News Flash

SafeWise annual report analyzes FBI crime data to provide a nationwide safety snapshot. 

Danville has earned the top spot in the SafeWise “California’s Safest Cities of 2026” report. After being ranked No. 2 last year, a decline in both violent crime and property crime contributed to Danville returning to the No. 1 ranking. The independent safety research organization has been analyzing FBI-reported data and creating a list of safest cities by state since 2015. 

“We are extremely proud of our community policing approach — built on thoughtful planning, strong public safety services, and a genuine partnership with our residents — which continues to make Danville a safe and welcoming place to live,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich. “With the support of the Town Council and under the leadership of Police Chief Thomas Rossberg, our Police Department works hand-in-hand with the community to educate, prevent, and enforce in the interest of public safety. This shared commitment is a key reason Danville has been recognized by SafeWise as California’s safest city for six of the past nine years.” 

The annual rankings provide a data-driven snapshot of reported crime trends to illustrate relative risk among cities, with results adjusted for population to allow for fair comparison of both large and small cities. The only other Bay Area city in the top 10 is San Ramon at No. 9. Rankings are based on violent and property crime rates, calculated per 1,000 residents, and California’s top 10 safest cities have populations of 35,000 to 122,000. SafeWise reports the following averages for 2026: 

SafeWise relies on reported crime data from the FBI to determine rankings along with national trends. Danville ranked No. 1 from 2018 to 2022. Although changes in state and county reporting procedures led to lack of data for 2023 and 2024, Danville’s statistics for those years were similar to other top-ranked cities and Danville ranked No. 2 in 2025. 

The full report is available at safewise.com/blog. For more information, contact Jenn Starnes, Public Information Officer, at 925-314-3336 or jstarnes@danville.ca.gov. 

Volunteers Needed for Annual ‘Lend a Hand Day’ April 25

The Town of Danville is calling for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of local seniors during the upcoming Lend a Hand Day Saturday, April 25. This rewarding community event offers an opportunity to provide yardwork assistance to seniors in need, fostering connections and lending a helping hand to those who could use a little extra support.  

Volunteers can choose between three shifts: a partial day from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; a full day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and volunteers age 25 and older can register as a Project Manager for the full day. Tasks include raking, weeding, spreading mulch, and other general yard maintenance duties.  

Participants must be 16 years or older, while volunteers age 12 to 15 are welcome to join with adult supervision. This event is a great chance for families, friends, and community groups to come together and make a meaningful impact. Join us by signing up at danville.ca.gov/volunteer. 

Danville seniors who would like to be considered for yard assistance are encouraged to submit a request form at danville.ca.gov/seniors. Only a limited number of homes can be serviced, and availability is not guaranteed. 

For more information, please contact the Danville Senior Center at 925-314-3430 or at seniors@danville.ca.gov. To sign up as a volunteer, visit danville.ca.gov/volunteer. 

A Month of Hitchcock at Danville’s Village Theatre

Get ready for a high-speed chase packed with spies, secrets, and split-second costume changes when The 39 Steps, Abridged races onto the stage at the Village Theatre this March. With just four actors playing more than 100 characters, this whirlwind production blends Hitchcock-style suspense with Monty Python-inspired comedy for a fast, funny, family-friendly night at the theatre. 

Sixth Line Studios brings high caliber professional talent to the production, drawing actors from across the country for this small cast. The show traces its roots to The Thirty-Nine Steps, the 1915 novel by Scottish writer and diplomat John Buchan that helped shape the modern spy-thriller genre. It follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man suddenly pulled into an international espionage plot and forced to go on the run to stop a shadowy organization known only as The 39 Steps. His escape becomes a breathless chase across Britain, packed with narrow escapes, mistaken identities, and clues that must be pieced together before it’s too late. 

Yet it was not until 1935, when Alfred Hitchcock directed the film adaptation that the tale turned into a renowned, edge-of-your-seat classic. Hitchcock sharpened the story with tension, humor, and unforgettable twists. Decades later, in 2005, playwright Patrick Barlow reinvented the story for the 21st century with The 39 Steps, Abridged, transforming Hitchcock’s thriller into the brilliantly inventive stage comedy now on its way to Danville. 

Adding to the fun is the setting itself. By the time Hitchcock’s film debuted in 1935, the Village Theatre was already a hub for gatherings, dances, and meetings, and had even hosted silent films in the 1920s, making it no stranger to cinematic storytelling. More than a century later, it continues that tradition, bringing classic stories to life in new and unexpected ways. 

To kick off the run, opening night ticket holders are invited to an Opening Night Reception on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring live jazz music and refreshments. Enjoy complimentary small bites, with beer and wine available for purchase. The opening night performance begins at 7 p.m. that evening. 

With sixteen showings spread across every weekend in March, there are showtimes for everyone. The production is suitable for ages 12 and up, and tickets are $32-$37. For additional information or to purchase your ticket, visit www.danville.ca.gov/tickets. 

The Town of Danville Natural Grass Sports Fields are closed for the winter moratorium.
Fields will reopen on February 28, 2026, weather permitting.
Natural Grass Fields are CLOSED. Artificial Turf Fields are OPEN.