Mailed Directly to Blackhawk Residents and Published Online
JUNE 2020
Blackhawk
LIVING CA
MEET THE
Brands: From South Africa to Blackhawk COVER PHOTO:
by Indigo Moments Photography
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JUNE 2020
Blackhawk
LIVING CA
Publication Team Publisher:
Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Indigo Moments Photography
Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: mscott@bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Hi neighbors! I’ve had a few similar questions asked recently by our neighbors so I thought that I would take the time to share the answers with the community. As the founding publisher of Blackhawk Living CA, I personally meet with every single owner of each business to approve them as a sponsor, right now we meet virtually. The sponsors in our magazine are selected in the area of reputation, customer service and expertise in the category of business. Not every business is able to be guaranteed in our magazine just because they are in business!! I hope that you find Blackhawk Living CA as a protection filter for you, the consumer. Furthermore, these sponsors make our community magazine possible - there are no paid subscriptions, it is delivered free to you each month! While you are free to deal with any business, inside or outside of this magazine, these businesses made a decision to be a part of our community. They want your patronage. Without our sponsors’ generosity, our community magazine would not exist, so give them a chance and let them earn your business! Fondly,
Jo Peek Founding Publisher of Blackhawk Living CA We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
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Expert Contributors Auto Sales & Service Kerri Anderson Pleasanton Automall Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925- 737-5062
The Pleasanton Automall is a luxury automotive dealership housing the Acura and Lexus dealerships located in Pleasanton, CA. In addition to our flagships, we also carry a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We pride ourselves in offering a World Class experience to all of our guests. Visit us today or contact us online to experience the Pleasanton difference.
Dentist Dr. Larry Porteous DDS Larry Porteous Family Dentistry 925-736-9000
Porteous Family Dentistry- Larry Porteous DDS and Linda Porteous RDH have been serving the dental needs in the communities of Rodeo,Vallejo and Blackhawk/Danville for over 30 years.They are a full service practice, eliminating, in most cases, the need for referrals. Offering extended hours for your convenience. “Our practices are dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We strive to give each person the same respect, concern and care we would expect as patients.
Chiropractor Anatomy Power Wellness Dr. Tracey James (925) 457-0210 HelloWellness@ProtonMail.com AnatomyPower.com
Dr. Tracey James joyfully serves as a chiropractor, doula and educator. She provides chiropractic care to individuals of all ages, specializing in pregnancy and pediatrics with over a decade of experience immersed in supporting families during their birth process and fertility journeys. Dr. Tracey graduated with honors from Life Chiropractic College West with further studies through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) where she gained certification in the Webster Technique.
Cosmetic Surgery Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality cosmetic treatments in the Blackhawk area for more than 15 years. Now they are thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic led by migraine specialist, Alicia Choquette. Alicia brings over 5 years of migraine expertise to the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic and looks forward to helping patients live a better quality of life migraine free.
Education St. Isidore School (925) 837-2977 www.stisidore.org info@stisidore.org
St. Isidore School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic School serving TK-8th Grade. We believe each student is a unique and beautiful gift. We foster individuality in a familial environment, inspiring students to explore and grow. Our teachers create a love of learning by nurturing an inquisitive spirit, building connections, and developing critical thinking. We understand that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders.
Financial Advice Best Financial Life Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA 925-389-3889 joe@jwmwealth.com www.jwmwealth.com
Joe Morgan is a fee-only financial advisor who acts as an educator, guide, and protector of wealth to individuals and families. He created his own firm after a successful investment career because he wanted to help people find clarity in their aspirations, resources, and risks. When he’s not showing how financial advice doesn’t have to be dictated by stuffy suited men from Wall Street, he enjoys tennis at Blackhawk Country Club and hiking the Tri-Valley area.
General Contractor Cal York Construction, Inc. Cal York (925) 938-9984 calyorkcon@aol.com
Cal York Construction is a family owned construction and remodeling business operating for over 30 years in Walnut Creek and the East Bay. We have the expertise and talent to create your idea into reality. We’re conscientious and have a desire to serve our clients and make their remodeling dreams come true. We work closely with our clients to ensure that your project runs smoothly, on time and within budget.
Insurance Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com
Roger Fernando has been a State Farm Agent for 30 years, starting his insurance agency in 1988. Roger and his team are fully licensed. We take pride in giving personal, exceptional service, in talking and listening to our clients about their insurance needs. Our mission has always been to consult with customers as their insurance needs change, protect their insurance for the risks of everyday life and help recover from the unexpected loss.
Find us online BlackhawkLivingCA www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com
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Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Interior Design & Decorating Raashi Design Sheeja Nair 925-236-0402 enquiries@RaashiDesign.com www.RaashiDesign.com
Sheeja Nair is the founder/principal designer of award-winning Raashi Design. She specializes in creating interiors and custom homes that are thoughtfully conceived with an emphasis on elegance, comfort, functionality, and the homeowner’s personal style. Her international design work influences her approach to using color, texture and lighting in exciting, yet tasteful ways. An out-of-the-box thinker, Sheeja’s background in engineering and physics uniquely qualify her to solve challenging design issues.
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com
Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.
Music: Soloist & Private Voice Lessons Elizabeth Hunter Ashley The Performance Studio 925-548-2694 Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com www.elizabethhunterashley.com
Professional lyric coloratura soprano, Elizabeth has extensive experience as a soloist in oratorio, concert, musical theatre, sacred music, and new music. She performs nationally and internationally with renown conductors, orchestras, composers, international communities, and holds a myriad of national credits including MM degree. As the proprietor of her vocal music studio, she has taught 300+ private students from youth to mature adults offering them a sustainable vocal technique, bi- annual voice recitals which include philanthropic fund raisers, music connections in the community, performance preparation for high school top choirs, vocal competitions, college prep. recordings, pageant training. Elizabeth is a member of NATS, CCMTAC, an adjudicator for CMEA, and NATS.
Orthodontics Dr. Richard Anthony Blackhawk Orthodontics 925-736-3311 richard.anthony@blackhawkortho.com www.blackhawkortho.com
Richard Anthony, DDS MS Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Anthony moved to Danville in 1970 with his family and attended the old Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. Dr. Anthony attended the University of California at Berkeley and subsequently completed his dental education at the University of Southern California in 1990. Later that same year, he opened the current office location at the Blackhawk Medical Center where he practiced for over 27 years. Dr. Anthony, his wife Michele, and son Ryan live in Danville. The family can always be found up at Lake Tahoe either hiking, biking, skiing, boating, or relaxing at the beach.
Pool Service Jon Lubrano Atlantis Pools 925-736-0447 info@atlantispoolsdanville.com atlantispoolsdanville.com
Atlantis Pools Inc. is a family owned business that has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years. From pool repair, maintenance needs, remodels and updates, no job is too big or small for us. We take pride in the high quality service we give to each customer.
Real Estate Linda H Kralik, CRB, CRS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties 925-998-9446 lkralik@pacbell.net
Linda’s love of the land beganwhile growing up in Danville riding her horse through the openfields and trails that once crisscrossed the San Ramon Valley. Her most prized moments wereearly morning rides to the top of Mt. Diablo to watch the sun rise. Upon her return to the land ofher childhood, Linda began her real estate career over 30 years ago and has achieved many awards and top honors in her professional field.
Solar Energy Kyle Lowy Kota Energy Group 925-272-8013 Klowy@kotaenergygroup.com
Meet your neighbor: Blackhawk’s Solar Energy Expert, Kyle Lowy at the Kota Energy Group. Set up a time that’s most convenient for you, meet with Kyle and take a look at the incredible Federal Tax incentives that are still available but going away soon! With industry leading (no worry) warranty coverage and award winning service, find out why Kyle+Kota is the solar choice of Blackhawk residents. Be sure to ask about our family and friend referral program!
Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com
Buena Vista Tree Service is committed to preserving our urban forests and environment. They recycle 100% of our green waste into a reusable landscaping product. Trex safely and efficiently handles all types of tree emergencies 24 hours a day to eliminate tree risks to people and property and significantly reduce your liability exposure.
Unique & Custom Travel Experiences Lori McDonald Cruise Planners 925-380-6208 lmcdonald@cruiseplanners.com www.McDonaldTravel.com
Lori McDonald, Travel Advisor, with Cruise Planners, wows her clients while considerately guiding their travel plans. Being passionate about helping her clients design the ultimate vacation, corporate travel, or assisting with a dream destination wedding, Lori’s expertise knows no bounds. Lori is professional, creative and detail-oriented. Each aspect of her clients’ land, sea, or river travel blueprint must be perfect.
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 5
Resident Feature
Meet the
Brands: From South Africa to Blackhawk By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010 Photographer: Indigo Moments Photography
K
arlien and Christiaan Brand both grew up in the Western Cape in South Africa. Karlien grew up on a farm about 200 miles from Cape Town, and Christiaan was raised in a suburb just north of Cape Town, called Bellville. Christiaan says they both happened to attend the same college, “We attended Stellenbosch University (SU) in the lovely wine region of South Africa. I studied engineering, and she studied accounting. We met through mutual friends in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since!” Karlien adds, “We got married in 2010. After dating for only two months, one of my aunts asked if Christiaan was the one. I laughed it off, but couldn’t get the question out of my head and after thinking about it, I couldn’t think of any reason why he was NOT the one, and that’s when I knew: this was it!” Christiaan completed his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Stellenbosch University in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He says he initially planned to go into academia, but that changed when he dipped a toe in the world of tech. “I enrolled into a PhD program and accepted a lecturing position. Then, in 2008 I co-founded a cybersecurity startup called Entersekt. Our aim was to provide mobile security products for banks. We were pretty successful in the South African market. We then started branching out to Europe and the US. I led our initiatives here in the states, which is how we ended up in Blackhawk at the end of 2013.” The Brands said they described their perfect community to their realtor, and their realtor pointed them to Blackhawk. “The Bay Area was the natural choice to move to because of its proximity to venture capital, partners and target customers. We stumbled upon Blackhawk totally by chance: we had a great realtor who had extensive knowledge of the area and immediately understood what we were looking for. We’ve been very happy in the same house in Blackhawk ever since we came to the states.” At the end of 2015 an opportunity at Google lured Christiaan to join the team. “I joined Google to lead their effort into the new strong authentication, ‘beyond passwords’ field. It was an opportunity
to work on problems at a totally unique scale, and since I’ve never worked at a big company before, I thought it about time to give that a shot! The 680 commute can be a bit of a downer, but thankfully I don’t have to be at HQ every day,” says Christiaan. Karlien studied to be an accountant and completed her Master’s degree in accounting. “At that stage I didn’t know that a couple of years later I’d end up in my most rewarding role yet: teaching accounting practices to students at the college where I studied. After my master’s degree I worked at a local accounting firm, left to help out at my husband’s start-up as they were growing like crazy, and then went back to the university to teach for two years before relocating to the states. Now I’m a full time mom of two kids, and it really is a full time job,” says Karlien. The Brands have two children, three-year-old Emma and six-monthold Chloe, which keeps them very busy. They love taking trips together and creating family memories. Christiaan says Emma has already been to many countries. “We love taking trips as a family. Emma’s been in South Africa twice and has been to more countries than I can count on my two hands. A trip that stands out was a two month stint we did traveling to Singapore, Bali, Lyon, Cape Town, Munich and Stockholm last October. Emma definitely has her planelegs! We also love going to Tahoe for skiing, and just before Chloe’s arrival last year we went to Maui for a week, which was probably one of the best, most relaxing trips ever.” Christiaan is pursuing his private pilot’s license. “With all the time he has spent on planes as a passenger over the last decade they should just make him an honorary pilot,” jokes Karlien. When they need to escape from the world, Christiaan says there is no place they would rather be than the ranch Karlien grew up on. “One thing that’s fairly unique about our family is that Karlien’s dad has an active cattle and sheep ranch in South Africa, and we just love to go there for a couple of weeks a year and get away from everything. There is no cell service and it’s heaven!”
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While they have never gotten into American football, the Brand family loves following rugby and cricket and are big fans. After seven years of living in Blackhawk, the Brands say they cherish the privacy that the community offers, “We love the secludedness back here. Our backyard opens up into the mountains. We really enjoy outdoor living, cooking and swimming in our backyard. The location of our house is uniquely suited for that. We also love the quiet, tree-lined streets and get along great with all the neighbors.” If they had to pick a family motto it would be to seize the day, there’s no better time than now!
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
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Expert Contributor
The Effects of Colors in Interiors By Sheeja Nair, Interior designer, Raashi Design, LLC
N
othing can change the mood and feeling in a room like color! Color has been shown to have a big impact on a person’s mood, encouraging comfort and happiness, gloom or fear, and even evoking hunger. While psychology of color is widely used in branding and marketing, it is also very important in your home and the vibe you want to portray in a room. Warm colors such as yellow, red and orange promote feelings of passion, excitement and optimism. Cooler colors such as green, blue and purple are associated with anything from calmness to sadness. Here is the psychology behind behind our favorite colors: Red: strength, love, energy Orange: confidence, success, sociability Yellow: creativity, happiness, warmth Green: nature, healing, riches Blue: peace, loyalty, tranquility Pink: sweet, sophistication, femininity Black: formality, drama, sophistication White: simplicity, cleanliness, minimalism
But how do you apply these colors to your home? If you are looking for a minimal, open and airy look, opt for white and light colors. If you want a dramatic feel in your interior, use black accents and wall colors in shades (which is a mixture of any color plus black) for a deep approach. If you want to promote a feeling of tranquility in a bedroom, chose calming blue bedding. Perhaps you want to gain energy in your home office. Using mustard yellow pillows can add a pop that will energize you throughout the day. Adding plants to your home will give you a green accent to represent nature. Whatever color scheme you chose for your home, make sure that it is representative of the mood and feel you want to project!
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Real Estate
Active Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk
Street
List Price
Kingswood Cir Redwood Dr Oakridge Dr Blackhawk Dr Oakridge Ln Redwood Dr Full Moon Way Sugar Maple Dr Sugar Pine Ln Quail Run Pl Canyon Oak Ln Blue Oak Ct Blackhawk Meadow Dr Silver Maple Dr Kingswood Pl Deer Trail Dr Liquid Amber Pl Birchbark Pl Mossy Oak Dr Blackhawk Club Dr
$898,888 $1,125,000 $1,368,000 $1,499,000 $1,495,000 $1,498,000 $1,499,000 $1,519,900 $1,599,000 $1,640,000 $1,675,000 $1,699,000 $1,698,000 $1,699,900 $1,798,000 $1,845,000 $1,850,000 $1,850,000 $1,959,000 $2,098,000
Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 2258 1785 2800 2250 2798 2856 3556 3006 3271 4022 2533 2357 3840 3525 3581 3498 3478 3719 4003 4013
3 3 4 3 4 3 5 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 4 5 5 5
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 4 3 2 3 3 3 3
1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1
Street
List Price
Deer Ridge Dr Wild Oak Ct Blackhawk Dr Blackhawk Club Dr Bent Oak Ln Blackhawk Dr Chestnut Pl Red Fir Ct Kingswood Dr Blackhawk Dr Red Cedar Ct Blackhawk Club Ct Deer Ridge Rd Chestnut Pl Quail Run Ln Oakridge Dr East Ridge Ct Eagle Ridge Dr Blackhawk Meadow Ln
$2,199,000 $2,199,900 $2,200,000 $2,299,000 $2,350,000 $2,398,800 $2,488,800 $2,495,000 $2,498,000 $2,775,000 $2,850,000 $2,988,800 $3,088,800 $3,398,800 $3,498,000 $3,998,800 $4,888,888 $4,898,800 $6,499,800
Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 4644 4687 3963 5262 5833 4334 4975 4920 5624 6306 5620 5584 5112 5565 4890 6910 7172 9580 8826
4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 4 6 5 6 4 5 5 7 7
3 3 3 3 5 3 3 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 5 4 5 7 8
1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 0 2 1 1 2
Source: BridgeMLS 5/10/2020 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
THE NAGLE TEAM IS PROUDLY REPRESENTING YOUR COMMUNITY! Integrity - Service - Results!
50+ Years of Real Estate Experience The Nagle Team provides Excellence, Service and Results
We are thankful to be part of a community that is assisting and helping each other. Thank you to all the physicians, nurses, first responders and essential service providers
The Nagle Team
for all of your service!
REAL ESTATE IS OUR PASSION! www.NagleNagle.com
Barbara and Michelle DRE #00828225 | #01261283
Michelle Barbara
925.872.1478 925.872.1500
mnagle@rockcliff.com
Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
We live, work, and volunteer as friends among friends in your community! Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve our client’s best interests Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost diligent and personal care
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 9
June 2020
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Please double check all events before attending. At our time of print these events were scheduled, but changes may have been made since our print date.
Every Thursday in June
Every Day
Farmers Market at Bishop Ranch
Danville Library Online Kids Resources
@Bishop Ranch, San Ramon Get the first peaches of the season from KJ Orchards plus an abundance of local and organic produce. Local bakeries include Tal’s Patisserie, glutenfree goods from Pure Fresh Daily, pies from Crumble & Whisk, and 100% whole grain, organic stone-milled flour from Village Atta. Get fresh local oysters from Cali Crab Feeds; organic milk, eggs, yogurt and cultured dairy products from Alexandre Family Farm; Golnazar Ice cream, Gio Gelati, El Porteño Empanadas, Street Steam Bunz food truck, Donna’s Tamales, Bolani Flatbreads, Mediterranean appetizers from Greek Table and more! Social distancing and face covering required to enter market. Time: 10am-2pm https://www.sanramonfarmersmarket.org/
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https://ccclib.org/kids-subject/ all-online-resources-for-kids/ The Danville Library has dozens of great kid’s activities all in one place on their website.
Month of June
Oakland Zoo Online Events
Zoo@Home allows you to experience all the educational opportunities from the comfort of your home! Visit https://www.oaklandzoo. org/programs-and-events/ zoo-at-home for more.
JUNE 2020
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Pet Corner Pet corner is proudly sponsored by Best Financial Life
Returning to the Office Soon? Prepare Your Pet Now. By Elena Bicker, Executive Director ARF
M
any of us have been working from home for two months under the shelter-in-place mandate, but as we prepare to return to the office, we must also prepare our companion animals. Your pet has grown accustomed to having you home – it’s part of their new routine. Adjusting to your sudden absence could cause stress and undesirable behaviors. Adding daily training into your pet’s routine now, will help them tremendously in the weeks and months to come as shelter-in-place orders are lifted. Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation recommends training your pet to get accustomed to spending time by themselves with the goals of 1) proving to your pet that they are safe, and 2) showing them that alone time can be fun! With proper management and training, separation anxiety can be avoided. Here are several suggestions for you to start implementing now:
Low-Key Departures and Arrivals During the 10 to 15 minutes before you leave the house or when you arrive home, strive for a calm, neutral atmosphere. Avoid hugging,
●FREE 30-minute conversation on any financial challenges you are facing. ●I am offering to be your “thinking partner.” ●This is NOT a sales call - I truly want to be helpful to those in my community.
Schedule your call today! Contact: joe@bestfinlife.com Schedule a Zoom Call: Calendly.com/bestfinlife/30min-conversation 12
JUNE 2020
kissing, petting, or high energy play. We know it’s very hard, but it is best to simply ignore your pet for 10 to 15 minutes.
Long-Lasting Treats & Food Games Experiment with long-lasting treats and creative feeding methods for your pet’s meals. You’ll want to test these out before you actually leave your pet home alone with them. If your dog or cat doesn’t eat the food when you’re around, they likely won’t eat it when left alone. When you find a treat your pet especially loves, only give it to them before departing the home. This will keep the treat extra special. Some ideas include: food dispensing toys, food puzzles, interactive feeding mats (like snuffle mats), and hiding kibble/treats in cardboard or paper products that your pet can tear apart (like cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, egg cartons, or paper bags)
Practice Alone Time Practicing being alone is important for all pets. Identify a comfortable, safe area for your pet to be alone. This might be in a room, an area separated by a baby gate, or in a dog crate (if crate trained). At least once a day, set your pet up with a long-lasting treat, some of their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and water. Start by only leaving them alone for short periods of time (even just for a few minutes). You can vary between leaving them completely alone and sitting nearby while not engaging. Vary the length of absences so it’s not predictable (pets can get very good at keeping time!). For more pet care tips and resources, visit Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s website at www.arflife.org.
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 13
Giving Back
Arts Saving Hearts By Harnalli Deepa Swamy, Resident since 2016
Bilva Vedamurthy from Arts Saving Hearts
R
ecently due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Diablo Valley Middle School (DVMS) students and local artists started a fundraising website,www.artssavinghearts.com. The goal is to contribute art and to sell and raise money for those suffering from heart-related illnesses. The DVMS principal has been very supportive and encouraging of the students. It’s been a great community effort to support those in need through art. Arts Saving Hearts was created by Bilva Vedamurthy. “It’s a fundraiser that encourages local artists and students that want to help those with heart problems during COVID-19. Due to COVID-19 hospitals have been overloaded, people with heart problems are more vulnerable than ever. I chose two charities to donate to: American Heart association and Save the Hearts Foundation,” says Bilva. “What makes our fundraiser unique is that instead of simply asking for money, we want our donors to be happy as they are enabling local artists and students in addition to giving back to people in need.” Please visit the website www.artssavinghearts.com for additional information.
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Business Profile
The Nagle Team of J. Rockcliff Realtors brings a positive attitude and positive results By Kara Navolio
T
he mother daughter team of Barbara and Michelle Nagle has been together serving the real estate needs of Blackhawk for 20 years. They both live in the community, adding to their knowledge of this unique place to live.
Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband and four grandchildren, gardening and doing Sudoko puzzles.
When Barbara first visited Blackhawk in 1981 she knew she wanted to live there and sell houses there. As a result, Barbara was one of the original pioneers in Blackhawk. Barbara first worked for one of the largest builders in Blackhawk. Michelle was a teen then and often helped on the weekends with open houses and special events. After graduating from UC Berkeley, Michelle lived in Istanbul, Turkey for 7 ½ years. When she moved back to the area in 1998 as a young mother, there was no question she would join her mother, Barbara, in real estate.
Both of these women are proud of the career they’ve built together and the longtime relationships with clients and colleagues. “Each and every transaction and client is very special to The Nagle Team,” says Barbara. “We are proud of the personal service and attention to detail that we provide to our clients. We feel very fortunate and grateful working and living in such a wonderful community. Every day brings a new element of surprise and excitement, and we feel blessed to be part of the ever changing dynamics of Real Estate and our community.”
Michelle, a Monte Vista graduate, is the proud mother of Melis, who also attended Monte Vista. Melis went on to USC Marshall School of Business and now works at Oracle. Michelle is a dog lover who is busy in her spare time with Blackhawk Women, Blackhawk Bloomers and tennis at the Blackhawk Country Club.
With 50 plus years combined, you can count on this mother and daughter team to use their experience and dedication to assist their clients in making the right buying and selling decisions and negotiating the right transactions to best serve their clients.
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Expert Contributor
How to Keep Critters out of Your Pool By Jon Lubrano, President, Atlantis Pools Inc.
T
he fact is that bodies of water are a natural habitat for many animals, including those that can cause serious harm like snakes and spiders. They prefer darker, more vegetated areas, which provide some protection from predators, but your pretty blue pool will sometimes do the job. Snakes are most active April-October, and spiders are seen year-round. In my years of pool service, I have seen firsthand how dangerous bites from Black Widow and Brown Recluse spiders can be along with rattlesnake bites. The best way to avoid contact with these creatures is to discourage them from using your pool as their own private oasis. Spiders love to build webs around pools because they like damp areas and because pools attract flying insects, which is a favorite meal of spiders. Hanging out near your pool could mean an easy dinner for them. Be extra aware of damp and dark areas like underneath a pool skimmer or cover. We also frequently find them in the nooks and crannies under equipment. Trim any bushes or vegetation around your pool. Spiders hide in vegetation and search for prey. If the vegetation is eliminated, the spiders have no reason to spend time in or around your pool. Outside shoes can also be a hazard. Many people leave a pair of shoes outside to slip into. That’s where spiders can hide. If needed, there are also insecticides that can be very effective.
One of the scariest potential problems when taking a dip in the pool is to find a snake. Most snakes you find in or around your pool are relatively harmless, however we have seen an increase in the rattlesnake population this season. Snakes can be difficult to get out of water once they make their way into it, so prevention is the key to such a problem. While there is no foolproof snake repellent, you can make the area unappealing to them. Ensure grass around your pool is kept short. The taller the grass, the more likely snakes will come around. All tall weeds should be removed as well. Next, remove any clutter, such as toys, pool supplies or tools from the ground. Wood, mulch or compost piles should be as far away from the pool as possible. Any potential hiding spot for snakes will increase the chance of them making their way into the pool. Keep in mind: food scraps and birdseed can attract rodents, which in turn can attract snakes. Lastly, keep a pool cover on when you are not using your pool. This is especially important at night when snakes feel more comfortable coming around homes. Most importantly, if you feel you have been bitten by one of these poisonous creatures, assume the worst and go to the hospital immediately. Stay safe! Contact Atlantis Pools at (925) 736-0447, email info@ atlantispoolsdanville.com or visit us online at www. atlantispoolsdanville.com.
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Blackhawk: Life through a Lens
No Color Allowed By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015
Sonia Lamba As an aspiring photographer, I have always loved taking beautiful photos of my friends and family, nature and travels. After having a fulfilling career in finance in New York, I moved to California in 2014 where my love for photography turned into an invigorating passion. Moving to gorgeous Blackhawk has further enriched and blossomed my love for the camera. I take my camera everywhere, regardless of how short the distance is. Knowing me, there is always a photo opportunity! Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
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Expert Contributor
A Time To Take Some Losses By Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA, Principal: Best Financial Life, Resident since 2004
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uite often, to “take” a loss feels like the wrong thing to do and for good reason.
Our feelings around this probably stem all the way back to the Savanna when our only objective in life was to survive. Our prehistoric selves roamed the land focused primarily on just two things: where to get food and how not to become food. Taking a loss in that context was unacceptable. And while the creation of society and the progression of technology, civilization, and social activity have lessened, if not completely destroyed both of these outcomes, parts of our thinking have not evolved past them. So, taking a loss can still sound unacceptable, at first. But, here’s the difference: today, when we take a loss, the game does not end. Instead, we take stock of our current situation and begin to move forward from there. The same is true for our stock investments. If you have a taxable investment account with holdings that are under water, it may be a good time to sell them and reinvest in a better strategy. Or, more to the point, a more diversified strategy. The IRS is ready to help, allowing you to net these realized losses against any realized gains, this year or in future years (with some limitations, of course!). What this means is that by taking losses today and reinvesting, you end up with a better investment strategy going forward and a lower tax bill from other current or future capital gains.
This is an especially good time for this strategy if you’ve held onto an investment you aren’t too happy with, but have been reluctant to sell because of the tax you would owe. Assuming that investment is down from the last time you looked, either the tax cost to selling is lower or you might even get a tax benefit if the position has converted to a loss! Please note, however, this is not a freebie from the IRS. They are simply acknowledging that taxing gains alone, without consideration of losses, is nonsensical. They are simply allowing you to net them together within a current year and carry forward any leftover net losses to future years. As for what to buy when you sell, well, that depends on your longterm objectives as well as your current overall cash situation and how much risk going forward you can really take. In other words, that takes a considerable amount of more work! For a limited time, I am offering a completely FREE financial conversation on the topic of your choice. FREE, that is, from cost and also FREE from any sales pitch. Simply schedule your call here: www.calendly.com/bestfinlife/free-financial-conversation. Best Financial Life is a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of California and Joe Morgan is a fiduciary to his clients at all times. If you’d like to ensure your finances are on the right track, schedule a call with Joe at www.calendly.com/bestfinlife.
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Expert Contributor
Mindfulness Matters – The Practice of Mindfulness in Schools By Maria Ward, Principal, St. Isidore School
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any of us have noticed a sudden increase in media attention around something called mindfulness. Mindfulness, described by the Oxford Dictionary as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment,” has become something of a buzzword. It is celebrated greatly on the Internet, on social media platforms, and amongst celebrities. Mindfulness has recently trickled into education, too, and enthusiasm for the practice can be found in classrooms across the globe. Schools that have implemented the practice have seen increased self-awareness and empathy amongst their students. They have also experienced other benefits such as increased attention, improved awareness, and self-regulation. It has provided a much-needed sense of optimism to our campuses. Basically, we are seeing happier kids, and who wouldn’t want that!
What does mindfulness in the classroom look like? Building a classroom that encourages mindfulness starts with providing an environment in which our students can learn, grow, and breathe. Incorporating breathwork into the morning, during transitions, and before taking a big test helps to steady the nervous system, helping students to focus better. Teachers are also providing students with opportunities to stretch, listen to relaxing music, practice yoga, and meditate. These “brain breaks” help to relieve built-up stress and anxiety. Amy Saltzman, M.D., Director of the Association for Mindfulness, explains the concept thus: “Mindfulness is a powerful tool that supports children in calming themselves, focusing their attention, and interacting effectively with others, all critical skills for functioning well in school and in life.” Next time you or your child is overwhelmed or stressed, take time to slow down, observe how your body is reacting, and, most importantly, breathe.
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JUNE 2020
Honoring and Celebrating The Red, White and Blue
Kids Corner
By Teressa Gray Hey Kids! Did you know that June 14th is a holiday? It’s Flag Day! What is Flag Day? How do we celebrate it? First, it’s a day to honor the United States flag. We can celebrate this holiday by learning the flag’s history and meaning. (Hint: to learn other fun ways to celebrate, keep reading!) The flag goes by many different names: the Red, White and Blue; the Stars and Stripes; the Star-Spangled Banner; Old Glory; and the American Flag. Have you ever noticed that our Pledge of Allegiance starts with “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.” And “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, refers to the flag! We often hear that song at sporting events just before the game begins. Over the years, many celebrities and talented singers have sung our amazing anthem. We’ve all seen a United States flag before, right? It has 50 white stars on a blue rectangle, and 13 stripes that alternate between red and white. But what do these shapes and colors mean?
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The color red stands for hardiness and valor. White is for purity and innocence. And blue is for vigilance, perseverance and justice. (Tip: these would be great words for you to look up and better understand what they mean!) The stars represent all 50 states, and the stripes stand for the 13 colonies that were part of our country at its beginning. No wonder we often call our flag the “Stars and Stripes”! Do you know who came up with the idea for Flag Day? It was a Wisconsin teacher named Bernard Cigrand in 1885. And, do you know which president made it an official holiday? It was Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president. Today, many people celebrate Flag Day by raising the flag in front of their homes and businesses. They also watch Flag Day parades. Another way to celebrate this holiday is to visit a memorial. There are many kinds of memorials: buildings, fountains, parks, or works of art (like statues and sculptures). Visiting a memorial helps you honor the flag by learning more about the history of the United States. Another way to learn about our country is to visit a history museum. You could also quiz your friends and family members on what you’ve learned about Flag Day! BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 21
Wine, Food, Golf & Fun
The Prisoner Winery Company:
Napa’s Newest Gem By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990
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n an effort to visit all 600 Napa wineries (400 and counting), my wife Linda and recently traveled to Prisoner Winery in the heart of Napa Valley. Recently opened, this winery is the latest masterpiece of Architect Mark Hollis and Interior Designer Richard Von Saal. It features high ceilings, wood, glass and a very comfortable, fresh modern decor. Our host was Jeremiah who was very knowledgeable and very proud to be working at this great new winery. We began our tasting with #39007 a 2017 Chenin Blanc with flavors of floral and white peach. Next, we had Syndrome 2017 Rose. It was crisp with flavors of watermelon and strawberry. The 2015 Thorn was a Napa Valley Merlot with an earthy taste of dark blackberry and cherry. We
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then tasted the 2016 Cabernet Cuttings, a full-bodied wine with hints of currant, black cherry and pepper. Chef Brett Young paired these great wines perfectly with a Fiscallini cheese dip and crackers. The final tasting was the 2016 Prisoner named after the famous Goya painting. It was ‘bursting with flavor and a perfect blend’ of Zinfandel, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Charbono. It was so great that a few bottles returned to Danville with us. In conclusion, we would highly recommend this new Napa gem. For more information and to arrange a tasting go to: https://www.theprisonerwinecompany.com/
Morasky Clay Wealth Management Mark Morasky, CPWA®, AAMS®, CRPC® Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 925.945.4879 mark_morasky@ml.com
Together, we’ll take a fresh look at the opportunities that a changing world can provide. Call to learn more today.
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In Our Backyard
Rattlesnake Safety in the Regional Parks By Jen Vanya, East Bay Regional Park District | Photo credit: Kevin Dixon
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ith this year’s early spring, Park District staff and visitors have observed the re-emergence of snakes – most notably rattlesnakes – seen periodically along the park’s trails that make up their natural habitat. When the weather gets warm, snakes come out to explore their environment, which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. The East Bay Regional Park District is advising that the public take snake safety precautions when visiting Regional Parks. Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks 1. Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency. (Per local health orders, hike only with members of your immediate household during COVID-19) 2. Scan the ground ahead of you as you walk, jog, or ride. Stay on trails and avoid walking in tall grass. 3. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down. 4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you cannot see clearly. 5. Keep leashed pets on designated trails and away from snakes if they see one. (All dogs should be on-leash at all times, in all parks during COVID-19) 6. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as drinking fountains are temporarily closed. Many parks do not have a direct water supply. What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake Leave it alone - do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away.
What to Do If Bitten by a Snake 1. If bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Getting medical attention quickly is critical - do not spend time on tourniquets, “sucking,” or snake bite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run. 2. If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention. 3. If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattlesnake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain. Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment. They are prime controlling agents of rodents, insects, and other reptile populations. Enjoy them from afar and leave them where they are found. It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District. Please help us to protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations. Additional information is available at ebparks.org/SnakeSafety or download a PDF version of our Common Snakes brochure. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Expert Contributor
Summertime Hydration By Dr. Tracey James, DC, Anatomy Power Wellness
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ummertime, a time for leisure and connection coupled with the great outdoors and vacationing. This summer may look and feel a lot different to many of us because of Covid-19. However, many more people have developed a strong relationship with playing, being and/or exercising outdoors. It’s no secret that the temperatures soar in the East Bay, and you’ll hear someone say, “Its hot outside, you need to drink more water.” What if they said you need to eat more water instead? Would that make you laugh? Eating your water via plant sources makes water more easily bioavailable and released more gradually into the body. The water in our cells is like no ordinary glass of water; in fact it’s in a crystalline state that we call the gel state. The fourth state of water is the gel state. Water exists in four phases. Reading these sentences may cause for pause, because most of us were only taught about three phases of water in schools. While it may be a momentary paradigm shift, it is true: Water does exists in four phases. Gel water exists in all living cells. This fourth phase of water as a gel or structured state is foundational for our health. Intra-cellular water is water in its structured gel water state and it is in this form that minerals are distributed inside and outside of the cells in addition to our own body’s “voltage charge,” which is cornerstone for life itself.
water. Adding gel water to your plain water coupled with exercise enhances the human body’s ability to stay hydrated. Twists with stretching or yoga help transport water throughout our fascia. And never underestimate the power of positive thoughts and emotions. Emotions like love, joy and hope sustain our voltage charge while stress breaks it down. Enjoy the summer sharing smiles, gel waters and exercise.
Water is obtained by the body through consuming food and water and processes of metabolism. ATP, the source of energy in our body, plays the role of heat in gel creation. ATP unfolds the ends of intra-cellular proteins facilitating the process of the creation of intra-cellular gels. ATP is essential to hold the structure, and without it structure weakens and deteriorates. Our cells depend on structure and everything being charged. Structured water is fundamental to the function of every cell, from cell division, muscle contractions as well as its communication path of nerves conducting. Water in its liquid state has a low osmolality (the measure of concentration of particles especially that of glucose and sodium) and does not effectively get through the small intestines where over ninety percent of water absorption occurs. So how does one optimize their cellular water health and best maintain hydration especially in hot weather? We can increase the ability for our cells to structure our water and maintain optimal hydration through the consumption of more gel waters. Gel water food options are bone broth, chia seeds, basil seeds, aloe, cucumber, melons and greens. When you put chia seeds or basil seeds in water you will notice they puff up and can see the gel layer that forms around them. In essence, eat your 24
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Blackhawk
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Giving Back Our neighborhood magazines support fundraisers, nonprofits and charities.
Do you have a fundraiser, nonprofit or charity that you would like us to sponsor? Email BlackhawkLivingCA@gmail.com with the information.
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Aloha Kiss Fundraising Golf Tournament Animal Rescue Foundation Arc of the East Bay Golf Tournament Bay Area Tackles ALS Dinner Concours d’Elegance Danville Hot Summer Sunday Car Show Devil Mountain Run Discovery Counseling Center Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area Fallen Heroes Police and Fire Gianni’s Italian Bistro Tips for Change Fundraisers Harmony & Healing Have a Ball Hope Hospice Hope 100 Golf Marathon Horses Healing Hearts Hot Summer Sundays Car Shows Impact 100 Invest in Hope Golf Fundraiser Loaves and Fishes - Drive out Hunger Loaves and Fishes - Rock out Hunger Moment by Moment Photography Northgate High School Football Golf Fundraiser RISE | Forma Gym – Turkey Trot Ruth Bancroft Ribbon Cutting Shirley Ann Foundation Benefit Concert and Auction The Crayon Initiative Golf Tournament Tri Valley Animal Rescue Walk to end Alzeimer’s
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Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Hana Simab has been a successful member of the Speech and Debate team, while running as the CEO for “Hydrope. co� through Junior Achievement. Her parents are very proud of her.
Ava Jean Lord Class of 2020 - Monta Vista Member of the MV Chambers + Concert Choirs Attending the University of Oregon, Fall 2020, to study Interior Architecture We love you + are so proud!
Nicola Bezuidenhout (nickname: Milo) Milo was Head Drum Major for Monte Vista HS for 2019-20 season. She won a conductors award at every competition. Milo is also a Drum Major for the Concord Blue Devils B Drum and Bugle Corps. She was voted Most Interesting Mustang in the Monte Vista HS yearbook.
Congratulations Kinsley Poole!
Kaley McCumiskey > Monte Vista High school class of 2020 Kaley, We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!! Congratulations to the class of 2020! > Love, Mom, Dad, Brian & Cody
Lindsay Clark. Lindsay is graduating from SRVHS and will be attending CSU Chico in the fall.
Congrats to the Class of 2020 from all of us at Blackhawk Living CA!
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Acts of Kindness
Supporting Essential Personnel with Breakfast Burritos By Shawn Torrey, Elegance at Dublin
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ith widespread reports of COVID-19 making headlines around the country, Elegance at Dublin is supporting those who are responding to the pandemic. The brand-new senior living community slated to open in Fall 2020, is doing its part to aid essential personnel in the Bay Area by providing them with breakfast burritos. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, Christine Hernandez knows the importance of supporting those on the frontline. “First responders and healthcare providers are working longer and harder to ensure that those in the Bay Area stay safe and healthy. The team and I wanted to provide something easy that they can eat while they’re either working or have a few minutes to spare.” The team at Elegance at Dublin realized that there was a need for meal support as they were building relationships with other businesses in the Bay Area. After hearing stories about essential personnel skipping meals to continue working, they made it their mission to give meals for those on the frontline. Partnering with Azteca Taqueria, a Dublin based Mexican restaurant, the Elegance team delivered breakfast burritos to several healthcare
Christine Hernandez and Kim De Sousa picking up breakfast burritos from Taqueria Burrito in Dublin, California
organizations, rehab facilities and fire stations. Some include the John Muir Health in Pleasanton, The Vintage Skill Nursing and Rehab and Alameda County Fire Station 16. So far, Elegance at Dublin has delivered 100-plus burritos. Kimberly De Sousa, a Director of Sales & Marketing at Elegance at Dublin, never expected to deliver so many burritos. “It was never our goal to deliver so many burritos; we just saw a huge need and we wanted to help. We can’t thank these individuals enough for all that they’re doing, and we will continue to support essential personnel any way that we can.” For Elegance at Dublin, supporting essential personnel is more than just doing a good deed. To Hernandez, De Sousa and the rest of the team, it’s the opportunity to give back to the Bay Area community that has fully embraced them. For more information or to learn more about Elegance at Dublin, visit EleganceAtDublin.com.
Christine Hernandez and Kim De Sousa delivering breakfast to the John Muir Health in Pleasanton, California
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Expert Contributor
I’ve Done it My Way Linda Kralik, Resident since 1984 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Drysdale Properties
To my dear and cherished friends and neighbors, This will be my last and final article for Blackhawk Living. I have enjoyed the past three years reaching out to you via this magazine, entertaining you with bits and pieces and tidbits of real estate news, clues, and taboos. While my hope was, and has been, to try to offer some insight and education into buying, selling and caring for your home, it has also been an educational experience for me as well. Every article written contained real life experiences from my real estate business as well as extensive research into the theme of each piece. I hope that you have garnered some nugget of information from each article and have saved it for a time when it will become useful when buying your next home or selling your current one. As a brief recap of previous articles, we talked about; Making a First Impression, the importance of Curb Appeal, Decluttering to make your home look roomier, Color for the landscape, Paint (and the pros and cons of stylizing colors in rooms), Repurposing rooms to
create more appeal, the necessity of caring for your home systems, ie; Heating and AC, Rain gutters and drains, lawn sprinklers etc. and the idea of simple staging with your own furniture, are just a sampling of the past articles. I have also written articles of what to do before you sell, or what to look for when buying a home, and then how to care for your new home once you have moved into it. These monthly tidbits covered your entire HOME EXPERIENCE. I hope you have benefited from the information and enjoyed the monthly articles as much as I have writing them. While this is my final article written, I look forward to continuing to help you with your real estate needs. I eat, sleep, play and work in Blackhawk, and have done so for over 36 years. My home office is in the Blackhawk Plaza, in the Chase Bank Building, and I invite you to stop in, anytime, if just to say Hello. You can also contact me at; 925.998.9446 or email me at; Lkralik@pacbell.net. Blessings to all, Linda Kralik
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Recipe
Honey-Glazed Asparagus By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983 Serves 4. Preparation Time: 8 minutes Glaze: • ½ tablespoon freshly grated orange zest • 1 cup water • ½ cup fresh orange juice • ½ tablespoon honey OR raw sugar • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar • ½ teaspoon sea salt • 1 dash freshly ground black pepper Asparagus: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 pounds asparagus To Make the Glaze: Let orange zest sit in 1 cup water for 5 minutes. Then strain it. In a medium-size pot, bring orange juice, honey or sugar, and vinegar to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Add orange zest and cook slowly until the liquid thickens. When the substance has reduced to half its volume, turn off the heat, but keep warm.
To Cook Asparagus (Asparagus shines when it is lightly cooked): Heat the olive oil in a skillet, and then let it cool. Add the asparagus and cook for 6 minutes with the lid on over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Transfer the asparagus to a serving plate. Pour honey glaze over it. Serve with stir fried eggs and brown rice. Variation: First, break off a piece from the bottom of each stalk, at the place where it breaks most easily. Throw away the bottom part and scrape off the scales. Wash completely and collect asparagus stems into a bundle if desired. Then cook asparagus in a small amount of boiling water with a dash of salt, a few drops of lemon juice and a few drops of olive oil. Simmer for 5-8 minutes. If desired, drain and immediately plunge cooked asparagus into ice water flavored with a few drops of lemon juice and drain. Holistic Journey: To experience God’s illumination, we must turn away from our own path and follow his path.
About Parisa Z. Ambwani: Parisa, a native of Persia who moved to Blackhawk in 1983, has a BA in Fine Arts. Deeply influenced by her mother’s cooking, she has spent three decades writing cookbooks and pairing food with her poetry, philosophy, herbs and spices, and herbal teas. Parisa’s unique cookbooks are known for their merging of useful culinary information with a clear understanding of the relationship with other human beings and with the universe. She has followed this recipe to write and photograph six books that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
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Golf Destinations
Scottsdale’s Troon North Pinnacle Course By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012
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he Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish designed Pinnacle Course at Troon North Golf Club is the top-ranked course in all of Arizona, and #25 in the US according to GOLF Magazine’s 2016/2017 ranking. It is one of the key treasures of the Scottsdale golf scene. Natural desert foliage and cactus enclose a beautifully conditioned golf course. Boulders are a severe impediment just off the fairway. The Pinnacle Course is the second course at Troon North Golf Club. A separate article illustrates the Monument Course designed in 1990. We applaud the rerouting changes made in 2007 since you can now walk both courses. The Monument Course is forgiving with wide fairways, few tee shot carries and sloping green-side areas. The Pinnacle Course is more challenging. One gets the immediate sensation you’re in for something special when you arrive at Troon North Golf Club and see the enormous well-appointed practice range. The turf is lush. There are significant elevation changes. Many teeing areas are elevated providing magnificent desert vistas including the spectacular Pinnacle Peak. Unfortunately, some transmission power lines sometimes spoil the view. They narrow the fairways compared to Monument Course. It’s easy to lose balls in the desert. The Par3’s are robust on the Pinnacle Course. Hole #8 is one of the coolest Par3’s you’ll find. At 182 yards from the center tees, it requires a shot over a ravine and a sizable boulder to a green with a large bunker and another stone guarding the right side. It’s a great visual.
The Signature Hole - The Pinnacle - Par4 Hole #10 You begin the back nine with a challenging Par4. The course gets its name from the pinnacle-shaped peak prominent in the distance behind the green. Hole #10 also illustrates some forced carries for tee shots. Even the forward tees may require a tee shot of over 100 yards. It’s wise to select the proper tees for your ability for
a satisfying experience. The Par3 Hole #16 is one of the prettiest holes on the course. Troon North Golf patterns this “Post Card” after the “Postage Stamp” Hole#3 at Royal Troon in the UK. With water in front, an elevated green and bunkers on all sides, an accurate shot is essential. Beautiful homes provide a picturesque backdrop.
Pinnacle Green
The Pinnacle Course at Troon North Golf Club is a must play when you visit the desert. Golfers are always impressed. See high resolution photos and course profiles on my website at: www.quintessentialgolf.com/destinations/troon-north-pinnacle
If You Go Course Info - Troon North Golf Club comprises two golf courses, the Pinnacle (rated #1 public course in Arizona) and the Monument. Location – Forty-five minutes north of the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.
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Pinnacle Vista
Lodging –The Four Seasons, Scottsdale is located on-site.
Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf.com) A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a players point-of-view, articles include magnificent high-resolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.
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In Our Community
The Front Steps Project By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010
Photographer Lara George
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hat started on the East coast has now come to the Bay Area. Photographer Lara George has taken to the streets of Danville, Alamo, San Ramon and Pleasanton capturing families and their smiles during their time in quarantine. “My business has closed down 100% during this time, and I wanted to do something special, to bring happiness to homes,” said Lara. “When I saw that a photographer on the east coast was taking free photos of families on their front steps, I contacted her and told her I wanted to join this wonderful project. “She was encouraging, so I modified it into my own project in the East Bay. Giving families their images to remember this time in our lives. This is not intended for business, financial, fundraisers, etc. I just wanted to spread joy to everyone while in quarantine. The response
has been amazing! I’ve met so many families, singles, couples, pets, nurses, doctors, and essential workers! My husband drives up, I jump out onto the curb and take their photo. It’s that simple. It turns into a laughing session that is fun for them and fun for me. I think people are just happy to interact with humans. When I photograph a group of neighbors, it’s so much fun seeing everyone come out to their porches and wave to each other. It gives everyone 10 minutes of happiness during this time of uncertainty. I want nothing in return because I’m happy with the way they make me feel inside when I see them smile as I drive away, that’s payment enough. “Spreading joy is free. And with my camera, I can do that one house at a time.” Here’s a few of the Blackhawk Families that Lara has captured.
The Efirds
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The Burgesses
The Strouds
The Tarantinos
The Pilarowskis
The Lacys
The Huards
David Behring
The Camposes
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Expert Contributor
While Jewelry May Not Be “Essential,” Love and Celebration Are! By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry & The Broadway Plaza Forevermark Boutique
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ust like you, we at Padis Jewelry have been social distancing to protect our community and families. Many of us are getting restless and we’ve all been asked to sacrifice a lot; like milestone celebrations, family gatherings, and date nights out. A quote that really struck us during all of this is that “we are all in the same storm but not in the same boat.” We love this because it’s a great reminder that we all are fighting through this and getting by however we can. We have so many friends and family that have struggled through this and our hearts are with them and anyone who is going through tough times. It is certainly a challenge to have your livelihood put at stake by an invisible enemy in the form of a pandemic. Mostly what we’ve missed is human interaction. Perhaps the biggest “win” experienced from the short-lived isolation from our community is a new appreciation for the people in our lives we’ve had to live without. Our relationships, our families, our coworkers and our “tribe” are so crucial to what makes life worth living. We have seen couple after couple, and family after family find unique and creative ways
to celebrate love and life’s most precious moments. Edgar and Abigail are a perfect example of this. Edgar had truly epic plans for his proposal including having both families fly out for their special moment. As circumstances changed, Edgar pivoted his plan to perhaps one of the most beautiful proposals we’ve ever seen – complete with rose petals, their dog and a scenic background of the city of San Francisco. These photos bring tears to our eyes, and we want to share them as a reminder that despite these crazy times, love always finds a way! You can be confident that our Padis Jewelry family will be here for you when it’s safe to celebrate life’s most precious milestones together again, every step of the way. We understand more than ever that love isn’t canceled. We are here for you to help celebrate all of those life moments. We cannot wait to welcome you back in the store again soon. Stay safe and healthy! From the Entire Padis Jewelry Family Photo credit: Shannon Alyse Photo
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