Danville Living Magazine August 2019

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

Danville LIVING

Meet the

Petteys Family:: Living the Good Life COVER PHOTO:

by Kim Lind Photography

AUGU S T 2 019

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AUGUST 2019

Dear Neighbors!

Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017 Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind 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: asullivan@ bestversionmedia.com.

As a new school year approaches, and another season comes to an end, I would just like to say thank you for all of your support and contributions! Our town is a bustling, happy, hardworking hive of individuals and families. It has been a joy meeting and working with so many of you. This summer was one filled with new ideas, new projects, and most importantly, new friends. We still have a few summer activities to wrap up - so flip to our calendar of events and keep an eye on our social media pages for awesome ways to keep the summer vibes flowing.

Our expert contributors have some great articles this month, from successful online furniture shopping to what tools you should own to master all your DIY projects. Give them all a good read and let us know what advice you put into action!

Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/danvillelivingca and Instagram @ danvillelivingca. We look forward to connecting with the community and spotlighting our sponsors in new ways!

We are always looking for a variety of stories, ideas, and community events to put in our pages. If you have any content that you’d like to see in the magazine, please send your ideas to asullivan@bestversionmedia.com.

See you around town!

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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Alexandra Sullivan Content Coordinator

DANVILLE LIVING 3

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

Architects

Steven Wynn, AIA is an Architect with over twenty years’ experience designing custom homes, additions and remodels. A Cal Poly grad, Steven is NCARB certified and a LEED accredited professional with expertise in historic preservation and adaptive use. He and Blair Barry, a Danville native, are partners in their award-winning firm, Barry & Wynn Architects. Steven enjoys hiking with his camera and enjoying time with his family, including two young daughters.

Dentistry Paul Cannariato, DDS Danville Dental Care (925) 820-2121 www.paulcannariatodds.com

Dr. Paul Cannariato and his team have been providing friendly and professional care in Danville for over thirty years. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in 1987, and thereafter studied Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain at the University of California, San Francisco. In addition to his own practice he enjoys mentoring other dentists as a visiting faculty member of the Spear Institute.

Event Coordination and Design

Rayna Hess has over 15 years of experience in corporate and private event planning. She is an expert at bringing your vision to life, creating a spectacular event that friends and co-workers will talk about for years to come. Rayna’s sophisticated designs, and effortless management style, make her a preferred vendor at a number of popular, local venues including Blackhawk Country Club. As co-owner of Chairs for Affairs Party Rentals, she also has high quality event rentals at her fingertips for each of her clients.

Steve Wynn Barry & Wynn Architects 925-837-1422 stevew@barryandwynn.com www.barryandwynn.com

Eventfully Yours Event Designs Rayna Hess (925) 370-1300 rayna@eventdesignsbyrayna.com www.eventdesignsbyrayna.com

Fashion

Jonni Smith A Dress Change Consignment (925) 855-5581 www.ADressChangeConsignment.com

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

A Dress Change has been outfitting Danville and the surrounding areas since 2009. We are now the only women’s consignment shop in town and have grown our clientele to over 2500 consignors.

Our labels range from high-end couture such as Chanel and St. John to casual clothing such as Chicos and Eileen Fisher as well as purses, shoes and jewelry. A Dress Change prides itself on customer service and are here six days a week to serve your needs.

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.

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AUGUST 2019

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

Home Maintenance

AAA House manager is your partner in home maintenance. Trusted and reliable House Managers tackle your to-do list and help you create a plan to get ahead of future maintenance needs, all to keep you home running smoothly. Whether you have a leaky faucet, smart home tech to install, or need your gutters cleaned, AAA House Manager works for your home so your home can work for you.

Interior Design

Drawing inspiration from her clients, travels, and architecture, designer Casey Howard brings a refined, eclectic eye to each of her projects. At Casey Howard Designs, founded in 2012, the design team specializes in Full-Service Residential Interior Design, including new construction, small and large-scale renovations as well as furnishings and interior styling. With a high level of project management expertise, CHD simplifies the design process to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and effortless.

Music/ Singing Lessons

Elizabeth works as a Professional Lyric Coloratura Soprano, Private Voice Teacher, Philanthropist. Ms. Hunter Ashley specializes as a Soloist in Oratorio, Opera, Concert, Sacred, Musical, and Cabaret. She performs in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, the United States, and internationally with renowned conductors. As a Private Voice teacher Elizabeth is the sole proprietor of The Elizabeth Hunter Ashley Performance Studio in Danville, California.

Rodent Proofing

Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything!

We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.

Wealth Management

Local Danville residents, Jim and Matt have worked with families in the Bay Area for the past two decades. The Carbonell Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.

AAA San Ramon 925-314-2600 www.aaa.com/housemanager

Casey Howard Designs, Inc. Casey Howard (925) 725-4223 Info@caseyhowarddesigns.com caseyhowarddesigns.com

Elizabeth Hunter Ashley The Performance Studio 925-548-2694 Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com www.elizabethhunterashley.com

Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.com

Jim Carbonell Matt Forrey The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/

Find us online DanvilleLivingCA www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

DANVILLE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the

Petteys Family: Living the Good Life

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

O

ne of the most endearing features of Danville is how many of its residents grow up here, and then later choose to return and raise their own children right back in this community.

For Chris and Kasey Petteys, returning to their roots was an easy choice. As parents to Hank (8), Kate (6), and Sam (20 months), they knew that moving closer to family and raising their children in the same town that Kasey grew up in was a decision that would enhance the lives of everyone in their family.

Rewind to a bit over a decade ago, where at UCLA, Kasey, in her senior year, would meet Chris, a graduate student, “Chris and I met at a party at UCLA, and then the following day we saw each other again in class! I had just returned from studying in Spain and he was in his last semester of undergrad. Luckily he returned to UCLA the following year for his Masters program.” These two had plenty in common to keep the sparks flying, besides being big fans of UCLA football, both Chris and Kasey were involved in Greek life; Kasey a member of Alpha Phi Sorority and Chris in Sig Ep Fraternity. They dated through the remainder of their respective years at UCLA and after graduation they moved to Hermosa Beach. In 2005 they made their way back up the coast to the Bay Area, and in 2006 their marriage began in a beautiful, picturesque winery in Sonoma County.

Patriotic pride for the Petteys family.

For almost ten years Chris and Kasey lived in Walnut Creek. It was in that blossoming hub that they had their first son, Hank, and their daughter, Kate. A few years later the Petteys family moved back to Danville. “We live on the border of Alamo. We moved to our home in Danville in 2015 and love it!

We live on a cul-de-sac, and the kids love to play in the street with our neighbors – lots of pick-up games and skateboards and scooters.” Family-friendly takes on a whole new meaning when family actually lives right around the corner, “Kasey’s parents live a half-mile away from us, and the kids are able to ride their bikes to Grandma and Grandpa’s. We are so lucky!”

It’s not just proximity to extended family that make Danville a great place for Chris and Kasey to raise kids; getting involved in sports, piano lessons, and school events all helped build up a community that the kids are thriving in. As a parent of two great students at Montair Elementary, Kasey has gotten involved with the PTA and Foundation Boards. Hank and Kate swim at Del Amigo,

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both play basketball and soccer, and baseball and softball, respectively. Hank’s hobbies include golf and skateboarding, and for Kate it’s gymnastics and girl scouts. Sweet little Sam loves to swing and play with trucks.

Hank and Kate also attend Faith Formation classes at St. Isidore’s, where the whole family attends.

Baby Sam, of course, hasn’t quite grasped the experiences that he’s had so far, “We love to vacation in Hawaii and also go regularly to Sunriver, OR for summer fun. We are a big snow ski family and enjoy our trips to Tahoe in the winter.” Hank and Kate each learned how to ski around age 4, so Sam has a couple more years before he’s ready to hit the slopes with the big kids and their parents.

He is able to enjoy the other things that the rest of the family enjoys, like reading and cooking. More travel will surely be in their future, and Sam can continue to build on his early memories of all the things that make his family so fun! Aside from Chris, Kasey, and the kids, the Petteys family is also made of 14 year old cats Toby and Otis and the

AUGUST 2019

backyard,” Kasey said. What part of the remodel was the most exciting? “The kids would definitely say the new pool, or maybe the play structure. Chris and I are loving the cabana area for dining & entertaining.”

Just a Dad and his kids!

family’s live-in au pair, Ciara.

Chris and Kasey both balance work and home life. Chris is a Partner and incoming CEO at Forell Elsesser Engineers in San Francisco. At UCLA, Chris received a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Structural Engineering. Kasey received her BA in Business Economics from UCLA. She is

Once a Bruin, always a Bruin.

now a Partner at Deloitte in San Francisco’s Audit Practice. All the hard work that these two have put in to grow in their careers has allowed them to do some pretty great things back at home.

This year they completed a backyard remodel just in time for summer to kick off! “We’re all so excited about the new

This family lives by the words “Work hard, play hard!” With three young kids, it’s probably safe to say that every moment at the Petteys house is filled with an emotion of some sort - good, bad, and everything in between. Knowing that they can stick together through anything keeps this family smiling, “We feel really fortunate to have been able to travel around the world and enjoy so many amazing experiences here in the Bay Area with family and friends. It’s a wonderful life!”

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 asullivan@bestversionmedia.com.

DANVILLE LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Everest

Sweetie

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.

Eight-year-old Everest is kind, sweet gentlemen who really enjoys getting affection and simply hanging out with his favorite person. This guy would love to be in a great comfy bed all tucked in while he is being pet and loved on.

He also enjoys sitting in laps and taking in his environment with the occasional tasty treat headed his way.

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.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

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Three-year-old Sweetie is a loving and gentle girl who will need some time and patience to develop her confidence in a new home. The effort will be well rewarded when she warms up and shows her affectionate personality. Once she feels safe, she blossoms into a sweet kitty who enjoys petting while all the while purring up a storm. When the mood strikes her, she also enjoys settling into a warm lap to cuddle.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 ($200 for 2) and for adult cats is $75 ($100 for 2).

AUGUST 2019

Real Estate Listings in West Danville Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 7/10/19

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Garden Creek Pl Hartley Dr Ashley Cir Boyd Ct Elworthy Ranch Dr La Gonda Way El Portal

Valley View Ct W Linda Mesa Ave Starmont Court Montcrest Place El Dorado Hilferd Way

$649,000.00 $695,000.00 $725,000.00 $1,025,000.00 $1,079,000.00 $1,389,000.00 $1,395,000.00

1090 1283 1283 1941 2119 2203 2690

2 2 2 3 4 3 4

1 2 2 2 3 2 3

$1,650,000.00 $1,699,000.00 $2,758,000.00 $3,699,000.00 $3,790,000.00 $5,699,000.00

3106 2840 4388 4870 5000 4997

4 5 4 5 5 5

3 2 3 5 4 3

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

55 Danville Oak Pl Hartley Dr

Garden Creek Pl Elworthy Ranch Dr

$799,000 $694,900

1302 1283

3 2

2 2

$759,000 $929,000

1357 1752

3 3

2 2

Sold Listings Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths 193 Love Ln Ilo Ln Rubicon Cir Garden Creek Pl Elworthy Ranch Cir

$1,099,000 $510,000 $719,900 $769,000 $898,000

$1,100,000 $505,000 $725,000 $765,000 $900,000

1500 1012 1547 1357 1804

4 2 3 3 4

1 1 2 2 2

Elworthy Ranch Drive$925,000 Elworthy Ranch Dr $995,000 Clipper Hill Rd $999,999 La Gonda Way $1,099,000 Valley View Ct $1,249,000

$915,000 $974,390 $1,040,000 $1,050,000 $1,234,000

1804 2119 1339 1533 2200

3 4 2 3 4

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

DANVILLE LIVING 9

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August

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thurs., Aug. 8

Sat., Aug. 24

Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends

A Conversation with Irish Playwright Ronan Noone

@The Village Theatre and Art Gallery In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series.

16+ unless accompanied by an adult.

Time: 7:30pm Cost: $20

Sat., Aug 10

Music in the Park @Danville Town Green Enjoy a harmonious day of music and merriment at Danville’s Music in the Park.

Sponsored by the Town as a special “thank you” to its residents, this free summer concert series offers a wonderful array of live performances against the scenic backdrop of the Town Green. Bring a blanket, a picnic, and the whole family for singing, dancing, and socializing.

Time: 4:30-10pm

Sun., Aug. 18

Hot Summer Sunday Car Show @Downtown Danville Danville’s Hot Summer Sundays Car Show combines classic cars and camaraderie to create a day of summer celebration.

Downtown streets are lined with muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage rides while live bands play ‘50s and ‘60s music for people dancing in the streets. You can also browse the myriad of food, drink, and souvenir booths throughout the venue, or stop off in one of the downtown shops or restaurants.

Time: 11am-4pm

Thurs., Aug. 22

Wines & Steins @Danville Veterans Memorial Building Raise a glass to one of Danville’s funnest events: The 4th Annual Beer & Wine Stroll – Wines & Steins! Rally your friends and family for a lively night of celebration of local beer, wine and shopping at the Danville Livery and Downtown Danville.

Time: 6-9pm Cost: $35 pre-sale/$45 at the door. $15 designated driver For more information, visit www. danvilleareachamber.com

@Museum of the San Ramon Valley Join us for a special opening night reception with The Second Girl playwright Ronan Noone. Now based in Boston, Noone, the author of nearly a dozen plays, will be joining us to discuss The Second Girl, his creative process and the plight of Irish immigrants.

Beverages and bites will be provided.

Time: 6pm Cost: $25

Sat., Aug. 24- Sun., Aug. 25

The Second Girl by Ronan Noone

@Museum of the San Ramon Valley Directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes. For those who love Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, The Second Girl is not to be missed. Set in the kitchen of the Tyrone family on the same day in 1912 that Long Day’s Journey Into Night takes place, The Second Girl tells the story of the hopes and dreams and the challenges of the Tyrone family’s hired help. Their tale touches on the plight of all immigrants trying to make their way in a new world.

Time: 8pm on Sat., 2pm and 7pm on Sun. Cost: $25 For more information, go to EugeneOneill.org.

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot-Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants and fresh breads. 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

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Save the date: Tues., Sept. 24

Danville Living Magazine Party @ Albatross Restaurant Join us for a Customer Appreciation party! This is an open invitation to all; a chance to meet residents and thank the sponsors, all of whom make our magazine possible.

We’ll be enjoying the fantastic food and drinks at Albatross, located at 312 Railroad Avenue.

Cost: Free Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm Please RSVP to save your spot! http://bit.ly/AlbatrossParty

Every Monday

Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events @Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local nonprofit community. Tips for change is a fun and unique way for local local charity organizations to raise much needed funds.

Volunteers and supporters of local nonprofits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization.

This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.

More information at www. giannissanramon.com AUGUST 2019

Expert Contributor

Things to Remember

When Shopping for Furniture Online

By Casey Howard, Principal, Casey Howard Designs, Inc.

A

s an Interior Design professional with many years of experience I‘ve watched this industry go through changes.

The biggest change I’ve seen to date is the shift in shopping habits from brick and mortar furniture showrooms to online retailing. Like most changes, online retailing has both positive and negative aspects. For example, the web has given us access to artists, designers, and aesthetics that we may have never discovered, but it has also made it practically impossible for us to interact with and judge the quality of our furniture before we purchase it. Although purchasing furniture online can sometimes feel like taking a shot in the dark, here are a few things to consider before going all in on a piece of online furniture that can protect you from having an “Instagram vs. reality” moment.

Always check your measurements. This might sound like common sense but there is another layer here. Of course, you want to make sure the overall dimensions of the piece fit into the space (and through the doorway!) but there are other aspects you will want to double check. Measurements like seat and arm height are easily overlooked and can lead to costly mistakes!

Many times these measurements aren’t shown online, but if you reach out to the vendor, you’ll typically receive a quick response.

Photo by Lauren Edith Anderson

Consider requesting a fabric or finish sample from the vendor for the piece of furniture you’re looking to purchase. A lot of consumers are unaware of the fact that many online furniture retailers provide this service! Most of the time the image that is shown online varies greatly from the actual piece. The ability to compare finishes and fabrics to the other pieces within the space can eliminate surprises.

Be aware of the vendor’s return policy! There may be restocking or freight fees involved and some furniture pieces may be final sale items. Always remember to open your packages immediately, if there is damage a lot of these companies require you report it right away.

These are just a few of the things we are constantly considering in the design industry!

In conclusion, don’t be afraid to reach out to the online furniture vendor and ask questions! Most of these websites want you to be satisfied with your furniture purchase and make it easy to connect with a representative.

DANVILLE LIVING 11

San Ramon Valley High School

5 Tips for Incoming High School Freshman

By Shelby Falahat, Junior Reporter, SRVHS

S

tudents approaching their freshmen year in high school tend to fantasize about the years ahead of them. While gathering information from movies, the internet, and peers that have experienced high school, students create a positive or negative image of high school in their minds. As I begin my senior year at SRVHS, I have come to learn that your high school experience is only as good as you make it. The decisions students make beginning their first semester and throughout their four years, ultimately sets them up for their successes and failures.

the day, incoming freshmen just need to remember that everything gets better, one step at a time. Soon enough, students feel a part of the SRVHS community and establish their own relationships with their peers, staff members, and teachers.

About four years ago, I graduated eighth grade from a small private school with my 24 other classmates. When the first day of my freshman year began, I had no idea what to expect. After leaving my friends of nine years behind, I was obviously nervous about the new friends I was going to make and how public school would differ from private school.

Here are my top 5 tips to make your high school career great:

Once I got through my first few weeks of school, however, I learned the most important lesson that changed my experience immediately.

I learned that while we are all unique individuals, life transitions do tend to bring commonality amongst us - in at least the fears we face and the anxiety we feel.

3. When deciding on what AP courses to take, choose classes that interest you and that you are strongest in - don’t choose a class just because your friend is taking it.

In high school, students tend to believe that the person next to them has it easier or is doing better than them. I encourage incoming students to realize that we have more in common than we think. With that mindset, perhaps students would feel a little less pressure, socially and academically. Undoubtedly, high school can be competitive, SRVHS encourages students and staff members to unite together. By embracing teamwork, the high school experience students hope for will become their reality.

Although my transition to high school was difficult at times, the growth as a result of all the challenges was worth it. At the end of

San Ramon Valley High School truly strives to create a friendly environment to unite students. Always remember, we are called the “Home of Champions” for a reason. SRVHS is extremely excited to welcome our incoming Wolves in the new school year!

1. Establish a relationship with your school counselor early in your freshman year - they are extremely helpful.

2. Attend school dances, rallies, and football games - they are a great way to make friends and get involved in our school community.

4. Talk to your teachers in person when they are available about grades - they prefer that.

5. Begin preparing for the SAT/ACT exam in the summer of your sophomore year - personally, Khan Academy was extremely helpful in helping me prepare for the SAT.

Shelby Falahat is a Junior at San Ramon Valley High School. She loves writing as a tool to express herself as well as learn about the world around her. She also has a passion for working with children.

Recently, Shelby has had the opportunity to work at Kumon, which has allowed her to teach young students math and reading.

In addition, she loves to travel with her family across the globe.

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AUGUST 2019

Charity Spotlight

Invest in

Hope Golf Tournament

By Jo Peek, Resident since 2014

A golf tournament benefitting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)

Monday, September 9, 2019 at Blackhawk Country Club Presented by Bank of America Merrill Lynch Play golf and Invest in HOPE #RaiseHope4Vets

Event Schedule •

9:30am Registration, continental breakfast & exotic car show

•

11:00am Shotgun Start – 4-Person Scramble & lunch on-course

•

5:15pm Winemaker’s Dinner, awards & Raise the Paddle for HOPE Auction

Fees $350 per person, includes continental breakfast, exotic car show, lunch on-course, Winemaker’s Dinner, player gifts, golf, contests, and awards.

PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

Registration: www.investinhope.us (707) 449-4742

DANVILLE LIVING 13

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AUGUST 2019

In Our Own Backyard

Santa Cruz:

A Beach Rundown

By Breann Bruschke, Junior Reporter

W

hen I think of summer, I, like many others, immediately picture the beach. Long days spent sunbathing in the salty air to the calming tune of ceaseless waves. Sandcastles, flip-flops, boogie boards, beach volleyball, tidepools, shells, and so much more. The perfect setting for a perfect summer. One of my all time favorite beach areas: Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz has a dramatic coastline lined with renowned beaches. Each has a different significance and element of what I would unsophisticatedly call “awesomeness.” Starting from the top, Davenport Landing Beach is quiet in its secluded location.

A relaxing getaway from the often chaotic scene just a couple miles south. There is a hidden gem not too far from this beach, a swing hung from an old collapsed pier situated on the water.

It can be difficult to find and includes a somewhat dangerous hike, but there is an indescribable feeling as one gently swings above the ocean.

Next is Shark’s Fin Cove. A natural wonder, this beach is a spectacular stop on Highway 1. The rock formation, a shark fin as the name suggests, is a picturesque spectacle. With many other beaches in between, including Panther Beach, Laguna Creek Beach, and Strawberry Beach. My next favorite beach, Natural Bridges, features yet another rock formation intriguing to the eyes. Here you will also find tidepools featuring colorful sea anemones and shore crabs. With low tide and some searching, I can almost guarantee you may be fortunate to spot a starfish. Around a small peninsula sits Cowell’s, the hotspot for beginning surfers, including myself. With waves from April to September, the bulk of my time in Santa Cruz is spent at this popular beach.

A stone’s throw down is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

During the summer, this is arguably the most crowded. With the beach on one side and roller coasters on the other, this is a child’s heaven. The Boardwalk is home to a number of exhilarating rides; my favorite being the Giant Dipper. The park itself is nothing overly grandiose, but the location is its charm.

Twin Lakes Beach sits right next to Santa Cruz Beach and is a great spot for proximity to the Boardwalk but less crowds. A favorite for locals, Twin Lakes Beach is home to the adorable Walton Lighthouse and is my family’s swimming spot of choice.

This hidden swing provides the perfect relaxation spot away from the bustle of busier Santa Cruz beaches.

The next significant beach is Capitola Beach. The colorful houses situated right on the sand are an immediate eye catcher that give this spot its appeal. Then there is Seacliff Beach, with an eerie concrete freighter, the SS Palo Alto. The last two in the area are Manresa State Beach and Sunset Beach. They both offer oceanfront camping for those interested in this unique and exciting experience. All in all, Santa Cruz is home to an abundance of incredible beaches. Choosing just one, now that is the hard part.

Breann Bruschke has lived in different areas of Arizona, Singapore, and California, but Danville is home. She just graduated from SRVHS, and will be heading to BYU in the fall. She enjoys participating in sports, playing the violin, and reading. Other hobbies include wakeboarding, snowboarding, and puzzling. She is a true nature lover, always seeking to find the next adventure.

DANVILLE LIVING 15

Charity Spotlight

Impact 100 East Bay Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organization

By Nancy Clark, Resident since 1998

Our mission is to unite women in our community in a common cause. Together we provide large, transformational grants each year to local non-profits. Join us October 2nd at the Blackhawk Country Club to gift over $100,000 at our Annual Community Celebration or email to get involved right away. impact100eastbay.org, info@impact100eastbay.org

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AUGUST 2019

Art and Culture

A Mural in the Making: An Interview with John Osgood

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

I

f you haven’t had a chance to stroll through the west side and come across our neighborhood school, Montair Elementary, there is some awesome new artwork gracing the front of the building!

I had the opportunity to ask muralist and Montair parent, John Osgood about his process and the products that result from it.

AS: How did you land at the design for Montair Elementary School? Did you approach Ondi Tricaso (principal) about repainting the old one, or did they ask you?

JO: We live pretty close to the school so my son and I would walk over to the school each morning. Each afternoon, I would wait by the Kindergarten classrooms for his dismissal. After the first few days of this, I couldn’t help notice that the previous mural was needing some love as it was in a bit of a rough state. I also volunteered in the classroom as an art docent, so my first contact was through Kim Bowles, our lead parent for the program. Kim mentioned my interest to Ondi and a year later, and some polite hounding, I received permission to give the wall a makeover.

AS: What role do you hope this mural plays in the day-to-day life of the children at the school?

JO: My goal is to keep the kids inspired both through this mural and through volunteering at the school. I want to show them there is a literal and abstracted side to art. Within the mural there are things that are literal, like the bird, acorns, and the trees, but the sky and Mount Diablo are broken down and a bit more abstracted. I want to show the kids there can be more than one way to solve a problem and/ or tasks at hand. Overall, I hope that the mural encourages other inspiring

Montair Elementary School has a new mural!

young artists to follow their passion into adulthood.

AS: How can murals, as a whole, add to community life?

JO: I believe murals are very beneficial to a community. The art work breeds communication, it gets people talking and thinking. It can build an affection to the piece of artwork. It also can build ownership. The community can become attached to a piece. When I am out there working I love talking to the people. I get to know who is looking at my work and they get to meet the artist and learn about me and my work. A bond is built and can be shared.

AS: How do you overcome your creative blocks?

JO: I like to switch gears. I paint on canvas almost everyday. When I paint I am processed oriented and start with colors and strokes. When I can see a composition beginning, I run with it until I can make sense of it. That means I’m looking and searching to find the next step in the process. If I get blocked on one piece, I

move to the next piece. At any given time, I may have 5-6 pieces going at a time. If I feel creatively blocked I like to work on the mural wall I’ve built in my backyard, or I’ll build masks out of cardboard and other supplies, I’ll work in clay, or create music. I try not to let creative blocks happen though by finding other ways to stay creative.

AS: What advice do you have for kids that want to head down an artistic path?

JO: My number 1 advice is to create something every day. Whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, collaging, or whatever medium brings you joy, just do it often. My son has been exposed to art since he was a baby, he grew up in an art gallery and works in my art studio with me regularly. He now draws everyday and creates his own comics. So on top of kids following their passion, I would say that having encouragement from their families goes a long way to their long-term success as well.

DANVILLE LIVING 17

Charity Spotlight

2nd Annual Aloha Kiss Arthur Kong

Memorial Foundation Fundraiser

By Alice Kong, Founder, Aloha Kiss Arthur Kong Memorial Foundation Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost time to tee-off for the 2nd annual Aloha Kiss Arthur Kong Memorial Foundation golf tournament. Once again, we are supporting the Livermore Homeless Refuge (LHR) to assist with only a fraction of what they do on a daily basis. The winter holidays are only around the corner. Open your hearts and help the LHR get ready to service those who find themselves in a difficult time in their lives.

So get a hold of your friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors and come join us for a day of fun! A good time will be had by all! Get to know your neighbors, make new friends while enjoying a round of golf to help raise funds for a very good cause.

September 16, 2019.

Golf Classic Invitational and Dinner Blackhawk Lakeside Country Club 10:00 am Check In 12:00 pm Shotgun start 5:30-6:30 pm Cocktails 6:30-8:30 pm Dinner Reception Please register at www.alohakiss.co

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AUGUST 2019

Share Your Story

The College Process:

What an Experience!

By Kyle Olsen, Resident since 2000

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s a high-schooler, I was confronted with the decision that many San Ramon Valley High School students experience: what’s next? When it came to selecting the college or university that I would attend, I initially became overwhelmed with the gravity that such a task possessed. Having attended the DorrisEaton School and SRVHS, I worked very hard in school. But when it came to college, I could not neglect the fact that much of my adulthood would be centered around the decision at my 12 o’clock position.

The first year of my search for where to go emphasized familiarity - location and proximity to home. During my first college visits to Southern California as a sophomore, I speculated whether or not I would be ready to leave the closeness of my home and my loving parents.

In my junior year, many of the pieces of the previously daunting task came together. My parents remained extremely supportive, and I began taking Diablo Valley College classes in addition to my classes at SRVHS. From my DVC classes, I gained much insight into the college setting. For instance, I learned how to read a syllabus and be accountable for deadlines that were not published online. This would turn out to be invaluable in my ultimate transition.

Acknowledging that the mission ahead might be more challenging than it was in 1980, my parents offered to hire me a college counselor. When I met with my counselor, I felt much more at ease. She told me about her clients that had completed the process, and I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though still quite distant.

I struggled to achieve the ACT score that I truly needed to get into my dream schools. After taking the ACT four times and having over 30 hours of ACT test prep, my college counselor told me about test-optional schools. Thanks to that helpful information, most of the schools I applied to only required my transcript.

In the fall of my senior year, I applied to 11 schools across the country. Not being accepted to my top choice school was very challenging. I had envisioned myself at this school and was certain that everything would work out there. Though discouraged, the support from my parents, counselor, and friends made me realize that I should not be defined by this harsh decision. To my emotional benefit, many of my classmates faced similar

American University in the springtime

heartbreaks. We understood and helped one another through this process.

In May 2018, I selected American University’s School of International Service and Kogod School of Business in Washington, D.C. My freshman year at AU was incredible and memorable. Beyond joining the AU community, my favorite part of going off to college has been becoming embraced by the DC-Maryland-Virginia community. While it sometimes feels like I have kept the Dulles-SFO flight route profitable, I have made my new life work for me, and now I love it.

The advice that I would give high school students would be to not be afraid of a new adventure. I also believe that it is important to try to enjoy the process. I remember hearing the statement, “Applying and going to college is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.”

That is nothing short of the truth. My parents were trusting and supportive of me, regardless of the school I selected. In my experience, I would also forcefully add that although I was not accepted to my top choice school, everything “worked out” for me. I think that many students and parents could benefit from hearing this. Lastly, I encourage you to keep in mind that you are not searching for a “good school”- you’re searching for a good fit.

A “good school” is not a good school, if it is not a good fit.

Kyle is a lifelong Danville resident.

He enjoys traveling, aviation, and international affairs. He loves spending time with his friends, family, and his dog, Kitt. He’s interested in people’s thoughts and opinions, and is always open to a conversation with anyone.

DANVILLE LIVING 19

Tee Time

Tee it Up

at Callippe Preserve Golf Course

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008 Tee Box on Hole 15. This hole descends 87 feet in elevation and a pond on the left after you’ve hit over the creek. Par 5, 488 yards.

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ucked back in the rolling hills of Pleasanton, lies Callippe Preserve Golf Course, just 23 minutes south of Danville. It has become one of my favorite local golf courses to play. Driving through the quiet, narrow winding roads off of the Sunol exit of 680, you will find yourself surrounded by mature trees, native plants and creeks on the 176 acres of the Callippe Preserve. If you have never been there before, the tranquility will surprise you.

To add to the beautiful views of the rolling hills, the staff that manages the Callippe Preserve are incredibly friendly. From the Marshall and ProShop employees to the Vista Restaurant bartenders and servers, you will be treated with a smile. They make you feel welcome and comfortable. If you arrive early for your tee time, hop into one of the new Yamaha golf carts and head to the driving range and putting green. The new electric golf carts feature state of the art GPS touch screen monitors and USB ports. The driving range is netted along the sides, and has well marked flags to measure your distance up to approximately 300 yards. There is turf and grass on the driving range depending on the weather & conditions. Adjacent to the driving range is the manicured putting and chipping area.

Heading up Clubhouse Drive on the way to Callippe Preserve is a view of Hole 3, an impressive par 5. Standing at the 1st tee will give you sweeping views of the valley. The Brian Costello designed course flows easily as you move from hole to hole and all 5 of the tees are easily accessible and well placed. I have some favorite holes on this course and ones that continually challenge my golf skills!

Like other golf courses, the more you play, the better you become at placing your ball in the best location for your next shot. Although, as golfers know, where you want your ball to go, is not always where it ends up! The front nine has a bit of up and down elevations and seem to get you ready for the back nine. The back nine has water, creeks, hills, and trees, but is ever so beautiful! Between hole 15, a par 5, with a lake & creek and hole 16, a par 3, but with a creek running along the entire side and a preserve area, I always am caught off guard by the setting of greenery, the bridge, and the rolling hills.

Honestly, I get distracted by the lush setting and how great it would be for family pictures.

Tee Box on Hole 18. This par 4 has a creek that zig-zags over the fairway in two places.

deck, and an outside event center along with the restaurant and bar. I have watched the setup of pipe & drape, string lights, and tables as I have come off the 18th hole. The staff are creative, helpful and work with the client’s vision for their event.

Golf Tournaments are another feature Callippe Preserve offers. I am currently working with Callippe to host a golf tournament and they have been nothing but accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable.

I have hosted many events, but a golf tournament is new for me, so I am happy that this is where I have chosen to have it. The ProShop has the major athletic & golf brands of clothing, shoes, & golf equipment for both men and women.

Callippe is an Audubon Sanctuary certified golf course which is home to the endangered California Tiger Salamander, the federally threatened Red-Legged Frog and the Callippe Silverspot Butterfly, which is the logo for Callippe Preserve. https://www.playcallippe. com Callippe Preserve, 8500 Clubhouse Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94566. 925-426-6666

Callippe also offers a worthy setting for a wedding. The Vista Restaurant’s patio opens to the 1st and 10th fairways with views of the valley and surrounding rolling hills. They have outside seating, a 20

Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel - lynneharrosh@me.com

AUGUST 2019

SRVHS Football

San Ramon Valley High School 2019

Football Schedule

By Britt Vogel, SRVHS Football Varsity team parent

Date Time JV/VAR Opponent Location Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1

5:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 5:00/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00

Scrimmage v/ Cal High Heritage Bye Week Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) Antioch Freedom Dublin* Foothill (Homecoming) Clayton Valley Charter De la Salle Cal High Monte Vista**

SRVHS SRVHS Away SRVHS Away Away SRVHS Away Away Away SRVHS

* EBAL - Non Conference Opponent ** Senior Night

VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY NCS Playoffs: Nov 8-30 CIF Regional Bowl Games: Dec 6-7 CIF State Championship Games: Dec 13-14

Date Time Opponent Location Aug 16 Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

4:00 5:00 5:30 5:00 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30

Scrimmage v/ Cal High Heritage Bye Week Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) Antioch Freedom Dublin* Foothill (Homecoming) Clayton Valley Charter De la Salle Cal High Monte Vista

SRVHS Away SRVHS Away SRVHS SRVHS Away SRVHS SRVHS SRVHS Away

FRESHMAN

DANVILLE LIVING 21

Charity Spotlight

East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2019

By Deanna Wong, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Marketing Committee Join us for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s— the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community in a display of combined strength and dedication in the fight against this devastating disease. When you participate in Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission-related initiatives and your actions both through fundraising and participating in the event, help to change the level of awareness in your community.

This year’s Walk will take place on

Saturday, October 29, 2019 at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon.

More than 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. In Contra Costa County alone, there are over 20,000 people living with the disease and and that number is expected to increase by as much as 85% by 2030.

Want to get involved?

Register today! Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at act.alz.org/Eastbay2019

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AUGUST 2019

Pet of the Month

Meet the Pet of the Month:

Sierra

By Mike Boyd, Resident since 2013

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ierra is a beautiful 2 year old German Shepard mix rescue who is always ready to play and absolutely loves to chase and be chased! Sierra is naturally a high energy dog, but what most people don’t get is that she’s a pure sprinter. Playing fetch is her favorite thing in the world and she goes all-out for what ends up being just 10 to 15 minutes, then she’s ready for a good nap!

Her unique mix of breeds gives her a natural tendency to be incredibly loyal to her people, and her background as a rescue makes her a little shy to strangers, even after being with us for two years. It takes about five minutes for her to warm up to you, but after that be careful because she will try to lick your face off!

Besides playing fetch Sierra loves going for walks, playing

tuggers, doing stuff for treats, and sunning herself in the backyard.

Sierra was rescued from the Milo Foundation. We want to mention them for the great work they are doing for these wonderful pets.

We have received a lot of help with Sierra’s training from Rob at NexGen K9; he is doing fantastic things for dogs like Sierra.

DANVILLE LIVING 23

Art and Culture

Haunted Poets to Visit the Valley this Fall as the Eugene O’Neill Festival Turns 20

By Eric Fraisher Hayes, Resident since 1974

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laywright Eugene O’Neill lived and worked at Tao House in the Danville hills from 1937-1944. During his years living in the San Ramon Valley, he wrote the plays that cemented his reputation as America’s greatest dramatic playwright: Long Day’s Journey Into Night, A Moon for the Misbegotten and The Iceman Cometh.

Today, Tao House is a National Historic Site and the home of the annual Eugene O’Neill Festival.

The Eugene O’Neill Festival is a month-long tribute to classic American theatre hosted by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House. Each year an O’Neill play is thematically paired with a play from another great American playwright. Previous festivals have featured the works of Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee. This fall’s 20th annual festival is built on the theme of Haunted Poets and will feature productions of Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey Into Night (September 14-29) and The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams (August 30-September 15.)

These soul-stirring confessions about the family they left behind and yet can’t escape have become two of the most celebrated plays in American Theatre history. Seeing Long Day’s Journey Into Night performed at Tao House will be a uniquely theatrical experience as the energy of O’Neill home courses through the veins of the play.

Patrons will be able to tour the house and soak up the spirit of the place before experiencing the play.

Additionally, the festival is producing three script-in-performances of Irish playwright Ronan Noone’s play The Second Girl (August 24-25.) Set in the kitchen of the Tyrone family on the same day in 1912 that Long Day’s Journey Into Night takes place, The Second Girl tells the story of the dreams and challenges of the family’s hired help. Their tale touches on the plight of all immigrants trying to make their way in a new world. Seeing The Second Girl and Long Day’s Journey Into Night back to back during this year’s festival offers an illuminating Upstairs Downstairs experience of O’Neill’s master play. A special reception with Ronan Noone will take place prior to the first performance on August 24.

Rounding out the festival will be the presentation of Eugene O’Neill’s S.S. Glencairn sea plays performed by a troupe of actors from New Ross, Ireland upon two ships at the San Francisco Maritime Park (August 30-September 1.) Their visit is part of a cultural exchange which started last year with the founding of the Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre in New Ross. Last

The cast of Long Day’s Journey Into Night at Tao House: Carole Swann, Kevin Copps, Ryan Hayes and Ben Elie. Photo by: John Carter

The Irish Cast of the S.S. Glencairn sea plays.

Photo by: Tomas Kavanagh

year, Tao House sent an American production to New Ross and following this year’s Danville Eugene O’Neill Festival, the Tao House production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night will travel to Ireland to take part in the International O’Neill Festival.

This fall promises an outstanding series of performances in honor of the plays of Eugene O’Neill and the great tradition of the American drama.

For more festival information, go to eugeneoneill.org. For info on the S.S. Glencairn sea plays, go to maritime.org. For tickets to all other events, go to villagetheatreshows.com.

Eric Fraisher Hayes is the Artistic Director of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House. He is a leading scholar/practitioner of the plays of Eugene O’Neill in the United States.

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AUGUST 2019

Residents Giving Back

Patriots Day

is how our community can support our Veterans and Fallen Heroes

By Jerry Nowicki, Resident Since 1987

A blinded veteran knows his community cares.

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he fight against terrorism stills rages on and continues to take a heavy toll on our military and their families. Improvements have been made in the care of our wounded veterans and those suffering long after the battle with PSDT, however, government agencies cannot do the job alone.

The burden continues to fall on the many volunteer organizations in communities like ours to fill the gap and lend support to the military, both active and those separated by injuries sustained on the battlefield. Veteran suicides are still on the rise, and many deaths are attributed to them feeling alone in their struggles.

Patriots Day was started in our community in 2011 and continues to be a vital force in supporting the veterans of the bay area who are in need. Through the generosity of our community we have raised just over one half of a million dollars in the past eight years to support our local veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charities.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patriots weekend will be on the 14th and 15th of September. Once again collections of your pledge cards and cash will be most welcomed and greatly appreciated by our local charities who depend on your generous support each year so that they can help our local veterans and families in need of help.

The program is chaired by Norm Prickett and Jerry Nowicki with the support of both the Blackhawk HOA and the Blackhawk Country Club and volunteers from the Senior Golf association.

The funds raised go to support three local veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charities: PGA Hope is a project Care packages in the combat that was founded by the zones mean a lot.

PGA. The program is aimed at the rehabilitation of veterans with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being through golf.

Operation Care and Comfort is dedicated to providing care for the troops and families deployed in combat zones and when they return. They adopt veterans from our bay area and have developed a unique care package program containing needed and requested items. They also work with the sports and entertainment venues as well as season ticket holders so that veterans and their families can attend for free.

Troops Direct is a charity started by a member of our Blackhawk family and is focused on delivering mission critical items to our troops to aid them in achieving success on the battlefield. The reality is that despite the best efforts of our military, often our troops come up short on what they need and Troops Direct fills that gap. It has probably saved precious lives in the process.

DANVILLE LIVING 25

Come celebrate with us!

Tuesday, September 24 5:30 - 7:30pm

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oin us for a sponsor appreciation party! This is an open invitation to all; a chance to meet residents and thank our sponsors, all of whom make our magazine possible. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be enjoying fantastic food and drinks at Albatross.

Please RSVP to save your spot! http://bit.ly/AlbatrossParty Complimentary glass of wine for the first 50 guests. No host dinner immediately following the event.

Danville

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DANVILLE LIVING 27

Expert Contributor

5 Tools Every New Homeowner Needs

By Lauren Parker, AAA San Ramon Nothing takes the shine off first-time homeownership like the realization that you’re suddenly responsible for your own maintenance. We asked our AAA House Managers to assemble a list of the tools you’ll need to tackle the most common home maintenance challenges.

It’s Hammer Time!

There’s a reason the claw hammer is the most common. It’s lightweight, versatile and perfect for wood-working projects of all kinds. Keep in mind: the size of your hammer should correspond with the size of your nail. Claw hammers tend to be preferable for bigger projects.

Meet your new best friend: the cordless drill.

This is a seriously useful tool. Cordless drills are powerful and can be used to drive bolts into concrete surfaces, install drywall or even secure dressers to the wall (safety, first!) Best of all, it’s battery-powered.

Next up is the screwdriver. (Hold the OJ.) Perfect for assembling furniture or appliances, tightening cabinet knobs,

changing out a switch plate, and any number of other household tasks. There are a variety of screwheads and sizes available. Our House Managers suggest purchasing a set of manual screwdrivers.

A pair of flatheads (6 and 8 inches) and a Phillips should do the trick for the majority of uses.

Did somebody say tape measure?

Our House Managers are partial to the old-school, 25-foot Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure, but digital tape measures have their advantages, particularly if you’re somebody who doesn’t like to jot down measurements in a notebook.

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Needle-nose pliers? Tongue-and-groove pliers?

Yes! Pliers are indispensable, but, like screwdrivers, there is more than one type.

We narrowed the list down to the needlenose and the tongue-and-groove and decided to include both. Electrical repair.

Basic plumbing. Odd jobs. It simply doesn’t happen without a reliable set of pliers.

The good news is you don’t have to be a certified handyman or a heavy duty tool user to be responsible for your home’s maintenance...but you do need tools. Fill your newly purchased kit with the tools described above and start successfully tackling your first home improvement project.

AUGUST 2019

DANVILLE LIVING 29

Expert Contributor

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

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry

C

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 trends? This type of information will be helpful when you’re working with one of our non-commissioned advisors.

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 with a trusted advisor

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 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. Working closely with a diamond expert is to your benefit. With years and even decades of knowledge, our staff is there to educate and guide you.

Visit Padis Jewelry at One of Our Five Bay Area Locations Our showrooms are located throughout the Bay Area –with three in San Francisco, a Napa Valley location in the heart of downtown St. Helena as well as a brand new Forevermark boutique opening this summer in Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek! Our noncommissioned diamond experts are ready to guide you to the perfect choice! Schedule your visit today by calling us at 415-8615388 or emailing concierge@padisjewelry.com.

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, so you get to take home your purchase that day. The hurdle of seeing a photo of something online and 30

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