Danville Living Magazine January 2020

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

JANUARY 2020

Danville LIVING

MEET THE

Knoepfle Family: Dogs Welcome Here!

COVER PHOTO:

by Kim Lind Photography

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JANUARY 2020

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.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors!

Happy New Year!!! Can you believe we’re in a new decade? We hope all of our Danville neighbors had a safe holiday season and see continued happiness and success through 2020!

To kick off the new year we are happy to introduce you to the Knoepfle family. Dave and Becky are local entrepreneurs who love their neighbors and love sharing their lives with the family and friends they have all over the world.

This last year I have had so much fun finding stories and articles to share with you, the community. Thank you to everyone who has submitted an idea, a photo, or a suggestion.

Keep them coming - we love publishing your voices in our pages.

See you around town!

Alexandra Sullivan Content Coordinator

DANVILLE LIVING 3

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

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.

Education St. Isidore School (925) 837-2977 www.stisidore.org info@stisidore.org

St. Isidore School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic School serving TK-8th Grade. We believe each student is a unique and beautiful gift. We foster individuality in a familial environment, inspiring students to explore and grow. Our teachers create a love of learning by nurturing an inquisitive spirit, building connections, and developing critical thinking. We understand that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders.

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.

General Contractor

Full-service complete, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation company based in Santa Clara. We are licensed to operate in CA. Our expert designers and in-house insured contractors will provide high-end, timeless, elegant, sophisticated, and classic complete renovation, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces

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.

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

Ryan H. Done Right Home Remodeling Inc. 1-800-816-0000 homeprofessionals26@gmail.com www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com

Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Find us online DanvilleLivingCA www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

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JANUARY 2020

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.

Real Estate

Janice Jordan comes from three generations of real estate experts. Her passion and perseverance, combined with 30 years of experience and being a Danville resident for over 20 years, is her key to creating an extraordinary client experience, always exceeding expectations, and the reason clients call on her every time they are buying or selling a home. She is an upstanding member of the community and spends her time volunteering and supporting local events. In her spare time, Janice enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and spending time with her daughter Jenna, her horse, Wilder, and Australian Shepherd, Buster.

Rodent Proofing

Anthony Lozano is the owner of Honest Rodent Proofing. He has over fifteen years of experience in business ownership, sales/marketing and in the pest control industry. Anthony was raised and currently living in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. Anthony trains his staff with three simple rules. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, without our customers we don’t have a business.

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

Janice Jordan Broker/Associate at Compass janice.jordan@compass.com 925-580-7482

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/

Committed to the well-being of our clients and community The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 1331 North California Blvd., Suite 650 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Direct: (925) 279-1701 us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/carbonellforreywmg Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2019 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

19-WC-180_MattForrey_AD_KC_R2_FINAL.indd 1

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DANVILLE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the

Knoepfle Family: Dogs Welcome Here!

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Becky worked in the social services and non-profits for years before she moved on to a new career. She is now the Director of Operations for the Walnut Creek office of CLA, LLP, a national accounting firm.

After college, Dave spent 25 years working in marketing for companies like Weber BBQ, Kraft Foods, Wrigley, Dr. Pepper/ Snapple, and Big Heart Pet. He is now the founder and CEO of COAST+RANGE Pet, “a direct-to-consumer e-commerce pet nutrition company.”

Becky and Dave met back in high school - 34 years ago in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. They’ve been happily married for the last 23 years and enjoy sharing all of those early years memories with their kids (hello prom pics!).

COAST+RANGE Pet is “transforming the pet industry by making better food and making it easy for pet parents to find the right food for their dog’s unique nutritional needs.” Dave saw a need to change the way pet owners purchase the food they give their 4-legged loved ones during the several years he worked in the pet industry. With health issues in dogs rising rapidly across the US, he knew that improving what dogs ate, and what information their owners were given, would make a great difference in their longterm health. Enter COAST+RANGE Pet! Of course, the two that probably benefit the most from dad’s dog food business are the Knoepfles two rescue pups, Dharma, 11, and Penny, 10 months.

Following high school, Becky went on to earn her B.S. in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. Dave earned his B.S. in Business from Miami University in Ohio and an MBA from the University

Dave and Becky know that starting a business in the Bay Area is a tricky thing, but, “the Danville community is incredibly strong and welcoming, especially as we started COAST+RANGE Pet. Many of our

Ellie, Becky, Charlie, and Dave Knoepfle

Dharma, a black lab and Penny, a gianteared mystery puppy!

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little over eight years ago, Dave and Becky Knoepfle moved to Danville with their twins, Charlie and Ellie, now 16. Settled along the Iron Horse Trail, within walking distance to all that downtown has to offer, the family has the most amazing weekly goal - park the car on Friday afternoon, and don’t touch it again until Monday morning.

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neighbors were early customers (including customer #1) and have offered support, advice, and encouragement as we’ve grown.

The Town of Danville has been amazing too, as their business development team has assisted us with networking, publicity, and even help with finding a retail/office space we plan to open downtown in 2020.”

Dharma and Penny aren’t the only family members who’ve gained delicious meals from Dave’s former professions. His time at Weber BBQ instilled a deep love of grilling, a skill he uses often. But he’s not the only chef in the home, “Becky is an amazing ‘from scratch’ cook [and] Ellie loves to bake and make her own gourmet breakfast everyday before school.” Ellie is very artistic and likes painting and drawing, and making crafts for her friend’s birthdays. Ellie loves music and going to concerts and is currently teaching herself to play the ukulele. Charlie is also quite musical. He takes guitar lessons weekly at Danville Music. And when he’s not plucking the guitar strings, he “loves to mountain bike with his family and friends.

When he isn’t out riding, he is usually hanging out at Danville Bike talking about mountain biking, demoing new bikes, and making or watching mountain bike videos.”

Coming from Chicago (where they have this thing called BAD weather!), this ability to be outside all the time is heaven for the Knoepfles!

The Knoepfle family motto is “There are no long-distance friends – just friends” - this is

Friendships 23 years long deserve to be celebrated yearly.

JANUARY 2020

something that they’ve instilled in their kids, and work very hard to maintain the meaningful friendships that they have built all over the world. There is no better example of this than the trips to Munich, Germany that the family takes to visit a couple that Dave and Becky met on their honeymoon… 23 years ago! The years that the Knoepfles aren’t traveling to Germany, their European “foreign-exchange family” travels here, “Last Labor Day we had two 24’ campers in our driveway filled with 10 Bavarians in the latest installment of the exchange!!”

In another impressive display of tradition, the family travels back to Wisconsin every summer for an annual family reunion, which is now over 26 years old! They also make sure to visit their family and friends in Chicago during that Midwest trek.

Living at “the compound,” as the Knoepfles and their neighbors call their

small development of five houses, has proven to be a dream location. Becky and Dave say, “it is not unusual to see us all out on weekend nights playing a game or having a driveway cocktail.

We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of neighbors to keep watch over us and our kids.”

Although they’ve adopted the A’s as their Bay Area team, the Chicago Cubs will always be their home team.

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

Benny

Minnie 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.

One-and-a-half-year-old Benny is an athletic, exuberant little guy set to charm his way into your heart! When he’s not racing around the yard at lightning-fast speed or playing a spirited game of fetch or tug-of-war, this outgoing superstar enjoys schmoozing and showing off with family and friends! Benny’s also an unapologetic toy fanatic, and he likely won’t say no to a delicious rawhide chew either! Benny would be a great fit for a home that can offer him enough fun and engaging activities to fill the schedule of such an active, in-demand fellow!

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, for senior dogs (7+ years) is $125, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

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Eight-month-old Minnie is a sensitive kitty with a gentle heart. She is learning to be brave in this big exciting world. She will affectionately roll on her side while purring vibrantly when given loving attention from someone she knows and trusts. She is hoping to find a patient adopter that will take her under their wing and help her feel safe and loved while comfortably occupying a cozy sofa this winter.

The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) $125 or 2 for $200, for adult cats is $75 or 2 for $100, and for senior cats (7+ years) is $50.

JANUARY 2020

Real Estate Listings in West Danville Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 12/10/19

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Ilo ln Ashley Cir Westfield Cir Elworthy Ranch Elworthy Ranch Elsie Drive

Kuss Road $1,449,000 Sorrento Ct $1,500,000 Loch Lomond Way $1,650,000 Montair Dr $2,795,000 Hilferd Way $4,795,000

$514,500 $725,000 $769,000 $918,000 $929,000 $1,129,000

1012 1292 1788 1804 1804 1941

2 3 3 4 4 4

1 2 2 2 2 3

2676 1847 2314 4193 4997

3 3 4 5 5

3 2 3 3 3

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

1121 San Ramon Valley Blvd $649,000

Verona Ave $1,300,000 1510 3 Flora Vista Pl $1,500,000 2678 4

La Gonda Way

$1,299,000

1301 2203

3 3

2 2

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Westfield Cir Danville Oak Pl Winfield Ln Ramon Ct

$699,000 $675,000 $1,079,000 $998,900 Morris Ranch Road $1,249,900

$690,000 $690,000 $1,060,000 $1,110,000 $1,249,900

1499 992 1932 1170 2087

2 2 3 3 4

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Briar Pl Glendora Cir Sonora Ave

$1,398,000 $1,999,999 $1,988,000 Whispering Trees Ln $2,248,800 Montecito Dr $3,388,800

2 2 2 1 2

2 3

$1,400,000 $2,060,000 $2,150,000 $2,244,800 $3,010,000

3158 2398 3198 2916 7011

5 4 4 6 6

3 2 3 3 6

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.

As Danville Natives, we know Danville and the San Ramon Valley Happy New Year! Take a look at recent activity in your community!

Sold

Pending

Sold

1121 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville

491 Montcrest Place, Danville

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,301 Sq Ft | $649,000

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,870 Sq Ft | $3,465,000 | Represented Buyer

Call us regarding how our Compass Concierge and Bridge Loan programs can help you!

Ron Gatti Broker Associate 925.596.1972 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 00623995

Joe Gatti Broker Associate 925.588.3590 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 01914487

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

DANVILLE LIVING 9

January CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sun., Jan. 12 Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers & Climate Change @Museum of the San Ramon Valley Exquisite photographs of California’s wildflowers bring awareness to the beauty of the Golden State - as well as to the dangers facing our natural habitats from climate change. All geographic regions of California are highlighted in this stunning show. The exhibit features 7 different sections: Mountains, Coastal, Desert, and Central Valley regions, the power of fire and renewal, a behindthe-scenes look at capturing these images, and an overview of California’s geographic regions - those diverse and delicately balanced ecosystems supporting spectacular explosions of nature’s color. Most importantly, these beautiful images address how climate change and other human impacts affect California’s wildflowers.

Tues., Jan. 14 Fur, Scales, and Tails @Danville Library Meet everything from rabbits and chickens to spiders and snakes as Tracy Hill brings his menagerie of tame, childfriendly animal stars to entertain!

Afterwards, kids will be able to pet and hold some of the animal stars. Sponsored by the Friends of the Danville Library.

Cost: Free Time: 4-4:45pm

Fri., Jan. 17 Comedy with Liz Grant and Friends @The Village Theatre and Art Gallery Kick off the new year with great laughs as Larry Bubbles returns to the Village Theatre. He has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman twice and has over 25 television credits. He has been a frequent opening act for Dana Carvey

and Dave Attell. Also Featured: Chad Optiz whose variety of joke telling makes him a regular comic at Punchline, Cobb’s, Rooster T. Feathers and San Jose Improv.

He has opened for David Cross, Tom Green, and Bobcat Goldthwait. and Liz Grant whose off-the-wall, spontaneous energy leaves audiences in stitches.

Cost: $20 Time: 7:30pm

Sat., Jan. 25 An Evening with Leann Rimes @Doughtery Valley Performing Arts Center At age 14, LeAnn Rimes won “Best New Artist” making her the youngest ever recipient of a Grammy® Award. She made her breakthrough into country music in 1996 with her debut album, Blue, which reached No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and was certified multi-platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album’s eponymous lead-off single, “Blue,” became a Top 10 hit and Rimes gained national acclaim for her similarity to Patsy Cline’s vocal style. VIP Seating is available for this event. Call the box office for more information and to purchase tickets.

Cost: $75+ Time: 8pm

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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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.

Save the date: Tues., Feb. 4 Leung’s White Crane Lion Dancers @Danville Library Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the amazing acrobatics of Leung’s White Crane Lion Dancers! This exciting program features thunderous drumming and the awe-inspiring Lion Dance, traditionally thought to bring luck and happiness and drive away evil spirits. Sponsored by the Friends of the Danville Library.

Cost: Free Time: 5-5:30pm

Thurs., Feb. 27 Danville Living Magazine Anniversary Party RSVP now to http://bit.ly/ AlbatrossPartyFeb2020 to reserve your spot!

Time: 5:30-7:30 JANUARY 2020

Expert Contributor

Early Education: Where the Journey Begins

By Maria Ward, Principal St. Isidore School

F

or many families with young children, the start of a new year brings the task of finding the best Transitional Kindergarten/ Kindergarten program for their child. TK/Kindergarten is where early childhood education begins, and choosing the right one can create a solid foundation for a child’s development. The process of finding the best fit can feel overwhelming, but it offers an opportunity to explore different possibilities. Discovering a program that is a specific match for your child’s needs creates a clear path to success.

Wondering what to look for in a TK/Kindergarten program?

Look for a school that nurtures the whole child, especially during the phase of early childhood. The NAEYC states, “It is before the age of eight that a child experiences the most rapid phase of growth and development. Those years are a critical time for not only cognitive skills but social skills, self-esteem, and moral outlook.” When considering schools, take note of class size and daily schedule, the curriculum offered, and the balance between educational learning and time for creativity and fun. The program should cover basic curriculum

in all subjects, but the most important academic material will be literacy and math. You know your child best and what environment is needed for them to thrive.

Mrs. Maria Ward, Principal

Wondering when to start looking?

Now is the time! For most schools, January is prime admissions time and they are already taking applications and offering parent informational meetings. If you missed a scheduled opportunity to visit, I encourage you to schedule a campus tour. You can learn a lot about the quality of a school from a brief tour, especially if you know what you are looking for. While on campus, try to get a feel for the school as a whole. Does it feel safe and nurturing? Is there a sense of community? What specialty programs do they offer? Do they encourage parent involvement? Can you see your family there? Your child’s school should be a place you like to visit. I wish you a rich and rewarding journey as you explore schools for your child. Remember—these years are special and filled with opportunity for learning and fun.

DANVILLE LIVING 11

Non-profit Spotlight

I Can Do That Performing Arts Center

is Getting Ready to Move Downtown

The brand new I Can Do That Performing Arts Center, opening next fall

By Shayna Ronen, Co-founder/Theatrical Producer, I Can Do That Theatre

D

anville is an incredible community, and our kids are so fortunate to have access to great schools and education, but something we can’t ignore...is that the world is changing.

In a seemingly connected world via social media we are actually losing the opportunity to connect face to face and the ability to understand ourselves and peers. Others are well adjusted, but not necessarily being given all of the tools necessary to develop into their highest and most empowered selves.

A lounge for families and youths to hang out in. All 3D Drawings by Barry & Wynn Architects, Inc.

We founded I Can Do That three and a half years ago, we use the power of community and performing arts to fuel our youth - the individuals who will grow into the leaders, citizens, and problem solvers we need in this world. With access to education along with a foundation in self awareness, collaboration, and problem solving, we believe today’s youth can take on any future challenge and be a positive contribution to the world.

At I Can Do That we have witnessed our students creating a positive identity within themselves, and then paying it forward to their peers, building each other up and creating a community of love, encouragement, and growth. Not only are they learning and expanding, they know they have a place where they belong.

We have been seeking a creative next step in order to serve more of our local youth in a more deliberate way. We are so thrilled to announce that we have signed a lease and will be transforming a space located at 194 Diablo Rd. into a Performing Arts Center, complete with 3 studio spaces and a lounge for kids and parents alike.

We will continue raising the bar in our theatre arts education as we challenge and expand those interested in exploring the arts, offering more productions, classes, and workshops. We will also begin programming focused on the physical, mental, and emotional wellness of our youth, giving them access to local teachers and leaders with classes in meditation, yoga, and journaling. We will also be hosting activities and events for the whole family such as karaoke nights, family dance parties, open mic nights and so much more! Our goal is to create a joyful space for our youth community to connect and flourish, a place where they know they belong, where they can connect with their peers and their community and a place where they can grow.

3 studios and designated office spaces will allow ICDT to continue to grow and serve the community

Renovations on the new space will commence on May 1st and the new Performing Arts Center is projected to open in September of 2020. But we need your help this renovation is truly a community effort and we can not do it alone.

Although ICDT has been a fully self sustaining non profit and we plan to continue in this way, we need to raise these funds through a capital campaign in order to complete this build. We are in the process of raising $750,000. These funds will cover the complete renovation of the new space. Since our launch on November, 21st 2019 we have already raised over $200,000!

We need our community to continue to rally around us so we can provide a beautiful space for our local youth for decades to come. Your help is greatly appreciated at any level!

Our youth is the future and we need to invest in them. Let’s truly live locally and start with Danville. If you believe in the power of all that the next generation can create we encourage you to join us!

This is an exciting time when we are building our curriculum and our team and we would love to have more motivated community members involved! We are seeking donors, partners, teachers, and volunteers who are passionate about creating a place for our youth to thrive and connect.

Please visit our website for current information and get involved!

I Can Do That Performing Arts Center www.ICanDoThatPAC.org info@icandothattheatre.com (925) 718-5899

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JANUARY 2020

Expert Contributor

Interior Transformations

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

H

ow did the past year change you? Sometimes transformation can be hard, but the result is always worth the work. When we can shed our old habits and focus on newer, higher, goals we elevate ourselves and everyone around us! Interior design is an industry of transformation, one that allows homeowners to take their homes to the next level.

After our first visit to our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home we could see the opportunity for a major transformation! It was a cozy, traditional home built in the late 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that was well loved but ready to join us in 2020. Our client was excited to get started designing her dream kitchen and brought us on to help make her dream a reality. The design we presented was a collaboration with the uber talented Diablo Valley Cabinetry and is currently under construction. The new kitchen will be full of fresh energy and life, a testament to the power of transformation!

The kitchen includes a custom range hood with brass inset Schluter detail separating the shiplap. The countertops are Calacatta Vagli

3D drawings by Crystal Hackl

marble with veins of soft grey and touches of warm neutral blush tones running throughout. The cabinets are a warm white but have the unexpected textural element of reeded glass panels that bend and reflect light within the space. The backsplash is a new take on subway tile, we selected a dimensional tile in a herringbone pattern to add interest without competing with the overall design.

Every transformation, from the largest to the smallest, has the opportunity to add or take away from the aesthetic appeal of a home.

We are always appreciative of the wonderful clients who value the added consideration a professional design studio can bring to every project detail!

DANVILLE LIVING 13

Danville LIVING

Magazine wants to Sponsor Your Next Event Here’s a few of the events that we have sponsored: Aloha Kiss Fundraising Golf Tournament Animal Rescue Foundation Arc Of the East Bay Golf Tournament Bay Area Tackles ALS Dinner Concours d’Elegance The Crayon Initiative Golf Tournament Danville Hot Summer Sunday Car Show Devil Mountain Run Discovery Counseling Center Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area 21st Anniversary Gala Gianni’s Italian Bistro Tips for Change Fundraisers Have a Ball Horses Healing Hearts Invest in Hope Golf Fundraiser Loaves and Fishes - Drive out Hunger Loaves and Fishes - Rock out Hunger Northgate High School Football Golf Fundraiser

ALBATROSS Re-Think Farm to Table.

Join us for an eclectic, original, and fun dining experience.

RISE | Forma Gym – Turkey Trot

Space for holiday parties is filling up fast!

Book today!

Shirley Ann Foundation Benefit Concert and Auction Swim with Mike Fundraiser Walk to End Alzeimer’s Have an event that you want us to sponsor?

Email jpeek@bestversionmedia.com for more information.

albatrossdanville.com

312 Railroad Ave. Danville. • 925.718.5445

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JANUARY 2020

Tee Time

Tee it Up With Gratitude

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008 The winter sunsets in Cabo are worth the trip

M

ore colorful than a painter’s pallet, more extraordinary than a photograph, and more peaceful and serene than you can imagine, the winter sunrise on The Quivira Golf Course was one of the most spectacular sites I have seen.

Just 3 ½ hours south of us by plane, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a great place to share time with your family during the week-long Thanksgiving Break. The Pueblo Bonito Ocean Front Properties situated on the true Land’s End of the Baja Peninsula, include options from all-inclusive family resorts to adult-only resorts. Each resort has its own personality and unique location, but what doesn’t differ is the level of service and access to the World Class Quivira Golf Course featuring miles of sparkling white beaches, picturesque desert cliffs, and 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean.

With expansive ocean views from every hole on the 7,085 yard Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, you may have a bit of trouble focusing on your game! You will be impressed with the care taken by the skilled maintenance crew on every part of the course, from the hand selected plants that surround the tee boxes to the manicured fairways. Starting along the beach on Hole 1 and then climbing up a long winding path to the top of a mountain, your views are spectacular. Before you get to one of the signature holes, Hole 5, you will be well taken care of at the first Comfort Station. Knowing the course will help you, especially on Hole 5… hit it right down the middle of the saddle and it will roll onto the green, truly unbelievable! There are quite a few waterfront holes, but this one has the most dramatic vertical drop to the green.

Playing golf in Cabo San Lucas is a different kind of golf, it is AllInclusive Golf with serenity and service at your beck and call. When you arrive, you are welcomed with coffee, pastries, and a drink (or many) of your choice. The driving range is stocked with tees, golf balls, and a view that you won’t get tired of. There are ice chests with bottles of water on your cart. And, one of my favorite nongolf parts of the game, The Comfort Station. There are usually 2 or 3 Comfort Stations which are like mini restaurants. They cook breakfast burritos, tacos, and are also stocked with snacks, sodas, and a full bar. Yes, all-inclusive golf includes everything at the comfort stations. If you purchase your rounds in advance, prior to your trip, or multiple rounds, there are some discounts given. Each round of golf on the course could cost a player between $180-$400 per round. Yes, the whole thing is on the expensive side, but it’s an experience you will never forget.

Quivira’s Clubhouse has one of the best steak-houses in Cabo San Lucas called The Quivira Steakhouse. If you are staying at Pueblo

Bonito’s all-inclusive resort, this too would be part of your meal plan. The service and the quality of the food were exceptional.

#nofilter doesn’t even do this shot justice

When I look back at our pictures from Cabo San Lucas and the golf course at Quivira, I feel nothing but gratitude. The beauty of the natural landscape, the pacific ocean, the golf course and the warm sun on my skin were just part of the experience. The other part, the part that helped make my heart full, was the time I was able to spend with both my mom and my son on The Quivira Golf Course.

We shared time, made connections, made memories, and set up our traditions for the future. My heart is full.

Hole 6, Par 3. Both Sue and Lynne landed on the green, Mason follows with a tough shot along the cliffs.

Lynne stands with her son, Mason, and mother Sue at The Quivira Golf Course in Cabo San Lucas.

Lynne drives the ball home!

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

DANVILLE LIVING 15

Pet of the Month

Meet the Pet of the Month:

Rosie

By Stacy Brinkley, Resident since 2009

R

osie the rescue came to me when a group reached out a few years ago asking me to foster her for just two weeks. I said no (Ahem). On day 13 she reached through the back seat and laid her head on my chest and I started crying while thinking there is no way I’m going to keep this beefcake dog (Again, ahem).

In the one year it took her to fully decompress and trust again, she ruined my hardwood floors in addition to a large rug, annihilated her dog house in under two hours, ate my $2500 door, chewed through my backyard fence to chase after me when I left for work (twice !!), and destroyed her toys beyond recognition within 15 minutes. Suffice it to say several days a week I would cry when I walked in my house dreading what I would find.

I introduced her to my elderly mother who said, and I quote, “Oh...

Rosie the Rescue, as she’s affectionately known

Rosie and Stacy share a tight bond

oh honey, you can’t get rid of her, you have to keep her., she loves you!” I said No, I really didn’t.

Flash forward to almost three years later and I cannot imagine my life without her. She has turned into the most affectionate, kind, loving dog I’ve ever known. She is truly my best friend and brings me so much laughter and joy every single day! There is no price on this, on the love she exudes and brings to everyone she meets!!

I recently purchased a new car and decided to keep my 20-yearold car, which I appropriately call Rosie’s car. She loves to go everywhere!

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JANUARY 2020

DOUBLEMint Chip

CHOCOLATE C O O K I E S

By Madison Farkas

A holiday tradition in my family for as long as I can remember, these cookies are perfect for dipping in milk. You can substitute different chip flavors if you want, but I think these are by far the best.

Ingredients

Directions

• 1 cup butter, softened

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

• 1½ cup sugar

2. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.

• 2 eggs • 2 cups flour

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix until not quite combined, with a few streaks of flour remaining.

• 2/3 cup cocoa powder

4. Stir in chocolate chips.

• 3/4 tsp. baking soda

5. Place approximately 2 Tbsp. of dough per cookie on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp. salt • 2 cups mint chocolate chips

DANVILLE LIVING 17

Happy New Year!

New Year’s Resolutions From Kids and Teens: What’s in store for your 2020?

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

T

he custom of making New Yearʼs resolutions has been around for thousands of years, but it hasnʼt always looked the way it does today. The concept of New Year’s resolutions dates back to the ancient Babylonians, some 4,000 years ago. They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year. Once deeply rooted in religious context, New Year’s resolutions today take on a sort of tongue in cheek approach. We’ve all made the same New Year’s resolution promises to ourselves. Lose weight, save money, and spend more time with the family.

How often have you found yourself rising at dawn in early January armed with new sneakers and an ambitious attitude to drop 15 pounds by spring, only to surrender two weeks later to a large pizza and a weekend of binge watching something on Netflix. We’re all guilty of that, I’m sure.

As a person who works closely with children, I’m always interested in hearing what they have to say. I sat down with a group of local Danville kids and teens to hear what they have in mind for their New Year’s resolutions.

My New Year’s resolution is...

“I want to try tomatoes” Quinn K., age 10

“I want to eat healthier and improve my fitness” Noah B.C., age 15

“To give more acknowledgment to all the amazing people in my life” Annalise R., age 16

“Eat way more chocolate” Jonathan P., age 12

“Become semi-fluent in French” Zoe B., age 13

“I want to spend more time with my family and friends and less time on my phone” Hannah S., age 16

“I plan to eat healthy and go vegan” Kathryn H., age 13 “My New Year’s resolution is to get good grades” Bryson Z., age 11

“We want to play more sports” Maddie P. and Maddie E., both 10 “Try not to fail math class” Amelia L., age 13

“I want to go outside more.”

Peyton M., age 9 “Appear in three more plays this year” Sophie B.C., age 11 “I want to be more active, and do more activities” Sydney G., age 10

“Complete a 10K in under an hour” Gabby M., age 13 “I’d like to make new friends and expand my friend group” Sofia M., age 12 “And my New Year’s Resolution is to see Australia this year” Steph Seaberg, age unknown

“I want to get better grades” Raina C., age 13

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.

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JANUARY 2020

Expert Contributor

4 Tips for a Perfectly Winterized Home

By Lauren Parker, AAA San Ramon

N

ow that we’re in the full throes of winter, it’s time to make sure your home is staying toasty while running as energy-efficient as possible. Here are four of the biggest tasks to prioritize this month for a perfectly winterized home:

1. Insulate!

Proper insulation will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Take this time to check door and window seals to identify any spots where air is entering or escaping the home, then add weatherstripping as needed.

2. Pamper Your Heater Is it functioning properly? When was the last time you cleaned or changed the filters?

You don’t want to be stuck with a broken or

inefficient appliance on the coldest day of the year. Extend the life of your unit by cleaning it, updating insulation, inspecting ductwork, and scheduling a tune up if necessary.

3. Inspect Your Fireplace Overtime, residue is deposited in your chimney which increases the risk of it catching on fire. If you can’t remember the last time you had your fireplace or chimney cleaned, call a chimney sweep today. Then check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for good measure.

4. Turn Down Your Thermostat The Department of Energy says we can save about 10% on our heating bills by turning our thermostats down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours each day. The best time to do

Presents

that? Overnight when you’re bundled up in bed. And, if you haven’t already, consider a smart thermostat, which can help ensure temperatures are perfectly set for the right times of day.

For more information about AAA House Manager and properly maintaining your home, visit aaa.com/housemanager.

INTO CHINA

Welcome to the World of Chinese Emperors’ Treasures

Saturday, January 25th 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Come Celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Blackhawk Museum and Experience 2500 Years of Chinese History in Our Newest Gallery Ribbon Cutting at Noon with Local Dignitaries and Leaders from the Chinese Community

Traditional Chinese Performances will take place throughout the Event.

FREE Admission to the Museum During Event Only

Annual Family Memberships will be available for $99 (Regularly $149) Special Rate available on this date only.

Terracotta Warriors

www.blackhawkmuseum.org • 925-736-2277 • 3700 Plaza Cir, Blackhawk, CA DANVILLE LIVING 19

San Ramon Valley High School

Team 1280 Faces its Biggest Challenge Yet

By Shelby Falahat, Junior Reporter

A

t San Ramon Valley High School, there are several students who have dedicated their high school careers to the Robotics Club and cherished every minute. Commonly known as Team 1280, the Robotics Club has experienced a variety of successful events due to the hard work and determination those students put forth. The club teaches leadership, programming skills, and technical skills valuable to students interested in engineering and the world of STEM. From 2016 to 2020 the team experienced a substantial growth, from 8 active members to now 60 and counting. The team consists of approximately 29% Freshmen, 29% Sophomores, 13% Juniors, and 29% Seniors. Though the team is entirely run by students, they have a successful competitive history, including two Regional Championships and several rankings in the top five within the same competitions. In

addition, for the last sixteen years, they have competed in the First Robotics Competition (FRC), a STEM program in which teams spend just over two months designing and building a competitive robot.

Throughout the team’s FRC career, they have won awards including, the Rookie Inspiration Award, the Radio Shack Innovation in Control Award twice, the Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award twice, the Imagery Award four times, and the Engineering Excellence Award. As a result of FRC, students gain many valuable technical and software skills, such as: machining, coding, and executive leadership.

However, over the years, the team has encountered adversity.

Three seasons ago, they unexpectedly switched from a schoolsponsored class to an after-school club, considerably downsizing budgets, and, most recently, they lost another head mentor of the team. As a result, the Robotics Club is experiencing deficits in their annual income. The team captain, Kanishk Gupta, stated that “the team is a challenge due to the $20,000 gap between the club’s current competition budget and the $40,000 required to cover materials and travel expenses.” While losing a club mentor last year, $12,000 of grant scholarships that the team has relied on during competition season was no longer available. The team is solely financed through sponsorships, and community support is greatly appreciated. The SRVHS Webstore has more information. “All donations have a significant impact on helping SRV Robotics students and mean a great deal to us,” notes the Administration Leader, Radhika Gawde.

Nevertheless, Team 1280 aspires to transform into a sustainable, student-led, self-reliant team to ensure longevity for future generations.

Team 1280 helps students in more than just academics

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.

Working as a team is one of the high lights of the Robotics Club

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JANUARY 2020

Arts and Culture

Hearts on Hartz: A New Public Art Project Seeks Local Artists

By Geoff Gillette, Town of Danville

T

he Town of Danville is seeking 15 experienced artists who wish to bring their unique designs and artistic talents to a 52 x 52 x 10-inch fiberglass heart sculpture as part of the Town’s next public art exhibition, Hearts on Hartz.

Following the success of this summer’s Dogs of Danville: Unleashed exhibition, and using the funds raised through auctioning off the ceramic dogs, the Town is embarking on another exhibition featuring the work of local artists.

The 15 heart sculptures will be on display at two Town owned buildings and all along the Heart of Danville’s downtown, Hartz Avenue, for the duration of the summer of 2020. For detailed information on how to apply visit https://townofdanville. submittable.com/submit. For this exhibit, the Town is seeking

A blank fiberglass heart sculpture - waiting for a local artist to design!

colorful, creative and unique submissions for these sculptures.

Fourteen of the hearts will be the artists’ own designs, while the 15th will need to incorporate Danville-centric themes such as: historic sites and buildings, small-town/charming, recreation/ outdoors, foodie-destination/restaurants, family-friendly activities, and arts-focused. The Town will accept up to three entries per artist. Two original design concepts or three if one is Danville themed (not mandatory). Deadline for artist submissions is January 24, 2020.

Artists will be selected by a panel comprised of Danville’s Arts Advisory Board and the Curatorial Committee for the Village Theatre and Art Gallery. Selected artists will receive a $750 stipend for their time and materials upon completion of the heart sculpture. A clear coat of graffiti varnish will be supplied to the Artist by the Town to ensure their design is protected.

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L U X U RY R E A L E STAT E AT T H E AG E N CY R E .C O M

Jill Fusari

Hearts on Hartz will be on view from June 4 – September 17, 2020, with an Opening Reception at the Village Theatre Art Gallery on Thursday, June 4, 2020 from 6-8 p.m. The heart sculptures will be on display on the patio before they are distributed and installed at their summer sidewalk locations on Hartz Avenue. At the end of the exhibition 14 of the heart sculptures will be sold in a silent auction during the Closing Reception for the Artists and Sponsors at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery. One heart sculpture will be retained by the Town for future use and enjoyment by the Town’s residents and visitors. The Closing Reception is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at (925) 314-3460 or mnelsonbleier@danville. ca.gov.

DANVILLE LIVING 21

We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from you, our Danville residents. Some of the columns we'd like to add are: Travel (Where have you been recently? Share your trip with us!)

Book Reviews Acts of Kindness Non-profit Spotlight

Show Us Your Best Shot (photography) Gardening Hobbies Pet of the Month Local Hikes More ...

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email asullivan@bestversionmedia.com

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JANUARY 2020

Business Profile

Event Planners Take the Stress Out of Your Special Celebrations

By Kara Navolio

A

fter 20 years in corporate event planning, in 2013 Rayna Hess decided to start her own company, Eventfully Yours Event Designs. The Walnut Creek native comes from a very tight-knit family, so it was a natural fit to include her sister Kendra McMasters as her business partner. McMasters’ background in sales, management and product development was a perfect fit for the rental side of the business, which grew in 2015 to include Chairs for Affairs Party Rentals. Their mom also helps with the business as sales manager.

“We strive to make sure that our company stands out for our service,” says Hess. “We want people to visit our showroom and feel more relaxed when they leave because we are a one-stop shop, and we can handle anything a client wants to do, no matter how big or small.”

As a designer, Hess loves the artistic side of the business and enjoys helping each client bring their vision to life, from intimate gatherings, to weddings, to large corporate events. “Many people are stressed out when they plan events, and we can take that stress away from you! An event planner can make the process easy, streamlined and stress free.”

Rayna Hess, Kendra McMasters, and their mother Ann McMasters: The Team behind Eventfully Yours Event Designs

They are lucky to have a crew that is fun to work with. And even though the sisters work together every day, they also love hanging out together outside of work with their entire family. Both are married to Contra Costa firefighters, Hess to a Fire Engineer, and McMasters to a retired Fire Captain. They support the Firefighters Association and are members of the Rotary Club of Lafayette and four Chambers of Commerce.

The business was honored by Diablo Magazine as “Best Wedding Planner in the East Bay” and also voted #1 event planner in Concord for the past two years.

“I’m proud of the reviews people leave when I know that we’ve made a difference in an important day in their lives,” says Hess. “I’m also proud that my sister and I have done this together. We hope it’s a legacy to leave to our own kids someday.”

DANVILLE LIVING 23

Our next Magazine Anniversary Party is

Thursday February 27, 2020!

RSVP now to http://bit.ly/AlbatrossPartyFeb2020 to reserve your spot!

24

JANUARY 2020

Danville Police Department

Tips to Improve Home Security – CPTED

By Danville Police Department

C

rime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a crime prevention philosophy based on the idea that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can help prevent crime and increase quality of life. Here are some simple fixes to improve home security: • • • • • • • •

Keep bushes trimmed to 36 inches or lower, trees canopies higher than 7 feet.

Update exterior lighting around the home, consider LEDs and motion sensor lights.

Purchase a locking mailbox to reduce the chance of mail theft.

Store all valuables like bicycles, grills and lawn mowers out of view in a locked shed.

Lock all windows and doors whenever possible.

Install and use deadbolts and consider updating older exterior doors that may have been forgotten, such as side garage doors.

Consider installing surveillance cameras and an alarm system to monitor your home.

Keep windows clear of debris and shrubbery to increase visibility out to the street.

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DANVILLE LIVING 25

Health and Wellness

2020 – Time for New Year’s Resolutions and Tips for Making Change Stick

By Alicia Del Prado, PhD, Resident since 2014

I

t’s that time of year again for new beginnings and fresh starts.

Coming up with New Year’s Resolutions is a timeless tradition.

However, by the time March rolls around, most of us have either forgotten our resolutions or given up on them.

Here are a few tips to help set yourself up for more success in making those resolutions stick. As a psychologist who works with countless clients who believe in change but are having trouble making the change last, I have seen how these strategies help improve lives. These tips are also based in solid psychological research and goal-setting theory, so try them on for size.

1. Be realistic and specific when making your resolutions. Lofty resolutions that are vague lead to poor results. A common resolution for the New Years is to lose weight or get in better shape. Ok, that’s a start, but how will you know when you’ve met your goal? Make your goal one that is measurable, so you know when you’ve accomplished it. For example, “I want to do cardio 3 times per week in the mornings at 9am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 30 minutes each time.”

Oh and don’t pick too many. Ten resolutions, too many. One to two, just right!

2. Pick a Buddy. Keep yourself accountable by choosing a buddy who knows about your realistic, specific resolution. Sometimes people are shy or embarrassed to share what they are striving for. It’s almost as if they are anticipating failure, so are trying to spare themselves from public humiliation for not meeting their goals. However, by taking a risk and sharing resolutions with someone we trust, we have another person who can look out for us, encourage us, and celebrate with us when we do make our resolutions.

3. Create visual reminders. Have fun with this one! Write down your resolution, draw your resolution, put your resolution on poster board, make a video of you singing your resolution. You get the idea! Make concrete visual reminders of what you are trying to accomplish, so that when you are trying to avoid doing your resolution, these creative visual cues will keep you on track all year round. One of my personal favorites is putting your resolution on a neon post-it, and even consider framing it!

4. Choose a value that underlies your resolution. Why are you deciding to do these resolutions anyway? Maybe it’s because you’re hopeful that things can be better in your life. Perhaps it’s for love, your love for someone else inspires you to try to change an unhealthy habit. Hope, love, faith, perseverance, self-compassion, and courage are examples of values that you can ground yourself in to stay the course when the road to resolutions is bumpy.

5. Reward yourself. Too often in life, we do not take time to acknowledge our “wins” and the progress we make toward our goals.

Pause to tell yourself “nice job”. Treat yourself to an extra 10 minutes in bed. Write yourself an email with a compliment recognizing the effort you are putting in toward your resolution, but schedule it to be sent at later day. Trust me, you’ll forget about it and then be pleasantly surprised when you receive your encouraging words. The rewards can be small, but their impact is encouraging and motivational.

With these 5 tips in hand, I hope you feel more confident in setting and reaching your 2020 resolutions. If you stumble a bit throughout the year, that’s ok too. Get back on that horse. Don’t criticize yourself.

Instead, reach out to your accountability buddy for support, and use the value of self-compassion to guide you back on track.

Alicia and her husband love raising their two children in Danville. Alicia is a counseling psychologist who has a private practice in downtown Danville. She recently co-authored a book, “It’s Time to Talk (And Listen)”

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JANUARY 2020

DANVILLE LIVING 27

Where in the World?

A Little Warm Weather to Kick Off the Winter Season

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008

T

he Harrosh family went on a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico over Thanksgiving break. Not only did they golf on beautiful courses overlooking the ocean, they went on snorkeling cruises to Landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End and Santa Maria Bay, ate at a top rated restaurant, and made some wonderful family memories.

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JANUARY 2020

Business Spotlight

Beyond Active:

COMING SOON!

Running at Full Speed

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

925.248.9286

u

EleganceAtDublin.com

SERVICE. VALUE. PEACE OF MIND. BOUTIQUE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

166 E. Prospect gets a new look!

I

Photo by Brooke Shattuck Photography

f you’ve ventured down East Prospect recently, you may have noticed a new shop take over a familiar building. Beyond Active, previously known as Bay Area Fitwear, has moved into 166 E. Prospect Dr. This go-to location for all things wellness is looking at a bright future!

Courtney Cruey, a west-side mother of three, bought the business from a friend in April of 2017. In order to facilitate growth she hustled over to any charity/fundraiser/pop-up event where you were allowed to sell. “After a year, I leased a small storage space on East Prospect and turned what was supposed to be a storage closet into a space I could sell activewear out of. I called myself the ‘speak-easy of activewear’, you only knew of the location by referral!!”

October, 2019 saw Beyond Active launch into a full-on Danville boutique. They carry new brands that haven’t made it to the big box stores yet, as well as some familiar and well-loved companies and styles. When asked what Courtney loves about running a business here, she said, “this business gives me a platform to help raise money and be active in our community.”

Aside from just selling stylish activewear, Beyond Active is expanding into the best of natural and wellness products and gym necessities.

They also have an amazing outdoor space called “The Backyard” that is the center of some very cool future plans.

Beyond Active Mon-Fri 10-6pm Sat 10-5pm Sun 11-4pm

166 E. Prospect Dr Danville

SALES OFFICE 6400 Village Parkway l #203 l Dublin, CA 94568 7601 Amador Valley Blvd. l Dublin, CA 94568 LIC. PENDING

Info@shopbeyondactive.com

925-272-9381 Courtney celebrates in her new storefront DANVILLE LIVING 29

Expert Contributor

Ring in the New Year with a New Look!

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry

H

appy New Year from our family to yours! This is the perfect time to kick off the New Year by re-doing the ring you wear and enjoy daily. Resetting your diamond is a great way to get a whole new look. Whether you have a pear-shape, marquise or a classic round brilliant diamond, we at Padis can show you the hottest new styles that you will be sure to love.

Remember, no matter the shape of your diamond, it can be remounted into a beautiful new setting. It can be difficult to let go of something with so much personal value attached to it, but Padis Jewelry can help guide you toward the best option for what to do with your piece, and make sure you are well educated in all the different options.

There are endless reasons as to why you would want to re-set your center diamond into a new mounting. Tired of your old setting, not happy with the quality of the ring, was not a design you truly wanted, or fell head over heels with a design you saw on Padis Jewelry’s Instagram account? When updating a ring or remounting your center diamond, there is always the question: well what can I do with my old mounting (setting)?! There are a number of different options, some naturally more cost-effective than others.

Still love your ring the way it is? Stop by for a complimentary cleaning service. You’d be surprised at what it can do!

Whatever you choose, your rings should always be a reflection of your love and spark memories of the moments shared throughout your life. Our team at Padis Jewelry is happy to assist you in any way. Don’t hesitate to visit us at the Forevermark store in Broadway Plaza, give us a call or shoot us an email!

Concierge@padisjewelry.com

The first option is to keep it! Some of us like to plan ahead and think in terms of taking care of those we love, so keeping your old mounting to make a gift for a loved one, or helping your soon to be son-in-law marry your daughter, is one sentimental option.

You can set a complimentary cubic zirconia in it and keep it as a travel ring for vacations.

The next option is to have it set with a colored gemstone.

Sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts can turn your old mounting into a beautiful, colored-stone ring. This will allow you to keep your ring which may hold sentimental value and wear it as an alternative to your new engagement ring.

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JANUARY 2020

DANVILLE LIVING 31

1393

Add home maintenance to your list of New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions.

Start the year off right by committing to bettering your home in 2020. From fixing a loose doorknob to tuning up your furnace and flushing your water heater, AAA House Manager is here to help get your home in shape for the rest of the year.

Get started at AAA.com/HouseManager or visit our San Ramon branch located at 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd Ste 5, San Ramon Š 2019 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. All rights reserved. AAA House Manager is a service provided by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah.

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JANUARY 2020