Live Locally Quarterly Newsletter Winter 2021

WINT E R 2 021

live locally TOWN OF DANVILLE Q U A RT E R LY N E W S L E T T E R

Message from the Town Council Welcome to our first Live Locally Quarterly Newsletter of 2021. We are hoping that the new year brings an end to the troubles of 2020 and a great year ahead. Our new issue gives you a look at all of the great things that are happening in Town, and what we are doing in the community.

For those wanting to know more about Town government, the center section explains more about how the Town Council is structured, and how we work with staff to create and enact policies and programs. In addition, there is information on how to sign up to receive agendas, how to attend council/commission meetings, and how to contact your council and staff.

In the area of public safety, we offer a look at speeding enforcement from a police officer’s perspective, give some tips on how to make your homes less attractive to criminals and introduce you to our newest K-9, Loizo.

The Town is constantly working on ways to make lives better, and in this issue we look at both the Bike Master Plan as well as the Storm Drain Master Plan. We look at how the Town prepares for winter, and we give you a look at our new upgraded Danville Connect app.

WHAT'S INSIDE...

Danville Library Updates Hours

Enjoy A Tasty New Online Cooking Course

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On the back cover, check out the individuals in our community who have been celebrated with Community Service Awards.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead, and wish the best for all of you and your families as we work to Live Locally in Danville.

Danville Library Update For the 2020/21 fiscal year, the Contra Costa County Library has taken necessary steps to reduce costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunday hours have been eliminated and service levels have been reduced to a maximum of 56 hours per week. The library hours are now Monday–Thursday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Danville Library was one of the busiest libraries in Contra Costa County, averaging 86 visits per hour. When the Shelter in Place order was lifted, the County Librarian developed a phased reopening schedule.

Currently, the library is in phase 2 of reopening.

This means limited core services where customers

preorder books online, arrange a pick-up date and time and collect the order via front door pickup.

The library has an extensive collection of online material. To learn more about front door service and order library materials online please visit Contra Costa County Library front door service at https://ccclib.org/front-door-service.

LIBRARY HOURS Monday–Thursday. . . . . . 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. . . . 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS Three Danville Town Council seats were decided in the November 3, 2020 general election. Two incumbents, Newell Arnerich and Renee Morgan, along with Senior Advisory Commissioner David Fong were elected. Vote totals for all nine candidates are below.

Newell Arnerich 15,255 Renee Morgan 14,028 David Fong 11,333 Turner F. Stanton 9,345 PJ Shelton 4,491

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Kevin R. Traylor Allen Timmons Mohamed Elsherbini Nasser Mirzai

4,461 4,064 3,671 3,304

The Canine Corral Dog Park at Hap McGee Ranch Park

TRAFFIC COLLISIONS

CANINE CORRAL

OFFICER JAMES LANG Traffic Motor Officer My name is Officer James Lang and I work as a traffic motor officer with the Danville Police Department.

I would like to share with you some of the common reasons we see traffic collisions around the Town of Danville. We all have busy lives these days and one of the main ways we communicate with one another is with our cell phones.

However, distracted driving is a big problem. Driving a motor vehicle takes a lot of our attention. Looking at our phones for that latest text or phone call takes our eyes off the road and what is going on around us. If you are looking at your phone and a car slows in front of you, you may not see it soon enough to react and a traffic collision occurs. Remember, that text or call can wait. It is not worth hurting yourself or someone else.

Another major contributor to traffic collisions is speed and not obeying

traffic signals. Again, we are all busy. The couple of extra seconds you gain by not obeying the speed limit is not worth getting into an accident.

If a traffic signal is cycling to yellow, it’s always best to stop rather than trying to make it through the intersection before it turns red.

As we move into the winter/rainy season please remember the roadway surfaces will be slippery.

Be sure to drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions. Driving too fast in the rain and traffic is not a good combination. Stay safe!

The Canine Corral Dog Park at Hap Magee Ranch Park will be closed from December 1, 2020 through February 26, 2021, weather permitting, in order to: Install all new sod in large dog park

Plant new grass seed in small dog park

Sand and refinish several benches

Replenish bark mulch throughout both parks

Repair fencing, gates and entryways

Prune trees

Traffic accident map

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APP LETS RESIDENTS CONNECT AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON Want to report an issue or get in touch with your town? The Danville Connect app is the perfect way to do just that.

The app allows residents to accomplish a wide variety of tasks, from reporting a pothole to requesting facility rental information with ease.

The app uses the phone’s GPS, so that when a resident reports an issue like a flashing street light, the exact location is sent to the appropriate Town staff. You can even attach a photo of the concern to the report. Features such as this allow Danville staff to more efficiently serve members of the public.

Danville Connect features an FAQ system with extensive information, direct email access to the Town Council and links to the Danville website, publications, and social media.

The app is free and can be found in the Google Play and the Apple App Store by searching for “Danville Connect.”

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Prevent crime through home security and CPTED

Design Your Home to Prevent Crime Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a set of design principles used to discourage crime and promote home security. The concept is that homes can be designed to enhance safety and prevent crime. CPTED principles anticipate the thought process of a potential offender and create an environment that discourages crime.

THE FOUR MAIN PRINCIPLES OF CPTED ARE:

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Natural Surveillance—Exterior lighting and security cameras are critical in improving visibility and deterring unwanted guests.

Access Control—Use landscape and hardscape to direct people to controlled visible areas. Fences, clear paths and lighting should point to approved pathways and eliminate access to private areas.

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Territorial Reinforcement—Create barriers between public and private spaces using landscape design and fencing.

Maintenance—Show pride of ownership by keeping a regular maintenance schedule that addresses landscape, weed abatement, tree-trimming and debris removal. A well-manicured yard sends a message that people care and crime will not be tolerated.

When CPTED is put into practice, the resulting environment will discourage or impede criminal behavior.

Just a few modifications and upgrades can drastically improve home security.

Work Continues on Town-Wide Bicycle Master Plan In Spring 2020, the Town began development of its first-ever Bicycle Master Plan. When completed, the plan will provide a roadmap for the prioritization and construction of future bicycle improvements and will set policy on how to further encourage and promote bicycling as a safe and viable form of transportation and recreation for all ages and skill levels throughout the community.

The most important component of a Bicycle Master Plan is public input. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Town staff had to rethink its approach to engaging the community. As a result, staff hosted three virtual sessions in the summer and fall. In addition to the online events, the community can provide feedback through an interactive web map

where the public can submit comments on existing bicycle facilities, safety issues, and suggestions for future improvements.

A final online workshop is planned for February 2021 where the public will have the opportunity to participate and provide comments on the draft final plan. The interactive web map also remains available for participants to provide input and view comments that have been received to date.

For updates on the plan and schedule, and to access the interactive web map visit the project website at www.danvillebikeplan.com or contact Transportation Manager Andy Dillard at adillard@danville.ca.gov.

POLICE K-9 LOIZO This is the Town of Danville’s K-9 Team, Officer Emily Neabeack and Loizo. Loizo is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Czech Republic. Loizo’s role as a Police K-9 includes apprehending suspects, searching buildings and open spaces, explosive detection, and tracking subjects. When he’s not working, Loizo enjoys swimming and playing fetch.

Tell us about bicycling in Danville Click on the buttons below to tell us about destinations you like to bike to, places you would like to be able to bike to, streets or routes that need improvement, and barriers to biking around town.

Destination that I currently access or would like to access by bicycling Route that I think needs bicycling improvements Barrier to bicycling

If someone has placed a point that you agree with, click the “Vote for This” option when you click on the point.

New interactive web map for public input

SANDBAG STATION SET UP TO ASSIST IN FLOOD PREVENTION As we enter the rainy season in Northern California, the Town of Danville sets up a sandbag station each winter to help residents prevent flooding on their properties.

The station, located at the Town’s Service Center at 1000 Sherburne Hills Road, provides sand, sandbags and a shovel in a do-it-yourself setting where residents can fill sandbags for personal use. There is a limit of 20 bags per household to ensure that there is an adequate supply for the rainy season.

This sandbag station will be in place until the spring when the threat of rain has abated.

For further information regarding the sandbag station, contact Maintenance Services at (925) 314-3450 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/maintenance.

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Your Danville HOW THE DANVILLE TOWN COUNCIL WAS FORMED

During the recent election season, residents expressed interest in learning more about Town government: how it is structured, operates, and the best way to communicate with council and staff.

The Town of Danville incorporated in 1982 as a general law city, with a five member Town Council. The five members of the Council are elected on an at-large basis for four-year terms. The Council is responsible for establishing policies governing the Town, which is done through processes such as the adoption of ordinances and the establishment of the annual operating and capital budget.

REPRESENTATION ON OTHER AGENCIES In addition to their other duties, Town Council members are appointed to represent Danville on local, regional, and state organizations to ensure that Danville’s voice is heard. Some of the agencies the council are involved with include the League of California Cities, MCE Clean Energy, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and RecycleSmart. A full list of the council’s assignments can be found at www.danville.ca.gov/towncouncil.

HOW THE MAYOR IS SELECTED The positions of Mayor and Vice Mayor are appointed annually by the Town Council members on the first Tuesday of December. The position rotates through all five council members. While the Mayor has the responsibility to preside over council meetings and various Town events, the Mayor’s vote carries the same weight as fellow council members.

TOWN STAFF The Town Council directly hires the Town Manager and the City Attorney. The Town, like the vast majority of cities throughout California, operates under the Council/Manager form of government, in which the Council is responsible for establishing policy and the Manager is responsible for day to day implementation of that policy. This system is analogous to a Board of Directors and CEO in the private sector. The Town Manager is responsible for the hiring and oversight of the Town’s staff, which provides service to the community in their areas of expertise.

TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITIES • Maintaining a high level of public safety and preparedness • Ongoing COVID-19 response and business support • Maintaining fiscal sustainability • Addressing state-mandated housing growth for all income categories

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Government COMMISSIONS/ COMMITTEES

HOW DO I CONTACT A COUNCIL MEMBER OR STAFF?

The Town Council also appoints residents to serve on a variety of boards and commissions.

These groups meet to discuss relevant agenda items, and then present a recommendation to the Town Council for action. Members are recruited from the community on an as-needed basis by the City Clerk.

All members of the council provide contact information on the Town of Danville website, as well as on the Town’s free app Danville Connect. Below are email contacts for the five council members.

Commissions/Committees in Danville consist of: • Arts Advisory Board • Design Review Board • Heritage Resource Commission • Historic Design Review Committee • Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission • Planning Commission • Senior Advisory Commission

Arnerich, Newell: Fong, David: Morgan, Renee: Stepper, Karen: Storer, Robert:

narnerich@danville.ca.gov dfong@danville.ca.gov rmorgan@danville.ca.gov kstepper@danville.ca.gov rstorer@danville.ca.gov

For those wishing to contact Town staff with questions or concerns, a staff directory is available on the Town’s website at www.danville.ca.gov/contactus.

COUNCIL MEETINGS For information on upcoming council or commission agendas: residents can go to www.danville.ca.gov/agendas. You can sign up for meeting notifications. Currently, meetings are livestreamed via Zoom and on the Town of Danville’s website.

How to take part in a council meeting: the Danville Town Council encourages residents to participate in Council meetings. Residents may submit written comments to the council on any item not on the agenda during “For the Good of Town.” Similarly, comments may be submitted on agenda items and will be read by the City Clerk during the council’s consideration of the item.

Comments must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the council meeting to cityclerk@danville.ca.gov.

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Town of Danville Winter Weather Prep Every fall the Town of Danville takes on the monumental task of cleaning and clearing miles of roadside ditches, culverts, creeks, and storm drain inlets. The work is done to help ensure that the waterways and drainage locations are clear once the winter rains begin.

There are approximately 4,700 storm drain inlets in Danville. The current 5-year maintenance program is to inspect and maintain 500 of these drain inlets on an annual basis, however last year over 1,100 were cleaned.

The Town is asking residents to help keep storm drains and culverts clean by making sure yard waste is safely disposed of in green bins instead of left on the street or in ditches.

Debris in the roadway can cause a number of problems which include: • Clogging or damage to storm drains • Potential traffic hazards • Increased rodent activity • Increased costs to the Town for disposal For more information on storm preparation, contact Town of Danville Maintenance Services at (925) 314-3450 or visit www.danville.ca.gov/stormprep.

Diablo Road mudslide

SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR The wonderful Preschool Performance Series continues through 2021 with lots of great shows for our little ones online. Here is the upcoming schedule of programs.

 Purchase tickets at www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows 8

F EB R UARY 5 : Octopretzel

M AR C H 1 2 : Ventriloquist Steve Chaney and Cornelius Crowe

NEW ONLINE COOKING COURSE BEGINS

2021 Downtown Employee Parking Permit Program Update The Downtown Employee Parking Permit Program offers merchants and employees all-day parking privileges in designated zones and municipal parking lots (for up to 8 hours). This helps to free up curbside parking for customers. Having convenient curbside parking options in Danville helps businesses by increasing turnover and positively impacting economic vitality. Our business owners are asked to participate in the program, encourage employee participation, and communicate the benefits of the program to their employees.

ORDERING A PERMIT 2021 Permits are available at danville.thepermitstore.com and are valid through December 31, 2021.

For more information, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/employeeparkingpermit.

Danville residents have a chance to learn the culinary arts online, as the Town of Danville announces a new monthly cooking class Compassionate Cravings.

The class is taught by Carol Jeha, a seasoned cook who designed this program to teach a modern twist on classic dishes to couples or singles who want a quality meal at home. Prior to each class, a shopping list will be emailed along with a link to the Zoom call. Then together you will cook various appetizers and dishes perfect for at home dining and for future gatherings. Prices for the class are $25 per person or $40 per couple. Tickets to this class are available at www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows.

Due to COVID-19 and the challenge it has placed on downtown businesses, parking permits for all zones will be free of charge for 2021.

PRESCHOOL PERFORMANCE A PR I L 2: Comedy Magician Timothy James

J U N E 1 1 : Zappo the Magician

MAY 1 4: The Brian Waite Band

J U LY 9: Comedy Circus Arts with Bri Crabtree

AUG UST 1 2 : The Sultan of Silly—Adam Gottstein

For more information, go to www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows

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ONLINE SENIOR RESOURCES PAGE To help seniors stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Danville created the Senior Resources page www.danville.ca.gov/ seniorresources. The webpage has become a touchstone for providing information, updates, book reviews, recipes, virtual newsletters and much more.

Tips for Wet Winter Driving 1

Slow down! Your car takes longer to stop when the roadway is wet

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If your wipers are on, you are required to turn on your headlights

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If it’s foggy and your visibility is reduced to 1000 feet or less, you must turn on your headlights

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Avoid driving into standing water on the roadways

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Increase your following distance from the car in front of you

Grip the steering wheel with both hands to maximize vehicle control and minimize distractions

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If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly; instead, take your foot off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your car regains traction

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live locally F E B R U A R Y R E S TA U R A N T W E E K

After the traditional indulgences of the holidays, are you ready to try something new and delicious? From February 19–28, 2021, several restaurants in Town will be participating in Restaurant Week and will invite diners to sample an array of new options. Visit the Live Locally webpage for more ways to explore and support Danville’s foodie scene. #dineindanville

TRI-VAL L EY BEER TRAI L Another unique way to support local is by participating in the Tri-Valley Beer Trail—a curated collection of exclusive deals and discounts from the best breweries, taprooms, and alehouses in the Tri-Valley. Signing up for the Trail is completely free, requires no download, and is accessible via any mobile device. Check in to 10 participating taprooms to win some premium beer swag or go the extra mile and visit each stop on the Trail to win a 64 oz. growler.

Sign up for the Trail at bit.ly/TVBEERTRAIL.

Beer Trail Brew Spots: Danville Brewing Company

200 RAILROAD AVE 217-4172

The Growler 515 SAN RAMON VALLEY BLVD 984-2706

T HA N K YO U FOR TA KI NG T HE PLE DGE TO S U P P O RT LOCA L In the Fall/Winter of 2020, the community was asked and encouraged to “Pledge to Support Local.” Danville businesses had experienced an unprecedented year and appreciated the support they received during the holiday season. A sincere thanks to all those who committed to #pledgedanville and who will continue to do so to ensure our merchants can offer the unique products and stellar customer service they are known for.

Visit the online Danville Business Directory at www.danville.ca.gov/businessdirectory to search for businesses and to explore all the other shops, restaurants, and services in Town.

Scan the code with your camera to connect to the Business Directory

This photo was taken prior to COVID-19.

Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Danville, CA Permit 71

Town of Danville 510 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740

Postal Customer

DANVILLE TOWN COUNCIL Mayor Renee Morgan rmorgan@danville.ca.gov Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich narnerich@danville.ca.gov Councilmember David Fong dfong@danville.ca.gov Councilmember Karen Stepper kstepper@danville.ca.gov Councilmember Robert Storer rstorer@danville.ca.gov

Attendees cheer at a previous awards event, before COVID-19

MAYOR’S INSTALL ATION AND COMMUNIT Y SERV ICE AWARDS FOR 2020 Due to the coronavirus, the annual Town of Danville Mayor’s Installation and

STAY CONNECTED VISIT US

danville.ca.gov facebook.com/ DanvilleCA @TownofDanvilleCA @DanvilleINFO nextdoor.com/ danville--ca Nixle (text your zip code to 888777)

#LiveLocallyDanville

Community Service Awards was held as a virtual celebration. During the December 8, 2020 event, the Danville Town Council honored members of the community for donating their time and efforts to make Danville the wonderful place it is. Those receiving awards this year were: AWA R D S O F M E R I T Liz Garon, Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market For her outstanding efforts to adapt the Danville Farmers’ Market to changing conditions prompted

by COVID-19 and continuing to offer the community a wonderful weekly open-air market.

I CAN DO THAT! Performing Arts Center For creating amazing theatre and a place to gather for our local youth community.

Kim Holmes For her dedication and support in assisting and supporting fire victims and first responders related to the 2020 north bay firestorms.

Dr. Cindy Cui For providing thousands of masks and infrared thermometers to the Town in an effort to address and combat COVID-19.

Paul and Susan Cowell Harry and Barbara Hubinger For many years of outstanding community service as Danville Volunteers in Police.

AWA R D O F S P EC I A L R EC O G N I T I O N Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley For adapting and staging the annual July 4 parade as a virtual event, allowing the community to enjoy this tradition in a brand new format.

T H E DA N V I L L E AWA R D Zae Perrin For his outstanding dedication and service to Danville businesses and the community as the President and CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR RECIPIENTS FOR ALL YOUR WORK FOR THE TOWN OF DANVILLE!