So much for THAT speech!

Raylee Medvee, of Danville’s Embroidery for You, is ready to rally the “Dogs of Danville” to get out the vote, while Judy Lloyd looks on in support.

Nancy & David Brookshire, of Magic Moving & Storage, along with Alicia & Tony Gomez, of Direct Sales Floors, enjoy the festive occassion.  The staff at The VINE could not have been more excited - and helpful. 

We all remembered not to step over the “imaginery line” between the retail sales portion of the store and the wine tasting bar … one of the issues that was discussed as the night progressed!

Friends & family from the realty industry also turned out to lend their support!  A good time was had by all.

Marianne Bordogna explains why she is running for Danville Town Council.

Recognition of Marianne Bordogna for her Support and Contributions to the San Ramon Police K-9 Program. Presentation by Mayor Wilson and Police Chief Scott Holder.

Marianne Bordogna, is the “new kid on the block” who has been nominated to have her name on the November ballot.  Until she showed up there were only three incumbents to vote for, and….there were only three spots to fill.  SO…what type of choice is that?  Marianne decided that she has sat on the sidelines long enough and is now ready to make a difference in the direction of how The Town Of Danville evolves.  There are many issues facing the Town Council today - Responsible growth in the Tassajara Valley;  Affordable housing; Infrastructure;  Senior Services;  Addressing specific projects, such as the Veteran’s Hall and the Danville Hotel complex; and, many more that need to be effectively addressed.  Marianne has the qualifications and the commitment to address them all!

If you would like to meet Marianne and get a first hand glimpse as to what she will contribute to the quality of life of The Town of Danville, show up at the Sycamore South Side clubhouse at the corner of Sycamore Valley Road and Greenbrook Drive on Wednesday, September 10th from 6PM to 8PM.  Not only will you have a chance to speak face to face with Marianne, but you will also meet some other extraordinary people who believe she will make a difference in our community that many of us have been waiting for for quite some time.  If you are going to join her on Wednesday evening, email her so she can put you on her RSVP list.

At the final car show of this season, I walked among the crowd taking pictures and listening - to see what I could learn. There were husbands explaining to their wives (and vice versa) about the different models of cars produced by a manufacturer - and in what color they were available, by year. There was the group of men pouring over a vintage engine, discussing the “reservoir” (and they didn’t mean the one in Lafayette). There was the young boy yelling, with that youthful enthusiasm of a ten-year-old, “Mom, look at this one!!” … causing more than just HIS mother to respond - and laugh! There were the couples strolling, hand-in-hand, lost in thought, taking in the sights. And then there were those just enjoying the music and camaraderie - all the way up and down Hartz Ave.

Numerous times during my observations, I’d notice a small smile that started to automatically appear from the corner of my mouth as I watched the various scenes play out. It’s that small-town connection. It’s unique. It’s summer and … It’s Danville!

The question is, “How many car shows should be held in our downtown each summer?”

There used to be four - one every Thursday night in August (”Hot August Nights” - very easy to remember). Then, the schedule changed to “two shows in July and two in August” - on alternate Thursday nights (let’s make it a little more challenging). This year, there were two car shows in total - one in July and one in August (now, we need to mark it on the calendar).

Some of the downtown businesses are not in favor of the car shows, as they believe that attendees do not patronize their stores. Others, like restaurants and beverage suppliers, are full to overflowing. Still others believe that the exposure will cause people to return at a later date.

This year, the town also tried implementing two shopping nights downtown, on alternate Thursdays, with closed streets, in lieu of the two additional car shows. Once again, I heard the same comments from some of the businesses on Hartz Ave. that, while people were out and about, they were not BUYING from the stores. My unofficial poll of random attendees on the street revealed that folks enjoyed being outside and seeing their neighbors. Some of the men told me that they came downtown (by mistake) because they thought it was the night for the car show.

So, are there other factors at play? I circle back to the original question - what is it that motivates the turnout? Is it the cars? Or would other types of events result in the same draw? (think “Chili Cook-off in the Livery Mercantile”). Do we know what the residents of Danville would like to attend? Maybe we should ask them. So, I am.
What is your preference?