Blackhawk Plaza

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	San Ramon Valley
	Alamo
	Blackhawk
	Danville
	San Ramon
	Walnut Creek
	Quality of Life
	Community Parks
	Museums
	Shopping Centers
	Farmer's Markets
	Sports Organizations
	Hospitals
	Transportation
	Hotels & Motels
	Driving Miles to the SF Bay Toll Plaza
	Country Clubs
	Important Phone Numbers

Although Danville was incorporated as a city in 1982, it has been in existence since the gold rush days. Daniel and Andrew Inman bought 400 acres in what is now Old Town Danville with their mining earnings in 1854, and the town has flourished ever since. The Town's connection to its Old West past is preserved in the downtown cluster of narrow roads and the remarkable number of early buildings that still remain.

With a population of approximately 40,484, Danville is known for its small-town atmosphere and its outstanding quality of life. Eight parks, with ball fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, playground equipment and walking trails, offer family activities all year long. The Iron Horse Trail provides miles of paths for biking and walking. Danville's weather boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine every year.

Special events bring out the small-town atmosphere. The Fourth of July Parade and Light the Old Oak Tree are highlights of the year along with art festivals and holiday festivities. The Village Theatre offers live theater productions. The art gallery in the same building showcases local talent. "Music In the Park" a summer concert series, features local groups.

First-rate restaurants draw people from as far away as San Francisco. A wide variety of outstanding cuisine is available. The lovely Danville Hotel Territory, with its cluster of specialty shops, has a favorite eating establishment and is a special Danville landmark. Another popular restaurant, Bridges, was made famous when segments of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire were filmed there.

Danville's quaint downtown area is a natural for unique specialty shops. Parking is plentiful. The Danville Farmers' Market draws big crowds to Old Town every Saturday from ten to 1pm. Other retail stores include antiques, jewelry, and gift and art shops.

Danville is governed by a mayor/council form of government with day-to-day operations performed by a Town Manager. The Town Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Town Meeting Hall - 201 Front Street at 7:30 p.m.

We welcome you to discover Danville. You'll find out why it is one of the leading small communities in California - offering the feel of yesterday and the opportunities of tomorrow.

Source: "Danville Area Community Guide" published by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.

SAN RAMON VALLEY

Quality housing, good weather, outstanding schools, and reasonable access to San Francisco are among the factors, which attract people to settle in the Danville area. Located in the northern portion of the San Ramon Valley, the Danville area includes the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Diablo and Blackhawk.

A number of moderate to expensive housing developments have evolved in the communities of Danville and neighboring San Ramon. Alamo and Diablo feature higher priced homes in a more rural setting. Blackhawk is developing custom homes and estates in a country club setting, which features golf, tennis, swimming, and a shopping mall, Blackhawk Plaza.

The real estate market is characterized by both growth and stability. The area has an increasingly diverse employment base in businesses such as transportation, communication and finance.

There is a strong emphasis on quality education in the area. Public schools rank among the best in the state, with student achievement scores ranging into the ninetieth percentile. There are also excellent private and parochial schools.

In the Danville area, residents have access to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) service. This system links many towns and communities with the metropolitan areas of Oakland and San Francisco. Additional public transportation and a freeway system traverse the county.

These and other factors make the Danville area a most desirable place in which to live and work.

Alamo is located off Highway 680 between Walnut Creek and Danville, this rural town of nearly 12,000 residents still maintains its country atmosphere. Roundhill Country Club, with its eighteen-hole golf course, is located at the foothills of Mt. Diablo. Alamo is a community without fast food chains and traffic jams; instead you will find jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, quaint restaurants and excellent schools. Alamo is unincorporated, which means that the County Board of Supervisors governs it in the county seat of Martinez.

Blackhawk is a country club community consisting of 4800 acres laid out in eight security gate developments with two eighteen hole golf courses, two tennis, swimming and racquet ball facilities, plus a unique specialty shop and restaurant center. Blackhawk is an elite area with custom homes.

Danville has a quaint, warm shopping area with a Western flavor, offering a full range of shopping services and specialty shops. Although Danville is a city, it still maintains its small community atmosphere. The country club communities of Diablo and Blackhawk lie in the hills surrounding Danville.

DANVILLE FACTS AND FEATURES

Population: 40,484 (approx.) Department of Finance 1/1/00

Housing Units: 14,736 (approx.) 2.873 persons per household

Government: Danville incorporated as a city as of July 1, 1982 General Law City Town Offices are located at 510 La Gonda Way, Danville, CA 94526 Town Meeting Hall is located at 201 Front Street, Danville, CA 94526

Chamber of Commerce: 117-E Town & Country Drive, Danville Telephone: (925) 837-4400

Public Library: 400 Front Street, Danville Telephone: (925) 837-4889

School District: San Ramon Valley Unified School District, 699 Old Orchard Drive, Danville Telephone: (925) 552-5500

Climate

• Average minimum temperature 51.3
• Average maximum temperature 72.0
• Mean temperature 59.8
• Highest temperature recorded 114
• Lowest temperature recorded 17
• Average rainfall 23 inches
• Sunny days (annually) 290-310 (80-95%)
• Elevation 125-360 feet above sea level
• Area 18.128 square miles
• Public Center Line Street Miles 142.30

DANVILLE TOWN COUNCIL: (925) 314-3388

Lafayette is set among 800 acres of wooded, hilly land. It is semi-rural, composed primarily of established homes with a sprinkling of newer and remodeled homes. There is no industry in Lafayette, but a full range of shopping facilities and excellent restaurants is available. Lafayette has a BART station and easy access to Highway 24, providing an easy commute to San Francisco and neighboring communities.

San Ramon, located in the heart of the San Ramon Valley, is a newly developed residential area for city workers who prefer to live in the country. The area is rapidly becoming a regional center for national corporations. Thanks to community planning, there will always be pockets of undeveloped recreational space, providing hillside escapes and beautiful views. Located in San Ramon, Canyon Lakes is the largest single residential development in the county. It includes a variety of housing, a man-made lake, and 18-hole golf course, and tennis and swimming facilities.

Walnut Creek has been said to be the financial Mecca of the county. It has earned a reputation as the poshest retail shopping district, with stores ranging from Nordstrom to tiny, exclusive boutiques. Housing is available to a broad variety of tastes and pocket books, from small apartments to luxurious villas in the million dollar range. Walnut Creek is available by BART and Interstate 680 for easy commuting to the West flay Area.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Contra Costa County's pleasant lifestyle combines Mediterranean climate and scenic surroundings with excellent schools, abundant recreational facilities, a variety of cultural programs and highly developed shopping centers. California's relaxed living style is enjoyed to its utmost in Contra Costa County.

Contra Costa has a variety of attractive residential areas offering different lifestyles. There is a wide choice of planned unit developments, condominiums, apartments, country homes and suburban tracts and custom homes of all styles and sizes. Most residential communities provide nearby amenities such as swimming pools, stables, tennis courts and golf courses. Cities are increasingly well planned with ample areas designated for open space. They are well governed by their respective city councils.

Contra Costa County has a place of worship for almost any religious affiliation. With twelve major hospitals, numerous "urgent care" centers, and an extensive paramedic program, the county health care is excellent.

Recreation facilities are abundant in Contra Costa County with nearly 50,000 acres of land dedicated to Regional Parks. Boating, fishing, water sports, trail riding and camping are offered by the 15 large recreational areas.

Skiing and mountain recreation are available within an easy three hour drive to the Sierra Nevada Range.

Neighborhood parks and community associations offer hundreds of activities, classes and programs for all ages. Golfing and horseback riding facilities are excellent and abundant.

Contra Costa's public school system has an excellent reputation. Educational programs are geared to individual needs. There has been continued growth of educational options open to parents and children, such as the Academics Plus program stressing highly structured course work and the flexible Open Education Program. Contra Costa is noted for its excellent special education programs.

The Contra Costa Community College District is comprised of three colleges: Contra Costa in San Pablo; Diablo Valley in Pleasant Hill; Los Medanos in Pittsburg. In addition to tuition- free courses, the tax supported colleges offer an array of cultural activities, entertainment, business services and facilities.

Excellent technical and vocational schools are found throughout the county. Four-year college students have a choice of several fine institutions of higher learning in the area. Among these are Stanford University in Palo Alto, The University of California at Berkeley, California State University at Hayward, Mills College in Oakland and St. Mary's College in Moraga. John F. Kennedy University in Orinda offers advanced degrees in law and business, and is especially designed for the working adult.

COMMUNITY PARKS

Danville South Park
90 Serene Court, Danville
East off Sycamore Valley Road, right onto Camino Ramon, left onto Joaquin, right onto Serene.

• 1.5 acres
• Turf and landscaped areas with outdoor basketball court, children's play area and picnic tables

Diablo Vista Park
1000 Tassajara Ranch Drive, Danville
East on Camino Tassajara, right onto Crow Canyon Road, left onto Tassajara Ranch Drive

• 20 acres
• One lighted baseball field, one lighted soccer field, one multi-use soccer/softball field, restrooms, concession stand and picnic tables
• 8:00 am to 8:00pm Summer hours
• 8.00 am to 5:00pm Winter hours

Oak Hill Park
3005 Stone Valley Road, Danville
Located east of Roundhill Country Club, follow Stone Valley Road east about 3 miles

• 43 acres
• Pond with ducks, grassy areas, exercise trail, children's play area, individual picnic area with bar-b-que pits, four lighted tennis courts next door, multi-use building with 1000+ square feet, seats 40 comfortably, small kitchen, restroom, concrete patio
• Park 6:00 am to 11:00pm
• Building 6:00 am to 2:00 am

Osage Station Park
816 Brookside Drive, Danville
East on Sycamore Valley Road, right onto Camino Ramon, left onto Paraiso, follow signs

• 35 acres
• Four soccer fields, two 90 foot diamonds, two 60 foot diamonds, four tennis courts, group and individual picnic areas with bar-b-q pits, extensive children's play area with fountain and pond

Sycamore Valley Park
2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville
East on Camino Tassajara Road, left onto Holbrook Drive

• 20 acres
• Four baseball fields, three soccer fields, reflection pond, waterfall, grassy areas, children's play area, picnic table
• 8:00 am to 8:00 pm summer hours
• 8:00 am to 5:00pm winter hours

MUSEUMS

CLAYTON
Clayton Historical Society Museum
6101 Main Street, west of Marsh Creek Road
925-672-0240
Open Wednesday and Sunday; 2:00 to 4:00p.m. and by appointment
Exhibits of the mining history of Clayton, housed in the former residence of Joel Clayton

CONCORD
Gallery Concord
1850 Gateway Blvd., Suite 100, at Willow Pass Road
925-671-3400
Open Tuesday through Sunday; noon to 5:00p.m.
Changing historical displays and contemporary art exhibits by local artists

DANVILLE
Berhing Auto Museum
3750 Blackhawk Plaza Circle off Camino Tassajara
925-736-2277
Open Tuesday through Sunday; 10:00am. to 5:00p.m.; open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; open Mondays in the summer
Over 100 classic and exotic automobiles on display

The U.C. Berkeley Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle off Camino Tassajara
Open Tuesday through Sunday; 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.;
open until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday; open Mondays in the summer
Changing exhibits from the various museums at the University of California at Berkeley

Village Theatre Gallery
233 Front Street, second floor
925-878-1959
Open Tuesday to Saturday; noon to 5:00p.m.
Changing exhibits of art work by local artists

MARTINEZ
Martinez Historical Museum
005 Escobar Street
925-228-8160
Open Tuesday and Thursday and the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month; 11:30a.m. to 3:00p.m.
The focus of the museum is Martinez since the turn of the century.

WALNUT CREEK
Bedford Gallery
1601 Civic Drive in the Regional Center for the Arts 295-1400
Hours vary
The gallery is devoted to exhibits of the arts and crafts of contemporary Northern California artists.

The Lindsay Museum
1901 First Avenue
925-935-1978
Open Wednesday through Sunday; 1:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.; summer 11:00 to 5:00p.m.
A natural history museum highlighting Contra Costa County wildlife, with a pet lending library

Shadelands
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road
925-935-7871
Open Wednesday and Thursday; 11:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.; Sunday;1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.
A restored ranch home demonstrates and exhibits ranch life in the Ygnacio Valley at the turn of the century

SHOPPING CENTERS

ALAMO
Alamo Plaza
Stone Valley Road and Danville Blvd.
925-743-9910
Forty stores, including a supermarket, furnishings, interior design, drug store, and specialty stores

CONCORD
Sunvalley Mall
Willow Pass Road and Contra Costa Blvd.
925-825-2042
50 stores, including four major department stores, forty clothing stores, jewelers, bookstores, gift shops and more.

WALNUT CREEK
Broadway Plaza
Mt. Diablo Blvd. at Main Street
925-939-7600
Ninety-nine stores including department stores and up-scale clothing stores, jewelry stores, book stores and specialty shops

FARMER'S MARKETS

The soils of Contra Costa County produce many wonderful fruits and vegetables, and these are made available, direct from the farm, at Farmer's Markets at various locations around the county. Available at these markets are fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, honey, nuts, eggs, cut flowers and plants.

PLEASANT HILL

1700 Oak Park Blvd. at Monte Cresta Road
925-706-1362
Saturday; 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
May through mid-December

DANVILLE

Parking lot on Railroad and Prospect Avenues
1-800-949-3276 or 925-687-4433
Saturday; 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Late May to December

WALNUT CREEK
Broadway and Lincoln Avenue in the Library parking lot
925-706-1362
Sunday; 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
May through mid-December

SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

HOSPITALS

CONCORD
Mt. Diablo Medical Center
2540 East Street,
Concord, CA 94520
925-682-8200

SAN RAMON
San Ramon Medical Center
6001 Norris Canyon Road,
San Ramon, CA 94583
925-275-8230

WALNUT CREEK
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
1425 South Main Street,
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-295-4000
John Muir Medical Center
1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut
Creek, CA 94598
925-939-3000

In addition to these major medical facilities, there are a number of' "urgent care" facilities located throughout the county. Additional major medical facilities are also available outside the county, including the University of California and the Stanford University Medical Centers.

TRANSPORTATION

AC TRANSIT
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit
Bus service between San Francisco and Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit
Train service between Daly, Francisco, Alameda and Costa Counties

BART EXPRESS BUS
Bus service connecting BART stations with outlying areas in eastern and western Contra Costa County

COUNTY CONNECTION
Bus service within and between cities in Contra Costa County

TRI DELTA TRANSIT
Bus service in the cities of Pittsburg, Bay Point, Antioch and Shore Acres

RIDES for commuters
RIDES provides Bay Area commuters with information regarding car-pooling and/or van pooling. Vanpools are small vans used by Bay Area commuters for various Contra Costa County cities to San Francisco and peninsula destinations

HOTELS & MOTELS

DRIVING MILES TO THE SF BAY TOLL PLAZA

COUNTRY CLUBS

Blackhawk Country Club
599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville
925-736-6500

Castlewood Country Club
Pleasanton
925-846-2872

Crow Canyon Country Club
711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville
925-735-5700

Diablo Country Club
Diablo
925-837-4221

Round Hill Country Club
3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo
925-837-7424

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS ALAMO, BLACKHAWK,
DANVILLE AND SAN RAMON

REAL ESTATE TRIVIA Q  Who is considered the world's most renowned living architect? A  I.M. Pei who retired in 1991; he earned this status after designing the glass pyramid entrance pavilion to the Louvre in Paris (1989). More Real Estate Trivia

René Ferland
RE/Max Accord
313 Sycamore Valley Rd. West
Danville, CA 94526
Direct line - 925-683-0112
Toll Free - 800-371-7170
Office number - 925 362 1602
Fax Number- 925 362 0400
Email: athomeindanville@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

A resident of the area since 1989, René Ferland is America's NUMBER1EXPERT™ in the Danville and Alamo areas. As a member of the top 1% of 750,000 agents nationwide, he and his team have an unlimited amount of information and resources to assist you with the purchase or sale of your home. Whether you are leaving the area and need assistance with marketing your home and finding the right buyer, or are moving from across the country or just across town, René has the knowledge to help. He and his team are committed to making your real estate experience enjoyable and hassle free. Taking care of your most precious possessions...It's what he does!

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