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live locally TOW N OF DA N V I L L E QUA RT E R LY N E W S L ET T E R
Message from the Town Council
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fter a summer filled with activity and plenty to see and do throughout Danville, fall brings cooler days but no less warmth to the community. The season ahead offers even more to look forward to, along with important progress taking shape throughout Town. Visible progress continues on the long-awaited Diablo Road Multi-Use Trail (page 3), a project nearly 40 years in the making. Once complete later this year, the final section will create a continuous 2.1mile paved trail along Diablo Road, improving connections between Green Valley Road and Blackhawk Road and expanding access to Mount Diablo State Park. As we invest in new ways to get around Town, safety remains a priority. New rules for e-bikes and e-scooters in Danville parks are now in effect, helping keep these shared spaces safe and welcoming for everyone (page 9).
Lighting of the Old Oak Tree
WHAT’S INSIDE... Diablo Road Trail
Annual Report
New E-Bike Rules
PAGE 3
PAGE 6
PAGE 9
Fall also marks the beginning of one of the most special times of year in Danville. As leaves change and holiday lights begin to appear, events and traditions bring people together and Downtown Danville takes on a festive glow (page 4). The season is also a wonderful time to explore downtown and support the local shops and restaurants that contribute so much to Danville’s character (page 10). We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and hope you take time to experience all that our beautiful town has to offer in the months ahead.
NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE TOWN OF DANVILLE
2026 GENERAL ELECTION The 2026 General Election will take place Tuesday, November 3, and will include races for local offices serving the Danville community. For information about polling locations, voter registration, ballots, and other election-related questions, visit ContraCostaVote.gov, the official website of the Contra Costa County Elections Division.
IN MEMORIAM: BOB RUSSELL Landscape Architect
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he Town of Danville mourns the passing of Bob Russell, whose more than 33 years of service helped shape many of the public spaces enjoyed throughout the community today. Bob brought extensive practical knowledge and a deep understanding of native trees to his work as the Town’s Landscape Architect. His contributions can be seen and felt throughout Danville, including at the All Wars Memorial, the Diablo Vista Park playground, and the fountain at Railroad Plaza. Among Bob’s final projects were the Town Green Pavilion and Studio in the Arts District, both expected to be completed in spring 2027. A talented ceramic artist himself, Bob understood the role that art and shared public spaces play in building community. His vision and expertise helped lay the foundation for spaces that will support local artists, bring people together, and serve Danville residents for generations. Bob considered it a privilege to serve Danville. His skill, kindness, and dedication leave a lasting legacy, and he will be deeply missed.
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live locally • Fall 2026
NEW WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING Town Maintenance staff have been hard at work over the past year converting non-functional turf along streets such as Camino Tassajara and El Capitan Drive into more water-efficient landscaping. The project, now nearing completion ahead of the January 1, 2027 state deadline, replaces grass strips between sidewalks and streets with droughttolerant plants and ground covers that require less water and maintenance.
SEASONAL SCHEDULE FOR DANVILLE PARK INVESTING IN DANVILLE’S AMENITIES Several outdoor amenities at Danville STORM DRAIN SYSTEM Danville began as a farming community before growing rapidly in the mid20th century. As the population boomed during the 1970s and 1980s, new neighborhoods, roads, and infrastructure followed. Much of the Town’s storm drain system was built between the 1960s and 1990s, and portions are now nearing the end of their service life. With wetter weather ahead, the Town is continuing to invest in a reliable drainage system. The Storm Drainage Master Plan, completed in 2025, identifies deficiencies and prioritizes maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. This fall, repairs at Hill Meadow Place and along San Ramon Valley Boulevard will help renew aging infrastructure and improve the system’s ability to handle future storms.
parks will follow their annual winter schedules, while the parks remain open for visitors. These routine seasonal closures allow Town staff to complete maintenance, protect amenities during the cooler months, and prepare them for continued use throughout the rest of the year. The Canine Corral Dog Park at Hap Magee Ranch Park will close December 1 for seasonal maintenance and refurbishment. The dog park is expected to reopen March 1 following its annual winter closure. As cooler weather arrives, water features at Hap Magee Ranch Park and Sycamore Valley Park will be turned off beginning October 1. The features will reopen in the spring.
Behind the Construction of the Diablo Road Trail Heavy machinery, deep foundations, and precise engineering are shaping the new route.
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rivers, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling along Diablo Road have seen significant changes this summer as construction progresses on the new Diablo Road Multi-Use Trail. With the project’s largest and most technically challenging phase well underway, crews are completing major structural work and preparing for paving this fall. Much of the summer construction has focused on building retaining walls along Green Valley Creek. These structures are essential to creating enough space for the trail while protecting and stabilizing the adjacent roadway. The work involves far more than placing concrete along the side of the road. In some locations, reinforcement beams extend as deep as 30 feet underground to create a strong foundation for the retaining walls, future trail, and roadway above. The design must also account for the area’s steep terrain and sensitive creek environment. Completing this work within the narrow Diablo Road corridor presents a
significant engineering and construction challenge. Crews must operate heavy machinery in a confined area while managing traffic, working near Green Valley Creek, and maintaining the stability of the surrounding hillside and roadway. The Town appreciates the community’s patience with the traffic control measures needed to safely complete this work. With final retaining-wall work now underway, the corridor is being prepared for the next phase of construction. Paving is expected to begin this fall, followed by work on the trail surface and related safety and site improvements. Once complete, the project will provide a nearly one-mile paved multi-use trail offering a safe and scenic route for pedestrians and cyclists. The new segment will connect the existing Diablo Road Trail, also known as the Barbara Hale Trail, with the 0.7-mile trail constructed as part of the Magee Preserve development. Together, these segments
will form a continuous 2.1-mile, eightfoot-wide paved multi-use trail along Diablo Road. The connection will provide important benefits for the community. It will improve pedestrian and bicycle access between Green Valley Road and Blackhawk Road, create new opportunities for walking and recreation, and expand access toward Mount Diablo State Park. It will also give residents and visitors a dedicated route separated from vehicle traffic along a busy and constrained roadway. The progress made this summer marks an important step toward completing this long-planned community connection. Although work remains, the trail alignment is becoming increasingly visible as the project moves toward paving and anticipated completion later this year. Follow the project’s progress and find weekly updates at danvilletowntalks.org/diablotrail.
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The season begins on a 10/17 playful note with Halloween activities for nearly every member of the family. Dogs can show off their best costumes during Howl-o-Ween: For the Dogs at Hap Magee Ranch Park on Saturday, October 17. The event includes a pet parade, costume contest, and booths from local vendors.
Families can continue 10/22 the festivities at the Spooktacular Celebration on Thursday, October 22, at the Oak Hill Park Community Center, where arts and crafts, face painting, games, and trick-ortreating will fill the evening with fall fun.
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Walk-tober: A 5K Walk for 10/23 Your Health on October 23 gives participants a chance to enjoy cooler weather while focusing on wellness.
10/30
Halloween Improv Night rounds out the month at the Village Theatre on Friday, October 30, with an unpredictable performance inspired by the spooky season.
A new season of community activities is just beginning in Danville. As the days become cooler and evenings arrive a little earlier, fall offers a fresh way to experience the beauty and character of the Town. Explore what’s happening this season at danville.ca.gov/fall.
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November brings new opportunities to gather and be entertained. Adults can step back in time during Murder Mystery Dinner: A Dance with Death on Friday, November 13, at the Danville Senior Center. Set during a 1950s prom night, the interactive experience invites guests ages 18 and older to follow the clues, question the characters, and help solve the evening’s mystery.
12/7
The Price Is Merry follows on December 7 with a playful holiday shopping challenge for adults 55 and up.
11/27
Later in the month, the season takes another turn as the holidays officially arrive with the annual Lighting of the Old Oak Tree on Friday, November 27. Downtown Danville will fill with lights, music, and community traditions as one of the Town’s most recognizable landmarks becomes the centerpiece of the celebration.
Soon after, Santa’s Mailbox 11/30 will begin accepting letters from November 30 through December 11, giving children the opportunity to write to Santa and receive a response by December 24.
12/1 11/28 The festivities continue the following day with the holiday show The Best Intentions on Saturday, November 28.
Adults 55 and up can enjoy a stroll through Downtown Danville with the Holiday Walk and Shop Local event on December 1.
12/11 The annual Elf Workshop 12/12 follows on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. Children ages 1–10 can create hands-on holiday crafts and visit with Santa for a festive photo.
12/15
The season wraps up with good food and warm company at the Holiday Brunch on December 15.
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This Annual Report snapshot gives residents a quick overview of the various service areas and types of work that occurred during the past year.
Recreation, Arts & Community Services
General Government
Community
201 local businesses supported through business promotion grants
Economic Development
1,947 classes offered
19 large-scale community events
18,146 participants 3,723 households served
122 new businesses opened in Danville
Library
Community Outreach
56 open hours per week
17,059 subscribers to the Town’s regular email newsletters
159,419 circulation 72,000 items in collection
Development Services
13,206 active patrons
Engineering
Services for Seniors 2,484 senior meals served
187 streets resurfaced 81 Pavement Condition Index score (Among top five in the Bay Area)
Social Connections
783 plan reviews Building Division
Administrative Services Information Technology
2,558 building permits processed
1,756 tech support requests handled over the past year
606 volunteers for programs
8,955 building inspections conducted
40 servers updated
4 Art Gallery exhibitions
1,962 plan check reviews
Human Resources
512 picnic rentals 185 tennis court rentals
99% plan checks on time 83% of all building plan permits are submitted online Planning 485 plan application reviews 15 development plan approvals 33 accessory dwelling unit (ADU) applications 11 Senate Bill-9 Lot Split Applications
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6,194 new social media followers
28 miles of resurfacing
6,813 senior participants
244 facility rentals
9,973,964 views on the Town’s social media accounts
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12 regular employees onboarded 142 temporary employees onboarded Finance 3 budget hearings on the 2026/2027 budget 22 consecutive years recognized for outstanding financial reporting from the Government Finance Officer’s Association
2026–2027 Maintenance Services 27,335 bags of litter collected 251 sidewalk repairs completed 67 signs installed/replaced 110 street light repairs 138 potholes repaired 760 drain inlets inspected 6,500 miles of street sweeping 194 new plants and trees planted
Administrative Services $5,886,075 Development Services $5,533,986
468 irrigation repairs 1,264 plants and trees pruned
General Government $3,507,045
Maintenance Services $10,153,476
Operating
Budget by Function
$43,755,837
Recreation, Arts & Community Services $4,206,290
Successor Agency $1,166,282
Property Tax $19,500,000
Other $4,759,251
Public Safety 7,854 calls for service 5,941 traffic citations issued 20,227 traffic enforcement stops 2,692 warnings issued 448 arrests 58% of all vehicle thefts solved
(national average clearance rate is 9.3%)
48% of all burglary cases solved
Police Services $13,302,683
Successor Agency $1,166,282 Planning & Building $2,411,200 Recreation, Arts & Community Services $2,802,765 Lighting & Landscaping Assessments $4,707,233
Operating
Revenue Sources
$47,367,086
Franchise Fees $2,627,232 Measure J & Gas Tax $2,893,123 Sales Tax $6,500,000
(national average clearance rate is 13%)
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CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY AT THE VOLUNTEER FAIR
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iscover new ways to get involved, serve your community, and build meaningful local connections at the Town of Danville’s Volunteer Fair. This popular event brings together a wide range of local organizations offering volunteer opportunities for different interests, skills, and schedules. Whether you are looking to support a local cause, meet new people, share your experience, or simply learn more about what is happening in the community, the Volunteer Fair is a great place to start. Representatives from the Town of Danville and participating organizations will be available to explain their programs, discuss current volunteer needs, and answer any questions you may have. The Volunteer Fair will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Danville Senior Center. Admission is free, and no registration is required. Drop in anytime and find a way to make a difference.
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Illuminates the Fall Season
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s summer fades and darkness becomes a greater part of each day, the Village Theatre Art Gallery will explore the creative possibilities that emerge when light and shadow meet. The Town’s fall exhibition, Art in the Dark, opens Saturday, October 17, at 5:30 p.m. and invites visitors into a world where darkness becomes a canvas and light awakens the imagination. The exhibition will feature two- and three-dimensional works that glow beneath black light, shine with LED illumination, and use light and shadow in unexpected ways. The featured pieces were selected for the Town’s 16th Annual Juried Exhibition. Artists submitted works for consideration, and a panel of judges chose an array of pieces that reflect different styles, materials, and approaches to the exhibition’s theme. Together, the selected
artists demonstrate how illumination can be used not only to make artwork visible, but also to shape its mood, movement, and meaning. Young artists can explore the theme for themselves during the Glowing Galaxy Painting workshop. Participants will use color and light-inspired techniques to create their own galaxy paintings in two age-specific sessions. The workshop for ages 5–11 will take place Thursday, October 29, followed by a session for ages 12–16 on Thursday, November 5. Playful, immersive, and imaginative, Art in the Dark offers a fitting experience for the fall season. As daylight begins to fade earlier, the exhibition shows how artists can use darkness not as an ending, but as an opportunity for creativity to shine. Art in the Dark will remain on view at the Village Theatre Art Gallery through December 18.
New E-Bike Rules Keep Danville Parks Safe Riders must dismount and walk e-bikes & e-scooters within Town parks
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ew requirements for electric bicycles and motorized scooters have been in effect in Danville parks since August 6. Under the ordinance adopted by the Danville Town Council in July, e-bikes and e-scooters may be brought into Town parks, but they must be walked within park boundaries. The ordinance is intended to help keep Danville’s parks safe, comfortable, and welcoming for everyone. Parks are shared spaces where children play, families gather, athletes compete, and residents of all ages walk and enjoy recreation. Requiring e-bikes and
e-scooters to be walked helps reduce conflicts with pedestrians and supports the safe use of park pathways and gathering areas. Signs outlining the requirements were installed at park entrances beginning in early August. The Town’s initial focus has been on education and awareness, and families are encouraged to review the rules with young riders and plan to dismount before entering a park. Additional information and frequently asked questions are available at danville.ca.gov/NotMyKid.
New LED Lighting Keeps Play Going at Diablo Vista Park
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s the days grow shorter, new LED lighting at Diablo Vista Park is helping athletes continue to enjoy the field into the evening hours. The sports field lighting at the park’s synthetic turf field was upgraded this summer with brighter, more energyefficient LED fixtures. The improved lighting provides better visibility across the playing surface and allows youth and adult sports leagues to continue practices and games during the fall and winter months, when daylight is limited. The fixtures use significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan than the previous lighting system, reducing ongoing energy and maintenance needs. They are also considered darksky friendly, with light directed more
precisely onto the field to limit the amount that escapes into the night sky or surrounding areas. Completed in June, the project was developed in partnership with the Sports Alliance, a collaborative group representing youth and adult sports leagues that use fields in Danville and the surrounding area. The Sports Alliance fully funded the conversion, delivering an important investment to a well-used recreation facility. By improving visibility, reducing energy use, and limiting unnecessary light, the upgrade helps Diablo Vista Park continue serving residents, visiting teams, and athletes of all ages after the sun goes down. live locally • Fall 2026
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Light Up the Holidays &
Shop Local T
he holiday season in Danville begins with one of the Town’s most treasured traditions. The Lighting of the Old Oak Tree returns Friday, November 27, with festivities beginning at 5:15 p.m. before the Town’s iconic tree is illuminated for the season.
RETURNS THIS FALL
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ne of Danville’s most beloved fall traditions is back! From October 1 through November 1, local businesses transform Downtown and beyond into a festive outdoor gallery by hosting creatively decorated scarecrows at their storefronts. From whimsical and funny to imaginative and seasonal, each scarecrow has its own unique personality, making every stroll a new adventure. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to explore the participating businesses, discover their favorite scarecrows, and enjoy everything Danville has to offer along the way. You can even vote for your favorite! Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or experiencing the Scarecrow Stroll for the first time, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while supporting our local business community. View the map, business promotions and vote at danville.ca.gov/ scarecrowstroll.
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This year, new lighting on the Old Oak will add an even brighter glow to the celebration. Performances by local community groups will help build the festive atmosphere before the tree is illuminated, creating a memorable start to the holiday season. Once the Old Oak is lit, the celebration continues throughout downtown, where decorated storefronts, seasonal activities, and holiday specials welcome visitors into the heart of the community. Downtown Danville offers a holiday setting that feels both festive and personal. Its walkable streets, locally owned shops, inviting restaurants, and small-town charm make it easy to slow down and enjoy the season. Shoppers can browse for unique gifts, stop for a warm drink or meal, admire the decorations, and visit several businesses without the long drives, crowded shopping centers, and hectic pace often associated with holiday shopping. That relaxed and welcoming experience is only part of what makes shopping
downtown so meaningful. Each purchase also supports the local businesses that help shape the character of the community. Danville’s small businesses create local jobs, support schools, nonprofit organizations, youth sports, and community events, and contribute to what makes the Town such a special place to live and visit. In an even more intimate way, Danville’s business owners can make personal recommendations for gifts; you’ll never find someone that knows their products better than a Danville business owner. Shopping locally also helps keep sales tax revenue in Danville. Those dollars support the services and amenities residents rely on throughout the year, including parks, public safety, arts, recreation programs, and other investments that contribute to the Town’s quality of life. Choosing a gift from a downtown boutique or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant becomes another way to invest directly in the community. From the first glow of the Old Oak Tree to the final gift on the list, the season offers plenty of reasons to celebrate, shop, dine, and spend time in Danville. Learn more ways to make the most of the holiday season in Danville at danville.ca.gov/holidays.
New Businesses to Support Chronic Tacos 420 Diablo Rd. chronictacos.com
Rancho Cantina Danville 501 Hartz Ave. ranchocantina.com
Le Jardinet 100 Hartz Ave. instagram.com/lejardinet.danville
Sourdough & Co 3454 Camino Tassajara sourdoughandco.com
Phoenix Printing Co. 156 Diablo Rd. Suite 300 phxprintingco.com
V. W. Housen & Associates 319 Diablo Rd. Suite 216 housenassociates.com
Polished K9 Institute 675 Hartz Ave. Suite 207 polishedk9institute.com
Vivaire Wellness Spa 301 Hartz Ave. Suite 107 vivairespa.com
Prima Vini 77 Front St. primavini.com
Wallbeds “n” More 444 Hartz Ave. wallbedsnmore.com
Nordstrom Local 600 Sycamore Valley Rd. W
The Wellness Institute 360 Diablo Rd. wellnessinstitute.io
The Pacific Center for Financial Services 156 Diablo Rd. Suite 320 pcfsonline.com
Prima Vini
Business Focus Subscribe to the Town’s free newsletter just for business owners and managers danville.ca.gov/businessfocus
Chronic Tacos
Discover Danville Your Holiday Companion
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ake the most of the holiday season with an interactive guide to shopping, dining, local history, and more—all right in the palm of your hand.
Discover Danville is a free, mobile-friendly experience that makes it easy to explore Downtown Danville. Browse local shops and restaurants, uncover hidden gems, and discover the stories behind familiar places. As you stroll through downtown, historical photos offer a glimpse of “what used to be,” bringing Danville’s past to life along the way. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift, choosing a place to enjoy a holiday meal, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, Discover Danville can be your companion throughout the season. Getting started is easy. Visit danville.ca.gov/discoverdanville from any mobile device. No download is required. live locally • Fall 2026 11
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Danville, CA Permit 71
Town of Danville 500 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740
*********ECRWSSEDDM****
Postal Customer
Upcoming Community Events Visit danville.ca.gov/calendar for more information.
S TAY C O N N E C T E D
danville.ca.gov nextdoor.com/danville--ca
Nixle (text your zip code to 888777)
STAGED READING SERIES October 2, 3, 9 & 10 • 7 p.m.
RUN FOR EDUCATION October 11 • 8 a.m.
STEP UP FOR DOWN SYNDROME WALK & FAMILY PICNIC October 11 • 10 a.m.
ARTS & REC ON THE GO! October 13 • 3:30 p.m.
VOLUNTEER FAIR: OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE TOWN October 14 • 6:30 p.m.
PRESCHOOL PERFORMANCE: MAGICIAN BRIAN SCOTT
HALLOWEEN IMPROV NIGHT AT THE VILLAGE THEATRE October 30 • 7 p.m.
MOVIE & GAME NIGHT November 10 • 4:30 p.m.
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION & OPEN HOUSE November 11 • 9 a.m.
LIGHTING OF THE OLD OAK TREE November 27 • 5:30 p.m.
ART IN THE DARK: 16TH ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION
SANTA’S MAILBOX
October 21
SPOOKTACULAR CELEBRATION October 22 • 4 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Local community market with fresh produce and unique artisan goods.
November 13 • 5:30 p.m.
HOLIDAY SHOW: THE BEST INTENTIONS
UNITY DAY
Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (rain or shine) Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: A DANCE WITH DEATH
October 17 • 11 a.m.
October 17-December 18 Opening Reception: October 17 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
DANVILLE
FA R M ER S ’ M ARKE T
November 28 • 8 p.m.
November 30-December 11
ELF WORKSHOP
December 11 • 4 & 6 p.m. December 12 • 9 & 11 a.m.
Complete the scavenger hunt and pick up your copy of the Acorns of the Old Oak Coloring Book at the Danville Community Center and Senior Center this fall. For more information, visit danville.ca.gov/acorns.