrawn, lose interest in previously enjoyed activities, or show a sudden decline in academic performance. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained aches, changes in appetite, or disrupted sleep patterns are also common. What may appear as moodiness, laziness, or even defiance might be a sign of deeper emotional struggles. It is important to differentiate between temporary emotional lows and clinical depression. While sadness is a normal response to life’s challenges and typically resolves with time or a change in circumstances, depression tends to persist for weeks or longer and significantly interferes with daily functioning. When a teen experiences prolonged feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or disconnection from others, it may be time to consider professional support.
The causes of teen depression are varied and complex. Genetic predisposition plays a role in many cases; a family history of depression or other mental health disorders can increase vulnerability. Environmental stressors are also influential. These can include family conflict, academic pressure, social isolation, bullying, or the experience of trauma or loss. Today’s teens also face challenges unique to the digital age, including the constant pressure to present a curated, idealized version of themselves on social media and the anxiety that can come from online comparison and cyberbullying.
Biological changes during adolescence further complicate matters. Shifts in brain chemistry and hormone levels may contribute to emotional instability, making teens more susceptible to depression. In some instances, substance use or certain medical conditions may also trigger or worsen symptoms.
Despite its seriousness, depression is treatable, and teens can develop healthy
strategies for managing their mental health. Physical activity is one of the most effective and accessible tools. Regular exercise supports emotional regulation by releasing endorphins, which naturally enhance mood. Activities such as running, biking, team sports, or even walking outdoors can offer both physical and psychological benefits. Spending time in nature and getting fresh air also helps reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Mindfulness practices, including meditation and deep breathing exercises, are increasingly recommended for managing anxiety and depressive symptoms. These techniques help teens stay present and reduce the overwhelming nature of negative thoughts. Creative expression is another valuable outlet. Art, music, writing, and journaling give teens a safe space to process emotions and develop self-awareness.
A strong support system is essential. Encouraging open, nonjudgmental conversations with trusted family members, friends, or mentors can provide emotional relief and validation. However, not all teens feel comfortable opening up to those close to them. In these cases, seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a school counselor, psychologist, or licensed therapist, can be a critical step toward recovery. Professionals can offer guidance, teach coping skills, and, when necessary, recommend further treatment.
Recognizing when to seek immediate help is also crucial. If a teen expresses thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or shows signs of severe emotional distress, immediate action should be taken. Trusted adults should be informed, and resources such as crisis hotlines or emergency mental health services should be contacted. Having a plan in place, including a list of emergency contacts and accessible resources, can help teens and their families respond effectively during high-stress situations.
Establishing positive daily habits can support emotional resilience and overall mental wellness. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and managing screen time all contribute to healthier moods and improved focus. Structure and routine can offer teens a sense of stability and control, which is especially helpful during emotionally turbulent times.
Depression in teens is not a sign of weakness or failure, but a common and treatable condition. With awareness, compassion, and access to the right resources, recovery is entirely possible. By prioritizing mental health, encouraging open communication, and promoting positive lifestyle habits, families, schools, and communities can help teens navigate challenges and build a strong foundation for lifelong well-being.
Serena Hicks is a rising sophomore at Monte Vista High School (MVHS) and Teen Health Advocate hoping to improve the health of her community one column at a time.
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP
WALNUT CREEK
VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
DANVILLE GRAMMAR SCHOOLS
A plaque (#19) from the San Ramon Valley Historical Society describes the first Danville Grammar Schools. The plaque can be visited at the western edge of Front Street parking lot next to the Village Theatre, close to the actual sites. The schools had a rocky beginning.
A Danville country school was built south of Danville in 1858 on land donated by early settlers, Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Nicholson. After the Danville Grammar school district was established in 1865, a new grammar school was built in 1867 closer to town on Front Street.
The first Danville Grammar School trustees were R. O. Baldwin, James O. Boone, and Jonathan Hoag. Baldwin remained trustee for his entire lifetime, over 50 years.
Evidently this school house burned down around 1870. The original 1858 country school building was then moved into town and students were taught there for decades. Robert O. Burgess, son of the Danville Presbyterian minister, described this school in his Memoirs: “In 1891, I graduated from grammar school. The school was a one-room affair with an anteroom in which the girls hung up their hats, etc. The boys hung up their hats on nails along the schoolroom walls – in those days we wore hats. The teacher was A. J. Young. He was a fine man, and also taught our Sunday School. He was the entire staff and carried us through eight grades, ending with algebra.”
In 1895, a $5,000 bond issue was passed for a new Danville school. A Contra Costa Gazette article on August 31, 1895 stated: “We…want our schoolhouse to be one of the most prominent buildings in the valley, located on such a street and facing in a direction to attract attention from any transient traveler or tourist through our valley. Let everybody know we have an interest in education by looking at the building.”
By 1904, 80 students attended the school. When Hazel Arthur taught in 1911, there were 8 ½ grades with 64 children. Since state law required two teachers for that number of students, she taught grades 5-8 and Maryann Burell taught grades 1-4. There was no running water in the school. Hazel recalled an organ with a huge pot-bellied stove placed in the middle of the room. There was also a good sized library.
Beginning in the nineteenth century, the San Ramon Valley had six grammar school districts, each supported by school district taxpayers. They were Alamo, Danville, Green Valley, San Ramon, Sycamore, and Tassajara; only the 1889 Tassajara School remains. There are historical plaques recalling all schools near to, or on, all locations except for Green Valley.
A new, modern Danville Elementary School was built in 1922 on Love Lane next to the high school. It opened in January 1923. Margaret Baldwin remembered carrying her books from the Front Street school to the new one when she was in fourth grade. Later Green Valley (1930), Sycamore (1927), and Tassajara (1946) school children came to this school, since parents thought the Danville school offered other educational advantages.
Sources: Histories of Contra Costa County: 1882 (p. 439, 440); 1914 (p. 214, 215); 1917 (214); 1921 (160); school archives at the MuseumSRV and at the Contra Costa History Center: oral history of Hazel Arthur Wiester (1974).
QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers
Pirkle
WEEPING LADIES OF THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS AND THE SPECTACLE
OF THE 1915 WORLD’S FAIR
A KQED.org podcast titled “What’s with the weeping ladies wearing togas?” explored the history of the iconic statues atop the columns of San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts, the last remaining structure of the “Jewel City” as the Pan Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) of 1915 was known.
I delved a bit further into the subject and discovered Jewel City, Art from San Francisco’s Panama-Pacific International Exposition by James A. Ganz, an exceptional book featuring photos of some of the extensive art from all over the world collected for the PPIE as well as 13 essays on one of the last great World’s Fairs.
Architectural historian Laura A. Ackley, vividly describes the exposition’s grandeur: “A palatial complex with patterned minarets, celadon domes, and golden statues rising above ivory-colored walls presided over the city’s northern shore. At the center of this miniature city, an ornate forty-three story tower spiraled with more than one hundred thousand cut-glass jewels… The entire 635-acre ensemble presented a magnificent spectacle to the 18,876,438 visitors who eventually passed through its gates.”
It was after the fire and earthquake of 1906 that dignitaries shrewdly started vying for the next Expo to be held in the City. Fairs brought tourists and San Francisco badly needed to create a new image for visitors.
Even before a location in the City was chosen, solicitations for art from museums and private citizens began both in the United States and abroad. World War I was looming, creating additional challenges for the Expo planners.
Twelve nations besides the United States contributed to the Exposition and many of those were glad to send art works for safety from impending war. Even after art selections for the Expo were made, art kept arriving. In all 11,000 works of art were exhibited in the PPIE’s main venues, while thousands more could be seen in national pavilions and throughout the exhibition grounds.
The PPIE was not just about art. There were Civil War reenactments, roller coasters, fortune tellers, a Ford Motor Company assembly line that produced 16 Model Ts a day, a replica of Yellowstone National Park, and a full-scale navigation train car. There was even a model Panama Canal (for which the Fair was named) in which riders encircled a 5-mile topographic model of the waterway. Since the Expo showcased new inventions, entrepreneur brothers Alan and Malcom Loughead charged $10 per ride in their hand built sea-plane above the Jewel City. The profit from the rides, incidentally, helped fund the brothers’ new company - Lockheed Manufacturing Company.
As extraordinary as the Fair’s wonders were, the Palace of Fine Arts stood out. It was hailed as the “most hauntingly beautiful structure of the PPIE,” which brings me back to those weeping ladies in togas. Designed by famed architect Bernard Maybeck and created by sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen, the figures were intentionally melancholic. As the podcast noted, “Their sorrowful poses, with backs turned to viewers, evoked a sense of ruin and reflection-a quiet contrast to the fair’s exuberance.”
Thanks to a preservation committee led by Phoebe Apperman Hearst, the glorious Palace of Fine Arts (restored twice) and its weeping ladies still stand as a testament to the 1915 fair. Today, the palace hosts “EmotionAir:Art You Can Feel;” a pop-up “sensory journey” featuring inflatable installments, emotional projections, and performance art. Running through September 7th, the exhibit invites visitors to experience art in an immersive new way.
The Palace of Fine Arts is located at 3502 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA.94123. Tickets are available at balloonmuseum.world.
Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com .
This school picture shows a simple school building with teacher A. J. Young to the right. He taught at the Danville schools from 1883 to 1900.
Danville residents proudly dedicated a new schoolhouse in 1896, complete with bunting across the front door. It was a classic school with a bell tower and a second room behind the steps.
Author in front of Palace of Fine Arts. Photo by Leonard Pirkle.
EmotionAir exhibit. Photo by Linda Summers Pirkle.
STARS OF SOUTH AFRICA WITH AMAWATERWAYS
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel
My wife Ilene and I are well traveled. We have visited seven continents and about 80 countries, but this was probably our most memorable trip, made possible by AmaWaterways. It had everything: beautiful scenery, the largest volume waterfall in the world, and animals including the “Big Five” and so many more.
We flew into Cape Town, South Africa, and stayed at the Cape Grace Hotel. We took a tour that included a cable car ride to Table Mountain, and another tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was jailed. We had lunch with the fascinating speaker Christo Brand who was Mandela’s jailer and later a close family friend. Later, we took a flight to Victoria Falls with a transfer to Namibia to board the Zambezi Queen to cruise the Chobe river. We took safaris by boat and by 4x4 vehicles. It seemed like half of the elephants in the world lived there. We visited a local African village then transferred to Victoria Falls.
In Victoria Falls we took a walking tour of the Falls and also opted for the optional helicopter tour. Even seeing with our own eyes, it was hard to believe the falls ran at an average of 38,000+ cubic feet of water per second. We also took a Zambezi River dinner cruise.
We then flew to Johannesburg, took a Soweto tour, then flew to Hoedspruit – Kruger National Park where we stayed at the very impressive 5-star Tintswalo Safari Lodge. They had fantastic accommodations where we could see elephants, monkeys, and other animals from our deck.
We took morning and afternoon safaris. The vehicles that AmaWaterways use carry only six passengers (vs 10 with other tours), along with a driver and an eagle-eyed spotter. Did we see game? YES! There were lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros, hippos, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hyenas, and numerous antelope relatives. We hated to leave but have a lifetime of memories we brought home. This was definitely a bucket list tour/cruise.
We would love to help with your next cruise, river cruise, tour, or resort stay in Africa or the rest of the world. Alamo World Travel & Tours has been providing 44 years of luxury travel We take the worry out of travel. Come see us at 3201 Danville Blvd #255, Alamo - between Ace Hardware and Peasants Courtyard restaurant, call us at 925-837-8742, email info@alamoworld.com, or visit our website at www.alamoworld.com. Advertorial
CALIFORNIA HOMEOWNER INSURANCE NEWS UPDATE
By William W. “Bill” White, Allstate Insurance
IS YOUR HOME INSURANCE BEING NON-RENEWED?
Are you or someone you know having trouble finding a policy? Many insurance companies are leaving California due to catastrophes, market saturation, and inflation. Others are offering a renewal, but the price is very high and the main coverage for fire is being excluded.
WHERE DO YOU GO TO FIND A POLICY & WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
Many people are turning to the California Fair Plan for fire coverage, but then they also have to buy a companion, “wrap policy” to get personal liability protection, and other coverages not available with the Fair Plan policy. That is a costly way to buy insurance, and there can be gaps in coverage that put you at risk with two different companies handling the risk.
WE HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH WILDFIRE AREAS!
Our Agency offers a single policy with Allstate Insurance Company that allows for high wildfire areas. We are helping many families throughout the State of California protect their homes.
The William White Insurance Agency is located at 472 Hartz Avenue in Danville. To learn more or get a quote, call us at 925-820-7220.
CA Insurance Agent #0533649 Advertorial
Advocates continued from front page
requirements and successfully move on from involvement in that system. Children typically age out of the foster care system at age 18, but legislative changes in California (Assembly Bill 12, also known as the California Fostering Connections to Success Act) allow for youth to extend support they have through the system and their providers until age 21, so CASA volunteers may be appointed to youth in the child welfare system from birth to 21 years of age.
The role of a CASA volunteer is to build a connection directly with the child to understand their needs. The CASA volunteer also becomes a member of the child’s care team, including social workers, foster parents, family members, educators or school staff, medical providers, and anyone with knowledge of the child’s situation. They will also review all relevant documents in the child’s case to develop an unbiased, well-informed picture to advocate for the child and provide feedback to the court when called upon to do so.
CASA volunteers are only assigned one child at a time to be a consistent, long-term presence in the child’s life. While a child’s lawyer or social worker may have a massive caseload, only meeting with the child as needed, the CASA volunteer will meet with the child weekly and provide consistent contact. The CASA volunteer is a source of support in court appearances, school meetings, healthcare settings or just to connect with the child on a regular basis to get to know them and their needs. Providing support in court is only one part of the role—giving encouragement and connecting children with resources to succeed and lead happy and fulfilling lives is just as critical in the CASA-child relationship.
Each CASA volunteer has gone through extensive training on how to support a child in this situation and becomes a critical member of the child welfare team, advocating on behalf of the child. As Katharine calls out, “Advocates aren’t speaking for the child, but helping to be sure the child’s voice is heard.”
Once a child is in the CASA program, they are automatically eligible for the other
HOMELESSNESS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
On a single night, each January, Contra Costa County counts the number of homeless in our community. This “Point-in-Time Count” (PIT) is an observational snapshot across sheltered and unsheltered settings. It is conducted through Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) utilizing many trained volunteers. The results inform the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its funding decisions but more importantly, help our county develop its homelessness response services.
How are we doing in our county? The results of the 2025 Point-in-Time Count were recently released, showing significant progress in addressing homelessness across our county. On a single night in January 2025, 2,118 individuals were identified as experiencing homelessness—a 26% decrease compared to the previous year.
Some information about the 2,118 people who were identified as experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa includes:
• 60% (1,278) were unsheltered
• 40% were sheltered
• 62% were chronically homeless
• 4% were veterans
There were several key findings from the 2025 PIT Count.
• Homelessness declined by over 40% in the East and West parts of our county, and declined 30% in the central and southern end of the county.
• 40% of this population are women and 58% are men
• 49% self reported a mental health condition
• 56% self reported a substance abuse condition
• 44% self reported a chronic health condition
Many factors contribute to homelessness in the region including our very high housing costs, limited affordable housing options, unemployment, mental and physical health challenges, and substance use disorders. While challenges remain, the data from the PIT reflect meaningful strides made through coordinated, community-driven action.
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE
By Jill Appenzeller
Have you read Gardens Illustrated magazine? It’s filled with impossibly perfect gardens, gardens with pleached hedges and lush lawns, with perennial borders that could teach the color wheel a thing or two.
It makes me wish I lived in a place with summer rain (preferably only at night, and not on the day of my garden party) so I could have a garden like the ones in the magazine. And then I remember that summer rains bring mosquitoes and ruined picnics. And that we live in paradise.
Gardens Illustrated is a British magazine, so it arrives in my mailbox a few months after the date on the spine. Telling me to plant peas by April is not helpful in August. The photographs are still beautiful, but I’ve noticed a gradual change. The gardens are wilder, less manicured, at least they appear less manicured. I suspect those who actually do the manicuring might disagree.
Plantings are looser, softer, more focused on grasses and shrubs, and things that don’t need to be re-planted every year. There are wandering paths, often of gravel. Edges are blurred. Plants are left to re-seed, to move about the garden. There may be some sculpted plants, but they are accents and direction finders, not the main event.
There is more reliance on leaf color. Grasses are left to age, to brown and set seed, to wave in the wind. The garden appears to flow into the landscape beyond. In design, this is called borrowed landscape, and I find it makes a garden feel more peaceful. I am in awe of gardens that manage this feat in a city, on a tiny urban plot. Last month’s issue (okay the issue I got last month, several months old) was mostly about the Chelsea Flower Show, the Olympics of garden design. There was a lively discussion about rewilding. That’s what this kind of gardening is called. I’ve been watching the change approach via Gardens Illustrated. It showed up first in features on gardens in harsh Mediterranean climates, like the south of France, like Spain. It has spread. I’ve seen it recently in Scotland (in photos,
To address the seriousness of homelessness, this past year the number of temporary and permanent housing beds was increased by 34%. Ensuring the rapid rehousing of homeless individuals played a significant role in reducing the number of those who are unhoused. The progress is also the result of strong collaboration between CCHS, the Board of Supervisors, and a broad network of community partners.
To combat homelessness, CCHS continues to prioritize housing expansion through efforts such as the Homekey program. In recent years, two new facilities have opened, including El Portal Place. Each unit at the facility features a kitchenette, bathroom, and workspace. On-site amenities include a community room, garden, courtyard, and a dog park. Supportive services including case management, health access, and benefits assistance are provided.
These efforts are delivered in collaboration with numerous nonprofit organizations. The Council on Homelessness governs the Contra Costa Continuum of Care and advises the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. This council includes representatives from nonprofits, local governments, law enforcement, faith communities and people with lived experience.
The Contra Costa Continuum of Care coordinates federal grant applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, securing approximately $15 million annually for homeless housing and services— though actual needs exceed this funding.
The County’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) division also plays a critical role in addressing homelessness. H3 offers Healthcare for the Homeless through mobile clinics and street outreach teams, providing services such as chronic disease management, addiction treatment and Narcan distribution, wound care and ultrasounds, and STI and infectious disease testing.
The County has many programs and partners working to support those in need. If you see someone who appears to be homeless or know someone at risk, call 211 or text “HOPE” to 20121 for assistance. You can also access homeless services in person at Coordinated Assessment Resource and Engagement (CARE) Centers. Currently, there are two CARE Centers: one in Richmond and another located in Walnut Creek at the Trinity Center (1888 Trinity Avenue).
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 SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-655-2300.
alas not in person) and at Sissinghurst, an iconic English garden, in their newly redesigned Delos garden.
Rewilding includes growing things that are appropriate for the climate, sometimes with plants that were there before we altered things, sometimes with plants borrowed from similar climates. We’re not the only ones dealing with hotter, drier summers.
Rewilding includes making room for wildlife. For bees, native and imported, like our honeybees, Apis mellifera. Did you know our honeybees came from Europe? Making room for the birds and the butterflies. The foxes and other critters who used to live in the wilder bits. Yes, even the deer (also imported). When there were fewer of us, there was room for them, but as we build more roads and homes, pave more, farm more, there is less room for them.
My mother lived next to a creek, and she did not fence. She used to watch the deer come up the creek bank and sleep under the willows that lined the creek bank. “They were here first,” she would say. And yes, they ate her garden.
I don’t have deer in my garden, but I do have birds and butterflies, and a mama fox who raised her kits in a nearby culvert. This year I also have cottontail bunnies. They are driving Truman the dog crazy, and I suspect the problem isn’t worse because he is driving the bunnies crazy too. More on that another day.
For years I’ve been scattering wild flower seeds. In September, for they really do need to be fall sown. By the time you see them flowering and think about sowing seed, it’s too late. Poppies and lupine, baby blue eyes and tidy tips. This year I had Chinese houses and a few clarkia. I’m so hoping they all re-seed.
I sowed a mix called “Made In The Shade” in one of my new raised beds.
Yup, in the shade. They were lovely, wild and waving. I’m letting them set seed, and they’re taking up a lot of real estate. I usually grow basil in the shade (larger leaves, milder flavor) and there’s no room to squeeze in basil plants without uprooting the wild flowers. As the seed isn’t ripe yet, I’ll just have to wait to plant there until next year. Or maybe just find another shady spot for the basil?
You can reach me via the editor at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or visit my Instagram @jillappenzeller.
Chinese houses
THE TREE OF IMAGINATION
By Joe Lamb, Brende & Lamb Tree Care
The lives of humans and the lives of trees are fused at the roots. For millions of years our pre-hominid ancestors lived in trees. Living in branches shaped important aspects of the human body— think opposable thumbs, upright posture, and forward-facing eyes. But, think also about thought itself. Navigating the complex and ever-branching pathways in forests is thought to have stimulated the evolution of complex thought. Dendritic branching is the technical term for the way neurons are organized in our brains, dendritic from the Greek “dendron,” tree like. Thank you, trees, for my hands ability to grasp branches. And, thank you too for my brain’s dendrite’s ability to grasp the importance of trees. Our co-evolution with trees did not end when we came down from treetops to savanna and muddled our way along the long and winding road to Homo sapiens. From our earliest days as ground-dwelling humans, trees provided our bodies with the necessities of food, fuel, shelter, and medicine. They also provided food, fuel, shelter, and medicine for another part of our being—the human imagination, and, dare I say, the collective human consciousness.
In a very real sense, the cradle of human culture was made from trees. From the time when cave dwellers were painting the masterpieces of Lascaux, Chauvet, and the even more ancient, Leang Tedongnge, up until around the 14th century, much of the world was a vast ocean of woodlands. Great elms, chestnuts, and oaks formed dense forests in Northern Italy; oaks and pines blanketed Greece; forests covered much of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. For roughly 98% of the history of the species, our ancestors were living in and around woodlands.
This was a formative period of human history, the period in which language and culture evolved. It was spent dependent upon and living closely with trees. If the arboreal past shaped the bodies and brains of our prehuman ancestors, the living with trees as humans shaped stories central to our shared mythology, including legends in which humans, or human-like gods, actually become trees for parts of their lives: Osiris, the Egyptian god-king and brother/ lover of Isis, lived for a time inside an Erica tree. Attis, who was both human and God to many cultures, including ancient Rome, lived some of his life in the form of a pine. Trees were often thought to be resting places for ancestors. Felling a tree was a serious business; if it were a possessed tree, killing it would injure the soul of a deceased loved one.
Personal relationships often exist between individual humans and individual trees. The Quiché of Guatemala still bury a newborn’s afterbirth beneath the root crown of a young sapling. The location of the tree is a tightly held secret because the growth of that tree affects the growth of the child: An evildoer could harm the child by harming the tree.
Trees have been considered by many cultures to be expressions of divine will and intellect. For the Ohlone, big redwoods contain not only power, but intelligence as well, an idea now being seriously considered by mainstream science. Tree worship was common throughout much of pagan Europe. With their roots in the underworld and their crowns in the sky, trees were viewed as bridges linking soil to sky.
In a time when rainforests are being devastated and many tree species are going extinct, it is wise to revisit our mythological connection with trees. Ethnobotanists discovered a tree in Borneo which tests indicated could be used as an AIDS treatment, but when researchers returned to collect further samples, the tree had been cut down by loggers. They were unable to find another member of the same species. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all share the founding metaphors of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. In some early Christian churches, the Tree of Life forms the axis mundi around which all the heavens and earth revolve. Better tending the Tree of Knowledge by learning about trees and their importance in the evolution of culture might help humanity stop hacking at the Tree of Life.
Kitten & Cat Adoptions
Saturdays 11 AM -3 PM & by appointment Petco ~ 2005 Crow Canyon Pl., San Ramon
All cats are fixed, tested, vaccinated, & microchipped for indoor placement.
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If your trees need a little TLC, from people who really care about trees, give Brende&Lamb a call for a free estimate, 510 486-8733. Additionally, visit www.brendelamb.com, to see before-and-after pictures, client testimonials,and work in your neighborhood.
FCF helps facilitate adoptions, TNR, and feline rescue work in our local communities. Help us help them.
To donate to our efforts, scan QR code or text FCFDONATE to 53555.
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President
SAVE THE DATE! AUTOS OF ALAMO FESTIVAL ~ SEPTEMBER 4TH
Save the date for the 12th annual Autos of Alamo Festival to be held September 4th from 4pm-8pm. Admission is free. Come enjoy live music and locally owned hot rods, vintage, classic, exotic, custom, and muscle cars manufactured before 1980.
Show off your car! Auto registration is only $40 and includes a gift bag of special items. Preregister at www.AlamoCA.org or by calling 925-247-8081.
This local, community event also includes a fun Kid’s Zone and Short Line Model Railroad exhibit.
Come mingle with your neighbors and have a wonderful evening out!
ALAMO CERTIFIED FARMER’S MARKET
Summer fruit is here with an amazing selection of melons, stone fruit, berries, veggies, corn, fish, baked goods, locally roasted coffee beans, local eggs, and more!
Stop by the market and see what they have for you and your family! If you have any questions or would like to make some vendor/market suggestions, call or text Heather (Manager) at 669-237-5564.
The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. There is great music and plenty of free and easy parking.
NAVIGATING A ROUNDABOUT
What drivers need to know:
•Slow down when approaching a roundabout. As with any intersection, get into the appropriate lane.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk; it is the law.
• Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Merge into the traffic flow when it is safe.
• Continue through the roundabout until you reach your exit. Never stop or pass in a roundabout.
• Exit the roundabout immediately if an emergency vehicle approaches, and then pull over. Do not stop in the roundabout.
• Give large trucks extra space in a roundabout.
Roundabout Accident Statistics:
• In late March 2025, AIA asked the County Public Works Department if there were accident statistics for the area of the roundabout for the period since it became operational.
• On March 31, John Swann of Public Works queried CHP, which reported that there had been one minor injury accident on November 11, 2023 and one DUI accident on August 24, 2024.
• Mr. Swann indicated that they discount accidents involving DUI in assessing safety and that this is a lower-than-expected accident rate considering the vehicle miles of that area.
AIA ORGANIZATION
AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has 70 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “The place where we love to live.” Visit www. AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. AIA is an all-volunteer organization; 100% of membership dues go to support our Alamo Community!
Please follow us on Facebook and NextDoor (Alamo Improvement Association) and Instagram @aia94507.
SMALL TWEAKS, BIG IMPACT
FIVE WEALTH STRATEGIES HIGH-EARNERS SHOULDN’T OVERLOOK By
Waldron Partners
When it comes to building wealth, we’re often dazzled by dramatic moves, stock picks that skyrocket, market timing that hits just right, or bold bets that make headlines. But the truth? The most effective strategies often fly under the radar, generating impressive long-term results through small, smart decisions.
At Waldron Partners, a financial advisory firm serving executives, business owners, and high-net-worth families, the focus isn’t on chasing the next big thing. It’s on fine-tuning the seemingly minor financial details that, over time, can lead to massive payoffs.
Here are five underrated strategies that could quietly, yet significantly, impact your financial future.
1. The 1% Rule That Could Net You $1.87 Million
Borrowed from aviation, the “1-in-60 Rule” teaches us that a one-degree course correction leads to a one-mile deviation after 60 miles. In financial terms, just a 1% shift in fees, returns, or tax efficiency might seem small until you consider the long-term effects.
A $1 million portfolio growing at 6% annually becomes $5.74 million after 30 years. At 7%, that same portfolio grows to $7.61 million. That’s a $1.87 million difference, stemming from a mere 1% boost.
Whether it’s lowering fund fees, improving asset location, or trimming tax drag, this “boring” adjustment is far from insignificant.
2. Stop Loaning the IRS Your Money
Many high earners celebrate large tax refunds without realizing they’ve essentially given the government an interest-free loan all year. For those receiving annual refunds of $30,000–$50,000, the opportunity cost is real. Take a $40,000 refund: if invested monthly at a 5% annual return, that could yield over $1,000 in additional earnings per year. Adjusting tax withholdings and redirecting that money to investment accounts is a low-effort shift with high potential returns.
3. Smarter Giving Through Stock Donations
Donating to causes you care about is meaningful. Doing it strategically can also be a powerful wealth-building move.
Instead of giving cash, donating appreciated stock or securities can offer a double benefit: eliminating capital gains taxes and maximizing your charitable deduction. For example, donating $250,000 in stock with a $100,000 cost basis avoids $34,500 in capital gains taxes and unlocks up to $92,500 in tax deductions. That’s over $127,000 in potential tax savings without spending an extra dime.
4. Your Insurance Policy May Be Outdated
Insurance often gets ignored until you need it. For many high-income households, coverage is misaligned with actual risk.
Outdated life insurance policies, minimal group disability coverage, or homeowners insurance based on market value rather than rebuild cost can all leave gaps. Add in a lack of umbrella coverage, especially with a seven-figure net worth or teen drivers, and the consequences can be costly.
Insurance should evolve with your lifestyle and net worth. A regular review can ensure you’re covered where it counts.
5. Sequence Your Retirement Withdrawals Wisely
Retirement planning isn’t just about accumulating wealth; it’s about using it strategically. The sequence in which you withdraw funds can have a substantial impact on your tax bill over time.
A more efficient order: start with taxable accounts, then move to traditional IRAs/401(k)s, and reserve Roth IRAs for later. In low-income years, consider partial Roth conversions to reduce future Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). This approach could save $500,000 to $1 million in taxes over a 20-year retirement.
SMALL MOVES, BIG RESULTS
In wealth building, the most powerful levers are often the quietest. At Waldron Partners, we specialize in helping clients uncover these hidden opportunities. Whether it’s optimizing taxes, upgrading your insurance plan, or planning smarter withdrawals, minor adjustments today can mean millions down the road.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Let’s talk strategy. Email us at team@waldronpartners.com
Disclosure: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
Peter Waldron CA Insurance License #0E47827. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Advertorial
ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES
RETHINKING ORGAN DONATION IN A SHIFTING LANDSCAPE
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Silverman & Jaffe
An Advance Health Care Directive for Californians (AHCD) should be included in every comprehensive estate plan. This legal document empowers individuals to guide their medical care and appoint a trusted agent to act on their behalf if they should ever become incapacitated.
AHCDs can cover everything from life-sustaining treatments to pain management and, importantly, provisions for organ and tissue donation. While organ donation is a profound gift, recent reports suggesting medical processes might hasten the death of potential organ donors have ignited ethical concerns, prompting some to reconsider their AHCDs donation clauses.
An AHCD allows for specific directives on medical treatments, including the withdrawal of life support, and an optional section for organ and tissue donation. Your trusted agent is bound to honor your instructions, ensuring your values dictate medical decisions during a crisis, thereby helping avoid undue emotional distress, uncertainty, and potential legal complexities.
The altruistic, but deeply personal, decision to authorize organ donation has recently faced scrutiny. Reports, particularly concerning “donation after circulatory death” (DCD) cases, have raised questions. While I’m not a physician, nor do I have medical training, my understanding is that DCD involves patients whose hearts stop after life support is withdrawn. The ethical concern stems from allegations that, in some instances, protocols or comfort care medications might inadvertently or even intentionally hasten death to facilitate organ procurement.
I have read (and heard confirming anecdotal reports from a number of physicians with whom I’ve spoken), the medical community largely adheres to the “dead donor rule.” This mandates that organ procurement must not cause death and that donors must be declared dead first. Any perceived deviation from this principle is obviously deeply troubling. The core worry is whether the focus shifts from the patient’s well-being to the expediency of organ recovery, eroding trust.
In light of these issues, individuals with AHCDs should carefully review their organ donation wishes (and, for that matter, carefully review their entire estate plan on a regular basis). Many standard AHCD forms, while legally sound, are not sufficient to address these newly emerging, complex ethical concerns. Typically, these forms offer broad options like “yes” or “no” to donation or allow for general limitations. They rarely provide specific language to explicitly address concerns about actions that might hasten death or ensure strict adherence to the “dead donor rule.”
For instance, a standard form will rarely, if ever, offer a checkbox to specifically prohibit any intervention that could be perceived as accelerating the dying process for the sake of donation and require an independent physician to unequivocally declare death, separate from the transplant (organ procurement) team. If you are comfortable with DCD, you may wish to specify it should only proceed after a clear, independent decision to withdraw life support, based solely on your medical condition and wishes, separate from donation considerations.
In view of the above, you may want to add more detailed instructions, along the lines discussed above, in an addendum to your AHCD form or in a new AHCD – in conjunction with advice and assistance from your estate planning attorney.
Aside from your AHCD itself, it can be extremely helpful to have open and frank conversations with your healthcare agent and family about these specific concerns. Ensure they understand your boundaries and are prepared to advocate for them.
By carefully considering the evolving ethical landscape of organ donation and clearly articulating your wishes beyond the standard form, Californians can help ensure their final, organ donation authorization aligns precisely with their values, offering a gift of life on their own terms and with full confidence in the integrity of the process.
Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with Silverman & Jaffe, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@silvermanjaffe.com.
This article is intended to provide information of a
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Serpents continued from front page
Color variations can lead us to believe that we are looking at several species, when in fact the dark brown, dark grey, olive brown, or even yellowish color all belong to the same species. Heat-sensing facial pits alert the rattlesnake that warm prey is nearby, and explain its moniker of “pit” viper.
These amazing creatures certainly demand our respect, which includes giving them wide birth as we pass them on the trail. But, with a maximum striking range of about ½ to 2/3 of their body length, a 3 foot snake might then only strike out to a length of about 2 feet.
So, what preys on the rattlesnake? One such predator is our next Serpent of Diablo, the California Kingsnake. Aptly named, as its high resistance to rattlesnake venom and its incredible speed allow it to strike and swallow snakes, including rattlesnakes, whole. It is the strongest constrictor proportionate to body size of any snake. This makes sense given the kingsnakes preference for reptilian prey, as they need less air than mammalian prey to survive a constrictor’s attack. To be fair, rattlesnakes are hardly the kingsnakes’ main food source, but this feat alone earns this serpent top honors. Its typical coloration of alternating dark and light bands makes it a striking sight to see, providing an effective form of camouflage - very different than the notoriously difficult to find Mountain King snake. While it can grow to over 6 feet in length, we’re unlikely to see these serpents much larger than 3 ½ feet long. Male kingsnakes are sometimes seen battling it out for territory, and any females that be present. Females lay eggs, as opposed to giving live birth as rattlesnakes do.
Last, but certainly not least of our Serpents of Diablo, is a snake that can grow to almost 8 feet in length, the Pacific gopher snake. California’s most widespread and common snake, often seen at a length of 4 feet or more, this non-venomous serpent is unfortunately, but understandably, often mistaken for rattlesnakes. But, a closer look shows a slender, not diamond-shaped head, shiny, smooth skin, and, of course, no rattles (though they are known to perform a tail shake when threatened, even inflating their bodies and hissing, mimicking their venomous cousins, and hopefully avoiding confrontation). These hunters are constrictors, like the kingsnake, and are feeding generalists, but prefer mammals and birds. They often forage in burrows and crevices in search of their prey.
All snakes, though predators themselves, can also become prey. I’ve witnessed many a red tail hawk dining on snake, and even an American Kestrel who took down a kingsnake many times its size. The Serpents of Diablo play a critical role in the ecosystem of the mountain, both as predator… and as prey.
To see (and hear!) this story with all of its amazing imagery, visit Wild Mount Diablo at www.mdia.org/wildmountdiablo
TIPS IF YOU FIND A SNAKE IN YOUR YARD
• Our local agencies such as Animal Services (aka, animal control) don’t offer residents service for snakes.
• Most snakes are quite beneficial in your yard as rodent control, but having our local rattlers snake at home exposes both people and pets to danger.
• Killing snakes is not necessary and not helpful to the environment.
• Many removal experts provide licensed, non-lethal relocation, which is highly recommended. Search online for local experts who have good ratings and a verifiable license. Expect to pay a fee for their service.
• Find companies that can also assess your yard and provide recommendations as to how to reduce the likelihood of future “visits.”
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
3D PRINTING
If you’ve ever considered dabbling in 3D printing, right now is a great time to give it a try. I became familiar with 3D printing 13 years ago through my son. He bought a very early 3D printer and paid his dues working with an early-adopter product. He spent countless hours working with it to get a good print, and in the end he became very frustrated after spending more time messing with it than successfully printing.
About nine years ago, he did his research and settled on another improved, and still very basic 3D printer. It was called the “Prusa i3” and was made by Josef Prusa out of the Czech Republic. This was a very modest printer in the same sense that my old ‘67 VW Bug was a modest car with no frills. It worked well enough and generally got me to my destination, just slowly and without creature comforts! After seeing how much better it was than his original printer, I bought one, too.
Advocates continued from front page
The Prusa i3 was great; I printed a lot of stuff with it. “What do you print?” I hear you cry! Well…. “stuff,” such as things that break that are a pain to replace, or useful gizmos you didn’t know you needed or wanted. For instance, at the time we were using Amazon Dots devices in our home, and I wanted to wall-mount a Dot instead of it sitting on a flat surface. Between looking at other people’s designs on www.thingiverse.com and experimenting with drawing one of my own, I found a mount I liked and printed a bunch of them. I also have replaced stakes on my outdoor pathway lights that got brittle and broke. I found one on Thingiverse, modified it to fit my lights, and printed a bunch of them. Another example is our kitchen stove hood switch boxes. There are buttons for the fan and lights on the front panel, and the plastic box that holds the circuit board and buttons together completely fell apart over time due to the heat. When we pushed the buttons for the fan or lights, it just smooshed inward because of the disintegrated box and nothing would work. So, I took it apart, measured the dimensions, holes, and features, and drew a replacement box. The little i3 printer did a great job. Next project was the “beer moat” I made to go around the stalks of plants in our vegetable garden to catch slugs, and the replacement knob for our portable heater, the twisty knobs for the fan and heater wall switches in the bathroom and more. I even 3D printed a new shiny black headlight knob for my old ’91 BMW. Sadly, the original knob, like all of the sun-baked plastics in that car, simply dissolved over time and I couldn’t turn on the headlights. All items above were either found on Thingiverse, or I drew, printed, and replaced the broken items myself. Well, my son helped a lot as he is much better at the drawing. I then had some big ideas for larger projects and I bought a large-format printer from a Chinese company called “Creality.” It was a big expensive mistake. The printer never functioned well in the most basic sense, and leveling the bed to make a good print was like trying to find a snipe in your cousin’s back yard at night. The support was virtually nonexistent. Occasionally, providence occurred and I’d manage to set a good level, print some stuff, and then turn the machine off when I was finished. Only, this device lost its mind when it was turned off, so I had to go through it all over again the next time I wanted to print. I wasted 50-60 hours of research, fiddling with it, and canceling prints that became balls of molten plastic wrapped around the print head because of alignment issues. It was super frustrating. It never realized its potential.
services offered by Child Advocates. The tutoring program is available for children kindergarten through 12th grade to provide high quality educational assistance using volunteers trained in trauma-informed practices. Child Advocates partners with Therapy Project California to provide teletherapy services to current and former foster youth to ensure each child has the mental health support they need. In partnership with the Department of Public Health and Children and Family Services, the organization provides education and support to ensure foster youth are empowered to avoid unplanned pregnancy.
These resources are critical to supporting the success and future happiness of foster youth as they go through, and eventually age out of, the foster care system. According to Katharine Mason, youth in foster care have a roughly 50% graduation rate. This is compared to an 83% graduation rate in the state of California, according to The Children’s Law Center of California. Youth in foster care are more likely to experience homelessness at some point in their lives, with the rate being somewhere between 11% to 36% of youth aging out of foster care becoming homeless during the transition to adulthood. This is significantly higher than the 4% of young adults (ages 18-26) who have reported ever being homeless, according to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Foster youth are also at higher risk of experiencing joblessness, early parenthood, substance use, and academic difficulties.
As daunting as the statistics are for foster youth, the data on how the involvement of a CASA volunteer in the life of a child can change their life trajectory is encouraging. Foster youth working with CASA volunteers have a graduation rate of around 90%. A multitude of studies also show that the rate of homelessness is significantly lower for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system when they have an advocate appointed and their likelihood of being permanently placed with a family, whether by reunification or adoption, is significantly higher. When you add in the additional services offered by Child Advocates of CCC, the outcomes experienced by youth in the child welfare system in our area create a positive ripple effect through our entire community.
As with so many nonprofit organizations right now, Child Advocates of CCC is facing deep budget cuts, having received a blow recently with $350,000 of funding being withheld from them. Katharine Mason notes that it isn’t just
Then, this year my son reminded me how much I missed using a working product after I learned he upgraded to the latest Prusa CoreOne printer. Remember the VW Bug I mentioned above? The Prusa CoreOne is to the old Prusa i3, what a Tesla is to the ‘67 VW Bug. It’s in a whole different league and prints so well, so consistent, and so hassle-free.
I’m still getting used to the printer and creating new projects for it. I am a huge fan of this new printer and can’t wait to find or create more helpful objects using its advanced technology.
Do you 3D print too? If not, now is a great time to consider taking the plunge. I can give you some pointers if you’re interested in getting started, and guide you on those nagging computer and networking issues at the same time. Give me and my friendly staff a jingle at 925-888-7953 or send us an email support@pcioit.com Advertorial
Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturdays of each month.
Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family
Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful three-year post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction.
Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.
PEPTIDE THERAPY
THE SMART, TARGETED TOOL HELPING PEOPLE FEEL THEIR BEST
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
At Align Healing Center, we’ve been helping people optimize their health for over 25 years. In that time, we’ve seen a clear shift: more people are seeking care not because they’re sick, but because they know they could feel better. They want sharper focus, faster recovery, better sleep, and more energy. And they want tools that work with their body, not against it.
One of the most exciting tools we use in functional medicine to support those goals is peptide therapy.
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, natural signaling molecules the body uses to regulate healing, metabolism, cognition, immunity, and more. They act like clear instructions your body follows to restore balance or enhance function. Unlike broad-spectrum medications or supplements, peptides are highly targeted. They can direct the body to build muscle, calm inflammation, regenerate tissue, or stimulate natural growth hormone, depending on the type and purpose.
Peptides are typically delivered through small injections, capsules, or topical serums. When used as part of a clinical program, they become powerful tools to support both healing and long-term vitality.
WHO USES PEPTIDES AND WHY?
At our clinic in Danville, we serve individuals who want to feel, function, and age better. Some are recovering from injury or training. Others want to maintain energy, clarity, and physical strength. Many are focused on long-term prevention and wellness. Here’s what people are using peptide therapy to address:
• Faster recovery from injury or physical stress
• Increased energy and stamina
• Improved muscle tone and metabolism
• Enhanced cognitive performance and focus
• Better sleep quality
• Stronger libido and hormonal balance
• Reduced inflammation and pain
• Support for gut repair and immune resilience
Peptides don’t mask symptoms. They help your body repair and regulate itself more efficiently. But for best results, they must be matched with your unique physiology and goals.
PEPTIDES CAN STAND ALONE OR FIT INTO A BIGGER PLAN
Peptides are incredibly versatile. For some, they serve as a simple yet powerful tool for healing an injury or boosting recovery. Others choose to incorporate them into a more comprehensive plan for energy, metabolism, and longevity. At Align, we meet you where you are, whether you’re looking for a targeted therapy or a deeper dive into your overall health.
When appropriate, we offer functional lab testing to better understand the root causes behind your symptoms. From there, we can build a broader program that includes customized IV therapy, infrared sauna, laser therapy, shockwave, regenerative injections, and lifestyle support.
For example:
• If you’re not sleeping or losing weight due to insulin resistance, we might use a peptide that improves metabolic function alongside nutrition and a custom IV protocol.
• If you’re recovering from joint pain or a procedure, we may recommend a peptide that promotes tissue repair, plus laser or PEMF therapy to support recovery.
• If hormone shifts are affecting your mood and energy, we may use peptides that gently restore balance without jumping straight to hormone replacement.
This layered, individualized approach is where real change happens.
PEPTIDES FOR LONGEVITY
Peptides play a key role in healthy aging by supporting repair, energy, and resilience as natural levels decline with age. Our patients are not chasing youth. They are focused on staying strong, clear, and active as they grow older. Thoughtful peptide therapy helps make that possible.
IS PEPTIDE THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re seeking a personalized, science-based way to improve how you feel and function without relying on guesswork or trends, peptide therapy may be a great fit. If you’re ready to explore your options with a personalized consultation, we invite you to call 925-362-8283 or find more info at AlignHealingCenter.com These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Advertorial
THE EYE OPENER
RETURNING TO SCHOOL
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Since summer vacation for most students is winding down, it is time to focus on eye health and vision for all students from elementary school to college. Regardless of grade, all students require good vision to succeed and do well. For younger students, being able to see the board is necessary as there is less demand compared to later grades. For older students in high school and college, being able to both see distance and near, and to transition well between them in lectures, is vitally important. I will cover some of the main eye issues related to difficulty at school including refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia, and binocular vision disorders.
I would say the most common diagnosis I find at the office is myopia or near-sightedness. For students that sit far away from the board or in the back of a large lecture hall, having uncorrected or under-corrected myopia will lead to blurry vision and an inability to see the material on the board or screen. These students are unable to take notes off the board and therefore often fall behind in class and miss assignments. For those students that experience a rapid change in their vision, we now have tools to help slow down the progression of myopia. Contact lenses such as CRT (corneal refractive therapy) along with some other options are available to combat this issue. These options will be discussed as treatment options at the exam if warranted.
At the opposite end of myopia is hyperopia, or far-sightedness. These students are in a constant state of focus to allow sharp vision. The closer the point of focus, the more work that is necessary to clear the image; that is why distance objects are easier to see than near ones. A low amount of hyperopia is desirable, since near-sightedness tends to evolve as the child enters adolescence, it gives them a little head start. However, in larger prescriptions, hyperopia can cause near avoidance, headaches, fatigue, eye turns, and an overall indifference to sustained up-close tasks. This can easily be diagnosed in the office as part of a comprehensive examination.
The last prescription issue that can be a hindrance to vision is astigmatism. This is caused by the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, not being completely round. An easy analogy is that it is shaped more like an egg than a ball. Astigmatism will degrade both distance and near vision; however, distance is usually a little more affected. It is important to note that this is not a disease; it is just the way the eye is shaped and can be treated with glasses or contact lenses just like myopia and hyperopia.
In addition to refractive error, all patients including children should have their binocular vision status evaluated. It is quite possible to not have any of the above-mentioned prescription issues but have poor eye teaming skills. If the eyes are not aligned properly and do not work well as a team, there will be learning and reading issues. These tend to present themselves more for reading than distance but can affect both. When the eyes do not work as a unit, a child might experience double vision, “stretching” or “ghost images” of letters, skipping of letters or lines of text, eyestrain, headaches, near avoidance, or any combination of these.
I recommend having your child’s vision checked by an eye care professional instead of just relying on a school or pediatrician screening. The comprehensive evaluation I give at the office not only encompasses vision and binocular vision, but also includes neurological testing, color vision, peripheral vision, and an ocular health examination of both the front and back portions of the eye. We look forward to seeing your students in the office soon.
Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry.
Horses continued from front page
Miranda who made highly-prized leather saddles. Vaquero culture emphasized a strong connection between horse and rider and most vaqueros made their own ropes and gear.
When the vast ranchos faded away, horses became an essential part of the first Alamo ranches built by American settlers. Thanks to the exhausting details collected by the U.S. Census from American farms in 1860, 1870, and 1880, we know that Alamo ranches were home to hundreds of horses, providing the labor to raise cattle, plow and plant grain, and get products to market. Horse buggies enabled trips to town and further away; a popular stagecoach route passed through Alamo in the 1850s; and we have 19th century photos of Alamo schoolchildren riding to school in “downtown” Alamo from outlying ranches.
Alamo pioneers, the Humburg family, owned and raced their prize filly Humburg Belle. Their descendants still live in Alamo.
From 1900-1910, Alamo was home to Captain John Hackett’s stable of 100 racehorses who raced throughout the US. He built his own racetrack to work out his horses. His most famous horse, Yellow Tail, was a sought after stud.
In the 1950s-70s, Alamo was known for its Arabian show horses and ranches. Some famous Arabian showplaces included Jim-Yve Ranches, owned by Jim and Yvonne Ranger (where Ranger Court is today). John Rogers Arabians was the abode of the most famous horse that called Alamo home, Serafix, who was born in England of a long lineage of champion horses and who came to Alamo as a five year old. Serafix was so famous that when he was imported from England, LIFE magazine sent a photographer to take photos of him exiting his special transport plane in New York City. Serafix commanded a very high stud fee and he and his progeny earned hundreds of blue ribbons as Champion Arabian Horses. Serafix Road towards the end of Livorna Road, commemorates this beautiful chestnut horse. Soltau Kings Crest Arabians located on Alamo Glen Drive bred dozens of champion Arabians from the late 1960s to the 2010s. A recreational horse ranch, Kimberwicke Ranch in Green Valley became Kimberwicke Court today. The D.H. Humphrey Ranch opposite what is now Monte Vista High School hosted generations of Alamo and Danville youth, sponsoring the Double D Association to bring kids together for lessons and to ride and show horses. In the 1970s, Bev Ver Steeg owned Hobbit Hill Farm on Cross Road in Alamo Oaks. NBA legend and Round Hill resident Rick Barry stabled his horse Double Dribble there. Shoe magnates and prominent equestrians Sam and Libby Edelman also kept their horses at Hobbit Hill.
A prominent Arabian horse ranch was Sherman Ranch at the end of Livorna Road. Guess Court, Carmalita Court, and Mystic Court commemorate Sherman Ranch prize winning horses.
Harry “Hap” Magee and his wife Juanita owned Edgewood Farm, half in Alamo, half in Danville, where he raised numerous horses and built a riding arena for local teens to use.
There are still horse properties in Alamo, in Alamo Oaks and the Vernal Area. Summit Ranch Equine Center at the end of Livorna Road offers boarding and riding lessons and apprenticeships in horse care. All Seasons Horse Riding on Stone Valley Road offers riding and grooming lessons, and summer camps featuring horse care.
Numerous long-time residents can name schoolmates who rode horses to town and participated in equestrian events and shows. The Alamo 7-11 (formerly known as Speedee Mart), located in the same spot since 1964, had a hitching rail for horses in front so kids could ride their horse to 7-11, tie it up, and get a Slurpee.
Alamo has a proud and extensive history of championship show horses, race horses, and cattle horses. It is no wonder the chestnut horse figure (fondly known as Easy Keeper), permanently affixed to the roof of the Alamo Shoe Repair shop next to the Alamo Hay and Grain has earned a special, emotional spot in Alamo citizens’ hearts and is universally recognized as the symbol of Alamo.
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LIFE magazine photo of Serafix arriving in New York March 29, 1954.
Easy Keeper atop the Shoe Repair store in Alamo.
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS
NUTRITION TIPS FOR THE SUMMER PARTIES
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES
We are in the midst of the summer season, and there are many BBQs and parties taking place. How can you enjoy these special gatherings knowing you don’t want to gain weight, or you need to eat while keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control, or are worrying about prediabetes? There are some great ways to enjoy these parties and still keep problem areas in check.
The number one issue clients have in party situations is arriving too hungry to the event where they find it difficult to make good food choices. Everything looks delicious, especially when you are starving. At least an hour before you arrive at an event we recommend you have a substantial snack such as low fat cottage cheese with salsa, or a scoop of tuna and tomatoes to help take the edge off of your hunger.
Appetizers are killers. They are usually laden with salt, fat, and hundreds of calories. We all have experienced filling up on appetizers and then eating a large meal. Bread and crackers, along with cheese, that is typically served at appetizer-time has many grams of sodium and fat. When you are on a low-sodium diet you need to balance these foods with a raw vegetable platter with tzatziki sauce made with low-fat yogurt, salsa or homemade hummus, or even a shrimp cocktail. Consider bringing to the gathering a bag of low-salt baked chips that can be served with light dips. Take one or two crackers with a topping and save your calories, salt, and fat for your meal to come. You must simply walk away from the tempting food and tell yourself how it is best for your health.
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For the meal, the best approach is to walk around the table to see what food is available. For your entrée build the meal around protein and veggie choices and then allow yourself a serving of the decadent scalloped or au gratin potatoes that you absolutely love. Typically, the sliced meats and veggies without sauces and green salads are light on salt and fat, unlike the prepared items. Stay away from the bread and biscuits that are full of salt, fat, and concentrated calories. Allow yourself a piece of yummy dessert that will end up being fewer calories than all of the bread and crackers you might have consumed.
We often see clients who are pre-diabetic eat too many starches because they think that they cannot eat sweets or a lot of fruit. We often surprise them when they learn they can have a small dessert each day or two servings of fruit.
Fruit should be eaten like a dessert and with a meal. If fruits are eaten on an empty stomach or in between meals, they will cause a spike in blood sugar and then a quick drop in blood sugar, along with the arrival of a false hunger.
Clients are often astounded by how many calories are in fruits. The problem is fruits don’t come with food labels to easily refer to. If you can avoid loading up on fruit you will save yourself hundreds of calories, you can then have a reasonable piece of the cheesecake you are crazy about.
We consider alcohol to be in the dessert category, especially craft cocktails made with sugary mixers. It is better to have a gin and tonic, or a vodka soda with fresh lime juice to save on calories. To slow yourself down on calorie consumption, have a sparkling water next to your drink so that you can alternate sips between drinks and cut your calorie intake in half.
Lastly, make time to exercise on the days when attending a party. If you burn a few hundred calories exercising, it will certainly help balance the extra calories you will be consuming.
We enjoy walking clients through social event and restaurant scenarios. We want you to enjoy the events and stay on track with your dietary goals. We are happy to review restaurant menus to show you the best choices to order and how to balance a selected meal at the restaurant or social event.
The good news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling including Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, UHC, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email us at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or 925-855-0150 to tell us about your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you.
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their funding being stripped that stings, but the alternate funding sources that organizations typically tap into are starting to dry up as well. To continue operating at this level (and even expand operations, as the need just keeps increasing), they will need additional support from the community in the form of donors and volunteers.
There are many ways to get involved to support Child Advocates of CCC and, in turn, foster youth in our area. In addition to cash donations, recurring donations, and planned giving, the organization also accepts stock donations, cryptocurrency, vehicle donations, and gift cards. The gift card drive is an especially sweet way to give because you can make just a $25 donation to send a gift card and provide a special outing for a child and their advocate. It might just seem like a lunch out to most, but for a child it can be an escape from daily challenges and a reminder that others care and believe in them.
Child Advocates is a volunteer-based organization, operating with a mere eight employees to tackle such a sizable mission so volunteers are critical to their operations. Susan Nagle of Danville has been a CASA volunteer for just over five years. She was appointed to her first foster youth back in March of 2020 just as Covid-19 shutdowns were starting, so she had to get creative with how to connect with the teen she was appointed to support.
Voted runner-up by Diablo Magazine
WEIGHT LOSS AND METABOLIC MELTDOWN
By Jeffrey Mark, M.D. and Frances Mark, Pharm.D.,The Real Gut Doctor
“I thought I was just getting old…until everything started falling apart.” When Richard walked into our clinic, he didn’t look like someone who needed help—at least, not to the outside world. He is an executive with a great company, with even greater responsibilities. He has a wonderful family and an extensive social network. But, behind his eyes, we saw it. The exhaustion. The frustration. The silent fear he couldn’t quite put into words. Richard was 54.
He was carrying an extra 80 pounds he couldn’t seem to lose, no matter how little he ate. His blood pressure was high. His fasting blood sugar? 243. His A1C told us what we already suspected—he was deep into the red zone. And yet, what really hit him hardest wasn’t the numbers. It was what they represented. He said, “I feel like I’m fading.” His knees ached every time he got up. He couldn’t make it through the day without needing to rest. He started snapping at his kids without meaning to. His motivation on the job was gone. His mood, flat. He was starting to believe this was just his fate as a middle-aged man. That maybe this was what it meant to “get old.”
But it wasn’t age. It was metabolic breakdown. And, at The Real Gut Doctor, we see it every single day—men and women just like Richard, who are carrying not just extra weight, but the silent weight of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and fatigue that no one seems to understand.
Richard had been told to try a low-fat diet. He was given medications. One doctor even suggested a 1,200-calorie daily food plan and told him to “hit the treadmill.” He left every appointment feeling more defeated than the last.
What Richard didn’t need was another generic plan. He needed a reset. So we took a different approach. We ran detailed, advanced personalized lab panels. We looked at his gut health, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function, inflammatory markers, and even stress hormones. And we gave him something he hadn’t had in a long time, hope.
With our proprietary wellness protocol, which can include advanced therapies like GLP-1 peptides, such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, when appropriate, we helped Richard begin healing at the cellular level.
No starvation. No shame. No exhausting workouts. Within six weeks, Richard had dropped 22 pounds, without even thinking about it. His energy returned. His joint pain decreased dramatically. He said, “I feel like I woke up from a 10-year coma.”
His blood sugar began to normalize. We balanced and optimized whatever came back abnormal with his test results. He smiled more. He started making plans again. And his kids? They said, “Dad is fun to be around again.” In fact, Richard’s wife was so impressed with his weight loss and overall health improvement, she joined our program as well. Now they are more active than ever and doing more activities together than they had in the past decade; and loving every minute of it.
That’s what we do at The Real Gut Doctor. We don’t put people on crash diets. We don’t just hand out prescriptions. We give people their lives back. Because weight isn’t just about food. Diabetes and metabolic syndrome aren’t just about sugar. And aging doesn’t mean giving up on feeling good. Richard and his wife are living proof. And you can be, too. Let’s start with your story. Because it’s not too late. Not even close. Are you ready to feel like yourself again, let’s talk. Book your free Medical Weight Loss discovery call today with Jeffrey Mark, M.D. / 5X Board Certified Physician. Spots are limited. No pressure. Just clear answers, real solutions, and the first step back to the energy, clarity, and calm you’ve been missing. You deserve a mind that’s sharp, a body that’s steady, and a future you can look forward to with confidence and vitality.
Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Say yes to change—let’s get your fasting blood glucose and metabolic health back on track. Call 925-736-9828 or visit www.TheRealGutDoctor.com. Advertorial
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When the teen’s birthday rolled around, Susan was permitted to bring her a birthday gift at the door. She spent many months after getting to know her teen over Zoom and text, slowly building a rapport, and finally finding great success with having lunch together by sending her choice of lunch via DoorDash and chatting on Zoom while they ate. Eventually the world opened up again and the two were able to get together weekly. Though the youth she supported was adopted and, therefore, removed as her case, Susan says they keep in touch as she has headed off to junior college.
Susan says that she absolutely loves this work. She notes, “Despite the significant challenges facing foster kids, they are still just kids looking to be loved and accepted in a tough world.” She found that the time commitment isn’t overwhelming and that the court portions of the role aren’t intimidating since everyone involved from the judges to clerks to lawyers are just so grateful to have CASA volunteers involved. Susan is a former lawyer, but she insists that anyone can become comfortable with the court portions of the role.
CASA volunteers do not need any particular background experience and will be fully trained on what they need to know to support children in foster care and the legal processes involved. Volunteers must be 21 or older, pass screening requirements and have a driver’s license, personal transportation, and automobile insurance. Volunteers should be prepared to commit to 40 hours of in-house training to prepare for their role. Once assigned to a case, volunteers typically spend 15-20 hours a month on their case which includes weekly in-person visits with the child, attending court hearings, team meetings, school meetings, and Children and Family Services meetings when scheduled.
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets to Child Advocates of Contra Costa County’s Evening of Promise Celebration on Saturday, October 18th in San Ramon. Enjoy an elegant dinner, an inspiring guest speaker, a lively auction, and the chance to make a difference for children in foster care and in the juvenile justice system.
To volunteer in other capacities at Child Advocates of CCC, requirements vary depending on role. Registered psychologists and LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and associates in these three fields licensed in California are needed to provide pro bono teletherapy. Those with experiences as a teacher, tutor or paraeducator, or those with specific content knowledge and ability to work with youth, are encouraged to volunteer as tutors.
Another way to give time is to become a board member. Child Advocates of CCC has a dedicated and talented board of directors and they are seeking to add to this group to provide governance and strategic support to the Child Advocates organization. Those with background in philanthropy, finance, or former foster youth are encouraged to consider volunteering for the board to add an even more diverse perspective of lived experience.
If you’re looking to support Child Advocates of Contra Costa County while having a fun evening out, purchase tickets to their “Evening of Promise Celebration” on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 6pm at the San Ramon Marriott. Enjoy an elegant dinner, an inspiring guest speaker, a lively auction, and the chance to make a difference for children in foster care and in the juvenile justice system.
Volunteers working within the Child Advocates organization continue to rise up to support foster youth in Contra Costa County, despite these challenging times. If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference in a child’s life, consider getting involved.
Katharine Mason related the story of one volunteer who spoke to his reasoning for wanting to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Though it takes more commitment than volunteer roles at some organizations, he was “struck by CASA because it was more than lending an extra set of hands—it’s deep and meaningful work that is very rewarding for the volunteers because they know they are really making a difference by showing up and being present.”
To learn more about Child Advocates of Contra Costa County, visit https://childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org. There you can find more information about all the ways you can get involved or provide a donation.
1. SUNSCREEN IS
SKINtheNEWS SUMMER SKIN SURVIVAL TIPS
By Jerome Potozkin, MD
As we enter the last part of summer we can still enjoy longer days, vacations, and more time outdoors. But, while soaking up the sun can lift your spirits, it also comes with challenges for your skin. As a board-certified dermatologist, I see more sun-related skin issues in the summer than at any other time of year. Here are my top tips to help you protect your skin and keep it healthy all season long.
NON-NEGOTIABLE
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: daily sunscreen use is your best defense against sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
2. DON’T RELY ON MAKEUP OR MOISTURIZER SPF ALONE
While many cosmetics and moisturizers contain SPF, they typically don’t provide enough coverage on their own. Think of them as an added layer, not a substitute for sunscreen.
3. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection offer an extra layer of defense. While a baseball style cap might be more fashionable, it offers no protection for your ears and cheeks. Look for clothes labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50 or more, especially if you’ll be outside for extended periods.
4. SEEK SHADE DURING PEAK HOURS
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10AM and 4PM. Try to plan outdoor activities early or late in the day. Take breaks in the shade when possible.
5. STAY HYDRATED
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it needs water to function properly. Dehydrated skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when it’s hot or humid.
6. DON’T FORGET YOUR LIPS, EARS, AND FEET
These often-overlooked areas are especially vulnerable to sunburn. Use a lip balm with SPF and be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops of your ears and feet.
7. TREAT SUNBURNS GENTLY
If you do get sunburned, cool the skin with damp cloths or a cool bath and use soothing moisturizers with aloe or hydrocortisone. Avoid additional sun exposure until the burn heals completely.
8. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR SKIN
Summer sun can trigger changes in moles or new spots on the skin. If you notice anything suspicious—especially spots that are changing, bleeding, or not healing—get it checked by a board-certified dermatologist. Enjoy your summer, but don’t let sun damage sneak up on you. With a few smart habits, you can protect your skin and enjoy the season with confidence.
Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www. MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND
Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified. This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www.assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
