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Contra Costa Interfaith Housing: Giving Hope a Home By Jody Morgan Having a home for the holidays is only a dream for many Contra Costa County residents. In 1991, the Homeless Task Force of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church identified the escalating problem. Fifteen congrega- tions responded immediately to their call for help, jointly founding Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing (CCITH). Recognizing that breaking the cycle of poverty, trauma and homelessness demands stability, the non- profit renamed Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH) currently provides permanent residences for more than 330 formerly homeless families with support from 35 faith communities, generous sponsoring organizations and numerous individuals including 440 volunteers. Providing shelter is the first action item. Estimates suggest that on any given night, as many as 5,000 Contra Costa County residents are homeless. Accurate counts are difficult to obtain. “The reason I fight it [being labeled homeless] is not from pride, it’s from strategy. The moment someone labels you as homeless, they assume drugs, alcohol, or laziness. There’s not room [under this term] for people who actually work,” explains one client quoted in the Contra Costa County Homeless Continuum of Care’s Annual Report for Fiscal year 2013-2014. CCITH incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit and partnered with Mercy Housing to purchase Garden Park Apartments (GPA) in 2000. Originally transitional living-space, the renovated Pleasant Hill 1950s complex became Contra Costa County’s first permanent supportive housing in December 2004, and CCITH reregistered as CCIH. According to research on housing needs leading to the Contra Costa County 10-year strategic plan launched in 2004, the biggest hole in available county services for those at risk for homelessness is permanent affordable homes. In order to be affordable, housing should cost no more than 30% of a person’s (or family’s) income. For someone earning the minimum wage, the average cost of rent in Contra Costa County ($1,578/month) equates to December 2014 Serving Danville PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA ECRWSS Local Postal Customer See Hope continued on page 16 Volume VI - Number 2 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher editor@ yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Danville Today News. Danville Today News is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement. Volunteers from faith communities and service clubs help brighten Garden Park Apartments with landscaping and furnishings. Eye of Diablo Save Mount Diablo, the Sons & Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, and Cali- fornia State Parks will light the “Eye of Diablo,” Mount Diablo’s beacon. The beacon is lit each December 7 th to memorialize Pearl Harbor Day and remember those who served. For the comfort of those in at- tendance, particularly local Pearl Harbor Survivors, and because of concerns of ice atop Mount Diablo, the Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Cal State East Bay campus in Concord. Thanks to CCTV lending Save Mount Diablo a hand, everyone will be able to see both the ceremony and lighting from the campus as well as up-close footage of the beacon from the summit. The ceremony will be held Saturday, December 7, 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm in the Oak Room of the Library Building at the California State East Bay Concord Campus, located at 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord. For more information about the Beacon Lighting Ceremony visit www. savemountdiablo.org/activities_events_beacon.html or contact Save Mount Diablo’s office at (925) 947-3535. Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educat- ing the public about the mountain’s natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend, and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. Wreaths Across America: The Alamo Lafayette Cemetery District Board of Directors is pleased to have the San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated sponsor the Wreaths Across America project for the Alamo Cemetery on El Portal in Danville. On Saturday, December 13 th at noon, the club will be placing Holiday Wreaths on the graves of veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. We have identified 18 veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. This project is part of the club’s “Caring for America.” The public is invited to attend. Pictured in photo at left are, front row (l-r): Dee Thompson, Claudia Nemir, and Sara Schmitz, back row (l-r): Patty Dobbin and Linda King.
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Page 1: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

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Contra Costa Interfaith Housing: Giving Hope a Home By Jody Morgan

Having a home for the holidays is only a dream for many Contra Costa County residents. In 1991, the Homeless Task Force of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church identified the escalating problem. Fifteen congrega-tions responded immediately to their call for help, jointly founding Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing (CCITH). Recognizing that breaking the cycle of poverty, trauma and homelessness demands stability, the non-profit renamed Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH) currently provides permanent residences for more than 330 formerly homeless families with support from 35 faith communities, generous sponsoring organizations and numerous individuals including 440 volunteers.

Providing shelter is the first action item. Estimates suggest that on any given night, as many as 5,000 Contra Costa County residents are homeless. Accurate counts are difficult to obtain. “The reason I fight it [being labeled homeless] is not from pride, it’s from strategy. The moment someone labels you as homeless, they assume drugs, alcohol, or laziness. There’s not room

[under this term] for people who actually work,” explains one client quoted in the Contra Costa County Homeless Continuum of Care’s Annual Report for Fiscal year 2013-2014.

CCITH incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit and partnered with Mercy Housing to purchase Garden Park Apartments (GPA) in 2000. Originally transitional living-space, the renovated Pleasant Hill 1950s complex became Contra Costa County’s first permanent supportive housing in December 2004, and CCITH reregistered as CCIH. According to research on housing needs leading to the Contra Costa County 10-year strategic plan launched in 2004, the biggest hole in available county services for those at risk for homelessness is permanent affordable homes.

In order to be affordable, housing should cost no more than 30% of a person’s (or family’s) income. For someone earning the minimum wage, the average cost of rent in Contra Costa County ($1,578/month) equates to

December 2014 Serving Danville

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit 263Alamo CA

ECRWSS

LocalPostal Customer

See Hope continued on page 16

Volume VI - Number 23000F Danville Blvd. #117,

Alamo, CA 94507(925) 405-6397

Fax (925) 406-0547

Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publishereditor@

yourmonthlypaper.com

The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Danville Today News.

Danville Today News is not responsible for the content of any of

the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

Volunteers from faith communities and service clubs help brighten Garden Park Apartments with landscaping and furnishings.

Eye of Diablo Save Mount Diablo, the Sons

& Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, and Cali-fornia State Parks will light the “Eye of Diablo,” Mount Diablo’s beacon. The beacon is lit each December 7th to memorialize Pearl Harbor Day and remember those who served.

For the comfort of those in at-tendance, particularly local Pearl Harbor Survivors, and because of concerns of ice atop Mount Diablo, the Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Cal State East Bay campus in Concord. Thanks to CCTV lending Save Mount Diablo a hand, everyone will be able to see both the ceremony and lighting from the campus as well as up-close footage of the beacon from the summit.

The ceremony will be held Saturday, December 7, 3:45pm – 5:30pm in the Oak Room of the Library Building at the California State East Bay Concord Campus, located at 4700 Ygnacio Valley Road, Concord.

For more information about the Beacon Lighting Ceremony visit www.savemountdiablo.org/activities_events_beacon.html or contact Save Mount Diablo’s office at (925) 947-3535.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educat-ing the public about the mountain’s natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend, and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy.

Media Release, November 19, 2014 Contacts: Beryl Anderson, 925-947-3535, 925-451-8376 cell, [email protected] Communications Manager at Save Mount Diablo

Pearl Harbor Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony Moved Photos: Hi –res images may be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0wrwnd6u6v76zs7/ESF5zijalG Credits: are included in the file names. Please contact Beryl for caption requests.

Concord, CA – Last year, the strong winter chill moved the Mount Diablo Beacon Lighting Ceremony down from the mountain’s summit. The same concerns of ice atop Mount Diablo and for the comfort of those in attendance, particularly local Pearl Harbor Survivors, will keep the Lighting Ceremony at the Cal State East Bay campus in Concord again this year. But thanks to CCTV lending Save Mount Diablo a hand, everyone will be able to see both the ceremony and lighting from the campus as well as up close footage of the Beacon from the summit. The public ceremony honors those who served at Pearl Harbor and celebrates the rejuvenated Beacon that will shine in their memory. Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony in the Oak Room of the Library at the Concord Campus of California State East Bay and watch our local Pearl Harbor Survivors lit the Beacon to shine for this one night of the year. A commemorative symbol of those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor, the Beacon is relit by Survivors each year in a ceremony attended by their families and the public. Although the ceremony has been held at the Summit Building, this is not the first time it has been moved due to the mountain top’s devilish winter weather over the last 50 odd years. The Survivors remain undaunted and from sunset on Saturday, December 7th, to sunrise the next morning, the restored Beacon will shine brightly in memory of their sunken shipmates. “We are grateful to have been involved in the restoration of this historic symbol of freedom,” said Ron Brown, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo. “Its restoration ensures the memory of those who lost their lives on that historic day will continue to live on.” The Beacon was originally installed and illuminated in 1928 to aid in trans-continental aviation. It is one of the four guiding beacons installed along the west coast by Standard Oil of CA and is the only one known to still be operational. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Beacon’s light was extinguished during the West Coast Blackout, for fear it may enable an attack on California. It stayed dark until Pearl Harbor Day 1964, when Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz relit the Beacon in a commemorative ceremony and suggested it be illuminated every December 7th to honor those who served and sacrificed. Since

Wreaths Across America: The Alamo Lafayette Cemetery District Board of Directors is pleased to have the San

Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated sponsor the Wreaths Across America project for the Alamo Cemetery on El Portal in Danville. On Saturday, December 13th at noon, the club will be placing Holiday Wreaths on the graves of veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. We have identified 18 veterans buried in the Alamo Cemetery. This project is part of the club’s “Caring for America.” The public is invited to attend.

Pictured in photo at left are, front row (l-r): Dee Thompson, Claudia Nemir, and Sara Schmitz, back row (l-r): Patty Dobbin and Linda King.

Page 2: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 2 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Boulevard View By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

The holidays are about gathering, sharing, gifting, and spending time together with family. And today, the modern family comes in many configurations. There may not be traditional roles, such as mother, father, children, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, but rather a mash-up. There’s a new definition of “family” consist-ing of singles, partners, step-parents, co-parents, friends, friends-of-friends, co-workers, schoolmates, lonely-

hearts, and other various blends of people and relationships. For some, a traditional holiday dinner has morphed into a different type of

celebration. Millennials seem to be the source of the recent gathering fad titled “Friendsgiving.” It’s essentially a second Thanksgiving with your buddies held around the holidays, and it is a way to celebrate a tradition and gathering in perhaps a non-traditional way with “family” members of your choosing.

The gatherings provide an opportunity “to sit back, relax, and enjoy being with that ‘other family,’ notes 20-something Tracy Petroski. The gatherings are also a great way to connect and bond in real-time rather than “Facetime,” email, phone, or texting. A gathering often consists of a hosted potluck where everyone participates in the meal and party process. Where Thanksgiving is about the special china, a fine wine matched to the main course and relatives you may not see very often, Friendsgiving is more about folding tables, paper plates, old friends, and BYOB. Everyone contributes according to whatever they’re good at.

Up until our society became industrialized, people in small agricultural com-munities relied on each other and tended to gather together more. There were town hall dances, potlucks, and block parties. It was commonplace for communities to come together to help a member raise a barn or conduct other significant projects that would be far too large for one family to take care of. What goes around, comes around, and by pitching in, everyone knew that when it was their turn to need help the community would be there for them, too.

I think events like Friendsgiving are slowly moving us back in the direction of rebuilding our communities, by reconnecting us with broader relationships than

just our blood relatives. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a Friendsgiving event is held instead of a typical holiday gathering, but, rather in addition to. It’s not on the same scale as a barn raising, but isn’t is a step in the right direction?

Locally we’re seeing other opportunities to get out and socialize. For instance, there are weekly occasions like Farmers Markets in most of our Tri-Valley towns now. The markets were intended to act as conduits to sell local fruit and vegetables into the communities, but they are much more than that. They are an excuse to get out and mingle and share an experience and reconnect with our neighbors.

I think it is time to re-create some of these old traditions many of us grew up with and find new ways to get together. Maybe we don’t have a barn to raise, but we can get everyone together for a block party. It all starts with reaching out, person to person, and a willingness to put out the effort to make something happen. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be successful; the beauty is in its imperfection. What’s important is to make a start and begin reaching out one-by-one, rebuilding our sense of community. We do this to reconnect, to make new memories and traditions, and to strengthen the bonds that tie us to together. It’s about making more friends; who has too many friends?

As we move past winter I look forward to planning a block party or maybe an ice-cream social in our neighborhood. I know we’ll make new friends and meet neighbors I barely know in passing, and together we’ll strengthen the fab-ric of good will and community in at least our little edge of the world.

Page 3: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 3

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Santa Has a Mailbox in DanvilleChildren wanting to make sure their Christmas wishlists make it to the North

Pole need only drop by the Danville Community Center and visit Santa’s Mailbox. From December 1 – 12, children who mail their letters will receive a hand-

written reply from the jolly old elf by December 24. Be sure to include a return mailing address with all letters.

Santa’s Mailbox is available in the lobby of the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., during regular business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM.

For more information, contact Youth Program Coordinator Jessica Wallner at (925) 314-3477 or [email protected].

Collecting Treats for Overseas TroopsDelta Nu Psi’s collections for the men and women deployed to Afghanistan

have been great. The group has recently begun sending to two new squads, so they will be sending more than the usual number of boxes in December. So far Delta Nu Psi has sent 30,007 pounds of “gourmet junk food” to the troops. For their Christmas boxes the group is including blank cards that the troops can send back to their families and friends. The shipment will also in-clude lots of chocolate candy as well.

Delta Nu Psi’s next collections will be held at CVS in Alamo on December 5 and Lunardi’s on De-cember 12 from 11am-2pm both days. Learn more about the organization by visiting deltanupsi.org.

Danville Community Band Presents Holiday Memories

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th at 3:30PM and join the Danville Community Band for a Christmas concert at the East Bay Foursquare Church located at 2615 Camino Tassajara Rd., Danville.

Create some Holiday Memories with the Band as they present some new classics along with some old favorites. Joining the band is special guest group Clarinet Fusion...plus a visitor from the North Pole.

The concert and parking are free.

Christmas Memories Exhibit at Museum of the SRVThe Museum of the San Ramon Valley is proud to present its annual

Christmas Memories Exhibit from now thru January 4, 2015. There will be decorated trees, toys, trains, an antique sleigh, mechanical toys, flying Santa, a Winnie the Pooh display, and much more.

Our model Christmas trains have been expanded to include layouts of a G Scale, a pink girl train, and the Polar Express.

We are also featuring favorite “must read or see” Christmas stories such as The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Gift of the Magi, and more.

The Museum is located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville. Regular exhibit hours are Tuesday – Friday 1 - 4, Saturday 10 - 1, and Sunday 12 - 3.

For more information, visit www.museumsrv.org or call (925) 837-3750.Come share your favorite Christmas memories with us.

Blackhawk “First Sunday” Cars & CoffeeBlackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event for all car

enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, from 8AM until 10AM, the Mu-seum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts.

The December event will also support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Please help support their mission by donating nutritious, non-perishable items (no expired items or glass containers please) at the event. Food Bank vol-unteers will be on hand to receive the donated items.

On Cars & Coffee Sundays the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets.

The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html, call (925) 736-2280, or email [email protected].

Page 4: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 4 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News––

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Page 5: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 5

AAUW Holiday Home TourThe Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) will hold their 10th Annual Holiday Home Tour on

Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13 from 10am-4pm. Profits from the Holiday Home Tour go to local scholarships for women to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees and to Tech Trek, a week long, residential summer camp for middle school girls with interest in science, technol-ogy, engineering, or math (STEM) at Sonoma State University.

Tickets are $35 with a senior discount of $5 through Saturday, December 6th. For online ticket purchases, go to http://daw-ca.aauw.net/hht2014/. There will be a $2 processing fee per ticket. You may purchase tickets by mail. Please send a check payable to “Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW” and include a self-addressed stamped #10 business size envelope. Mail payment to AAUW Holiday Home Tour, P.O. Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. If you wish to buy your tickets in person, please go to the East Bay Flower Company located at 206 Sycamore Valley Road West (Danville Livery) starting on November 10th from 9AM - 6PM on Monday to Friday, and 9AM - 5PM on Saturday. Purchases at East Bay Flower Company are accepted by cash or check only.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. For questions, email [email protected]. No children under 12 please.

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Based on information from the CCAR MLS. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed by MLS or Empire Realty.

est.

• There are far fewer homes for sale in winter. Less competition means your home has the full attention of buyers and Realtors.

• In spring, there are so many more homes for buyers to choose from, and could result in less demand for your home.

• If you sell in winter, you can be a non-contingent buyer during the spring rush. Many buyers are willing to negotiate seller rent-backs for an easier transition.

Candlelight at GatetreeChristmas Eve ServiceDecember 24th •5-6PM

Gatetree Baptist Church101 Gatetree DriveDanville, CA 94526925.820.9477 | www.gatetreechurch.com

Danville Girls Chorus Presents “Winter Carnival”The Danville Girls Chorus (DGC) will perform their Winter Concert, “Winter Carnival,” on December

6th at 11AM. The performance will take place at East Bay Four Square Church, 2615 Camino Tassajara Road, Danville. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children, and are available for purchase at www.Danville-GirlsChorus.com. Come join in welcoming this holiday season with this Winter Carnival concert!

The Danville Girls Chorus is made up of 170 girls from 3rd to 8th grades from schools across the Tri-Valley area. The primary goal of DGC is music education. Under the direction of Ken Abrams, award-winning Choral Director for the San Ramon Valley High School, girls are taught the basics of vocal production and learn the fundamentals of musicianship and note reading. They are also introduced to a variety of musical styles, ranging from classical to contemporary, folk tunes, and pop music.

This is the first concert in the Chorus’s 2014/2015 season. Please visit www.DanvilleGirlsChorus.com for more information on this event and other upcoming performances.

Auditions for Role Players EnsembleThe Role Players Ensemble is holding auditions for their production Of Mice and Men which is written by John

Steinbeck and directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes. Seven male and one female parts are being cast, and people of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Roles of George and Lennie are pre-cast. The audition will involve a monologue and cold read. Seeking non-AEA actors who will receive a stipend.

Audition will take place on December 15 from 7-10PM at the Danville town Meeting Hall, 201 Front Street, Danville. Rehearsals will begin March 2, and performances will be held from April 17 through May 3. Audition ap-pointments can be made and more information can be found by contacting [email protected] or (312) 286-9224.

Page 6: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 6 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Lost Dog!

Danville Dog is MissingHe has become lost in this paper!

Helena Flanders is our winner!

If you find him and your name is drawn!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address, to:

Lost Dog! ~ Danville Today News3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507

$50 REWARD

Safety Around Utility PipelinesLast month our community experienced a small gas line

leak at a construction site near one of our elementary schools. The coordinated response went smoothly, as it should, with the students being sheltered in place while first responders cordoned off the area outside the school, and fire trucks stood by, ready for the worst as PG&E worked to cap off the leaking gas line. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and the San Ramon Valley Unified School District all worked quickly and efficiently together to keep our community safe.

An investigation into the cause of this recent incident is ongoing; however, despite a contractor’s best efforts to identify all the utility lines in an area, some-times lines can shift or be mis-marked. Please remember as you work on your own property, even if you’re just planting a new bush or digging a fence post, call 8-1-1 before you dig. The 8-1-1 number is a national “Call Before You Dig” phone number designated to help save lives by minimizing damage to underground utilities. One easy phone call to 8-1-1 quickly begins the process of getting underground utility lines marked. Local personnel notify affected utility companies, who will send crews to mark underground lines for free. All utilities have two business days from the date of the call to locate and mark underground lines. Call early in the week for your weekend projects to allow the local utilities time to respond.

Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before each digging project begins can prevent injury, expense, and penalties. The depth of utility lines may vary, and multiple utility lines may exist in one area. Simple digging jobs can damage utility lines and can disrupt vital services to an entire neighborhood, harm those who dig, and result in expensive fines and repair costs. Marked lines show those who dig the approximate location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences. Call 8-1-1 before you dig or visit www.call811.com for more information.

When we do have the need for emergency response for an emergency or disaster, you may want to be notified on your cell phone in case you are not home when a community alert is sent out. The County’s emergency notification system auto-matically telephones landlines using a reverse 911 directory. However, since more and more people are using cell phones as their primary means of communication, Contra Costa County cell phone users can receive emergency alert calls directly to their cell phone. Register your cell phone with the Contra Costa County Com-munity Warning System (CWS) so you can be informed about emergencies and disasters that could impact your neighborhood such as wildfires, gas line ruptures, earthquakes or floods. The CWS is operated by the office of the Sheriff and issues alerts about situations in the County that pose an imminent threat to life or health. Visit their website at www.cococws.us, and enroll your cell phone number in the service. If you prefer to get your news via social media, you can also receive alerts in your Twitter feed and get text messages on your phone. Go to Twitter and follow @CoCoCWS, and set your cell phone to receive a text alert.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and joyful Christmas and holiday season, and a Happy New Year! My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (925) 957-8860.

Sons in Retirement If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate

in fun activities and better enjoy your leisure time, Sons in Retirement (SIR) - Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes you to join with us. We have a monthly luncheon where guest speakers address members on topics of general interest. We meet at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr, on the third Monday of each month, except for May and December. In December we hold a Christmas party for SIR members, their spouses or guests. Everyone dons their holiday attire and we enjoy an excellent dinner and dancing. This year the event will be held at the beautiful Round Hill Country Club on December 16th. In May we have a special spring luncheon with entertainment where spouses and friends are invited to attend.

Our member activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, dine-outs, fishing, golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings, and more fun things. In addition we have special golf events and bridge tour-naments where wives, partners, and guests are welcome to participate. For information about our activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org or call 925-322-1160.

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Hospice Tree of Lights CeremoniesHospice of the East Bay invites the public to participate in the 28th Annual

Tree of Lights ceremonies. The ceremonies provide a way for community mem-bers to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. Everyone is invited to participate in the events which include music, poetry, remembrances by family members and hospice staff, and the special moment when the trees light up.

By dedicating a Memorial Light for a minimum gift of $25, you can honor some-one you love while directly supporting end-of-life patient care. Memorial donors of $100 and higher will have the option to have their names listed in the lighting ceremony program of their choice. Funds raised allow Hospice of the East Bay to provide essential programs and services such as the Vigil Program which ensures that no one has to die alone and Bruns House, our inpatient hospice facility in Alamo.

For light dedications, donations, sponsorships and event questions, call (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Alamo & Bruns House Tree of Lights Wednesday, December 10, 12:15pm at the Alamo Women’s Club, located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo.

Blackhawk Tree of Lights Friday, December 12, 5pm at the intersection of Blackhawk Road at Blackhawk Drive in Danville.

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 7

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Blackhawk Republican Women Annual Christmas Luncheon

The Blackhawk Republican Women cordially invite you to a purely social event: their annual Christmas luncheon. The event will feature the United States Marines collecting Toys for Tots, the induction of officers for 2015, and a performance by the San Ramon Valley High School Chorus.

The luncheon will take place on Wednesday, December 10th at the Black-hawk Country Club. At 11:30 check-in and social time will begin, and at 12:00 there will be a luncheon and program. The cost is $25, and all are welcome.

Please bring unwrapped gifts for children ages 6 month through 12 years for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. The goal of the Foundation is to deliver a message of hope to needy youngsters that motivates them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Marines will be our guests in order to receive the tax deductible gifts that we donate!

The 2015 Officers of Blackhawk Republican Women will be installed.Joining us once again to spread the joy of the season will be the very

entertaining San Ramon Valley High School Chorus.Please make your reservations with a check made payable to “Black-

hawk Republican Women,” as well as any cancellations, by noon, Monday, December 8th, with Marianne Lyons, 856 Turrini Drive, Danville 94526, [email protected] or 925-820-6452.

Diablo Choral Artists Holiday Concerts Diablo Choral Artists, led by Music Director Mark Tuning, presents “A

Baroque Christmas” featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s “Messe de Minuit pour Nöel” (based on medieval French carols). Presented with chamber orchestra, the concert includes a carol sing-along, led by the Choral Artists and their acclaimed organist, John Walko.

Performances are on Saturday, December 6, 7pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek and Sunday, December 7 at 2:30pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek.

Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors 60+, and students $5; children 5-12 free. Purchase at the door, from choir members, or at www.brownpapertickets.com/product/16457 or 800-838-3006.

Stephen’s Fine Jewelry is Celebrating its 33rd and Final Holiday Season with a Store Closing Liquidation!

In the summer of 1982, Stephen May took his training and experience in the jewelry business and opened his own store along with his wife Susan, certain that his love for jewelry and design would carry the day. Helping people celebrate their joys with jewelry to commemorate every occasion has been the very best part of their job. They and their staff have been pleased to offer unique jewelry and personal service in these days of impersonal big-box stores and on-line anonymity.

From the beginning, one of Stephen's great loves was the wide range of unusual and beautiful colored stones. Everything from Tanzanite to Tourmaline, Sapphire to Zircon - from the familiar to the exotic - has been an inspiration for much of his jewelry and a big reason that shopping at Stephen's is not a run-of-the-mill experience.

The time has come to close the doors, and Stephen’s Fine Jewelry is of-fering their entire inventory at 50% to 70% off! The holidays are right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with Stephen's fabulous jewelry at liquidation prices? Come see the glorious gemstones and precious metals for yourself. Try them on. Ask questions. Feel the passion fine jewelry has always inspired, and purchase the fine jewelry you've always wanted!

Stephen’s Fine Jewelry is located at 404 Sycamore Valley Road West (in the Danville Livery), Danville. For more information call 925-838-3060. Store hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm,Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sun-days, December 14 and 21 from 11am-4pm. Advertisement

Winter Boutique at San Ramon Valley HighA Winter Boutique will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 10AM

- 3PM at San Ramon Valley High School Commons, 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville. Over 70 vendors and hundreds of shoppers will be in attendance. Items will be available for everyone on your holiday list. Come support local crafters, small businesses, and youth crafters. This will also be a Toys for Tots drop-off location, so please bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

For additional information or to become a vendor, please contact Helga Glasson at glasson @sbcglobal.net.

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 8 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Stone Valley Middle School By Shaun K. McElroy, PrincipalSVMS Holiday Gift Drive

The Stone Valley Leadership class is holding a toy drive. Please drop off new or gently used toys through De-cember 12th in the collection bins in the office. All the toys will be donated to our sister school, Coronado Elementary. We will also accept donations of gently used bikes, scoot-ers, skateboards, etc. Please make sure all donations are acceptable for a student grade level Pre-K thru 6th grade.

If you don’t know what to get, you can always donate a gift card to Target or Toys R Us and we will do the shopping for you. Our goal is to collect 460 gifts - at least one gift per child. Help us make a difference in a child’s holiday.

To see a brief video explaining our efforts, visit www.wevideo.com/hub/#media/ci/269762794.Stone Valley Design Plan Goes to Board

The Facilities Oversight Advisory Committee (FOAC) met on Wednesday No-vember 19th to share current progress on the facility designs with the community. The FOAC voted to recommend a design for approval by the school board. The recommended design will be considered at the December 9th school board meeting. We would like to thank the FOAC for their hard work and for recommending a truly amazing design.

More information can be found on the Measure D projects page at www.srvusd.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1346747333230.New Advisory Program adds a Reading Component

Middle School students go through the most dramatic physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes of any school aged child. During these three years students will forge lasting relationships with peers and adults, become more independent and begin to form their own identities. Middle schools are designed to meet these changing needs in a variety of ways. The Advisory program is built around the personal connec-tions between student and advisor. The Advisory Program creates small communities of 26 students that will have the same teacher/advisor for the entire school year. The

advisor serves as an important support and advocate for this group of students.Here’s a breakdown of our 10-week advisory cycles:• 1 assembly – usually character education theme related• 1 class meeting – Discuss current issues in a town hall format• 4 “Drop everything and read” sessions – All school sustained silent reading• 4 character education lessons – anti-bullying, cyber safety, philanthropy and

team building are some of the topics we’ve covered this year.Also during advisory students view our weekly broadcast of SVTV, leadership

students make announcements, class competition counts are taken, and the distribution of “take home” materials is done. The most recent Advisory theme was Gratitude and Thankfulness – here’s link to the video we have selected as background for the activity, www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5lZBjWDR_c. Following the video students created a Gratitude Wall in the corridors.

Look for pictures on the Stone Valley Facebook and Twitter pages.Wanted: 21st Century STEM Experts

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) guest speakers are needed. Do you have an expertise in a STEM field? Come join us as a guest speaker in February 2015. Speakers will be asked to provide a one-hour presenta-tion that includes their background and preparation, a look at “a day in the life’’ of their job, and a hands on activity for students. Let’s help grow the future! Contact Shaun McElroy at [email protected] if you are interested. Volunteer

Your presence on our campus benefits all students, plus you can earn your very own Stone Valley car magnet! Just put in two hours of volunteer time, and our PTA will reward you with a handsome fixture for your car.

• Principal’s Advisory Council – Quarterly roundtable discussion/think tank on school improvement. Contact Shaun McElroy at [email protected].

• School Climate committee – Help shape the programs that lead to an im-proved school climate. The committee meets six times per year. Contact Chelsea Rivas at [email protected] Valley has Gone Social!

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Stone-Valley-Middle-School, follow us on at Twitter @StoneValleyMS, and sign up for text alerts by texting @0c3a67 to (925) 392-0796.

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St. Isidore School Gives Thanks!By Maria Ward, Principal

Christmas is here!During the month of December we start our li-

turgical year with the season of Advent. Our school chose “Prepare the way” as our Advent theme. As a Catholic school, this season brings us many op-portunities to share our faith. There are so many

wonderful days we celebrate together as a community. During Advent we are called to wait, to get ready, and to prepare for the birth of our Lord.

We believe this is the time of year we reach out to our community. During the month, you may see our students at Alamo Safeway bagging groceries for the homeless. We have been able to prepare over 500 grocery bags each Saturday we volunteer. This outreach supports Solano and Contra Costa Food Banks. A special thank you to everyone involved who makes this happen. It is a gift to see our students eager to take the time on a weekend to help and support those who are less fortunate.

Our Student Holiday Boutique will be held on Thursday, December 4th. School families will bring small gifts, wrapped individually in clear wrapping paper. Items are then prepared and students have the opportunity to shop for their family members and pets. All the proceeds are given to the three Oakland sister schools. It is a wonderful, festive, St. Isidore tradition. Thank you to all the parent volunteers involved who make this special day happen.

On Thursday, December 11th, we are excited to have our traditional school Christmas concert. Everyone is invited to come and hear our students sing Christ-mas carols that evening. We would love for you to join us for this memorable event. On December 12th, we support the Knights of Columbus annual toy drive. At our school Advent liturgy, students donate a new, wrapped toy for a child in need. The Knights make Christmas baskets in our gym for those families less fortunate. It is heartwarming to see the generosity of our school community!

During this month, St. Nick visits St. Isidore School. Legend has it that if you leave your shoe outside the classroom, St. Nick leaves a candy-cane for you. The candy cane has a special symbolism. The stick of white candy symbolizes

the purity of Christ. Red stripes remind us of the blood shed by Christ on the cross for us so that we may have eternal life. The candy cane is formed into a ‘J’ to represent the precious name of Jesus. It also represents the staff of the Good Shepherd. Its hard consistency represents the solid rock, the foundation of the Church and the firmness of the promises of Christ.

After Masses on December 14th, the Knights of Columbus hosts “Breakfast with Santa.” Please join us for this family friendly event. There will be food, fun, and much Christmas spirit. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and experience our wonderful community. It is truly delightful to see this Christmas event through the eyes of a child.

Before we leave for Christmas break, our 1st grade students re-live the story of Christ at our Christmas Pageant Liturgy on Friday, December 19th. All the pews are filled for this St. Isidore tradition. Please come and celebrate the Eucharist with us and enjoy the performance.

As this year comes to a close, I would like to personally thank our dedicated Pastor and talented faculty for making St. Isidore a place of hope, peace, joy and love, not just during Advent and the Christmas season, but all year long.

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 9

Danville - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the 11 most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers

away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report, call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter 1003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to learn how to ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale of your home.

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to beAware of Weeks Before Listing Your

Home for Sale

This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013

Charlotte Wood Middle School By Christopher George, Principal

Welcome to the busy holiday season! At school November and December go by extremely fast, and we have a lot happening!

In November we were honored to host our second annual Veterans’

Day Assembly. At this assembly we were honored to have Brock Marcotte, CWMS alumnus and Marine Corps Veteran speak to our students about experiences in combat and in the military. Additionally, we welcomed veterans from our com-munity and watched a slide show of veterans related to current CWMS kids. This has quickly become one of our favorite events of the year, and we thank those veterans who came to speak. Additionally we thank James Corral, our assistant principal, for putting the assembly together.

Additionally, we are continuing to work on developing our curriculum and our instructional culture. Currently, we have departments that have worked very hard on building common curriculum and common assessments. These improvements allow us to have much better conversations about student achievement. They have also led to the growth of more ef-fective interventions, such as our advisory math and reading interventions and our sixth grade reading structures.

As always, our holiday season promises to be busy. We invite you to our holiday events, all of which can be found on our website. Please also follow our Twitter feed at @cwmsinfo for the latest information.

Have a great Holiday Season.

Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal

The San Ramon Valley is fortunate to have amazing schools and community support to help all students suc-ceed. I would like to take this opportunity to brag a little about Monte Vista students, programs, and staff.

Monte Vista has two nationally certified teachers on our staff, Emily Dolim and Meghan Faerber. National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. Part of the certification process requires that teachers ana-

lyze their teaching content and students’ needs, submit videos of their teaching, and provide student work samples that demonstrate growth and achievement. The process takes over a year, and only about 30% of the teachers that apply become certified on their first try. The work is intense and time consuming. Along with teachers who have National Board Certification many of our staff have degrees beyond their teacher credential with a master’s degree or credentialing in more than one content area.

These talented teachers provide a wide array of programs for our students. One program is AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination); Monte Vista is in our fifth year as an AVID site. In 2009, we started with one AVID class of 20 ninth graders and, over the past five years, our program has grown to four AVID classes with 95 AVID students. Advancement via Individual Determina-tion is an elective class that works to support students in the academic middle – students who are already working hard to do well in school but want to reach new levels of success. In the AVID elective, students learn organizational, note taking, and other study skills. Moreover, the students benefit from the support of their classmates, AVID tutors, and elective teacher. AVID center describes the program well: “At its heart, AVID is a philosophy. Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge.” We are proud to say that AVID is definitely working - many of our current AVID students are succeeding in our rigorous honors and AP classes, and 100% of our AVID graduates are currently attending a four-year college.

Neil Gupta is just one of our many talented students. In November Neil was recognized by the Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group and was one of the recipients of their Dreammakers and Risktakers Award. Neil has started Teen-Mesh, an online platform where students do peer to peer tutoring around the world. This allows teenagers from every socio-economic background to connect and collaborate. Currently over 3,400 students use this website in over 70 countries.

For more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.

San Ramon Valley Christian Academy By Jamie Westgate, Principal

The Christmas season is upon us which means we should expect much wonder and joy … and boundless energy from our children! I think there are many kids who would admit they have a hard time concentrating during the month of December. Visions of candy treats, video games, handheld devices, and sugar plums dance in their heads. Of course there is nothing wrong with

the anticipation that comes with exchanging gifts, but at SRVCA we help kids understand there is a greater gift in which we will receive joy: Jesus.

Some of our most common holiday traditions are reminders of the Christian faith. We feel it is important that our students understand our Christmas fun and tradition stems from the Truth of His Incarnation (God in human form):

• Christmas lights and candles remind us that Jesus was the light of the world.• Bay evergreen wreaths were thought to be symbols for victory, a reminder

that Jesus triumphed over sin and death.• Candy canes are shaped to look like a shepherd’s crook. Their red and white

colors remind us of the costly price Jesus paid with His life when He died.• Advent calendars provide daily reminders of the importance of the Advent

season –a season of waiting and anticipation for the newborn King, prompting us to rededicate ourselves to Him.

• Gift giving originates from the three gifts given to baby Jesus from the Wise Men. Frankincense, gold, and myrrh were gifts typically offered to kings, a reminder to give Him our very best.

This Christmas, we invite you to join our school community in remembering what we believe to be the real “Reason for the Season.” If you would like a reminder that God’s grace was found in a baby, please join us for our upcoming Christmas musicals which are open to the public. On Tuesday, December 9 at 7PM our 3rd-5th graders will present “A Rockin’ Royal Christmas.”The Kindergarten-2nd grade students will perform “The Tiniest Christmas Star” on Friday, December 19 at 9AM. Both musicals will be held in the sanctuary at Community Presbyterian Church located at 222 West El Pintado Rd in Danville.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a meaningful start to 2015.

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 10 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Del Amigo High School By Joseph A. Ianora, Principal

November and December just seem to fly by because of the variety of breaks and activities scheduled at the High School. We just finished our Thanksgiving celebration in which our culinary students prepared most of the traditional meal to share with their fellow students and staff. This was a unique celebra-tion because many of our students and parents brought in a favorite dish to share, and we were able to celebrate our rich and diverse culture and give thanks in sharing our diversity.

Some noteworthy highlights from November:• We had a basketball scrimmage against Valley HS (continuation). The boys played

well, although not victorious, and had a great time. We will be competing with other continuation high schools in the area.

• Our canned food drive netted over 400 cans to be donated to Contra Costa Food Bank.

• We had five teachers receive SRVEF Micro/Macro Grants: Ms. Fitz – graphic novels - $2,000, Mr. Wilson – computers - $2,000 Mr. Falick – 3D printer and laser printer - $2,000 Ms. Bryzek – computers - $2,000, Ms. Watson – kitchen - $7,500Del Amigo has been part of the school district since 1968, and its primary goal has been

unchanged: credit recovery. While Del Amigo provides an opportunity for students to either earn a diploma or return to their home school to graduate, we also attempt to provide an environment that is a safe and structured learning environment.

Through the years Del Amigo has earned the reputation that may not be consistent with our district vision. This year we have focused on changing the structure and reputa-tion of Del Amigo – trying to rebuild the image and structure of Del Amigo is no small task, and we are looking to the community for help. As we move into the second half of the year, our students will be greeted with the same opportunity to gain credits but with a much more consistent and structured environment. Some of the changes include:

• Common Core curriculum integrated into the classrooms• Expanded opportunity for digital learning via online learning• Consistent enforcement of dress code and appropriate language• Use of an electronic grade book to help us track student progress more efficiently• Additional support resources for behavior and addiction issuesI believe that by giving attention to these details, coupled with shifting to focus on

the Common Core, will help rebuild the image of Del Amigo high school.Thank you for your support. Best wishes for a safe and wonderful winter break!

San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, Principal

Once the holiday season begins, we have an opportunity to reflect on what we most appreci-ate about our schools and community. The one thing that stands out to me is how focused the entire SRV staff is on providing opportunities for our students.

We have almost 200 staff at SRV and our entire team focuses on different elements of student ser-

vice. This work encompasses classroom learning (curriculum, instruction and assessment) and the extra curricular programs like athletics and the per-forming arts programs (dance, theater arts, instrumental and choral music).

However, we have to have many support systems in place to ensure that our educational and instructional programs run smoothly.

Schools could not function without the counseling team, the atten-dance office staff, our custodial team, or our campus supervision team. In additional to these groups we have our food services team, office staff, technology support team, career center staff, and librarian. All of these groups work to provide systems and support to help students make the most of their opportunities at SRV.

Our focus, of course, is primarily that students learn, that we provide them with the best possible education. But alongside this overarching goal, we are also focused on campus culture. This endeavor includes helping students to make positive decisions in both their social interac-tions and in their personal choices. This is always a challenge as culture can be difficult to define or to change.

Last month I shared the Community Values that our students designed to capture what they believe SRV culture should be. These are a won-derful representation of what is valuable and important to our students and they have done a great job of promoting these on campus. However, the one area that the students did not include is an area that the adults both on and off campus have the greatest responsibility in fostering in our students - stress management. Next month I will share some of the strategies and initiatives that we are pursuing in order to help our students manage their overwhelming schedules, the stress of college applications and the challenges of navigating this busy time of year.

Choices By Alison Watson, San Ramon Valley High seniorI’ll try to get my thoughts out as coherently as possible because my current state of mind is sleep deprived. I am stuck in the per-

petual state between the present and the future. I have fallen into a rut where I am still in high school but mentally have begun toying with the realities of college--a prospect which I have only months to become comfortable with. I am 17 years old, and society is asking me to make an educated decision about my own future. Choices about college will be the first of many decisions that I am making for myself without the instructions but only guidance from a parent, teacher, or adult.

Although it’s easier to crack jokes and make light of the situation, I have to start thinking in a way I never have before: responsibly and long term. One day after tirelessly editing my application essays, in a moment of sheer fear as the reality of moving away and change settled in, I turned to my dad and asked, “Are you sure I can’t live on the couch? You guys are going to be traveling all the time, and you’ll hardly even notice I’m here.” He laughed and politely declined my attempt to rent out our bonus room couch indefinitely. Since my plan A was then no longer an option, I had to refer back to plan B: the horrors of applying to college.

Senior year is only a few months in, and yet it will be over faster than I’m willing and ready to accept. The fear of the unknown is all consuming and leaves room for me to think about very little else besides the future. It leaves me with a million questions, some which have no good answer to be uncovered and some which you won’t allow yourself to answer because the answer would be too upsetting. How can I be certain of my choices? What if down the line I regret my decision? What if like a horrible prom ask gone wrong no schools pick me back? What if like the last kid to get picked in dodge ball at lunchtime no universities think I’d be a valuable asset to their team? How can they ask me to choose my future over my present, meaning my career path over my friends, my family, and my home? How can I start all over in a new place? Will I find new friends? These are the questions that I don’t even have time to address, so I store them in the back of my mind in a box of my fears that I refuse to let myself acknowledge. I don’t have time to thoroughly consider these questions because of my schoolwork, my college applications, my college essays, and my desire to spend time with my friends and family during my senior year. Sometimes, though, it’s okay to just wonder about the question itself instead of necessarily searching for an answer.

During the first semester of senior year for all high school students sleep is reclassified from bodily function to luxury. However, as much as I want to crawl into my bed and simply hibernate for the next four years of my life, I can’t bring myself to not be excited about the future. I’m excited that my future is full of so many unknowns because it leaves me with limitless opportunities. I’m excited that sooner than I realize, I’ll be starting the next chapter of my life (as cliché as that may sound). I’m excited to discover my passion and pursue it. I’m excited that there are so many things that I can’t even begin to imagine to be excited about.

Growing up isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. It also doesn’t necessarily happen by your 18th birthday. There are so many memories everywhere. Every corner of my house triggers a new nostalgic flashback. There are too many to jam into a suitcase, yet I am fortunate enough that the memories of those most important to me and the defining moments in my last 17 years don’t need to be boxed up, because they will be carried with me for as long as I choose to remember. I’ll always have Danville, I’ll always have the friends who have been there for me for years, and I’ll always have my family no matter what deci-sion I make; and that’s what gives me the little room I need to breathe and forge ahead fearlessly into the great unknown.

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 11

Want to Become a Better Speaker? Toastmasters allows its members to practice their speaking and presentation

skills in a supportive environment. There are several local clubs in our area. The Danville AM Toastmasters, meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30AM at

Father Nature’s Restaurant in downtown Danville (172 E Prospect Ave). For more information, contact Hans Thoma at [email protected].

A faith-based Toastmasters group meets Thursdays from 7-8:15PM at East Bay Four Square Church Conference Room, located at 2615 Camino Tas-sajara, Danville. For information email Tod at [email protected].

Everyone is in-vited to join.

• Immunization Center• Travel Immunizations• Worksite Immunization Program• Free Blood Pressure Tests• Flu Shots Available - Walk-ins Welcome! • Friendly, Knowledgable Pharmacists• Specialty Pharmacy• Annual Medication Review• Easy Refills & Easy Prescription Transfers• Medicare Part D & B Resources• Prescriptions Savings Club• Child & Adult Medications Flavorings• We Accept Many Medicare Plans• Most Prescriptions Ready in 15 Minutes or Less!• 90-Day Prescriptions - Talk to the Pharmacists for More Info

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Diablo WPC Wins TYR Champions CupThe 2014 TYR Champions Cup (14 and under division) concluded at the LISD Westside Aquatic

Center in Lewisville, Texas, and the girls of Diablo Water Polo Club were crowned champions.Above top row: Team is led by Head Coach Maureen O’Toole-Purcell, Brooke Westphal – Lafayette,

Rachel Rosen – Alamo, Annelise Miller – Danville, Makenna Ferguson – Orinda, Christina Crum – Moraga, Alexandra Brown – Clayton, Morgan Lewis – Alamo, Alexis Rowell – Lafayette, Sydney Milham – Danville, Assistant Coach Kelly Mendoza. Bottom Row: Jewel Roemer – Martinez, Madeline Smith – Lafayette, Nina Munson – Moraga, Maisy White – Walnut Creek, Sydney Hammill – Danville, Kathryn Lyons – Orinda.

San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated Scholarship/Leadership Awards

The San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated (SRVRWF) will award scholarships of up to $1,000 to selected participants.

To be eligible you must be a female local high school senior accepted at a four year college/university. Women continuing or returning to a four year college/university working toward a degree or certification may also apply. In addition you must be a resident of the San Ramon Valley area, registered, or plan to register, as a Republican, be a demonstrated leader, and have a 3.0 or higher grade point average.

To apply please provide your name, address, and phone number and a resume identifying positions held in leadership or organizations including volunteer and paid positions. Please attach a copy of your current transcripts.

The deadline to submit applications March 15, 2015. Please mail your application to SRVRWF/Scholarship, P.O. Box 1, Danville, CA 94526.

For more information, visit www.srvrwf.org/Scholarships.html. For ques-tions, contact Renee Morgan at (925)-918-3999 or [email protected].

2014 Dick King Tournament 1st Place U-12 D4 Girls from left to right: Shealyn Ratto, Grace Huston, Hailey Eggiman, Gabriella Cochran, Reese Ludovico, Krystal Medina, Lauren Barry, Madison Weil, Emma Engstrom, Juliana Muegge, Julia Goodman, Ember Modrell, Emilie Johnson, Ava Fard, and Tiffany La. Not pictured is Ela Emam. Coaches: Deb Hamilton, Bruce Goodman, Scott Engstrom. Photo by Jeffrey Weil.

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 12 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Tis The Season to do a Green AuditBy Loren McDonald, Sustainable Danville Area

As 2014 nears an end, many of us will use the holiday season to reflect on the past year and plan life activities

for 2015. As part of these planning efforts, it is important to do an audit or self-assessment to take stock of what we did in the past year and identify where there are opportunities to improve or make changes in the coming year.

With sustainability, including reducing water and energy usage, and costs be-coming an area of concern for many people, consider conducting a “green” audit along with your financial and budgeting exercises. A simple review of your fam-ily’s use of water, energy, transportation, and purchasing and practices including food consumption, gardening and recycling can uncover several opportunities to both reduce your impact on the planet, and put dollars back in your pocket.

The following are among several areas to include in your “green audit,” which can provide a foundation for your 2015 personal sustainability plan:

Water Bill/Usage: Start by reviewing your water bills from the past two years. The average single-family home in the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EB-MUD) used 135 gallons of water per person per day in 2013. How does your usage compare? Look for spikes in usage that could signal a leak in your irrigation system.

Toilets: Check the age and gallons used per flush in each of your toilets. Replacing older toilets, that typically use 3.5-5 or more gallons per flush, with new, efficient toilets that use 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush and can save 10-25 gallons per toilet per day.

Shower Heads: How many of your shower heads are the low-flow type? Have you timed yourself and family members on the duration of showers? What about baths? Are any family members taking baths when a shower would suffice?

Electricity, Gas and Appliances: Review your electricity and gas bills, and look for spikes during the cold winter and hot summer months. What temperature is your thermostat and water heater set at? Is it time to upgrade your old clothes washer, dryer, or dishwasher? Do you have an old inefficient refrigerator in the garage where you keep beverages?

Light bulbs: Replacing older light bulbs with newer energy-efficient bulbs, such as LEDs, is one of the easiest ways to reduce your household energy usage and save money over the long term. How many of your incandescent and fluo-rescent bulbs make sense to replace?

Insulation/Leaks: Potential energy savings from eliminating air leaks can range from 5% to 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Consider a professional home energy audit, but at minimum inspect inside and outside your home for all visible air leaks.

Food: Do you buy from local food sources when possible, such as those at the Alamo or Danville Farmer’s markets? How often are you eating beef, and is it grass-fed and locally raised? Are you over-buying and then throwing out foods your family doesn’t eat. Are you buying organic foods when possible?

Reuse, Recycling, and Bags: Have you switched to using rechargeable bat-teries in household devices? Do you have a compost bin for food scraps and other organic material? Are you recycling as much as you can? Do you take plastic bags, batteries, printer cartridges, and light bulbs to local recycling and collection points – or just toss stuff in the garbage? Assess what percentage of recyclable items your family is actually putting into your bin. Are you using reusable bags for groceries?

Chemicals and Fertilizers: Are you still using harmful chemicals inside and outside your home, whether to clean toilets or kill slugs and weeds? How many of your cleaning products can be replaced with commercial non-toxic products, and homemade cleaners using alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Outside the home, are there opportunities to replace chemical-based fertilizers with organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion and compost? What about using alternatives to pesticides including coffee grounds, vinegar, and non-toxic commercial solutions? Transportation/Autos: Assess how often your cars must be used. How many miles is each car driven, and what are your monthly fuels costs? Use this information to analyze whether you can potentially give up one car or switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid car. Make sure your audit includes opportunities to use public transportation such as BART, car sharing services, and those bicycles gathering dust in your garage.

Reviewing the areas above will provide you and your family a foundation for understanding what opportunities you have to lessen your impact on the planet and save money through lower water, energy, and auto fuel bills. Gather your audit findings and in January’s column, we’ll outline a process to help you prioritize and plan your personal sustainability actions for 2015. Visit us at www.sustainabledanville.com or www.facebook.com/sustainabledanville.com.

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International House, UC BerkeleyBy Linda Summers Pirkle

Years ago when I was a student at UC Berkeley, I lived at the dormitory International House. The welcoming event for new residents was an English Tea held in the glorious I-House Great Hall where we were served crispy cucumber sandwiches, deli-cious desserts, and tea. The event was attended by

fellow house mates from all over the world. I went on to form friendships with people from Italy, Turkey, Iran, Germany, Spain, France, and Romania to name just a few.

International House with its red tile roof and distinctive tower officially opened in 1930. Located on Piedmont Avenue in Berkeley the house was the second of four in the “International House Movement.” As the I-House History brochure says, “International House is a laboratory for a new kind of experience-the day-to day- practice of international fellowship among men and women.” It was the largest dormitory built west of the Hudson River and shocked many people with the radical idea of letting men and women as well as people of different ethnicities and races live under the same roof. Despite resistance and hostility, I-House opened in August, 1930 with spaces for 115 women and 338 men with rent starting at $14 per month. For nearly 85 years, I-House has been home to thousands of students from all over the world.

The interior is a step back in time: iron chandeliers in the Great Hall, bal-conies, hand painted ceilings, and lots of tile. My favorite area is the lovely courtyard outside the main Dining Commons. Under a canopy of trees, Heller patio is a charming spot that feels a bit like Italy.

International House is perched at the top of Piedmont Avenue facing the Pacific Ocean. On a recent visit to I-House, I spoke to Tim Lynch, Events Manager, who mentioned, “There are probably ten days per year that are so clear that from the windows of the Home Room you can see as far as the Farallon Islands. Those ten days are usually in January and February.”

Just a 5-10 minute walk from I-House is another spot for great views, Sather Tower or the “Campanile” located on the UC Berkeley campus. This tower is visible for miles and stands 307 feet tall. It’s the third tallest bell and clock tower in the world and the views from the observation deck are incredible. The Carillon (set of bells) is located above the observation platform. Plan your visit to the campus around the ten minute bell concerts which are performed by musicians (carillonists) every day at 7:50AM, 12PM and 6PM. Longer concerts are performed on Sundays at 2PM. Entrance fee for the elevator ride to the top of Sather Tower is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students. Visitors are allowed to watch the carillonists (bell ringers) perform the noon concerts.

*I-House is located at 2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley. The phone num-ber is 510-642-4128 and website is ihouse.berkeley.edu. Visitors are welcome Monday thru Friday. Ask if a guide is available. If not, you can explore on your own, but some areas are restricted. Don’t miss Memory Hall located near the student café. The Dining Commons will be undergoing renovation in January 2015.

*There is limited parking on cam-pus; it’s best to take BART to Down-town Berkeley and catch the Bus “P” which drops off in front of International House.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel con-sultant and long term Danville resi-dent, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email [email protected].

Page 14: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 14 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 15

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

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BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

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VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

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Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

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24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

PROOFO.K. BY: ____________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY: _________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

BA-0005328618-01.INDD (100%)ADVERTISER: RICHARDS CRAFTS INC PROOF CREATEDAT: 11/18/2014 6:24 PMSALES PERSON: Marlene Vizcaino NEXT RUN DATE: 11/23/14SIZE: 6 X 9.75 PROOF DUE: 11/20/14 17:00:00PUBLICATION: BA-DISCOVER

www.ShopRichards.com

San Ramon Store 359-6900The Marketplace Shopping Center300 Market Place., 1-680/Bollinger Canyon Rd. Exit East to Alcosta Blvd.Holiday Hours: Mon.-Sat 9:30-8:00, Sun. 10:00-6:00

Alamo Store 820-4731Alamo Plaza Shopping CenterStone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd., Right 1 Block.Holiday Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30-8:00, Sat. 9:30-6:00, Sun. 11:00-5:30

Ad prices effective through 12/24/14

Thank You For Supporting Local Family Business

One coupon per family per day. Cannot be combined with other offers. Excludes custom framingand prior sales, Klutz Books, Demdaco, Spellbinders, Sizzix, Willow Tree, Wilton, Games, MarthaStewart, Lenox, Snoozies, Furniture, Meri Meri, and Copic Markers. Limited to stock on hand.Other exclusions apply. Discount taken off regular compare at price.CLIP ’N SAVE!

50% off *Alamo *San RamonValid Through 12/24/14

Any One Regular(Compare at) Priced Item

Sign up for our e-mail list and enter a monthly drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate!E-Mail Address (I’m already on the list! )

All Christmas Floral 50% offWreaths, Swags,Garlands, Stems,Picks, Berries,Bushes andPre-Made

Arrangements

VALUABLE COUPON!

7’ Pre-Lit Douglas Fir Pine Tree $99.99

Pre-Lit Alpine Trees 2’ to 6’

Now 50% offreg. $39.99-$179.99

Now $19.99-$89.99

7.5’ Pre-Lit Glacier Pine Tree$249.99 reg. $499.99

Christmas Ribbon50% off

3-5 yd. $1.49/Bolt reg. $2.99

10 yd. x 1.5” $1.99/Bolt reg. $3.99

10 yd. x 2.5” $2.99/Bolt reg. $5.99

4 ft. PrelitEntryway Tree

$36.88reg. $79.99

Indoor or outdoor

13” ChargerPlates

Now 3 / $10Choose from many styles

and colors

Hanging Ornaments, Birds,Butterflies, Fairies, Decorative

Garlands & Tree Toppers

50% offAll Christmas Ornaments & Tree Decor Santas, Nutcrackers and Angels

50%offup to

24” HolidayWreaths$11.88reg 24.99

Your Choice of 6 Styles.Matching Garland available for $11.88

Pre-Lit Battery OperatedLED 16” PineWreath

Indoor/Outdoor, 6 function with timer.Clear & Multi colored lights

$5.88 reg. $14.99

50 Count LED Twinkle Light Set

$5.88 reg. $11.99

12”Assorted Carolers

50% off$12.49reg. $25.00

Christmas Carolers

$29.88reg. $69.99

Artists Gift SetsMixed Media,Oil and Acrylic $9.99 reg. $19.99

22” $29.99 reg $59.99

14” PottedPoinsettia Plant

DT

Page 16: Danville_Today_Dec_2014

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

One boy suddenly be-gan getting really good grades. When asked how he managed the abrupt change he responded, ‘Yeah, I decided to lis-ten.’”

Jane Russell is in her 5th year of volunteer-ing as a tutor at one of CCIH’s Pittsburg sites. “Some of these students don’t work well inde-pendently. They need to have someone to help them get focused,” she comments and adds that “often these students do not have a quiet place at home to do their homework or someone at home who can assist them. The affordable housing after school pro-gram offers students the academic support and encouragement they need to improve grades and academic achievement.”

That encouragement extends to helping with college and scholarship applications. Three high school seniors from east county CCIH residences were accepted into four-year universities this past year. Bourassa also notes that 100% of high school seniors at GPA complete their high school degree.

Russell, who volunteers with additional programs servicing the home-less, talks about those still waiting for a new lease on life. “There is a long waiting list (about two years) for a family to be able to move into affordable housing. It is humbling for me to hear the stories of women who are currently

Page 16 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

See Hope continued on page 25

Hope continued from front page

The Care of Mature TreesBy Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

Entering my sixth decade, the gather-ing stiffness in my joints deepens my ap-preciation that living systems change as they age. Trees also change as they grow older, but, for trees and humans alike,

how gracefully we flower in later life is not determined by genetics alone. Long life for humans is a relatively new phenomenon. Our Paleolithic

ancestors seldom lived beyond 35 years of age, and they would, I imagine, marvel that the average American now lives to be 78. However, long life for trees is nothing new. Methuselah, a bristlecone pine growing in the Sierras, has attained the astounding age of 4,838 and is the oldest docu-mented living organism on our planet. It lifts my heart to acknowledge that the pine nut, which grew to become Methuselah, sprouted its first needles 2,268 years before the birth of Buddha, 2,832 years before the birth of Jesus, and 3,402 years before the birth of Muhammad.

To promote long life, reduce the stresses on your trees. The densely packed clay soils common to the East Bay produce many stresses. Com-pacted soils lack air spaces and inhibit the movement of oxygen. Clay soils are soggy when wet (which promotes root rot), but they are hard

when dry (which promotes drought stress).Improving the porosity of the soil by mulching, aerating, and, some-

times, by radial trenching reduces the stress on your tree. Mulching is the easiest and cheapest of these techniques. Two or three inches of quality mulch under the canopy of the tree, but not piled against the trunk, helps to keep the soil soft, moist, and cooler in the summer. Aerating aids soil porosity and reduces stress. To aerate the tree, use a deep root irrigator to drill many one-inch diameter holes to a depth of around 30 inches throughout the zone under the tree’s canopy.

Pruning to remove dead and diseased branches reduces the stresses on the tree. Many fruit trees suffer from diseases, both fungal and bacte-rial, carried from flower to flower by pollinating insects. After entering through the flower, the infection spreads, usually slowly, down into the woody tissue. Pruning to a point below the spread of the disease increases the lifespan of the tree. As with humans, stresses can have cumulative effects. When pines are drought stressed, they are unable to make the sap they use to drown burrowing insects. Oaks suffering from oak root fungus have trouble taking up water and often suffer from drought stress.

When planning elder care for your trees, several factors beg consider-ation: What is your emotional attachment to the tree? Is the tree a hazard? Will it become a hazard in the future, and, if so, when? What will it cost to maintain the tree? Will it attain ‘sabi,’ the beauty of aging, if given the correct care? I hope that as I grow older I accept Roethke’s challenge and ‘dare to blaze like a tree.’

If you wish to extend your tree’s lifespan please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at [email protected] for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial

One on one tutoring and mentoring at the after school Homework Club at Lakeside Apartments in Concord help students succeed academically and in life.

114% of earnings. “Affordable” housing with a 20% subsidy still requires 91% of income, and “affordable” housing with a 50% subsidy commands 56%. Those lucky enough to find a home at GPA pay no more than 30% of their income for rent.

Stability, along with critical support services, is essential for America’s homeless to overcome the issues that have cast them out of their homes. Dr. Ellen L. Bassuk, Founder and then President of the National Center on Family Homelessness, noted in her October 16, 2007 testimony before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity: “Residential instability, interpersonal violence, and family separation and disruption are inextricably linked.”

Citing a 1992 study, Bassuk highlighted statistics on the rising number of homeless children and families and stated: “Homelessness for a child is more than the loss of a house. It disrupts every aspect of life. It separates children from their belongings, beloved pets, reassuring routines, friends and community. At a time when children should be developing a sense of safety and security, trust in their caregivers, and freedom to explore the world, they are severely limited by unpredictability, dislocation and chaos.”

A report issued in mid-November 2014 by the National Center on Family Homelessness indicates a sharp increase in the number of homeless children in the US. One in thirty children (2.5 million) experienced an episode of homelessness during 2013. California, with one-eighth of the nation’s popu-lation, has one-fifth of the country’s homeless children.

“CCIH’s Board is passionate about children,” affirms Louise Bourassa, CCIH Executive Director since 2005. “The most cost effective way to change the trajectory of inadequate education, trauma, and a cycle of poverty is to provide high-risk youth with a permanent home and intensive services.”

“We house, engage, educate, and provide long-term and stable supports to our families,” Bourassa explains. “It all matters.” The CCIH supportive service model encompasses counseling in parenting and employment strate-gies and encourages parents to further their own education, while reaching children with after-school homework clubs that are highly successful in bringing reading and math skills up to grade level. Physical and psychologi-cal needs are effectively addressed.

Marj Ho volunteers as a homework club tutor. “Having been at Garden Park almost since the beginning, I’ve noticed a real change. At first the doors were all shut and the curtains drawn. Now everyone is out there talking to-gether and helping each other. Parents watch each other’s children, and those who have cars offer rides to those who don’t. It helps new people coming in to know that this is a community.” Ho is understandably proud when a student who has been an underachiever begins to take his or her potential seriously. “I see over time families getting stabilized and kids more focused.

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 17

Call for details

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Life in the Danville Garden Garden ArchitectureBy John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059

What is “Garden Architecture?” Garden = a plot of ground where plants, vegetables, and flowers are grown. Architecture = the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and hardscape.

I approach your Danville landscape design with “Garden Architecture” in mind. The two design funda-

mentals brought together in a creative and cohesive design make up your land-scape environment. Successful landscape design is a good balance of both. The approach I take is to focus on the “architecture” initially. The “architecture” defines the design. It creates structure with the borders, edges, views, and function of the “softscape.” Structures serve as background for people and plants. A focal point deserves significant detailing. Background structures don’t. Scale and proportion are important. Structures need to be scaled appropriately and in proportion to the surrounding environment. The outdoor environment allows for larger scale than the indoors. Measure the scale of structures by keeping in mind existing large scale trees, distant horizon lines, adjacent properties and views, and buildings.

Architecture provides the bones to any landscape design. They provide ongoing significance throughout the season while the “softscape” changes from season to season. In general “hardscape” structures include the floor of the landscape (patios, decks, paths), steps and grade changes, enclosures and ceilings (arbors, pergolas, gazebos), walls (retaining, seat walls, benches), fences, buildings (cabanas, pool houses, potting sheds, storage sheds), use and recreation (swimming pools, sports court, bocce), and focal points (water features, bridges, garden ornament, gates, trellises).

The purpose of any structure in the landscape design is function and form. What function shall any particular structure perform? In other words, what do they do? Those hot summer days in the Danville garden demand the need for shade, and those long cold gray winters when deciduous trees drop their leaves, give you bones. Arbors or pergolas are “Garden Architecture” that can fulfill that function. What do they do? Provide shade in the summer and structural bones in the winter!

A structure can have several functions. For instance, an arbor can define a portal or an entry into a garden room, or it can frame a view beyond. The form an arbor takes is an open structure usually with plants or vines climbing over it to form a portal or tunnel. An arbor can be built to take on any form that suits your design style. It can be as simple as an arched gate with climbing clematis or a bold design with four twelve-inch round Corinthian columns with rough hewn beams above heavily laden with wisteria. Depending on the scale and architectural styling of your home and the design theme of your landscape, an arbor has many different forms it can take while performing the same function.

A pergola as defined here is a free-standing overhead structure supported by posts or columns. The material that provides the shade may vary from lattice, wood beams, to vines. All can provide shade depending on how much you wish to have. Pergolas generally are more significant structure because of the function. Often, a pergola becomes a garden room or enclosure in the garden, a gathering place for people, and a focal point. “Garden Architecture” bring form and function to any successful landscape environment.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Built structures must be executed with proper construction techniques which are ensured through proper design, construction details and specifications, and on-site observations during the construction process. Landscape architects are tested and licensed by the state to

design garden architecture.Gardening Quote of the Month: “One of the most delightful things about a

garden is the anticipation it provides”. ~W.E. Johns If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to

[email protected]. For design ideas, visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial

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Clip Notes By Jody Morgan“The Season’s Brightest Bulb,” Lili Singer’s 2004 Los

Angeles Times article, explains a lot about Amaryllis. But when first gifted one, I thought it was remarkably dull. The packaging promised dramatic scarlet blossoms in two months. The bulb itself was uninspiring. Big as a baseball, with a protuberance suggesting utilization as a hurling handle, my present presented an irritating pres-ence. For weeks it sat potted with a third of the brown-skinned object sticking up as a reminder that adequate moisture was essential. Fortunately, I found space among

my other houseplants to conceal its nakedness. When the flower stalk finally shot up, companion plants provided a much-needed trellis for the spectacular blooms.

Translated as “sparkling,” the name Amaryllis appears in Greek mythol-ogy. Alteo, the shepherd Amaryllis adored, had only one desire: to possess a flower never previously seen. Advised by the Delphic Oracle to pierce her heart with a golden arrow, Amaryllis walked the path to Alteo’s door for thirty consecutive nights shedding droplets of blood. The crimson flowers emerging along the trail won Alteo’s devotion.

Despite wanting to create clarity by establishing a binomial Latinized no-menclature system botanists around the world would have in common, Carl Linnaeus opened the door for confusion when he selected the type species for his genus Amaryllis in 1753. His choice, the South African Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna) is one of only two members of the Amaryllis family currently tagged by taxonomists with the family name. Also known as Naked Ladies because the flowers emerge and fade before the leaves, these bulbs are fall bloomers throughout coastal California.

By the early 18th century, serious collectors in Europe were growing both the South African native Linnaeus designated “Amaryllis belladonna” and one or two of the closely related South American natives later banished to another genus. The resemblance of their trumpet-shaped flowers to lilies caused many gardeners to name them accordingly.

In 1689, Dutch scientist Paul Hermann characterized a plant sent to him from the New World tropics as “American lily with scarlet flowers called Belladonna.” Another bulb colloquially called Mexican Lily bloomed in

England on the first of March in 1728, the birthday of the late Queen Caroline in whose honor James Douglass labeled it Lilium reginae. Realizing it was not a lily at all, Linnaeus renamed it Amaryllis reginae in 1759.

Writing in 1821, English Amaryllis enthusiast William Herbert proposed reclassifying the numerous American species as Hippeastrum, intending the translation as “Knight’s-Star-Lily.” Species indigenous to South America have a hollow flower stalk, while the South African species bear a solid one. Technically, the bulbs sold by the millions for the holiday season are all Hip-peastrums. Nevertheless, non-botanists continue to call all six-dozen some species and six hundred plus hybrids and cultivars “Amaryllis.”

English watchmaker Arthur Johnson generated the first Amaryllis hybrid in 1799. Hippeastrum x johnsonii (a.k.a. St. Joseph’s Lily), still the hardiest hybrid, is rarely encountered outside of older gardens. Because many hybrids on the market today are bred in Holland or South Africa, you’ll find them advertised as “Dutch” or “South African” bulbs even though their parent species all hail from South America.

An Amaryllis cross takes two to four years to flower. Then the few most desirable seedlings have to be grown out for several more years to produce a viable enough crop for registration and distribution. Beyond exhibiting superior traits such as color, flower size and number of flowers, newly developed hybrids must pass rigorous test-ing for reliability and disease resistance. The late Fred Meyer, a San Diego breeder and former Executive Director of the International Bulb Society, managed to introduce 70 new crosses and cultivars from the 40,000 seedlings he raised.

The dry bulb market wants varieties that can survive the stress of early harvesting and months of lying dormant and still reliably bloom when planted. Bulbs for the forcing market are prepped for display as potted plants ready to flower for the holidays. The cut flower market follows fashions in floral design. Vase life for Amaryllis flowers is two weeks or more.

Like daffodils (fellow members of the Amaryllis family), plants commonly called Amaryllis depend on their leaves to nourish the bulbs for the next year’s flowering. Once the leaves die, the bulb remains dormant for several months before repeating the cycle.

Huge lily-like Amaryllis flowers in red, white, pink, yellow, and striped combinations are ever popular. But smaller spidery specimens with delicately curving petals bred from Hippeastrum cybister are the connoisseurs’ choice.

All I want for ChristmasBy Monica Chappell

December is my favorite month of the year! Almost every day there's a reason to open, taste, and share a new bottle of wine with friends and family: 8 days of Hanukkah, 25 Days of Christmas, New Year's Eve - you name it! But it’s also a great time to give wine as a gift. I’ve got a few suggestions for adding a little pizzazz to stocking stuffers for the wine-lovers on your list. For the Novice:

Wine opener and foiler: No wino should be without the basics. Vinturi Wine Aerator: If you don’t have the time or the equipment to aer-

ate your wine the traditional way, this quick-fix gadget can come in handy. For the Wine Geek:

Ah-So: This two-pronged wine opener extracts crumbling corks in one piece. Wine Bottle Tags: Organize your wine cellar with tags for red and white

wine. Oenophilia Private Preserve: Protects your unfinished wine by replacing harmful oxygen with argon, the same gas used by wineries to protect their wine from oxidization. For the Entertainer:

Wine Glass Writer: This pen writes festive messages or someone’s name on their glass, and then it washes off at the end of the evening.

Bouchon: Every hostess has a bottle of bubbly on hand, and every good hostess also has a bouchon, or Champagne stopper, to keep the bubbles from escaping.

Wine Away: A host’s secret weapon, Wine Away works magic on red wine stains.

Whether you’re shopping for someone who just started to explore wine, someone who has been bitten by the wine bug, or someone who loves to throw wine parties, we’ve got you covered.

Happy Holidays!Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. Visit her at www.

wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.

Cinema Classics By Peggy HornNational Velvet

I normally avoid superlatives but National Velvet I enthusiastically claim as one of my all time favorite movies. It was released in 1944 and stars a young Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Angela Lansbury, and Donald Crisp. It is based on the novel, published in 1935 by Enid Bagnold. At the 1945 Academy Awards, the film garnered Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Editing. In 2003 the Library of Congress selected National Velvet for preservation in the U.S. National Film

Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Actually, it qualifies in all three categories.

The story, set in England in the 1920’s, centers on a daring twelve-year old girl, Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor), who believes her horse can win the Grand National, and she aims to give him the opportunity to do so. The Grand National is a British Horse race held annually since 1839– a steeple chase involving a course of 30 jumps, some of which are very dangerous. Two of the jumps discussed in the movie are actual jumps: “Becher’s Brook” and the “Canal Turn.” Mickey Rooney plays the part of Mi Taylor, an itinerant jockey who becomes Velvet’s friend and coach during this process. A good portion of National Velvet was filmed at Pebble Beach, California, and Elizabeth Taylor does much of the riding in the movie. The horse (real name: King Charles) was given to her after filming as a birthday gift.

From the very beginning of the film with Mi Taylor striding along the roads of England, whistling a pretty but haunting tune, the characters are quirky and unique. Araminty Brown – Velvet’s mother – expresses her opinion that everybody should have a chance at a breathtaking piece of folly, and this is a wonderful morsel to be absorbed by the viewers who, like Mr. Brown, don’t appreciate the importance of folly. A poignant moment occurs when Mi is about to commit a crime, and he remembers how Araminty has trusted him, and that remembrance alone is sufficient to put him back on track. No wonder Anne Revere won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mrs. Araminty Brown. There is so much to admire about this movie that you’ll just have to see it yourself to appreciate it! And it’s culturally, historically, and esthetically significant!

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Talking TaxesBy Christopher T. McClure

In conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors /Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor

Historically, many people don’t think about taxes until they’re facing the April 15 deadline. But by then, it’s too late to do any productive planning.

One of the best way to save on income taxes is to max out your 401(k). You can contribute up to $17,500 into your 401(k) in 2014, and if you are over age 50, you can make an additional “catch-up” contribution of $5,500. But this is just the beginning. At the end of the year, you should also review with your financial planner the “nuts-and-bolts” things that can impact taxes: estimated tax payments, the sale of a residence, distributions from qualified plans or IRAs, as examples.

In addition, reviewing your estate plan with your financial advisor before the end of the year may help reveal some additional tax-reduction strategies appropriate to your situation.

For example, one thing that could save taxes is to shift passive in-come-producing assets like rental real estate to a family limited liability corporation (LLC) or a family limited partnership (FLP).

Gifting can also be a sound tax-savings strategy. Instead of giving cash to a charity, consider gifting appreciated assets. You don’t have to pay any tax on the gain – and neither does the charity. So you get the deduction for the gift subject to certain limitations, and you eliminate the capital gains tax.The “Stealth” Tax

Under the so-called “stealth” tax, you lose parts of certain deductions – medical expenses, interest on second mortgages, state and local taxes, and charitable gifts, among them – once your adjusted gross income reaches a certain level.

One of the things you can do that may help avoid the AMT is to exercise your employee stock options wisely. There are two types of employee stock options: incentive stock options (ISOs) and nonquali-fied stock options, with the tax implication being the biggest difference between them. While nonqualified stock options are taxed as ordinary income when they are exercised (then if you exercise and hold the stock for a year, you can pay capital gains tax on the appreciation), ISOs are subject to the AMT when they’re exercised.

The highest federal income tax rate is 39.6%; the highest AMT is 28%. In tax preparation, your income is run through both calculations, and you pay whichever one is higher. (So if your federal tax is $90,000 and the AMT is $100,000, you pay $90,000 federal tax and $10,000 for AMT.) To be strategic about taxes, try to balance your ordinary federal income tax with your AMT tax amount. If you can increase your ordi-nary income on one side, say by exercising nonqualified stock options, it may leave room to exercise ISOs on the AMT side without incurring AMT penalties.Think About the Future

The popular 529 college savings plans have emerged as terrific college funding planning tool for families who can front-load up to five years’ worth of contributions per child. Under a special election, a 529 account owner can choose to front-load up to $70,000 per beneficiary, or $140,000 for married couples, into the college savings plan without generating a taxable gift – as-suming no other gifts are made to the beneficiary over the five-year timeline.

Please contact Chris McClure to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation. Call (925) 659-0213 or email [email protected] 201303-2078185 Christopher T. McClure is a registered representative and investment advisor rep-resentative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor, 3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 400, San Ramon, CA, offering insurance through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstances. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors for its representatives and their clients. Advertorial

Diablo Choral Artists Seeks SingersLove to sing? Come join Diablo Choral Artists as they begin an excit-

ing new season! The group has openings for all voice parts (especially tenors/basses). Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 1924 Trinity Ave. in Walnut Creek. Call (925) 670-7089, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.vmschorus.org for additional information.Exchange Club of SRV

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month in downtown Danville. Sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. For more information, call Karen Stepper at (925) 275-2312, email [email protected], or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.

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Be on High Alert for Elder Financial Abuse!By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

Working with many elderly clients and hearing about the parents of “baby boomer” clients, I see and hear signs of elder financial abuse way too often. Some of the stories are really heartbreaking.

It’s not a stretch to characterize elder financial abuse as an epidemic. The confluence of an aging population, longer life expectancies, and a plethora of con-artists has

resulted in an explosion of such instances in the last few decades. The perpetrators may be caregivers, financial service providers, neighbors, or “friends.”

Fortunately, California has responded by enacting more aggressive civil legisla-tion in the last decade or so. Relevant statutes have, among other things, loosened plaintiff “standing” requirements, giving the ability to more third parties to bring a case; expanded damages that can be ordered; and, in some instances, allowed attorneys’ fees to be recovered.

Unfortunately, however, it is still difficult to combat elder financial abuse. Sometimes it isn’t recognized at all or at least not until it’s too late: the abuser and/or the money disappears. Tragically, such cases are hugely under-reported because the elder victim and/or family is embarrassed or just wants to move on. Even when a civil complaint (lawsuit) is filed, the accused perpetrator often argues that the elderly victim voluntarily gifted him the absconded funds. Evidence to the contrary may not be sufficient to satisfy the required standard of proof to hold the perpetrator liable.

Sadly, “secret marriage” (a version of which is called “deathbed marriage”) is an ugly twist on elder financial abuse that’s extraordinarily difficult to defend against, particularly after the elder victim dies. This is when a financial abuser secretly marries an elderly person. Frequently, the marriage stays secret because the elder victim is incapacitated or has significant enough mental deficits that he or she doesn’t recall that the marriage ever took place. More problematic yet is that a wise abuser can arrange to enter into a “confidential marriage” with the victim. This process - perfectly legal when the easy requirements are met - blocks the marriage certificate from being accessible via public records, as it otherwise would be. Absent a court order, the only people who can access the record are the parties to the marriage themselves.

Of course, once married, the abuser manipulates the vulnerable elder into mak-ing gifts to the abuser and/or turning over access to the elder’s assets. Sometimes, the abuser persuades the victim to change the elder’s Will or Living Trust so that the abuser spouse becomes the sole or major beneficiary. If not, on the elder’s death the abuser spouse can claim a share of the elder’s estate as an “omitted spouse”

(or if the victim had no Will or Trust, the abuser may be entitled to the victim’s assets by intestate succession).

Marriage is profoundly personal and favored by public policy. The govern-ment can’t practically decide or second guess who marries for “the right reasons.” Nevertheless, some kind of legislative recourse would seem to be rightfully available to relatives of victims of deathbed marriages. Unfortunately, only a few states, including Florida (not California), have enacted protective statutes. In fact, a substantial minority of states in our country have laws prohibiting heirs from challenging deathbed marriages!

Naturally, the most effective means of fighting elder financial abuse is to pre-vent it from happening in the first place. Elder abuse clinics and other outreach programs sponsored by professional, judicial, and other non-profit organizations help build awareness and offer useful tools. Close relatives or friends of the elder citizen are sometimes willing and able keep an eye out for signs of potential abuse.

Otherwise, what can you do to try to prevent this kind of tragic, rampant fraud and deception? Whether you are elderly yourself or a child of parents who are of advanced age, you should make sure that you (or your elderly parents) seek appropriate legal advice. While hiring an experienced estate planning attorney is not a guarantee against such abuse, it can help considerably.

Among other things, the attorney can make a threshold assessment of the el-derly client’s capacity; ensure that documents are in place that reflect the client’s bona fide, current wishes; recommend and oversee titling of assets in a careful and appropriate manner; and create documents in which caring and responsible family members and friends (or private or institutional fiduciaries) are nominated to hold important roles, such as attorney-in-fact under a Power of Attorney and trustee or co-trustee of the elder’s revocable living trust.

Upon your request, I would be happy to provide you with any or all of the following, free: i) a tri-fold brochure on the pros/cons of alternative methods of holding title to property, ii) an “Estate Planning Primer,” iii) a complimentary introductory meeting.

Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 240, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; [email protected].

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

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Mt. Diablo Branch California Writers Club“Three of Our Own” presents “Top Ten Tips on Publishing” at the next

meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, December 13, at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.

Melanie Denman completed the Stanford Novel Writing program, and her debut novel, Visiting the Sins, won the 2014 Bronze IPPY Award for Southern Fiction.

Dina Coleman, MA, MBA, is an author and health coach, whose book, Four Quadrant Living: Making Healthy Living Your New way of Life, is an Amazon Top 100 selection and has won 11 awards.

Andrew Benzie has over 25 years in the design business and established his own publishing com-pany in 2010 to help authors publish, design, and market their books in both softcover and eBook formats.

Sign-in is from 11:15AM to 12PM. Members will display and sell books until the seated holiday luncheon from 12PM to 12:45PM. The program will be held from 1PM to 2PM. Registration is $20 for CWC members, $25 for guests. Payment by cash or check is preferred. Members are encouraged to bring guests.

Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, December 10. Contact Robin at [email protected] or by phone at (925) 933-9670. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation.

To learn more visit cwcmtdiablowriters.word-press.com/.

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Your Digital Footprint By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

After writing last month’s column, I came across three articles that drove home the points I was mak-ing, and I wanted to share them to help illustrate the points I made.

The first is an article about Facebook. You’ve probably read about the issues surrounding Face-book’s confusing privacy settings. The implicit agree-ment you make when you use Facebook’s service is

that they will use as much of your data as they can to further their revenue goals. For the article, the author binged on “Liking” everything in Face-book for a period of 48 hours. He found that when he liked something that represented a certain theme, the advertising he received immediately after-ward reflected whatever it is that he had “liked.” For instance, newsfeeds came across espousing particular products or political views, and almost immediately the advertising being pumped into his newsfeed were issues and product-based, crowding out the actual human-generated news items. In other words, the more you like something, the more you get until it’s all you get. I find it troubling that instead of complimenting a reader’s views with a variety of perspectives, the algorithms are designed to force-feed you more of what you’ve already been ingesting. That doesn’t do much for the concept of broadening one’s horizons, nor of fostering tolerance for opposing viewpoints.

The next article was in Slate Magazine by Amy Webb. She and her husband signed up for and purchased all the web domains, email accounts, and social networking accounts they could access on behalf of their new-born child. The idea was to create and isolate everything pertaining to their child’s name, but then to leave the sites fallow, unused. Doing so has the effect of creating a sort of blank spot on the Internet that protects their child from being exploited. Right now, everyone is exploited. But these children have a fighting chance to actually control their online identity because their parents are forward thinking enough to identify the threat and do something about it. At some point in the future, when their child is not only technically old enough, but importantly, mature enough to understand the implications of managing their digital identity, they will be given an envelope with their passwords. At that point, the child’s digital identity will actually be a rarity – it will be blank, and they will possess a tremendous control of what for us has long since been lost.

The third article was about Uber, the popular new company that operates like a taxi service. The article reinforced my belief that at some point there is going to be a (well deserved) backlash against un-checked com-mercial digital data collection and snooping. Because people use their smartphones to contact Uber for rides, the service uses the GPS coordinates from the smartphone to pinpoint the individual’s location. The GPS coordinates are correlated to the smartphone owner because they have signed up for the service with their name, email address, and credit card. See where I’m going? Uber knows who you are, and where you are. This is probably true in a lot of cases, but other people who have that information have been smart enough to keep it quiet and not alarm the public. That is the information has been kept quiet until the publication of a snarky ar-ticle in the Uber blog. Using data the blogger collected over the period of several months in the major markets where they operate, they correlated transactions where the drop off and pick-up were within the hours of 10pm and 4am, and happened within .1 miles of each other. In other words, they were attempting to isolate those people who used the service

after a one-night-stand and needed a ride home. They correlated this with several calendar dates, such as Valentines day (low usage), tax day (high us-age), and other dates with predictable highs and lows. Should this bug you? At one level, they researchers has found interesting metrics. At another, as they can track each individual when they are not using the service because they have their phone’s signature, and have shown a willingness to do so, I think it becomes creepy really fast. It’s not hard to see the implications for blackmail and who-knows-what-else.

Just like a hammer can be used to hit your thumb or build a house, digital tools can be used constructively or destructively. I urge you to join the conversation. In the meantime, when your business or home need help with your network or computer systems, don’t hesitate to call your friends at Portable CIO for help at 925-552-7953 or [email protected]. Advertorial

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 23riodic care, future attacks can be lessened or prevented. Other therapies in our office that have been helpful for migraines include cold laser therapy, massage therapy, and ultrasound. Case history

Marsha had been experiencing migraines for her entire life with no known cause. She would typically suffer from a migraine headache several times a month throughout the year. One of her main complaints was seeing lights, and she described the pain as shooting. The only thing that helped relieve some of the pain was 800 mg of Excedrin; however, it was her wish to eliminate her dependency on painkillers. Marsha noticed that her migraines would worsen after she drank wine, an example of a dietary trigger. She rated her pain at an 8-9/10 for severity because they would be so bad she couldn’t get out of bed.Treatment and Results

Marsha received chiropractic treatment for misalignments found in her neck for 12 visits over 10 weeks along with myofascial release therapy for tense muscles. She reported having only two headaches by her fourth visit, and by then, she had cut her dose of painkillers by half. She had only one more headache by her eighth visit (compared to the usual two per week) and cut her Excedrin dose in half again. By the twelfth visit she was migraine-free for the first time in her life and was taking no painkillers. She continued to get regular monthly check-ups and experienced only occasional headaches (after drinking red wine) that were much milder than ever before.

Marsha’s story is one of many we see in our office, every day. Do you know someone who is suffering from migraines? Consider chiropractic care to help free them from their headaches!

Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is located at 565 Sycamore Valley Rd. West in Danville. Please visit www.sycamorevalleychiropractic.com or call 925-837-5595 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Advertorial

Chiropractic Care for Migraine HeadachesBy Melissa Ko, DC, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic What is a migraine?

Migraines are intense headaches that can also be accompanied by fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and high sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, migraine sufferers will wear dark sunglasses even when in-doors to filter out normal light. The symptoms can

come on so suddenly that the migraines are often described as “attacks.” These attacks can last from a few hours to several days. Migraines can be so intense that the sufferer can only tolerate resting in dark, quiet environments. Many sufferers are unable to enjoy life by being restricted from physical activities, travel, or special events, and depression can also result from a lifetime of chronic migraines. Later in this article, we will share the story of “Marsha” and how she overcame her debilitating migraines. Causes

The root cause of a migraine can be difficult to determine. There are many triggers for attacks including poor circulation, high blood pressure, muscle tension, hormonal imbalances, nerve irritation, poor diet, poor sleep, head/neck injuries, dehydration, side effects from medications, allergies, toxins, and stress. Even physical exertion and changes in weather can trigger a migraine. Comprehensive medical histories, thorough examination, and lab tests are helpful in determining triggers as they vary from patient to patient. How can chiropractic care help?

The arteries to your head, along with the spinal cord in your body, go through the neck. Misalignments in that region of the spine cause pressure and inflammation on the surrounding muscles, discs, arteries, and nerves. Correcting misalignments with chiropractic adjustments relieves built-up tension and improves the intensity of the migraine. For patients in the middle of an attack, the duration and severity can be greatly reduced, and with pe-

The Eye OpenerBy Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo OptometryHappy Holidays and the Year in Review

It is hard to believe that 2014 is almost done. I find that this time of year brings about reflection on the year past and what lies ahead in the year to come. We have made some positive changes this year that have augmented the office and will bring about a better patient experience in the future.

The most important addition to our office is our new optician, Faye. She has an extensive and impressive resume in the field. She has been an office manager in private optometry office, a frame vendor, and a lab representa-tive. Even though she has not been at the office for a long time, her imprint is becoming large. She is very friendly and knowledgeable and is always looking to help our patients have an outstanding experience. Whether it is frame selections, adjustments, or patient interactions, Faye is always looking to make our patients feel welcome.

For those of you who wear contacts, there have been some exciting addi-tions in the market. There are now two daily disposable toric lenses for those of you with astigmatism and who want the comfort, convenience, and vision that a daily disposable can offer. We also have a daily disposable multifocal lens. These lenses are great options for those part-time wearers (weekends, sports, etc.) who need good distance and near vision along with minimal care. The biggest change to the contact lens market has been the unilateral pricing that most manufacturers have put into place. To make it easier for patients, minimum pricing per box is now set by the manufacturer and not an office, warehouse, or internet seller. As of now, all lenses are not under this policy. However, this appears to be the new standard, and it seems all new lenses brought to market will follow this model. We believe this will make it much easier for the patient to purchase their contact lenses, as they can be assured the pricing is constant throughout the marketplace.

In addition to this new pricing strategy implemented by the manufacturers, we have instituted our new and easy way to purchase contacts. LensFerry is a program that we have been using the past few months which will allow patients to reorder their lenses via email or text. We will put your informa-tion in the system, and then when the time comes to reorder, an email will be sent to facilitate the process. This will eliminate the need to call the office to order lenses and then come to the office to pick them up. Patients will be able to utilize this new service whenever it is convenient for them because it does not have to be accessed during business hours.

As the holiday season approaches, we are constantly being asked during this time of year about flexible spending accounts (FSA) and how to use them at the office. The government has a wide range of specified costs that qualify as a medical expense. These include any office co-pays, any necessary or elective surgical procedures (including LASIK), and many medical devices. Included in that list is any vision correction device (glasses, computer glasses, contact lenses, sports goggles, etc.) and sunglasses. As long as your purchase is made by the end of the year, it will count on your 2014 account balance. In addition to these tax-friendly accounts, do not forget to utilize your vision insurance. At our office, we are providers for Vision Service Plan (VSP), Eyemed, and Medical Eye Services (MES). Between your vision coverage and your FSA, most if not all of your charges will be covered.

Our office has grown this year thanks to our patients. You continually support us and go above and beyond by recommending us to your friends and family. As the years go by, we are meeting more and more local people while in the community at local establishments and at the office. We believe in providing quality service and care, and this is what our patients deserve and have come to expect from us. Our office extends best holiday wishes and a prosperous new year to all of our patients and the local community.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 24 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Ivy League Physicians Expand Radiation Oncology Program By Matthew Sirott, MD

Dr. James Rembert, Dr. Christine Chung, and Dr. Sravana Chennupati re-

cently joined Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group, expand-ing our Radiation Oncology Program to include Alta Bates Summit Medical Center/Herrick Campus in Berkeley, in addition to our current Radiation Oncol-ogy Division at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill.

Drs. Rembert, Chung, and Chennupati are outstanding, experienced, and compassionate Radiation Oncologists who will provide high quality, cutting-edge care to patients at both locations in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley. They trained at outstanding institutions including University of Pennsylvania Medi-cal School, Harvard Medical School, Stanford Medical School, University of California at San Francisco, Oregon Health and Sciences University, and Harvard Radiation Oncology Program.

“We are very excited to join a large, multidisciplinary medical group like Diablo Valley Oncology,” stated Dr. Rembert, managing partner of the Radiation Oncology group. “This association allows us to practice in a new geographic area at a comprehensive, community based cancer center as well as continue serving our well established hospital based practice. Expanding to a group of four radiation oncologists will allow each of us to focus more on our sub-specialty areas of interest which will translate into even better care for our patients at each site,” continued Dr. Rembert.

Dr. Matthew Sirott, a medical oncologist, is President and CEO of Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group. The group provides com-prehensive, coordinated and targeted cancer care in the San Francisco East Bay. Its seventeen physicians bring together medical oncology, hematology, urology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Clinic locations in-clude Antioch, Berkeley, Brentwood, Concord, Livermore, Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. For more information about Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group and its expanded Radiation Oncology Program, please call 925- 825-8878 or visit us at www.dvohmg.com. Advertorial

More Accurate Test for Detection of Prostate Cancer Now AvailableBy Charles Fiske, M.D.

According to the American Cancer Society, pros-tate cancer is the most common cancer in American men second only to skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men, second only to lung cancer. One man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Given the above noted statistics, attempts to de-velop an accurate and reliable method to both screen for and diagnose prostate cancer have met with limited success. The PSA blood test is the best indicator for the presence of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the PSA can be elevated in other conditions including prostate inflammation. The current method of Trans Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate to diagnose cancer in men with an elevated PSA is both inaccurate and misleading, leaving the utility of the biopsy in question. TRUS biopsies in patients with an elevated PSA find insignificant cancer 40% of the time, miss significant cancer entirely 40% of the time and in those patients in which it finds cancer, it misses the most aggressive portion of the cancer 40% of the time. These results are behind the recommendation of many professional organizations to abandon the use of PSA as a screening test for prostate cancer.

However, MRI of the prostate has now emerged as a new test to both accurately diagnose and localize prostate cancer. MRI has been used suc-cessfully to diagnose neurological and musculoskeletal conditions for many years. Now, MRI is being used to generate detailed images of the prostate through the acquisition of high resolution images combined with dynamic contrast enhanced images to make the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer. Multi-parametric high field 3T MRI has been shown to detect prostate cancer with 90% accuracy. As important, if the MRI exam is normal, there is a less than 3% chance that significant disease is present. MRI has emerged as a successful adjunct to TRUS biopsy diagnosis of prostate cancer by providing accurate information on the location and severity of disease, thereby aiding urologists to more precisely target their biopsies.

Because 3T MRI images the entire prostate and surrounding structures, it can detect high grade and multifocal cancers and thereby determine the full extent of disease. It is also the most accurate method of diagnosing and fol-lowing low grade tumors which don’t require biopsy or aggressive treatment.

NorCal Imaging of Walnut Creek is using the most advanced Multi-parametric high field 3T MRI technology to diagnose prostate cancer. The scan takes less than one hour, and there is no rectal coil. This imaging process allows for the most accurate detection, characterization, localization, and staging of prostate cancer for TRUS guided biopsies, treatment and follow up.

NorCal Imaging is the only outpatient provider in the Bay Area currently offering Multi-parametric 3T prostate MRI with computer assisted diagnosis. This technology is also essential in making the decision for active surveillance of low grade prostate tumors and avoiding unnecessary biopsies.

A physician led informational program, including Q&A will be held in January 2015 to discuss details of this procedure. Call 925-677-5041, x272 for date, time, and registration information.

Charles Fiske, M.D. is a radiologist and Medical Director of NorCal Imaging in Walnut Creek. He specializes in oncologic imaging, diagnosis, staging and image guided interventions. For more information on the use of MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis and staging, call 925-937-6100. Advertorial

Top row left to right: Coach Craig Klass, Kat Klass, Maren Garcia,Sophie Kuester, Sammi Tovani, Maile McPherson. Middle row: Marissa Webb, Sarah Klass, Lexi Liebowitz, Caymen Silliman, Melyssa Moore, Elli Hensley. Front row: Emily Ryan, Makenna McClaskey, Erin McCreary, Coach Heather and Coach John Leach.Polo for Prostate Cancer Awareness Game

The San Ramon Valley Varsity Women’s Water Polo raised prostate cancer awareness at their recent game. Sporting blue awareness tattoos for prostate cancer team members handed out awareness bracelets and information on early detection. They also had matching prostate cancer awareness shirts.

Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 6 men in the world. Makenna McClaskey, one of the junior players on the team, has a connection to prostate cancer as her father, Mike, is fighting the disease right now. Mike has been battling cancer for over five years and is one of the polo girls biggest fans. He loves to come to watch the games.

The awareness day was even more successful as the Wolves won the game against James Logan 20-0.

Search and RescueThe Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs vol-

unteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 925-646-4461.

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[email protected], but this month I want to focus on the reconstructive side of my practice. According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, reconstructive surgery is defined as “surgery performed on abnormal structures of the body caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.” Generally, reconstructive surgery is performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance.

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I perform both cosmetic and recon-structive procedures. Reconstructive surgery represents a significant portion of my practice. The American Board of Plastic Surgery requires extensive training in areas which include congenital defects of the head and neck, cra-niomaxillofacial trauma, reconstructive surgery of the breast, surgery of the hand, plastic surgery of lower extremities, plastic surgery of the trunk and genitalia, burn reconstruction, microsurgical techniques, reconstruction by tissue transfer, and surgery of benign and malignant lesions.

While a plastic and reconstructive surgeon’s training is extensive and spans many areas of expertise, a strong sense for aesthetics is also critically important for a procedure to be successful. Reconstructive surgery is in fact, as much an art form as it is a science. To perform a successful reconstruc-tion, one must envision the results, the “art,” before beginning to operate. It is “seeing” in a completely different way.

Plastic surgery has often been misunderstood, or perceived as being super-ficial. The reality is that my training and strong aesthetic sense has enabled me to perform countless reconstructions, most recently on a pregnant woman with rapidly progressing cancer. It has allowed me to reconstruct a gunshot victim’s facial wounds, and repair the faces of dozens of children who were victims of dog attacks. Additional reconstructive procedures I’ve performed include reconstruction of skin cancer defects, skin grafts, and hand surgery.

To have the opportunity to work with patients in need of reconstructive sur-gery is one of my greatest joys in life. I have seen the physical and emotional transformation of thousands of patients over many years of performing surgery. Enabling a patient to live a normal life, while instilling in them a sense of renewed confidence and self-esteem, is remarkably rewarding. It is more than improving appearances, it is allowing people to live the life they deserve and desire.

Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or [email protected]. Advertorial

Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 25

Hope continued from page 16

Books for the HomeboundIf you or someone you know has a passion for reading and can no longer

visit the library, find out more about the Danville Library’s Books for the Homebound program, a free and unique library service. Trained library vol-unteers check out and deliver books to homebound individuals residing in their own homes or residential care facilities. Contact Sandra Paiva, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Danville Library at (925) 837-4889 for more information.

Reconstructive Surgery: The Other Side of PlasticsBy Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.

What I really enjoy about writing this monthly col-umn is that it affords me the opportunity to educate, and clarify misconceptions about plastic surgery. My practice encompasses both cosmetic and reconstruc-tive plastic surgery, and is in the most basic sense, about changing my patients’ quality of life. Whether

the surgery is cosmetic or reconstructive, I look forward to work every day because I know I can help people feel more confident about themselves, and improve their ability to function well, both physically and emotionally.

Many of my past articles have focused on education associated with cosmetic

homeless and realize that if my circumstances were different, I could be in the same situation. These people had lives and homes, and then at one point their lives fell apart and they lost everything.”

Even with additional services added at Bella Monte Apartments in Bay Point, Los Medanos Village in Pittsburg and Lakeside Apartments in Concord, CCIH gets at least 30 calls a month from truly desperate people whose needs they cannot immediately meet except by referral to other agencies. Although the possibility of acquiring more facilities exists, Bourassa asks, “How can we afford to sustain additional programs we are being asked to provide? There are few deep-pocketed advocates for homeless people.” Fortunately, as she points out, each contribution has a trickle effect that turns despair into hope.

“Whether it’s overcoming lifelong challenges of trauma and/or poverty, becoming a parent, working to succeed in school, or learning job skills to support your family, hope begins with an address,” write Bourassa and CCIH Board President Stephanie Bontemps in the CCIH 2013/2014 Annual Report. “Stable, affordable housing combined with life changing supportive services are critical to ending poverty and homelessness in our community.”

Justine’s story is typical of CCIH success. Raised by parents suffering from addiction and coping with her own physical disability, Justine was cycling through jail, rehab and homelessness when she discovered she was pregnant. With help from CCIH she’s been clean for four years, has a healthy son and a steady job and is pursuing a degree in social work at Diablo Valley College so she can extend a lifeline to others.

Erin Jones, CCIH Development Director, confronts the challenge with optimism. Focusing on what each gift makes possible, she works with the Ruby Slippers Committee to put together the annual fundraiser, scheduled January 31st, 2015 at Round Hill Country Club.

You can make hope happen. To learn about the holiday Adopt-a-Family program, Ruby Slippers, volunteering, providing financial support and more about CCIH programs, visit their website at www.ccinterfaithhousing.org.

Volunteers serve dinner at monthly meetings where residents learn life skills and help shape programs to improve their lives. Photo courtesy of CCIH.

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 26 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today NewsYour Personal NutritionistSoup is Always a Healthy Choice for WinterBy Linda Michaelis, RD, MS

I always recommend that my clients consider soup as a healthy meal choice. It is the perfect way to add pro-tein, legumes, whole grains, and veggies to your daily meal plan. Soup is both comforting and filling- a hot, savory bowl can take the chill out of the winter weather.

I tell my clients that cold weather sets up a false sense of hunger. Fuel from food helps keep us warm

during the winter months, but often I see clients reaching for food not because they are hungry but rather because they are uncomfortably cold. Yes, eating food can make your body temperature rise, but having a warm bowl of soup will save you hundreds of calories.

Canned soups often have a high salt content, but if we read the nutrition label we can come up with some good options. Pay attention to serving size as many cans contain two or more servings. Look for soups with the following nutrition numbers - per serving: 250 Calories (or less), 5 grams of fat (or less), 5 grams of fiber (or more), 10 grams of protein (or more), 600 mg of sodium (or less).

Did you know that a low sodium diet suggests that you keep your sodium intake to 2,000 mg day which is equal to a teaspoon of salt? If you have soup as part of your day and are aware of the sodium content in your other food choices that day, then soup as a choice is very acceptable.

There are two ways to eat soup. It can be considered as a side to your meal, like with a sandwich or it can be your entire meal.

Talking about side soups, clients love Trader Joe’s or Pacific Roasted Red Pepper Soup, Pumpkin Soup, Butternut Squash soup or good old Campbells’ tomato soup or their light cream of mushroom, broccoli, or chicken soups. These soups have 100 calories per serving and contain a small amount of fat, no fiber, no protein, and are low in sodium. If they are served piping hot they can help slow down your eating time.

Instead of inhaling your food, I tell my clients to have a warm food with their lunch if they are having a sandwich or a salad. Slower eaters tend to notice

signs of fullness sooner and consume fewer calories by better enjoying their food in the moment. Studies show that people who eat broth or vegetable-based soups (not creamy or high fat ones) as the first course of a meal consume 20% fewer calories per meal when they started their meal with soup!

Now let’s talk about homemade soup being the main meal. Yes, a hearty low fat soup can contain lots of protein and fiber to create a very balanced and filling meal. We can get our protein from legumes such as lentils, split peas, black, pinto, white, or kidney beans or nice big chunks of beef, chicken, or even shrimp and fish. By adding a generous amount of different veggies we fulfill our fiber content needs. We can make the soup with olive oil, garlic, onions, and herbs and use the low sodium stock of our choice. The lesson I teach my clients when making soups is to make sure each serving will have at least 4 oz. of protein, 1 cup cooked veggies, and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of whole grains such as whole wheat couscous, faro, bulgur, or brown rice. When you cook your soup always have the grain in a separate pot so that you can add it as you eat your meal and then decide how much carbs would be appropriate for the day. This will create a meal in itself.

Purchasing soup with these amounts of ingredients is not always an option. Sometimes we can find fresh hearty bean or minestrone soups at Whole Foods or Lunardi’s, but I generally recommend taking the time to make them yourself.

My clients have amazed me when they go to Pho shops and they ask for half the amount of noodles, extra fish or chicken and lots of veggies in addition to the bean sprouts, cilantro, and mint that is served. At Japanese restaurants you can do well with beef sukiyaki or seafood nobe which is a wonderful soup made with soba noodles, fish, tofu, and veggies.

These types of discussions are a great example of the education and support that I provide for my clients on an individual basis.

I am glad to inform you that my services are covered by most insurances companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Health Net, Hill Physicians and Sutter Health. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or email me at [email protected] and tell me about your nutrition concerns. Refer to my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles in my blog section and nutrition tips. Advertorial

Hospice Volunteers Needed Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients

and their caregivers. Opportunities include: • Licensed Hair Stylists to offer hair cuts and styling• Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy • Mobile Notaries to witness the signing of important documents• Bereavement Support Volunteers to provide support to family members

after their loved one has died • Patient Support Volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance To apply for free training, call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678

and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email [email protected]. Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that

helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay.

To learn more or to make a donation of time or money, please contact (925) 887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Homebound Seniors Not Forgotten at HolidaysThis season, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services (MOWSOS)

will brighten the holidays for hundreds of elderly individuals in Contra Costa County who cannot shop or cook for themselves.

“We coordinate over 1,000 volunteers and many community partners to make the holidays a little brighter and less lonely for our clients,” said Execu-tive Director Elaine Clark.

MOWSOS will hand out more than 200 bags of household items provided by Kyle Paulson’s Eagle Scout project. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body soap, and shampoo are a welcome gift for homebound seniors. Paulson collected over $1,300 for his Eagle Scout project which will be used to purchase wireless doorbells for the many clients who can’t hear their door bell, phone, or knock on the door and miss getting their meals.

In December, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services staff members will hand deliver 40 quilts and warm blankets donated by the Martinez Quilters and Joan Culver to clients most in need.

MOWSOS needs calendar and sock donations! Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels add a holiday gift - a 2015 calendar and warm socks -- to the meals deliv-ered to clients in December. The calendars and socks are collected from volunteers and friends. Eight hundred of each are needed to have something for everyone.

The organization “Christmas is for Everyone” has partnered with MOW-SOS to deliver a hot meal and gift on Christmas Day to seniors who live in Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek. This is the seventh year for this special holiday offering.

The Lions Club of Danville will provide 20 bins containing a warm blanket, towels, hat, scarf, gloves, flashlight and battery, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, a pack of notecards and a pen with 10 postage stamps. These are delivered to clients of Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services who need them.

Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is a full-service nonprofit organization dedicated since 1968 to helping seniors live independently and with dignity. Based in Walnut Creek, the agency serves seniors all across Contra Costa County. More information can be found at www.mowsos.org.

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[email protected] Danville Today News ~ December 2014 - Page 27

ALAMO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS

Stone Valley Dental 220 Alamo Plaza Suite E Alamo, CA 94507W: www.stonevalleydental.com P: 925-831-8310 F: 925-309-2460 E:[email protected]

New Patient SpecialFree school backpack for patients under 12 years old

Must be accompanied by exam, teeth cleaning, and x-rays

MEET THE DOCTORSCall Today!

(925) 831-8310Now Taking New Patients

NIKKI YAMATO, DDS A Diplomat of the American Board of PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY. She completed her Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York. Her professional background includes a teaching position as Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco where she received her DDS back in 2009. Dr. Yamato specialized in the management of pediatric oral diagnosis and treatment, trauma/inju-ries as well as interceptive orthodontics. Furthermore, she is adept in treating children and special needs pa-tients under nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia in the operating room. She is affiliated with Children’s Oakland Hospital.

YU-CHING LAI DDS, MS She received her DDS from UCSF, and completed her specialty in ORTHODONTICS & DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS from University of Rochester, New York in 2009. Her expertise includes early-age orthodontic manage-ment (two-phase therapy), multi-disciplinary orthodontic treatment, conventional metal & clear (ceramic) braces, Invisalign® & Invisalign Teen®, self-ligation braces (metal & clear), re-tainer and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD). She is actively involved in research and has published several articles; one, notably explored TMJ treatment. Lastly, she is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.

Winterize Your SkinBy Dr. Jerome Potozkin

With December upon us winter will soon be here. As I write this, Buffalo New York is digging itself out from six feet of snow. At the same time I find myself doing my annual snow dance so that Tahoe has a better ski season this year than it did last year. As a derma-tologist there are certain preventable skin conditions that I see every winter.

Winter is the season of dry itchy skin. This time of year your skin needs extra care. Many of us are very active exercising, going to the gym, playing tennis, and if we’re lucky skiing or snow boarding in fresh Tahoe snow. The most common cause of dry winter itch is frequent bathing. If possible limit yourself to one quick shower a day, use a mild soap, and moistur-ize after you shower. Those simple steps can prevent dry rashy eczema from making you itch and scratch. Despite these steps some people will develop eczema. This is an itchy rash that very commonly flares this time of year. If that happens a dermatologist can prescribe a cream to relieve the rash and itching.

When it’s cold outside it is very tempting to take more hot baths or spend more time in a hot tub. This is actually the worst thing for your skin in the winter. Limit the baths and the amount of time you spend in a hot tub. The more time you spend in water and the hotter the water the more dried out and itchy your skin will be. I don’t want to be a killjoy telling you not to take a bath or a soak, but like everything do it in moderation and not to excess.

Fortunately, we live in an area where we can pursue outdoor activities year round. That means we are exposed to the sun while pursuing these. We usually don’t think about sun protection during the winter. However, it is important that you use sunscreen every day. If we are lucky enough to have a good winter ski season, remember that when you are skiing or boarding you are at a much higher altitude without less atmospheric protection from ultraviolet radiation. In addition to direct sunlight you are also exposed to sunlight reflecting off the snow. Ironically, just when you think you least need sun protection you need it the most.

If you do develop any skin problems this winter, we are always here to help. On behalf of myself and my wonderful staff, we wish you a happy holiday and healthy new year.

Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information. Advertorial

ELECTRICAL WORKEVERYTHING ELECTRICAL! Need new light fixtures, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, or track lighting installed? Need a dimmer switch or GFCI installed? Do you want to change the color of your outlets in your kitchen or install 220V power for the new hot tub or stove? I also troubleshoot electrical problems. FREE ESTIMATES. Licensed and bonded. 30 years experience. CALL 925-389-6964.

Danville Today ClassifiedsReach over 15,000 homes and businesses in Dan-ville - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 or [email protected]. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Alamo Today” or “Lafayette Today” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad.

C L A S S I F I E D

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE!

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www.yourmonthlypaper.comPage 28 - December 2014 ~ Danville Today News

Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.

Magnificent Mt. Diablo views from this lovely updated 4 bedroom 3.5 bedroom home. Two Master suites. Priced to sell at $1,250,000.

Nicely updated 3203 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. 1.45 acres, stable, pool, heritage oak.

Priced to Sell $1,795,000.

Immaculate 5 bedroom Single Story, Great Flow, Pool spa Level play yard. Priced to

Sell $1,639,000

Nicely updated West Side single story. Backs to open space, large level yard. Oak trees. Priced

to sell at $999,000.

Amazing updated 4 bedroom single story has it all. Large level lot beautiful pool and pavilion.

Priced to sell $1,679,000.

Diablo Horse PropertyDanville West Side

J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526

Alamo View Home

Magee Ranch Executive Home

Diablo Creek Single Story

Professionals YouCan Count On

The Combs Team

Nancy Joe

www.TheCombsTeam.com

®Call the Combs Team

925-989-6086

PENDINGSOLD

SOLD

PENDING SALE

PENDING

Danville Single Family Average Home Price is Now $1.2 millionJust to be a little different this month, I thought I would list the single family homes that have sold in Danville as reported on for the last three months (September 1- November 17). The first thing

that jumps out is the wide variation in sold price and dollars paid per square foot. The statistical average for sold price in Danville is $1,202,882. The average square foot price is $453. The price swath ranges from roughly $657,000 for a condo to $3,395,000 for a single family detached home. Prices per square foot range from $258 to $1,188. Not one Danville home sold for the exact statistical mean, although a number were close. The take away message is simply this, homes are being judged on their individual merits now more so than in the past and pricing correctly is more important than ever.Address Sold Price SqFt Price/SqFt120 Valle Vista Dr $657,000 951 $690.85 360 Bridgeside Cir $695,000 1332 $521.77 285 Valle Vista Dr $725,000 1740 $416.67 1916 Rancho Verde Cir $750,000 2137 $350.96 51 Summer Hill Court $785,000 1862 $421.59 1131 River Rock Lane $790,000 1544 $511.66 1111 River Rock Ln $799,950 1544 $518.10 1629 Brush Creek Pl $810,000 2080 $389.42 1045 River Rock Ln $812,500 1492 $544.57 226 Elworthy Ranch Dr $814,000 1757 $463.29 613 Paradise Valley Ct $824,900 1948 $423.46 218 Elworthy Ranch Dr $828,698 1757 $471.66 54 Summer Hill Ct $835,000 2080 $401.44 657 Saint George Rd $846,000 1650 $512.73 42 Casablanca Street $850,000 1744 $487.39 13 Haskins Ranch Cir $854,000 2006 $425.72 1 Ramon Court $855,000 2214 $386.18 2370 Tassajara Lane $870,000 1837 $473.60 806 Luz Ct $876,000 1648 $531.55 43 Weller Ln $876,000 2202 $397.82 40 Bordeaux Ct $878,000 2186 $401.65 327 Freitas Ct $885,000 1997 $443.16 124 Center Ct $885,000 2184 $405.22 78 Plumeria Ct $899,000 2893 $310.75 712 Saint George Rd $900,000 1865 $482.57 34 Bueno Ct $915,000 2670 $342.70 35 Blackstone Hollow Ct $915,000 2059 $444.39 310 W El Pintado $918,000 2318 $396.03 50 Normandy Ct $920,000 2037 $451.64 625 Rock Island Cir $925,000 1976 $468.12 248 Stetson Dr $930,000 2350 $395.74

It’s important to remember that there really is no “aver-age” home and no two homes are ex-actly alike. If you would like an hon-est opinion of your home’s current mar-ket value, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an emai l [email protected]. For more Alamo and Danville Real Estate articles, please visit our website at www.thecombsteam.com.

May you and your family have a -Joyous Holiday Season.

2350 Tassajara Lane $935,000 2261 $413.53 128 Freesia Court $940,000 2624 $358.23 25 Cannes Ct $945,000 2037 $463.92 456 Saint Francis Dr $950,000 2290 $414.85 757 Tunbridge Rd $950,001 2436 $389.98 879 El Cerro Blvd $955,000 2421 $394.47 604 Lochmoor Ct $960,000 3412 $281.36 8 Auburn Ct $972,000 2896 $335.64 418 La Quinta Ct $980,000 2663 $368.01 60 Calistoga Ct $980,000 2165 $452.66 92 Meese Circle $988,000 2251 $438.92 1 Ashland Way $990,000 3102 $319.15 4139 Buckingham $1,000,000 2831 $353.23 3151 Stone Valley Rd $1,000,000 2321 $430.85 54 Antelope Court $1,000,000 2402 $416.32 310 Sun Stream Ct $1,004,000 2660 $377.44 63 Saint Mark Ct $1,010,000 2002 $504.50 1740 Cottswald St $1,011,000 2810 $359.79 59 Vicenza Court $1,015,000 2653 $382.59 76 Milano Ct $1,019,000 2924 $348.50 3335 Green Meadow Dr $1,020,000 3470 $293.95 7 Cross Bridge Pl $1,025,000 2879 $356.03 241 Jasmine Way $1,030,000 2536 $406.15 1101 Trowbridge Way $1,031,500 3349 $308.00 5617 Evolene St $1,035,000 2683 $385.76 206 Cross Bridge Dr $1,055,000 3087 $341.76 714 Park Hill Rd $1,059,000 2651 $399.47 3869 Sheffield Cir $1,070,700 3041 $352.09 430 Kingston Dr $1,090,000 2961 $368.12 4040 Westminster Pl $1,115,000 2831 $393.85 361 Glen Arms Dr $1,115,000 1856 $600.75

177 Santiago Dr $1,115,000 2178 $511.94 215 Gamay Ct $1,119,000 2867 $390.30 141 Angora Court $1,125,000 2506 $448.92 416 Coventry Pl $1,149,000 3203 $358.73 221 La Pera Cir $1,155,000 2502 $461.63 201 Cross Bridge Dr $1,155,000 3087 $374.15 2228 Creekview Place $1,165,000 3647 $319.44 376 Borica Dr $1,165,000 2660 $437.97 426 Vanessa Way $1,168,000 4524 $258.18 100 Angora Court $1,168,000 2827 $413.16 531 Morninghome Rd $1,175,000 2169 $541.72 1495 Menton St $1,190,000 3113 $382.27 422 Bolero Drive $1,200,000 2958 $405.68 9 Sorrento Ct $1,215,000 1945 $624.68 212 Meadowside Pl $1,219,000 3210 $379.75 1399 Brookside Dr $1,225,000 2749 $445.62 50 Princeton Ct $1,235,000 2283 $540.95 25 Westbourne Ct $1,236,000 3275 $377.40 292 La Questa Dr $1,240,000 1417 $875.09 26 La Vista Way $1,256,500 3311 $379.49 5493 Belarus St $1,260,000 2994 $420.84 611 Reading Pl $1,265,000 3002 $421.39 19 Mariposa Ct $1,270,000 2035 $624.08 15 Chelta Ct $1,270,000 2250 $564.44 132 Angora Court $1,290,000 2925 $441.03 133 Angora Court $1,290,000 2994 $430.86 228 Kuss Rd $1,299,000 2341 $554.89 14 Dutch Mill Ct $1,300,000 2926 $444.29 204 Santiago Ct $1,300,000 2286 $568.68 200 Donald Ct $1,325,000 2822 $469.53 1003 Horizon Ct $1,325,000 3136 $422.51

4282 Nottingham Dr $1,335,000 3349 $398.63 121 Emerald Dr $1,350,000 2131 $633.51 3185 Martingale Dr $1,365,000 4255 $320.80 110 Esther Lane $1,375,000 2 555 $538.16 45 Cromwell Court $1,388,000 3100 $447.74 1032 Mccauley Rd $1,400,000 3161 $442.90 422 Pelham Ct $1,400,000 3486 $401.61 140 Crestridge Drive $1,450,000 3126 $463.85 334 Cordell Dr $1,465,000 2042 $717.43 242 Still Creek Rd $1,475,000 2940 $501.70 216 Hartford Road $1,500,000 * *192 Sonora Ave $1,525,000 2952 $516.60 705 Calmar Vista Rd $1,535,000 2090 $734.45 1313 Still Creek $1,570,000 3776 $415.78 65 Trish Ct $1,580,000 3985 $396.49 161 Emerald Dr $1,650,000 2761 $597.61 82 Monza Ct $1,700,000 4000 $425.00 41 Diablo Creek Pl $1,740,000 3388 $513.58 2002 Diablo Rd $1,750,000 4279 $408.97 167 Arends Drive $1,762,000 4732 $372.36 8 Elizabeth Ln $1,795,000 4016 $446.96 3901 Deer Trail Ln $1,850,000 4148 $446.00 152 La Questa Dr $2,200,000 4298 $511.87 110 Kuss Rd $2,500,000 3953 $632.43 2 Hilferd Way $2,600,000 2187 $1,188.84 19 Alamo Springs Ct $2,650,000 6823 $388.39 5730 Old School Rd $3,000,000 3714 $807.75 224 Montair Dr $3,395,000 5467 $621.00