2025 MAY ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

THE PAST AND FUTURE OF THE HISTORIC BOREL RANCH PROPERTY

By Traci Wyss

A legacy gift to your community is an enduring and impactful way to benefit generations to come. Sometimes these gifts come in the form of funds to a beloved charity or to create beneficial community programs, but one very special legacy gift came to our community in the form of land. The story of how this land came to be bequeathed to the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is one of grit and

4-H & FAIRTIME

By Braxley Andersen, Tassajara 4-H

Spring is here, and in Contra Costa County that means the County Fair will soon be underway! This year, the Fair runs from May 15th-18th and takes place at the Contra Costa County Event Center in Antioch.

Everyone has fond memories of going to the fair growing up. There are carnival rides and midway games, car races, delectable treats, exhibit halls with art and displays to enjoy, and animals to view! But for many 4-H’ers, the Fair is the culmination of a year’s worth of project time. It is a way for youth members to exhibit the skills and hard work they have been “learning by doing” for many months.

4-H is a non-profit, youth development program offering many opportunities for youth to grow in leadership, STEAM-based skills, agricultural knowledge, and a multitude of invaluable life lessons. It is a youth-led program which allows each individual to create their own goals while still being part of a community.

When you choose to attend the Fair, you are supporting these youth members in all their endeavors. From walking through the small animal barn to see the rabbits and guinea pigs, to strolling the exhibition halls and enjoying the photography, painting, baking, and sewing projects, to watching the small and large livestock exhibitors show their animals to the judges, your time and support encourages 4-H members to continue to work hard and to come back and do it all again next year. Consider attending the Junior Livestock

determination, and our community has the opportunity to learn about this history and help shape the future of what will one day be known as Borel Agricultural Park.

When you pull out of the western-most entrance of the Danville Costco parking lot onto Camino Ramon you may have noticed an imposing fence bearing a sign that reads “Landbank Area, Boundary Line, Area Closed No Entry” and wondered what this space is. A field of trees and a few distant buildings are all one can see when passing by, but this is actually a major gift from the late Armand Borel for our community to create a space that will tell the story of a local history rich in agriculture.

Armand Borel was born in Oakland in 1928. His family purchased the property that became known as Borel Ranch in 1923. Armand moved to the property in his teen years, learning to work the walnut ranch that his father had built up. Armand was a walnut rancher through and through. According to his obituary, he studied agriculture at the University of California, Davis.

Though the San Ramon Valley at the time was primarily agricultural land, change was coming and it would pave the road for difficulties, and even legal battles, for the ranch and Armand.

As Interstate 680 became more developed and extended further south past the

See Borel continued on page 15

DYC TO HOST MINDFULNESS AND WELLNESS EVENT ~ MAY 17 TH

By Dylan Chandran, DYC

The Danville Youth Council (DYC) is hosting a Mindfulness and Wellness Day, a community event centered on mental health awareness, mindfulness, and connection.

The event will take place Saturday, May 17th from 3 to 5PM on the Town Green located at 400 Front St., Danville.

For teens (ages 12-18) and adults (18+), the event will feature hands-on activities, therapy dogs, and a student-led panel discussion, all with the goal of promoting wellness in a supportive and uplifting environment.

From 3 to 4PM, a student-led panel discussion will feature a representative from Teen Esteem and two local high school students from Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley high schools. The panelists will share their personal experiences and insights on navigating mental health challenges, exploring real conversations about mental wellness, stress, and the importance of connection. From 4 to 5PM a hands-on community service hour will be held during which participants See 4-H continued on page 12

See Event continued on page 19

Walnut barn, northeast facing side. The walnut barn on the property still contains many pieces of machinery used to process and package walnuts. These will one day be instrumental in the interpretive space to show how the walnut ranch functioned. Photo credit: East Bay Regional Parks District.

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

Life took an unexpected turn last month when my middle sister, Laura, passed away suddenly after a brief illness at age 56. Growing up as a middle child along with three other sisters and myself, Laura shared decades of joyful memories and experiences that only a large family with just daughters could create.

Laura was a gifted teacher and beloved tutor, tutoring many local students until the day before her death. Her English and grammar skills were put to work as she spent years proofreading and assisting in layout of many issues of this paper before moving on to a full-time job closer to home.

Laura enjoyed singing (including karaoke) and playing the piano, and she had recently begun learning to tap dance and encouraged me that I wasn’t too old to do the same. She loved going to concerts that were a little “harder rock” than my Styx and Journey experiences. Everyone who knew her remembers her integrity, warmth, kindness, and beautiful smile.

Authors Marc and Angel Chernoff, in their “Hack Life” site, books, and blogs note, “We all know deep down that life is short, nothing is guaranteed, and that death will happen to all of us eventually. Yet, we are infinitely surprised when it happens to someone we know. It’s like walking up a flight of stairs with a distracted mind, and misjudging the final step. You expected there to be one more stair than there is, and so you find yourself off balance for a moment, before your mind shifts back to reality and how the world really is.” Our world was definitely rocked by the “missing step.”

Laura and I. Without calling each other, we arrived to work wearing nearly identical outfits one day - including the same jacket, matching plaid tops, jeans, and black shoes. It was an unspoken sister connection.

Laura’s passing is a reminder, a wake-up call, to truly live life today. Be present, choose joy, look for the beauty all around us. My sister would not want us to sit around wallowing. With her children in their 20s and 30s, my other sisters and I have committed to being more present with her children, our nieces and nephews.

All of our lives are busy, but it takes something like this to realize just a few seconds to type out a text or email, share part of our day, or a brief check-in via phone can have an impact and make a difference.

The Chernoffs further note, “Death is an ending, which is a necessary part of living. And endings are necessary for beauty too — otherwise it’s impossible to appreciate someone or something, because they are unlimited.”

I am choosing to celebrate my sister’s life and to be grateful for the times we had together, the laughs, the experiences, the joys of sisterhood.

With our beautiful and warm (Laura loved warm weather!) days, I have planted Gerber daisies, Laura’s favorite, outside my window. As I assemble this issue, I see the large pink, orange, and red flowers shining their light and reminding me of her.

If you’re looking to celebrate someone with flowers, now is a wonderful time to stop by one of our local, lovely garden centers and plant something that brings you joy, or reminds you of a person, place, or time. If you’re not a green thumb, pick up some silk, wood, paper, or glass flowers. The other day, I found some beautiful wooden roses and wooden mums...I got some of those to remember her too.

WHITE PONY EXPRESS IN CRITICAL NEED OF SUPPORT

White Pony Express (WPE), a leader in local food recovery and distribution, is urgently calling on the community to help bridge a critical funding gap due to cuts in federal support. With 1 in 5 people in our community facing hunger and meal costs at a 20-year high, WPE remains steadfast in its commitment to providing fresh, healthy food deliveries to more than 100 nonprofits serving our most vulnerable community members while also ensuring no good food goes to waste. With funding reductions threatening one-third of WPE’s budget, the organization must raise $350,000 by May 31st to support ongoing services and fresh food distributions.

Despite the abundance of surplus food, only 2% is currently donated, which presents a massive opportunity to expand food access. As WPE works to scale its service model, the need for local partnerships and donor support has never been greater.

WPE has launched the Nourish to Flourish Spring Fundraiser and is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to contribute today.

• Help WPE reach its $350,000 goal: whiteponyexpress.org/donate

• Spread the word by sharing WPE’s work on social media and through your networks

• Get involved through volunteer opportunities and partnerships Learn more at whiteponyexpress.org or call 925-322-0604.

Second Annual

Friday, June 20 | Saturday, June 21

Danville Congregational Church UCC 9am–3pm 6pm–8pm

Film Screening (TBD)

Gender 2.0 Workshop (Danville-San Ramon PFLAG)

Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community presented by Dr. Lulu

The Impact of Books! A Parent’s Journey featuring authors Sara & Ian Hoffman Community Resource Fair & Imagination Station

Special PRIDE Sunday Worship Service June 22, 9:30am ft. the Rev. Casey Tinnin schedule & info danvillechurch.org/valleypride

Danville Lions Club Presents A Taste of Danville

28th Annual Restaurant Walk & Beer & Wine Tasting Pavilion

June 3 rd ~ 6 PM-8:30 PM

Enjoy tastes from over 21 great Danville restaurants, and a trolley car ride to whisk you through downtown.

$40 for Restaurant Walk | $20 for Beer & Wine Tasting

For tickets use QR code at right, visit https://tinyurl.com/3p22kx6t, or pick-up/ purchase tickets at the start of the event in front of Molly’s Pup-Purr-ee located at 425 Hartz Ave., Danville or call 510-213-2530.

Proceeds to benefit Lions Club Charities, Lions Blind Center, and educational scholarships.

Your Dream Price Might Be Closer Than You Think

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Ready to discover your home’s potential? Contact me today to get started!

Stunningly remodeled smart home in a prime location, walkable to vibrant amenities including a gym, brewpub, restaurants, and Whole Foods. This renovation is a perfect blend of luxury and technology The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring a massive island, top-of-the-line Wolf appliances, and exquisite solid oak cabinetry. Contact Carolyn for details.

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23RD AAUW DAW GARDEN TOUR

FRIDAY, MAY 9 TH & SATURDAY, MAY 10TH , 10AM – 4 PM

RAIN OR SHINE!

“Escape to Serenity,” and celebrate Mother’s Day! Bring your mother, daughter, special friend, or neighbor to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Danville-AlamoWalnut Creek (DAW) Branch’s Garden Tour 2025. There are six fabulous gardens located in Alamo, Danville, and Diablo to be visited.

Proceeds support AAUW Local Community Projects including college scholarships for local students, STEM for middle school girls, and branch programs advancing equity for all. DAW AAUW is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible. EIN # 92-3233415.

Tickets are $45 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit daw-ca.aauw.net/2025-garden-tour or scan the QR code above.

MAY IN DANVILLE

This May, the Town of Danville is buzzing with events that honor creativity, spark imagination, and pay tribute to those who have served.

On Sunday, May 4th, young Star Wars fans will gather at the Danville Community Center for “May the 4th Be with You: Clone Celebration.” Designed for kids ages 3 to 10, this intergalactic afternoon features themed games, crafts, and a special visit from Commander Cody and other favorite Star Wars characters—plus a menu of space-inspired treats. To register, visit www.danville.ca.gov/recguide

Families looking for a hands-on creative experience can head to Oak Hill Park Saturday, May 17th for “Art in the Park.” Kids ages 5 to 10 will have the chance to dive into messy, joyful art-making with both process-based projects and fun take-home crafts in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Register at www.danville.ca.gov/recguide

On Memorial Day, May 26th, the community is invited to honor the sacrifices of our veterans. The Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley will host their annual remembrance ceremony at Oak Hill Park at 10AM That evening at 8PM, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 and local veteran groups will light the Mount Diablo Beacon during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Building. Additional information can be found at vmbsrv.org.

The Breaking Rules art exhibition continues through June 13th at the Village Theatre Art Gallery. This striking show features five artists who defy convention with their bold use of paint and collage. Learn more about this new exhibition at www.danville.ca.gov/arts.

Whether you’re commemorating, creating, or traveling to a galaxy far, far away—May in Danville offers something for everyone. More information for these events can be found at www.danville.ca.gov/calendar

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY IN MAY?

Delve into the visual history and profound lifestyle impact of the automobile in California with, The Road Ahead, on display through June 8th at Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV). Through captivating photographs and immersive displays, discover how cars transformed the Golden State’s landscape, social interactions, and leisure activities.

Witness the evolution of roadside attractions, suburban sprawl, the iconic car culture, and much more that defines California. Explore how personal transportation shaped everything from weekend getaways to daily commutes. Check out the silver Alexander Perpetual Challenge Cup awarded at the High Gear Contests held on Mt. Diablo between 1918-1933. The contest consisted of an 11 mile drive up the mountain from the toll gate to the summit. Originally began as an informal competition to test vehicle performance, BF Goodrich Tires offered the trophy (pictured at right) to encourage participation.

The Road Ahead offers a unique perspective on the state’s enduring relationship with the automobile.

On Thursday May 15th at 11:30AM the amazing story of skateboarding in San Ramon will be the topic of our free virtual program. In these vivid pictures from 1976, award winning photographer Jeff Heyman has captured a time capsule of local history and a nostalgic look back at a bygone era, one that was instrumental in the evolution of skateboarding as a worldwide sport. The program is free, but registration is required. To attend, visit museumsrv.org, select “What’s On,” and then “Virtual Programs.”

MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave, Danville. It is open Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM , Saturday 10AM-2PM, and Sunday noon-3PM For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

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, May 13th 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

BOBBY’S BRIGADE NEEDS HELP

Bobby’s Brigade, a small father-son run Alamo charity, is facing a crisis. Teddy bears, which are a part of 1,800 care packages annually distributed, are arriving via container ship any day. With new tariffs, their budgeted $3,600 for the shipment is anticipated to be over $5,000 which will completely deplete funds for future care packages. The care packages are provided to the California Highway Patrol to give to children in protective custody from auto accidents, domestic abuse, child abuse, and neglect. To help in any way, email bobbysbrigade@yahoo.com or call Mark Redman at 925-336-9425. For more information, visit bobbysbrigade.com.

CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS A MONTH TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS & VETERANS?

Mobility Matters (MM) is a nonprofit agency that has been serving otherwise homebound residents trying to age in place in Contra Costa County since 2004. MM provides free, door-through-door, one-on-one, escorted rides for seniors and disabled veterans with volunteer driver programs and they match riders to accessible transportation providers through their Transportation Information and Referrals Helpline.

Volunteer drivers (ages 25-75) are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call Mobility Matters at 925-284-2215 or visit www. mobilitymatterscc.com for more details.

SONS IN RETIREMENT

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

Can you picture your retirement brimming with joy, camaraderie, and thrilling experiences? Well here’s how. Check out SIR 128 San Ramon Valley! Our friendly and welcoming group of near and current retirees thrives on staying active, connected, and having fun. Consider us your hub for enjoyment, offering everything from relaxed strolls and fishing excursions, to card games and book discussions. Golf enthusiasts will find both 9 and 18-hole options, alongside hiking, biking, pickelball, bocce ball, and many more activities. Monthly, we venture around the Bay Area to captivating destinations.

Beyond activities, SIR 128 fosters genuine community. Join our monthly luncheons at Bridges in San Ramon, every third Wednesday at 11:30AM. Enjoy delicious food, new friendships, and engaging speakers. Intrigued? Be our guest! Email membership@sir128.com to RSVP for a luncheon and discover our friendly atmosphere. Ready to engage? Visit www.SIR128.com to explore how we can enrich your retirement with joy and connection. We eagerly await your arrival!

To place an ad or share a story, contact us at 925.405.6397 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.

Happy Mother’s Day

TIMELESS CLASSICS WITH THE CONTRA COSTA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra (CCCO), and Geoffrey Gallegos, Music Director and Conductor, presents an afternoon of Timeless Classics by three master composers. The concert is bookended by the elegant Overture in the Italian Style in C Major, Franz Schubert’s enthusiastic homage to the opera overtures of Rossini, and Franz Joseph Haydn’s witty and ebullient Symphony No. 101 in D Major, subtitled “The Clock” given the “ticking” rhythm of the second movement. In between these classical delights, the CCCO winds, with solo cello and bass are featured in Antonín Dvořák’s Serenade No. 2, Op. 44. While inspired by the wind serenades of Mozart and evoking the old-world atmosphere of musical performances at the castles of the Rococo period where the worlds of the aristocracy and the common folk merged, this remarkable work is, in its overall expression, quite unlike Dvořák’s original source of inspiration. While preserving classical temperance, his Serenade is wholly Czech in character written in the Slavonic tradition with the lyricism and energy of the Slavonic Dances to come. The work represents a fine synthesis of the “retro” style and Dvořák’s masterful musical invention.

Concerts will be held Saturday, May 3rd at 4pm at the Pittsburgh California Theatre, located at 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburgh and Sunday, May 4th at 4pm at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, located at 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.contracostachamberorchestra.org. Tickets are also available at the door. Tickets are Adult $25, Senior $20, Student $10.

UNFINISHED BRUCKER TWO UNFINISHED MASTERPIECES, ONE UNFORGETTABLE FINALE

Delve into the profound beauty of two great unfinished symphonic works with the two surviving movements of Franz Schubert’s haunting Symphony No. 8, paired with the three completed movements of Anton Bruckner’s majestic Symphony No. 9. It’s the perfect grand finale to the 2024/25 season of the California Symphony with two unfinished masterpieces that remind us that the power of music isn’t measured by how it ends, but by the journey it takes us on.

Enjoy signature cocktails, take selfies at the photo booth, and learn more about the music at the free 30-minute pre-concert talk starting one hour before the performance.

Unfinished, yet unforgettable. Unfinished Bruckner will be held Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30PM, and Sunday, May 4th at 4PM, at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets, visit californiasymphony. org or call the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 925-943-7469 (open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 6PM). Prices start at $50/$25 for students.

FIFTY YEARS OF POP CULTURE!

Turn back time as the Danville Community Band presents musical memories that remind us of old and new favorite tunes from the radio, to theater screens, as well as the small screen. Picture where you were while listening to the music of James Bond, Marvel, Star Wars, video games and Totoro, plus popular tunes from the sixties. Attend the last performance of the year to be held at 3PM, Sunday, May 18th at the Lesher Center for the Arts, located at 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.

Tickets are available at LesherArtsCenter.org or by calling 925-943-7469.

“Like” Danville Community Band on Facebook and stay tuned with Band happenings all year round! As a 501(c)(3), please help the Band “play on” by sending a tax-deductible donation to: Danville Community Band, P.O. Box 2276, Danville, CA 94526.

THRIFT STATION SEEKS NEW VOLUNTEERS

A MUSICAL MOTHER’S DAY: RIVER JOURNEYS

Treat your loved ones to a musical journey with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra—an afternoon filled with beauty, adventure, and celebration.

Follow the musical flow down two iconic rivers. Florence Price’s Mississippi River Suite ripples with the soulful sounds of southern spirituals and New Orleans jazz. Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau sweeps you through the Czech countryside, from lively village dances to mythic landscapes and whitewater rapids on the way to historic Prague. Adding a delightful surprise, Martin Rokeach’s Piccolo Concerto offers a playful and uplifting showcase of one of the orchestra’s most charming instruments.

A Musical Mother’s Day: River Journeys will be held Sunday, May 11th at 2PM at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $45 for adults, $15 for ages 13-17; children 12 and under are free (but need a ticket). For tickets, visit diablosymphony.org or call the Lesher Center Ticket Office at 925-943-7469 (open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 6PM).

REACH FOR THE STARS WITH DWC

Reach for the stars with the Diablo Women’s Chorale (DWC) as they present 2025: A Space Rhapsody—a celestial musical adventure transcending time and space, blending nostalgia, exploration, and the eternal quest for love. Accompanied by live musicians, their program takes you on a cosmic journey— from the vibrant energy of Age of Aquarius to the haunting echoes of A Space Oddity, the empowering spirit of Defying Gravity, and more. Venture boldly into the great unknown, where mysteries unfold and magic awaits beyond the stars.

Director Erin Fishler brings passion and depth to each piece, drawing on her extensive vocal skills, performance, and teaching experience. Accompanist Rebecca Hass contributes her artistry as an accomplished recording artist, pianist, teacher, performer, and composer.

Established in 1942 amidst the trials of World War II, the DWC is a San Francisco East Bay musical legacy, performing annually since 1943. Now in its 83rd year, the DWC thrives as a secular choir that continues to attract women of all ages in the East Bay who share a passion for spreading joy through music.

The DWC will perform on Friday, May 16th at 7pm and Sunday, May 18th at 3pm at the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Blvd, Alamo. For tickets, visit diablowomenschorale.org and Facebook at www. facebook.com/DiabloWomensChorale.

The DWC welcomes new members each January and August and presents concerts in the spring and fall each year. The DWC is a 501(c)(3).

Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville. This year the store celebrates over 50 years of serving the local community, selling new and gently used donations. Store proceeds support the exceptional, low-cost, broad-reaching mental health services provided by Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Discovery’s mental health services are integrated into all San Ramon Valley public schools.

The Thrift Station is an all-volunteer organization of dedicated, welcoming, and enthusiastic volunteers supported by a large, loyal customer base. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, and is located at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Danville -- next to Los Panchos restaurant. The phone number is 925-820-1988.

If you are interested in joining the warm and welcoming volunteer family, please complete the application form at www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-station or email the Membership VP at Thriftvols@gmail.com. You can also stop by the store and apply in person by filling out a blue form kept near the front register. Volunteers agree to work two 3-hour shifts a month. Come join the family of volunteers!

California Symphony. Photo by Kristen Loken

Amy Likar, piccolo.

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

As economic shifts unfold—driven by evolving tariff policy, market activity, and the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting—real estate has remained remarkably steady amid the uncertainty. In the Greater Danville Area, rising inventory and solid sales signal a market that’s adjusting, not retreating. With summer on the horizon, both buyers and sellers may find new opportunities as conditions continue to evolve. The Gatti Team is committed to staying ahead of these developments, delivering accurate, timely real estate insights. Backed by Compass, the #1 brokerage in the U.S., and over 60 years of combined experience, we’re here to help you navigate this dynamic market with clarity and confidence.

Nationally, economic attention is turning toward the Federal Reserve’s meeting on May 6–7, as tariff tensions rise and market volatility continues. The Fed faces the challenge of balancing inflation control with the need to sustain economic growth—a task complicated by the ripple effects of new tariffs. These measures are expected to raise consumer prices and slow growth as companies and markets adjust. The uncertainty created by these changes is being felt across industries, and real estate is no exception. For our market, the key word is timing—with longer average days on market now becoming a clear trend.

Here in the Greater Danville Area—which includes Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon—we saw a notable increase in housing inventory from March to April. Active detached listings rose 28.71%, jumping from 173 to 231, while average days on market climbed to 38. Pending sales declined 13.64%, with 82 homes under contract compared to 94 the previous month. Still, closed sales increased by 34.48%, rising from 72 to 102, and the median sold price saw a 3.99% uptick, moving from $2,171,500 to $2,260,000. The drop in pending sales aligns with broader economic trends and likely reflects the uncertainty triggered by new tariff announcements and subsequent market fluctuations in early April.

Looking ahead, active inventory is now at its highest level since before the pandemic—and it’s expected to stay elevated, or even grow, as we move into the summer months. Affordability remains a challenge, with elevated mortgage rates, tariff-driven cost uncertainty, and record-high home prices weighing on many buyers. That said, homes that are turnkey, priced at $2,200,000 or below, and competitively listed are continuing to attract attention and sell quickly. As financial markets stabilize, buyer confidence should follow. If uncertainty persists, we can expect longer days on market and more choices for buyers ready to act despite current interest rate and pricing conditions.

As you navigate this evolving landscape, the Gatti Team is here to help you make smart, informed real estate decisions—whether you’re planning to sell or hoping to buy. If you’re considering selling, contact us for a FREE, no-obligation home valuation and a private consultation.

I hope you found this article helpful. With 13 years of experience serving our real estate community, I’m passionate about helping clients navigate our local market. My business partner and father, Ron Gatti, brings over 40 years of expertise in the Greater Danville Area, making our team a trusted resource for all of your real estate needs. As Associate Brokers with Compass, the Gatti Team is proudly located at the 760 Camino Ramon office in Danville. If you have any questions about this article or would like personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call me directly at 925-588-3590. We’re here to help!

JOE & RON GATTI

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

By Hailey Gunderson, San Ramon Valley High School, senior

We are officially in the homestretch, and San Ramon Valley High School students are keeping busy. From studying hard to soaking up the sun, there’s a vibrant energy on campus. Seniors are eagerly anticipating many exciting school events, while spring sports teams are heading into league playoffs.

A highlight of the semester is always the Spring Dance Show, running from April 30th to May 2nd at 7PM. Our dancers have poured their hearts into choreographing, learning routines, and preparing the lighting, music, and costumes. This show is truly something special and one of my personal favorites on campus. Come out and support our incredible performers!

Reflecting back on April, the musical Grease was a huge success. After a year of hard work and dedication, students brought this beloved show to life through four amazing performances. Congratulations to everyone involved in the cast and crew and thank you to our wonderful audience! April also marked our celebration of Earth Week. Students visited our sister school, Peres K–8, where they led crafts and activities focused on caring for the environment. In addition, we recognized Autism Awareness Month by wearing blue to show our support for classmates and raise awareness throughout our community.

Another highlight of the month was the Secret Pal Luncheon Reveal. At the start of the year, each Leadership student is paired with a staff member as their “secret pal.” Each month, students surprise their pal with thoughtful notes, posters, or small gifts. During the reveal luncheon, staff and students came together for a celebration and students finally revealed their identities to their secret pals. This is always such an anticipated moment and a favorite tradition for many.

We recently held our Cultural Festival Week. Throughout the week, students enjoyed dancing, music, and booths that showcased and honor cultures from around the world. The festivities culminated in a Cultural Fair featuring food from a variety of cultures for students to enjoy and explore.

Looking ahead to May, we have several exciting events lined up. “Oh the Places You’ll Go” will be held on May 1st. During lunch, seniors will celebrate their future plans. Students will sign college pennants and proudly wear shirts representing their next chapter. It’s a day to honor the hard work that has brought them to this moment. Senior Ball on May 10th is at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. With food, exhibits like the aquarium, and time spent with friends, it promises to be an unforgettable evening. We’ll close out the year with our final rally, the Aloha Rally, on May 16th. Seniors will walk out to receive leis, cheer and pom will perform, and games will be played. We’ll also announce the senior game winners and celebrate our Leaders of the Pack.

On May 17th, we will honor the life and legacy of the beloved Coach Hans Dellanoy, affectionately known as “Coach Del.” The celebration begins with a parade at 10:30AM, line the streets to show your support. At noon, join us on the SRVHS field for a celebration of life with special guests, music, and memories, followed by a reception from 2–5PM at Primo’s Pizzeria located at 298 Hartz Ave., Danville. Everyone is welcome.

The senior Disneyland trip is on May 18th. Students will depart for a trip to Disneyland, traveling together by bus and enjoying the magical Grad Night experience. On May 14th–15th, the final choir and instrumental music concerts will take place, followed by Major League Improv from May 20th–22nd. Mark your calendars and come out to support our talented student performers!

As the school year winds down, summer break is just around the corner. Our teachers and staff are working tirelessly to keep students engaged and prepared for final exams and AP tests. Let’s make the most of this last month; enjoy the sunshine, celebrate your hard work, and finish strong!

For a full list of what’s happening on campus, visit srvhs.srvusd.net

MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

With Spring Break landing a little later this year, April seemed to fly by. Still, Monte Vista (MV) students and staff managed to pack a great deal into the past four weeks. First, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the MV community for the love and support shown to our teacher who was assaulted in their classroom in March. The cards, flowers, and kind messages sent to campus and directly to our teacher have meant so much. This traumatic event deeply affected all of us, and your outpouring of support has been both powerful and healing. A special thank you to the Discovery Counseling Center team for spending a day on campus to support our staff—your presence was truly appreciated.

On April 18th, MV students participated in the “Day of Silence,” a powerful event that promotes awareness and solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community. The day concluded with our district’s annual Gayla Prom, hosted this year by Dougherty Valley High School. A huge thank you to MV’s GSA advisor, Heather Slipka, for her steadfast leadership and dedication to our students.

On April 23rd, 18 MV student-athletes signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Women’s sports were represented by Crew, Cross-Country/Track (3), Soccer (3), Softball, Swimming (2), and Volleyball. Men’s sports included Football (4) and Lacrosse (3). Congratulations to all of these outstanding student-athletes on this incredible milestone!

MV’s Theater program kicked off the Visual Arts and Performing Arts (VAPA) spring performances with the comedy Hit and Misdemeanor. Looking ahead, MV Drama will close out the year with a performance of Clue later in May.

Senior Ball will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at the Galleria in San Francisco. Students look forward to the new venue and a wonderful time. A huge thank you to the parents, staff, and student volunteers who make this evening such a success.

On Monday, May 5th, MV students will begin two weeks of Advanced Placement (AP) exams, spanning a wide range of subjects. Students who perform well on these exams may earn college credit at participating institutions. This is always a demanding time on campus, and we are proud of the hard work our students and staff have put into preparing for these exams.

Athletically, our spring teams are thriving. Track & Field, Swimming, and both Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse are enjoying standout seasons and are in pursuit of EBAL and NCS championships. All of our spring sports teams are battling for NCS playoff positions—expect plenty of Mustang action in the coming weeks!

The Arts continue to shine at MV during May. Come see one of these outstanding performances.

• MV Dance will present its “Spring Show,” May 7th–9th

• MV Choir will hold its “Pops Concert” on May 16th and 17th

• MV Instrumental Music will perform on May 28th (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra) and May 30th (Jazz Ensembles)

• MV Visual Arts will host its annual Open House on May 29th, showcasing incredible student work

As we approach the final month of school, we’re looking forward to a strong finish and a joyful celebration of the Class of 2025 at our Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 6th at 6PM

To learn more about upcoming events, please check mvhs.srvusd.net

EUGENE O'NEILL STUDIO RETREAT “SEEKING TO BELONG”

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to apply for a FREE summer opportunity to learn from acting and playwriting professionals. The theme this year is “Seeking to Belong.” The 10-day retreat will take place at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, Tao House, in the Las Trampas hills above Danville.

Studio Retreat is a distinctive educational program designed to provide a more thorough understanding of playwright Eugene O’Neill and his place in American drama while encouraging students to reach a new level of creativity within their own work. By collaborating with local theatre professionals, participants gain valuable, hands-on insight into what the careers of working actors and playwrights actually entail. The retreat runs Wednesday, June 18 - Sunday, June 29 (with a break June 23-24). Apply at eugeneoneill.org/studio-retreat-application

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.

HEALTH TIPS FOR TEENS

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

By Serena Hicks, MVHS freshman

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, an intense fear of gaining weight, and body dysmorphia, often leading to dangerously low body weight and serious health complications such as malnutrition and organ damage. Discussing anorexia in teenagers is crucial since adolescence is a critical period for physical and emotional development, and teens are especially vulnerable to eating disorders. With the influence of social media, peer pressure, and unrealistic beauty standards, many teens may develop unhealthy relationships with food and body image. Raising awareness can help educate teenagers on the dangers of extreme dieting, promote body positivity, and encourage early intervention for those at risk.

UNDERSTANDING ANOREXIA

This eating disorder is marked by several symptoms and behaviors, including extreme weight loss due to severe food restriction, an obsession with counting calories, dieting, and avoiding certain foods, as well as a distorted body image where individuals perceive themselves as overweight despite being dangerously underweight. The physical consequences of anorexia can be severe, leading to malnutrition, weakened bones, heart complications, organ failure, and hormonal imbalances. Psychologically, it can cause anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and an intense fear of gaining weight, often reinforcing the cycle of self-starvation. Without proper intervention, anorexia can have life-threatening consequences.

CAUSES IN TEENAGERS

Anorexia in teenagers arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Genetically, a family history of eating disorders increases the likelihood of developing anorexia, while neurobiological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals, can disrupt hunger and emotional regulation. On a psychological level, traits like low self-esteem and perfectionism drive individuals to seek control over their bodies, often using extreme dieting as a coping mechanism. Sociocultural pressures further intensify the issue, with the media idealizing thinness and reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards. Peer pressure and bullying related to body image can also contribute, pushing vulnerable teens toward harmful eating behaviors.

RECOGNIZING ANOREXIA

Spotting the signs of anorexia early can make a huge difference in a teenager’s recovery. Parents and guardians should pay attention to changes in eating habits, like skipping meals, obsessing over calories, or suddenly losing weight. Other warning signs include excessive exercise, wearing baggy clothes to hide their body, or withdrawing from friends and family. However, recognizing these behaviors is just part of the solution. Having open, supportive conversations are just as important. Teens need

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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

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The Mt. Diablo Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), meets the second Tuesday of every month except for March, and June, July and August when the chapter is on summer break. Meetings are held in Rossmoor at the Creekside Clubhouse Fairway Room. Social time begins at 11:30AM, followed by the meeting with guest speaker at 12:15PM. Coffee, tea, and dessert are provided.

DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children. For more information contact mt.diablo.chapter@gmail.com

POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE

By Jill Appenzeller

Gardening, like marriage, is an act of optimism. It is also an act of thinking ahead. Garlic is best planted in fall, lettuce too, for spring planted lettuces grown here bolt and become bitter at the first hint of heat.

I usually think about fall planting in spring (oops), but this year I remembered to plant in October. Lots of garlic and onions. Some lettuce, and Chinese mustard and chard. And snap peas! The birds pulled up all the first snap peas, so I cried, then replanted them, and hung long strips of mylar flash tape from the top of their support towers. They are scrawny but they didn’t get pulled up, the tape kept the birds away, and I have had the first dozen sweet crunchy pods. Nothing tastes as good as fresh off the vine. From the farmer’s market, lucky us, or from your garden.

We’ve eaten most of the fall lettuce so we have some space. I’m thinking ahead. To BLT sandwiches, to grilled eggplant, to red and yellow peppers off the vine, to the freshest pesto. To cherry tomatoes baked in a slow oven until they are caramelized. To the last of the snap peas that were fall planted, to the scarlet runner beans planted today.

Did you know you’re not supposed to plant tomatoes in the same place each year? Tomatoes are susceptible to fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt, fungal diseases that can persist in the soil for years, or be spread by gardening tools. So let the old tomato bed have four years to recover and for any spores to die off before you plant tomatoes there again. That goes for all the plants in the family solanaceae: peppers, eggplant, potatoes. All susceptible. All the things I love best.

My gardening sister who lived in Lafayette would have beautiful lush tomato plants, and hope in her heart, and just as the tomatoes were reaching four feet and she was looking forward to tomato sandwiches and salads the plants would wilt, keel over, and die. She tried for years. She tried all sorts of work-arounds as there is no cure for fusarium or verticillium (and no way to tell them apart

QUICK TRIPS By Linda

Summers Pirkle

BOUQUETS TO ART

without sending samples out to a lab). She tried growing them in different spots. She tried growing them in huge pots on the patio. She finally moved. To Seattle.

I love Sun Gold and Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes, I love Hawaiian Pineapple and Brandywine beefsteaks. They take forever to ripen but are so worth the wait! I am not a fan of Early Girl and Better Boy. Disease resistant, yes, but I find there are far more delicious tomatoes. Dona, a medium sized French tomato. Costoluto Genovese, an Italian tomato, and a no-name Greek tomato from seeds given to me many years ago by a Greek waiter at Forli Restaurant in Alamo. Gardeners are by nature generous. And I will grow any tomato from Wild Boar.

When the neighbor children were small I would plant cherry tomatoes in the front yard, and from my office I could watch them pick tomatoes. Those children are now grown and moved away - to New York, to Dallas. I hope that some day they will have gardens and curious children who want to garden.

I just planted pumpkins. Two four inch plants bought at Orchard in Lafayette. One is a normal pumpkin, one is a ridged blue with an exotic name. It is supposed to be prolific and easy to grow. I hope the label didn’t lie. I also planted Atlantic Giant pumpkins from seed purchased at Sloat. Where to put them is always a challenge. Pumpkin vines get huge, can cover 20 feet or more, and do not play well with others. So I’m trying some in the new raised beds, where the vines can trail out of the beds and onto the gravel paths. That should also help stop the slugs and voles (and unfortunately rats) from feasting on the pumpkins from below.

I have in years long past had stellar pumpkin crops, enough to carve jack-olanterns with our nephew, enough to share. I’ve saved seeds and as pumpkins cross-pollinate I’ve had strangely shaped hybrids with orange and white swirls. They reminded me of my favorite childhood ice cream bar. The past few years with our poor soil (yes I make compost and no there is never enough) I’ve only had two pumpkins. But I’m trying again. Hope over experience. You can reach me via the editor at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Jill Appenzeller has lived and gardened in Danville for longer than she cares to admit.

I love spring. It’s a welcome reprieve, especially when the world appears chaotic. It brings longer days, warmer weather, and a profusion of flowers. The nearby hills are covered in wildflowers and even the entrance to our local Trader Joe’s is a joy to behold with buckets of impossibly vibrant purple, orange, yellow, white, and pink tulips, bright yellow daffodils, and tender blue irises.

One of my favorite ways to celebrate spring is by attending the DeYoung Museum hosted annual exhibition “Bouquets to Art.” From June 2 to June 8, 2025, one hundred floral designers will create stunning botanical displays that draw inspiration from works within the permanent displays of the museum.

It may seem like the beloved “Bouquets to Art,” a hugely popular fundraiser has been around forever, but it was in the 1970s the idea was hatched. In an interview with Maureen Murphy Fox, docent and Fine Arts Auxiliary member, I learned that the precursor to “Bouquets to Art” was “Treasure Hunt,” a large flea market organized by the Museum Society. Generous patrons donated their valuables including, among other treasures, china, silver, jewelry, artwork, and musical instruments which were appraised and then sold off. After a time it was more and more difficult to “lean on friends and family to donate items,” according to Murphy Fox, so the committee looked for other fundraising ideas. Boston Museum’s program, “Art in Bloom,” became their inspiration. “Bouquets to Art” in San Francisco was launched in 1985. It lasted three days and brought in $19,000.

The event has expanded to a full week including two members-only evenings, lavish raffle prizes, a floral wall for photos, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. Floral artists come from all over the world to participate. Additionally, local floral enthusiasts from garden clubs, amateur florists, and students from City College vie for the opportunity to use their imagination and expertise to create a floral display that best interprets a work of art in the museum.

Approximately three months before opening day, designers bid for their chosen artwork and the matching process begins when the committee decides who gets which art. Set-up on opening day begins at 8AM as floral designers bring their product to be inspected by the Conservation team. After passing inspection, designers work until about 2PM to complete their botanical displays for that evening’s Opening Night Reception.

Bouquets to Art hosts 50,000 to 60,000 visitors every year and to date has raised over nine million dollars in critical funding for the Fine Arts museums.

Soho Sakai, renowned Sogetsu Ikebana teacher, who learned her craft in Japan, has been creating her masterpieces at “Bouquets to Art” for decades. The octogenarian was interviewed in 2024 as she worked on her floral display. “Nature doesn’t make any mistakes,” she said. “When you see a perfect art form you become happy. If not,” she laughed, “there is something wrong with you.”

“Bouquets to Art” will hopefully make you happy too. To celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the Legion of Art, “Bouquets to Art” will host one hundred artists and will be held at both the Legion of Art and the DeYoung Museum.

For more information, check out famsf.org

Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com .

Bouquets to Art, de Young, San Francisco,2024.

Photograph by Drew Altizer Photography.

Bouquets to Art, de Young, San Francisco,2024.

Photograph by Drew Altizer Photography.

CONTRA COSTA VOTERS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO KEEP OUR URBAN LIMIT LINE

By County Supervisor Candace Andersen

Contra Costa County is approximately 716 square miles. Less than 35% of that is “urban,” with housing and businesses. The rest is open space and agricultural land. Back in 1990 the voters of Contra Costa first approved an Urban Limit Line (ULL), a land-use planning tool designed to manage urban growth, protect agricultural lands and open space, and encourage more efficient and sustainable development. The ULL was renewed by voters in 2006 and will expire next year unless it is reaffirmed by the voters of our County.

For over 30 years, Contra Costa County has used the ULL to preserve agriculture, open space, natural resources, and scenic landscapes, while directing growth to areas where infrastructure already exists. Development inside the ULL is encouraged, particularly infill and redevelopment projects. Areas outside the ULL are meant to remain rural, agricultural, or undeveloped. Cities within the county may have their own ULLs, but they must be consistent with the county-wide plan.

Minor adjustments to the ULL can be made under certain conditions, such as for public infrastructure projects or to correct mapping errors. Major changes typically require voter approval or a supermajority of the Board of Supervisors. The County’s recently updated General Plan, Envision 2040, shows that within the ULL there is room for 23,000 new housing units and significant commercial and industrial space within. County officials are now considering technical adjustments to the line to better reflect on-the-ground realities, such as removing flood zones, high fire danger areas, and undevelopable land such as land on Bethel Island.

On February 25, 2025, the Board of Supervisors received a report on the ULL from the County’s Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) and took the first steps in preparing a 2026 ballot measure for ULL renewal. The Board directed DCD to conduct public outreach, indicated that the new ballot measure should likely extend the ULL for 25 years (until 2051), and explored the possibility of reviewing the ULL every eight years in conjunction with updating the Housing Element of the General Plan to ensure that there is the capacity to build any needed housing within the 35% of urban land.

In the proposal brought before the Board of Supervisors, 10,700 acres would be moved outside the urban limit line, while about 1,600 acres would be added back in. Adjustments also include aligning the boundary with city limits and updating parcel ownership changes. The goal is to avoid conflicting policies and ensure future development is environmentally and practically feasible. Past efforts to stretch the line for specific projects have been controversial, highlighting the need for careful planning. The ULL has been moved only six times since its inception in 1990.

County staff will gather public input through May and aim to finalize a proposal by next year. Failure to renew the ULL could not only impact our hillsides, open space, and agricultural lands, but also risk millions of dollars in annual transportation funds which are only given to cities and the County if they comply with regional growth policies including having an Urban Limit Line.

DCD is gathering public input. Your feedback is essential. Please visit envisioncontracosta2040.org to learn about upcoming events and view detailed information about the ULL. Share your comments by 5PM on June 2, 2025, at advanceplanning@dcd.cccounty.us

These comments will be addressed in a follow-up report to the Board of Supervisors this summer. It is anticipated that by the end of the year the Board of Supervisors will vote to place the ULL renewal measure on the June 2, 2026, Primary Election ballot.

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.

Tips continued from page 9 to feel safe talking about body image and mental health without fear of judgment. Encouraging honest discussions helps break the stigma around eating disorders and lets them know they’re not alone. When teenagers feel heard and supported, they are much more likely to ask for help and start their journey to recovery.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Treatment for anorexia involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counseling, and, if necessary, medical intervention. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and family therapy help address unhealthy thoughts and behaviors around food and body image. Nutritional counseling supports the restoration of healthy eating habits, while medical intervention may be needed to address physical health concerns. A strong support network, including family, friends, and support groups, is essential for recovery. In terms of prevention strategies, focus on promoting a healthy body image, encouraging balanced eating, and educating teenagers about the dangers of dieting and unhealthy weight control methods. These approaches help reduce the risk of anorexia by fostering self-acceptance and healthy relationships with food.

CONCLUSION

Anorexia shows how significant the impact of societal pressures, self-esteem, and mental health have on a person’s well-being. While recovery is possible, it requires more than just treatment, but a shift in how we view body image, selfworth, and the expectations placed on us. The effects of anorexia reach far beyond food, leaving lasting imprints on the mind and influencing how we see ourselves. Serena Hicks is a freshman at Monte Vista High School (MVHS) hoping to improve the health of her community one article at a time.

CRISIS CENTER HELP

Sometimes we all need a little help. The Contra Costa Crisis Center volunteers are available to listen, help, and provide resources, support, counseling, and hope 24/7 to assist people in emotional or psychological distress. Their mission is to keep people alive and safe to help them through crises, and to provide or connect them with culturally relevant services in the community. Services are free and confidential. They can be reached by dialing 211, calling 811833-2900, or texting “HOPE” to 20121. For more information, visit crisis-center.org.

WILDFIRE PREPARATION

By Joe Lamb, Brende & Lamb Tree Care

In the greater Bay Area, we live surrounded by an ecosystem that has been shaped over the last 10,000 years by frequent wildfires. Because these woodland fires are inevitable, landscape trees, even healthy ones, require occasional pruning to prevent them from becoming fire ladders––bridges of flammable material that could carry flames from a woodland fire to your home.

The threat posed by fires in the greater Bay Area is real and significant. The Oakland/Berkeley Hills fire of 1991 caused $1.7 billion in property damage and was the nation’s worst urban fire since the San Francisco fire of 1906. Those numbers have been dwarfed by the recent Los Angeles fires, where costs to insurance companies are expected to top $50 billion. Of course, the financial costs to homeowners will greatly exceed the costs to insurance companies, and the real costs, which can’t be calculated in money alone, are astronomical.

In the Berkeley Hills fire, as in the LA fires, failure to properly maintain landscape trees and shrubs played a significant role in allowing that fire to grow, intensify, and move. The Comprehensive Overview of the Berkeley/Oakland Hills fire recommends that the risk of wildfire can be reduced by proper care of landscape plants:

• Break up fire ladders.

• Limb trees back from structures.

• Reduce flammable biomass by thinning crowns.

• Remove dead trees and shrubs from the landscape.

• Remove deadwood from live trees and shrubs.

Our knowledge of fire ecology has greatly increased since 1991. CalFire works hard to keep up with the ever-evolving fire landscape. Climate change has changed several of the key variables in urban wildfires, most notably seesaw precipitation (alternating periods of wet, causing increased plant growth, and drought, causing increasingly flammable plants) and changes in wind, in both direction and intensity. Blowing embers have been the main propagators of recent fires. For updates on increasing the fire safety of your landscape, visit www.fire.ca.gov/dspace

Two of their key recommendations are:

4-H continued from front page

Auction on Sunday, May 18th to bid on locally-raised, hand-reared animals to stock your freezer with pork, beef, goat, or lamb. This is a great way to show support and to encourage our next generation of agriculturalists and animal scientists. Most members use the money raised through the auction to buy their project animals for the following year or to save for college. Interested in supporting 4-H’ers and all they do? Visit the Contra Costa County Fair this May. You can witness the growth potential first hand, learn more about the program, meet 4-H members and volunteers, and find out more about clubs in our area. 4-H is forever grateful for the wonderful buyers that have supported kids in the past. To learn more, visit the Contra Costa County Fair website at contracostafair.com, or Tassajara 4-H at tassajara4h.org. You can also contact Tassajara 4-H at tassajara@contracosta4h.org for information about how to join. Tassajara 4-H serves the Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon areas.

1) Remove all dead and dying plants, weeds, and debris (leaves, needles, etc.) from your roof, gutter, deck, porch, stairways, and any areas under your home.

2) Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stovepipe outlet. Many of the older recommendations are still valid. Breaking up fire ladders helps prevent a fire from moving easily through plants to your house. To break up fire ladders, increase the space between plants, both vertically and horizontally. In the 1991 fire, blowing bands of flammable material landed on ground plants, and, if there was sufficient dry matter, caught the ground cover on fire. The fire burned along the ground plants horizontally, and, if it encountered trees with low branches, the fire would jump from the ground into the crown of the tree. Burning trees close to a house would set the house on fire.

The fire hazard of landscape plants is greatly reduced IF properly maintained. “Properly maintained” includes proper irrigation. The moisture content of a plant is one of the most critical factors affecting its ignitability. Any plant, even one with high moisture content, will burn if the fire gets hot enough, but a high moisture content plant resists fire.

Reducing biomass, regardless of the plant’s ignitability, helps fire personnel contain fires. The less biomass, the less there is to protect, or to put out if the plants catch fire. However, proper maintenance does not mean sacrificing a natural, woodland aesthetic. If the limbing up, dead-wooding, and crown thinning are done by a craftsman with a sensitivity to plant aesthetics, then the trees will look natural, even though they may have had 30% of their biomass removed.

Knowing how to identify potential hazards is important; but it is also important to know how to reduce those hazards in a manner that keeps your property looking natural, and that does not sacrifice important screening plants. Brende & Lamb specializes in balancing the conflicting needs for privacy, fire safety, and landscape aesthetics. It is possible to improve the fire safety of your property while promoting the health and beauty of your plants.

Tree care is a craft requiring study and experience. Our trimmers are master craftsmen who understand that a well-pruned tree should not only be safer and healthier, it should look beautiful as well. At Brende & Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning.

If your trees need a little TLC, please call us at, 510-486-8733, and schedule a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website, www.brendelamb.com, to see before-and-after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial

ACTION POOL REPAIR

TOWN SEEKS RESIDENTS FOR OPEN COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE POSITIONS

The Town of Danville invites residents to bring their skills, perspectives, and dedication to public service by applying for vacancies on various commissions and committees. These opportunities are a vital way to shape Danville’s future and contribute to the community's vibrant character. The following positions are part of the regular recruitment schedule: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission, Art Advisory Board, Senior Advisory Commission, Design Review Board, Danville Poet Laureate, Youth Poet, Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging, and Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee. Applications are due by Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4PM. Interviews will be held the morning of Tuesday, June 10 and the afternoon of Tuesday, June 17. Submit applications at www.danville.ca.gov/commissionrecruitment. For more information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at 925-314-3401 or cityclerk@danville.ca.gov.

SAVE MOUNT DIABLO 2025 HIKES

Save Mount Diablo has expanded its free Discover Diablo Hikes and Outings program in 2025, including into areas rarely open to the public.

The non-profit conservation group’s program offers guided hikes, themed walks, and other outdoor activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, meditation in nature, plein air painting events, bird watching, and property tours. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Hikes and outings take place at Save Mount Diablo’s conserved properties or on park lands in the Diablo Range including Mount Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, Contra Costa Water District, Stanislaus County Parks, and National Park Service lands. RSVPs are required to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to attend, registration for hikes and outings will open one month prior to each hike’s date. See the schedule of upcoming hikes and outings and RSVP online at savemountdiablo.org/what-we-do/educating-and-inspiring-people/discover-diablo-hikes-outings

DISCOVERING THE HIDDEN CHARMS OF ITALY

By

Gina Jaber, Alamo World Travel

When it comes to Italy, my excitement knows no bounds! Imagine stepping into a world where history, culture, and modern-day elegance blend seamlessly— this is the spellbinding allure of Italy, a destination that will capture your heart in countless, unexpected ways. With Alamo World Travel and Tours, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on an odyssey of enchantment. Guided by our expert destination specialists, we bring Italy’s hidden gems to life, turning your once-in-a-lifetime dreams into everyday realities.

ARTISTIC

AWAKENINGS IN FLORENCE

Our journey began in Florence, the proud cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Walking through this stunning city was like paging through the chapters of a living history book. From the awe-inspiring masterpieces of da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery to the marvel that is the Duomo, every corner of Florence exudes breathtaking beauty. Standing in the public square amidst architecture from the 14th-16th centuries, you feel transported in time. Luxuriating in the grandeur of the 5-star Helvetia Bristol Hotel, with its magnificent 19thcentury charm and contemporary comforts, was yet another delight.

TUSCANY'S TIMELESS WONDERS

cheese tasting, perfectly cooked al dente pasta, an entree, and the celebrated Italian dessert, Tiramisu, was an experience that will stay with me until the next time I visit this glorious food haven.

We then ventured into the Ligurian metropolitan city of Genoa. Historically one of the important ports on the Mediterranean, it is the busiest city in Italy. Centuries old buildings, many of which are inscribed on the world Heritage List (UNESCO) go back to the 15th century. We even saw the home of Christopher Colombus!

GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS IN PORTOFINO

Our gastronomical desires continued to be satiated as we created our own fragrant pesto at Eco Farm Laportofinese. Perched atop the mountains in the Mediterranean paradise of Portofino, part of the Italian Riviera, this culinary experience was nothing short of heavenly.

UNRIVALED ELEGANCE IN STRESA

Our final stay was nothing short of a fairytale. At the stunning Villa e Palazzo Aminta, recognized universally as one of the top 100 hotels of the world, we were treated to an extraordinary level of luxury that words can scarcely capture. Our boat ride to the botanical gardens on a private island on Lake Maggiore was so romantic!

MAKE YOUR ITALIAN DREAM A REALITY

Next, we ventured to the picturesque Tuscan countryside, visiting the enchanting Ferragamo Villa, Il Borro. Imagine being greeted by the gracious Princess Claude of Orleans and the innovative Salvatore Ferragamo himself! The villa exemplifies a harmonious blend of organic, eco-sustainable practices within a historic mansion. A ride through the verdant hills took us to Liguria where the famous Borollo wine is made and aged. The traditional protocol of offering several separate tantalizing courses including wine and

FINANCIAL SCAMS ARE TARGETING SENIORS HERE’S HOW TO SPOT AND STOP THEM

By Nikhil Chauhan, CEO and Owner, Right at Home East Bay

It often starts with a phone call. A voice—sometimes shockingly familiar—claims your grandchild is in trouble. Or, a polite man from “tech support” offers to fix a virus on your computer. Or, a friendly woman says you’ve won a prize—but need to pay a small fee to claim it.

These aren’t random events. They’re part of a growing epidemic of fraud targeting older adults.

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2023 Sentinel Report, U.S. consumers lost nearly $10 billion to fraud, an all-time high. Adults aged 60+ filed more than 880,000 reports, and they lost more per scam than any other age group.

But there’s good news: with awareness and proactive steps, we can help protect our loved ones.

COMMON SCAMS-AND

WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE TODAY

Scammers are more personal and sophisticated than ever. The FBI and AARP’s Fraud Watch Network have identified several common scams targeting older adults. These include grandparent scams, where someone poses as a grandchild in distress; fake tech support calls asking for remote computer access; IRS or Social Security impersonation; phony prize or lottery wins requiring payment; and online romance scams that emotionally manipulate victims into sending money.

Worryingly, scammers are also using AI-based voice cloning to mimic the voices of family members—making these fake emergencies harder to detect and more emotionally convincing.

WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests staying alert to several red flags: unsolicited contact asking for financial or personal info; urgency or threats (“Act now or else!”); and payment requests via wire transfers, gift cards,

If even a whisper of these experiences resonate with you, I invite you to craft your own tale of Italy’s mesmerizing charm. Whether it’s reveling in artistic masterpieces, indulging in authentic culinary delights, or uncovering history’s secrets, Italy awaits you. I, alongside our seasoned expert guides, would be thrilled to make an exciting adventure happen for you. Be ready to unlock Italy’s hidden gems and curated experiences that mirror your personal passions and desires. Tell us about the Italy you’ve always dreamed of visiting, and together, we’ll bring that dream to life! Contact me at Alamo World Travel and Tours located at 3201 Danville Blvd, #255, Alamo, 925-837-8742, ex. 25. Advertorial

This Italian adventure was sponsored by our outstanding destination specialist, IDI, Italian Dreams, Inc., France and Morocco.

or cryptocurrency. Any offer that sounds too good to be true probably is. Encourage your loved ones to pause, verify stories through a trusted source, and avoid giving out personal details to unknown callers.

HOW FAMILIES CAN HELP

Start by having regular, non-judgmental conversations about scams and financial safety. If you notice changes in a loved one’s behavior or finances, speak up gently. You can help set up tools like call screening, two-factor authentication, and credit monitoring. Many banks also allow seniors to name a “trusted contact” who can be alerted to suspicious activity. Stay informed and report suspicious activity using reputable resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline (aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline or call 877-908-3360) and the FTC’s Scam Reporting Portal (reportfraud.ftc.gov).

Sometimes older adults don’t realize—or feel too ashamed to admit— they’ve been scammed. Subtle signs include secrecy around finances, sudden changes in spending, anxiety after phone calls, or unexplained packages or gifts. If something seems off, start a conversation with compassion, not blame.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP—IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

As someone who’s experienced the emotional rollercoaster of protecting aging parents, I understand how overwhelming this all can feel. That personal journey is one reason I opened Right at Home East Bay: to offer the kind of peace of mind I once needed.

We provide in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities— supporting not only daily tasks like meals, hygiene, and transportation but also offering companionship, observation, and a consistent presence that can help deter fraud and identify early red flags.

We’re locally owned and serve over 20 East Bay communities, including Diablo, Alamo, Danville, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Lafayette, Pleasanton, and Tracy. With nearly 30 years of Right at Home’s global experience behind us, we bring world-class care with a local heart. Our caregivers are carefully screened (fewer than 1 in 200 make the cut), and our team is available 24/7 to support your family with flexibility, transparency, and trust.

We’ve been in your shoes—and we’re here to help.

To learn more, call 925-401-5261, email info@RAHEastBay.com, or visit www.RAHEastBay.com. Advertorial

VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane

ST. ISIDORE CATHOLIC CHURCH - PART II

The original St. Isidore’s Church faithfully served the community for over 50 years. The church building itself evolved, adding a taller bell tower, an assembly hall, and fireproof white shingle siding in 1951. Father Henry Plunkett arrived that year to find the restored 1911 building bursting with an ever-increasing congregation. The San Ramon Valley’s population had grown from 2,120 in 1940, to 4,630 in 1950, to 12,702 in 1960. San Ramon Valley Times columnist and Monte Vista teacher Al Gentile was active in the Holy Name Society at the church. In one of his columns, he recalled Father Plunkett’s plans for expansion in 1956. “I remember well the night Father Plunkett told all of us in the Holy Name Society his plans for the future. He invited us all to have dinner with him at the Danville Hotel, and, in his after-dinner speech, he told us that he had purchased the land on which the church and school now stand. Then he lowered the boom: ‘All you have to do now, gentlemen,’ he said, ‘is to spread yourselves through Danville, San Ramon, and Alamo and go out and get enough pledge money to raise a good home for our patron saint, Isidore!’”

“I’m tired of me old house, I’m very much looking forward to me new house,” Father Plunkett said with a pronounced Irish brogue. The old Irishman had a remarkable sense of humor.

The buildings on the La Gonda Way seven-acre site appeared quickly, designed by Jack Buchter, A.I.A., of Lafayette and assisted by James Crossen of Danville. The contractor was George Hanson of San Leandro. A new pastor, Father Julius Benson, arrived in 1957 to provide the final guidance. The school and first phase of the school social hall were completed in 1958, the church and rectory were done in 1961 and dedicated the following May. The bell from the old church tower was relocated to the new church grounds and placed in memory of President John F. Kennedy.

The Sisters of St. Francis accepted Father Bensen’s invitation to staff the school and a convent with chapel was prepared for their 1962 arrival. From 1958-1960 the school rooms were rented for public school classes. The Danville School District was overcrowded as double sessions became the norm. Alamo resident, Bruce Marhenke recalled that Montair Elementary School opened in 1958 and four classes, dubbed the “Montair Annex” were conducted at St. Isidore’s for the next two years.

The years 1962-63 were the first St. Isidore school years, with the first graduation held in 1967. After school hours, the school building was used for religious instruction of parish children attending public school.

To some tears, the old church and rectory were razed in 1963. Friz Ferreira, whose grandmother had faithfully tended the church, handled the land’s sale. Construction on La Gonda Way continued with the completion of the full school and the all-purpose community center.

As the congregation grew, additional improvements were needed. In early 1978 Father Benson’s tenure as pastor ended and the parish named the completed Community Center after Monsignor Benson. Father Daniel Cardelli was named pastor from 1978 to 2005. In 1979, with the parish population reaching 2,400, the diocese divided the St. Isidore’s parish and established St. Joan of Arc parish in San Ramon.

The parish continued to grow with a kindergarten added in 1982, the erection of a statue of St. Isidore the Farmer in 1985, major improvements to the school in 1987, new property acquired across the street in 1994, and 13 new classrooms and the doubling of the school in 1997. They built the St. Isidore Ministry and Activity Center with a double gymnasium in1999, and also the Youth Center and Kids Connection for parish and school use. At his retirement, the Activity Center was renamed the Monsignor Daniel Cardelli Activity Center.

Father Gerard Moran was the succeeding pastor. He held the position until he retired in 2021. During Father Moran’s tenure the church was made safer with seismic retrofits in 2013, in 2015 its aesthetics were enhanced with the addition of 13 stained glass windows, and in 2017 the sanctuary was remodeled and updated. Father Matthew Murry is the current pastor and is leaving his own mark on the parish and its facilities.

From a country parish to a thriving 21st century one, St. Isidore Catholic Church has been blessed by energetic pastors, diverse programs, and generations of faithful parishioners. Congratulations to St. Isidore’s are in order for the 115th anniversary of its establishment on April 20, 2025, which was fittingly marked last month on Easter Sunday.

Sources: From Here and There, Al Gentile, April 3, 1999, Museum archives, 75th Jubilee program, St. Isidore Church website, The Valley Pioneer (July 9 and 19, Sept. 6, 1951), Walnut Creek Courier-Journals, 2020 St. Isidore Directory, research by Roanne Ross.

St. Isidore Catholic Church located at Hartz and Linda Mesa c. 1955.

St. Isidore Catholic Church with the old church bell and monument, 1968.

FAILING TO PLAN CAN BE HEARTBREAKING

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Silverman & Jaffe

Failing to have a valid, carefully drafted Will (preferably also a Living Trust) often causes unintended results. Those results often include substantial extra time, cost, and inconvenience on the part of loved ones. Sadly, even worse, the intended loved ones may receive significantly less than the decedent desired, if anything at all.

California has a default estate plan that governs “intestacy” - how assets are distributed if one dies without a valid Will (or Living Trust). In some cases, the law happens to comport with the decedent’s wishes; in many cases, it does not.

I have been referred many cases over the years in which a decedent died intestate. Below, I’ll give a few examples (names and key facts have been changed), describing the damaging consequences and how they could have been easily avoided.

Case #1: John and Jane were together for 20 years and married for the last 10 years. Neither ever had children. Before they married, John purchased the home they lived in. They always considered it “their home” and both incorrectly thought that if John died first, his spouse, Jane, would automatically be entitled to the home. Neither bothered to establish a Will.

When John was 53, he died from complications after a routine procedure. The home was in John’s name only since he bought it before his marriage. Given that it was his separate property, a Probate was required. Tragically here, the law of intestate succession dictates that the separate property of a married decedent who dies without “issue” (children, grandchildren, etc.) goes: one half to the surviving spouse and one half to the decedent’s closest kin. John’s closest kin were his two siblings, one of whom he despised.

So, instead of John’s home going 100% to Jane as he wanted and intended, it went 50% to Jane and 25% to each of his siblings, including the one he hated. This had a profoundly negative impact on Jane’s financial and emotional wellbeing.

John could have easily accomplished his objective if he had executed a simple Will, or better yet a Living Trust, providing that Jane would inherit his assets.

Case #2: For 25 years, Mary and Mike had been domestic partners, but never married. Neither had children. They purchased a home together as “tenantsin-common”, each contributing 50% to the purchase and property-related expenses. Mary died without having a Will or Trust.

Mary had siblings with whom she had not spoken to since before she met Mike. But, under California intestate succession rules, upon Mary’s death her 50% interest in their home was to go to her next of kin. That happened to be her long-lost siblings. Mike had no legal right to any of Mary’s interest in the home, despite their decades-long committed relationship. Mike was not in a position to buy out Mary’s siblings and thus, he was forced to sell the house, with 50% of the proceeds going to Mary’s estranged siblings. It would not have been difficult to achieve the intended result. Had Mike and Mary received appropriate legal advice when they bought the property, they would have taken title as “joint tenants” (which carries with it the “right of survivorship”). Thus, Mike would have automatically, by operation of law, owned Mary’s 50% interest. Alternatively, Mary could have, at the very least, executed a simple Will, providing that Mike would receive her 50% interest upon his death. Optimally, they would have each established a Living Trust, designating the survivor as beneficiary, thereby triggering the added benefit that probate would not be required on either death.

Failing to plan is planning to fail…

|Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business|

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 general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial

property, more businesses and residential areas came closer and closer to the ranch land. Prior to this time, one can imagine standing on the walnut ranch, feeling a million miles from the city without the freeway noise and traffic lights. The property was in a quiet, rural part of the northern edge of San Ramon.

In the early 1980s, as Danville (1982) and San Ramon (1983) were officially incorporated, the Borel property was rezoned to a Danville address, using Fostoria Way as the boundary line between the two towns. According to an oral history from Ginny Fereira, a Danville resident who knew the Borel family growing up (documented by Shanna Farrell in 2022 and with credit to East Bay Regional Park District Parkland Oral History Project and The Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley), Armand was upset because “his identity and allegiance was to San Ramon”.

More disappointment awaited Armand though, as his father sold off a roughly 40-acre portion of the 59-acre ranch to developers prior to his death in 1983. According to Ginny, Armand was crushed, but at that time the estate belonged to his parents, so there was nothing he could do. That area would eventually become retail shopping, including Costco.

After Armand’s father, Joseph Borel, passed away in May of 1983, the property was left to Armand. Unfortunately, this triggered a reassessment of the value of the property for tax purposes, according to court documents. The full parcel had been assessed in value at $790,069, but the 17 or so acres that remained would now be assessed at $5,880,600 for the 1984–1985 tax year, significantly raising the property tax for what remained of Borel Ranch.

Rather than assessing the property based on the agricultural use, it was assessed as administrative offices. This increased value assessment and huge increase in taxes would have spelled the end of Borel Ranch, but Armand wasn’t going to give up easily. He tried to work with the county to get a reduction in valuation and thus his tax bill. He even applied under the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, also known as the Williamson Act, to have the property treated as an agricultural preserve due to its location on a scenic highway and historic farming background.

All avenues were shut down, and Armand ended up filing a lawsuit to have the property assessed appropriately as agricultural property. After several rejections and court losses, he finally won after multiple appeals in Borel vs. Contra Costa County in 1990. The court found that the county had created a “self-fulfilling prophecy” whereby the property was incorrectly assessed as non-agricultural which drove the taxes so high that the occupant may have to abandon their farm and it would no longer be agricultural.

All along, during the legal woes, Armand continued to farm the property and made no indication that he would do anything other than use it for that

Borel continued from front page

When EBRPD obtained the property in 2014, they began regular upkeep of the walnut orchard and continue to work to manage the health of the orchard through the duration of the project and beyond. Photo credit: East Bay Regional Parks District. See Borel continued on page 20

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President

ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET ~ SPRING FLING

The Alamo Certified Farmers’ Market and AIA are sponsoring a Spring Celebration on May 18th from 9am to 2pm. There will be a Kid’s Zone with games and prizes, a puppet/ventriloquist artist, as well as a drawing for a basket of goodies from the Market (winner need not be present to win)!

Find your favorite fruits and vegetables and also visit Rhose’s Famous Lumpia, Vazquez Mexican Kitchen, and Yuri’s Peruvian food for your takeout enjoyment. Several new vendors to try are M & L Mini Sweets, Farmers’ Daughter Cottage Bakery, and Bay Area Harvest. Mark your calendars, join in the festivities, and visit Facebook (alamocfm) and Instagram pages (@alamocfm) for updates and information.

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. TREE SUSTAINABILITY AND CANOPY

SURVEY

Our Alamo Community Survey had these things to say about Tree Sustainability and Tree Canopy in Alamo. Residents’ top concerns were:

• 60% responded that they were concerned about the loss of tree canopy as more mature trees are removed for larger homes and additional dwelling units (ADU’s).

• 20% are worried about the impact of climate change on children.

• 20% stated their concern around the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides (such as RoundUp) which have been shown to be carcinogenic.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY NEW PROPOSED TREE ORDINANCE

Contra Costa County is in the process of adopting a new tree ordinance after several years of review. Designed to provide an efficient method of permitting removal of trees sized 9” in diameter and above, the ordinance will be applied to all unincorporated County land including Alamo and other similar community lands along with all other non-community lands, such as ranch and agricultural.

Two tree species are categorized as fire hazards (Monterey Pine and Eucalyptus) enabling their removal without a permit. The ordinance will also adapt to current requirements for fire regulations impacting trees within a residence’s fire buffer perimeter.

For more information and to view both the summary and the full document, visit www.AlamoVision2040.org and www.AlamoCA.org

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PROTECTING ALAMO’S TREE CANOPY?

Now (before June 30th) is the time to make your comments known. Do not delay! Contact Contra Costa County’s Conservation and Development Department at 925-655-2700 or 855-323-2626. For a comment form, visit their website www.contracosta.ca.gov/4712/Contact-Location-Hours.

AIA 2025 REPORT

Watch for your upcoming AIA 2025 Annual Report, ballot, and membership form, then complete and return to AIA, P.O.Box 156, Alamo, CA. 94507. AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has 70 years of serving our community. 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!

CASH ME OUT EARLY THE PERKS OF PLAYING IT SMART

By Waldron Partners

Picture this: stepping away from the grind. No more clocking in. No more scrambling to meet deadlines or counting down to weekends. Instead, you’re waking up on your own terms—maybe to hit the hiking trail, start that passion project, or just enjoy a second cup of coffee without rushing. Sounds like a dream? It doesn’t have to be. Reaching financial independence isn’t reserved for lottery winners or penny-pinchers. It’s about making intentional, strategic decisions now that will empower you later. At Waldron Partners, we don’t just believe it’s possible—we know it’s achievable. Because we’ve seen it happen.

WHAT DOES FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE REALLY MEAN?

Financial independence isn’t just about hitting a certain number in your bank account. It’s about creating a lifestyle where you call the shots—not your spreadsheets, not your bills, and definitely not the clock. It means having options because you planned ahead, living without relying on a paycheck, and making choices based on what fulfills you—not just what pays the bills. It’s not about living less; it’s about living freely. And, the key to unlocking that freedom? Smart, purposeful financial planning.

WHY START EARLY?

Let’s be real: the sooner you start, the more time your money has to hustle for you—through the magic of compounding interest, the steady growth of diversified investments, and tax-efficient strategies that stretch every dollar further. But, beyond the spreadsheets and projections lies something more powerful: confidence. The kind that lets you say, “Yeah, I think I’ll step away from the 9–5 at 45.” That’s what starting early gets you—not just wealth, but freedom of choice. And no, this doesn’t mean giving up your $12 latte or taking fewer vacations. It means making smart moves that align with what really matters to you.

THE WALDRON PARTNERS APPROACH

At Waldron Partners, we imagine ourselves as your co-pilots on the path to independence. What makes us different? Everything we do is rooted in service, precision, and purpose. From the moment we connect, you’ll notice we make the complex simple, giving you the tools and confidence you need to succeed. Here’s what makes us different:

• Custom Strategies - Every client’s story is different, so why take a onesize-fits-all approach? Whether you’re saving for your dream retirement, building a portfolio that aligns with your values, or navigating tax complexities, we create strategies tailored to your goals.

• Strategic Navigation - We analyze every option with care, to help ensure every move is built for long-term success. No guesswork. No unnecessary risks. Just crystal-clear planning with your best interest front and center.

• Ethical Leadership - With us, there’s no fine print. We do what’s right, no matter what. Your trust is the foundation of everything we do.

WHY WALDRON PARTNERS?

Because we’re not just focused on your finances—we’re focused on you. We understand that behind every investment account is a dream, a family, a “someday” you’re working toward. And, we’re here to turn “someday” into a reality that’s sooner than you think.

Our team brings precision, passion, and a people-first mindset to everything we do. From simplifying complex plans to obsessing over the details, we make sure your financial future isn’t just secure—it’s thriving.

THE TIME TO START IS NOW

Every day you wait is a missed opportunity to move closer to the life you actually want. And no, you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. But, one step today? That’s powerful.

Are you ready to be the person who looks up and says, “Wait… I can retire now?” Let’s make that happen.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Waldron Partners today. We’ll help you map out your freedom, build your confidence, and yes—cash you out early. Your future is calling. Let’s design it on your terms. Email us at team@ waldronpartners.com .

Disclosure: Osaic FA, 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

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS UNDERSTANDING CAPTCHA: ORIGINS, EVOLUTION, AND IMPLICATIONS

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

The internet has been negatively affected by the use of automated “(ro)bots” to fool online systems meant for humans. The applications for the use of bots are varied. For instance, when you want to buy some tickets for a concert. Even if you are online at the minute the tickets go online, mysteriously all the tickets are already sold out. Why? Because ticket scalpers and the secondary ticket market have an army of bots that login to the concert venue websites and purchase everything before anyone else can get those great seats out front. You can still buy those seats, but it will be from a second-tier vendor who puts a huge premium on the seats. This is a huge issue all by itself, but it is a case in point why systems like “Captcha” were invented.

The Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) has become an important tool. It was initially designed to thwart spam and unauthorized website data scraping. Because the bad guys keep getting smarter, the system has evolved considerably since its inception.

The concept of CAPTCHA was first introduced in 1997 by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. The underlying principle was to create a test that only humans could pass, ensuring that interactions with websites were genuine. The first versions distorted text recognition, where users were tasked with typing out letters and digits from a distorted image. But the bots figured it out, and over the years, CAPTCHA has seen many iterations, each designed to enhance user experience while maintaining security.

1. Text-based CAPTCHA: The original version, which required users to interpret and type distorted letters and numbers. While effective, it was occasionally challenging for genuine users, especially those with visual impairments.

2. Image-based CAPTCHA: An evolution of text CAPTCHAs, this version asks users to select certain images from a grid (e.g., “select all images with traffic signs”). This approach leverages human cognitive abilities in a way that text cannot, often leading to higher success rates but still posing some accessibility issues.

3. reCAPTCHA: Purchased by Google in 2007, requires users to either solve text/visual puzzles or answer simple questions. What makes reCAPTCHA particularly interesting is its dual function: protecting websites while simultaneously digitizing books and old texts through the words that users decipher.

4. Invisible CAPTCHA: This iteration further reduces user friction by analyzing behavior metrics to determine whether a user is human or a bot. If a user’s actions appear human-like, they may be granted access without any interaction.

5. hCaptcha: In response to privacy concerns, alternatives like hCaptcha emerged. This platform allows website owners to monetize their CAPTCHA while also prioritizing user privacy.

Google implemented reCAPTCHA particularly to bolster its AI capabilities. With a giant infrastructure already in place for their search engines and access to massive datasets, Google has harnessed reCAPTCHA not just as a security measure but also as a method to train its machine learning models. In other words, every image you click is being used by Google as free labor to train their AI systems. The estimates of time spent doing this run in the hundreds of millions of free labor hours per year.

Critics raise concerns regarding the ethics of this practice. By using people as “free labor,” Google benefits significantly from continuous, real-world data collection under the guise of security and user interaction. This not only underscores the potential exploitation of users’ efforts but also hints at a broader trend where technology companies engage their users in a manner that may prioritize profit over transparency. To put it lightly.

CAPTCHA systems have grown from their relatively simple beginnings to sophisticated interactive tests that remain crucial for maintaining the integrity of online environments. While they serve essential security functions, modern iterations of CAPTCHA have also—intentionally or not—become instrumental in shaping AI technologies, and as they become more intrusive they are degrading the overall internet experience. The fine line between user protection and potential exploitation certainly speaks to the complexities of the technological landscape we navigate today.

Website owners have choices about the way their sites are constructed and how aggressive they implement the Captcha system for website security. Yesterday I had to go nine rounds with the Captcha on a major vendor’s site and it was very frustrating. We need to find a better balance.

For help with your office or home systems, PCIO is your one-stop-shop. Call our friendly helpdesk at 888-552-7953 or please email support@pcioit.com for more information. Advertorial

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS

SIMPLY LOWERING CHOLESTEROL

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES

Our client “Tom,” was referred to us by his doctor for nutritional counseling for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and weight loss. Tom’s doctor gave him the chance to lower his cholesterol with diet alone before going on a statin pill. Tom was motivated since he was already on medication for high blood pressure and did not want to add another pill to his life. We have devised simple ways to lower cholesterol levels while eliminating much confusion.

Your liver synthesizes 80% of the cholesterol in your blood and is responsible for regulating cholesterol levels. Food brings in the other 20%. Our body needs cholesterol for various bodily functions such as building cell membranes and producing hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke. It is important to get tested and know your cholesterol numbers. Food that contains high amounts of trans and saturated fats contributes to “bad” levels of cholesterol (not food that’s high in cholesterol, as once was thought). Our goal with clients is to cut back on saturated fat and trans-fat intake without giving up on great meals.

We made it easy for Tom, noting he could have one of the following proteins each day, including: red meat, cheese, dark meat chicken, salami or prosciutto. For the opposite meals that day, he could choose lower saturated fat sources such as turkey or fish.

Vegetarian meal option such as vegetarian chili or pasta primavera can also be good choices. Tom needed to plan his meals with veggies, fruits, legumes, and whole grains at the forefront, with moderate portions of animal-based proteins that are low in saturated fat.

Now Tom has oatmeal with a yummy topping or an omelet filled with veggies for breakfast. For snacks he enjoys low-fat cottage cheese and veggies, low-fat Greek yogurt, nuts, and fruit. For lunch he enjoys a hamburger or Buck Horn grilled steak or chicken sandwich with a salad, and for dinner he has a baked potato topped with low-fat sour cream and veggies, or chicken, fish, or a pasta dish along with sautéed greens and a fudgesicle for dessert.

Saturated Fats - The AHA recommends lowering the daily intake of saturated fat for heart patients to no more than 6%, and no more than 10% for the general population. A way to track saturated fat consumption is by reading food labels and aiming for three grams of saturated fat per serving in the foods you eat.

Trans Fat - The AHA recommends eliminating consumption of trans fats. Trans fats are made when liquid oils are turned into solid fats like margarine. Look at the nutrition facts on packaged food to see how much trans fats it contains. The food industry has reduced the use of trans fat in recent years, but they may still be found in many fried, packaged, or processed foods.

Soluble Fiber - The addition of soluble fiber to Tom’s diet was important. Soluble fiber binds to the bile acids and we excrete them out of the body, reducing LDL levels. For example, oats from Tom’s oatmeal contain soluble fiber that soaks up excess LDL cholesterol and removes it from the body. Apples contain pectin which is also soluble fiber and great for lowering cholesterol. A cup of beans is a good soluble fiber as well. Tom eats a lot of burritos and tacos with whole beans. Men need 38 grams and women need 25 grams of fiber per day. We suggested Tom add Metamucil to his diet since he travels and often is not consuming enough soluble fiber. Soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed etc. may keep the body from absorbing some of the cholesterol in other foods.

Fish Oils - The AHA recommends eating two 3oz servings of fatty fish per week to help reduce heart disease and stroke. If you do not like fish you may want to supplement. There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, DHA, and EPA. The human body can convert small amounts of ALA into EPA and DHA. It is important, with the help of a dietitian, to find fish oil that contains the bioactive ingredients EPA and DHA.

I am glad to tell you after reviewing Tom’s food diaries and talking on the phone a few times a week for three months his LDL levels went down from 160 mg/dL to less than 100 mg/dL. With consistent exercise and monitoring his saturated and trans-fat intake, along with increasing his fiber, Tom will continue to maintain this optimal LDL level. Another piece of good news is that his health insurance covered our sessions and all he had to pay was a weekly copay.

YOUR MEMORY IS NOT YOUR MEDICAL RECORD

START WRITING YOUR OWN STORY

TODAY By Ann Marie Giusto, RN

Have you ever left an appointment with your healthcare provider and thought, “I forgot to ask about…” or struggled to remember the name of a medication you’ve been taking for years? If so, you’re not alone— and you’re not failing. Relying on memory for medical details can be challenging, which is why personal records and planning tools are so helpful.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MEMORY; IT’S ALSO ABOUT TIME.

Fifteen minutes. That’s the standard length of a primary care appointment. It’s not always enough to tell your story, ask questions, and get meaningful answers. So how did we get here? What is the origin of the standard 15-minute office visit?

Back in 1992, Medicare introduced a new reimbursement formula aimed at standardizing physician payments. A typical primary care visit was estimated at 15 minutes and that became the benchmark for reimbursement. While Medicare’s fee schedule didn’t explicitly mandate 15-minute appointments, the reimbursement framework effectively encouraged this duration as a standard. Commercial insurance companies followed suit, and aside from a few modifications, the “average 15-minute provider visit” is still the norm today.

Yet, the reality of how that time is used tells a more complex story. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that while in the examination room with patients, providers spent about 50% of the time on direct clinical face time with the patient. So, that 15-minute appointment? You’re getting about eight minutes of direct care; less if you count handwashing, logins, and interruptions. HOW DO WE MAKE THE PRECIOUS MINUTES COUNT?

Here are strategies we’ve found to be effective in making the most of 15-minute health care appointments:

● Be prepared BEFORE your appointment: Write down your medical history, medications, concerns, and symptoms before you walk in the door.

● Formulate clear questions: Prepare a list of specific questions to ask.

● Prioritize: Lead with the most important issue; there may not be time for all three.

● Be concise: Stick to the key facts to make room for meaningful discussion.

● Document everything: Take notes during the appointment and write down your health care provider’s recommendations.

● Understand treatment options: Research potential treatment options to discuss with your healthcare provider

● Bring backup: A trusted person can help you advocate and take notes. Your health story is one of the most important things you carry with you; and yet, many of us try to manage it all in our heads. In a world where medications change, specialists multiply, and appointments feel rushed, having a written plan or summary is essential.

And, if doing all that feels like too much on your own, that’s exactly where Be Well Nursing Solutions™ can help. Our experienced Registered Nurses help individuals organize the information that matters most. We meet you where you are, help you get organized, and empower you to advocate for yourself and your loved ones. Think of it as having a nurse in the family but without the family drama.

One of the simplest and most effective tools we leverage is our Be Well Medical Appointment Template™. It’s a simple page; but it gives you clarity and a plan. RECEIVE A COPY

OR GET ASSISTANCE GETTING STARTED

Visit BeWellRN.com to access your complimentary copy of the Be Well Medical Appointment Template™, available throughout the month of May. If you prefer, we’re happy to send it by email or mail. Need a little extra support? Feel free to request guidance from one of our nurses.

Walk into your next appointment feeling confident and prepared; having a nurse in your corner makes all the difference to help write your story. Let’s start today. For more information, please contact us at Be Well Nursing Solutions, BeWellRN.com or 925-575-7878. Additional fees may apply for personalized assistance.

1fixmedicarenow.org accessed online April 2025, 2acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M16-0961 accessed online April 2025.

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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For personalized guidance regarding legal or healthcare decisions, consult with your licensed attorney, financial advisor, or healthcare professional. We are not a nurse advice line. If you think you are having an emergency, please call 911 Advertorial

MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

KNOW THE RISKS, SPOT THE SIGNS, SEEK EXPERT CARE

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

Each May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of skin health and the need for early detection and expert treatment of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting millions annually. While most cases are treatable, outcomes are greatly improved when caught early and managed by highly trained professionals.

MELANOMA:

THE MOST DANGEROUS FORM OF SKIN CANCER

Melanoma, though less common than other skin cancers, is the most serious due to its potential to spread rapidly to other organs. It often appears as a new or changing mole with irregular borders, varied colors, and asymmetry. A less common type of melanoma, Amelanotic melanoma often appears as a pink spot or growth. Early detection is critical—when caught at an early stage, melanoma is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 99%. Advances in treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, have significantly improved outcomes for those with advanced melanoma, offering new hope and prolonged survival. Since early detection is so critical, if you have a spot of concern don’t wait to have it evaluated.

BASAL

& SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS: COMMON BUT SERIOUS

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads but can cause local damage if untreated. SCC can be more aggressive, especially when arising in high-risk areas such as the lips or ears. Both types are linked to cumulative sun exposure and often appear as persistent, scaly patches, bumps, or sores that don’t heal.

WHY BOARD-CERTIFIED

DERMATOLOGISTS MATTER

Diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer should be entrusted to a board-certified dermatologist. These professionals undergo rigorous training to recognize skin cancers in their earliest stages and offer the most effective treatments. For complex or high-risk skin cancers, a dermatologist with additional fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery provides the highest level of care.

MOHS SURGERY: PRECISION AND PRESERVATION

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the gold standard for treating many skin cancers, particularly BCC and SCC located on the face or other sensitive areas. This technique involves removing the cancer layer by layer and examining each under a microscope in real-time. It offers the highest cure rate while sparing the most healthy tissue, making it ideal for cosmetically and functionally sensitive areas. Patients benefit most when this procedure is performed by a fellowship-trained physician who is dual board-certified in dermatology and micrographic surgery.

SUPERFICIAL

RADIATION THERAPY: A TOOL, NOT A CURE-ALL

Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive option that may be appropriate for select patients who cannot undergo surgery. However, it’s important to recognize its limitations. Concerns have been raised about its increasing use in scenarios where surgery would offer better long-term outcomes. SRT should be used judiciously and only when clearly indicated.

TAKE ACTION THIS MAY

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to schedule a skin check, learn the warning signs, and make sun protection a priority. When it comes to your skin health, choosing a highly qualified expert can make all the difference in your outcome. Early detection saves lives—don’t wait to take action.

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

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Event continued from front page

will take part in creative, mindfulness-inspired activities, including painting customized tote bags. The customized care totes will be donated to Covenant House in Oakland, an organization supporting youth facing homelessness and crisis, as a reminder that mental health matters and no one is alone.

“This event is about giving people tools for self-care while also giving back,” said Sidney Hamblin from the Danville Youth Council. “It’s a way to come together and support one another.”

Students who attend both the panel and service portions of the event will receive community service hours.

Therapy dogs will also be on hand throughout the afternoon for calm companionship and a little extra comfort.

Registration for the event can be found at www.danville.ca.gov/recguide or email lgallardo@danville.ca.gov for further information.

Dylan Chandran is a freshman at Monte Vista High School with an interest in creative writing, languages, and the power of words to make a difference.

WHEN THE BRAIN FOG & FATIGUE DOESN’T GO AWAY… COULD IT BE LONG COVID?

By Jeffrey Mark, M.D. and Frances Mark, Pharm.D.,The Real Gut

“They said my labs were normal… but I couldn’t think, couldn’t feel, couldn’t function.”

Doctor

Last month we explored how mold toxins can hijack your immune system. Janet’s story shows what happens when the trigger is viral--specifically, long COVID. When Janet first came to us, she looked like someone who had held it together for far too long. She had been healthy once - sharp, energetic, reliable. A mother, a partner, and a high-performing professional in a demanding, technical field. She was used to balancing deadlines, kids’ schedules, meetings, and a full life. But, everything changed after she had COVID - not once, but twice. The first time in 2020 and again in 2022. Even though she “recovered” in the traditional sense, no hospitalization, no ICU, Janet never fully returned to the person she once was.

In the beginning, she tried to push through it. She told herself the brain fog was just exhaustion. The racing heart was just stress. The strange flushing, the hives, the gut pain - maybe it was a food allergy. Maybe it would all go away. But it didn’t. Weeks became months. Then years.

She stopped sleeping through the night. Her brain felt like it was wrapped in cotton. She struggled to find words she used to have at the tip of her tongue. Her body started reacting to everything - food, lotions, even water from the tap. She had bloating, stomach cramps, and random skin rashes. Her emotions spiraled unpredictably. Some days she would cry without knowing why. Other days she felt flat, disconnected, like she wasn’t fully in her own body. Her anxiety deepened, her motivation vanished, and even the smallest tasks felt overwhelming.

Still, every doctor she saw said the same thing: “Your labs are normal,” “Maybe it’s perimenopause,”“Try this antidepressant,” “You just need to relax.” But, Janet knew something was wrong. Deeply wrong and no one was listening.

When she came to us she was physically present… but emotionally hollowed out. She didn’t just want relief - she wanted answers. That’s where our work began. We don’t chase symptoms. We look for patterns. We ask “why” until we find the root.

In Janet’s case, the story was clear - once someone bothered to read it. She wasn’t broken. She was inflamed. Dysregulated. Her immune system, gut, and nervous system were all in overdrive - still reeling from the damage that COVID had left behind.

Her immune system was inflamed, her gut couldn’t tolerate everyday foods, and her brain felt like it was always glitching. These disruptions triggered widespread symptoms including brain fog, fatigue, food sensitivities, and digestive issues that had been misdiagnosed as stress or hormonal changes. Beneath it all, she was facing post-infectious IBS and an overactive immune response that no standard labs had picked up. But, once we identified how her brain, gut, and immune system were locked in a cycle of chronic dysfunction, the path to healing became clear.

Together, we created a personalized plan based on her unique biochemistry - no guesswork, no generic protocols. We ran advanced testing. We began calming her immune response, repairing her gut lining, supporting her autonomic nervous system, and helping her body restore its ability to regulate and repair. Slowly, Janet began to return to herself. She went from struggling to get out of bed, crying without knowing why, and reacting to foods like water, to laughing again, sleeping through the night, and feeling present in her own body. “I finally feel safe in my body again,” she told us. “I didn’t realize how long I had been missing.”

There are so many people like Janet - still walking around with normal test results, but a life that feels anything but normal. If you’re reading this and seeing your own story in hers - the brain fog, the fatigue, the hypersensitivity, the anxiety, the “invisible” unraveling - please hear this: you’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And, you’re definitely not alone. What you’re experiencing has a root cause. And, it can be found.

With over six decades of combined expertise in functional, regenerative, longevity, and metabolic medicine - specializing in long-COVID, post-viral fatigue, and complex gut and other inflammatory syndromes we offer more than protocols. We offer a partnership - to help you rebuild your life, one system at a time. Because you were never meant to simply survive. You were designed to heal. To think clearly. To feel whole. And we’re here to help you get there. Let’s begin the journey back to you.

Are you ready to feel like yourself again, let’s talk. Schedule your free discovery call today with Jeffrey Mark, M.D. / 5X Board Certified Physician. Call 925-736-9828 or visit www.TheRealGutDoctor.com Advertorial

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purpose. The legal ruling not only required the property to be reassessed at its 1983 value but also required the county to refund taxes that Armand was forced to overpay due to the incorrect assessment.

Despite the win in the 1990 appeal, we know that changes to the local area kept marching on. In 1994 the Fostoria Way overpass was completed, linking San Ramon Valley Blvd with Camino Ramon over Interstate 680. It was necessary to take some of the Borel ranch land to create this section of the roadway and, according to Ginny Fereira, took 50 walnut trees with it.

Even more troublesome, this also meant that the entrance from Fostoria Way that had existed at Borel Ranch for over 60 years had to be rerouted to an entrance from Camino Ramon. At this point in time, Ginny notes, Armand fenced in his land and added a locking front gate—the increase in population and traffic meant

See Borel continued on page 21

A 1986 aerial view of South Danville and North San Ramon looking south shows Hwy 680, Crow Canyon Road interchange, and the area where Borel Ranch was located prior to retail development of the land sold off by Armand’s father in 1983 and the Fostoria Way overpass built in 1994. Photo credit: Contra Costa County Historical Society. Rough area of remaining Borel property boxed in yellow.

The Google Maps image taken in 2025 shows (roughly in yellow area) what area still remains of Borel Ranch.

THE EYE OPENER MYOPIA (NEAR-SIGHTEDNESS)

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

For all parents and kids who are near-sighted, let me see if this sounds familiar...at every annual exam during childhood and adolescence, your distance vision continues to decline, and it is necessary to update your glasses and/or contacts. This has been an unfortunate reality for many patients, and the reality is the likelihood is growing. The good thing is we finally have some options to help manage this epidemic.

Myopia (near-sightedness) is now being classified more as a disease than a refractive condition of the eyes. Once a person becomes moderately to highly near-sighted, their risk for conditions such as retinal detachments, macular degeneration, and glaucoma grows exponentially compared to patients who are not. Obviously, there are other contributors to these conditions such as genetics and medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, however, there is an absolute correlation with being myopic.

What causes myopia? There are two main contributors, genetics and environment. If at least one parent is very near-sighted, there is a good chance the child will be also. If both parents are myopic, it is likely the child will be. However, environment these days is playing a more significant role. We have become a very near-point society due to the advent of computers, laptops, smartphones, and iPads. This is how we conduct business, school, and personal time. The percentage of myopic people in the United States has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Countries in Asia have over 80% of their population near-sighted, and going by current trends, half of the world’s population will be near-sighted by 2050. However, for comparison, these numbers are dramatically different in sub-Saharan Africa. These countries do not have the technology, school requirements, and long-term computer use that industrialized countries do. Their rates for myopia are around 5%.

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Borel continued from page 20

he needed to ensure the safety of his land and, most especially, his beloved dogs.

Thankfully, there are things we can do to help. The main strategy at our office involves specialized contact, corneal refractive therapy (CRT), lenses. CRT lenses are gas permeable lenses that are worn overnight to correct vision so that no glasses or contacts are needed. After only a few days to one week, a child should not need to wear glasses or contacts during the day. In addition, the effects are reversible, if the lenses are not worn, the eyes return to their original prescription. These contact lenses redistribute the fluid within the cornea; no tissue is moved, altered, or affected in any way. There are many other contact lens options available, but I choose to use these lenses because they are FDA approved and the studies were conducted on children and teenagers. Another treatment option is to add Atropine drops either as an adjunct to the contact lenses or as a stand-alone treatment if the child is too young to wear contacts. The goal of therapy is to eliminate the need for daytime glasses or contacts and to reduce the annual myopia progression by 50%. At this point there is no cure for this epidemic, but these are the best tools we currently have to help combat it.

My feeling is that the days of just updating the glasses or contact lens prescriptions in children who are moderately or aggressively changing, is wrong. To help reduce the risk of further eye issues down the line, it is paramount to identify these children while they are progressing, so something can be done. Contact lenses are not for everyone, and some patients are not good candidates due to their specific prescription. Additionally, there needs to be buy-in from both the patient and parent for optimum success. However, these patients will potentially benefit by maintaining good eye health as they get older.

This is only a small synopsis of this condition and treatment options. Please feel free to contact the office with any further questions and any treatment possibilities can be discussed at your exam.

The turmoil Armand faced in keeping his farm up and running as he aged while facing dramatic changes to the local area as well as increasing tax bills make it all the more incredible that he was willing to bequeath his hard-fought land to turn into a park for residents to enjoy.

All accounts shared about Armand note that he was kind, funny, helpful and generous; his generosity extended to sharing his time to serve as a volunteer firefighter. He later became one of the elected directors of the San Ramon Fire Protection District, which was formed in 1963 after Howard Wiedemann and Bill Fereira (yes, this was Ginny’s father, and how Ginny was well acquainted with Armand since he and Bill were friends) circulated a petition. Armand was one of the first volunteers to step up to the task. In March of 1980, the Danville and San Ramon Fire Districts merged. Armand was one of the directors for San Ramon at the time who teamed up with other directors in San Ramon and Danville to make the merger successful, creating the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District that we know today.

With so much given to the community prior to his death in 2009, it is an incredible gift to give this land. East Bay Regional Parks District officially took possession of the property in 2014 after the estate was in probate and some legal issues were resolved. Eventually, in 2024, EBRPD sold the northern 7 acres of the 17-acre parcel to be developed into condominiums. According to a press release on April 11, 2024, Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth notes, “The proceeds from the sale of the property will cover debts and provide funds toward making the park accessible and open for the community. We accepted the Borel Property with the understanding that a sale of a portion of the property would be needed to pay off preexisting debts and support development of the agricultural park.”

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The property sat vacant and untouched for many years as the Borel estate went through probate—though the space is still a beautiful green space among the developed retail and residential zones, it has quite a ways to go before it can become the educational agricultural park Armand dreamed of.

According to Senior Planner Kim Thai, the Borel Agricultural Park team has

See Borel continued on page 22

already been through an inventory and cataloging process to identify the condition of existing structures, equipment and artifacts left behind with the potential to be included in the park. In addition to agriculture, Armand and his father were also railroad aficionados, so there are some structures and memorabilia of the railroad, including an historic San Ramon railroad station that Armand’s father is said to have moved to his property using two tractors, according to a video by Mark Harrington with information from a 2023 article by Beverly Lane.

The farmhouse residence, a car barn with antique vehicles, a walnut barn with shelling and packaging equipment, a water tower and chicken coop are some of the other remaining structures. Everything that can be preserved will be, including a plan to maintain the existing walnut orchards. With so much work yet to be done, time-frame for an opening date is not set yet, but the high-level timeline of EBRPD could see completion in as early as 2030. Though it feels far, much is left to be done to engage the community, finalize plans, conduct environmental impact studies and obtain permits before being able to break ground on the project.

The project is currently gathering community needs using a survey to solicit feedback from the community on what activities people would most like to see at Borel Agricultural Park, what people would most like to learn about when they visit, as well as which facilities, amenities and spaces the community would like to have on-site. At press time, the survey will just have a few days left, so head to borelagpark.org to respond.

Once the survey is closed, community members are still encouraged to visit the website to provide feedback using the contact form and learn more information about the project. The community will also have the opportunity to view future concept plans and provide feedback at upcoming workshops in Summer 2025 and Fall 2025. Future plans for the workshops will be posted on the project website, or sign up for the EBRPD newsletter, Explorer, to stay up to date on future community workshops by visiting ebparks.org/ whats-new/newsletters

As we wait for this new park to come to fruition, now is a great time to visit some of the other incredible historic parks the EBRPD has developed. Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont is a working farm offering a glimpse into farming life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They have a host of different events and animals on-site as well. The Garin Red Barn Visitor Center in Hayward has displays of historic farming equipment and will host the Garin Apple Festival in September 2025.

San Ramon has Forest Home Farms Historic Park, which hosts fun events year-round to learn about the history of farming and entertain the kids while they learn. A tour of the beautiful Glass House while at Forest Home Farms is also well worth the trip. Walnut Creek also offers two historic farm parks to explore and learn, Borges Ranch and Howe Homestead Park. Both contain historic buildings and information about early life for farmers and ranchers in the San Ramon Valley. Borges Ranch also has some animals and leads into beautiful trails connecting to Castle Rock Recreation Area and Shell Ridge Open Space. How do we pay tribute to someone who gave so much to our community and is still giving even after they are gone? The best tribute anyone can make is to contribute to the development of Borel Agricultural Park—provide feedback, keep up with plans and share how you would use the space. And then, when it is finished, visit the park. Teach yourself and your families about the history of our area, how critical farming is to our everyday lives and the importance of preserving our past to better plan for our future.

BIOHACKING FOR BETTER LIVING TOOLS & TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

Let’s be real—most of us are juggling a lot. Between work, family, aging bodies, and the pressure to keep up with life, it’s easy to feel depleted, foggy, or simply not like yourself. Even with healthy habits, you may find your energy dipping, sleep suffering, or your body recovering slower than it used to.

That’s where biohacking comes in. Now, I know “biohacking” might sound like a Silicon Valley buzzword, but really, it’s just the practice of using science-backed tools and strategies to optimize the way your body functions—energy, focus, recovery, immunity, and even how gracefully you age.

At Align Healing Center in Danville, we specialize in functional and regenerative therapies that help people optimize their health in a smarter, more personalized way. If you’re looking to improve how you feel, think, and move, here are some powerful tools worth exploring.

PEPTIDE THERAPY: YOUR BODY’S BUILT-IN REPAIR SYSTEM

Peptides are naturally occurring messengers in your body that help regulate things like metabolism, inflammation, tissue repair, and even mood and sleep. As we age or go through stress, our natural levels drop—and that’s where therapeutic peptides come in. We use targeted peptides in our clinic to support:

• Weight loss and appetite control • Mitochondrial energy production

• Gut and immune system support • Deeper, more restorative sleep

• Tissue healing and inflammation relief

Think of peptides as instructions for your cells to function better. We tailor each peptide plan based on your goals, lifestyle, and lab findings.

IV VITAMIN THERAPY: INSTANT NUTRIENT REPLENISHMENT

Sometimes your body needs more than food and supplements can deliver. Stress, chronic inflammation, or digestive issues can all interfere with your ability to absorb the nutrients you need to feel your best.

IV nutrient therapy bypasses the digestive system and delivers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into your bloodstream, where your cells can access them right away. We often recommend IVs to help with:

• Chronic fatigue or burnout • Poor immune resilience or frequent colds

• Stress-related nutrient depletion • Post-travel or post-illness recovery

• Dehydration, brain fog, or sluggish metabolism

Most patients feel noticeably better within hours or days—more energized, mentally clear, and physically balanced.

INFRARED SAUNA: DETOX WITH EASE

Our full-spectrum infrared sauna uses infrared light—not just heat—to gently warm your body from the inside out. This allows for a deep, therapeutic sweat that boosts detoxification, circulation, and recovery—without feeling like you’re stuck in a claustrophobic heat box! Infrared sauna sessions help:

• Reduce chronic inflammation and muscle tension

• Improve detox through the skin and lymphatic system

• Promote collagen production and skin clarity

• Support mood, sleep, and cardiovascular health

It’s a favorite for athletes and anyone dealing with chronic stress or toxic burden. REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS: RELIEF WITHOUT SURGERY

If you’re struggling with chronic joint pain or old injuries that just won’t heal, regenerative joint injections may be your next step. These treatments use your body’s natural healing potential—through exosomes, growth factors, or other regenerative substances—to reduce inflammation, rebuild tissue, and promote long-term joint function. They’re ideal for:

• Knees, shoulders, hips, or hands that hurt with movement

• Sports injuries or repetitive strain • Avoiding surgery or steroid injections

• Enhancing outcomes when combined with other therapies like peptides or laser

When paired with our functional medicine support, patients often report faster healing and longer-lasting relief.

LET’S BUILD YOUR WELLNESS BLUEPRINT

The beauty of biohacking is how customizable it is. You don’t have to commit to everything—just start with one tool, then build from there based on how your body responds. These therapies are designed to work with your biology, not override it. Whether you’re recovering from something, trying to prevent future illness, or just want to feel more like yourself, we’re here to help. Book a complimentary consultation and let’s explore how we can support your next level of wellness. You can reach us at 925-362-8283 or alignhealingcenter.com These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and individual outcomes may vary. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Advertorial

This small train station was located in San Ramon on the Southern Pacific Line, replacing a larger two-story structure that once stood.

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.

NATURAL BEAUTY AT EVERY AGE HOW A PLASTIC SURGEON CAN SUPPORT YOUR BEST SELF

By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS

Natural beauty isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about confidence, authenticity, and feeling good in your own skin. As we age, our skin, features, and priorities evolve. From your 20s through your 80s, a thoughtful approach to selfcare, paired with the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon, can help you feel like your best self—naturally.

Today’s aesthetic treatments are designed to enhance, not mask, your unique beauty. IN YOUR 20S:

SET THE FOUNDATION

Your 20s are the time to establish healthy habits that protect and preserve your skin for decades to come. Skin is typically at its peak in firmness and clarity, but prevention is key. Natural tips: Use daily SPF, gentle cleansers, and moisturizers; stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods; and avoid smoking and excess sun exposure.

Many women in their 20s turn to non-invasive treatments with a plastic surgeon such as: Preventative Botox to reduce the chance of deep expression lines later; subtle lip or cheek enhancement with dermal fillers; and medicalgrade skincare to support long-term skin health.

These early steps are not about changing your appearance—they’re about preserving what you love and boosting confidence naturally.

IN YOUR 40S: RESTORE AND REFINE

In your 40s, collagen and elastin production begin to slow, and you may start to notice fine lines, volume loss, or sagging. This is a great time to focus on restoration rather than transformation. Natural tips: Add products with retinol, peptides, and vitamin C to your routine; get regular sleep; stay active; and continue protecting your skin from the sun.

Women in this stage working with a plastic surgeon often benefit from: Botox and fillers to smooth lines and restore youthful contours; eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for tired-looking eyes; and non-surgical skin tightening using microneedling or laser treatments.

These subtle enhancements can help maintain a refreshed, vibrant appearance while keeping your natural features intact.

IN YOUR 50S-60S: REJUVENATE AND REFRESH

By your 60s, signs of aging may become more pronounced—deeper wrinkles, looser skin, and more significant volume loss. But natural beauty doesn’t disappear—it just needs a little support. Natural tips: Focus on hydration, both inside and out; choose skincare that emphasizes barrier repair and elasticity; and prioritize rest, stress reduction, and nutrient-dense foods.

At this stage, you may consider working with a plastic surgeon for: Facelift or neck lift procedures to address sagging and restore contours; fat transfer to replenish lost volume using your own tissue; and laser resurfacing to improve texture, tone, and pigmentation.

A skilled plastic surgeon can create a natural-looking result that enhances your features—not alters them—helping you look as vibrant as you feel.

IN YOUR 80S: SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE

Your 80s are about grace and self-celebration. Beauty in this decade is personal and powerful, rooted in a lifetime of experience. For some, that means keeping up with a few treatments; for others, it means simply feeling comfortable in their skin. Natural tips: Stick to gentle, hydrating skincare; emphasize comfort, wellness, and simplicity; and embrace your beauty and the story it tells.

Women in their 80s who want subtle support might explore with a plastic surgeon: Light cosmetic touch-ups like laser therapy or soft fillers; non-invasive treatments to boost skin clarity or elasticity; and custom skincare guidance with professional-grade products.

Your safety and personal goals are the top priorities. Treatments at this age are about subtle, supportive care—not transformation.

FINAL THOUGHTS: BEAUTY THAT EVOLVES WITH YOU

Natural beauty isn’t about doing less or more—it’s about doing what’s right for you. At every age, it’s possible to feel confident, radiant, and comfortable with the help of healthy habits and thoughtful aesthetic support.

Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures that any treatment plan is customized to your stage of life, your anatomy, and your goals. Whether you’re exploring preventative treatments in your 20s, considering a rejuvenating procedure in your 60s, or simply seeking skincare advice in your 80s, plastic surgery today is about enhancement—not excess. Natural beauty evolves, but with the right care, it never fades.

To learn more, call 925-283-4012 or email drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com

The office is located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. Advertorial