AlamoToday 3/2006

- March 2006Page 2

March 2006 - Page 3

BouleBouleBouleBouleBoulevvvvvard ard ard ard ard VVVVVieieieieiew!w!w!w!w!By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

Alamo Joe contest and image Copyright AlamoToday! 2002 All rights reserved.

TTTTTo be eligibo be eligibo be eligibo be eligibo be eligiblelelelele send a letter to the address below tellingus where you found him. Please include your namePlease include your namePlease include your namePlease include your namePlease include your nameand address.and address.and address.and address.and address.

He’s very small so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

Lost Dog!Alamo Today

3000 F Danville Blvd.#117

Alamo, CA 94507

March’March’March’March’March’sssssWWWWWinner isinner isinner isinner isinner is

Lindsey BourdakisLindsey BourdakisLindsey BourdakisLindsey BourdakisLindsey Bourdakis

Previous Winners:Emma Downey, Carolyn Fluehr, Debbie Flack, Sam Chinn, Kristen Van Fossen, Chris Gouveia,Michele Triantafillidis, Ralph Wallace, Jon Luebbert, Robyn VandeCater, Maryanne Biallas,Rosemarie Gillette, Richard Crowle, Katie Erickson, Richie Hunt, Blanche E. Perry, Ron Pratt,LaVerne Riley

If you find him and your name is drawn!

Alamo Joe is MissingAlamo Joe is MissingAlamo Joe is MissingAlamo Joe is MissingAlamo Joe is MissingHe has become lost in this paper.

$50 REW$50 REW$50 REW$50 REW$50 REWARDARDARDARDARD

Lost DoLost DoLost DoLost DoLost Dog !g !g !g !g !

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The last month has been spent reflecting on,and honoring, friends and family; both for my-self and others.

I have been working with a local residentwho is passionate about food and friends. Hehas created a cookbook honoring his friendsand his love of cooking. With the help of onlinepublishing site (www.lulu.com - where you can publish and print yourown books) we have been able to create a 130-page cookbook for himto give and share. The book is mixed with recipes, pictures of hisfriends and words of wisdom to share with others - such as: “few thingsare as important as the comforting ritual of sharing food from thosewilling to put forth the effort to make it.” The book has gone throughmany revisions, but the end product is one to be proud of and one thatmakes me want to start cooking!

Last month a memorial service was held for my father-in-law, John,who passed away February 2nd after a long illness. The celebration ofhis life was held in Cres-cent City, a small com-munity located on thecoast of the California/Oregon border. Honor-ing John’s Scottish heri-tage we were g racedwith the presence of abagpiper whose music,with the backdrop of thePacif ic Ocean, reso-nated during the cer-emony. The message given over and over by those that spoke wasJohn was one who cared deeply about others and his family. He had ajolly laugh and an abundance of hugs.

John was disciplined and a hard worker, having risen to the rank ofLieutenant with the Los Altos, California police department. He wasknown for being a gentleman of honor, pride, respect and love.

John was also a fan of food. He loved gathering for an eveningBBQ surrounded by his seven children, their spouses, eighteen grand-

children and six great-grandchi ldren . Hegrilled up treats for allto en joy, and madeyummy weekend morn-ing pancakes andoatmeal.

John was a giftedwriter, and had com-piled several hundredpages remembering hischildhood growing upon the island of Kauaiin the nineteen thirties.In his memory, and withmy new publ ish ingknowledge I am f inish-

ing up the revisions of his autobiography “Stories of a Hawaiian Child-hood.” The writings, accented with some of the thousands of familyphotos I am in the process of scanning, will bring to life an idyllictime in a distant place.

- March 2006Page 4

Alamo Rotary Club Presents - DIXIELANDAlamo Rotary Club Presents - DIXIELANDAlamo Rotary Club Presents - DIXIELANDAlamo Rotary Club Presents - DIXIELANDAlamo Rotary Club Presents - DIXIELANDThe Alamo Rotary Club will be holding a Dixieland Festival featuring BobBobBobBobBob

Schulz and the FSchulz and the FSchulz and the FSchulz and the FSchulz and the Frisco Jazz Bandrisco Jazz Bandrisco Jazz Bandrisco Jazz Bandrisco Jazz Band. The group is one of the most talented groupson the West Coast. Their music was patterned after the late, great, Bob ScobeyFrisco Band of the fifties and sixties. The seven-piece band performs music, pastand present in the manner influenced by such famous musicians as Turk Murphy,Louis Armstrong, Muggs Spainer and Eddie Condon.

The Alamo Rotary Club has featured a music theme in its fundraisers anddonates their profits to music programs at the local schools, supporting other edu-cational events and benefiting local causes.

The festival will be held Sunday, March 12th from 1-3pm at the Alamo Women’sClub located at 1401 Danville Blvd in Alamo. The cost is $20 per person. Twohundred tickets are available. A no-host bar and food will be provided.

For tickets and information contact Mark Kahn Jewelers at 3202 Danville Blvdin Alamo or call them at 837-3262. You may also call Al Makely at 925-820-6847.

ArArArArArtist Randall Stauss to Ptist Randall Stauss to Ptist Randall Stauss to Ptist Randall Stauss to Ptist Randall Stauss to Paint Liaint Liaint Liaint Liaint Livvvvve Modele Modele Modele Modele ModelThe Alamo-Danville Artists’ Society guest artist for March is artist

Randall H. Stauss who will give an oil painting demonstration Tues-day night March 14th at 7:30 at the Danville Congregational Churchlocated at 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in Danville.

The demonstration is free and visitors are welcome. Stauss willpaint a model wearing a bathing suit which he will incorporate into apreviously painted scene.

Essentially a representational painter, Stauss is equally comfortablewith both watercolor and oil painting. “Painting is largely a matter ofinspiration and seeing things clearly”, Stauss explains. “The mediumisn’t so important, although we won’t be able to express what we seeand feel without a certain command of our materials. He counts ChildeHassam and Winslow Homer among his favorite artists although theirstyles are dissimilar. “Hassam’s work looks like it was painted for thesheer joy of it, and Homer always looked for the truth of the matter.”

Randall Stauss was accepted as a signature member of the NationalWatercolor Society in 1985; the same year he began his now popularworkshops. He and his wife Edith live at the North Shore of LakeTahoe. He is represented by the Pogan Gallery in Tahoe Vista. Forfurther information, telephone Ginger Miller at 925-837-6414.

San Ramon San Ramon San Ramon San Ramon San Ramon VVVVValleallealleallealley Historical Society Dinnery Historical Society Dinnery Historical Society Dinnery Historical Society Dinnery Historical Society DinnerThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdayyyyy, March 16, 2006 ~ 7PM, March 16, 2006 ~ 7PM, March 16, 2006 ~ 7PM, March 16, 2006 ~ 7PM, March 16, 2006 ~ 7PM

Speaker Bill Harlan will present a talk on “The Family History of theHarlan/Geldermann Family” at the next San Ramon Valley Historical So-ciety Dinner. The dinner will be held at the San Ramon Golf Club locatedat 9430 Fircrest Lane in San Ramon. The cost is $19 per person. Pleasecall Frances Lloyd at 925-837-9382 for reservations. New members andguests are always welcome.

Alamo Alamo Alamo Alamo Alamo WWWWWomen’omen’omen’omen’omen’s Club s Club s Club s Club s Club WWWWWelcomes Neelcomes Neelcomes Neelcomes Neelcomes New Membersw Membersw Membersw Membersw MembersOn February 8th, local business women, Judy McHugh, Lorrie

Sullenberger and Nancy Combs were initiated into the Alamo Women’sClub boosting the Clubs’ membership to over 60 women.

If you are interesting in joining or finding out about the Alamo Women’sClub, call Membership Chair, Susan Mc Caul, at 925-256-7613.

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March 2006 - Page 5

FFFFFirefirefirefirefirefighters Conduct ighters Conduct ighters Conduct ighters Conduct ighters Conduct TTTTTraining Exraining Exraining Exraining Exraining Exercisesercisesercisesercisesercises

The San Ramon Valley Fire Pro-tection District has been conductingtraining exercises at their recentlypurchased property located at the cor-ner of Danville Blvd and Hemme.Following the completion of trainingexercises the property may becomethe site of Alamo’s next f ire house.Public hearings regarding the usageof the site will most likely be heldwithin the next year.

Your Neighborhood Loan Agents

Jim LarsenCommercial/MultifamilyDirect: 925.552.3866Cell: [email protected]

Kellee LarsenSenior Loan Agent

Direct: 925.552.3822Cell: 925.683.6509

[email protected]

3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 195 • Alamo, CA 94507 • 925.552.0175 • www.rpm-mortgage.com

Quote based on < 80% LTV • Owner Occupied • Credit scores over 700 • Full doc (stated income available)

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- March 2006Page 6

Alamo School HappeningsAlamo School HappeningsAlamo School HappeningsAlamo School HappeningsAlamo School HappeningsBy Beverly Tom, Principal

Fine Mexican Dining

743-8997In Stone Valley Shopping Center

Near Long’s Drugs

Enjoy Our Patio Dining

We Offer a Full Bar and LoungeMargaritas are a House Specialty

Monday - Saturday: Lunch and DinnerSunday: Dinner only

3168 Dan3168 Dan3168 Dan3168 Dan3168 Danville Blvdville Blvdville Blvdville Blvdville Blvd, , , , , AlamoAlamoAlamoAlamoAlamo

Welcome to March! We are looking forward towhat March has to bring. Students are preparing tolet their talent shine at our TTTTTALENT SHOALENT SHOALENT SHOALENT SHOALENT SHOW W W W W AAAAAU-U-U-U-U-DITIONS on March 7 and 9DITIONS on March 7 and 9DITIONS on March 7 and 9DITIONS on March 7 and 9DITIONS on March 7 and 9ththththth..... Our PTA is spon-soring a parent education workshop on ThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdayyyyy,,,,,March 9,March 9,March 9,March 9,March 9, called “Raising Health“Raising Health“Raising Health“Raising Health“Raising Healthy Kidsy Kidsy Kidsy Kidsy Kids”, a work-shop on nutrition by Linda Michaelis, RDMS. Par-ents will learn how to prepare and plan healthy

meals and snacks for their children, and more!

Spelling Bee Spelling Bee Spelling Bee Spelling Bee Spelling Bee WWWWWinners! inners! inners! inners! inners! Congratulations to Claire Sasse, our fifth gradeSpelling Bee Champion. She went onto represent Alamo at the Districtwide Spelling Bee. Special Recog-nition also goes to our runner up,Harrison Heiser as well as our otherfinalists Hannah Wald, Ryan Worley,Amy Aceto, and Tony Clarke. All ofthese students did a fabulous job!

On On On On On ThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdaThursdayyyyy, March 2, , March 2, , March 2, , March 2, , March 2, all sec-sec-sec-sec-sec-ond gond gond gond gond graders will honor Drraders will honor Drraders will honor Drraders will honor Drraders will honor Dr. Seuss. Seuss. Seuss. Seuss. Seussand his birand his birand his birand his birand his birthdathdathdathdathdayyyyy by spending sometime reading together in the Multipur-pose Room. Students are invited tobring Dr. Seuss or other special books to read. Parent guest readers willjoin the celebration as well.

On TTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdayyyyy, March 14, March 14, March 14, March 14, March 14, Alamo School will be hosting a Used Book &Used Book &Used Book &Used Book &Used Book &MoMoMoMoMovie Salevie Salevie Salevie Salevie Sale featuring a variety of titles for children and adults. WWWWWe ine ine ine ine invitevitevitevitevite

the community to comethe community to comethe community to comethe community to comethe community to comeand shop from 6 to 8 pmand shop from 6 to 8 pmand shop from 6 to 8 pmand shop from 6 to 8 pmand shop from 6 to 8 pmthat ethat ethat ethat ethat evvvvveningeningeningeningening. The pro-ceeds will go to fund PTAprograms at Alamo School.

Conference Conference Conference Conference Conference WWWWWeekeekeekeekeek isjust around the cornerfrom March 13-17thfrom March 13-17thfrom March 13-17thfrom March 13-17thfrom March 13-17th.

We are also excited aboutour Dinner Dance andDinner Dance andDinner Dance andDinner Dance andDinner Dance andAuction on SaturdaAuction on SaturdaAuction on SaturdaAuction on SaturdaAuction on Saturdayyyyy, , , , , AprilAprilAprilAprilApril11111ststststst. It will be held at the beau-tiful Blackhawk Museum.

SAFESAFESAFESAFESAFE is coming. Student Art For Education has donated over $500,000to San Ramon Valley Unified participating schools, and Alamo continuesto benefit from their generous donations towards our Fine Arts Program.The annual art auction recognizes students whose artwork has been se-lected as a winner, while providing an opportunity for a business or personwith a winning bid to take with them some wonderful artwork rather thanjust a charitable receipt. We are fortunate to participate in this worthwhileprogram. If you or your business would like more information about theauction which will be held on Friday, June 2, at the San Ramon MarriottHotel, please contact Gina Renner at 943-6723.please contact Gina Renner at 943-6723.please contact Gina Renner at 943-6723.please contact Gina Renner at 943-6723.please contact Gina Renner at 943-6723.

On WWWWWednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdaednesdayyyyy, March 8, March 8, March 8, March 8, March 8, distribution of kinderkinderkinderkinderkindergggggarararararten packten packten packten packten packets forets forets forets forets for2006-072006-072006-072006-072006-07 will begin district wide.

To accomplish great things we must first dream, then visualize, thenplan...believe…act! - Alfred Alfred Alfred Alfred Alfred A. MontaperA. MontaperA. MontaperA. MontaperA. Montaperttttt

GiGiGiGiGiving ving ving ving ving Through Music and Dance: Kids CaringThrough Music and Dance: Kids CaringThrough Music and Dance: Kids CaringThrough Music and Dance: Kids CaringThrough Music and Dance: Kids CaringConcerConcerConcerConcerConcert Raises Funds for Hurt Raises Funds for Hurt Raises Funds for Hurt Raises Funds for Hurt Raises Funds for Hurricane ricane ricane ricane ricane VVVVVictimsictimsictimsictimsictims

Recently, local youth presented a check for $2,500 to the American RedCross for the victims of the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast states. The talentedyoung singers and dancers from local schools including Rancho RomeroRancho RomeroRancho RomeroRancho RomeroRancho RomeroElementarElementarElementarElementarElementary School, John Baldwin Elementary School, John Baldwin Elementary School, John Baldwin Elementary School, John Baldwin Elementary School, John Baldwin Elementary Schooly Schooly Schooly Schooly School and Stone Stone Stone Stone Stone VVVVValleallealleallealleyyyyyMiddle School,Middle School,Middle School,Middle School,Middle School, and performing arts groups such as Califor Califor Califor Califor California nia nia nia nia Theatre Theatre Theatre Theatre Theatre ArArArArArtststststsand Studio 8,Studio 8,Studio 8,Studio 8,Studio 8, presented a concert at the Dean Lesher Theater to help rebuildthe lives of the residents of the Gulf Coast states.

Shown in the picture (from left to right) beginning with the back row are Bailey Erickson,Shannon Donley, Kelsey Jacobsmeyer, Melissa Shaffer, Erika Henningsen, Dallas Morris;second row: Maria Borromeo, Megan Sarmenta, Hannah Clark, Joseph Borromeo, JonathanMiller, Casey Bennett, and front row: Robert Borromeo, Ryan Donley, Jaclyn Verdina,Claudia Norman and Gene Blanc (Member, Board of Directors of the Bay Area Chapter ofthe American Red Cross). Other participants in the fundraiser were Katie Pasichuke, EmmaGermer, Chelsea Schroeder, Jacqueline Garell, Laura Reed, Rachel Shapiro, Elaina Keegan,Brianna Maes, Annelise Newman, Elizabeth Tremaine, Tyler Costa, Jake Suh, AnneliseWerhel, Nicole Delgadillo, Rachel Kory, Molly McTarnaghan and Alyssa Sheets.

5th grader Madeline Galindo shares astory at Family Reading Night

Left to right: 1st grader Alex Bohannan, 2nd gradersAlex Goodman and Arion Morshedian listen to a storyat Family Reading Night.

March 2006 - Page 7

Rancho Romero ElementaryRancho Romero ElementaryRancho Romero ElementaryRancho Romero ElementaryRancho Romero ElementaryNeNeNeNeNewswswswswsBy David Gold, Principal

Remember an experienced agent can help you avoid the curveRemember an experienced agent can help you avoid the curveRemember an experienced agent can help you avoid the curveRemember an experienced agent can help you avoid the curveRemember an experienced agent can help you avoid the curveballs that may arise in a real estate transaction.balls that may arise in a real estate transaction.balls that may arise in a real estate transaction.balls that may arise in a real estate transaction.balls that may arise in a real estate transaction.Serving the San Ramon Valley Since 1980.Serving the San Ramon Valley Since 1980.Serving the San Ramon Valley Since 1980.Serving the San Ramon Valley Since 1980.Serving the San Ramon Valley Since 1980.

Call and let us show you how our team can help prepare yourCall and let us show you how our team can help prepare yourCall and let us show you how our team can help prepare yourCall and let us show you how our team can help prepare yourCall and let us show you how our team can help prepare yourhome to sell in today’s market.home to sell in today’s market.home to sell in today’s market.home to sell in today’s market.home to sell in today’s market.

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This glorious custom-designed property is situated on 2.3+ This glorious custom-designed property is situated on 2.3+ This glorious custom-designed property is situated on 2.3+ This glorious custom-designed property is situated on 2.3+ This glorious custom-designed property is situated on 2.3+ (approx.)(approx.)(approx.)(approx.)(approx.)

acres. acres. acres. acres. acres. With 6,800 sq. ft. there are 6 Bdrms. 6.5 Baths, including a private suite completewith kitchen and a separate entrance; a large bonus room with study area, 4+ fireplaces,a luxurious master suite, large formal rooms, a chef’s kitchen, an extra large familyroom, and a library/office. The iron fenced park-like yards feature a walking trail, viewsof Mt. Diablo and the Valley, and a pool with waterfalls, and spa. The gazebo withfireplace and large covered patio area is perfect for entertaining. In addition there is alarge separate building and a 4+ car garage. Offered at $4,600,000Offered at $4,600,000Offered at $4,600,000Offered at $4,600,000Offered at $4,600,000

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Danville - AlamoAmerican Association ofUniversity Women(AAUW) interest group isproviding quilts for new-borns and incubator coversto Children’s Hospital inOakland. For more infor-mation please contact:Marry Kelly [email protected], 925837-2493 or Marry [email protected],925 831-1784.

The Premiere Fund-Raiser for RanchoThe Premiere Fund-Raiser for RanchoThe Premiere Fund-Raiser for RanchoThe Premiere Fund-Raiser for RanchoThe Premiere Fund-Raiser for RanchoRomero will soon be here. Romero will soon be here. Romero will soon be here. Romero will soon be here. Romero will soon be here. The SpeakThe SpeakThe SpeakThe SpeakThe SpeakeasyeasyeasyeasyeasyRagtime Jam is FRagtime Jam is FRagtime Jam is FRagtime Jam is FRagtime Jam is Fridaridaridaridariday March 24y March 24y March 24y March 24y March 24ththththth. . . . . With justa few weeks to go, preparations are movingforward to make this a very successful and ex-

citing event. We kick things off with the Silent Silent Silent Silent Silent Auction March 14Auction March 14Auction March 14Auction March 14Auction March 14ththththth-----1616161616ththththth in the Multi-Use room. The Silent Auction gives all Rancho fami-lies the opportunity to participate in our fund-raising efforts. Choosefrom items such as awesome artwork, restaurant and vacation pack-ages, sporting events, Camp Rancho, Teacher Treats and the class in-dividual projects. Get there early to bid on your favorite items.

Speech Contest - Speech Contest - Speech Contest - Speech Contest - Speech Contest - Join our 5th grade students Thursday, March 9th,8:30 – 10:00 am in the Multi-Use room as they compete to representRancho at the district level speech contest. Several students from eachclass will deliver their speeches and two students will be chosen toproceed to district. We wish them all the best of luck!

FFFFField trip for 5ield trip for 5ield trip for 5ield trip for 5ield trip for 5ththththth g g g g graders raders raders raders raders – On Thursday March 23rd Rancho’s 5th

grade students will enjoy a visit to Monte Vista High School for theMonte Vista Area Band Festival.

The Speakeasy Ragtime Jam promises to be an exciting eveningThe Speakeasy Ragtime Jam promises to be an exciting eveningThe Speakeasy Ragtime Jam promises to be an exciting eveningThe Speakeasy Ragtime Jam promises to be an exciting eveningThe Speakeasy Ragtime Jam promises to be an exciting evening.The event will take place Friday March 24th at the Blackhawk AutoMuseum. Have your turned in your RSVP form? It isn’t too late. Thisvery important event helps Rancho raise a major portion of funds usedto maintain special programs, employ classroom aides and staff ourl ibrary jus t to name a few. Vis i t the auct ion webs i te a twww.rrauction2006.com or call the auction hotline at (925) 979-0078for more information.

Finally, thank you to the entire community, Rancho Families, Alamobusinesses, and business friends of Rancho for the many wonderfuland generous donationsmade to support our an-nual auction. It is becauseof the generosity of thiscommunity that we areable to have a successfulauction.

AAAAAAAAAAUW ProUW ProUW ProUW ProUW ProvidesvidesvidesvidesvidesQuiltsQuiltsQuiltsQuiltsQuilts

- March 2006Page 8

Stone Stone Stone Stone Stone VVVVValleallealleallealley Middle Schooly Middle Schooly Middle Schooly Middle Schooly Middle SchoolBy Shaun McElroy, Principal

LLLLLynn Marynn Marynn Marynn Marynn MartinsontinsontinsontinsontinsonTTTTTutorutorutorutorutor

All subjects - including Spanish • Over 18yrs experience • CA Credentialed Teacher

Stone Stone Stone Stone Stone VVVVValleallealleallealley’y’y’y’y’s s s s s Not the Crab FNot the Crab FNot the Crab FNot the Crab FNot the Crab Feedeedeedeedeed a a a a ahuge success!!huge success!!huge success!!huge success!!huge success!!

Many thanks to Betsy Klimmek and Karol Bushwho organized our annual Education Fundfundraiser without the local crustaceans. The goodnews is that Betsy and Karol will no longer be ac-costing you in the parking lot and the better news istheir efforts doubled last years total.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the parents who contributed tothe raffle prizes, the silent auction and those who helped set-up, clean-up or at-tended. We had over 200 people show up. This kind of an event is what makesStone Valley a special place. Thank you Karol and Betsy for the supreme effort.Stone Stone Stone Stone Stone VVVVValleallealleallealley Blue Ribbon y Blue Ribbon y Blue Ribbon y Blue Ribbon y Blue Ribbon Application is on its wApplication is on its wApplication is on its wApplication is on its wApplication is on its waaaaay toy toy toy toy toWWWWWashington Dashington Dashington Dashington Dashington D.C..C..C..C..C.

Stone Valley is one of eight middle schools in California who are eligibleto apply for the National Blue Ribbon School honor. Teacher Jennifer Billeciis the primary author of this document as she was for the California Distin-guished school application.Honor Roll 86% all time highHonor Roll 86% all time highHonor Roll 86% all time highHonor Roll 86% all time highHonor Roll 86% all time high

Students who achieve a 3.0 or better receive honor roll status. The typicalpercentage for students on the honor roll runs between 75 and 78% for bothfirst and second semester. This year our first semester percentage went way upto 86% or 586 of our 681 students. I attribute this large number to our smallCore class sizes and smaller class sizes in many of our math classes. Whenclasses are smaller teachers spend more time with each student, especiallythose who need the extra support. Smaller class sizes are a direct result of ourclass size reduction campaign through the Stone Valley Education Fund.

As an additional note the Stone Valley student population is lower this yearthan any of the four previous years. We are currently at 681 students downfrom 721 in 04-05. I believe that the lower population allows for a closer bond

between students and staff and that relation-ship builds a foundation for greater academicachievement.Dates to remember:Dates to remember:Dates to remember:Dates to remember:Dates to remember:March 30th 7PM SV MPR - Incoming 6th

grade parent nightThis is an orientation night for current

5th grade parents. Parent will meet the school administration, Counselor andteachers from each subject area.

Thursday March 16th 7-9PM SV Gymnasium - Dad’Dad’Dad’Dad’Dad’s Night Outs Night Outs Night Outs Night Outs Night Out

This is a special evening dedicated to honoring, affirming, and recogniz-ing the important role Dad’s play in raising their children. The evening is spon-sored by the Stone Valley PTA. Please contact Shaun McElroy [email protected] for more information.CongCongCongCongCongratulations to the 2006 Spelling Bee ratulations to the 2006 Spelling Bee ratulations to the 2006 Spelling Bee ratulations to the 2006 Spelling Bee ratulations to the 2006 Spelling Bee WWWWWinners!inners!inners!inners!inners!

Seventh grader, Rachel Curtis, came in first place. She will go on tocompete at the district level as well as represent Stone Valley at the CountyBee in Walnut Creek, where she will compete against other students fromthe Contra Costa County in an attempt to move on to the National SpellingBee in Washington, D.C. Other winners include: 2nd place - April Simpson,3rd place - Katie Chan, 4th place - Ian Jong, 5th place - Jason Kim, 6thplace - Mackenzie Bailey and our 7th place alternate - Andy Tonge.

All of these students will go on to compete at the District level on March28th! Great job, Stone Valley Spellers!!HaHaHaHaHavvvvve a bachelor’e a bachelor’e a bachelor’e a bachelor’e a bachelor’s des des des des degggggree? ree? ree? ree? ree? WWWWWant to be more inant to be more inant to be more inant to be more inant to be more invvvvvolvolvolvolvolved ined ined ined ined inschool? Like to earn some extra cash?school? Like to earn some extra cash?school? Like to earn some extra cash?school? Like to earn some extra cash?school? Like to earn some extra cash?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you are a perfect candi-date to become a substitute teacher. We currently have two Stone Valleyparents in the sub system and a third on the way, one former parent, andone current parent on staff. Come join the fun that is middle school. Followthe link http://www.srvusd.k12.ca.us/HUMAN_RESOURCES/Substitute_WebCenter/ to sign up.

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March 2006 - Page 9

Principal’Principal’Principal’Principal’Principal’s Repors Repors Repors Repors ReportttttBy Becky Smith, Monte Vista HighSchool, Principal

Thirteen Finalists in Merit ScholarshipThirteen Finalists in Merit ScholarshipThirteen Finalists in Merit ScholarshipThirteen Finalists in Merit ScholarshipThirteen Finalists in Merit Scholarship2006 Competition Named2006 Competition Named2006 Competition Named2006 Competition Named2006 Competition Named

The National Merit Scholarship Program hasnow determined which of the 16,000 Semifinal-ists named last September have met all requirementsto advance to Finalist standing in the competition

for Merit Scholarship awards to be offered in 2006. A Certificate of Merit will beawarded to each finalist at the MVHS Senior Awards Night in May 2006.

Finalists in the 2006 Competition for Merit Scholarship Awards are:Kristina A. Bergquist, Weijia Chua, Jinah C. Haytko, Adam M. Lathram,William V. Leiter, Curtis B. Liu, Roy V. Mathew, Joshua A. McGuire, Avni J.Shah, Jessica A. Shuen, Paul A. Suffoletta, Jennifer M. Wong, and KevinZhou. The selection of some 8,200 Merit Scholarship winners from the groupof more than 15,000 Finalists is now in progress. Congratulations!

Student Student Student Student Student Athletes RecoAthletes RecoAthletes RecoAthletes RecoAthletes Recognized at Lunchtime Ceremongnized at Lunchtime Ceremongnized at Lunchtime Ceremongnized at Lunchtime Ceremongnized at Lunchtime Ceremonyyyyy Monte Vista High School’s athletic department and administration recentlycongratulated 20 students for their athletic accomplishments and college schol-arship opportunities with a brief announcement and introduction to the stu-dent body at the amphitheater during lunch. Lunch was provided to the ath-letes and student body in attendance. Congratulations go to the followingMonte Vista athletes and best wishes in their collegiate pursuit in their chosensport(s). They are:Baseball:Baseball:Baseball:Baseball:Baseball: Mike Cassady - University of California - BerkeleyDave Hernandez - California State University- FresnoBaskBaskBaskBaskBasketball:etball:etball:etball:etball: Erin Tao - Columbia UniversityFFFFFootball:ootball:ootball:ootball:ootball: Mike Costanzo - University of California- BerkeleyZach Mosle - University of California - DavisGolf: Golf: Golf: Golf: Golf: Sunny Zhang - Dartmouth UniversityGeoff Gonsales - Cal Poly, San Luis ObsipoSoccer:Soccer:Soccer:Soccer:Soccer: Lizzie Batten - Texas Christian UniversityMelissa Buich - University of OregonRachel Jones - Cal Poly, San Luis ObispoBJ Byrnes - San Diego State UniversitySoftball: Softball: Softball: Softball: Softball: Sarah Axelson - University of California - DavisStephanie Bregante - UndecidedSwimming:Swimming:Swimming:Swimming:Swimming: Ashley Wulf, Ohio UniversityRob Nelson - University of California - Davis orUniversity of California - Berkeley for CREWTTTTTennis: ennis: ennis: ennis: ennis: Tim Lantin- California State University- SacramentoMike Starr - UndecidedVanessa Lunardi - Loyola Marymount UniversityWWWWWaterateraterateraterpolo:polo:polo:polo:polo: Mike McGlennon - UndecidedNikki Schrakamp

Mustang Debaters Mustang Debaters Mustang Debaters Mustang Debaters Mustang Debaters WWWWWin 19 in 19 in 19 in 19 in 19 TTTTTrophies at 4th Evrophies at 4th Evrophies at 4th Evrophies at 4th Evrophies at 4th EventsentsentsentsentsTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnamentThe Monte Vista Speech and Debate Team attended their 4th LeagueEvents and Debate Tournaments in the 2005-2006 season. In thiscombined speech and debate tournament, theMustangs captured 19 trophies, many in the var-sity division. Freshman Hinh Tran led the de-baters with a 4-0 performance in varsity, Lin-coln-Douglas Debate. In Speech it was juniorsJon Wu and Raj Sidhu who captured 2nd placein Original Oratory and Foreign Extemp respect-fully. Kelsey James won 1st place in Exposi-tory, Sherif Elzarka-1st place- Foreign Extemp.,Tanya Retherford- 1st place-Humorour Interp.Congratulations!

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Alamo’s premiere restaurant has changed ownership. The new

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Scenes From SanScenes From SanScenes From SanScenes From SanScenes From SanRamon High SchoolRamon High SchoolRamon High SchoolRamon High SchoolRamon High SchoolBy Tracy Petroski, San RamonValley High Senior

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Earlier this year I made the decision to begin movingforward with many of the proposed improvements alongDanville Boulevard. I know many of you have been in-volved in this process for decades, and I can truly under-stand the frustration you have expressed about how long ithas taken to get any definitive decision on what should bedone. Well, I am ready to take action and move forward.

As you may recall, what I have approved for construction are improvements to theStone Valley Road and Danville Blvd. intersection (which will begin this summer), theinstallation of a lit crosswalk at Jackson Way, and a small median at Alphonsus Way.

While we are moving forward with many of the projects along Danville Boulevard,there is still one major project, (the signal versus the roundabout proposal) at OrchardCourt that needs to be decided upon. Over the past year I have continually met with theCounty’s Public Works department in an effort to determine how these improvementsshould be planned and funded.

While the County is prepared to install a signal light with current funding secured,there remains the desire and necessity of a complete public process that finally deter-mines if this is what the community prefers, or if they would want the more expensiveroundabout, which would necessitate further local taxpayer support.

What is known is that Alamo needs to have a strong, clear voice in this decision; asmost of you shop, work, and commute along this corridor on a daily basis and will bedirectly impacted by whatever decision is ultimately made. For this reason, I believe thatit would be best for the residents of Alamo to cast a vote on an upcoming ballot for whichoption you believe would best suit your community’s needs. (Due to election costs andtimelines, the ballot process may take the form of a direct-mailed ballot.)

Your input, participation, and advocacy is a vital aspect to a successful and finaloutcome of this project. I hope that you will continue to stay involved, consider all theoptions, talk with your fellow neighbors and community members and ultimately cast avote for what you believe to be the best benefit for the Alamo community.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at 820-8683.

DanDanDanDanDanville Bouleville Bouleville Bouleville Bouleville BoulevvvvvardardardardardBy Mary N. Piepho, County Supervisor,District III

iSold It 680 Enters Third Month in Alamo PlazaeBay Auction Drop Helps Alamo Residents get money for items they no longer use

By Russ Emerson

“What a great idea!” “Revolutionary” “I always wanted to sell my not needed items on eBay, but didn’t have the time to list and ship, this is very helpful.” Theseare just a few of the things customers are saying about the iSold It 680 store in Alamo.

We are very excited to have taken in over 1,000 items to date! We appreciated your business and want to make doing business with us as easy as possible so wehave written some simple guidelines of our most frequently asked questions.

There are three questions asked most frequently “What type of items sell best?”, “What is your fee to sell my item(s)?” and “How do you determine the value ofmy item(s)?”

1. While the sky is the limit we are seeing a GOOD trend for items such as womens handbags/purses, bicycles (kids, mountain, racing), car rims and tires, stereoelectronics and speakers (even if they are “dated” there is a good market!), purpose built clothing (ski apparel, etc.) musical instruments, sporting goods (golfclubs, skis, water and snow, snow boards, wake boards), china, computer and computer equipment all sell well with iSold It. We are seeing a BAD trend for notpurpose built clothing (shirts, pants, skirts), vinyl albums, knick-knacks which are not verifiably collectables, artwork, some childrens toys. Keep in mind thebuyer pays the shipping and if the item is a good deal in purchase price it might cost more to ship than they are willing to pay.

2. The fee structure is as follows:

- 30% up to $500 and 20% over $500- There are no upfront fees UNLESS you would like to set a reserve (a reserve is a set price the items must sell for), this is a very small fee of a few dollars

3. iSold It 680 has a very sophisticated software system installed which searches the Internet for items similar to what you would like to list. It goes back up to 90days and pulls all relevant data. This provides a snapshot of if the item is selling and an estimate of its value. The item might sell for higher, it might sell for lower,however it is extremely accurate 90% of the time.

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Students from the“Stone Valley PanHandlers”, the StoneValley Steel Drum Bandclass, performed at the“Not the Crab Feed”fundraiser. The fundraiserraised money for theStone Valley EducationFund.


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drug prevention. Youth to Youth creates opportunities for teens to support eachother in decisions to be drug free and focuses on topics that youth face today.The learning and fun continues from morning until night during a Y2Y con-ference. High School teens with Y2Y leadership training have been workingenthusiastically for many months to prepare for this big day. More than 80high school students from Danville, San Ramon, and Alamo will work at theconference. Joining them in this effort are students from neighboring commu-nities and throughout California, SRVUSD school administrators, communityand service organizations, and law enforcement agencies. High school leaderswill guide their younger peers through skits, games, panel discussions, andsmall group activities. More than 20 workshops will be offered throughout the

day including topics such as: Building Self Es-teem, Life Stories of Teens & Substance Abuse,High School 101, Jazz Dancing, Self Defense,Positive Body Image and much more. The con-ference will end with an exciting drug freedance.Youth to Youth teens know the principlesthey set with themselves provide their friendswith positive support to make healthier choices.More than just an “event”, the Youth to YouthMiddle School Conference is a way to see thebest in teens and their leadership skills. But don’ttake our word for it; by attending a Youth to Youth

Conference young people will see more possibility in themselves than everbefore! The SRV CASA Youth to Youth Middle School Conference will beheld Saturday, March 11, 2006 from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm at Iron Horse MiddleSchool. The event is open to ALL sixth through eighth grade. The eventcosts $25.00 through March 4th, 2006; $35 after March 4th or at the door. Theregistration forms can be obtained at any middle school or online atwww.srvcasa.org.

Successful Successful Successful Successful Successful YYYYYouth outh outh outh outh TTTTTo o o o o YYYYYouth Proouth Proouth Proouth Proouth Progggggram Celebratingram Celebratingram Celebratingram Celebratingram CelebratingTTTTTwwwwwelvelvelvelvelve e e e e YYYYYears In San Ramon ears In San Ramon ears In San Ramon ears In San Ramon ears In San Ramon VVVVValleallealleallealleyyyyy

Take a look at the blueprint for the Youth to Youth program in the SanRamon Valley, that was started in 1995, and you will see thousands of suc-cessful young people. On March 11, 2006 Community Against SubstanceAbuse (CASA) will proudly sponsor the 12th annual Youth to Youth MiddleSchool Conference to be held at Iron Horse Middle School. Y2Y is a place forteens and the adults who value them. This amazing, positive, peer preventionprogram gives young people leadership now, to impact their world tomorrow,by giving life to their ideas through sharing, learn-ing and laughing together. Because of a Youth toYouth conference experience, change occurs bothwithin young people and by them, making teensready for life! This giant party will be attended byover 400 middle and high school students all work-ing towards a common goal – to live a healthylifestyle – free of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.In developing prevention efforts that target youngpeople, we must include them in the process. TheY2Y program was one of the pioneers in youthdriven, “no-use” message, drug prevention pro-gramming. Since 1982, three U.S. Presidents, including current U.S. Presi-dent George W. Bush, have recognized the program for outstanding efforts inyouth development. Today, the program and conferences are presented in ev-ery state and more than 30 countries worldwide. Youth to Youth provides yearround programming that develops and supports young people in making posi-tive decisions for themselves, their school and their community. Teens areseen as assets, not the problem when addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other

- March 2006Page 14

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Carolyn Uhland Photographyof Alamo • 925-820-8989

“W“W“W“W“Weight to Go” in eight to Go” in eight to Go” in eight to Go” in eight to Go” in AlamoAlamoAlamoAlamoAlamoBy Debbie Carmel

The Evolution of an EmergencyThe Evolution of an EmergencyThe Evolution of an EmergencyThe Evolution of an EmergencyThe Evolution of an EmergencyDepartmentDepartmentDepartmentDepartmentDepartmentBy DaBy DaBy DaBy DaBy David Birdsall, MDvid Birdsall, MDvid Birdsall, MDvid Birdsall, MDvid Birdsall, MD, Mt. Diab, Mt. Diab, Mt. Diab, Mt. Diab, Mt. DiablololololoMedical Center ER DepartmentMedical Center ER DepartmentMedical Center ER DepartmentMedical Center ER DepartmentMedical Center ER Department

The emergency room, like nose clippers, dispos-able diapers, and Cheetos, is a 20th century phe-nomenon that has touched the lives of many. Theidea came out of WWII and was solidified by theKorean and Vietnam Wars when trauma surgeons

realized that the life saving procedures and techniques born on the battlefieldwould be helpful in the community. They were right. As a result, emergencyrooms slowly popped up around the country. However, their appearance anduse was much different than it is today. For instance, many emergency roomswere just that, a room. Some started off as accident rooms to be used only fortrauma. Others, were used by your doctor in the event that you had an urgentissue. If your doctor couldn’t get to your house he would send you to thehospital’s emergency room and meet you there. Oh how times have changed.

As emergency room usage increased physicians regularly staffed them.These doctors were trained in specialties ranging from Surgery, Internal Medi-cine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, and Psychiatry. In some areas it was run byfolks fresh out of medical school with no training at all. These doctors had tolearn on the fly and train themselves in emergency medicine. As a result, thecare patients received was widely variable. It wasn’t until 1961 that the firstgroup of “emergency specialists” was born and it wasn’t until the 1970s that aformal emergency medical training program emerged. Following that, Emer-gency Medicine residencies sprouted up around the country and today it isone of the most popular and competitive residency programs around. In1989,Emergency Medicine finally got the respect it deserved when it was grantedprimary board status, like Surgery and Internal Medicine. This was a big dealand today, if you go to an emergency room you will be treated by a specialist

trained and certified in emergency medicine and your care will be the sametype of care that people all around the country receive.Along with the evolution of Emergency Medicine as a specialty, we have alsoseen the evolution of emergency medicine in day-to-day practice. Before, weused to see the very sick or severely injured patients that couldn’t wait untilmorning. Now we see everyone at any time. For example, in a typical day Ican see a patient having a heart attack, then move to one with a sprained ankle,to another with appendicitis, and to another who is complaining of a coughthat developed one hour ago. The reason for this is that local physicians havehad to take on many more patients, thus severely limiting their availability ona day-to-day urgent basis. This means that if a patient believes that they havean urgent issue and need to see their doctor immediately they typically have towait 2-3 weeks for an appointment. Instead of waiting, and sometimes at theurging of their own doctor, they come to us in the Emergency Department. Attimes it feels like we are a primary care clinic.

Also, we are busy 24 hours a day seven days a week. We used to have a bedin our doctors office where we could take a nap during a night shift. It wasremoved long ago and replaced by a desk, because the bed never got used.Each year emergency department patient volumes increase as our populationgrows, hospitals close, and more uninsured patients emerge in our country. Asa result of rising patient volumes, the less ill patients end up waiting hours tobe seen by a physician. This is due to the fact that those who are the sickestand/or arrive by ambulance have to be seen first. If I were a patient, the idea ofwaiting this long would drive me nuts.

In order to solve this problem, and serve everyone expeditiously, manyEmergency Departments, including ours, have recently opened an area spe-cifically for those patients with less critical complaints. Our goal is to decreasethe overall wait times and improve quick access to a physician. We want thosepatients who are less ill to be able to be seen and treated in under an hour.

With all these past changes, it will be interesting to see what the futureholds for us. Stay tuned and we will see you down the road at John MuirConcord Campus, formerly Mt. Diablo Hospital.

Losing weight isn’t easy but can be fun. Per-sons participating in the eight week Alamo WeightLoss Challenge that began on Saturday, January14th are proof! Activities have included; “Be aKid” night at Golden Skate, Sunday morningstretches/walks at “fit” (and on the Iron HorseTrail), a “Dinner Diva” event and “Table Talk” atFresh Choice, email messages, etc. Challengershave built a level of camaraderie among themselves

that has been consistent, contagious, supportive, but most of all, FUN!Many behaviorists indicate that it takes three weeks to change a behav-

ior, but Weight Loss Coach, Laura Burkey (lauraburkeycoaching.com)believes otherwise. I was having a hard time getting up to exercise at 5:30a.m. and wondered what I could do to make it easier. Laura challenged me(and other Participants via a group conference call) to try her “four timesforms habit” approach. As an example, Laura says to examine your dailyroutine and habits and pick one item that you are willing to change fourtimes in a row (i.e. taking a different route to work, wearing your watch ona different arm, etc.). After the fourth time, what specifically did you no-tice that was different? You may be surprised to find that changing aningrained behavior doesn’t take as much time as you might think. AlthoughI initially resisted the change (hitting the snooze alarm numerous times hasbeen part of my ingrained behavior), I eventually was willing to try Laura’sapproach. After a fourth time of getting up early and working out, it DIDbecome easier, and has become part of my daily routine. Laura also men-tioned that our group seems to be particularly hard on ourselves and as ahomework exercise we should give ourselves permission to “lighten up” overthe next few weeks. It’s worth a try. We are definitely heavy in that area.

To assist participants in their fitness-related goals, Sandy McEnroe (Cer-

tified Personal Trainer in the Danville-Alamo area for the last 7 years) hasalso been a tremendous asset to the group. Sandy has a real passion forhealth and fitness and has inspired Challengers to find fun in fitness. Herenthusiasm is focused on motivating positive life-long goals by helpingpersons to get fit and stay fit. Folks who care about these things will behappy to hear that Sandy has opened her own fitness studio in downtownDanville called “Fit Personal Fitness Studio” which is located at 294-BRailroad. Don’t miss the Grand Opening event that will take place on Sat-urday, March 25th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sandy provides one-on-one fit-ness training along with small group sessions, which Challengers can tes-tify have benefited them immensely.

Winners of the Alamo Weight Loss Challenge will be revealed at a lun-cheon on Saturday, March 11th at Roundhill Country Club (after a final weigh-in at Alamo “Curves) and will be published in the April issue of “Alamo To-day.” Although the current challenge is almost over, it’s not too late to partici-pate in a new 2006 challenge event. Sandy McEnroe will have sign-ups forher eight week “fit” Grand Opening Weight Loss Challenge that will beginApril 1st, at heropen house event.I will definitely bethere and plan tosign up for thechallenge. Pleasestop by, say “hi,”and wish Sandyand her businesspartner, GwenJohnson, the bestof luck in their newfitness enterprise.

- March 2006Page 18

Life In the Life In the Life In the Life In the Life In the Alamo GardenAlamo GardenAlamo GardenAlamo GardenAlamo GardenA Kitchen GardenA Kitchen GardenA Kitchen GardenA Kitchen GardenA Kitchen GardenBy John Montgomery, ASLA, LandscapeArchitect, Garden Architecture

As I look out the window I see spring comingto life in my garden. This always brings excite-ment and panic to me because I want to preparemy garden for an abundant summer. It seems “tim-ing” is a key issue to planting a kitchen garden. Akitchen garden mixes practicality and beauty when

designed as a garden element. A vegetable garden and fruit orchard can bea fruitful adventure (pardon the pun!). When done tastefully and designedwith intention and purpose; a kitchen garden will produce enough deli-cious produce to feed a family of four easily. I approach the design of akitchen garden as a main element in the overall theme of the landscape.Like a trellis, a water feature, or a garden path, the kitchen garden is ahardscape element that you can unleash your creative genius on.

The design of your kitchen garden should be functional. It should havea central pathway paved with a loose material such as crushed rock, peagravel, or decomposed granite fines (DG). The pathway should allow physi-cal and visual access to the whole garden. Overall, the garden’s layoutshould attract its visitors to its heart, whether it is for a moment of reflec-tion, to pick and eat some sun-ripened strawberries, to harvest bell pep-pers, zucchini, eggplant, and onions for a grill on the barbecue, or to relishin your handy-work when you see your spring-sown seeds germinatinginto a future harvest. The pathway system in your vegetable garden shouldbe wide enough to get your wheelbarrow easily around your raised beds.

Most successful kitchen gardens in Alamo have raised beds, usually18" to 24" high, to get your vegetables up out of the adobe clay so preva-lent in Alamo. What you put in your raised beds is also very important.What I do for raised beds is construct them out of two 2" X 12" in heightwith 4" X 4" posts set into the ground with concrete footings to supportthem. You can make them in different shapes depending on your design.Squares, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, and polygons are all acceptable.Once they are built I staple a solid layer of half inch galvanized hardwarecloth across the bottom to keep the gophers and other varmints out. Thenfill your boxes with a good organic vegetable mix. The soil is the mostimportant aspect of a successful veggie garden. Make sure it contains cer-tified organic material. Some store bought composts of late contain lowlevels of herbicides which seem to retard seed germination. Other com-posts, especially the ones from recycled green waste can contain some heavymetal elements. The best mix I have found is unfortunately only available atAmerican Soil Products in Richmond. (They do deliver out here!)

I recommend automatic irrigation for your boxes. Overhead irrigationcan be risky because of rots and molds it can perpetuate. I sprinkler myleafy crops, but drip or flood my tomatoes, beans, corn, and fruit trees.Unless you are dedicated gardener that has the time to hand water yourcrops, automatic irrigation is the best way to go. All it takes is one hotafternoon to fry your seedlings!

Make your kitchen garden fun! Decorate it with fun and funky stuff. Awater feature,old gardentools, statues,or whateverstyle décor youprefer. Make ita functionalgarden. It’snice to have apotting benchor storageshed. Even ahot house isgreat for start-

ing veggies fromseeds in earlyspring.

A kitchen gar-den takes a cer-tain level of com-mitment, but theresults can bevery satisfying. Ilove my kitchengarden. It bringsme a lot of joy towatch a seed ger-minate, grow and produce a delicious side dish at the dinner table and mykids love wandering through it grazing on the strawberries, cherry toma-toes, peaches and carrots.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Even though I lovewatching seeds grow, some of the better results I have come from buyingmy plants already started. For instance, buy corn in six-packs as early aspossible. The results are fun and abundant.

Gardening Quote of the monthGardening Quote of the monthGardening Quote of the monthGardening Quote of the monthGardening Quote of the month: “I used to visit and revisit it a dozentimes a day, and stand in deep contemplation over my vegetable progenywith a love that nobody could share or conceive of who had never takenpart in the process of creation. It was one of the most bewitching sights inthe world to observe a hill of beans thrusting aside the soil, or a row ofearly peas just peeping forth sufficiently to trace a line of delicate green.~Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mosses from and Old Manse”

If you would like me to write on any particular subject email your ideasto: j ohn@gjohn@gjohn@gjohn@gjohn@garden-a rch i t ec tu re .comarden-a rch i t ec tu re .comarden-a rch i t ec tu re .comarden-a rch i t ec tu re .comarden-a rch i t ec tu re .com or visit w w ww w ww w ww w ww w w. g. g. g. g. ga rden-a rden-a rden-a rden-a rden-architecture.comarchitecture.comarchitecture.comarchitecture.comarchitecture.com

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Real Estate MattersReal Estate MattersReal Estate MattersReal Estate MattersReal Estate MattersWhat Is Most Important inWhat Is Most Important inWhat Is Most Important inWhat Is Most Important inWhat Is Most Important inDeterDeterDeterDeterDetermining Propermining Propermining Propermining Propermining Property ty ty ty ty VVVVValuealuealuealuealueBy Edward R. Antenucci, Owner-BrokerUCB Real Estate

We all know that location, location, location isone of the key factors in determining propertyvalue. The reason is really quite simple; it is theone thing about a property you can’t change.

But, there are other factors too. Next comes condition and size, not justby itself, but also in relation to the other properties around it. Obviously ahome in need of a new roof, exterior paint etc… will be worth less thanone that is in “mint” condition. Some deficiencies that can really affectvalue are necessary repairs like water damage, a broken furnace, a defec-tive foundation, and a cracked chimney. Cosmetic deficiencies, while theyaffect value, are not “must repairs”. These would include things like paint-ing, new floor treatments, window screens and landscaping.

As for the size of the house and property, both the square footage of thehouse and the size of the property itself can make a big difference in value.Rule of thumb, it’s easier to add on to a house - so square footage impactsvalue- but, size of the property itself is much more a determining factor.

Last comes “the extras”. All the goodies we want in our homes thesedays include items like Jacuzzi tubs, crown moldings, state of the art gour-met appliances, hardwood or stone floors, broadband wiring etc….

When you think value, think location. But, also think about condition, size and theextras. All of these can affect a property’s value either positively or negatively.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home please contact EdAntenucci, Owner-Broker of UCB Real Estate. Located on the corner ofCivic and Main Street in beautiful downtown Walnut Creek ~ 1655 N.Main St., Suite 105 Walnut Cree, CA 94596. Call: 1-800-NEWHOME,or Ed’s cell phone at 925.351.8686.

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Retirement: Retirement: Retirement: Retirement: Retirement: YYYYYou Can’ou Can’ou Can’ou Can’ou Can’t t t t t AlAlAlAlAlwwwwwaaaaaysysysysysBuy HappinessBuy HappinessBuy HappinessBuy HappinessBuy HappinessBy Rob Regan, Regan Financial Group

So you’re investing in your 401(k) plan and you’veeven researched some long-term care options. Yourfinancial portfolio is in good shape — but what aboutother important factors that also affect your experi-ence of retirement? How will you prepare for changesthat come with the transition to retirement? How will

you fill unstructured days? What will give you a sense of connection andpurpose once you move away from your work?

No matter how many articles you read about maximizing your IRA, you’lllikely find that money is only one piece in the successful retirement puzzle.Nancy K. Schlossberg, EdD, author of Retire Smart, Retire Happy: FindingYour True Path in Life, talks about the importance of developing your psycho-logical portfolio, as well as your financial one, to prepare for retirement. Shecites the research of George E. Vaillant, psychiatrist and director of the HarvardStudy of Adult Development. Vaillant studied rich and poor alike and foundthat there was a simple recipe for successful retirement. Money had very littleto do with it. His recipe has four ingredients:

1. Replace work colleagues with another network.2. Rediscover play.3. Uncover your passion.4. Continue lifelong learning.Schlossberg gives one caveat for Vaillant’s simple recipe: it only works if

you understand the role your own expectations play. “If I were to select themost important thing that will determine your retirement satisfaction, it wouldbe the degree to which your expectations meet reality,” she says. Take thetime to reflect on what you want. This may include continuing the same workin a different way. Perhaps your skills can be applied to a cause you have

always believed in. Maybe you want to learn something new – another lan-guage, a musical instrument or carpentry.

The AARP Bulletin highlights new retirees that follow Vaillant’s recipe.Bob Rosier of Charleston, West Virginia, worked for 32 years producing pub-lications for state agencies. Unsure what to do next, he uncovered a passionfor stained glass. Arlene Lyons and Barbara Barasch are sisters who wantedto work together. They replaced their work colleagues with customers at theirown café near Bighorn National Forest in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.

Joseph Quinn, dean and economics professor at Boston College, has no-ticed this trend for older Americans to treat retirement as a period of revitaliza-tion. He suggests this movement is due, in part, to longer lives. “People are saying,‘I’ve got a couple of decades of potentially productive life ahead of me.’”

Given this longer view of retirement, yes, your savings account matters.But so does your need to be excited about something when you get up in themorning. The recipe for a happy retirement must include a balance amongyour financial, psychological and social needs. Give yourself time to transi-tion, and to make mistakes, and you’ll probably find satisfaction in your retire-ment, no matter what your 401(k) statement says.

For more information: www.2young2retire.com -This website is packedwith ideas on how to reinvent retirement. How to Retire Happy, Wild andFree: Retirement Wisdom That You Won’t Get from Your Financial AdvisorErnie J. Zelinski, Ten Speed Press, March 2004, Retiring? Don’t Worry, BeHappy, www.aarp.org/Articles/a2004-10-08-retiring-happy.html

This article is provided courtesy of Rob Regan CFP®, CSA®, a member ofSociety of Certified Senior Advisors and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLAN-NER™ professional. Rob lives in Alamo with his wife Carolyn and theirnine children. Rob can be reached at the Regan Financial Group 55 OakCourt Suite 100, Danville, CA 94507, phone (925) 820-0640 email [email protected].

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through NFP Securities, Inc. aBroker/Dealer, Member NASD/SIPC and Federally Registered. Investment Advisor NFPSecurities, Inc. is not affiliated with the Regan Financial Group. CA License #0B07171.

- March 2006Page 20

Our FOur FOur FOur FOur Faaaaavvvvvorite orite orite orite orite ThingsThingsThingsThingsThingsBy Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

There’s never been a better time to considerreplacing your old computer equipment. Com-puter performance is better than ever andprices are unbelievably low. Everything youhave can be transferred over to your new sys-tem, so what are you waiting for?

We base the life of computers on a three-year depreciation schedule. Sometimes we

cheat and stretch to four years, but at that point the computers are re-ally not keeping up with the requirements of modern software. Com-puter technology roughly doubles in speed or capacity every 1.5 to 2years (Moore’s law, loosely translated), and all modern software is beingwritten with this in mind. The longer you wait, the worse the computerwill run if you install new software.

One thing that holds everyone back is not knowing what to buy.There are many choices available, and it’s worrisome to consider yournew technology will be superseded in such a short period of time.Technology keeps moving, and that’s the way it will always be, so youcan’t let that keep you from taking the plunge!

In desktops, we strongly recommend “eMachines”, which is a brandpurchased by Gateway Computers two years ago. These systems aretop-rated by Consumer Reports in their March edition, and our per-sonal experience has been nothing short of great. They’re inexpen-sive, ranging from $349 to $649, and are suff iciently conf igured formost off ice or home installations. Their only drawback is that theyonly come pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows XP Home Editionwhere in some corporate environments Windows XP Professional Edi-tion is required if using a Windows Domain. Their telephone supportis easy to work with and domestically based. Calls are answeredpromptly and their troubleshooting is straight-forward.

Because of market share and the number of companies addicted totheir products, the other desktop computer we like is the Optiplex se-ries by Dell. These may be conf igured with any options you desire.Many companies base their corporate standard on Dell. There’s noth-ing wrong with their equipment from an engineering standpoint. How-ever, if your equipment malfunctions and you need service from Dell,you may have moderate to severe problems getting competent, timelyand effective support. We hear many horror stories about dealing withtheir technical support, and have experienced a few ourselves. A bet-ter bet at the same price point would be to give Gateway a try, as theymake excellent equipment and use the same, support organization aseMachines.

The most popular corporate laptop is the Lenovo (formerly IBM)ThinkPad. Lenovo is a Chinese company that bought the Thinkpadproduct line from IBM a couple of years ago. I’m impressed by theirinnovation and the way they’re keeping quality up and prices down.Their latest laptops include a Virus Recovery button (“Thinkvantage”),a f ingerprint security device, and built-in Verizon wide-area wirelessnetworking. Prices start around $1,000 for a well conf igured unit.

You may want a monitor with your new computer. Go to a com-puter retailer nearby, look at their monitors, and f ind one you like.Don’t buy one without seeing what it looks like to your naked eye.

USB Thumb drives have come down in price, and now you can geta 512mb unit for $29, and a 1gb for $49. These are great devices forquickly backing up or transporting documents.

For installations of one to seven computers, I strongly recommendthe Mirra backup system. With up to 400gb of space, this unit attachesto your network and automatically backs up the important folders andf iles on your computers. It will store up to eight revisions of the f ilesyou modify. Files you choose to make available can be accessed fromthe internet. The Mirra backup costs between $300 and $500 depend-ing on the size you purchase, and are the most effective automatedbackup solution on the market. If you haven’t done anything aboutbackups, go to www.mirra.com and buy one today.

We have recently switched to using Trend PC-Cillin Antivirus pro-gram instead of Norton Antivirus. We used Norton for the last threeyears, but have become disenchanted with the way their product isoperating, installs and upgrades. Trend PC-Cillin is the top-ratedantivirus program available for your home or small-off ice computer,so we feel conf ident in our decision to install this product on yourmachines.

For Spyware, we still recommend a triumvirate of products. Startwith Microsoft’s product called “Windows Defender”, formerly knownas Microsoft Antispyware. Their product works well and continuouslyprotects your system. This product is free from the Microsoft website.We still recommend Spybot and AdAware, as they are both excellenttools to f ind and remove downloaded pests from your system. Thethree of these products, together with Trend PC-Cillin will ensure youare doing everything reasonably possible to protect your system.

For more details on these products, feel free to email us [email protected].

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FFFFFor For For For For Fresh Italian Comforresh Italian Comforresh Italian Comforresh Italian Comforresh Italian Comfort Ft Ft Ft Ft Foodoodoodoodood,,,,,TTTTTrrrrry Ristorante Fy Ristorante Fy Ristorante Fy Ristorante Fy Ristorante ForliorliorliorliorliBy Sarah AlvarezPhotos by David Horine

Ristorante Forli is a hidden treasure. Thestorefront is small and simple, but it surprisesby opening into a restaurant and bar capable ofseating up to 165 people. More of those seats

are getting f illed since new manager Gabriele Davanzante came justtwo months ago. He joinsthe partnership of headchef Luis Mata and bar-tender Lloyd Jewell whohave worked a tRistorante Forli since itopened 10 years ago.

Additional advertisinghas helped to bring newbusiness, but the freshItalian comfort food pre-pared by Mata makes cus-tomers return for more.

“The best thing here isthe chef,” says managerDavanzante. “What’s important about Luis is that he’s still cookingwith passion, with heart.”

Chef Luis Mata grew up in Michoacan, Mexico. He learned tocook Italian food while working at Italian restaurants i n Danville.Theseexperiences enabled him to design the Forli menu with authentic Ital-ian dishes. Manager Davanzante, a native of Puglia, Italy says thatMata’s cooking reminds him of his mother’s and grandmother’s cook-ing. “The f irst time he came over, he had the veal piccata, and he said

that I cooked the vealpiccata even betterthan [ they do in]Italy,” recalls Mata.

The res taurantprides itself in makingmuch of the foodfrom scratch. Everyday, “to prepare, ittakes us three hours,”says Mata. He cuts hisown steaks and f iletshis own f ish. He liststen different

soups that are part of his regular repertoire. The focaccia hemakes is used for the sandwiches at lunch. The ravioli andthe cappelletti stuffed pastas, and all of the sauces are madein the kitchen.

Mata says that everything on the menu sells well. Populardishes include the pasta, the pepper steak and the lamb shank.During my visit to the restaurant, the phone rang and some-one actually asked whether lamb shank would be served thatnight. Mata slow cooks his lamb for hours. “With a fork youcan take the meat off from the bone,” says Mata. For dessert,Davanzante recommends the tiramisu made with top-qualitycoffee and mascarpone cheese. I also recommend the tastybread pudding.

Luis Mata shares his recipe for grilled eggplant stuffed withricotta cheese. It is light, sweet, savory, and balanced. Serveit as an appetizer or pair it with a green salad for a light meal.

Melanzane Melanzane Melanzane Melanzane Melanzane Alla Griglia -Alla Griglia -Alla Griglia -Alla Griglia -Alla Griglia -(Grilled Eggplant StuffedWith Ricotta Cheese andServed With CaramelizedOnions)

1 large red onion3 T. sugar1 bunch fresh basil1 large eggplant1/3 cup olive oilsalt and pepper1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

Peel onion. Slice into thin rounds. Spread out sugar in a large saucepanover medium-high heat. Place onions on top of sugar. Cook 12-15 minutesuntil onions are very limp and sugar is dissolved. Set aside and let cool. Mean-while, pick basil leaves from stem. Wash and dry leaves. Set aside.

Preheat grill to medium-high. Wash eggplant. Remove stem, then cutlengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices. Brush both sides of the eggplantslices with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place eggplant slicesin a single layer on the grill. Cook until browned and tender, about 5 min-utes each side. Let cool slightly.

For each eggplant roll, put 2 T. of ricotta cheese about 1 inch from thenarrow edge of an eggplant slice. Fold edge over filling and roll up.

Serve 3 eggplant rolls oneach plate, alternating aneggplant roll with a basilleaf. Cover the base of eachbasil leaf with a spoonful ofcaramelized onions. Makes3-4 servings.

FFFFForli Ristorante and Barorli Ristorante and Barorli Ristorante and Barorli Ristorante and Barorli Ristorante and Bar -3160 Danville Blvd., AlamoPhone:Phone:Phone:Phone:Phone: (925) 820-1711Hours:Hours:Hours:Hours:Hours: Lunch Thurs & Fri11:30am-2:30pm; DinnerMon-Thurs 4:30pm-9:30pm,Fri-Sun 4:30pm-10pmHighlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights:Highlights: Music and dancing on Fri & Sat with “Take 2”, EarlyBird menu, pizza menu, children’s portions, updated wine list, freshf lowers on thetables , a r t f romAlamo Danvi l leArtists’ Society onthe walls.

Rolling eggplant slices

Luis Mata brushing eggplant slices with olive oil

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- March 2006Page 22

Congratulations to Fred and Annelise Glueck - Round Hill CountryClub’s Mr and Mrs Club Champions for the sixth straight year!

www.alamobusiness.com

AMPAMPAMPAMPAMPAAAAA

Alamo Merchant & Professional Association 3000F Danville Blvd #329 • Alamo, CA 94507

Board of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of DirectorsBoard of Directors

President’President’President’President’President’s Cors Cors Cors Cors CornernernernernerBy Joe Combs

Joe Combs, Joe Combs, Joe Combs, Joe Combs, Joe Combs, The Combs TeamPresidentPresidentPresidentPresidentPresident, 362-1649

Barbara Malan, Barbara Malan, Barbara Malan, Barbara Malan, Barbara Malan, Coldwell BankerVVVVVice-President/Luncheonsice-President/Luncheonsice-President/Luncheonsice-President/Luncheonsice-President/Luncheons, 831-3329

BrBrBrBrBruce Marhenkuce Marhenkuce Marhenkuce Marhenkuce Marhenkeeeee, Alamo CommunicationsSecretarSecretarSecretarSecretarSecretaryyyyy, 831-0352

Sharon HinchmanSharon HinchmanSharon HinchmanSharon HinchmanSharon Hinchman, Abacus Tax ServiceTTTTTreasurerreasurerreasurerreasurerreasurer, 743-1133

Rich Rich Rich Rich Rich WWWWWoodoodoodoodood, E-PayNow.comWWWWWebmasterebmasterebmasterebmasterebmaster, 788-5057

Judy McHughJudy McHughJudy McHughJudy McHughJudy McHugh, CPAMembershipMembershipMembershipMembershipMembership, 855-9450

Claudia Claudia Claudia Claudia Claudia WWWWWaldronaldronaldronaldronaldron, Waldron Assoc.TTTTTree Lightingree Lightingree Lightingree Lightingree Lighting, 820-5968

Bess Bess Bess Bess Bess AfAfAfAfAffffff initoinitoinitoinitoinito, Amore StudiosHostessHostessHostessHostessHostess, 820-2312

Sharon SchuylerSharon SchuylerSharon SchuylerSharon SchuylerSharon Schuyler, Celebrations on the BayMixersMixersMixersMixersMixers, 510-499-4229

Claudia Waldron, Sharon Schuyler, Bruce Marhenke, Barbara Malan, Rich Wood, BessAffinito, Roberta Morris and Joe Combs make final changes to the 2006 AMPABusiness Directory

AMPAMPAMPAMPAMPA Membership Luncheon, A Membership Luncheon, A Membership Luncheon, A Membership Luncheon, A Membership Luncheon, TTTTTues., March 14ues., March 14ues., March 14ues., March 14ues., March 14ththththth

We’re looking forward to having AMPAMPAMPAMPAMPAAAAA members, prospectivemembers and guests join us for our monthly general business meet-ing and luncheon at Round Hill Country Club.

Networking at 11:30 and lunch begins at noon. Remember ourluncheon meeting goals are for “Networking” and “Information” re-garding our businesses and community.

Our March speakOur March speakOur March speakOur March speakOur March speaker will be Ron Sandiforer will be Ron Sandiforer will be Ron Sandiforer will be Ron Sandiforer will be Ron Sandifor. For the past ten years,Ron has worked in his own business, Carsan Enterprises. WithinCarsan Enterprises is “Legal Cure Associates.” One of the importantservices Ron provides is an Identity Theft Protection and Restora-tion service. The focus of Ron’s talk will be ID Theft and why it hasbecome the number one crime in America.

Every citizen should gain a basic understanding of the insidiousnature of this crime and how it could affect their personal lives. Thisluncheon promises to be extremely informative and everyone shouldtry to attend. Ron and his wife Caroll and son Carron reside inDanville.

Remember one of the purposes of our luncheons it to promoteRemember one of the purposes of our luncheons it to promoteRemember one of the purposes of our luncheons it to promoteRemember one of the purposes of our luncheons it to promoteRemember one of the purposes of our luncheons it to promoteour local bour local bour local bour local bour local business members.usiness members.usiness members.usiness members.usiness members. I would appreciate your suggestions,comments and questions regarding future speakers you feel wouldbe benef icial to all. Perhaps you or someone you know would like tobe our guest speaker.

P lease ca l l Barbara Malan a t 831-3329, or emai [email protected] for your luncheon reservation by Thursday,March 9th.

Hot Dog! Our membership directories have been completed, thanks to thefine efforts of Bruce Marhenke and Judy McHugh. Shortly they will be mailed toour members and available to the public through direct distribution by our mem-bers. We’ve added many new members this year, so you will want to be sure andpick one up. So far, we have 90 registered members. If you are looking fornetworking opportunities to grow your business through participation in AMPAplease call Judy McHugh, our membership chairman at 925-855-9450 or simplyvisit our website at www.Alamobusiness.com and download an application.

During our most recent Board of Director’s meeting, our board voted unanimouslyto take a membership in the Danville Chamber of Commerce. What that means is thatnow our members can take advantage of the networking opportunities afforded by theDanville Chamber, without buying an individual membership. This provides a greatvalue to our AMPA members who wish to participate but are unable to purchase anindividual membership. To find out about upcoming chamber events, please visit theDanville Chamber Website. www.danvillecachamber.com

Our board is currently working to assemble next year’s Board of Directors.The current board term expires in June 2006 and we are looking for at least 3 newboard members to replace those members whose terms are up. If you would liketo invest a couple of hours a month in a very worthwhile and rewarding endeavor,please give me a call at 925-989-6086. Connie Peterson, our longstanding news-letter editor will no longer continue in her role and we are looking for someonewho can take her place as our interface to Alamo Today! Connie has done aterrific job but has requested a break.

Hat’s off to AMPA member Lorrie Sullenberger who was our last luncheonspeaker. Lorrie gave a moving talk on Guide Dogs for the blind and broughtalong three canine workers for the group to meet. Our member luncheons arehosted by Barb Malan of Coldwell Banker Real Estate the second Tuesday ofeach month at Round Hill Country Club. If you are not currently an AMPAmember but would like to check us out, please attend our next luncheon onMarch 14th. Our turnout this month was 40 people and it was a terrific network-ing opportunity. Our social mixers are held the 4th Wednesday of the month andwe welcome you to attend those as well. Just pop up the calendar on our Websitewww.Alamobusiness.com to find out the location and time.

March MixMarch MixMarch MixMarch MixMarch Mixer - er - er - er - er - March 22nd at March 22nd at March 22nd at March 22nd at March 22nd at The UPS StoreThe UPS StoreThe UPS StoreThe UPS StoreThe UPS StoreAMPA’s March Mixer will be held at the Alamo UPS Store lo-

cated at 3000F Danville Blvd on Wednesday, March 22nd from 5:30-7:30. This is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with local busi-ness leaders. Come join us for some nibbles and networking!

FFFFFebrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary Mixy Mixy Mixy Mixy Mixer at Fer at Fer at Fer at Fer at Forli’orli’orli’orli’orli’s - s - s - s - s - A A A A A WWWWWonderful Evonderful Evonderful Evonderful Evonderful Eveningeningeningeningening

Gabriele Davanzante, Luis Mata andLloyd Jewell of Ristorante Forli hosted awonderful evening of delicious food andnetworking opportunities as nearly 60AMPA members and guests came togetherat the February mixer.


When making out my Christmas list in De-cember, I faced a dilemma. I had debated forsome time about whether or not I wanted to getan iPod, and become one of the people thatsome refer to as “sell outs.” You see, I am oneof those people who still buy CD’s (I’ve been

told that I’m “stuck in the ‘90’s”). I frequently make trips to AmoebaMusic in Berkeley (For anyone that thinks CD’s are expensive, checkout the wide selection of used CD’s at Amoeba or Rasputin, both onTelegraph). By the way, I am not one who likes to buy the hot newrap single or anything like that. In fact, at least 80 percent of my CD’swere recorded before 1975. In saying that it was a struggle for me towant an iPod, most people will think I’m crazy. It’s not really the ac-tual iPod that I object to. It is truly amazing to think that a deviceweighing less than a pound can hold the amount of music that would’veweighed hundreds of pounds on records 25 years ago. My problemwith the iPod is the type of impersonal music consumerism that it hasresulted in. The best way for a musician or band to express them-selves is through a whole album. It seems that today’s artists are notgetting this chance, and are limited to one or two singles that are down-loaded on iTunes for 99 cents. Of course, I do not have so much moneythat I can afford to spend $20 on new CD’s. But like I mentionedbefore, used CD’s of excellent quality can be found if you know whereto look. But that’s enough of me; how has the music industry beenaffected?

After a surprising increase in CD sales during 2004 (the f irst timein eight years), 2005 continued the downhill trend that characterizedthe previous seven years. However, digital music, through programssuch as iTunes, experienced a 150% rise. But in total music sales,

The iPThe iPThe iPThe iPThe iPod Dilemmaod Dilemmaod Dilemmaod Dilemmaod DilemmaBy Nick Moore - Alamo Resident andJunior at De La Salle High

including CD’s and legal downloads, 2005 was 4% lower than 2004.Obviously, the music industry is changing. Eric Nicoli, leader of ma-jor record label EMI, recently predicted that digital downloads, whichmade up only about 6% of music sales last year, will account for aquarter of all music sales in 2010. Though representatives of the RIAA(Recording Industry Association of America) claim that it is solely il-legal downloading that has hurt sales, I think it is the lack of qualityartists that has caused this. Nobody wants to spend the money on a 15-song CD when they can hear the one or two hit songs on FM radio.Rap music, a genre based on one simple beat played repeatedly for 4minutes, doesn’t lend itself to creativity. I challenge anyone to f ind a21st century rap album that is worth listening to for a whole 45 min-utes. It is discouraging, for avid music fans like me, to see a mediumthat was once so prosperous and creative become so mediocre. How-ever, I, and manyothers, have foundalternative to themodern musicscene , such asused CD’s fromthe best artists of the1950’s and 60’s,which I consider topossess the most en-joyable forms ofself-expression. Un-til the music businesslearns that there isno way to boostsales other than byoffering a goodproduct, it is in foreven more hardtimes.

On one of the best streets in Alamo, this single story custom home is nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac. The approximately 3/4 acre lends itself to privacy yet expansiveviews of the golf course and hills above. A dynamite single story floorplan with 5 bedrooms plus a studio and grand sized living and dining rooms perfect for

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- March 2006Page 24

Chiropractic has helped many families live happier lives.Chiropractic has helped many families live happier lives.Chiropractic has helped many families live happier lives.Chiropractic has helped many families live happier lives.Chiropractic has helped many families live happier lives. If you want to increase your potential and live abetter life perhaps without sickness, without disease, and without problems that rob you of life and all the happiness thatcomes with being healthy- bring this article to Absolute Chiropractic, 3195 Danville Blvd. Ste.3 in Alamo next to theCourtyard Café, to get you and your family checked for spinal misalignments with no charge or obligationget you and your family checked for spinal misalignments with no charge or obligationget you and your family checked for spinal misalignments with no charge or obligationget you and your family checked for spinal misalignments with no charge or obligationget you and your family checked for spinal misalignments with no charge or obligation,(except to learn about your health and well being). Call today 925-314-0960.925-314-0960.925-314-0960.925-314-0960.925-314-0960.

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I was in a car accident about seven years ago and afterwards it was suggested to me to visit achiropractor. Before coming to Absolute Chiropractic I had seen approximately five different chiro-practors and never really received any relief from the experience. I can honestly say that AbsoluteChiropractic is different. They care about educating me about Chiropractic and about keeping meon track to better health. The biggest thing is that I feel so much better. Their office is so friendly

and are always very flexible when scheduling my visits. I’ve regularly been seeing Dr. Figone for over a year now and Ireally feel that I am healthier and happier because of it. ~Karrie Fuller

NaNaNaNaNavigvigvigvigvigating the Morating the Morating the Morating the Morating the Mortgtgtgtgtgage Mazeage Mazeage Mazeage Mazeage MazeBy Chris Mc Cartney, Mortgage Consultant& Broker, Diablo Funding Group

More specifically, the numbers show us what the Payback Time is. The Pay-back Time is the length of time it takes to recoup the cost of any Points. Calculatingit is simple, as shown below.

Example 1. Example 1. Example 1. Example 1. Example 1. Assume 2 people are each shopping for the same 30 Year Fixed*****

loan for $500,000 (I’ll call them Person A & Person B) and they have been giventhe two options below:

Loan #1Loan #1Loan #1Loan #1Loan #1: Rate of 6.375% - Zero PointsLoan #2Loan #2Loan #2Loan #2Loan #2: Rate of 5.875% - One PointLet’s take a closer look at the offers. Loan #1 is pretty clear. It has a payment of

$3,119 and no other costs. Loan #2 costs a point, or $5,000. So, we need tocalculate the loan payment based on a $505,000 loan amount (unless you want topay the $5K out of pocket). Loan #2 has a payment of $2,987, which is $132 lessthan Loan #1! So the Payback Time for paying the Point equals $5,000/$132, orabout 38 months.

So, we know that it would take 3 years and 2 months of paying the lowerpayment to recoup the cost of the point. So:

·If you kept Loan #2 for more than 38 months, then paying the point would be agood decision and in fact would save you about $1,600 for each additional year youkept it.

·If you sold or refinanced before the 3 year mark, then Loan #1 would havebeen the better option.

Now let’s factor in the subjective factors that we need to consider. Let’s say thatPerson A has no plans of moving and believes that interest rates are bound to moveup and could reach 10% shortly. Given this philosophy and the numbers above,PPPPPerson erson erson erson erson AAAAA should absolutel should absolutel should absolutel should absolutel should absolutely pay pay pay pay pay the Py the Py the Py the Py the Pointointointointoint. In fact, it may be a good idea for himto inquire about buying the rate down even further!

Now let’s look at Person B. Let’s assume that he has no plans of moving, but isnot convinced that interest rates have hit the bottom. He wants to lock in the cur-rent low rate, but thinks the he’ll be able to repeat this process again in the nextcouple years as interest rates drop. Given this philosophy and the numbers above,PPPPPerson B should oberson B should oberson B should oberson B should oberson B should obviouslviouslviouslviouslviously not pay not pay not pay not pay not pay the Py the Py the Py the Py the Point.oint.oint.oint.oint.

I hope this article helps you. There is no big mystery with how Points work andpaying Points can save you a lot on money in the right circumstance.

If you have any comments or questions, or topice you would like addressedplease contact me at [email protected] or 925-944-6291.

One of the most confusing and misunderstood con-cepts in getting a mortgage is PPPPPointsointsointsointsoints. As a MortgageBroker I continually hear about and experience thenegative stigma surrounding Points. I have often felt thata brand new client and I were hitting it off, and then Imentioned the word “Points” – only to have the clientbecoming defensive and uncomfortable. So, what is it

about Points that makes people so anxious? And, more importantly, what is the smartway to determine when and if Points should be used in your next mortgage transaction?

Before I answer the questions above, I need to define what PPPPPointsointsointsointsoints are. That’seasy! A Point is simply one percent of your loan amount. So, for a $700,000 loan,one point is $7,000. Points are occasionally charged to borrowers to help buydown their interest rate. Seems pretty simple, eh? Well, it is.

So again, why does the topic of charging Points evoke such negative emo-tions? Actually, I think I just asked and answered my own question. Points arecharcharcharcharcharged!ged!ged!ged!ged! After all, when was the last time your loan broker paid YOU any points?In my opinion, there are two reasons why people don’t like points:

1. People don’t like to pay any fees when getting a mortgage.2. People generally don’t know enough about mortgages to analyze the op-

tions. Therefore, they tend to rely on #1 above and shy away from points!I have to admit that there are many loan officers who are more than willing to

steal your money by charging you unreasonable fees or points. I have not alwaysbeen a Mortgage Broker and I empathize with you 100%. I am the numbers guyin my family, and I always thought I had a decent handle on dealing with my homeloans. When I looked back on the loans my wife and I had made before I becamea mortgage guy, I found that I had been in some pretty lousy deals and that we hadpaid WWWWWAAAAAYYYYY too much. So, like I said, I can relate to why you may be skeptical.

So, how does one decide if, and when, paying Points is the best thing? This is an easyquestion to answer, though it is anything but exact! Basically, you need to look at whatthe numbers are telling you, and you also need to factor in your personal plans for thefuture andandandandand your own outlook on what interest rates might do in, say, the next 3 to 7 years.


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Alamo Creek Restaurant ReopensAlamo Creek Restaurant ReopensAlamo Creek Restaurant ReopensAlamo Creek Restaurant ReopensAlamo Creek Restaurant ReopensAfter a brief hiatus for remodeling, the Alamo Creek Restaurant re-

opened on February 8th with an enhanced Creekside dining room and pa-tio, reasonably priced French wines, and a special visit from DavidKarandish, nephew of owner Karl Niyati.

The Creekside dining room provides the restaurant an additional seventables for diners as well as an adjoining patio with four more tables nestledunder heat lamps. The patio, which also holds an organic garden sprout-ing fresh herbs for the kitchen, huddles up to the creek, which makes it apeaceful place for evening dining.

While visiting the other night I was treated to a sweet glass of home-made raspberry iced tea, several appetizers and a comforting bowl of po-tato leek soup from their newly enhanced menu. I shared my table withDavid Karandish, and Jocye Niyati. David and I discussed his experienceon “The Apprentice Martha Stewart” show.

David was chosen from over two million applicants to “The Appren-tice” shows as one of 16 candidates. The 6 ½ week test had him and his

team renovating a hotel, starting a flower store, and making and market-ing a salad dressing, among other things.

As a graduate from the Olin School of Business in St. Louis with adegree in computer science and entrepreneurship, David has started twobusinesses; one a financial services firm and one an Internet advertisingcompany. He thought he could provide to Martha Stewart a great opportu-nity to improve her website. He lasted through six rounds of tasks andfirings, and constant cameras filming his every move. He found the showto be an eye-opening experience to see the inside runnings of a successfulbusiness. The exposure helped accelerate his networking and put him intouch with many people outside of his normal circle. One of the mostimportant lessons he learned was “Good partners make good business”.

Karl Niyati has surrounded himself with wonderful partners includinghis masterful chef and friendly wait staff. They are open to serve dinner atAlamo Creek Restaurant Wednesday through Sunday. Special parties canreserve the restaurant on Monday and Tuesday nights for gatherings of upto 50 people. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are recommended forparties of four or more. They are located at 3206 Danville Blvd. Theirphone number is 925.838.1158.

SPRING COMESSPRING COMESSPRING COMESSPRING COMESSPRING COMESEarlier each morn, the sun steps toward the pole;Earlier each morn, the sun steps toward the pole;Earlier each morn, the sun steps toward the pole;Earlier each morn, the sun steps toward the pole;Earlier each morn, the sun steps toward the pole;

Long cloudless days thick crowding growth provokes,Long cloudless days thick crowding growth provokes,Long cloudless days thick crowding growth provokes,Long cloudless days thick crowding growth provokes,Long cloudless days thick crowding growth provokes,Wild lettuce, shepherd-purse, without control,Wild lettuce, shepherd-purse, without control,Wild lettuce, shepherd-purse, without control,Wild lettuce, shepherd-purse, without control,Wild lettuce, shepherd-purse, without control,Mustard and kale - a tangled herbage chokesMustard and kale - a tangled herbage chokesMustard and kale - a tangled herbage chokesMustard and kale - a tangled herbage chokesMustard and kale - a tangled herbage chokesThe orThe orThe orThe orThe orcharcharcharcharchard rd rd rd rd rows, still wet frows, still wet frows, still wet frows, still wet frows, still wet from winterom winterom winterom winterom winter’’’’’s rain;s rain;s rain;s rain;s rain;

AfarAfarAfarAfarAfar, neglected fir, neglected fir, neglected fir, neglected fir, neglected fire of pre of pre of pre of pre of prunings smokes;unings smokes;unings smokes;unings smokes;unings smokes;The tractor draws its lengthy plowshare train,The tractor draws its lengthy plowshare train,The tractor draws its lengthy plowshare train,The tractor draws its lengthy plowshare train,The tractor draws its lengthy plowshare train,

As wild geese northward fly to arctic home.As wild geese northward fly to arctic home.As wild geese northward fly to arctic home.As wild geese northward fly to arctic home.As wild geese northward fly to arctic home.Until serried furrows smoothly turned remain;Until serried furrows smoothly turned remain;Until serried furrows smoothly turned remain;Until serried furrows smoothly turned remain;Until serried furrows smoothly turned remain;

A fertile sea of mellow loam,A fertile sea of mellow loam,A fertile sea of mellow loam,A fertile sea of mellow loam,A fertile sea of mellow loam,White feathery blooms, a flowery avalancheWhite feathery blooms, a flowery avalancheWhite feathery blooms, a flowery avalancheWhite feathery blooms, a flowery avalancheWhite feathery blooms, a flowery avalanche

Overwhelm the prunes, like tides of ocean foam;Overwhelm the prunes, like tides of ocean foam;Overwhelm the prunes, like tides of ocean foam;Overwhelm the prunes, like tides of ocean foam;Overwhelm the prunes, like tides of ocean foam;Long catkins fringe each naked walnut branch,Long catkins fringe each naked walnut branch,Long catkins fringe each naked walnut branch,Long catkins fringe each naked walnut branch,Long catkins fringe each naked walnut branch,As March days lenghten at the old home-ranchAs March days lenghten at the old home-ranchAs March days lenghten at the old home-ranchAs March days lenghten at the old home-ranchAs March days lenghten at the old home-ranch

~ From “Poetic Years At Alamo” by B.F. Hall , 1937 Rates are subject to change.

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Diablo Funding Group

Office (925) 944-6291 [email protected]

Chris McCartney Mortgage Broker

- March 2006Page 26

Aside from being born a day shy of one monthearly (I was due Christmas day), I also had another“oddity” — I was born left handed and small …under five pounds. My father, a domineering, righ-teous man, would never accept my ‘affliction’. Hesaid, “No daughter of mine will be abnormal.” Histwo older sisters, Anna and Grace, had three sons

among them, all right-handers. I was the only girl, and the youngest, in theBurt clan. I was told my mother had been instructed to always place my spoonand utensils on my right side. She was told to hand toys and other things to myright hand. Most of their efforts went unheeded.

When I entered first grade in the Bay Area city of Albany, California (nearBerkeley), I was left-handed with a strong tendency to being ambidextrous –where, truthfully, I wish I had remained. However, my second grade teacher,Miss Foley (the only teacher to ever strike me), had other ideas. Her wickedslap didn’t work, so my left hand was tied behind my back, to my ridicule andthe class’ amusement. And, in due time my brain told my body I was to beright handed. My dad had achieved another victory. However, I do still dosome things left handed. I always thread a needle with my left hand. I holdmost food i.e. sandwiches, crackers, potato chips, cookies, etc. left handed.

I admire people who are left handed because our world is especially gearedfor right handed people – so the ‘lefties’ are challenged. About 10% of Ameri-cans are left handed with the majority being male. Medical literature tells uslefties are more accident prone and susceptible to allergies, auto-immune dis-eases, depression, epilepsy and other disabilities. There are many examples ofprejudices against left handers throughout history. Centuries ago the CatholicChurch declared lefties to be servants of the Devil. In Japan, only a fewdecades ago, having a left handed wife was grounds for divorce. The Bedouinsused segregation as a means to separate left handers from right handed people.

What is What is What is What is What is Alamo Alamo Alamo Alamo Alamo WWWWWatching?atching?atching?atching?atching?This list of DVD’s, from www.amazon.com, is uniquely popular in

Alamo as compared to the rest of the country according to their website.1. The StorThe StorThe StorThe StorThe Story Behind the Longest y Behind the Longest y Behind the Longest y Behind the Longest y Behind the Longest WWWWWinning Streak in Finning Streak in Finning Streak in Finning Streak in Finning Streak in Football Historootball Historootball Historootball Historootball Historyyyyy2. March of the PMarch of the PMarch of the PMarch of the PMarch of the Penguinsenguinsenguinsenguinsenguins3. WWWWWedding Crashers - Uncorkedding Crashers - Uncorkedding Crashers - Uncorkedding Crashers - Uncorkedding Crashers - Uncorkededededed4. Cinderella ManCinderella ManCinderella ManCinderella ManCinderella Man5. SnoSnoSnoSnoSnow w w w w White and the SeWhite and the SeWhite and the SeWhite and the SeWhite and the Sevvvvven Dwen Dwen Dwen Dwen Dwarfsarfsarfsarfsarfs6. Star Star Star Star Star WWWWWars, Episode III - Rears, Episode III - Rears, Episode III - Rears, Episode III - Rears, Episode III - Revvvvvenge of the Sithenge of the Sithenge of the Sithenge of the Sithenge of the Sith7. The The The The The AdvAdvAdvAdvAdventures of Sharkboentures of Sharkboentures of Sharkboentures of Sharkboentures of Sharkboy and Lay and Lay and Lay and Lay and Lavvvvvagirl in 3-Dagirl in 3-Dagirl in 3-Dagirl in 3-Dagirl in 3-D8. The Simpsons - The Simpsons - The Simpsons - The Simpsons - The Simpsons - The Complete SeThe Complete SeThe Complete SeThe Complete SeThe Complete Sevvvvventh Seasonenth Seasonenth Seasonenth Seasonenth Season9. SideSideSideSideSidewwwwwaaaaaysysysysys10. DisneDisneDisneDisneDisney’y’y’y’y’s Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge s Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge s Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge s Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge s Little Einsteins - Our Big Huge AdvAdvAdvAdvAdventureentureentureentureenture11. Seinfeld - Season 5Seinfeld - Season 5Seinfeld - Season 5Seinfeld - Season 5Seinfeld - Season 512. Seinfeld - Season 6Seinfeld - Season 6Seinfeld - Season 6Seinfeld - Season 6Seinfeld - Season 613. FFFFFaaaaawlty wlty wlty wlty wlty TTTTTooooowwwwwers - ers - ers - ers - ers - The Complete CollectionThe Complete CollectionThe Complete CollectionThe Complete CollectionThe Complete Collection

14. ArArArArArrested Derested Derested Derested Derested Devvvvvelopmentelopmentelopmentelopmentelopment

I Used to Be a LeftyI Used to Be a LeftyI Used to Be a LeftyI Used to Be a LeftyI Used to Be a LeftyBy Virgie V. Jones

Arab nations use the right hand for touching the body above the navel and theleft hand for touching below the navel. African tribes near the Niger river onlyallow their women to prepare food with the right hand. Even the bible inMatthew 6:3 says Jesus told his followers when doing charitable deeds, to“not let thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”

The following are rumored to be left handed: Michelangelo; Alexanderthe Great; Julius Caesar; Fidel Castro; Henry Ford, Helen Keller, Dr. AlbertSchweitzer, Edward R. Murrow, Bach, Mark Twain, H. G. Wells, GeorgeBurns, Sid Caesar, George Gobel, W. C. Fields, Greta Garbo, Goldie Hawn,Michael Landon, Steve McQueen, Marilyn Monroe, Oprah Winfrey, MarkSpitz, Steve Young, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton,H. Ross Perot, F. Lee Bailey, Clarence Darrow, Melvin Belli, Babe Ruth, Oscarde la Hoya, Kenny Stabler, John McEnroe and a long list of others.

So, whether you are right handed or left handed, the world trudges on …and so do I.

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ment together. But there’s something special about Rich and Jean.When their three boys were young, Jean was a den leader for their

local Cub Scout pack. When the boys graduated into Boy Scouts, Richbecame the Troop Leader and ushered his boys through the program.Rich was a Boy Scout when he was young, but the demands of de-pression-era economics dictated him to earn money doing odd-jobsinstead of attending Boy Scouts, so he ended his short career as a Starscout. With his boys now coming of age, something rekindled in Richand he became involved. Very involved.

As his boys graduated from high school, Rich found he wanted tocontinue to have the opportunity to mentor boys into young men. Itwas then he started acting in an off icial capacity as a volunteer to thelarger Boy Scouts organization. First he started as neighborhood com-missioner, and did such a good job that he progressed in responsibilityto serve the Silverado Council as Assistant District Commissioner. Inthis role his responsibility is to assist local scouting groups in follow-ing the guidelines and policies of the larger organization. Rich’s roleis that of an objective third party to offer suggestions and act as aresource to the local troop volunteers.

At times the schedule has been hectic. Rich has attended scoutmeetings up to four nights a week, and even hopped between threemeetings in a single night. Rich has easily attended over two-hundred EagleCourts of Honor, which is the ceremony where scouting’s highest achieve-ment is awarded to a young man who has completed the requirements.

Rich is remains a cornerstone of the local scouting community. Iasked him if he had any higher goals within the scouting organization,and he was adamant that he should progress no further. The reason isthat the higher you go, the more removed you become from workingwith the kids. Rich loves working with the kids, especially because ofhis long involvement as a teacher of whittling and carving.

Every summer Rich spends a full week at Wolfboro Boy Scout camp.He’s been doing it as long as he can remember. While at camp, heleads the whittling and carving course and has taught scores of youngmen how to transform a lump of wood into an interesting object of art.Mostly, these boys create interesting tie-slides fashioned after cartooncharacters or other fanciful objects.

Rich began carving tie-slides in 1960, shortly after his kids startedCub Scouts. Over the last 46 years of volunteering with scouts, Richhas taught hundreds of boys and their fathers the joy of carving wood.When asked how many he’s produced, his wife Jean pipes in “almost3000!”. Rich is a humble man, and enjoys it so much he doesn’t keepcount any more. Those who know him and his generosity would prob-ably agree with Jean!

Rich Richmond - Rich Richmond - Rich Richmond - Rich Richmond - Rich Richmond - continued from Front PageThe The The The The TTTTTrrrrruth uth uth uth uth About DoorAbout DoorAbout DoorAbout DoorAbout Door-to-Door-to-Door-to-Door-to-Door-to-DoorSolicitorsSolicitorsSolicitorsSolicitorsSolicitorsBy Angela Urrutia, Crime PreventionSpecialist, Contra Costa County Office ofthe Sheriff

Every year, the Office of the Sheriff respondsto numerous calls for service regarding door-to-door solicitors. There are many legitimate orga-nizations that solicit door-to-door, either to sell

products and services or to promote a religious, political, or charitablecause. However, there are also a growing number of individuals who ille-gally solicit with the purpose of committing fraud.

A person is considered to be an illegal solicitorillegal solicitorillegal solicitorillegal solicitorillegal solicitor if he/she is out ofcompliance with any the following Contra Costa County ordinances:

• With the exception of non-profit and charitable organizations, a solicitor mustobtain a permit from the Sheriff’s Office in order to solicit door-to door within theunincorporated areas of the County.

• A solicitor must wear a photo identification card, supplied by the Sheriff’sOffice, attached to his/her clothing so that it is easily visible to the persons whomhe/she deals with, and at all times carry his/her permit to solicit and exhibit it uponrequest.

• A solicitor should not knock on the door or ring the doorbell for the purpose of selling a product or service if the property is posted with a “No Solicitors” sign.• A solicitor must leave when asked by the homeowner or apartment dweller.• A solicitor cannot make any statements that misrepresent the activity for which they have been authorized by their permit to solicit.

A person may be a fraudulent solicitorfraudulent solicitorfraudulent solicitorfraudulent solicitorfraudulent solicitor if he/she:• Is out of compliance with any of the County ordinances above,• Behaves aggressively, acts threatening or tries to make you feel guilty for not wanting to buy what he/she is selling,• Pressures you for an immediate decision and demands cash only,• Refuses to supply paperwork to substantiate what he/she claims to be selling,• Refuses to give a contact phone number and address for whom they claim to work,• Offers a price significantly lower than the competition,• Asks for bank account or Social Security numbers,• Attempts to make entry into your home (jiggles the door knob if no one answers),• Tries to peer into your home through an open door or window to look for valuables in plain sight,• Peers into vehicle windows or tries to open vehicle doors as he/she walks down the street.

Two popular scams currently taking place in Contra Costa County are:The MagThe MagThe MagThe MagThe Magazine Sale Scamazine Sale Scamazine Sale Scamazine Sale Scamazine Sale Scam: This occurs when someone who claims to work

for a magazine company promises a consumer a new magazine subscription, orthe renewal of a subscription at a very low price. Often the price is misrepresentedor the magazine is never delivered. A victim who supplies credit card or bankaccount numbers could also become a victim of identity theft later.

The Home Repair Scam:The Home Repair Scam:The Home Repair Scam:The Home Repair Scam:The Home Repair Scam: This occurs when someone offers to do very inexpen-sive home repair work that would otherwise be expensive. The con artist may use poormaterials and untrained workers, leave the job unfinished, or simply take your initialdeposit and never return. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

If you feel uncomfortable opening your door to a solicitor for any reason,DON’T. If you suspect that a solicitor is in violation of any of the afore mentionedContra Costa County ordinances or is acting suspiciously in any way, please con-tact the Office of the Sheriff immediately at Non-emergency (925) 646-2441(925) 646-2441(925) 646-2441(925) 646-2441(925) 646-2441 orEmergency 9-1-19-1-19-1-19-1-19-1-1. (Please use our non-emergency line when calling from a cellphone for a more timely response.) For more information, please contact yourlocal Crime Prevention Specialist, Angela Urrutia, at (925) 646-6075.

- March 2006

“Let’“Let’“Let’“Let’“Let’s Do Business!”s Do Business!”s Do Business!”s Do Business!”s Do Business!”

“W “W “W “W “We Loe Loe Loe Loe Lovvvvve e e e e What What What What What WWWWWe Do and e Do and e Do and e Do and e Do and YYYYYou ou ou ou ou WWWWWill ill ill ill ill TTTTToo!”oo!”oo!”oo!”oo!”

FFFFForororororYYYYYououououou

Page 28

Builder’Builder’Builder’Builder’Builder’s Cors Cors Cors Cors Cornernernernerner

Dale & Sandra BridgesDale & Sandra BridgesDale & Sandra BridgesDale & Sandra BridgesDale & Sandra BridgesBrokBrokBrokBrokBroker er er er er Associate GRIAssociate GRIAssociate GRIAssociate GRIAssociate GRI

wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.dalebridges.com.dalebridges.com.dalebridges.com.dalebridges.com.dalebridges.comdale@[email protected]@[email protected]@dalebridges.com

(925) 314-1582 • (925) 876-9710(925) 314-1582 • (925) 876-9710(925) 314-1582 • (925) 876-9710(925) 314-1582 • (925) 876-9710(925) 314-1582 • (925) 876-9710

Now is the time to buy or sell your home

Lender’Lender’Lender’Lender’Lender’s Cors Cors Cors Cors Cornernernernerner

Phong DangMortgage Broker /OwnerCreative Home [email protected]

No Bad DaNo Bad DaNo Bad DaNo Bad DaNo Bad Days!!ys!!ys!!ys!!ys!!If you are interested in retiring in Mexico,If you are interested in retiring in Mexico,If you are interested in retiring in Mexico,If you are interested in retiring in Mexico,If you are interested in retiring in Mexico,

wwwwwe hae hae hae hae havvvvve just the right propere just the right propere just the right propere just the right propere just the right property for yty for yty for yty for yty for you.ou.ou.ou.ou.El Dorado Ranch, is a planned golf course communityEl Dorado Ranch, is a planned golf course communityEl Dorado Ranch, is a planned golf course communityEl Dorado Ranch, is a planned golf course communityEl Dorado Ranch, is a planned golf course community

on the Sea of Cortez.on the Sea of Cortez.on the Sea of Cortez.on the Sea of Cortez.on the Sea of Cortez.Prices starting at $39,500Prices starting at $39,500Prices starting at $39,500Prices starting at $39,500Prices starting at $39,500

Call Sandra Bridges todaCall Sandra Bridges todaCall Sandra Bridges todaCall Sandra Bridges todaCall Sandra Bridges today at 925-818-1158y at 925-818-1158y at 925-818-1158y at 925-818-1158y at 925-818-1158for more information.for more information.for more information.for more information.for more information.

What bid do I choose?What bid do I choose?What bid do I choose?What bid do I choose?What bid do I choose?

In many ways this article could be titled - How doyou choose a contractor part 2? The choosing of a con-tractor and the choosing of a bid are tied together. Toget the right contractor and the right bid requires thatyou do your homework on both of them. I’ve explainedto you how to research the contractor in last month’s

issue, now I’ll give you some insight on how to compare bids.When you are putting your project out to bid, it is imperative that

you have everyone bidding in the same manner. To start with, when youare working with an architect, there are two different types of plans thatyou can have them put together. They are normally referred to as a“builder’s set” and a “bid set”. Most builders like myself, will use a“builder set”. It is a full set of plans ready for construction except that itdoes not have specifications or details such as cabinet elevations etc.These plans are less expensive, but again, less detailed. A “bid set” ofplans usually contains specifications for plumbing, interior trim, and soon. If you have a “bid set” of plans for everyone to bid from, they all havethe same information and should come back bidding the same items.

What do I do if I don’t have a “bid set”? No worries! There a coupleof things that you can do. You can put together your own list of specifi-cations. Grab your plans and head down to the various plumbing, elec-trical, flooring, cabinet, or interior trim showrooms where you can usu-ally put your hands on exactly what products you want. You will findthat most of the showrooms are very user friendly. If you prefer not toput together a specification sheet or are having trouble deciding on cer-tain products, go ahead and use allowances instead. Assign a dollaramount for each category, i.e. plumbing fixtures etc.

Whatever method you decide to use, comparing your bids will nowbe a lot easier.

If you have any questions or have a topic that you would like toknow more about, feel free to contact me.

Robert McAdam, PresidentCustom Homes by McAdam, Inc“Your Construction Specialist”Cell 925-260-7961Email [email protected]

The Bottom Line…The Bottom Line…The Bottom Line…The Bottom Line…The Bottom Line…By Sandra Bridges

I recently had a client consult with me on preparing her home for the real estate market.Her big question was shall I update or not. She and her husband are elderly and havelived in their home for over twenty years. They have taken excellent care in maintainingthe home but have not updated it. She asked,” Won’t I get more money if I update it beforeI put it on the market”?

Of course, but the bottom line is not always about money. There are many things toconsider when you are remodeling. What are your resources? Speaking from personalexperience, a major remodel is stressful even if you know what you are doing. Remodelingdisrupts your life, it is expensive, time consuming and requires the help of a very goodcontractor or personal expertise. You will need time and lots of energy.

A friend of mine who owns a lumber yard told me lots of horror stories about coupleswho have gone through remodels. He said on their first visit to the lumber yard they werearm in arm and full of enthusiasm and at the tail end they were ready for divorce court.However, the process of remodeling can also help build relationships. I have seen familiescome closer together as a result. You need to closely evaluate your resources and make adecision based on you and your family’s current situation.

Whatever your decision is, make sure you have a good solid plan. The cost of remod-eling can be risky. Are you aware that according to national statistics a remodeled kitchenwill bring you an average return of $20,000.00 more in the sales price? Will you recoveryour investment in the sales price? Many people have made a nice profit when they knewwhat they were doing.

There are lots of buyers out there looking for a home they can remodel themselves andare willing to pay a fair price. Putting your home on the market in its current conditioncould very well be a great choice for you.

Know your bottom line.Consult with a seasoned real estate agent about your options. For a free no obligation

consultation call Dale & Sandra Bridges at 925-818-1158 or 925-876-9710.

Happy Birthday Dale,

I love you,

Sandra

March 2006 -

PRSRT STDU.S.Postage

PPPPPAIDAIDAIDAIDAIDPermit 263Alamo CA

Volume VI— Number 3

3000 F Danville Blvd. #117Alamo, CA 94507

Telephone/Fax(925) 820-8662

[email protected]

Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher

March 2006March 2006March 2006March 2006March 2006 Ser Ser Ser Ser Serving ving ving ving ving Alamo, DiabAlamo, DiabAlamo, DiabAlamo, DiabAlamo, Diablo and Surlo and Surlo and Surlo and Surlo and Surrounding Communitiesrounding Communitiesrounding Communitiesrounding Communitiesrounding Communities

On a recent Saturday, at Stone Valley Middle School, children and parents enjoy afun day playing, coaching, and cheering at a San Ramon Valley YMCA basketballgame. Over 700 children play Y basketball and are introduced to the principles ofgood sportsmanship and teamwork, while having a great time with friends andneighbors. Call the Y at 831-1100 tosign up for spring soccer andlacrosse.

The recent loss of ten trees in front of Yardbirds has upsetmany residents of Alamo. According to records, seven Magno-lia trees and three Valley Oaks were removed from the sidewalkarea in front of the Las Trampas Shopping Center. The trees hadrepeatedly damaged and uplifted the sidewalk.

While two past attempts, in the last ten years, were made toslow root growth and stop the sidewalk destruction, the shallowrooted Magnolias continued to create problems. While manyresidents feel not enough research and communication was madeto search for alternative solutions to the problem, the county Pub-lic Works Department approved the request to remove the trees.According to documentation used to obtain the permit for re-moval, Assistant Public Works Director, John Yee noted: “Basedon the damage caused by the trees” and the Las Trampas Shop-ping Center property owner’s “attempt to prevent further dam-age with root barriers ten years ago”, “and the fact that a major-ity of the trees are shallow root species as identif ied by the hor-ticulturist report”, which the shopping center provided, the per-mit for removal was approved.

After checking documentation created by the late Andrew H.Young, who was part of the Boulevard of Trees project, it ap-pears that the Valley Oak trees were part of that endeavor. TheBoulevard of Trees project was formed over twenty years ago byAlamo community members to beautify Alamo. They plantedover 200 trees along Danville Boulevard. In 1991 a Landscapeand Lighting Special District (Zone 36) was created. One of its’missions was to maintain the trees planted by the Boulevard ofTrees group.

Residents expressed that “Trees are an important resource forour community,” and many feelstrongly new trees should beplanted in their spot to eliminatethe newly created gap of treesa long Danvi l le Boulevard .However, based on an interviewby the Danville Weekly, ScottM. Kretz of Las Trampas Invest-ments said there were no plansto replace the trees, but notedthere are 30 other full-growntrees remaining on the property.

RemoRemoRemoRemoRemovvvvval of al of al of al of al of TTTTTrees Causes Upsetrees Causes Upsetrees Causes Upsetrees Causes Upsetrees Causes Upset

Volunteerism can be def ined as the act of making a difference by con-tributing time, energy, and talents to the causes one holds dear. We oftenoverlook people who volunteer in the community. They’re people like youand me who go out of their way to help others on a regular basis. They takeunglamorous roles and put up with discomforts and inconvenience in orderto give back to society. It makes them feel good and adds inestimable qual-ity to the lives of those they serve.

Many residents volunteer in the community and make a huge difference.Drop byR a n c h oRomero orAlamo El-e m e n t a r yschools , theSheriff ’s office(SAVES), localaction commit-tees (R7A,Zone 36) , orour loca lchurches andyou’ll f ind thevolunteers arethe ones hold-ing everythingtogether.

One volunteer you may be familiar with is Rich Richmond. Rich and his wifeJean have been typical Alamo residents since they built their house here in 1959.They have raised their kids here, attend church on Sundays and enjoy their retire-

Rich Richmond ExRich Richmond ExRich Richmond ExRich Richmond ExRich Richmond Exemplifemplifemplifemplifemplifies ies ies ies ies VVVVVolunteerismolunteerismolunteerismolunteerismolunteerism

See “Rich Richmond” continued on page 27

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