The Shadelands Scene
Community news, updates, and insights
INTELLIGENCE AT SHADELANDS: REAL & ARTIFICIAL
Axiom Intelligence, an affiliate of Axiom Global Technologies, uses AI (artificial intelligence)-based video analytics to help businesses, large and small and across all industries, improve operations and employee productivity.

In response to the health crisis, Axiom developed a COVID-19 rebound product to give businesses options for reopening effectively and in compliance that has powerful business benefits beyond the pandemic.

Axiom's rebound solution leverages existing CCTV infrastructures—security cameras positioned inside and outside premises—and AI to provide real-time tracking and alerts to businesses invested in employee and visitor safety as they resume—or prepare to resume—operations.

"We are providing tools for back to business readiness," says Mohit Arora, principal at Axiom. "The beauty of good technology like this is that anyone can use this product and gain insight into business operations, human behavior, and customer trends without experience or expertise in technology.

“It’s all about the safety of people in the organization and their clients and customers who enter the premises and move around the space.”
 
Axiom developed an algorithm that's customized to business-specific polices and procedures around physical distancing, occupancy levels, crowd formation, face covering requirements, entering and exiting doorways, body temperature, touchless access, and other guidelines in place since the onset of the pandemic.

"In real time, we track these metrics and send information and alerts to clients," says Mohit. "They in turn can rectify problem situations, and put in place protocols that help them comply with regulations and provide safe environments for employees, customers, and clients, while getting back to business."
220 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek
925.393.5800
(l-r) Mohit Arora, principal, and Katia Valtcheva at the Welcome desk.
Axiom tracks metrics developed from video feed data using artificial intelligence.
(l-r) Mohit Arora, principal, and Sean Innerst, business development
MORE EXPERT ADVICE FOR
GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS
The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau hosts Back to Business webinars that focus on critical economic issues and impacts of the health crisis.

September 1


August 11

July 28

June 23

June 16

June 9

May 26

May 19

May 12

Generally 2nd & 4th Tuesday
+Bonus Tuesdays
9–10am, via Zoom


Visit Walnut Creek Chamber for details and registration for September webinars. Topics, agendas, and dates are subject to change.
MAKE A SPLASH THIS FALL!
American Swim Academy is diving into fall with Fall Swim Camp for ages six months to 15 years, all levels.

Camp will run September 13 through December 19, and registration is now open. One-day and three-day camps are available (T, W, Th).

The pool is heated to 92 degrees, and because class sizes are limited, registration is on a first come, first served basis.
2650 Shadelands Drive
Suite C
Shadelands SportsMall
Walnut Creek


To enroll in Fall Swim Camp,
call or e-mail:

925.452.7946
walnutcreek@americanswim academy.com
ONE BAG OF FOOD MEANS SO MUCH TO THE HUNGRY
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa has been feeding the hungry of Contra Costa County since 1983 through its food pantry, stocked by donations, and dining rooms, which serve hot lunches in Antioch, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of meals served by Loaves and Fishes has increased from a pre-crisis average of 650 meals/day to 950 meals/day, signaling greater food insecurity and a growing population of new needy.

"We've seen a dramatic influx of families and individuals needing food, at the dining rooms and the food pantries," says Janette Kennedy, development director for Loaves and Fishes. "And with the initial run on items from store shelves, our food donations from grocers has declined significantly. These food drives are instrumental in allowing us to continue to serve the desperately hungry in Contra Costa."

Kaiperm Credit Union is a longtime supporter of Loaves and Fishes. Leading the Kaiperm food drive is the credit union's CEO Karen Introcaso, who's been board chair of Loaves and Fishes for three years.

"Credit unions are people helping people," says Karen. "Being involved with Loaves and Fishes allows us to give back to our own community and make a difference in someone's life. Whether it's providing financial services or food, we're all people helping people—offering a hot meal and a bag of food, it all goes hand in hand."
325 North Wiget Lane
Suite 130
Walnut Creek
925.939.5626
(l-r) Janette Kennedy, Loaves and Fishes; Karen Introcaso, Kaiperm Credit Union
Please visit the big Food Drive barrel in the lobby of Kaiperm Credit Union's Shadelands branch with donations of non-perishables. Of particular need are bottles of water and canned proteins such as beans, tuna, chili, and soups.
VIAMONTE MOVE-IN UPDATE
Since Viamonte at Walnut Creek broke ground in May 2018, The Shadelands Scene has been reporting on the life plan community, following its construction at the corner of Shadelands Drive and N. Via Monte, and looking forward to its grand opening this fall.

While delays have set the move-in date back a few months, Viamonte, a development of Sequoia Living, is on track to open for residents on December 1, 2020.

To date, more than 110 apartments have been sold, and those residents will be moving in between December 2020 and February 2021.

The Shadelands Scene caught up with Viamonte Executive Director Melody Mitchell, who updated us on the facility and its construction progress.

"As a licensed Life Plan Community, we contract with residents to provide care and services to meet their needs for overall health and wellness for life," says Melody.

24/7 clinical staff, high-service dining options, life-enrichment activities, and quality of life amenities—such as a pool, art room, fitness room, bocce court, terraces, and expansive landscaped courtyards—characterize this dynamic senior living community.

Viamonte has 174 independent living, seven assisted living, and ten memory care apartments on four levels, and an underground garage with storage and a dog wash area.

Common areas comprise the first level, and living areas comprise levels two, three, and four, with two exceptions: the club room with bar and patio is on the 4th floor, and the reading room is on the 3rd floor.

"Construction is ongoing. We're about 80% completed, at the point where we're putting on finishing touches, going through every apartment to make sure everything is right and up to our standards of construction and design," says Melody, who adds that landscaping is in and being monitored during the heat waves.

Melody has hired all Viamonte directors and managers, and LVNs, licensed vocational nurses, who will be available day one.

When all employees are on board, including clinical and dining staff, and housekeepers and groundskeepers, there will be 90 employees at the Shadelands facility.

"We're excited to welcome residents to Viamonte and to be a part of the Shadelands community," says Melody. "When we're able to assemble again, we'll have a big party—a grand opening—so we can meet our neighbors, and they can meet us!"
Preview Center
165 Lennon Lane, Suite 105
Walnut Creek
925.621.6600
Read more about Viamonte at Walnut Creek in the July 2018, June 2019, and February 2020 issues of The Shadelands Scene.

Viamonte has been documenting its construction via video. Check out the latest construction video with drone footage of the entire community.
Artist's rendering of Viamonte
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic.

This is a month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and connect at-risk individuals with treatment services.



If you are in crisis or
experiencing difficult or
suicidal thoughts, call
National Suicide Hotline 
800.273.TALK (8255).


Or text HOPE to 20121 
to be connected to a
confidential, free crisis counselor at Contra Costa Crisis Center.


307 Lennon Lane
Walnut Creek
TWO ANIMAL-FRIENDLY WAYS TO HELP PETS AND PEOPLE
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is offering two fun ways to help animals in need and you don't have to leave home.


This year, the party comes to you! ARF's annual fundraising gala is going online for 2020. Enjoy instructional workshops, distinctive auction items, and moving stories of ARF's four-legged furry friends—all from the comfort and safety of your home. The 17th annual event will be held online Thursday, October 1. Register here.


Check out the variety of fun, animal friendly t-shirts at the online ARF T-Shirt Store. The custom-designed shirts make proud statements about your love of animals and great gifts for your animal-loving friends.

Sales and proceeds from both fundraisers benefit ARF's programs for pets and people.
ARF's Wine & Whiskers, October 1, online
Visit the ARF T-Shirt Store and save lives.
2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.256.1273
HOLIDAY TEA FOR TWO OR MORE
Since 1982, the Walnut Creek Historical Society's annual Holiday Victorian Tea Luncheon has been one of the nonprofit’s most important fundraisers, raising essential funding to keep the historic Shadelands Ranch Museum open and support its Third Grade Living History Program and Guided Downtown Walking Tours.

This year, rather than holding the popular event in the beautifully decorated farmhouse built in 1903, the Historical Society is bringing the luncheon to you!
 
The Historical Society is holding a Tea for Two or More Fundraiser. For $44, you receive an attractive box with:

• Pre-measured Scone Dry Mix
• Homemade lemon curd
• Scrumptious shortbread cookies
• Special Blend Holiday Tea
• Two tea infusers
• Two Historical Society commemorative cookbooks

Order by phone or e-mail
August 8–November 6 www.wchistory.org
925.935.7871
Shadelands Ranch Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek
925.935.7871
Tea for Two or More boxes will be available from 11/28 to 12/13, 2020, for contact-free pick up or delivery in Contra Costa County or by mail anywhere in the Continental US (shipping rates extra).
WALNUT CREEK CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES' FORUM, SEPT 15
The Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau will host a free virtual public Candidates' Forum to introduce all eight candidates running for three open Walnut Creek City Council seats on Tuesday, September 15, 9-11am.

Walnut Creek voters will have their first opportunity to hear from the eight candidates: Hailey Ayres, Cindy Darling, Loella Haskew, Kurtis Reese, Michael Samson, Lauren Talbert, Justin Wedel, and Kevin Wilk.

Candidates will respond to questions posed by the Chamber's political action committee, WALPAC, and members of the audience.
Next month: Look for an update on construction activity at the NW corner of Shadelands Drive and Oak Grove Road; and an update on construction of the PlumCare Skilled Nursing Facility on Mitchell Drive.
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