Blackhawk Living CA March 2021 by Blackhawk Living CA

Mailed Directly to Blackhawk Residents and Published Online

MARCH 2021

Blackhawk

LIVING CA

Meet The Moores: A Love of Learning Photo by Indigo Moments Photography

MARCH 2021

Table of Contents

Letter to Residents

Expert Contributors List

Meet The Moores: A Love of Learning Cover Article

ARF Adoption Stars Pet Adoption Corner

Real Estate Statistics

Calendar of Events

Create a Savings Target…And Invest The Rest Expert Contributor

Tart without Crust

ARE YOU AN IDEAL TEAM PLAYER?

Reimagined Mexican Food at C CASA, City Center Choza Tacos y Cantina

STOP Remodeling Your Home Just Because You Plan on Selling Expert Contributor

Live Virtual Chess Tutoring

Personal service with unrivaled passion for real estate Business Profile

Follow your Dream! Fun in the Community

2021: Sensational Spanish Bay Wine, Food, Golf & Fun Header

Danville Commission Volunteers Sought

Sensory Intelligence with Chiropractic Expert Contributor

Furry Friends on Finley Rd. Fun in our Backyard

La Quinta Resort – A Classy & Elegant Golfing Retreat Golf Destinations

March Craft Ideas Crafts Corner

Support our local school, support the Blackhawk community! Tassajara Hills Elementary News

Message from the Blackhawk Police Chief

How to Pick Out an Engagement Ring That Will Leave Them Speechless Expert Contributor

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 3

Stay Social. Stay Engaged. Stay Connected. Our award-winning family of senior living communities and services provide a supportive, engaging lifestyle for your loved one.

Connect with our Residential Living Advisors today!

eskaton.org/bayarea

Discover The Eskaton Difference Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care Rehabilitation • Skilled Nursing • Home Care 4

MARCH 2021

Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

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. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Blackhawk Living Magazine is celebrating a big milestone this month: our six-year anniversary! We are thrilled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve our community with a local magazine for the past 72 months and look forward to many more. This month we are introducing you to your neighbors, the Moores. Bob and Kathy Moore feel grateful everyday for the life they created in this community. It’s about this time of year that I start to get a little cabin fever, so I’m really looking forward to Sunday, March 14th, when we get the pleasure of advancing our clocks an hour. I love having more time to walk the dog, play outside and visit with neighbors. It’s also a sign that warmer weather is on the way! It’s been incredibly fun to share the stories of our residents over the past six years in Blackhawk Living Magazine. Thank you for all of your support! Warmly,

Megan Scott Resident since 2010 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.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 5

Expert Contributors

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. 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.

Custom Window Treatments Home Living Window Fashions Shem Isaac 925-351-4509 shem.isaac@gmail.com

Shem Isaac has been in the Window Fashions industry for over 16 years and presently serves as President of Home Living Window Fashions, a company he founded with his wife Melody Isaac. With a mission to help people Live Better By Design, the Isaacs bring passion and enthusiasm to every project and provide solutions to their clients challenges with privacy, light control, and insulation, while providing a beautiful design. Shem is nationally known as an expert on shutter construction and installation, and provides training and mentorship to other pro’s within the industry. He is a CSLB licensed contractor and holds classifications in Window Coverings and Awnings.

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.

Family Law Katrin Cusak Law Offices of Katrin M. Cusack kmcusack@cusack-law.com 925-786-5455

Katrin is a divorce attorney headquartered in San Ramon. She is a gritty and tough advocate with over twenty years of high-pressure experience. Her reputation among judges, mediators, and fellow attorneys is of unwavering reliability, fierce loyalty to her client’s best interests, and proven dedication to providing sound legal and practical advice. When not representing clients, Ms. Cusack trains with her dressage horse, Barristo, in preparation for their next competition.

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.

Home Maintenance Home Inspections Plus Mark Beck 925-240-0441 m.beck@localinspector.com www.localinspector.com

At Home Inspections Plus, we have two basic rules: client satisfaction and long-term relationships. With our many years of business experience and over 6,000 fee paid inspections, we believe after you try our service, you will gladly refer others to us and use us in the future. Realtor and consumer inquiries welcome!

Find us online BlackhawkLivingCA www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com 6

MARCH 2021

Expert Contributors

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. HVAC & IAQ Awesome Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Todd Rilston 925-989-7414 awesomeheatingandair@gmail.com www.awesomeheatingandair.com 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.

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.

Landscape Construction Design-Build Native Soil Inc Emmanuel Gomez 510-332-9048 egomez@nativesoilinc.com www.nativesoilinc.com

Emmanuel Gomez has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has been installing landscape since he was 12 years old. He is very passionate about Sustainable Landscape Practices and has worked for many years at perfecting his craft. Native Soil has been in business since 2015 and we have installed many Landscapes for High End Residential Homes, Schools, and Parks around the East Bay.

Luxury Real Estate Expert Keller Williams DRE # 01466776 Tiffany Stock 925-989-2138 TiffanyStock@kw.com www.TiffStock.com

Tiffany is a professional real estate negotiator, and is the #1 Top Producer at Keller Williams Danville. Tiffany is extremely creative; and has a great attitude. She has a lot of experience selling real estate in 4 states and even sold co-ops and condos in New York City. She has been in the Bay Area for the last 17 Years and has lived in Danville for the past 12 years.

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.

Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com

Awesome Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. knows how important it is to make sure your business is comfortable for your employees and your customers. We are experienced in commercial sized HVAC. We can provide HVAC service contracts to make sure the air is healthy and comfortable. We do duct work and filtration and insure the best possible environment. We make sure to inspect and correct any issues. If you feel that your work environment is not right, give us a call today!

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.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 7

Resident Feature

Resident Feature is proudly sponsored by Tucker Associates Real Estate

Meet The Moores: A Love of Learning By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010 The Moore family in Palm Desert

W created.

alking through their Blackhawk neighborhood every morning, appreciating the beauty of the community and the joy of being retired and active grandparents, Bob and Kathy Moore feel grateful every day for the life they

The couple first met in the small town of Delmar, NY in 1965. Kathy says Bob had a summer job working for her dad. “One evening Bob stopped by our house to pick up his paycheck. He ended up sitting at the kitchen table talking with me until late that night. The next morning, I went to work at Woolworths and Bob was already inside talking to my co-workers. He had sweet-talked his way in before the store opened so he could invite me to a Bob Dylan concert in Montreal. Of course, I said no as we’d just met. He went to the concert alone, and then back to his last semester in college, telling his roommate, ‘I just met the girl I’m going to marry’.” Once he returned home from college, he asked Kathy on a date and they have been together ever since. They were married in 1976 and will celebrate their 45th anniversary in May. Kathy explains how they made the move to the Bay Area. “We started off married life in a little house in Delmar, NY. I taught English at the high school we’d both graduated from, and Bob went to work as a salesman for Hills Brothers Coffee. Seven years later, we were transferred to the Hills Bros headquarters in San Francisco. We were a family of four when we arrived in California in 1983, first settling in Fremont. In 1988, we’d grown to a family of six when we made the best move of our lives, settling in Danville. We owned two homes in the Woodranch neighborhood, which is where our girls grew up, attending local schools, playing softball and tennis, participating in cheerleading, and dancing at The Next Step Dance Studio. Six years ago, as empty nesters, we moved to the Kingswood neighborhood in Blackhawk. We always loved the beauty and serenity of Blackhawk, and it truly is our happy place.”

Bob graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in History. He started postcollege life as a salesman at Hills Bros. Coffee, quickly moving up to become the Division Manager. His work ethic, sales record, and relationship skills got him noticed at company headquarters, and he was recruited to make the move to the Bay Area. In 1985, Hills Bros was acquired by Nestlé and the little family-owned coffee company became part of the world’s largest food and beverage company. Bob held a number of positions throughout his career at Nestlé, and within a few years he was named a Vice President. He was able to retire early and pursue other entrepreneurial adventures including real estate and running a small beverage company. For the past several years he’s kept busy working part-time selling advertising for RSVP, a direct sales business that allows him to stay active in the community and work closely with local chambers of commerce. Kathy graduated from the State University of New York with a degree in English Education, which she says led her to her dream job. “I was able to teach English at the high school I graduated from.

MARCH 2021

With the move west, I retired from teaching to stay at home for several years with our growing family. When our youngest daughter began school at the newly opened Sycamore Elementary, I was hired as the school librarian. I later taught second grade there before moving to Charlotte Wood to teach English and History, finally landing at the SRVUSD office where I held a number of positions until my retirement as Director of Instructional Services in 2019. Simply put, I love school.” Kathy continues to take classes in poetry and painting, and teaches on-line writing and reading courses. She earned a Master’s degree from St. Mary’s College and has taught several graduate level courses there and served as a research advisor in the School of Education. She then went on to complete a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from California State University East Bay in 2012. “When I retired, I began working as a family book coach with Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, connecting low-income families with access to high quality books,” adds Kathy. Giving back to the community has always been important for Bob and Kathy. Kathy has volunteered as both a Danville and San Ramon Arts Commissioner, and was San Ramon’s Poet Laureate for three terms (2012-2018). “I write every day and recently spent a week as a Day-Use Fellow at Eugene O’Neill’s magnificent Tao House in the Danville hills. My poetry chapbook, Avians of Mourning, was published last

fall and is available online and locally at Rakestraw Books. A children’s novel, Elinormal, will be published next fall, and I’m currently working on a number of other book projects,” shares Kathy. Bob has volunteered with the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California for ten years, and he continues to be the organization’s top fund- The original Moore clan - Cailin, Megha n, Kathy, Bob, raiser. He has served as a Brianna, and Kerry Chamber ambassador and on the board of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce. The Moores treasure family time above all else. “Before Covid, we shared Sunday dinners with the whole family each week. Most evenings you can find us at home enjoying a good book or challenging each other to a game of Scrabble. I can spend hours each day in the garden, which has become the perfect outdoor office during the shutdown,” says Kathy. The couple’s four daughters live locally as do their five grandchildren. Bob says the family has a simple motto they live by; I say to my four daughters every day, ‘Try to be good, not bad.’ It is such a simple idea, but I can honestly say that each one of them has made a lifetime of good choices. They are exemplary women – thoughtful and kind and generous, and I’m proud to say they are raising their families with this same perspective – it is better to think of others before self, and always, always, always do the right thing.”

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.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 9

Pet Corner

Yukon:

ARF Adoption Stars Submitted by ARF

Dianthus:

Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a no-contact virtual adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Three-year-old Yukon is a spunky, energetic lad who’s a bundle of fun! Between going on long walks, running around at the park, playing with toys, and exploring new places, this is a guy who prefers to be in motion as often as possible – though he certainly wouldn’t mind a few pets and belly rubs at the end of a long and fun-filled day! The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $350, for adult dogs is $250, and senior dogs (7+ years) and special needs dogs are 50% off the adoption fee.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

Nine-year-old Dianthus is sweet girl who has lots of love to give. This lovely gal has had a rough time in her life and is ready for her happily ever after. She would do well in any home where she can be showered with attention and affection by all members of the family. Dianthus has chronic kidney disease. She is eating a special diet and may need regular subcutaneous fluids. The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) is $150, for adult cats is $100, $25 off each for multiple cats/kittens, and senior cats (7+ years) and special needs cats are 50% off the adoption fee.

MARCH 2021

Real Estate Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Michelle Nagle

ACTIVE BLACKHAWK LISTINGS 2/10/2021 Street

List Price

S Ridge Court Wild Oak Place East Ridge Ct Deer Ridge Rd Blckhawk Meadow Dr

$2,599,900 $3,499,888 $4,688,800 $8,950,000 $10,995,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 4492 6795 7172 13748 10075

5 5 5 6 5

3 6 5 7 5

2 1 1 2 0

PENDING BLACKHAWK LISTINGS 2/10/2021 Street

List Price

Kingswood Ct Sugar Maple Dr Birchbark Pl Deer Ridge Dr Hickory Ct Deer Trail Ln Country Club PL Deer Hollow Dr Kingswood Ln Deer Ridge Dr Oakridge Dr Eagle Ridge Dr Eagle Ridge Dr

$999,000 $1,799,000 $1,850,000 $2,148,000 $2,200,000 $2,399,000 $2,550,000 $3,650,000 $3,690,000 $3,800,000 $3,998,800 $4,398,800 $4,495,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 2258 2825 3719 4644 3927 4475 4784 6235 6641 6661 6910 9580 8432

3 3 5 5 5 4 5 6 5 6 5 7 6

2 2 3 3 3 3 4 6 5 6 4 7 7

1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 2 1 1

BLACKHAWK CLOSED SOLDS SINCE 2/10/2021 Street List Price Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA Silver Oak Pl $915,000 Silver Oak Ln $1,025,000 Silver Oak Pl $1,100,000 Liquid Amber Ct $1,548,000 Live Oak Pl $1,585,000 Buttonwood Dr $1,790,000 Blackhawk Dr $1,850,000 Kingswood Pl $1,850,000 Mossy Oak Dr $1,950,000 Deer Medow Dr $2,341,000 Blckhawk Dr $2,700,000 Blackhawk Medow Ln $5,900,000

1991 1991 1991 2900 2609 2702 3963 3535 3234 3765 4446 8826

3 3 3 5 5 4 3 4 4 4 5 7

2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 4 8

1 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 2

Source: BridgeMLS 2/10/2021 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.

SERENO GROUP AND J. ROCKCLIFF REALTORS ARE NOW

Michelle Nagle is Proudly Representing your Community! Experience - Service - Integrity - Results! 20 + Years of Real Estate Experience UC Berkeley Graduate, Licensed Real Estate Broker & Proud Mother! I work, volunteer and live as friends among friends in your community Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve my client’s best interests

We are the largest, independently owned and operated real estate company serving Northern California communities. 13 Offices and 500 agents producing nearly 5 Billion in annual sales volume. Ranked among the top five in the nation for both per agent productivity and highest average sales price. We are the largest, independently owned and operated real estate company serving Northern California communities. Agent driven 1% For Good Charitable Foundation has generated over $3.4 million in charitable donations. Silicon Valley | SF Peninsula | East Bay | Santa Cruz | Tahoe

Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost diligence and personal care! Excellence, Service and Results

Michelle Nagle 925.872.1478 mnagle@sereno.com NagleNagle.com

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in 2021… Call Michelle Nagle today!

Broker Associate | DRE 01261283

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 11

March

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tues., March 2

Every Saturday

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss Celebration

Farmers’ Market

@Danville Community Center

@Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot - Downtown

Don’t miss your favorite Dr. Seuss stories, fun and zany crafts, and many more surprises! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Though the Dr. Seuss birthday party is for children aged 4-9, we understand that sometimes your younger children love Dr. Seuss just as much as your 4-9 year old. The Town of Danville and the Danville Library will allow your 1-3 year old to attend with their older sibling at a discounted rate. Parents are required to attend with their child(ren). For more information, call the Danville Community Center at 925-314-3400. Time: 4:30pm

Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items you can eat in the market or take with you to enjoy at home. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot. Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com

Sat., March 13 - Sat., March 20

City of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival @City of Dublin The 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held Saturday, March 13, through Saturday, March 20. This week-long celebration will feature both virtual community events as well as in-person, reservationbased events throughout the City of Dublin. Visit https://www.dublin.ca.gov/ for more details.

Wed., March 17

California: Of Peril and Stewardship @ online Live! From the Library will host celebrated author Obi Kaufmann as he explores the transformation of California’s resource landscape from its ancient origins through its modern challenges to its future. Kaufmann’s most recent book is The Forests of California (Heyday/2020), the first volume of his ambitious new California Lands Trilogy. He is also the author of the heralded The California Field Atlas (Heyday/2017) and The State of Water: Understanding California’s Most Precious Resource (Heyday/2019). Kaufmann presents his work and vision of ecological preservation and restoration to environmental centers and groups across the state. Through a special partnership with Walnut Creek’s Flashlight Books (flashlightbooks.com), autographed book plates will be included with every book purchase. The Forests of California can be ordered by using this direct link: https://flashlightbooks.handseller.com/ home/bookdetailsin/1597144797. Sponsored by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation. Reservations can be made online at www.wclibrary.org/live or by phone at 925.935.5395 Cost: Free. Time: 7-8:30pm

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

MARCH 2021

Expert Contributor

Create a Savings Target… And Invest The Rest By Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA, Principal: Best Financial Life, Resident since 2004

Your Savings Target is made up of two components. First, your Emergency Fund is the money you set aside in case the worst probable case happens (not the worst possible). For most

people this is losing their job, and a good starting point to think about this is 6 months of spending. Second, add up your net cash needs over the next five years. For most of you this will be zero – meaning all your expenses will be funded by expected income. If that’s you, great! Your savings target is simply your Emergency Fund. But if you have some big expenses coming up like college for the kids, a daughter’s wedding, or perhaps a big remodel, we want those funds on the sidelines out of the market. This allows us to think of our investment portfolio as truly long term because we know we won’t have to touch it for at least five years! Any cash you have over and above your Savings Target should be invested in your Long-Term Portfolio. Don’t let it just lay around or it will find a way to disappear! For more details, check out a deeper analysis at www.BestFinLife. com/blog, but in this space I want to simply make the point that this can be very important. 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.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 13

Recipe

Tart

without Crust By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983

This apple tart does not have bottom crust and it is delicious. The topping can be used on top of a variety fruits in season*

Serves 8 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour a Tarte-Tatin pan OR a deep 9 ½-inch baking dish. • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 green apples, peeled, cored, sliced each one to 8 sections ¼ cup raw cane sugar ¼ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, finely ground 1 teaspoon arrowroot OR 2 teaspoons tapioca flour ½ cup powdered sugar (raw cane sugar is preferred) ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder, aluminum free 1 large egg, slightly beaten 4 tablespoons canola oil OR olive oil ½ cup condensed milk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

In Tarte-Tatin pan arrange apple slices in circles close to one other, starting at the outer edge of the pan and filling into the center with remaining apples. Mix ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon, and sprinkle lightly on top of apples. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine arrowroot flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, nutmeg,

salt, and baking powder. Sift dry ingredients 2 times and set aside. Mix egg and oil, gradually add condensed milk as you are stirring, and finally stir in vanilla. Gradually add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir vigorously for 2 minutes until well mixed. Pour the batter evenly over apples in baking pan. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and bake in the oven for 20 minutes and when batter rises, lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. and continue to bake for 30-35 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool and serve. *Pick 2 ½ cups “Variety Fruit in Season” such as apples or mix plums, peaches, and apricots (pitted and thinly sliced) or mix berries such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Holistic Journey: From our thoughts are born the immutable patterns of behavior, which in turn are transformed into habits. Our entire destiny is determined by habits because they shape our ultimate character. 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

MARCH 2021

ARE YOU AN

IDEAL TEAM PLAYER?

ave you ever wondered what makes a person easy to work with? I’m convinced that there are three required virtues that make someone an ideal team player. The most important of those values is humility. The ultimate foundation of being a team player is a person being willing and able to put the team’s interests ahead of his or her own. Only a truly humble person can do this effectively. Most people recognize and define humility by contrasting it with arrogance, which, to an extent, is accurate. People who are boastful, proud, egotistical and over-confident are certainly not humble, and they are poison on a team. Whether we’re talking about Little League Baseball, corporate leadership or emergency response, team members with big egos tend to bring down team performance by distracting attention away from the collective goals of the team and demotivating peers who resent their excessive need for attention. But some team members who are not arrogant lack humility, even if others around them don’t see it. Many of these people are beloved for their selflessness, modesty and support for others, but can’t be described as humble because they have an inaccurate, deflated understanding of their own talents and abilities. They hurt their teams by failing to contribute at the level that they could. But that’s not as bad as the people who, like them, discount their abilities, but don’t support and encourage their peers. These may be the most dangerous kind of “non-humble” team players.

By Patrick Lencioni, founder and president, The Table Group

The second virtue that is required of an ideal team player is hunger, the desire to work hard, make a difference and get things done. It’s not hard to understand why being hungry makes someone an asset on a team; a complacent person rarely makes a team great. However, hunger alone is not a good thing for a team, as it can be directed toward the benefits of the individual more than the team. Only when a person’s drive is applied to benefits of the greater good does hunger become a team asset. The third and final virtue of an ideal team player is something I call smarts. It has nothing to do with intelligence, however, but is all about social awareness and interpersonal common sense. Ideal team players, in addition to being humble and hungry, know how to understand their colleagues and work with them effectively. They can read a room and understand non-verbal cues, avoiding unnecessary problems that socially awkward people often create. Now, you may be asking, is an ideal team player perfect? Of course not. Even the best team player is going to have a tough day or week or moment from time to time, but those that work to develop their humility, hunger and people smarts will have a serious advantage on teams and in life. Other Resources: Pat’s Ted Talk on becoming an ideal team player: www.ted.com/talks/patrick_lencioni_are_you_an_ideal_team_ player The Ideal Team Player Self-Assessment: www.tablegroup.com/books/ideal-team-player/self-assessment/

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",nil] ager.w ra camera.p anged]; [N f, e] to an dW @" r: Ch 8. as Au oM is ok) or e: lo ], ue e( le @" og eW ag Co s2 al sa ueCh tMak e; On", (myM kMod itle ger. ch re ent = )) im EventV el setT EventVal t:CGPoin e = fram ]; [tor "Off",@" LineBrea MogoMana xtAlignm Widt btnCount ts:UIControl WithPoin at:@"%is",my ents:UIControl vingLabel.fram 0]; [savingLab reakMode = UI timeField.te bjects:@ dSubview:torch f + (50.f * it en it hO oF Ev in it eT ol yW iz rm c] tr ; eB 8. :2 Ev sa ra in ame] sFontS View ad tton e(8.f, ngWithFo ton allo ) forCon rControl nTypeCustom]; stemFontOfSize titleLabel.l Frame:fr d.adjust ase]; } // Bu [expandy t:CGPointMak pChange: = [[ExpandyBut [NSString stri oChange:) fo initWith .5; timeFiel Label. boldSy lf IButto le Poin ctor(fli go 1: [[se View re ; saving Field alloc] ctor(mog ttonWithType:U ont = [UIFont r.s1], a = dy .8 le ge se initWith ph on:@sele nds button mo an = se na ca al ti xp a :@ Ma xt d. ac eak; ; [e alph el.f tion Mogo lf n bu UITe Fiel co release] hModeOff]; 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Fun in the Community

Reimagined Mexican Food at C CASA, City Center By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010

e had the perfect weekend family outing thanks to Kathleen and the awesome team at C CASA! We started by loading our bikes up and parking at the Danville Park and Ride. From their we hopped on our bikes and got on the Iron Horse Trail. A quick and easy 4-mile ride took us right to City Center Bishop Ranch to eat at C CASA. With convenient bike parking right in front of the dining area, we parked our bikes and found beautiful outdoor seating that was dog and kid friendly. C CASA offers innovative, Gluten Free, nourishing Mexican food. They even have an amazing vegan menu (which my family loved). We started with their signature Mezcal cocktail and vegan nachos. Everything we ordered was delicious. Even my picky 7-year-old son ate his entire plate. (The kids menu is great!). If you haven’t tried C CASA yet, we highly recommend it!

MARCH 2021

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 17

Expert Contributor

STOP Remodeling Your Home Just Because You Plan on Selling By Tiffany Stock, Real Estate Broker

know what you’re going to say. “But our kitchen is outdated and everyone has said we should remodel to sell!”

Let’s focus on two key factors. First, what your future buyer wants. And second, what is in your best interest - financially and in terms of convenience. Let’s talk about your future buyers. How do we know what buyers want and need? Simple - we ask them! According to the National Association of Realtors, more buyers would rather do the remodel themselves to get the styles and features they actually want. The one caveat is that the home must be in good working order. Personal tastes and styles differ widely. Your idea of the perfect kitchen might not match what a prospective buyer has in mind. Plus, in a hot market, buyers are prioritizing a great floor plan, regardless of the kitchen, due to the low amount of inventory and choices available. Now let’s talk about money - specifically your equity. Local real estate companies are coming up with creative programs and

loans to entice you to make big changes to your home. But what is the cost and benefit to you? Sure, the home will look better. But you will be spending your equity, and it simply does not net a profit. In fact, industry cost versus value reports show that it’s

MARCH 2021

not even close. Recently per CNBC.com, for those who remodel, the average payback in a home’s resale value is 56 percent of the cost of the remodel. The goal is to net the most from your home when you sell. And depending on timing, waiting on your remodel may cost you in a hot market. And who really wants the added stress and burden that comes with a remodel? Get your home in the best possible condition with only a few cosmetic touches to give it a fresh look. Here are 5 simple improvements: 1. Clean! Start with a deep clean and declutter. Now is a great time to get the carpets cleaned too. 2. Paint cabinets and walls. This can be done in a few days for very little money. 3. New hardware. On cabinets, doors, light fixtures, or even outlets. 4. Fix anything broken. 5. Fresh landscaping. Add fresh mulch and flowers. Bottom line just be aware of what you are spending to sell your home. Realize that if you decide to spend major money to remodel, it’s unlikely to increase the value of your home enough to cover your costs. ~Tiffany Stock with Keller Williams Realty Danville Contact me at TiffanyStock@kw.com

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 19

Joujou Chawla Broker Associate 510.406.4836 joujou.chawla@chawlarealestate.com DRE 00890002 chawlarealestate.com

Joujou = Personalized Service. When you call Joujou, you get Joujou. We’d love to show you how we achieve spectacular results for our clients. If you’re looking to buy or sell, I’m ready to take your call.

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

MARCH 2021

Top 100

$1.3 Billion+ 380+

36+

In Blackhawk

Nationwide per 2020

Lifetime Sales

Lifetime Homes

Years of Real

2013-2020

WSJ Real Trends

Value

Sold in Blackhawk

Estate Experience

1 | 941 Eagle Ridge Drive, Blackhawk New Listing | 5 Bed | 4 Full + 2 Half Bath 7,672 Sq Ft | 0.97 Acres 941eagleridgedr.com | $4,898,800

2 | 3451 Country Club Place, Blackhawk New Listing | 6 Bed | 4.5 Bath 6,100 Sq Ft | 0.95 Acres 3451countryclubpl.com | $3,399,900

3 | 1080 Finley Road, Danville Active | 6 Bed | 4 Full + 4 Half Bath 8,000 Sq Ft | 5.17 Acres 1080finley.com | $5,495,800

4 | 16 East Ridge Court, Blackhawk Active | 5 Bed | 5.5 Bath 7,172 Sq Ft | 0.62 Acres 16eridgect.com | $4,688,800

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 21

Fun in the Community

Live Virtual Chess Tutoring By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010

hile I had my doubts on a show about playing chess, The Netflix show, The Queen’s Gambit, had me hooked. The show has sparked a chess frenzy across the country and the County Library is now offering free Chess tutoring just in time. Chess is a fun activity that also improves analytic and strategic thinking. Brainfuse, one of the library’s digital resources, now offers live chess tutoring from expert chess players. This is a great cold-weather activity for the whole family. To learn more visit https://ccclib.org/ digital-resources/

MARCH 2021

Expert Contributor

Beauty in the Eyes of the Beholder By Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & Migraine Relief

person’s eyes are one of the first things we notice when we look at someone. Eyes play an important role in how we appear and communicate and relate to other people. They can reveal our age, mood, emotions, energy level or even the lack of sleep! When the lids and regions around the eyes are giving off signs that someone is tired, worn down or depressed, it can send unintended signals and make that person feel self-conscious. Fortunately, there are several surgical and non-surgical procedures that can improve the appearance of one’s eyes. Face lifts, brow lifts and eyelid lifts are safe plastic surgery procedures that can correct some of the effects of aging and make you look more youthful. An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that can reduce droopy eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes, as well as diminish the presence of lines, creases and wrinkles. A brow lift, also known as a forehead rejuvenation, is a cosmetic procedure that raises the brows, and smooths out wrinkles and creases on the forehead. Aging typically causes the brows to move down. The lower position of the eyebrows can make you look tired, angry or sad. A brow lift can raise the eyebrows and restore a refreshed, more pleasing appearance.

Curious to learn more about which surgical and non-surgical treatments for the eyes are right for you? Call us at 925-736-5757 for a complimentary consultation with me or one of our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners. We look forward to hearing from you!

There are also several non-surgical options to improve the appearance of the eyes. These include skin care products and injectables. Premium, medical-grade skin care products including those from ZO Skin Health and SkinCeuticals (available at our practice) can help optimize skin health based on the latest advances in skin therapy technologies. They also have offerings that can reduce the darker pigmentation of the lower lid skin and help clean up dark circles. Dermal fillers such as Restylane® and the new longer-lasting RHA® Collection can be injected to provide volume, especially in the cheekbones. The unifying theme of dermal fillers is that they “fill in” areas that have lost volume to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. Additionally, we often use fat grafting for the lower lid area as the result is more natural appearing and longer lasting. Dysport® is commonly used to treat and prevent wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) and can give a lifted appearance to the eyebrow. These products are injected into the muscles around the outer part of the eye area to temporarily relax the muscles. Results typically last 3-4 months and treatments need to be repeated to maintain results. That said, I am thrilled to announce that Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa will soon be the only Northern California provider of a revolutionary new wrinkle treatment that lasts up to 6 months (that’s twice as long as Botox!)

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 23

Business Profile

Personal service with unrivaled passion for real estate By Monica Lander

ersonalized service, unrivaled passion for real estate, and dedication to her clients have put Joujou Chawla at the top of the East Bay real estate market for the past 36 years. Most proud of being “at the other end of the line” every time her clients call, Joujou consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of expertise, acute attention to detail, savvy negotiating skills, extensive market knowledge, and a tremendous tenacity for closing the deal. Her clients and their best interests are her priority as she builds and nurtures relationships that endure long after the contracts are signed. Achieving more than $1.3 billion in sales, Joujou has sold more than 1,200

homes and is recognized as the Face of Blackhawk after selling 380 homes in the exclusive community. She has surpassed $100 million in sales for the sixth consecutive year and is ranked among the top 100 realtors nationwide while being a Neighborhood Favorite winner in her primary sales locations. Born in New Delhi and educated at Tara Hall, a Catholic boarding school in Simla, India’s summer capital, she completed her economics degree from New Delhi University. She was introduced to husband-to-be Piri Chawla in the traditional “matchmaking” custom. Engaged within 14 hours, she joined Piri in New York and then Texas, where

she began her real estate career. They moved to Blackhawk in 1985, and she began working for Blackhawk Properties/ Blackhawk Realty, where her skills and knowledge immediately propelled her to the top and soon set her apart from all

MARCH 2021

other agents. When Blackhawk Properties merged with J. Rockcliff in 2008, she consistently shattered sales volume records. A trusted leader in the industry, Joujou launched the Blackhawk office of Compass in August 2018. She quickly honed the respect of fellow industry leaders while also earning a reputation of consistently exceeding client expectations and procuring their desired results whether they are buying or selling a two-bedroom condo or a multi-acre estate. Described as “kind, patient, and true to her word,” Joujou is also known for her follow-through and has received more than 165 five-star reviews as a Zillow Premier Agent. She prides herself on being on the cutting edge of technologies that support and facilitate real estate sales utilizing a keen marketing strategy where she saturates HomeFolio, Diablo, and Luxury Home magazines with her listed, sold, or coming soon properties. Her weekly newsletter and colorful online presence also make it easy for those shopping for a new home to preview the latest listings and keep abreast of the ever-changing Bay Area housing market. In addition to real estate, the Chawla’s love to travel and feel very fortunate to have visited and enjoyed the people and customs of many countries. The joy of their lives, however, is spending time with their son, Vik.

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Fun in the Community

Follow your Dream! By Jerry Milenbach, Resident Since 2020

Part I of a III-part Series: I have always been one to enjoy a good competition, a healthy one at that. I grew up playing sports, loved board and card games, and always found myself with my grandmothers watching TV game shows. I remember one night when I was in my teens, my maternal grandmother and I were watching Wheel of Fortune, and she turned to me and said, “Jerry, you always answer the puzzles so quickly, you should try out for the show.” Now mind you, I was maybe 15 or 16 at the time when Wheel was in its infancy or when Pat Sajak began hosting. Now fast forward to 2004, and my then fiancé (now ex-wife) asked if I wanted to be in the audience when Wheel taped in San Francisco, because her law firm had some extra tickets. My answer was a definite yes. It had been not only a dream for me to be on the show (I had not submitted an audition tape yet), but to be in the audience would be just as good. When we got the tickets, I began to think if a proposal had ever been done on the show before. I researched and found a few email addresses to write and ask just that. To my surprise, I got a reply from a wonderful coordinator and she mentioned that at that time, only one contestant had proposed on the show to his fiancé, but no audience

Grandma Linda, Grandma Ula and me at my 40th

Wheel On Location in SF Ticket

member had done that. After a week, she came back to me and asked if I were still up for the proposal as they would make it

MARCH 2021

work. Of course, I said yes and was extremely excited, and yet a bit nervous as well. As the night arrived for us to go to the show, I had told my fiancé to wait in line, I was going to see if I could work some magic to see if we could get closer! Sure enough, I had my coordinator there and I was able to talk to her to find out how this would work, and she explained it all. I got my fiancé, and I told her, “See, I still have the magic to say things and have the luck.” Little did she know! At that moment, I was quite worried as we had to go through metal detectors, and I was afraid the ring would set them off, but I was able to quietly inform the security guards of my plan. We got in, and we were seated in the second row. My mouth dropped seeing the setup and a portion of my dream coming true. The actual proposal was a great set-up. In between tapings, Pat and Vanna go backstage to change outfits, and this was when the proposal was going to occur. There was a stand-in Vanna who was going to show the 3,000-person crowd what she does at the video board. There was a puzzle preset up and I knew what the puzzle was going to say. The stand-in Vanna would press a heat sensor by one of the last letters and then one by one in no particular order the letters began to pop up. Sure enough, my fiancé was trying to solve it and I was kneeling to the side of her in the aisle and as all the letters were revealed, she looked to me because the puzzle stated, “Jerry asks Lori, will you marry me?” The crowd was cheering, and she was tearing, and the host came over and took us aside and began to interview us. It was so amazing, and the host yells out to the crowd—”She said yes!”

Proposal Puzzle

In December of 2019, still watching Wheel of Fortune, I had heard that Pat Sajak was having emergency surgery and that Vanna White would be the stand-in hostess while guest stars took her place at the video board. No one had ever had to stand in for Pat, so I knew I wanted to see these episodes. It was interesting to say the least, and I remember at the end while the credits were rolling, they stated, as sometimes they do, if you want to be a contestant, send in a 1-minute video, and tell us what makes you an ideal choice. I knew I had a story, and I knew this was the time to follow my dream. I completed the applications and video literally within an hour and I had the ball rolling. In the video, I had shown the 2004 audience ticket that I still had, and said that this would complete my wheel dream, and I certainly wanted to do better being a contestant on the show than I had in the marriage because it had ended in a divorce. The good news is that my ex and I are still good friends. I just remember after hitting send, and the video and application were now in the hands of the crew, I could not stop my anxieties and the not knowing if this part of the dream would ever come true. Then, a couple of weeks later, I got that wonderful email titled “Wheel of Fortune Contestant Audition in San Francisco.”

Thanksgiving 2020

Look for part two of this story in next month’s issue.

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Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

2021:

Sensational Spanish Bay By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990

ecently, our family made our annual trip to our favorite place for golf, food and fun, Pebble Beach. The COVID lockdowns make Pebble Beach an even more attractive destination as it is an easy 1.5 drive from our home in Danville. We have been attending the AT&T Pro Am for many years. The Inn at Spanish Bay is always full of energy and excitement as many of the celebrities and players stay there. This year we decided to play Spanish Bay Links. We have not played it for many years. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, Sandy Tatum and Tom Watson. It has spectacular ocean vistas on nearly every hole and very good value compared to Pebble Beach. There are a variety of tees for every golf skill level and the course is in impeccable condition. After a day of fresh ocean air and sunshine on this Oceanside Links course, we returned to our room for cocktails and prepared to watch the bagpiper play at sunset. The piper playing

on the ocean at sunset is always a ‘special ‘experience and great way to end a fun day of golf. After the piper experience, we always go to our favorite restaurant, Roy’s, located at the Inn. It is always fun to dine with the golfers and celebrities and enjoy an extensive menu of sushi, steaks and much more. After dinner, a brandy sitting in the large lobby watching the waves roll off the deep blue sea and smell crackling wood from the stately fireplace is a great way to complete your day and soothe your soul. We have been coming to the AT&T Pro Am for 30 years, and the entire Pebble Beach experience and Spanish Bay Inn never gets old. For more information and to make reservations go to: https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/the-links-at-spanish-bay/

MARCH 2021

Giving Back

Danville Commission Volunteers Sought By Marie Sunseri, Danville City Clerk

Town recruiting for several commission positions The Town of Danville is looking for residents interested in serving on one of several commissions seeking new volunteers. City Clerk Marie Sunseri said the following commissions are in the process of accepting applications for two and four-year terms beginning July 1, 2021. • • • • • • •

Youth Representatives – 1 Arts Advisory Board; 1 Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (2-year terms) Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission – 1 regular, 1 alternate member (4-year terms) Senior Advisory Commission – 1 regular member (4-year term) Arts Advisory Board – 1 regular member (4-year term) Poet Laureate – 1 position (2-year term) Contra Costa Transportation Authority Citizen Advisory Committee – 1 representative (4-year term) County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee - 1 representative (2-year term)

Applications are available on the Town website at www.danville. ca.gov/Commission-Recruitment. The deadline to file an application is 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Applicants have the option to interview with the Town Council on June 8 or June 15, 2021. For additional information, contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville.ca.gov.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

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Expert Contributor

Sensory Intelligence with Chiropractic By Dr. Tracey James, DC, Anatomy Power Wellness

id you know we are wired for sensory experiences? That’s correct, we are wired to experience life through our senses. Most people have eight senses! That’s right, many people only know about five. Your innate intelligence actually gifts you eight: vision, smell, taste, touch, hearing, interoception (perception of senses inside the body), vestibular (sense of balance) and proprioception (knowing your body’s position or self movement). Sensory experiences through all of our senses create a memory in our limbic system. The limbic system is our emotion regulator. And it’s the emotional memories that are harder to get over. The more senses on board during any experience, the stronger the memory that’s created. Pro tip: When learning, bring multiple sensory experiences into the environment to optimize learning!! At Anatomy Power Wellness, we are here to help you optimize and up-regulate your software with each chiropractic adjustment. Our body’s daily functions from breathing to dancing, handwriting and problem solving are all examples of our body’s software function. The structure and shape of our spine is our

hardware. When we optimize the software we equally optimize our hardware. Essentially, change the spine, change the brain. We are always in continuous recalibration to match our changing environment thanks to our amazing cerebellum. Come check out our fun healing environment to expand your sensory intelligence with chiropractic care.

BLACKHAWK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

• Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures • Accredited Private Surgery Center • Call for your Free Consultation

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MARCH 2021

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Fun in our Backyard

Furry Friends on Finley Rd.

Give the Gift of Mobility

By Austin Scott, 2nd Grader Tassajara Hills Elementary

A message from Don Williams, president of the Blackhawk Collection: “Donate your collector car today and the Wheelchair Foundation will match the sale amount

of the car, dollar for dollar, doubling the amount that will go to providing wheelchairs for those in need.

lamas, horses, cows, turkeys, chickens, dogs, deer, sheep and goats are just a few of the animals we usually spot when we do one of my favorite walks along Finley Rd. Only a short drive up from the East Gate, make a left on Finley Rd and look for parking off the road about half way down, then just walk towards the end of the street. You will come across many friendly animal faces, and at the end of the road is the beginning of a really fun hike! Its a great spot for walking, scooters, bikes and hikes. Plus, it’s dog friendly. What are some of your favorite local places to enjoy the outdoors?

One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to wheelchairs, with no administrative costs. The Wheelchair Foundation has delivered over 20,000 wheelchairs to 65 countries around the world and I am proud to be involved with it.”

For details on how to donate your collector car, please call 925-736-3444

This beautiful 1952 MG TD was generously donated recently to the Wheelchair Foundation.

The Wheelchair Foundation, a division of Behring Global Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation, has a goal to provide a free wheelchair to every child, teen and adult worldwide who needs one but does not have the means to acquire one. 32

MARCH 2021

Golf Destinations

La Quinta Resort –

A Classy & Elegant Golfing Retreat By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012 Hole 16 - Par3 Surrounded by Rock

Hole 15 - Tucked Against the Santa Rosa Mountain

ome courses are noteworthy for incredible vistas of distant mountains. Others incorporate mountains into hole architecture. Nowhere is this more striking than at the La Quinta Mountain course, the premier track at La Quinta Resort. Crafted from over 100,000 adobe bricks and 60,000 roof tiles, La Quinta Resort was born in 1926. Providing privacy, luxury and exquisite service, it quickly became a retreat for the Hollywood elite. Forty-one cozy casitas surround the original buildings integrated with forty intimate swimming pools scattered throughout the 45-acre complex. Today, we enjoy the quiet, classy, understated elegance as it remains our favorite spot for a premier golfing retreat.

A Timeless Resort

Hole sixteen is our favorite and the signature hole. A 157-yard par 3 (white) begins with an elevated tee with views for miles of the resort, the valley and the mountains. A narrow green is an island in a sea of rock. A large bunker left is the only legitimate spot for an up/down for your errant shot. We love this daunting shot with a postcard view. You finish the “Mountain Six” on seventeen, a long 403-yard par 4 with an immense waste bunker along the left side that doubles as a cart path. Good conditioning of the Dunes and Mountain courses but not as immaculate as those at the sister properties at PGA West. The scenery and solitude make the La Quinta Mountain course a superb start to a La Quinta/PGA West golf trip.

Five Public Access courses

If You Go:

La Quinta Mountain Course

Course Info – La Quinta Golf Resort has two public golf courses, Mountain and Dunes. Its sister property PGA West is a semiprivate club that includes three eighteen-hole public access courses - Norman, Nicklaus Tournament and Stadium. Rates – From $89 to $199 Location - One hundred and thirty miles east of Los Angeles and twenty minutes from the Palm Springs airport. Lodging - La Quinta Resort is a Waldorf Astoria property managed by Hilton.Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf. com) Find High resolution photos at: www.quintessentialgolf.com/ destinations/laquinta-mountain. Also see our profiles on the Norman and Nicklaus Tournament courses on the website.

Guests enjoy five public golf courses with a complete array of accommodation and activity options. Two courses, the Mountain Course and the Dunes Course, next to the resort complex provide public guest tee times. Six miles to the southeast, PGA West sports three additional public access tracks. Known as the Western Home of Golf, PGA West annually hosts a PGA Tour event. A short walking distance from the main lodge, both the La Quinta Mountain and Dunes courses, combine rugged mountain scenery and challenging golf. Routing six holes along the Santa Rosa Mountains, architect Pete Dye incorporates rugged rocky slopes, making an otherwise average desert resort course into a visual splendor. It’s not long, playing 6666 yards from the Black tees and 6280 yards from the White tees. But we found misses on these six holes bring severe penalty.

The Mountain Holes

Playing in the late afternoon/early evening we found immense solitude when playing holes, 4-5-6 and 15-16-17, that travel along the Santa Rosa mountains. There were no sounds of humanity. Hole fifteen is a 502-yard par 5 with the mountain running down the entire right side. The approach turns right to an elevated green again tucked against rocky outcroppings. A 100-yard bunker runs right and behind the green. Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

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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Crafts Corner

March Craft Ideas By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018

et’s make “Mail Art”! You may be asking yourself what is mail art? It was a bit of a learning curve for me too. It is anything you can create that the post office will let you send in the mail. “It can be a garden hose with a bunch of stamps running down the length of the hose” according to Chuck Welch aka Cracker Jack Kid. You can let your imagination run wild with this one. Kids, Teens and Adults can participate in this. It can be an escape from your geographic location. You can step into a network of recipients around the world. Watch this video for a look into this https://tinyurl.com/2s6jjo64 fun type of art. For my attempt at “Mail Art,” I took an online class on making postcard collages through www.frenchgeneral.com Here are some postcards I created using the collage techniques I learned. You can place the items in an envelope, but the artists who take part in this kind

MARCH 2021

of art like to see the object weathered through the process. These artists like to see the end result of their piece once it has gotten to its destination. To me, it sounds like it’s a challenge to see what art is possible to send through the mail. A company, Potato Parcel potatoparcel.com, will send a potato with a message in the mail for you as shown on Shark Tank! Give it a try and take a picture of the items you send and post them on Instagram with the hashtag of #mailart and #BHLMCrafts You can also become a member of the International Union of Mail Artists at iuoma-network.ning.com For inspiration, perform a browser search (Google for example) on mail art.

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Tassajara Hills Elementary News

Support our local school, support the Blackhawk community! By Tassajara Hills Foundation

he Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in many ways, and our local schools are no exception. The Tassajara Hills Elementary Foundation, otherwise known as the school’s education fund that is managed by parent volunteers, is struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for support staff for the 2021-2022 school year.

What does the Foundation typically fund?

The Foundation funds positions that the State does not fund. Through the generous donations of our school community, this year we were able to offer our awardwinning reading intervention program with three reading instructional assistants, seven paraeducators to give extra support in every class and reduce teacher/student ratios, a part-time office assistant, and additional librarian hours for virtual read-alouds and curbside library book checkout during remote learning. In pre-pandemic years, we were able to also fund a vocal music instructor, a credentialed reading specialist, and technology equipment for our tech lab (part of the reason many of our students were already familiar with chromebooks when we transitioned overnight to remote learning!).

Why are we struggling?

We have been unable to hold in-person fundraisers like our ever-popular Auction, Winter Ball, and Healthy Hawk Hustleevents that we have relied on for the bulk of our fundraising in past years. We also have been challenged at recruiting new parent volunteers to join our efforts, as we haven’t had the opportunity to network on-campus this past year. Without a team of volunteers, there’s less hands available to lead creative fundraisers like our recent Valentine’s Day curbside pickup event featuring local small business owners like Brie Grazing Boards and Birdie Bakery.

Blackhawk community, we could use your support now more than ever!

This is a community-wide effort to continue funding the resources and programs that have rightfully earned Tassajara Hills the excellent reputation that we all appreciate. This is a difficult time for many, but if you are in a position to give, we greatly welcome your support.

You can kindly donate here: http://bit.ly/HelpTheHawks

Anyone, including businesses or individuals, can donate. You do not need to have a student

currently attending Tassajara Hills. We also have sponsorship levels if you’d like to consider joining our top donors as a Silver, Gold, or Platinum sponsor; reach out to Foundation President Rich Link at richlink@ gmail.com for more details. Every dollar stays at our school and goes directly towards enhancing the Tassajara Hills education, allowing us to continue keeping Blackhawk the esteemed community that makes us all proud residents. Thank you for your support- Go Hawks!

MARCH 2021

Message from the Blackhawk Police Chief By Tricia England, Blackhawk Police Chief

elcoming a new member to Blackhawk Police Department. Deputy Valerie Vradenburg joined the Blackhawk Police Department in January 2021. Deputy Vradenburg has been with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff since September 2012. Deputy Vradenburg started her career at the West County Detention Facility before transferring to Patrol in January 2014. Deputy Vradenburg’s longest assignment on Patrol was as an officer for the Town of Danville where Deputy Vradenburg she spent 5 ½ years. During her time in Danville, she served as a Field Training Officer, Active Shooter Instructor, and was also a part of the Police Oriented Policing Team (P.O.P.). In July of 2020, Deputy Vradenburg was transferred back to the West County Detention Facility where she remained until she was selected to join the Blackhawk Police Team. In Deputy Vradenburg’s spare time she enjoys running, cooking new recipes, and gardening. Deputy Vradenburg is a former competitive runner who raced during college and post collegiately. She also participates in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run and the annual Baker to Vegas law enforcement relay race. Deputy Vradenburg has recently become a new aunt and her niece has stolen her heart. Due to the pandemic, she has enjoyed FaceTiming with her new niece and spoils her with mail ordered gifts. Please welcome Deputy Vradenburg in her new assignment in the Blackhawk Police Department. IF YOU OBSERVE SUSPICIOUS PERSONS OR ACTIVITIES, CALL 9-1-1. Blackhawk Police Services 1092 Eagle Nest Place (925) 736-1018 Dispatch (925) 646-2441 Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

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Expert Contributor

How to Pick Out an Engagement Ring That Will Leave Them Speechless By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza

hoosing an engagement ring is not a decision to be taken lightly. The cost and the meaning carry significant weight, and it can be a lot of pressure trying to pick out a ring that they’ll love forever. With a little bit of guidance from experts in the diamond business, you’ll be down on one knee in no time. Here are some strategies for picking out an engagement ring that will leave them speechless…in a good way. Do Your Research Even if you think you could pick out what they like, doing a little bit of research will help ensure you make the right choice. Be observant of what their personal style says about them. Try to think of a few words that you would use to describe your significant other. Are they classic? Traditional? Or are they always up on the latest Instagram and Pinterest trends? This type of information will be helpful when you’re working with one of our non-commissioned advisors at Padis. Some other ways to get to know their style on a deeper level include: • • • • • •

Ask friends or family members for recommendations Find out what kind of ring their favorite celebrity wears Consider “hints” that they’ve given you Notice whether they prefer gold or silver jewelry If they have a Pinterest board, check to see if they’ve saved any rings Learn about diamond quality, settings, and the Four Cs

Shop In-Person--Not Just Online It’s intuitive to simply browse online for an engagement ring. After all, shopping online is how many of us buy clothes, household items,

and even groceries. We do encourage you to do some preliminary browsing online. However, unlike other diamond retailers that sell exclusively online, we believe there’s hardly a better way to shop for an engagement ring than in-person with a diamond expert. We own our inventory and have our master jewelers on premise every day, so you get to take home your purchase that day. The hurdle of seeing a photo of something online and then seeing it in person once it’s delivered can be a tough jump for many people who end up disappointed with the quality of the diamond they receive. When you shop in-person, you’re able to ask questions about and compare side by side the color, cut, and clarity. An in-person buying experience gives you the trust and confidence you should have when making such a special purchase. Lean on a Diamond Expert for Guidance What’s great about a non-commissioned advisor is that you could potentially walk into one of our showrooms without any idea what to purchase and walk out with a solid plan or even a ring in hand. Many people put up a wall when they shop for engagement rings and fine jewelry because they think the advisor is only trying to make a sale. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis Jewelry is of the top 5% of jewelers across the country and committed to consumer protection and annual continuing education to ensure you have an expert to work with. Working closely with a diamond consultant is to your benefit. With years and even decades of knowledge, our staff is there to educate and guide you. Visit Padis Jewelry in San Francisco, Napa or Walnut Creek! Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with your hunt for the perfect ring or piece of jewelry both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry.com. Be sure to join us at East Bay locations at Broadway Plaza – a Forevermark Boutique - and Downtown Napa in addition to our San Francisco stores. We treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. Please feel free to reach out if we can answer any questions and if we can be of assistance at concierge@padisjewelry.com.

MARCH 2021

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