Princesses, fairies and a boy who could fly. Singing, dancing and costumes, oh my!
The Peter Pan Foundation, based in Lafayette, has it all. And what’s more, they bring their magic to brighten the days of hospitalized children.
The Peter Pan Foundation (PPF), founded in 2007, isn’t technically a theater company, but it behaves like one in the very best ways. Putting on a multitude of shows each year to raise money for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the direction of founder Leslie Noel Hansen has built a tight-knit community of talented individuals generously giving their time to pour magic into each performance for the kids.
The PPF story starts in 2006 when Leslie met Steffen Ryge, then a senior at Acalanes High School, who was inspired by Leslie’s alumni concert performance. Leslie was in the early stages of planning a benefit show for CHO and Steffen’s exuberant spirit and passion for acting inspired Leslie to write a new full-length musical, Wish Upon a Star, starting Steffen as Peter Pan. The show was a hit, raising nearly $20,000 for CHO. The group then took a smaller portion of the show to perform for children at the hospital. Moved by the joy on the children’s faces despite their challenging health issues, the plan was in motion to repeat the show again that summer.
Tragically, just 10 days before the second show, 18-year-old Steffen was killed in a car accident. Heartbroken and meant to be heading out for a national Broadway tour, Leslie performed twice in one day, once as opening singer for her childhood hero, Franc D’Ambrosio, and later that day at Steffen’s funeral. That night she reflected on what she truly wanted and, while Broadway had always been her dream, she knew that creating magic and giving back to the children of CHO was her top priority. This is where The Peter Pan Foundation began and still carries on the legacy of their first Peter Pan, Steffen Ryge. PPF does so much for the community; it can be hard to keep up! The
OCTOBER 2025
EIGHT-LEGGED, EIGHT-EYED GENTLE GIANTS
By Wallace De Young
It’s tarantula season! How fortuitous that the annual march of the doomed male tarantulas coincides with Halloween time, as these “gentle giants” go out in search of a mate (or two…) before they succumb to the last winter of their lives. Male tarantulas live about 7-10 years, females can live as long as 20 years.
There are 800 species of tarantulas in the world, 25 in North America, and not one is deadly to humans. Biologists tell us that no one has ever died as the result of a tarantula bite. While almost all spiders are “technically” venomous, it is important to know that our local tarantulas’ venom has evolved to only be potent enough to kill a cricket or a small lizard, and a bite to a human would cause less pain than a bee sting.
So, why are many among us afraid of spiders, especially our gentle giants? While you might hear differently, tarantulas really don’t chase people and jump on them, though it makes for great Halloween lore this time of year! Should you encounter a tarantula, and have no great love for them, simply leave them alone and continue on your way. Our local tarantulas are truly gentle, shy creatures, and most that we see (males looking for
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NATIONAL 4-H WEEK
By Briana Farnden
National 4-H Week is coming up October 5-11. This is a week that highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in our communities and showcases the incredible experiences that 4-H offers to young people. Tassajara 4-H, which serves Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon, has many remarkable youth. The club prides itself on its welcoming environment, creating a space to be seen and belong, and to celebrate the possibility within every young person. During 4-H week and beyond, our amazing members, tireless volunteers, and dedicated professionals are celebrated.
One of the highlights of the 4-H experience is the annual summer camp, where youth come together to explore nature, build lifelong friendships, and grow as leaders. At camp, members develop confidence and teamwork through
Wallace De Young leads a tarantula hike. Photo by Marty Bender.
A group of PPF Performance Troupe members all decked out for another children’s hospital performance.
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher
Fall is upon us; summer seems to have passed by so quickly. Throughout these pages you’ll find ads and articles for upcoming gatherings, events, fairs, and volunteer opportunities that will begin to fill the calendars over the next several months. As I look ahead to all of these occasions I think of the time, effort, and money for their production. It takes a creative and visionary to come up with an idea, or carry on an idea and make it fresh. It then takes securing a venue and getting proper permits and insurance, finding helpers, producing the activity or event, promoting it, and then hoping folks will attend and enjoy it. It’s a lot of (often thankless!) work. Most all of this is done by volunteers whose goals I believe are bringing people together and enriching our lives and communities.
Gatherings like these often go hand-in-hand with the WE > me message shared in our local high schools and other organizations. The spirit of cooperation and group effort, the saying, “together we are stronger,” is a message I’m happy to share.
Having been a part of the local community for 28 years, I’ve come to know many of the people that tirelessly work to keep these activities and events ongoing - our wonderful tree lightings and harvest fairs, countless musical and stage productions, concert and movie nights, golf tournaments, group hikes, Zoom presentations on history and genealogy, activities for our youth, craft fairs, and more. I know most groups would be thrilled to have another set of helping hands to ease their load! I often wonder who will carry the torches to continue what others have started? Who is going to follow in the footsteps of our local animal rescue groups, historians, and community service groups to produce the Danville 4th of July Parade, April egg hunts, and December Tree Lighting ceremonies to name a few?
For 31 years, the Los Cerros Middle School Community has come together for the “Basket Brigade.” Their efforts annually provide over 1,300 people a memorable Thanksgiving feast. The Basket Brigade supplies all of the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal and delivers the care-packages of food to underserved families throughout the East Bay. It is heartwarming to see the students, families, community, and staff gather for this shared goal of giving. To contribute to this wonderful tradition, visit lcms.futurefund.com/store/campaigns/55763-basket-brigade
Now, more than ever, the need for food is great. Please watch for upcoming food drives for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and also keep in mind donating and transporting food for White Pony Express (WPE).
WPE has an “easy” volunteer opportunity which only takes an hour or two of your time a week. They match food donations with organizations who can use it. The direct transport (via your car) to vetted shelters, group homes, Veterans support groups, school programs is a simple pickup and delivery task that makes a huge difference. The WPE app (White Pony Express Food Rescue) for your smartphone offers a way to make the connections. You can also contact Luisa Iniguez via call or text at 925-494-0312 or email Volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org to see how you can get involved.
Do you have a bike laying around that isn’t being used? See below, and learn how your donation or time to spruce-up a donated bike can make a difference.
All of this being said, with our calendars and days being full, it is also important to take a step back and not fill every waking moment. New advertorial writer Erin McKnew (page 21) describes how to keep a balance during these days and focus on taking care of ourselves first! I particularly resonated with Embrace “good enough.” There doesn’t always have to be a “perfect” way. I know when our children and their families come home over the holidays, things get done differently. The dishwasher may get loaded in a haphazard manner, but do I really need to rearrange the dishes to “my style” of how to load the machine or, has it been loaded “good enough?” The dishes will get clean just the same, and I should be grateful to have someone willing to tidy! May your fall days be filled just the way you want them to be. I hope to see you at some of the wonderful upcoming events.
BIKES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN & VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
Since 2002, Adopt a Family Bikes (AAFB) has refurbished and donated thousands of bikes to adults and youth in need. This year’s drive has already begun with hopes of fulfilling many requests. Last year, the holiday program distributed 394 bikes to local non profits, foster youth, and low wealth schools.
AAFB has a drop-off space in the Alamo Plaza shopping center next door to the now-closed Rite Aid. The address is 140 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Donations of bikes and volunteer help are welcome Sundays and Mondays from 11AM-4PM. Stay tuned for updated hours as the holidays approach.
All sizes of adult and youth bikes are needed. The group will make minor repairs and tune-up the bikes, and just asks that the bikes be free of rust and without bent frames.
Cash and donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off at the site. The cost of bike locks and new helmets have increased so a $30 donation, if possible, with each bike to cover these costs, plus parts and tires, is appreciated.
For updated information visit the “Adopt-A-Family Bikes” Facebook page, or www.adoptafamilybikes.org.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT MSRV IN OCTOBER
This is your chance to immerse yourself in a unique collection of Native American artifacts. As you journey through the display at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV), you’ll be drawn to a wide array of fascinating artifacts. See how intricate Indian homes were crafted, and learn about the ingenious tools used for daily survival. A special focus of the exhibit is on the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the tools used by Native Americans. A highlight is the Phelps Collection, which features a beautiful array of handwoven baskets and baby carriers. These items are not just historical relics; they tell a story of skill, survival, and a profound connection to the natural world. The exhibit closes on November 14th
Take a moment and discover MSRV’s store, offering local history books, including the San Ramon Branch Line of the Southern Pacific. In addition there is a great selection of unique toys and other items.
The MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare? Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy. For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.
DANVILLE COMMUNITY BAND IS BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF MUSIC!
The Danville Community Band has resumed rehearsals for its 25th season, preparing Fall Colours, a performance of a variety of colorful tunes, for Rossmoor residents and their guests on Saturday, October 25th beginning at 3PM
The band will begin anew, getting ready for their Christmas concert, open to all, celebrating 25 Years of Christmas Traditions. That performance is scheduled for 3PM on Saturday, December 6th at the Del Valle Theater, located at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek.
Be sure to mark the dates and times on your calendar! We hope you will join in.
The band will then take a winter break and resume rehearsals in January 2026 for the second half of the season.
For more information about the band, visit www.danvilleband.org
CAN YOU GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS & VETERANS, OR DO YOU NEED A RIDE?
Are you an ambulatory senior or veteran who needs a ride to medical appointments, the grocery story, or other essential services? Or, are you aged 25-75 and able to volunteer just three hours a month to help provide a ride?
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.
If you need a ride, call 925-284-6161. For volunteer opportunities, call 925-284-2215. For more details, visit www.mobilitymatterscc.com
SONS IN RETIREMENT (SIR)
SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128
Looking for a social group for men over 50 in the San Ramon Valley? Look no farther than SIR 128, a vibrant community of men who believe in making the most of life.
We’re a lively group that enjoys a diverse range of activities. Whether your passion is walking, card games, book clubs, golf (9 and 18 hole), cooking, bocce, wine, or biking, to name a few, you’ll find something to suit your interests. Beyond our regular activities, we also organize exciting monthly outings and events across the Bay Area.
What truly sets SIR 128 apart are our members and the variety of activities we offer. Our monthly luncheons are on the third Wednesday at 11:30AM at Bridges in San Ramon. They feature delicious food, engaging speakers, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you’re coming alone, we have a special table to ensure you feel right at home.
Now is the time to get started on the next phase of life!
Ready to discover what we’re all about? We invite you to attend a meeting. Email us at membership@sir128.com to get started. To learn more, visit www. SIR128.com.
4-H continued from front page
outdoor activities, hands-on learning, and cabin responsibilities—all while having fun in a supportive environment. These experiences not only strengthen the sense of belonging that Tassajara 4-H is known for, but also give youth a chance to practice the leadership and life skills that 4-H fosters year-round.
For more information on Tassajara 4-H and how to enroll, visit tassajara4h. org or contact club leaders at info@tassajara4h.org
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program, and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within the community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address community issues of concern.
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@so.cccounty.us.
THE SECRET TO STAYING YOUNG, IT'S ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS
What’s the secret to staying sharp and healthy as you age? According to a recent article in the New York Times, it’s not a special diet or exercise plan—it’s social relationships.
The article highlights a group known as “super-agers”—individuals whose brains show a remarkable resemblance to people much younger than them who share a crucial trait: they prioritize social engagement. This connection helps them maintain brain volume and avoid the kind of atrophy often associated with aging.
Fortunately, there are local organizations dedicated to this very principle. One such group is SIR, a long-standing social organization for men, with the sole purpose of keeping men over 50 and their partners active and engaged. Their motto is simple: “Live longer, live happier!”
Our local Walnut Creek chapter, SIR Branch 116 that was established in 1983, has around 175 members who stay busy with a wide range of activities, including golf (18-hole and 9-hole), pickleball, reading clubs, Bocce ball, bridge, fishing, dining out, walking, and more.
You can get a better sense of everything we do by checking out our latest newsletter. Visit our webpage at sirinc2.org/branch116
If you’re interested in learning more, we would love to have you as our guest at an upcoming monthly lunch. Please contact jeffjohnson9000@att.net to RSVP.
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-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
HISSES AND HOWLS
HISSES AND HOWLS HALLOWEEN PARTY
CHROMATICA PRESENTS LAUGH TRACKS
AN EVENING OF CHORAL HUMOR
Chromatica Chorale will present two upcoming concerts. The first will be held at 3PM on November 15th at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way in Orinda. The second performance will be held at 7PM on November 16th at Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara in Danville. The Danville concert will include Chromatica’s popular post-concert reception.
Get ready to laugh out loud as we celebrate music’s humorous side! Chromatica has chosen a whole range of comedic classics that illustrate music’s unique ability to amuse while still providing excellent choral performance. Chromatica wants its audience to laugh with them as they cover a range of compositions from madrigals to the baroque, from oratorios to Gilbert and Sullivan, and from lieders to musical theatre. No significant musical genre has been left unscathed!
The concerts include madrigals Fair Phyllis and Fyer, Fyer. A series of musical spoofs include Turn Off Your Phone to the tune of Pachelbel’s canon and a piano solo by Chromatica’s outstanding accompanist Julie Rieth revisiting PDQ Bach, a Peter Schickele spoof series that began in 1965. The PDQ Bach focus continues with The Seasonings, a spoof of Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s The Seasons. Duet for Two Cats is set to music by Rossini. A Few Gentle Admonitions outspoofs Gilbert and Sullivan (as if one could). And of course Men in Tights There’s plenty more. These concerts provide Chromatica with a unique and humorous repertoire. And audiences have certainly heard nothing like it before!
“Sometimes in choral music we take ourselves too seriously. These concerts are our attempt to reverse this trend. The pieces are inventive and musically complex as well as humorous. I hope our audiences enjoy them as much as we have in presenting them” said David Huff, founding artistic director of Chromatica.
Concert tickets: Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for students, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For concert tickets and to find out more about Chromatica, visit www.chromaticachorale.org. Tickets for all concerts are also available at the door. For a more personal look, you can find Chromatica on Instagram (@chromaticachorale) or at Chromatica on Facebook.
About Chromatica: Chromatica Chorale was founded in 2011 and now includes 32 men and women singers. It has performed 26 prior series of ticketed concerts in the East Bay, attracting large and enthusiastic audiences. It performed the world premiere of Transfigurations, a major commission composed by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Tin with lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri in April 2024.
Led by David Huff, an outstanding director and operatic tenor who has sung both in New York and San Francisco and accompanied by the exceptional pianist and assistant director Julie Rieth, it seeks to perform challenging pieces at a high level of professionalism.
SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Join the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) for a free Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, October 21st at 10AM. Keynote speaker Melinda Kashuba presents “Detecting Genealogical Fraud and Fantasy.” Melinda has worked as a genealogical/historical researcher for over 30 years and authored Walking with Your Ancestors: a Genealogist’s Guide to Using Maps and Geography. To attend, email president@srvgensoc.org for the Zoom link.
SRVGS was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter, has a dedicated website, and offers monthly special interest group (SIG) meetings. The society also provides monthly general meetings featuring nationally known professional speakers.
For questions, visit srvgensoc.org or email president@srvgensoc.org
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CHECK-IN: WHAT CAN I DO?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16TH, 6 – 8PM
The American Association of University Women Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek (AAUW DAW) group will be holding their October third-Thursday community program, which will focus on how we can have a voice in public policy today. AAUW California encourages legislative and other forms of activism to pull through the four pillars of our Public Policy Priorities. These include:
• Economic security for all women
• Social and racial justice for all members of society
• Equal access to quality education for all students
• Increased representation of women in leadership roles
During the program, there will be discussion of opportunities for local action on these priorities, as well as non-partisan protests for democracy. It is hoped that attendees come away with a sense of urgency to help heal and strengthen our democracy. Join the presentation to be held at the Danville Congregational Church located at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville on Thursday, October 16th, 6 – 8PM. There will be a lively discussion led by Ogie Strogatz and Bette Felton.
Ogie (“O.G.”) Strogatz grew up in northwest Connecticut, receiving a BA in psychology from Vassar College, and an MSPH in health policy and administration from the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She served as a regional healthcare planner for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ogie subsequently held assignments in health economics, strategic planning, marketing, and sales with the pharmaceutical company Merck, after which she joined the biotech company Genentech, working on executive communications, employee engagement, and organizational change management. In late 2015, Ogie transitioned from paid employment to focus on volunteer progressive political activism. She is an activist and organizer with Indivisible ReSisters Contra Costa, 350 Contra Costa, and the Center for Common Ground. Ogie is also a co-founder of Lift Up Public Schools, a member of AAUW California’s statewide Public Policy Committee and the School Board Project, and a former co-president of the Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of AAUW.
Bette Felton grew up in Oakland, and attended UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, receiving a BS in Nursing. Work and travel included pediatric, surgical, and public health nursing, an MS in Community Health Nursing, and teaching at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Returning to the Bay Area to raise her family, she joined nursing faculty at CSU East Bay where she held senior faculty and administrative posts for 28 years. Bette received her DrPH from UC Berkeley in Health Policy in 1989. She currently chairs the Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation, and serves on the Endowment Committee of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, and on the Board of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU East Bay. Bette has been a member of AAUW for many years and is Program VP for the DAW Branch, in addition to having served as Garden Tour Chair. Commitment to the public policy priorities of AAUW prompts her to learn with the branch and ‘make good trouble’ via programming. To register and to learn more, visit the DAW-AAUW Branch Event webpage at daw-ca.aauw.net/october-2025-community-program.
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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Now more than ever, many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE).
WPE, founded in 2013 and now headquartered in Concord, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry free of charge.
Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@whiteponyexpress.org .
DANVILLE SAN RAMON ROTARY INVESTING IN EDUCATION AND YOUTH
The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club has long made education and youth services a cornerstone of its mission. A highlight of this commitment is its ongoing partnership with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF). Through the annual Danville San Ramon Rotary Auction for Education, running this year from November 1–9, the club helped raise more than $70,000 last year, donating nearly $35,000 directly to SRVEF to fund teacher grants and classroom innovation.
Beyond the SRVEF, the club supports young people through a wide range of programs. Two active high school service clubs — one at California High School and one at San Ramon Valley High — give students the opportunity to lead and serve in their schools and community. Scholarships are awarded each year to five exceptional graduating seniors, while stoles honor students who complete 50 or more hours of community service. The Student of the Month program recognizes character-based leadership rather than GPA.
Newly established trade grants provide resources for students pursuing careers in the trades, helping them purchase needed tools and supplies. The club also sends five students annually to leadership development camps, supporting future leaders in their personal and professional growth. In addition, literacy programs provide third-grade dictionaries and funding for local libraries. Join us! To learn more or donate an auction item, visit danvillesanramonrotary.org or email Club President Julie McKinney at julie@jbmckinney.com
VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE ‘OFFICE’ TO YOU
The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office offers a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience.
Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.
THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE
By Joseph Gatti
With October on the horizon, September brought important economic shifts that will shape our local real estate market this fall. After August 20th, interest rates began a gradual decline, and on September 17th the Federal Reserve announced its first rate cut since December 2024. Together, these moves lowered rates from 6.62% to 6.15%, signaling the start of a new downward rate cycle. For buyers, this creates meaningful opportunities to save on home purchases while boosting confidence and activity across the market. Through these changes, the Gatti Team—powered by Compass, the nation’s #1 brokerage—remains committed to guiding clients with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
The Fed’s September 17 th rate cut also signals two important shifts. First, interest rates have eased to 6.15% as of this writing. At the same time, inflation rose slightly to 2.9% in August from 2.7% in July, but it is no longer the Fed’s main concern. Instead, the focus has shifted to the labor market: August’s jobs report showed just 22,000 new jobs versus 75,000 expected, and payrolls from April 2024 to March 2025 were revised down by 911,000. Job data will now be the key driver in anticipating future rate cuts. Taken together, these developments point to a new cycle of gradually declining rates, creating opportunities for prepared buyers. While trade-related uncertainty adds some caution, the outlook for the Greater Danville Area—including Danville, Alamo, Diablo, and San Ramon—suggests that falling rates could help stimulate a more active, favorable market this fall. Locally, the detached home market continued to cool from July to September. Active inventory dropped 25.5%—from 286 to 213 listings—as overpriced homes were absorbed. Days on market also improved, falling from 51 in August to 46 in September. Pending sales remained steady, slipping only slightly from 94 to 90, with
SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
By Margot Schultz, senior
As our principal, Mr. Litten, always reminds us, WE > me, and at SRV, that’s more than a motto. The San Ramon Valley High School (SRV) community is a place where everyone feels welcome, celebrated, and supported, and October is a perfect reflection of that spirit. From athletics and races to unforgettable arts performances, this month is packed with events that bring our community together.
October kicks off under the lights as the Wolves football team takes on Granada High on October 3rd It’s Neon Night, so get ready to light up the stands in your brightest gear. Our incredible marching band, cheer, and pom squads, and 12th Man will be there leading the energy and school spirit throughout the game. Later this month, on October 24th, we’ll come together again for a cause that matters, our annual Pink Out Game to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Wear your pink and show your support as we unite for a purpose.
Our fall sports teams continue to make us proud. Flag football and water polo are dominating their opponents with teamwork. Cross country is preparing for some of its most competitive races of the season. Tennis and golf continue to impress with outstanding performances and consistent wins. You can keep up with the latest updates and highlights by following @srvhs.athletics on Instagram.
Athletics aren’t the only way we’re coming together this month. On October 12th, SRV students, families, and staff will participate in the 42nd Annual Run for Education, a 5K or 10K event that promotes wellness, community, and support for our district. There’s also a Friendship Run, where athletes with special needs can walk, roll, or run alongside a friend or caregiver, as well as a Mini Run for kids ages 2 to 6. After the races, the celebration continues with exhibit booths, face painting, and inflatable games, making it a fun day for everyone. You can register and support our schools at srvef.org/the-run October is also a time for class traditions and celebrations. The Class of 2028 will set sail on October 18th for the annual Sophomore Cruise, an unforgettable evening on the Bay. Meanwhile, the Class of 2025 will keep the fun going closer to home with Senior Kickball, a competitive and spirited lunchtime tradition running from October 20th to 24th
SRV’s fine arts programs will also shine this month. Our SRV Theatre students will participate in the 24-Hour Plays on October 25th, a fast-paced event where students write, direct, rehearse, and perform original plays all within a single day. Just a few days later, on October 29th and 30th, the SRV Choir will showcase their incredible talent and collaboration with a performance in the PAC, offering the community an inspiring evening of music. For more information about these events, be sure to check the school calendar.
This October reminds us why SRV is so special. It’s a community built on connection, tradition, and pride. We hope you’ll be part of all the exciting events ahead and continue to support the Wolfpack spirit.
Stay connected by following @srvhswolfpack and your class Instagrams (@srvclassof2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028), and visit srvhs.srvusd.net for the full school calendar and latest updates. Let’s make this a month to remember — together.
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
As the seasons change from summer to fall, the Monte Vista (MV) campus is humming along with a ton of activities that make this time of year so special. Despite the cooling weather and shorter days, our energy and expectations remain high for the weeks ahead.
On September 10th, we proudly recognized 10 MV seniors as 2025-26 National Merit Semi-Finalists. Additionally, 30 students earned commendations for their impressive results on the PSAT. Congratulations to these incredible scholars for representing the MV community with such a high level of academic excellence. On October 26, our 10th and 11th graders will have another opportunity to take the PSAT, and we wish them the best of luck.
On September 17th, MV had the pleasure of hosting a group of Polish students from Queen Hedwig Academy in Warsaw. Our guests had the chance to visit classrooms, tour the campus, and participate in several engaging activities with their MV peers. It was inspiring to see how two groups of teenagers from different parts of the world could connect and share so much joy in such a short amount of time. We can’t wait for their next visit! A huge thank you to Angie Corritone for organizing and leading this memorable exchange.
MV’s fall athletic teams are off to a fantastic start. At press time, MV Football is 2–1, regionally ranked, and preparing for their first away game against James Logan High School. Both the Women’s Tennis and Cross Country teams are aiming to repeat as EBAL and NCS Champions, while our young but highly competitive Women’s Volleyball team enters the grueling EBAL season on a winning streak of their own. MV Men’s and Women’s Water Polo have also enjoyed fast starts and are vying for EBAL banners this season. MV Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Flag Football, and Women’s Golf are all playing at a high level and are set to finish the season strong. Finally, a huge shout-out to our Cheer and Pom Squads, Marching Band, and StangMob for making all our games spirited and fun. Win or lose, we truly have the best halftime show around!
Our Visual and Performing Arts programs are also kicking off their busy seasons as we move into October. The MV Marching Band is hard at work preparing for several upcoming competitions. On September 6th, MV’s Treble Choir sang the National Anthem for the Golden State Valkyries game against the Minnesota Lynx. The choir will be performing their annual Back to School Concert on October 16th and 17th. Meanwhile, MV’s Theater program is preparing for some frightening fun with their annual Haunted House, scheduled for October 23-25.
MV’s Homecoming 2025 is set for the week of October 6th through the 11th. After a week of activities, the festivities will culminate on Friday with a rally, tailgate, and game against Campolindo. The celebrations will continue with our Homecoming Dance on Saturday evening. We are looking forward to this annual tradition that brings our school community together.
With so much happening on campus this fall, we look forward to welcoming our community to these many student events in the coming weeks. For a full list of what’s happening on campus, visit mvhs.srvusd.net
biggest stage production is still Wish Upon a Star (WUAS). The yearly show takes place Memorial Day Weekend at Diablo Valley College and includes performers from age 3 to 83—they are a very inclusive group who want to find a place that works for anyone interested in performing.
As Larrolyn “Larri” Patterson Parms-Ford, a PPF performer and volunteer put it, “We love everyone to come and perform in whatever way makes them comfortable and happy.”
With up to 100 people auditioning to participate, that can be a challenge, but PPF rises to the occasion. To ensure everyone gets a chance to shine, each of the five weekend performances feature a rotating cast, allowing every performer to play the role that is right for them. All performers pay a fee to help manage rehearsal and production fees and proceeds from ticket sales go towards Children’s Hospital Oakland.
Fall typically brings two more stage shows. In 2025, there will be Guys and Dolls Jr. (November 14-15) and Into the Unknown (December 5-6). Guys and Dolls Jr. will have a cast of high school-aged and younger kids while Into The Unknown will have both an adult cast and a youth cast performing classic versions of the songs from Frozen 1, Frozen 2 and Frozen: The Broadway Musical as well as mashups and arrangements created by Leslie Noel Hansen. Ticket sales from these shows are also donated to CHO.
See Peter Pan continued on page 17
Peter Pan continued from front page
Steffen Ryge (left) was the inspiration for The Peter Pan Foundation after his performance in the first Wish Upon a Star show and hospital appearance.
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HEALTH TIPS FOR TEENS UNDERAGE DRINKING
By Serena Hicks, MVHS sophomore
The Drinking Age Act of 1984 mandates that all states establish a minimum drinking age of 21. It is illegal in the United States to consume, purchase, or possess alcohol if you are under this age. Underage drinking continues to be a significant issue in the US, with millions of teenagers having consumed alcohol at least once in their lives. Many teenagers find alcohol relatively easy to obtain, and despite its legal restrictions, it remains a prevalent problem today.
THE RISKS OF UNDERAGE DRINKING
Underage drinking poses various risks to a teenager’s physical and mental health, as well as legal consequences. In terms of physical health, the teenage years are crucial for the development of the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. Alcohol consumption during this critical period can interfere with this developmental process. Additionally, alcohol can reduce the size of the hippocampus, a brain region essential for forming new memories.
Underage drinking significantly impacts mental health. Alcohol increases the risk of developing or worsening depression and anxiety. It can trigger depressive symptoms and elevate the chances of developing mood disorders or other mental illnesses later in life. Adolescents may resort to alcohol as a way to numb the negative feelings associated with anxiety and depression. However, this coping mechanism provides only temporary relief and can exacerbate the underlying conditions over time. Moreover, it heightens the risk of developing alcohol use disorder and other mental health issues in adulthood.
WHY TEENAGERS MAY INDULGE IN UNDERAGE DRINKING AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
Teenagers often drink due to various reasons, such as peer pressure, the
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club; visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@ hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets at Fat Maddie’s located at 3483 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets Wednesdays from 5:15PM-6:40PM at Amador Rancho Community Center. For more information, call 925-998-2924. The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the LAB meeting room at Roundhouse located 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Meetings are held at 7AM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and no meetings in months with a 5th Tuesday. For more information call 925-997-6664.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Norm’s Place located at 356 Hartz Ave, Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30 AM . The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1 PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $30. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com .
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. New and prospective members are welcome!
The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and participates in many community service projects. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org
desire for social acceptance, curiosity, and family influences. However, it’s important to recognize the serious legal consequences that can result from these actions. These consequences can range from fines and community service to jail time. Additionally, driving under the influence (DUI) is a significant concern because of the adverse effects of alcohol on a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
HOW TO AVOID AND RESPOND TO ALCOHOL-RELATED SITUATIONS
One of the main reasons teenagers drink is due to peer pressure. To avoid making such mistakes, they need to be selective about the people they spend time with, as individuals often reflect the habits and behaviors of those around them. Another effective way to reduce the risk of succumbing to peer pressure is for teenagers to steer clear of social activities that involve alcohol or other substances. Additionally, they should consider discussing any issues they are facing with their parents or guardians for support.
If you or someone you know is facing an alcohol-related situation, it is crucial to be equipped to manage peer pressure and decline drinks assertively. No one should compel you to engage in activities against your will. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, it is important to recognize when to seek assistance and exit. If you choose not to drink or participate in these activities, you have the right to do so.
CONCLUSION
Making informed choices about alcohol is crucial for teenagers due to their ongoing development. Alcohol can negatively impact cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health, leading to serious long-term consequences like addiction and mental health issues. The temporary enjoyment it provides does not outweigh these risks. Adolescents and their families need to discuss these challenges openly, fostering a supportive environment. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, seeking help is essential for making healthier choices.
Serena Hicks is a sophomore at Monte Vista High School (MVHS) and Teen Health Advocate hoping to improve the health of her community one column at a time.
Kitten & Cat Adoptions
Saturdays 11 AM -3 PM & by appointment Petco ~ 2005 Crow Canyon Pl., San Ramon
All cats are fixed, tested, vaccinated, & microchipped for indoor placement.
FCF helps facilitate adoptions, TNR, and feline rescue work in our local communities. Help us help them.
To donate to our efforts, scan QR code or text FCFDONATE to 53555.
SECRETS OF EGYPT & THE NILE
AMAWATERWAYS RIVER CRUISE ON AMADAHLIA
By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel
My wife Ilene and I love history, and we love cruising in comfort. The “Secrets of Egypt & the Nile” river cruise is a fusion of the two. We cruised on the AmaDahlia -- a boutique river cruise ship known for elegant design and personalized service. We enjoyed modern amenities combined with classic river cruising comfort as we viewed thousands of years of history. We embarked from Cairo, visiting iconic Egyptian landmarks with an expert Egyptologist who shared his vast knowledge. Among the sites we saw were the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum with its incredible antiquities and treasures. We stopped at historic temples including Karnak and Luxor, and Hatshepsut’s and Edfu. We visited the Valley of the Kings (where Tutankhamun's tomb was found), and also saw the resting place of pharaohs -- the exquisite tomb of Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel, along with countless other ancient treasures. Ilene also took advantage of the opportunity to ride a camel.
We enjoyed lots of quality and comfort (except for the camel ride!) including a very good cabin, great food, excellent service, alfresco dining on deck with stunning Nile views by day and starry skies by night, great crew, and interesting like-minded guests. We come back to AmaWaterways time-after-time and have also enjoyed cruising five other rivers with them.
Save the Date!
Sunday, December 7th at 4PM
Oak Tree Plaza, 3000 Danville Blvd, Alamo
Is travel your passion? Alamo World Travel is seeking new travel advisors. Travel is a career, not a job. If you are well-traveled, love working with people, and investigating and learning about places near and far, give us a call or send your resume to info@alamoworld.com. Training is provided. We would love to help with your next cruise, river cruise, tour, or resort stay in Egypt or through-out the world. Alamo World Travel & Tours has provided the community 44 years of luxury travel services. We take the worry out of travel. Stop by our office located at 3201 Danville Blvd #255, Alamo - between Ace Hardware and Peasants Courtyard restaurant, call us at 925-837-8742, visit our website at www.alamoworld.com, or email us at info@alamoworld.com. Advertorial
HELP NEEDED FOR DANVILLE ADULT DAY CARE
If you have a heart for senior citizens Valley Oak Respite Center could use your help. Caring for loved ones with dementia is a 24/7 responsibility. Respite day care allows caregivers freedom for four hours a day they would not otherwise enjoy. The program helps dementia sufferers to be more social and outgoing. Volunteers help staff in providing conversation, companionship, and assist in activities. To volunteer, you must be at least 18 years old. Interaction with participants requires patience and willingness to converse with individuals whose response may sometimes be limited. Volunteers are asked to commit at least two days a month from 10AM until 3PM Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. The day care is located at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd.. For more information, call 925-915-0095 or email Contact1@ValleyOakRespite.org.
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
WINTER PREPARATION
By County Supervisor Candace Andersen
Winter brings unique challenges to Contra Costa County, where residents can face a mix of heavy rain, strong winds, and even flooding— conditions that have caused significant property damage in past years. By taking proactive steps, you can help protect your home and family before the storms arrive.
Meteorologists are predicting a La Niña year for the Bay Area, which can make our weather conditions even more unpredictable as there is an equal chance for above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal precipitation. It does, though, often bring stronger trade winds which shift the jet stream. Given this uncertainty, homeowners should prepare their properties for winter storms.
Start by checking roofs and gutters to ensure they are clear of leaves and debris, which helps prevent leaks and water damage during heavy rains. Weatherstripping doors and windows improves energy efficiency and keeps homes warmer on cold evenings, while servicing your heating system ahead of the season ensures reliable performance when temperatures drop.
Outdoor precautions are equally important. Trimming trees near power lines and securing patio furniture can reduce hazards during strong winds. Additionally, sandbags are available through Contra Costa County to help protect against flooding—check with your local city for details on their specific sandbag program.
Staying safe during a major storm is essential. Register for the Contra Costa County Community Warning System at cwsalerts.com to receive emergency alerts via phone, email, or text. Prepare an emergency kit and have a “go-bag” ready with essential supplies for at least three days. A comprehensive kit should include:
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• A first-aid kit and necessary medications
• Water and non-perishable food
• A battery-powered radio to receive emergency updates
• Important documents and cash
• Warm blankets or sleeping bags, and extra clothing to stay dry Make a family emergency plan that outlines how to communicate and where to meet if you are separated. Also, consider what you will do in the event of a power outage.
Many residents ask my office about who is responsible for maintaining creeks that run through private property. While creeks—whether privately owned or managed by a Homeowners’ Association—are part of the county’s drainage system and regulated by County ordinance, they are generally not maintained by the County.
In most cases, property owners are responsible for the creek up to its centerline. Poorly maintained creeks can cause flooding, alter water flow, and accelerate erosion. Property owners are legally responsible for damage to neighboring properties caused by neglect or unpermitted work. This responsibility also applies to the actions of gardeners, landscapers, and contractors hired to perform maintenance.
Be prepared for potential power outages by fully charging devices and having flashlights ready. If the power goes out, keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to preserve food. In the event of a major storm, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, slow down, keep your headlights on, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away and report it immediately to 911 and PG&E at 800-743-5002. For flood-related issues, contact the Contra Costa Public Works Department at 925-313-7000.
My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. 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.
LOST AND FOUND—TWO LOCAL GROUPS WORK TOGETHER
By Cynthia Sofranac, Friends of the Danville Library
The local community donates amazing books to the Friends of the Danville Library Bookstore. The best books go immediately into the store. Others, volunteers pack for the monthly Pop-Up Book Sales. However, on occasion, the volunteer staff find items that were clearly donated by mistake: family photo albums, school notebooks, utility bills, and trinkets, not to mention, loads of greeting cards.
Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to return things to a donor. There are usually no names to call. But, when an item seems very special, well, one should try. A few months ago, a donation was received that fit that category exactly. It was a very old diary--one written by a young soldier in World War I.
Marge Taylor, who has volunteered for the Friends for almost 30 years, couldn’t believe it. Buried at the bottom of a big box, the small diary had to have been donated in error. She knew she had to at least figure out what could be done.
First, Marge worked with the librarians to check the soldier’s surname against the Danville Library records, assuming his family was nearby. But, there was no match. She checked with the Friends’ group of book sorters and it was decided to put the diary on the shelf and wait a while. Maybe the family would realize their mistake and come back to the store. But, time passed with no response. That’s when Marge decided to do her own deep-dive online. Again, no luck.
Then Marge had a stroke of genius. Why not try the San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society? She felt optimistic reaching out to the local group. She contacted Steve Watty, the society president, and he was all in. He couldn’t wait to search for “Our Soldier.”
And he did it. Steve found a relative—a great-niece in Georgia! Marge contacted her immediately. As her family’s long time “history caretaker,” the great-niece was stunned: a war-time diary from her great-uncle. Many emails flew back and forth.
“I kept thinking how important something like this would mean to my own family,” Marge said. “I couldn’t give up.” After much conversation and confirmation, Marge was thrilled to send the diary to its rightful home.
One mystery that will never be solved is how the diary came to Danville. But, now it’s at home where it belongs. “Our Soldier’s” great-niece told Marge, “My great-uncle and his two brothers enlisted in World War I at the same time… His grandchildren will be so excited when I present this to them.”
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, October 14 th from 10 am-1 pm. 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 .
Keep local news alive!
Advertise in your hometown paper. Contact us at 925.405.6397 or Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com
VALLEY VIGNETTE By Beverly Lane
THE PACHECO’S LOVED CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
The Pacheco’s loved the valleys around Mount Diablo. Beginning in 1828, members of the Pacheco clan petitioned for and received Mexican land grants north, west, and south of the mountain, which was then called El Sierra de los Bolbones.
The weather was excellent for raising cattle. Valley property on the outskirts of Mission San Jose’s grazing land became available when Mexico secularized the missions after 1821. The main drawback was hostile Indians, for they were no longer the friendly tribes the Spanish had encountered 40 years earlier.
Juan Salvio Pacheco, his wife, Maria Carmen del Valle, and their children were first generation Spanish colonists who came to San Francisco in 1776 with the Anza expedition.
Their descendants successfully petitioned for three ranchos. Grandson Salvio Pacheco received the Rancho Monte del Diablo in 1828 which later became Concord. Their daughter-in-law Juana Sanchez de Pacheco received the Rancho Arroyo de las Nueces y Bolbones in 1834 which became Walnut Creek. Son Bartolome Pacheco with his nephew Mariano Castro were granted the Rancho San Ramon (Valley) in 1833, now known as Alamo and Danville.
Thus, the Pacheco’s became Contra Costa County’s first non-Indian owners in Concord, Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley, settling on Indian homelands. Some accounts described the Native tribes as “owners” of a clearly defined territory, usually a watershed, which was acknowledged by other tribes.
In 1833, Gov. Jose Figueroa provisionally granted Bartolome Pacheco and his nephew Mariano Castro two square leagues of land, more or less, extending north of the Rancho San Ramon (Amador), east of the Las Trampas hills, south of the Rancho el Hambre, and west from Mount Diablo. Castro took the northern league and Pacheco the southern. The grant became final in 1834.
The sketch-maps or “disenos” of that day were more conceptual than exact, since there were few trained surveyors, the population was sparse, and gentlemen’s agreements regarding boundaries prevailed. These ranchos grazed cattle for the hide and tallow trade and herds moved over large areas at will, with periodic roundups (rodeos) establishing their ownership.
The owners of this rancho did not settle permanently on their land because Indian horsemen in Mount Diablo’s foothills were hostile and effective. In the 1830s, the San Ramon Valley was still wild country, with abundant game and birds, and large herds of tule elk roaming the foothills.
According to Leonora Fink, the local Indians “stole horses and cattle from the missions, burned and plundered ranchos, and fled into the San Joaquin Valley when soldiers were sent out to punish them.”
Bartolome Pacheco arrived in California at age 10. He joined the military company of the San Francisco Presidio at 15 or 16, was present at the dedication of Mission San Jose in 1797, and retired after 20 years as a soldier. His sister, Barbara Pacheco de Castro, was Mariano’s mother.
Mariano Castro and his family lived in the Pueblo de San Jose and ran cattle in the San Ramon Valley. One source states, that both Castro and Pacheco built houses and corrals on the southern end of their land, far away from the tribes based on the Mount Diablo foothills.
Bartolome lived in the San Mateo area and, when he died in 1839, his son Lorenzo became the owner. Also a soldier, Lorenzo married in 1837 and died in an Indian battle in 1846. His wife, Rafaela Soto de Pacheco and their four small children inherited the southern Pacheco league.
Evidently there was friction between Mariano and Lorenzo. In 1843, Mariano Castro tried to sell the northern league to his brother-in-law Domingo Peralta for 100 cows, leading to a dispute with his cousin Lorenzo Pacheco.
When the first American settlers came to the San Ramon Valley, the land within the Rancho San Ramon of Castro and Pacheco was barely improved. Two Mexican adobes in Alamo became the first homes for Alamo founders, Mary Ann and John Jones and Albert and Martha Stone. Some settled without even looking for a Californio owner, while others purchased the land.
Sources: Robert H. Becker, Disenos of California Ranchos; Leonora Galindo Fink, The Pachecos and Galindos
Ramon (Pacheco/Castro) on fabric at the Bancroft Library; Dorothy Mutnick, Some Alta California Pioneers and Descendants
Al Greger’s Ranch Scene (1997).
BE PREPARED!
SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS
Emergencies are inevitable; being prepared is paramount and can give you and your family an edge on knowing how to handle a situation.
The Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard community warning systems.
You can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and email from the CWS in times of local emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, hazardous material incidents, law enforcement activities, and more that will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lock-down, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) that are necessary to protect life and health.
Register to receive emergency alerts, and learn more at cwsalerts.com
The Mexican rancho period was a brief one, lasting about 25 years, but it is well remembered, sometimes with nostalgia for the ranchero owners’ equestrian skills and renowned hospitality.
– Founding Families of Central Contra Costa County; Map of Rancho San
. Images: R. N. Smyths’ Vaqueros at Mission San Jose (1826);
QUICK TRIPS
By Linda Summers Pirkle
TRUE ART TRANSCENDS TIME
I love texting for its simplicity—the ability to send and receive quick messages with friends and family. My favorite part is the array of emojis and images that often make me laugh out loud. I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. My daughters, for example, merely tolerate my obsession, while my son and I have an ongoing competition to find the most fitting and hilariously absurd emoji for any moment. This love for visual communication felt familiar recently at a silent film screening. The emcee mentioned that silent films are essentially dialogues told through text. It seems everything old is new again. Silent film legend Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), with his iconic character the Little Tramp, famously “embodied a universally relatable blend of humor and pathos, which quickly became a global phenomenon,” as one biographer wrote. By the 1920s, he was a world-renowned figure. Film historian Mark Cousins claims that “Chaplin changed not only the imagery of cinema, but also its sociology and grammar,” and was as important to the development of comedy as D.W. Griffith was to drama. Upon meeting Chaplin in 1931, Albert Einstein remarked, “What I admire most about your art is its universality. You do not say a word, and yet the world understands you.”
Chaplin has notable local ties. His third and last marriage was to Oona O’Neill whose father was playwright Eugene O’Neill, Danville’s adopted son. O’Neill fiercely objected to the marriage between his 19 year old daughter and Chaplin who was 54 years old. O‘Neill disowned Oona; the two never saw each other after the 1943 wedding.
Another local connection is the filming of the iconic final scene from his film The Tramp on a dirt road in Niles Canyon, where Chaplin lived for a time. Chaplin himself came from humble beginnings, including Romani roots, which he kept secret for most of his career for fear of public discrimination. At age 10, he and his older brother Sydney were on their own after their father, a vocalist and actor, died and their mother, a singer, was hospitalized.
Chaplin’s seven-decade career was not without drama. He faced personal scandals and a notorious run-in with McCarthyism and the Communist witch hunts. He was exiled and along with his family lived in Switzerland for the remainder of his life. His story came full circle when the 44th Academy Awards in 1972 bestowed upon him a Lifetime Achievement Award and marked the first time Chaplin had been in the United States in 20 years. The standing ovation at the poignant ceremony for the beloved actor, director, and composer lasted a record 12 minutes.
The 28th annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival (SFSFF) will be held at the Orinda Theatre from November 12-16. There will be 22 programs representing six countries from the silent film era. Their tagline is “True art transcends time” and their mission is to combine beautiful images on a big screen with glorious live musical accompaniment.
Opening night at the festival will feature Chaplin’s The Gold Rush (1925, d.Chaplin) accompanied by maestro Timothy Brock, coming from Italy, who will conduct the SF Conservatory of Music Orchestra. Celebrating its centennial, The Gold Rush is considered one of his masterpieces. In a statement in publicity for the film’s 1925 release, Chaplin said, “This is the picture that I want to be remembered by.”
For tickets to the upcoming festival November 12-16 at the Orinda Theater (located at 2 Orinda Theater Square in Orinda), visit silentfilm.org. In addition to their annual festival and A Day of Silents, SFSFF hosts other live-cinema events throughout the year. Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com .
POSTCARDS FROM THE HEDGE By
Jill Appenzeller
When my adorable nephew Ian was not quite four, he said to his mom, “Mama, that is the best peach I have ever eaten! I want to grow a peach tree from that seed.”
The peach came from the farmer’s market, as so many delicious things do. And if you’ve been gardening for a while, you know that peaches (and so many other things) are open pollinated. That means they are not self fertile; they need another peach to pollinate them (thank you bees), and the new peach may be vastly different from the peach you hoped to grow. You never know who the other parent is. It’s called open pollination, and it is why so many of the fruit trees you are growing, and hopefully thinking about purchasing bare root this winter, are grafted.
Look for a place along the trunk close to the ground where there is a swelling or bark that looks different. That’s the graft line, and all growth below the graft line must be removed or you will have a tangle of root stock instead of the delicious fruit you bought. This goes for citrus, especially Meyer lemons which are grafted onto an aggressive, nasty, thorny root stock. Also, grapes, many roses (yes, I know they are not a fruit!) and all of the wonderful old fruit trees you can find at Trees Of Antiquity, formerly Sonoma Antique Apple Nursery, online at www.treesofantiquity.com.
As my sister is a fabulous mother and a science teacher, they planted that seed. It had not yet borne fruit when they moved away, and I inherited a wilting sapling of uncertain parentage in a too small pot.
Not expecting much, I found a sunny spot near the bathroom window and tucked it in. I now have fountains of pink flowers in spring, and in August I have baskets and baskets of peaches. And more baskets. All at once. I don’t know what I expected, perhaps a few a week over the summer? But no, it’s about a hundred pounds and all at once. I leave them for my neighbors, I share them with Tina at Molly’s Pup Purr-ee in Danville. If Michael Barnard of Rakestraw Books had been home that week he would have had a basket, instead he gets dahlias as the peaches are over.
Which brings me (finally!) to my point: a neighborhood only needs one peach tree. And only one plum tree, although our neighbors Dave and Leslie have two vigorous plum trees, are most generous, and I’ve been making wonderful fun things this summer with their plums.
I have made Ruth Reichel’s Blueberry Galette but with plums - much better, plums have such a lovely balance of acid and sweet, I have made big platters of plum, peach, arugula, and burrata salads. With Indonesian long pepper, and no, I didn’t know what that was either until I found an intriguing recipe for Melon, Stone Fruit and Burrata Salad. When my neighbor Timmy turned twelve, I gave him a tangerine tree for his birthday. His family has long moved away, he is nearly thirty and getting married, and that tangerine tree is still loaded with squatty orange globes that ripen just after Christmas.
A word about harvesting citrus and so many other fruits: if it doesn’t pull off easily, leave it alone. It’s not ripe. But don’t wait until things are falling off the tree! That never ends well.
I am usually a dismal failure at growing basil, but this year I planted a six pack of basil in my new raised beds without much hope, and forgot about it until it was flowering. I chopped about a foot off. I was not pinching every flower or little green pyramid that is a potential flower. I didn’t expect much, for I am a sporadic feeder and an occasionally neglectful gardener.
The next time I looked, those basil plants were more than two feet tall and mostly flower-free. I made pesto. I froze pesto. I gave a grocery bag full of basil to a friend, the bag so tall and top heavy it was tipping over, and I got the best compliment ever - “How are you even human?”
I was lucky. I’m saving those kind words for when I’m having a bad day. And from now on, I am planting basil from six packs, feeding fish emulsion when I’m in the mood, and chopping their heads off.
Wish me luck!
You can reach me via the editor at editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or visit my Instagram @jillappenzeller. Jill Appenzeller has lived and gardened in Danville for longer than she cares to admit.
The Gold Rush. Courtesy of Roy Export.
Photo of Asphalt courtesy of Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung
DEAR TREE OWNERS
By Joe Lamb, Brende & Lamb Tree Care
Beauty and the background sense of wellbeing that come from artfully maintained landscapes could be the main reason that trees and shrubs determine 15 to 20% of the real estate value of a home. Your trees and shrubs can be thought of as kinds of living sculptures. Their natural beauty and aesthetic power blurs into the medicinal. The healing power of landscapes has been well documented by the field of environmental psychology. Hospital patients with views to trees heal faster and experience fewer psychological problems than patients whose windows look out on brick walls. In these stressful times, who doesn’t need a little calming help from our arboreal companions?
Beauty isn’t the only value add from residential landscapes. Trees and shrubs provide homes for wildlife. They also help with climate change. Neither of these “ecosystem services” should be underestimated. Three billion fewer birds grace the skies of the US and Canada today than in 1970. That’s an almost 30% decrease in the last 25 years, habitat destruction being the main culprit.
Planting and maintaining the health of our trees and shrubs provides a kind of miniature nature preserve. Think of your yard as a personal contribution to defending habitat. Consider the benefits of just one tree species, the coast live oak. Coast live oaks shelter and nourish many birds, including the acorn woodpecker, oak titmouse, western scrub-jay, Nuttall’s woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch, spotted towhee, hooded oriole, bushtit, California quail, mourning dove, Northern Flicker, and even an occasional American kestrel, to name some but not all of the avian creatures with a debt to coast live oaks. And those are just the birds. They are also hosts to many beneficial insects. Plants need pollinators.
This win-win-win relationship for homeowner, wildlife, and greater community from providing habitat is repeated by the help residential trees give with another gigantic environmental problem of our time, climate heating. There’s lots of talk lately about carbon sequestering machines. Trees already do just that, and not just by storing carbon in their trunks, branches, and leaves, but also, as much as 40% of their total carbon, in their roots.
Thank you trees for sucking carbon out of the air, where it makes the too hot world even hotter, and putting it in the ground, where it increases the fertility of the soil, making soil more drought resistant, and increasing soil porosity thereby reducing problems from storm runoff. Talk about win-win-win.
But, there’s yet another big climate win from trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs provide shade. Shade lowers the temperature around your home, significantly. Studies by the USDA and by the US Forest Service show that summer air conditioning can be reduced by 15 to 20 percent by strategically placed shade trees. That benefits the homeowner, in more ways than just saving them money, but how does that benefit the larger community? Lowering air conditioning lowers demands on the electrical grid. Living in an era where brownouts and blackouts are possible, and where people are dying of heat stroke, lowering demand on the electrical grid is a significant contribution.
Adequate tree cover in an urban/suburban setting saves lives. If you are interested in a deeper dive into urban trees and climate check out my 2022, but still relevant, article in Common Dreams: www.commondreams.org/views/2022/09/07/trees-and-democracy-arborists-open-letter-herschel-walker. Or, check out my podcast at www.theplantatrilliontreespodcast.com/podcasts/episode-148-joe-lamb.
Proper tree and shrub maintenance also makes your home safer. Thinning tree canopies and removing weight from the ends of leggy branches greatly reduces the odds of the tree falling over, or of large branches crashing down. Strategic biomass reduction and pruning to enhance between plants so that fire can’t move easily from the ground, up through the shrubs, and into the canopies of the trees reduces the threat of wildfire to your home.
At Brende and Lamb we have made a science of pruning trees to balance the needs of health and safety while, at the same time, enhancing beauty. A well pruned landscape is good investment for the homeowner, for the larger community, and for Nature herself.
When you wander in your yard and look at your trees you should feel good about the ecosystem services you facilitate by protecting and preserving your own little nature preserve.
If you want a free estimate for enhancing and protecting your landscape, call 510-486-8733 and have one of our certified arborists visit your trees. Additionally, visit www.brendelamb.com, to see before-and-after pictures, client testimonials,and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
Tarantula continued from front page
love) are just trying to procreate in the few weeks of life that they have left.
Having eight legs and eight eyes certainly has something to do with some people’s fear! And surprisingly, even with so many eyes, they don’t see well in front of themselves, relying on vibrations transmitted via the hairs that cover their bodies to tell them more about their surroundings, such as the presence of prey… or human admirers! Predators like coyotes or skunks can easily end up with a snout full of these barbed hairs, leaving the tarantula with a bald spot on its rump!
We’ve all heard the stories of female tarantulas devouring their partners after mating, and while it is far from common, Mother Nature has nevertheless equipped the male of the species with special defenses, just in case. In that fateful year when a male reaches sexual maturity it develops “nuptial hooks” on its front legs which it uses to literally lock onto the females’ fangs to protect itself during mating!
And if all of this isn’t already enough to satisfy your need for Halloween spookiness, how about these “spidey” tidbits: Tarantulas have blue-green blood. They are ambush hunters who inject venom, paralyzing and liquefying their prey (crickets!). Perhaps the most creepy-crawly fact of all is about the tarantulas’ mortal enemy, a large wasp known as the “Tarantula Hawk” (see photo above right). This 2 ½ inch predator packs a sting that is not only one of the most painful bites known to humans, it quickly paralyzes an unsuspecting tarantula, but does not kill it. The female “T Hawk” then drags the incapacitated tarantula into its burrow, lays a single wasp egg on it, which then hatches and feeds on the still living body. YIKES! Happy Halloween! Mount Diablo Interpretive Association leads tarantula hikes for the public every September and October. Go to MDIA.org to check for availability and to sign up.
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET
During October, our Harvest Festival returns. Join us every Sunday at the Market! On October 19h there will be a vendor decorating contest, children’s entertainment with a puppeteer, balloon artist, a candy corn jar guessing contest, our local Short Line RR enthusiasts with their user friendly display, and more, all during a transition to fall fruit including pomegranates, grapes, persimmons, and apples. Come win an Alamo Farmer’s Market Gift Basket!
The Alamo Farmer’s Market, sponsored by AIA, is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America. Look for updated information about the Market on NextDoor. Come enjoy top quality produce, free parking, and live music by “Cory.”
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY - GET READY
The Great California “Shake-out” will occur at 10:16AM on Thursday, October 16th
ARE YOU BEING LEFT IN THE DARK WHEN YOUR INHERITANCE IS DUE?
B
y Robert J. Silverman, Esq. (left), Silverman & Jaffe
An all-too-common predicament is that you stand to inherit from a deceased loved one, but you receive no significant correspondence, documents, information, or distributions. What are your rights and what can you do?
The rights of the inheritor (beneficiary) and obligations of the estate or trust representative depend upon whether the decedent had a Living Trust or just a Will (or neither). In any event, such representative is legally required to provide meaningful, timely information to a decedent’s beneficiaries and heirs.
If a person dies with no Living Trust and owned more than $208,850 of assets (other than joint accounts or those governed by beneficiary designation), these assets will be subject to Probate – a court-supervised estate administration proceeding. A Probate proceeding is generally initiated by a Trusts/Estates attorney like me, who is hired by the prospective “personal representative” of the estate - the Executor nominated in the decedent’s Will (or if no valid Will exists, then usually a close relative, who applies to be named Administrator). The attorney prepares and files a Petition for Probate in the Superior Court’s Probate Department, and advises and assists the Personal Representative during the Probate proceedings. The process is overseen by a judge, whose primary purpose is to protect the estate’s beneficiaries.
What we do now will determine our quality of life after our next big earthquake. Are you prepared to survive and recover quickly? Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes-wherever you live, work, or travel. Register at www.shakeout.org/ california/register.
For emergency kit resources, visit www.RedCross.org/get-help/how-toprepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html or www.FEMA.gov/ press-release/20210318/how-build-kit-emergencies
The MyShake app -- California’s new statewide earthquake early warning system -- is now available on both Apple App and Google Play stores. COUNTY WARNING SYSTEM
- LEARN MORE!
Join us via Zoom and learn more about the Contra Costa County Warning System during our presentation to be held at 6PM on Wednesday, October22nd. Details and Zoom link available at www. AlamoCA.org
12TH ANNUAL AUTOS OF ALAMO - THE BEST YET!
A big “Thank You” to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and committee members including Gwen Gallagher, Sandy Fink, Connie Burroughs, Valerie Schooley, Rick Lyding, Denis Le Breton, Tim Fiebig, and Lou Plummer who helped make the Autos of Alamo evening a great success. Thanks also to the owners that presented their prized automobiles. We had a great turn-out as folks strolled through enjoying cars, music, and family activities. We hope to see you next year.
AIA’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization, has 70 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!”
Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.”
Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Please follow us on Facebook and NextDoor (Alamo Improvement Association) and Instagram @aia94507.
Don’t be left out, now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!
Pursuant to many applicable laws and the judge’s oversight, estate beneficiaries receive a baseline of protection in Probate during which significant guardrails are in place. Nevertheless, a Probate beneficiary may wish to hire separate counsel to ensure that her beneficial rights are carried out properly and optimally.
This article focuses more on situations in which the decedent established and fully funded a Revocable Living Trust; hence, no Probate is required. Instead, Trust administration is handled privately, without court oversight, by the successor trustee nominated in the Trust document. So, what obligations do trustees have and what rights do Trust beneficiaries have?
First, within 60 days of a Trust becoming partly or fully irrevocable (e.g. upon the death of the person who established the Trust), the trustee must send a “Trustee Notification,” containing certain prescribed information to all beneficiaries and heirs. This mandatory notification also informs the recipients that they may request a complete copy of the Trust. Of course, every notice recipient should request a copy and read the Trust carefully.
The trustee is bound by a fiduciary duty – to act strictly in the collective best interest of all of the Trust beneficiaries. A trustee also has many specific duties, as set by law and expressly set forth in the Trust document. These typically include: keeping the beneficiaries reasonably informed; faithfully following the Trust terms and conditions; gathering Trust assets; paying Trust expenses and depositing Trust income; preparing and giving beneficiaries an accounting; and distributing to the beneficiaries their rightful shares of the Trust assets.
Often, I hear from clients, prospective clients, and professional advisors about beneficiaries who are being kept in the dark. Some trustees are ignorant of or intentionally ignore some or all of their obligations. Fortunately, beneficiaries need not simply wait and hope that the trustee eventually provides them with material information and distributions.
I have been hired to advocate for many Trust beneficiaries. In most cases, after making reasonable requests of the trustee or his attorney, things resolve amicably. In other cases, litigation becomes necessary. Fortunately, Judges tend to be sympathetic to beneficiaries who have been ignored or mistreated, and harsh on trustees who have been recalcitrant.
Beneficiaries should not be shy about hiring an attorney to help ensure that the trustee fulfills his obligations and that inheritance rights are honored. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate 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
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROACTIVE ESTATE PLANNING AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
By Waldron Partners
Estate planning doesn’t usually make it to the top of anyone’s weekend to-do list. But if you’ve built a successful career, raised a family, or spent decades growing a business, you already know the value of being prepared. Estate planning is simply another form of strategy…only this time, the focus is your life, your family, and your legacy.
Too often, estate planning gets pushed off until “someday.” But the truth is, failing to plan doesn’t protect your family from hard decisions. It creates them. And when that happens, years of work, investment, and sacrifice can be undermined by confusion, conflict, or unnecessary taxation. Estate planning is less about checking a box and more about ensuring clarity, continuity, and control. WHY PROACTIVE ESTATE PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL
You wouldn’t run a business without a strategy. You wouldn’t invest without a plan. Yet many people leave their estates unprotected, assuming they’ll address it “when the time is right.” Unfortunately, life doesn’t wait for perfect timing. Estate planning is not just about death…it’s about living well and making sure your wealth, values, and intentions are honored. For leaders, retirees, and business owners, it’s about ensuring that the story you’ve written with your life doesn’t end in a courtroom or tax dispute.
FOR EXECUTIVES: PROTECTING WHAT YOU’VE BUILT
Executives often face a unique set of challenges. Between equity compensation, investment portfolios, deferred compensation plans, and real estate, your wealth is likely complex and diverse. That complexity makes estate planning not optional, but critical. Ask yourself: If something happened tomorrow, would your family know how to manage your business interests, stock options, or retirement benefits? Have you structured your estate to minimize taxes, protect assets, and ensure your wealth transitions smoothly? Do you have a plan in place if you become incapacitated and can’t make financial or healthcare decisions? What to do now: Establish trusts to protect wealth, optimize taxes, and align with your goals. Review beneficiary designations across retirement plans and insurance policies. Create durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives so the right people, not the courts, make decisions if needed. If you own or plan to own a business, address succession planning directly within your estate plan.
FOR RETIREES: YOUR LEGACY DESERVES INTENTION
After years of hard work, retirement is the time to focus on legacy. This isn’t only about who inherits what, it’s about how you’ll be remembered. At this stage, your plan should ensure that everything you’ve built is distributed exactly how you intend, while reducing unnecessary costs or taxes. It’s also about protecting your family from emotional strain and disagreements during an already difficult time. What to do now: Review and update your estate plan regularly…laws, finances, and family situations change. Define your philanthropic or charitable giving strategy. Make sure healthcare directives and powers of attorney reflect your current wishes. Address multi-generational planning, including trusts designed to protect wealth for children and grandchildren.
THE RISK OF DOING NOTHING
Executives and retirees alike often underestimate the consequences of neglecting estate planning. Without a proactive plan, your estate could spend months or years in probate, delaying distributions and draining resources. Taxes may claim far more of your wealth than necessary. Family disputes may arise, fracturing relationships. A judge, not you, could decide who controls your assets, your healthcare, or even guardianship for dependents. You’ve spent a lifetime making intentional decisions. Don’t let your final chapter be written by someone else.
ESTATE PLANNING GOES BEYOND A WILL
A will is an important piece, but it is not a complete estate plan. Think of it as the foundation, not the finished structure. A comprehensive plan should include: a will, one or more trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, beneficiary designations, and a plan for incapacity - not just death. When done proactively, estate planning reduces taxes, prevents surprises, and creates a sense of confidence for you and your family.
ESTATE PLANNING IS ONGOING
One constant in life is change…marriages, births, children growing up, new business ventures, even shifts in tax law. Each change impacts your estate plan. That’s why planning isn’t something you do once and forget…it’s something you revisit regularly, just like you would with an investment strategy or a business plan.
AGGRESSIVE & SKILLED
WHAT WE DO AT WALDRON PARTNERS
We don’t draft legal documents. What we do is design estate strategies that reflect your life, your goals, and your values, and we guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. When it’s time to formalize documents, we connect you with trusted attorneys from our vetted network.
Our role is to ensure your plan is comprehensive, aligned with your wishes, and positioned to protect both your wealth and your legacy.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Proactive estate planning is power. It protects your family, minimizes unnecessary costs, and ensures your legacy is carried out exactly as you intend.
At Waldron Partners, we make the process simple, strategic, and stressfree. Schedule your complimentary consultation, and let’s create a plan that matches the life you’ve built and the legacy you want to leave. Email us at team@waldronpartners.com.
Disclosure: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
Peter Waldron CA Insurance License #0E47827. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth Advertorial
Peter Pan continued from page 8
Aside from raising money to support CHO, PPF performers also make magic happen directly for children through hospital visits and attendance at special events for children.
The PPF Performance Troupe has around 100 participating members who will be scheduled as available to make these magical performances come to life at local children’s hospital visits for CHO as well as Alta Bates, John Muir and others. Visits include a short performance and then spending time with the kids to chat, take pictures, do crafts or whatever their hearts desire.
Lleyton Allen joined PPF when he was just nine years old. Now, at 21 and a musical theater major at University of Michigan, he notes that the hospital visits were “some of the best days of my life—the crowd comes out and it’s a bunch of kids and young adults that are going through a lot and need something to make their day brighter—it’s so special getting to perform in front of them.”
The PPF Performance Troupe also makes special appearances for Make a Wish Foundation participants. Most recently, one Make a Wish child request was for a few favorite princesses to ride in a police car with the child—wish granted! Another little girl decided that lunch at In-n-Out with Moana would be the greatest, so a PPF Troupe member jumped in to make her wish come true.
The PPF Performance Troupe also performs at community events like
Larrolyn Patterson Parms-Ford, or Larri as she’s known around PPF, gets a hug from one of the children during a PPF hospital appearance.
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS By Evan
Corstorphine, Portable CIO
HIDDEN COSTS OF PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE IN PRINTERS
My Canon MF733cdw multifunction laser printer/copier/scanner/fax just ran out of toner. I nursed it along and extracted every bit of toner I could, however, the day came. I went online to buy more, and it was $689 for the four cartridges. I tried sourcing from a vendor on eBay that cost $500, but the cartridges were junk, the print quality was poor, and I returned them. In January of 2023, I had purchased that same 4-pack of toner for $425 on Amazon. That printer was my favorite because it worked so well. In 2018, the printer cost $335 and came with a 3-year warranty. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it. Yet, suddenly, my cost to run it increased stratospherically. Did making toner really get that much more expensive, forcing me to trash a perfectly good piece of equipment?
No. The modern printer industry has perfected a business model that would make Gillette envious. While the initial cost of printers has steadily decreased over the years, the ongoing expense of maintaining these devices has become unreasonable, driven by a deliberate strategy of manufactured obsolescence that extends far beyond simple wear and tear.
The most glaring example of this trend can be seen in laser printer toner cartridge pricing. HP has implemented multiple price increases, with adjustments to their Instant Ink subscriptions in 2024 and in 2025. While specific historical data proves challenging to obtain, industry observers note that what once cost consumers $50-80 for a standard black toner cartridge five years ago now routinely exceeds $110-160 for the same capacity.
This pricing strategy becomes even more alarming when examined alongside market projections. The laser printer toner cartridge market is expected to reach $7.3 billion by 2030 with a 6.6% compound annual growth rate, indicating that manufacturers anticipate continued price increases rather than the cost reductions typically associated with mature technologies.
The most insidious aspect of printer obsolescence isn’t just rising costs—it’s the deliberate implementation of technological barriers that prevent consumers from using third-party or refilled cartridges. Modern printers employ sophisticated chips and firmware that authenticate cartridges, creating artificial scarcity in what should be a commodity market.
For example, Epson has designed and delivered software and firmware updates to printers that purposely disabled printers with non-Epson printer cartridges installed, effectively ruining those printers. This practice has become so widespread that entire industries have emerged around circumventing these restrictions, with companies offering guides on how to disable automatic updates through printer menus to prevent compatibility issues.
The situation with HP’s “Dynamic Security” feature exemplifies this problem. Dynamic Security is HP’s deceptively named software for blocking nonHP cartridges. HP does not offer firmware updates to remove Dynamic Security, viewing this as a core feature of their printers, and has faced lawsuits for blocking third-party cartridges. The problems continue today.
Manufacturers deliberately design printers with components that fail at predictable intervals, often just after warranty periods expire. Print heads clog irreparably, paper feed mechanisms jam with increasing frequency, and internal counters track page counts to trigger “maintenance” requirements that can cost more than replacing the entire unit.
The practice creates a vicious cycle: consumers purchase inexpensive printers, only to discover that replacement cartridges cost more than the original device. When faced with a $200 repair bill for a $150 printer, most consumers simply replace the entire unit, contributing to a mountain of electronic waste while enriching manufacturers who profit from both hardware and consumable sales. The environmental consequences of this business model are staggering. Millions of functional printers enter landfills annually because manufacturers have deliberately made repairs economically unfeasible.
Consumer awareness represents the first line of defense against these practices. First, research printers before purchasing, focusing on models with reasonable ongoing costs rather than just initial price. Second, consider the total cost of ownership over three to five years, including cartridge replacements. Third, explore third-party cartridge options and whether it’s possible to disable automatic firmware updates that might block these alternatives. Fourth, businesses may consider leased printers that include paper and toner in their costs. In this manner they can guarantee a specific expense for a period of time, rather than being surprised when it’s time to buy more toner. Finally, The rise of subscription-based printing services represents another potential solution, though consumers must carefully evaluate whether these programs truly offer savings or simply provide another revenue stream for manufacturers.
If you or your firm are on the horns of a printing dilemma, our staff is here to help you navigate the process. We can be reached at support@pcioit. com, or 888-552-7953. Advertorial
LUNCH AT THE DANVILLE SENIOR CENTER
The Danville Senior Center offers a Monday Senior Lunch program. Lunches are provided in partnership with Café Costa and served at noon each Monday. Participants can enjoy puzzles and board games in the Community Hall at the Danville Senior Center (located at 115 E Prospect Ave, Danville) before lunch and stay for a free weekly movie following lunch.
Residents wishing to participate will need to complete a County NAPIS form and call in their reservation by noon the Friday before. Forms are available at the Danville Senior Center. The lunch program is provided in partnership with Contra Costa County and has a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and up. Those under 60 can still enjoy lunch for a $6 fee. Menus are available at www.danville.ca.gov/seniors , and vegetarian options are available by request.
For more information or to call in a reservation, please contact the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3430.
LOCAL REGENERATIVE
& LONGEVITY MEDICINE SPECIALISTS ARE REDEFINING HEALTH
By Jeffrey Mark, M.D., The Real Gut Doctor, Dr. Frances Mark, Pharm.D.
Most Americans believe they’re stuck between two flawed choices. On one side, conventional medicine that waits until you’re sick, then prescribes drugs to manage symptoms. On the other, alternative health filled with trendy detoxes and quick fixes that rarely last.
But, both approaches are reactive, and that’s why 8 in 10 Americans are now living with at least one chronic disease, while 6 in 10 manage two or more. The years you worked so hard for are being stolen — not by age, but by a broken system never designed to keep you well.
IT DOESN’T
HAVE TO BE THIS WAY
At The Real Gut Doctor™, we practice Functional Regenerative Longevity
Medicine — a proactive, root-cause model that restores, not just manages. Functional means we uncover the hidden triggers no one else tests for. Regenerative means we repair the silent cellular damage that’s been building for years. Longevity means we don’t just extend lifespan — we extend healthspan.
This isn’t an upgrade. It’s a new opportunity for people who refuse to settle for decline.
WHY ROBERT CHOSE DIFFERENTLY
Robert, 62, sold his business after four decades of hard work. He had financial freedom, access to top specialists, and followed every protocol. But his reality was grim: uncontrolled diabetes, Crohn’s flares, dangerous cholesterol, and relentless fatigue.
Despite “the best care money could buy,” Robert’s life was shrinking. What he needed wasn’t another prescription — he needed a model of medicine that addressed the root causes and reversed decline.
That’s why Robert came to The Real Gut Doctor™. Today, he’s regaining control of his energy, his health, and his future. Like many patients across the country, he discovered this isn’t just another option. It’s the only opportunity built to help people like him truly heal.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
Plenty of clinics use buzzwords, but here’s what they cannot copy:
• Unmatched Expertise: Care directly from a 5X Board-Certified physician and a Pharm. D. with 60+ years of combined experience — not assistants or part-timers.
• Proven Protocols: Proprietary Gut-Brain-Longevity Programs refined over decades, not cookie-cutter plans pulled from the internet.
• State-of-the-Art Therapies: Advanced tools such as peptides, exosomes, PRP, regenerative collagen, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent (technology trusted by The Cleveland Clinic). Each treatment is personalized to repair, restore, and optimize function.
This practice was built for one purpose: to give you back the years you stand to lose if you do nothing. That’s why The Real Gut Doctor™ isn’t an alternative. It’s the future of medicine.
YOUR DECISION POINT
You have a choice: Stay in the system that says “you’re fine” as your energy fades, labs worsen, and body quietly declines; chase quick fixes that never last; or step into the only model of care built to keep you truly alive — Functional Regenerative Longevity Medicine.
Every day you wait is a day you can’t get back. But, the moment you act, you begin reclaiming energy, clarity, and strength — not just for today, but for decades to come.
SPECIAL INVITATION
If this speaks to you, or someone you love, now is the time to act. Mention this article and receive a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call with Dr. Mark or his clinical team. Together, we’ll see if our approach is right for you. Your health is your greatest wealth, and the right time to reclaim it… is now. Call 925-736-9828 or visit www.TheRealGutDoctor.com to schedule.
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SKINtheNEWS By
Jerome Potozkin, MD
PREJUVENATION: THE SECRET TO AGING GRACEFULLY
When it comes to skincare, the best results often come from being proactive rather than reactive. That’s the philosophy behind prejuvenation—a modern approach that focuses on preserving youthful, healthy skin before the visible signs of aging take hold. At our practice, we believe investing early in your skin is one of the smartest beauty decisions you can make.
THE ESSENTIAL SKINCARE TRIO
Great skin starts at home with the right products. At a minimum, every prejuvenation routine should include:
• Vitamin C (antioxidant): This powerful protector shields against free radical damage from UV rays and pollution, while brightening your complexion and supporting collagen.
• Sunscreen: Daily, broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable. Sunscreen not only prevents sunspots and fine lines but also protects against skin cancer.
• Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives are the gold standard for boosting cell turnover, smoothing texture, and keeping fine lines at bay. These three products form the foundation of youthful, radiant skin—and we can help customize the right medical-grade formulas for your unique needs.
LOW-DOSE NEUROMODULATORS FOR A NATURAL LOOK
Waiting until lines are etched in makes treatment more challenging. That’s why many of our patients choose low-dose Botox (and other neuromodulators) early on. Tiny, precise doses soften expression lines before they settle in, keeping your look fresh and natural — not frozen.
HYDRAFACIAL:
INSTANT GLOW, LASTING HEALTH
For an added boost, Hydrafacial is one of our favorite prejuvenation treatments. This relaxing, non-invasive treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates, while infusing your skin with nourishing antioxidants and peptides. You’ll leave glowing after just one treatment, and with regular sessions, Hydrafacial helps maintain long-term skin health and radiance.
CLEAR + BRILLIANT LASER: GENTLE, POWERFUL RESULTS
Another excellent prejuvenation option is the Clear + Brilliant laser. Known as the “mini-fraxel,” this gentle fractional laser improves tone, texture, and overall radiance with minimal downtime. It stimulates collagen production and makes your skin more receptive to skincare products. Many patients love Clear + Brilliant for its subtle yet noticeable results that help delay the need for more aggressive procedures later on.
WHY CHOOSE PREJUVENATION?
The goal of prejuvenation isn’t to look unnaturally young—it’s to help you look like the best version of yourself, year after year. By starting early with the right skincare, neuromodulators, and non-invasive treatments, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin and age gracefully with confidence. Are you ready to invest in your future skin? Schedule your personalized prejuvenation consultation with us today and take the first step toward lasting radiance.
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.
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS
HEALTHY EATING: RECOGNIZING YOUR HUNGER SIGNALS
By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES
Do you remember times when you were famished and kept eating until oops, you ended up feeling uncomfortably full?
One reason that many of us are not at a healthy weight is because somewhere along the line, we stopped listening to our body signals that naturally tell us when we’re hungry and when we’re full. Learning to recognize those signals again can help you get to a healthy weight and stay there.
The signals are still there, but we’re out of practice when it comes to paying attention to them. As babies we ate intuitively - we fussed when we were hungry and stopped eating when we were full. The world “teaches” us when to eat, advertising imposed meal times, holiday meals, and grandma’s comfort foods. We confuse cravings with hunger and end up overeating.
Did you know that it takes 20 minutes for the hypothalamus to send signals that you are full? This explains why we keep eating and then 20 minutes later feel uncomfortably full. The objective is to reset your hypothalamus and control it by eating more slowly.
Do you know how to distinguish between real hunger and cravings? Hunger is a painful sensation caused by the need for food. There is a signal from the brain and stomach that food is needed for energy. Signals from your stomach may be growling, an empty hollow feeling, and/or hunger pangs. Your brain may send signals such as headache, trouble concentrating, irritability, or fogginess. Hunger does not go away over time -- it only gets worse. As we tell our clients, either you are hungry or not. It is black and white and should not be a second thought. We teach our clients how to select the right combination of foods to keep them full for a few hours. It only creates anxiety when you feel hungry all of the time.
Craving signals do not serve a life-sustaining need. They usually last over a period of 10 minutes and are often triggered by emotions such as stress, boredom, sadness etc. With hunger, any food will quell the sensation; only one specific food, like chocolate, will satisfy the craving.
We teach our clients to distinguish their hunger from cravings by keeping track
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of their hunger and satiety before, and after, eating. It sometimes takes them a day or two to feel real hunger. In the past, they ate all of their meals before they received hunger signals. They soon learn that food truly tastes better when you are hungry. We work with a hunger scale (see below). We note that it is best to eat when hunger level is at a 3 or 4, and not to wait until they are at a 1 or 2 and feeling very, very hungry when they will then most likely overeat and choose unhealthy foods. The 3 or 4 level allows them to make conscious decisions to eat the right amount of healthy and tasty foods.
Next time you have a meal, make it a point to pace yourself. Take a bite of food, lay your fork down, take a drink of water, and partake in conversation. Continue this practice throughout the meal and check in with your body. This method will help you to slow down and get to the feeling of satisfaction and away from that ugly fullness.
Hunger Level Sensations and Symptoms
1 Starving, weak, dizzy
2 Very hungry, cranky, low energy, a lot of stomach growling
3 Pretty hungry, stomach is growling a little
4 Starting to feel a little hungry
So full you feel sick
You still can lose weight if your food is tasty, even when it has some fat. Cravings, which are often for fat, sugar, and salt, are normal and can have a place in a healthy balanced diet. Enjoy the treats and then bring the day back into balance. When you are succeeding, you know that you do not have to feel guilty.
The good news is that most insurance companies pay for nutritional counseling including Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Cigna, Hill, Sutter, UHC, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email us at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or 925-855-0150 to tell us about your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you. Advertorial
WHEN DOING IT ALL COSTS TOO MUCH
By Dr. Erin McKnew, Psy.D.
October has arrived in the San Ramon Valley and life shifts into a higher gear. School routines are in full swing, year-end work deadlines pile up, and obligations crowd your calendar. For parents and professionals juggling home, work, and life’s curveballs, it’s easy to let your needs slip to the bottom. Over time, “I’ll get to my needs later” becomes the default, and the costs add up.
THE COSTS OF MAKING YOURSELF SMALL
When your needs are chronically deprioritized, your mind and body signal that life at this pace is unsustainable. You might notice symptoms like enduring exhaustion, poor sleep, headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, resentment, or a nagging sense you’re watching life instead of living it.
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
The good news is you don’t need a dramatic overhaul to change your trajectory. Small, consistent shifts can break the patterns that keep you in overdrive. Think of these as course corrections, simple adjustments that preserve energy and keep you grounded. A five-minute pause each day can be more effective than the occasional day of “self-care” because it teaches your body rest is routine, not rare or conditional.
CONSIDER A FEW PRACTICAL TIPS:
• Pause before saying yes. A simple “let me check and get back to you” creates space for choice instead of automatic obligation.
• Establish one ritual. A short morning walk, one cup of coffee or tea without multitasking, or a consistent bedtime provides stability.
• Embrace “good enough.” Especially with low-stakes tasks, perfection depletes more than it contributes.
• Transition between tasks. Take a breath, check in with your body, and
attend to your needs before moving forward.
• Notice early signs of fatigue. Irritability, shallow sleep, or tense shoulders are cues to slow down before exhaustion sets in.
Small changes add up. Respecting your limits helps you feel better physically and emotionally, deepens relationships, and gives you more room to enjoy what matters—even with a full to-do list.
OVEREXTENDING: SHORT-TERM STRATEGY OR CHRONIC PATTERN?
For some, small course corrections restore balance. But if you’re in a constant state of overdrive, it’s likely a long-standing pattern. Overextending often starts with good intentions: wanting to be reliable, responsible, and caring. But when putting yourself last becomes habitual, it can leave you depleted and resentful. The real red flag is believing your needs only matter once everything and everyone else is handled, a moment that seldom arrives.
A holiday reset isn’t about doing less—it’s about finding balance, so your needs don’t get lost in the shuffle. Therapy can help you understand how you learned to put your needs last, untangle the patterns that keep you overcommitted, and practice setting boundaries without guilt. I often hear, “I want to work on me, but I don’t have time for therapy.” Ironically, therapy is what helps you reclaim time and energy -- one of the most meaningful gifts you can give yourself.
I’m Dr. Erin McKnew, Psy.D. (PSY26495), a Clinical Psychologist in Danville specializing in burnout, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency. I offer in-person therapy in my Danville office and online therapy throughout California and Hawaii. To learn more about my approach to therapy, call 925-269-4680, email therapy@drerinmcknew.com, or visit www.drerinmcknew.com. I offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you decide if therapy is right for you. Advertorial
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
her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs
THE EYE OPENER WORK/LIFE BALANCE
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
Now that I am on the other side of fifty, I have started thinking about the question of work/life balance. As a business owner, I do not work a typical 40-hour workweek. I am the first person to arrive in the morning and the last one to leave. In addition, I also have several work-related tasks that I tackle over the weekend. Since my wife is the office manager, we both have similar schedules and office-related time requirements. Granted we are not the only ones putting in this much time, but I think we all get to the point where we need to consider how much time is really necessary on work-related tasks vs. taking personal time for whatever it is that gives us some relaxation and/or personal satisfaction. Obviously, this is easier said than done. In addition to myself, I also must think about my family and my staff. Granted, my staff does not put in the time that I or my wife does, but they also have the need for their own personal time and endeavors outside of the office. So, we began to figure out how to improve our situation. Office hours, staff schedules, administrative times, patient hours, etc. all needed to be considered. We ran into several roadblocks in this process; but after careful consideration we decided to reduce our office hours on Fridays. Beginning this month, our office hours will be from 8:30AM until 2PM . This allows our staff (some who live far away) a chance to get home at a normal hour and be able to begin their weekend a few hours earlier than in the past. Even though we are still working five days a week, this enables our office to offer patient appointment times every day. We still have late hours on Thursday until 7PM along with early hours and lunchtime appointments on Fridays. We hope this works out for our well-being while still providing different appointment times for our patient base.
As we told our staff, this plan is always subject to change depending on what issues we run into moving forward. As with any new endeavor, modifications might be necessary. However, our office has embraced this change as a definite reward, and we all appreciate everyone’s commitment to our office in addition to their own personal needs.
Even though we have just started this new office change, it has invigorated me knowing that on Fridays we all get to leave early. A few extra hours on a Friday afternoon allows everyone a jumpstart on their weekend, which is always a bonus regardless of your plans. I encourage others to consider changing something in their lives to improve their own work/life balance. That is going to mean something different for everyone, but it is necessary. Especially for someone like me who has a tough time with change, this is not straightforward. We all get stuck in our own life routine whether it is family, kids, pets, sports, relationships, school, etc. I am not saying that work is not important, it is fundamental to provide for our family, kids, homes, bills, etc. However, I am realizing that it is these other parts of our lives that suffer because of the reliance on work commitments. We are only here for a brief time; we should embrace that and give ourselves the opportunity to improve our well-being. Even if it is only a few extra hours on a Friday afternoon.
Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry.
Peter Pan continued from page 17
Lafayette Art and Wine to raise awareness of The Peter Pan Foundation’s mission. They have even had a yearly performance at Disneyland for the last nine years.
Beyond the stage performances, fundraising and special hospital performances for the children, what sets PPF apart is the incredible community, also known as the PPF Family. As founder Leslie Noel Hansen put it, “Another big part is helping grow the participants themselves; it’s not just about the people we serve but also helping participants fill their own human cup and know that they have a space in this universe to make change.”
Esther Lubega, a long-time PPF performer, shared that PPF has helped her to “build confidence around a supportive group of people, both the leadership and those in productions with me. PPF helps kids see what they could be or do outside of school or the lives they are already living.”
Teens also play a vital role in the success of PPF. The Bay Area Magic Makers, or BAMM Squad as they are known, is the official teen council of PPF. Members are selected to be part of the group which has a four-part mission to (1) produce high quality performances, helping with PPF productions throughout the year; (2) promote the family and mental health aspects of PPF, like making sure no one feels left out; (3) inclusion and advocacy for important issues in the world; and (4) growth and expansion to help with PPF fundraising and communications.
Scan the QR code to learn more about The Peter Pan Foundation, get involved and sign up for their email list to purchase tickets to their upcoming productions.
The BAMM Squad truly helps the foundation keep moving forward along with the PPF Board of Directors. And the beautiful part is that the teens of BAMM Squad are getting life experience and resume and college application-worthy learning while they give back to both PPF and the community.
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Leslie and Larri both wanted everyone to know that if you are passionate about PPF’s mission you can get involved whether or not you sing, dance or act. As Leslie noted, “there are a hundred million ways to make magic!” Whether that means you can donate to help towards the productions, thereby freeing up funds for CHO, or you can sew costumes, build a set or usher a show—there is always a way to participate.
Attending a show is a great way to see what PPF is all about. Scan the QR code to visit their website (peterpanfoundation.org) for more information and sign up for their email list to be notified when tickets go on sale. Follow @ppfmagic on Instagram to keep up with upcoming PPF shows and fundraisers. PPF also holds monthly cabaret night performances, so you can attend one of those for a dose of PPF magic. The beauty of PPF is you might just find your greatest passion can be your greatest gift to those in need.
TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND
Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League ® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified. This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901.
To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www.assistanceleague.org/ diablo-valley
Leslie Noel Hansen, the founder of PPF, bringing some magic to a young child during a hospital visit.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Stem cells are one of the most talked-about areas in regenerative medicine. Many people hear about them in the news or from friends and wonder whether they could help with pain, recovery, or even aging. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions so you can better understand what stem cell–based therapies may offer and how they fit within a broader plan for health and healing.
WHAT ARE STEM CELLS?
Stem cells are unique cells that can renew themselves and develop into other cell types. They act as the body’s “raw materials” for growth and repair. Over time, the number and activity of stem cells naturally decline, which contributes to slower healing and age-related changes.
HOW ARE THEY USED IN HEALING?
•
•
• Sharp, electric-like pain
Stem cell–based therapies are designed to support the body’s repair processes. Studies suggest they may help reduce inflammation, encourage tissue repair, and support recovery. At our clinic, these treatments are uniquely combined with adjunctive therapies such as chiropractic care, class IV laser therapy, shockwave, peptides, and functional medicine, which together create a supportive environment for healing and long-term benefit.
CAN
STEM CELLS HELP WITH AGING?
• Burning or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping from leg or foot discomfort
• Sensitivity to touch
• Pain when walking
Because stem cells are central to tissue repair, they are being studied for their potential in skin health, energy, and recovery. Some people pursue therapies with the goal of stimulating collagen or supporting cellular repair. We combine stem cell–based care with aesthetics, peptides, IV therapy, and other regenerative therapies to help patients look and feel their best naturally.
ARE STEM CELLS LEGAL IN THE USA?
Yes. Stem cell therapies are legal in the United States when offered within the framework set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For uses like joint pain, injury recovery, age-related changes, or skin rejuvenation stem cell–based care is considered investigational. This means that while the FDA has not granted formal approval for these specific conditions, providers may still legally offer treatments using FDA-registered tissue products as long as they are processed and administered in compliance with federal guidelines.
At Align Healing Center, we strictly follow these standards. We use only FDA-registered products and deliver them as part of an integrated care plan. This ensures patients receive care that is not only innovative but also safe, compliant, and ethical.
ARE THESE TREATMENTS SAFE?
When performed with properly processed products in a medical setting, side effects are usually mild, such as temporary soreness at the injection site. At our clinic, we pair stem cell–based therapies with supportive treatments to help create the best environment for safety and recovery.
WHAT
CONDITIONS ARE THEY USED FOR?
Common areas include:
• Joint pain and osteoarthritis
• Tendon or ligament injuries
• Post-surgical recovery support
• Cosmetic uses such as skin rejuvenation
It’s important to remember these uses are investigational, and results vary from person to person.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Adults who want non-surgical options for recovery, pain relief, or natural rejuvenation may be excellent candidates for stem cell–based therapy. Because this is an evolving area of medicine, the first step is a consultation to carefully review your health history and goals.
READY
TO LEARN MORE?
If you’re curious about how regenerative medicine could support your health, recovery, or aging goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Align Healing Center in Danville. Our team will review your health history, explain your options clearly, and design a care plan that combines stem cell–based therapy with supportive treatments that create a strong foundation for healing and long-term vitality.
Call our office today at 925-362-8283 or request an appointment at AlignHealingCenter.com to take the first step toward feeling, moving, and living better. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Advertorial
CPC SENIORS
•
• Repairing and re-educating
• Increasing the blood flow in or hands
• Increasing your balance and You Will Discover:
• What REALLY causes Peripheral Neuropathy
• Dangers typically associated with prescribed for Peripheral Neuropathy
• How to stop nerve damage before effects are irreversible
• How our revolutionary protocol outstanding results for sufferers Peripheral Neuropathy
CPC Seniors is a gathering of senior adults who like to fellowship, have fun, and make new friends! Seniors meet in the sanctuary of Community Presbyterian Church, located at 222 W. El Pintado, Danville, from 10AM – 12:30PM on the first and third Tuesdays, September through May. The gathering is designed to bring together new and old friends in a casual environment. Together, enjoy a devotion and some entertainment, dine, laugh, pray, learn, and grow. Coffee, tea, and a delicious homemade lunch is provided for $5. Get pampered, get fed, get loved! For more information, visit www.cpcdanville.org/seniors. All seniors are welcome!
Guitar Lessons
Guitar Lessons for All Ages and Levels! Private and Group lessons available. Studio located in Alamo. Call or text Paul at 415-218-4505 to start your musical journey today!
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