Danville’s unique small town atmosphere is a vision held by all who have served on the Town Council. Maintaining this vision requires concerted effort, careful decision-making and cautious implementation. Most of all though, it requires planning. Each January, the Town Council holds its Annual Planning and Goal Setting Workshop. This day-long meeting provides council members an opportunity to meet with key staff, set priorities and make decisions for the upcoming year. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the past year.
In March, the Town Council approved a Retail Retention and Promotion Incentives Program designed to enhance support of Danville’s retail sector during these challenging economic times. To date, the program has awarded 36 marketing grants, totaling $72,000, 15 facade improvement grants, totaling $145,500, and eight cooperative advertising grants for retail areas, totaling $30,000. Also, as a result of this program, the “Danville in Style” campaign was launched, tying together all the retail business interests under one umbrella. It currently features 681 businesses including retailers, restaurants, spa, salons, and other services. I encourage you to log on to this exciting and rich website at www.danvilleinstyle.com.
In August, yellow TRAFFIX school buses began rolling throughout the San Ramon Valley for the 2009/10 school year. What this means for residents is less congestion and more green lights. In November, the doors to the renovated Village Theatre were re-opened to the public. Part of the renovation plan was to create additional space in the entrance lobby for the Village Theatre Art Gallery. The art gallery will present a wide variety of shows, historically-grounded exhibitions, and traveling art exhibits.
On a more regional and national level, I, along with other Mayors from the Tri-Valley area, attended the 78th Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors, in Washington, D.C. While there, we met with members of the California Congressional delegation to discuss the FY 2011 Federal Agenda for the Tri-Valley. Meetings were held with Senator Barbara Boxer, staff from Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office, and Congressional Representatives Jerry McNerney and John Garamendi. Topics of discussion included transportation, affordable housing, and telecommunications.
On January 16, I had the honor of being a presenter at the 31st Annual Shellie Awards at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to all the award recipients.
One of my goals as Mayor this year is to continue to have an open and frank dialogue with the great citizens of Danville. I value your input. Please e-mail me with comments, questions, or concerns at mdoyle@ci.danville.ca.us. or join me at “Mornings with the Mayor,” the First Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Father Nature’s, 172 E. Prospect Avenue. This is an opportunity for Danville residents to get an update on what is happening in the Town and to meet with me informally to discuss any concerns or issues. I hope to see you there.
Danville Farmers’ Market: Saturdays 9am – 1pm. Year-Round, Thursdays, 4pm – 8pm May 10 – Aug 16. Corner of Railroad & Prospect St.
Danville Tennis Club (DTC): Tue/Wed/Thurs Nights. Sat/Sun AM. 3.5 – 5.0 level players. Adults. Coed. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danvilletennisclub
Until 03/28: 33rd Annual ADAS Spring Art Show featuring works by exceptional artists in the East Bay. Judge’s and People’ Choice awards will be announced at the Opening Reception on Saturday March 28 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Blackhawk Gallery, 3461 Blackhawk Plaza Circle. Gallery hours are Monday -Saturday 10 to 8 PM, Sunday 11 to 6 PM. The art show is free and open to the public.
03/13, Saturday, 10:00am: The Always Provocative Martin Swig presents a Talk: The State of the Automobile Industry – After the Crunch of Last Year, Who Came Out Ahead? Who Lost? And What Does the Future Hold? Martin Swig is a San Francisco Bay Area-based car collector, vintage racer, founder and chief organizer of the California Mille, La Carrera Nevada, and other notable U.S. vintage car rallies and events.Info: 925.736.2277 www.blackhawkmuseum.org
03/20, Saturday, 9.30am – 12noon: Danville-Alamo Branch of AAUW presents a Wellness Panel Presentation discussing women’s health issues in the second half of life with a focus on women over 50. Sondra Altman, MD presents a talk titled “Hormones: The Good, The Bad and The Confusing.” She will be joined by Linda Michaelis, RD, Nutritionist who will discuss ideas about eating correctly and Asha Bajaj, DPT, Physical Therapist discussing “Bone up on Bone Health”. Fee is $8 /person. Info: Loretta at 765-0895.
03/27 – 04/27: 2010 Save Mount Diablo Art Exhibition hosted by the Kevin Milligan Gallery & Wine Bar of Danville. The opening reception is Saturday March 27th from 5:00-10:00pm and is open to the public. The show will feature painting, mixed media, photography, ceramics, sculpture and furniture by artists inspired by Mount Diablo. Dine for Diablo is March 24 thru 27. Proceeds of art sales will go to the local East Bay citizens non-profit, Save Mount Diablo. Info: (925) 309-4648
04/03, Saturday, 9.30 – 11am: Eggstravaganza at the Danville Community Center. A fun-filled morning of Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Hunts are organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find treasure-filled eggs. Bring your camera and take your little one’s picture with the Spring Bunny. Pre-registration is required. Info: www.ci.danville.ca.us (925) 314-3400