Glasman Family Meet the Dream Big, Work Hard, Live Beautifully
Photo by Kim Lind Photography
Mary Bonham Team
Fri., Feb. 7
Teen Poetry Slam
@ Village Theater
Calling all poets aged 13 to 18! Join us for our first ever Poetry Slam event at the Village Theatre. Admission is free. If you are an interested poet, please contact the Youth & Teen Coordinator, Bryce Woodbury, at bwoodbury@danville.ca.gov.
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: Free
Sat., Feb. 8
Recreation Expo and Open House
@Town Green
Save the date to make your summer game plan! Meet recreation staff and instructors while visiting Town facilities and learning more about summer camps and classes.
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: Free
Tues., Feb 18
Family Breakfast
@Community Hall
Come and celebrate Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at the Senior Center with your grandchildren! Bring your family and start your day right with a smile. Grandparents and grandchildren can spend the morning enjoying ice cream, playing games, and creating lasting memories together! Everyone must be registered to attend. Register at https://www.danville.ca.gov/.
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Cost: $8
February CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thurs., Feb 20
Trip to De Young Museum
@ De Young Museum
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $80
Fri., Feb. 28
Young @ Art! Student Show: Innovate to Elevate
@ Art Gallery at the Village Theater
Time: 3:30-5pm
Cost: Free
Join us for a delightful day trip to the De Young Museum in San Francisco! You’ll get to explore world-class art exhibits, enjoy stunning views from the museum’s tower, and have a leisurely time in Golden Gate Park. This trip is perfect for seniors interested in art and culture, as well as for a relaxed outing with friends. The de Young Museum, located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is a renowned art institution offering a diverse collection that spans centuries and continents. The museum is an enriching destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a cultural experience. Fees includes round trip transportation by bus and ticket to the show. Register at https://www.danville.ca.gov/.
Join us for a tour of the current student art show in the gallery and create some unique and expressive art projects of your own.
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: Free
@ 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, seafood, meats, local honey, and baked goods. More information at www.pcfma.com.
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014
Content Coordinator: Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Designer: Meagan Patry
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: aangstenberger@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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Hello Neighbors!
Hello Neighbors!
Happy Valentine’s Day! During the month of February we often take a moment to reflect upon all the things we love in our life. For many of us it is our family, our close friends, our health, and our blessings we have been given each day. I have to say, as a long time resident of Danville, I could not be more in love with my town, my community and all those that make Danville our home...including the entire Danville Living community!
The Glassman Family is a feature family this month and you will love reading about these hometown sweethearts that were set up on a blind date after college. The rest was history, and now they are back home in Danville raising their family and owning a business right here in downtown, Current Salon! Our February issue also has fantastic stories for a unique wine country day trip, the history of sourdough bread in San Francisco and plenty of local expert articles for your enjoyment.
If you have a story to share or know a neighbor that you would love to see on our cover, please send me an email at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com. We welcome all families, couples, or individuals - the only requirement is that our feature family live on the west side of Danville. So send your friends and neighbors my way, I can’t wait to meet them!
See you around town!
Anne Angstenberger Content Coordinator, Resident since 2006
We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
Advertising - Print & Digital
Danville Living CA
Jo Peek
925-272-8246
DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com www.DanvilleLivingCA.com
Cooling & Heating Eco-Pro 844-605-2194 callecopro.com
Dentist
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS
Dentist of Walnut Creek 925-938-6000 www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com
Dermatology
Wallach Derma Center
Adam Wallach, M.D. 925-837-8848 www.WallachDermaCenter.com
Life Coach
EYC Life Coach
Christina Dalton 925-872-4726 Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/
Memory Care
Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.com
Music
Danville Music
115 Town and Country Dr. Suite E Danville, CA 94526 925-226-8772 info@danvillemusic.com
Real Estate
Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Compass 925-964-5010 Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro
Remodeling
America’s Dream Homeworks
Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com
Wealth Management
Jim Carbonell
Matt Forrey
The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
Eco Pro is a family-owned and operated HVAC company established in 2016 with over five decades of combined technical experience, serving six major counties in Northern California, including Pittsburg and the surrounding areas. Call (925) 272-0094 today to learn more about our services and request a same-day service appointment!
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stressfree, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice. We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
At Wallach Derma Center, our top priority is providing first-rate dermatologic health care. We have built a stellar reputation by developing relationships with our patients. We strive to understand your concerns, to answer the questions you have, and to develop an optimal, personalized treatment plan for you. Because of our strong emphasis on continuing education, we are able to offer you the latest, most advanced dermatologic treatments, with meticulous attention to both your good health and appearance. We have extensive experience in the treatment of a wide array of skin conditions in patients of all ages.
Christina has serviced the high school community for 39 years as: Lead Counselor, Math Dept. Chair, Academy Coordinator and Educational Trainer. As a certified executive Life Coach credentialed from UC Davis, Christina gives her clients a powerful edge. From developing a diverse college list, to creating a competitive profile with dynamic essays and interviewing strategy, Christina has guided hundreds of students into top universities throughout the United States.
Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a compassionate team, we provide 24/7 support with a personalized care plan, an enriching calendar of activities, delicious dining, & private residences. Take a tour today.
We are a full-service music center that offers high-quality, brand name instruments for purchase and rent, supplies and accessories, repair services, as well as private lessons with well-known, established instructors. Danville Music is proud to be Northern California’s premier guitar shop. Nothing compares to our selection of high quality and boutique custom instruments in a wide variety of price ranges.
Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 33 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime resident of Danville, where she’s been involved in the community while raising her two children. Lisa takes pride in excellent communication skills, creativity, attention to details, and empathy, to provide the ultimate customer experience and successful transactions. Contact Lisa for “Service from the Heart.” DRE#01111126
Our company offers one-stop shopping for your complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. We handle the design, materials and installation in house, so you only deal with one, full-service company. Find all the styles, fixtures and products for your renovation project in our 20,000 sq. ft. kitchen and bathroom showroom.
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.
Meet the Glasman Family
Dream Big, Work Hard, Live Beautifully
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Photos provided by the Glasman Family
Not all blind dates end on a good note, but thankfully for Sam and Taylor, mutual friends knew what they were doing when setting them up. Sam was living in San Francisco at the time, and the pair met at a wine bar called “Hidden Vine.” The date was clearly a success, as they even missed the concert they were supposed to attend afterwards. Two dates later, after oysters and an “overpriced bottle of wine,” Sam realized that he had accidentally left his phone and wallet in an Uber. Taylor initially wondered if he “might be trying to stick me with the bill,’ but he managed to get his phone and wallet back just in time to pay the bill. It’s a moment they both still laugh about today. Two years and 1 day later, in a picturesque wedding at the famous Farmstead in St. Helena, Sam and Taylor were married. They happily remember it as “the best over budget day filled with family and friends.”
It’s hard to believe that these Danville natives had never met until their blind date in San Francisco. As cross town rivals since childhood (without even knowing each other) Taylor attended San Ramon Valley High School and Sam attended Monte Vista High School. During her sophomore year in high school, Taylor made the decision that she would become a hairdresser after graduating, and that is exactly what she did. Her parents were incredibly supportive and
believed it was a “perfect path for her.” So, just one week after graduation, she enrolled in beauty school taking the rigorous 40 hour a week full time schedule. Simultaneously, Taylor worked as a “terrible waitress” until she graduated and got her license. Training under the inspiring Hebba Brylowe from dawn until dusk, six days a week, provided an even better training than she could have imagined. Taylor states that “her style, expertise, and mentorship, profoundly shaped my career, and I owe much of who I am as a stylist to her.” Meanwhile, Sam attended Chico State and graduated with BA in Business, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. Sam’s post graduate work led him back to the Bay Area helping to launch successful start ups, Shopify and Deliverr. Currently Sam works in medical device sales, serving multiple hospitals throughout the Bay Area.
The Glasman household is filled with toddler energy as Navy, 3 years old and Ford, 1 year old, spend their days laughing and learning. Navy loves ballet class and playing with her cousins. When Ford is not busy playing with vehicles or running around the house, he can be found copying any activity big sister Navy is doing. Not to be forgotten, the family’s 6-yearold “not so mini” bernedoodle, Bode, weighs 80 lbs and loves playing with his “half sister,” Pepper. Although Pepper is a cavapoo, both dogs were born in Montana and look nearly identical, just differing in size. One of the favorite weekend activities for the family is cruising in their silver 1965 Lincoln Continental. You might spot it at the Hot Summer Night Car Show in downtown this summer….just look for the 2 car seats in the back seat!
Taylor knew from a young age that she wanted to be a wife and a mother, and although that dream has come to fruition, she has always had an additional dream of owning her own salon. With the love, support, and a “little push” from Sam, that dream has come true. As of December 2024, Current Salon opened up right in the heart of Downtown Danville, and the family can’t wait to see how this business grows in the community. Both Taylor and Sam “come from families of strong, hard working people” and plan to pass onto their children the message that “hard work is the only way to get where you want to be.” Taylor recognizes how blessed they are
to live in Danville and admits “it’s easy to be blinded by the nice cars and big beautiful homes…but if you work hard, put in the time, there’s nothing wrong with being proud of what you accomplished.”
The Glasman family admits that although it may be “unpopular,” they love traveling with their kids…double stroller in tow! They enjoy annual trips to Hawaii, skiing in Utah with Sam’s parents, and several smaller trips to Tahoe, and wine country in between. Since moving into their westside home in September of 2020, Sam and Taylor have felt
blessed to be back in Danville. They love their neighborhood and are known for going “above and beyond with the Halloween decorations.” Their street is also filled with young families and children playing in the neighborhood making it a wonderful home to raise their family… although the small town rivalry continues to run deep, as Sam and Taylor still love to attend the SRV. MV football game and root for their own alma mater. The future is yet to be seen who will be on top in 2025, but if recent history is any indication, Taylor is on a winning streak…Go Wolves!
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 aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.
Memory Care
the life experiences, history and legacy of your loved one. Available 24/7, our team is dedicated to treating your loved one with respect, dignity and compassion.
In today’s digital world, your local business needs an online presence for potential customers to find you and learn more. Let’s go through a few ways to build an online presence that could generate more sales for your business:
▶ ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Being listed in reputable online directories like Google My Business, Yelp and Apple Maps ensures your business is easy to find for potential customers. Not only do they provide essential information, such as your hours, phone number, and address, but they enhance your overall online presence by making you more discoverable in search rankings. The easier it is to find your local business, the more likely it is that customers will give you a call or visit your storefront.
CONTACT:
Jo Peek
jpeek@bestversionmedia.com 925-272-8246
By Jo Peek Expert Contributor jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Building an ONLINE PRESENCE
▶ WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA
Your website and social media channels are the digital face of your business. Build a well-designed, user-friendly website that provides clear information about your business. Focus less on the quantity and more on the quality and conciseness of the information you provide. Ask yourself what your potential customers might look for when they visit your website.
Being active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram has also become increasingly important. These platforms offer the opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal level while driving traffic back to your website. Regular updates and interactions on these platforms will keep your business top-of-mind for your audience, contributing to long-term growth and customer loyalty.
▶ SOCIAL PROOF
Social proof, such as customer reviews and testimonials, is integral to your online visibility and reputation. Customers are more likely to support your local business if they can read feedback from other satisfied customers. Encourage your best customers to leave your business an online review when they have a good experience. This feedback will improve your online reputation and increase your searchability.
UNLEASH YOUR BRAND’S POTENTIAL
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
Elevate the Heart of your Home
By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks
For many homeowners, kitchens are more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s a central hub where families and friends gather, conversations flow, and memories are made. Adding an island to a kitchen transforms it into an efficient, stylish, and multifunctional space.
Kitchen islands have become a high-demand feature in modern homes. Islands offer functionality and design that past kitchen layouts just can’t compare to. One of the primary benefits of a kitchen island is the additional countertop space and cabinet storage it provides. Allowing ample space for storing all those pots and pans and kitchen gadgets, along with providing a nice large space to spread out all your ingredients while cooking - most homeowners will agree that an island almost becomes a necessity! Kitchen islands are not only extremely functional but equally aesthetically pleasing. Islands act as a statement piece and are often the focal point of the space. Islands allow for creative expression, offering endless possibilities for integrating color, texture, and finishes that reflect the homeowner’s personality.
Whether you’re hosting for the holidays, baking for loved ones, or enjoying an intimate family meal, kitchen islands are an excellent way to elevate the heart of your home!
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.
BelmontVillage.com/SanRamon 925-414-0255
South Beach Encino
Leela Starla
Milk and Cookies
Jaynee
Rubicon Cir
Westfield Cir
W Prospect Ave
Hartz Ave
Roberts Ct
Hartz Ave
Hartz Ave
Nelson Lane
Midland Way
Garden Creek Pl
Garden Creek Pl
Garden Creek Pl
La Gonda Ct
Ocho Rios Pl Briar Place
Highland Dr
$1,850,000 $2,200,000 $5,680,000
How’s The Market? It’s Always Local.
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass, Graph provided by Lisa Hopkins-Cochran
Ifyou’ve lived in our community for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly had days when you’ve seen the headline news professing that it’s a “buyer’s” market, and then talked to a friend who is desperately trying to buy a home, but keeps losing out in multiple bids. The lesson here is that real estate markets are hyper-local. I’m not saying that our local market isn’t affected by the national market or macroeconomic factors - it is. However, the impact may be much smaller here, than it is in other locations.
It’s important to realize that the Bay Area has a long history of surpassing other real estate markets and often avoids the market lulls that are experienced in other areas. Multiple factors lead to this reality. Strong (high end) employment, strict limits on new development/construction and a very appealing location and climate are just some of the reasons that our market stays strong. Looking more locally at Danville, you can add the appeal of natural beauty, a dynamic downtown, excellent schools, low crime and a system of trails & parks that serve many different demographics.
Even within our local market, at times the market can be very different, depending on the property type, value and other factors. The market is always strongest where there is the most demand. In our local community, that most often translates to the most affordable
single family homes, in good condition. Add in a great location (walkability, view, no negatives) and the demand is even stronger. The highest demand falls in this category because there are buyers coming from many different directions, looking for this type of home - first time buyers, investors, flippers, move-up buyers coming from a condo and those who wish to “right size” to a smaller home.
Sometimes, temporary issues affect the market in specific locations. Examples include challenges with obtaining homeowners insurance in areas that are considered to have very high fire risk, or a location that is near a proposed future development, such as a road, new neighborhood or a cell tower. From my experience, the fear of the unknown can have a huge temporary impact on the neighborhood, while the long term impact may be negligible, or even turn out to be a positive.
It’s also important to remember that often times, many sources of news prefer sensational headlines, to garner attention. This applies to both positive and negative news, and it can be the source of a lot of confusion. One of the most common sources of confusion that I see is news reports about “new home sales.” Most consumers hear this as “the real estate market,” but it is quite different. New home sales refers to the sale of new construction homes. Most often, the numbers correlate to how many homes were built and available for sale, in the first place. If the market is a hot seller’s market, but fewer new homes were built for sale this year, the headline will announce that “New home sales dropped dramatically!”
Are you curious about the local market? Every home is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com for a custom analysis. Even if you’re not planning to move, I’m happy to help by providing you with relevant data, enabling you to make a well informed decision. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
Rosemary Rice Crispy Treats
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
Ricecrispy treats are having a moment, and I’m not mad about it. Growing up, I never thought that rice crispy treats were much to write home about. Over time, I didn’t see them for more then just a simple kids’ dessert. But this very basic marshmallow-y concoction has been flipped on its ear in the last year, and I think we need to take notice. Over the holidays I did my share of binge reading fun recipes, and I’m happy to say I went down a Rice Crispy Treat rabbit hole. Some of those recipes were surprisingly elegant and also hilarious. Lemon pistachio? Yum! I would serve that at a wedding. Flaming Cheeto? That would be delicious with barbecued ribs and beer. But my absolute favorite that I have made over and over was with rosemary…. Yes, rosemary. It’s sweet, but also savory. Light and extra crispy from the corn flakes but also nutty. If you want to surprise your valentine this year with something easy and unforgettable, you’ve come to the right place. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Makes 9 servings
You will need;
• 1 stick of salted butter
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 3-5 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1-7 ounce jar of marshmallow cream (much better than a bag of marshmallows)
Putting it together;
• 2 C. of plain cornflakes cereal
• 2 C. of rice crispy cereal
• 1/2 C. Chopped pecans
• Pinch of coarse sea salt
In a medium size nonstick sauce pan, place the rosemary, thyme, and butter on low heat and slowly melt the butter. Bring the heat up to medium-low and the butter will start to foam. The butter will gradually turn a light golden brown. Once it does, remove the pan from the heat, and carefully remove the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Add the marshmallow cream and mix with a spatula. Then add both cereals and the pecans. Mix it well. Transfer the mixture into a greased 8 x 8 square pan and press it in down firmly. Sprinkle the top with sea salt and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. If you want to make it, extra herbaceous, top it with some more finely chopped rosemary and thyme.
Stephanie Seaberg has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumni. Steph is a play-writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing.
Danville Little League is ready for a great 2025 Season!
By Cyndee Ragan, Danville Little League
Teams have been formed for our Majors, AAA, AA, and Single A players. They are practicing, scrimmaging and preparing for league games to begin this month.
For league Age 4-7, Spring Registration late fees begin on February 6 and registration closes on March 3.Teams will be formed by Mid-March and the season will begin in late March.
We look forward to seeing all our baseball players out on the field this spring.
Visit https://www.danvillelittleleague.net/ for more information.
Let’s GO DANVILLE!
Protecting Your Child’s Medical Needs in Entering College: A Coaching Conversation
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
As a parent, the biggest responsibility I recognized is keeping my children safe. As my children became adults, this responsibility became harder to navigate. What if my daughter needs medical attention in college? Who gets the final say in critical medical decisions? This is a hard conversation but critical as you prepare your child for their adult journey. Let’s talk about:
Protecting Your College Student’s Health: The Importance of an Advanced Healthcare Directive
When your child turns 18, they become legally an adult. This means they have the right to make their own medical decisions, and parents no longer automatically have access to their medical information. While this is a crucial step in their independence, it can also create challenges, particularly when they go away to college. Imagine this scenario: Your child is away at college, and an unexpected accident occurs. Unless you have the legal authority to access their medical information and make decisions on their behalf, you may be significantly hindered in providing support and ensuring their well-being.
The Solution: An Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD)
An AHD is a legal document that allows your child to appoint a healthcare proxy – usually a parent, sibling, or trusted friend – to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so themselves due to an accident, illness, or sudden incapacity.
What it does:
The AHD not only designates a decision-maker but also allows your child to express their wishes regarding specific medical treatments, such as organ donation or life support.
• College-Specific Forms: While some colleges may have their own versions of AHDs, these typically apply only to campus health services. In case of more serious incidents offcampus, or during travel, a legally valid AHD is crucial.
• Important Note: An AHD does not give parents the right to access their child’s medical information or make decisions for them if they are conscious and capable of making their own choices. It is solely for emergency situations when the student is incapacitated.
How to Obtain an AHD:
Consult an Attorney: An attorney can help your child create a personalized AHD that addresses their specific needs and concerns.
Use a Standard Form: The California State website provides a standard AHD form that can be easily accessed and downloaded.
Notarization: It is essential to have the AHD signed and notarized by a qualified notary public. While witnessing may be acceptable, healthcare providers generally prefer notarized documents.
Tips for Parents:
• Keep Copies: Maintain both paper and electronic copies of the AHD for easy access.
• Travel with the AHD: Encourage your child to carry a copy of the AHD with them at all times, especially when traveling.
• Update Contact Information: If phone numbers change, simply attach a note with the updated information to the AHD.
• Provide AHD to Healthcare Providers: If your child is undergoing a scheduled procedure, provide a copy of the AHD to the healthcare facility.
By taking the proactive step of creating an AHD, you can provide your college student with peace of mind and ensure that their medical needs are addressed effectively in the event of an emergency. EYH College Coach has all the resources and team to refer and navigate this journey. We partner with experts in every part of the precollege and college journey to ease the stress of this important transition. Visit our website and reach out today at: https://www. eyhcollegecoach.com/ To schedule a complementary call.
Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.
THE HISTORY OF Sourdough in San Francisco
By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student
The Bay Area has become famous for many things over the years, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Chocolate, and the Golden Gate Bridge. But one of the foods that has become synonymous with San Francisco is sourdough bread. In recent years, sourdough has even become a social media sensation, with people sharing their favorite ways to bake it or create a sourdough starter (the base for the dough) online.
Sourdough is one of the oldest forms of bread and has, for much of human history, been the standard method of making bread. This is due to the necessity of sourdough as a leavening agent. A leavening agent is crucial for bread to rise by releasing gas when the dough is heated, and in early times, sourdough was the only option because baker’s yeast only emerged about 150 years ago. The oldest discovered example of sourdough bread comes from Switzerland and dates back to 3700 BCE. However, historians believe that sourdough fermentation may have been invented several thousand years earlier in Egypt. Nonetheless, it was also a technique utilized by other ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who adopted it from Egypt around 800 BCE. The Romans further improved oven technology, which contributed to the development of sourdough. These civilizations had previous experience with fermentation, especially through their primitive beermaking techniques.
Sourdough bread made its way to California—and, on a larger scale, to the United States—during the Gold Rush, when French bakers brought it to the Bay Area, causing the 49ers to adopt it as a primary food source. This adoption wasn’t necessarily by choice, as the more popular bread starter alternative at the time was barm. Barm was a byproduct of beer brewing, and it was sweeter and lacked the sourness of sourdough, due to the overuse of sugar. However, barm was more expensive than sourdough, and life in the mining camps or boomtowns was grueling and harsh. Moreover, food was scarce and often very expensive in these camps and boomtowns. Sourdough, being inexpensive and virtually inexhaustible, became the only viable option. Miners referred to the loaves of bread as “sourdoughs,” which is how the bread came to be called sourdough. Illness, especially foodborne illness, was common in these camps, and many accounts describe the unsanitary nature of sourdough made during that time.
Sourdough became what it is today largely due to the French and Italian bakeries that emerged in San Francisco. The most popular and renowned of these bakeries—while also being the oldest—is Boudin. Boudins was founded by French immigrants in 1849 and continues to use the same sourdough starter more than 150 years later. This starter is believed to be traceable to a miner’s starter and contains the bacteria Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis. Initially thought to be unique to the Bay Area, this strain of bacteria has since been found naturally in other locations as well. The starter is refreshed daily with flour and water.
Next time you savor a slice of sourdough bread or enjoy a bread bowl of clam chowder in the city, think about the rich history behind that piece of bread. It might just make it taste even better.
Kallen Cooyar is a sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School. He enjoys sports, and spending time reading. He is the president of the Persian heritage club and a member of the personal finance club. He plays football and is an avid stock investor . He is thrilled with the opportunity to share his views on contemporary events with his neighborhood through Danville Living CA.
Danville Music
Getting Diurnal in the Cienaga Valley
By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by DeRose Family
About90 miles south of Danville is San Juan Bautista, the small town off Highway 101 wherein a Spanish mission and its surrounding grounds serve as the entrance to the Cienaga Valley, an American Viticultural Area (AVA) whose growing conditions surpass those found in many internationally renowned wine regions.
Founded in 1797, the San Juan Bautista Mission served to convert Native Americans (mostly the Ohlone, in this case) to Catholicism, and it doesn’t take too much of a walk around the grounds to come to understand that such an endeavor didn’t come without pain and suffering. A graveyard close to the central church makes the connection obvious.
The town itself, population 2,000, consists mainly of two one-way streets, with Third Street laden with markets, cafes, antique shops and restaurants. Cultiva on Third Street is the charming local café. Nearby is Jardines, a large Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating.
Superior AVA
If you venture about eight miles southeast on Cienaga Road, a winding snake that leads deeper into the valley, you’ll come to DeRose Winery, a family-run operation that produces some of the rarest (and tastiest) varietals found in the U.S., which means the world.
Like real estate, it’s all about its location. To the east are the lower Santa Clara Valley and the Diablo Range, the latter keeping the intense San Joaquin Valley summer heat off the grapes. Cool night temperatures off the Pacific bring that essential “diurnal” effect, as explained here:
“[This] refers to the significant temperature difference between day and night in a vineyard, which plays a crucial role in grape ripening by allowing for high sugar development during the day while preserving acidity and freshness through cooler nighttime temperatures, ultimately leading to more balanced and flavorful wines.”
The winery has undergone several owners before the DeRose family took over in 1988. Thanks to its unique and special wines, the entire Cienaga Valley is garnering more attention. “We have gained more recognition through the press with good stories,” said owner
New vines at DeRose vineyard
Third Street San Juan Batista
Alphonse DeRose, a cousin to the family that runs the Mangia Mia restaurant in Danville. “There’s definitely more notoriety, and that’s good for what we’re doing in the Valley.”
DeRose is known for, among others, unique red varietals Cabernet Pfeffer and Negrette, the latter from vines dating to 1857. Cabernet Pfeffer, named after the man who created the hybrid in 1895, is a medium-bodied wine similar to cabernet but with a sprinkle of pepper on the nose. Negrette is closer to a traditional California
cabernet but not over-powering; “fruit forward” in the parlance but balanced with minimum tannin after taste.
Situated in a concrete barn some 70 years old, DeRose is an antithesis to the high-end, super stylish, corporate-owned tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma valleys. Portable tables, shelves full of bottles and homemade wooden tables (made by hand by Alphonse) sit among the steel tanks and banks of oak barrels. Tasting pours are 3 ounces, at least twice as much as you’ll find in Napa.
But that’s one stop. Behind the DeRose property is Eden Rift, and further down Cienaga Road is Calera. Both produce first-rate pinot noir wines, with Calera often ranking among the best in California, which also means the world. Guerra, La Vie and Dansante are within easy driving distance.
Together, they make the Cienaga Valley just another California charm that reminds us of how lucky we are to live in the region.
Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
Cactus in SJB
Old San Juan Batista
DeRose Vineyard
Updates from SRVEF
By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager
Celebrate Innovation in Education
Please join us on Wednesday, February 12 at 11:30 am at Diablo Country Club for a State of the District address by San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent, CJ Cammack. This lunch fundraiser will benefit our Major Gifts and Endowment Fund for long term innovative educational programs in SRVUSD.
Registration is now open!
Summer Imagineering
The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond-school enrichment program primarily for SRVUSD students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) with weeklong classes running June 16 through July 18, 2025, for incoming students from 2nd grade through high school. Classes will be held at Gale Ranch Middle School. Proceeds from this program go to support SRVUSD-wide initiatives.
The SRVEF is also excited to announce they will be continuing their Summer Theatre Program with a production of Shrek The Musical JR. This program will be five weeks long starting June 16 and ending on July 25 with two evening performances on July 24th and July 25th.
All Imagineering classes are taught by San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) teachers. Many of the classes partner with community & industry experts to extend learning opportunities and further engage students. Registration will open to SRVUSD students on February 1, 2025.
