Parry Family Meet the Homegrown Happiness, One Adventure at a Time
Photo by Kim Lind Photography
Mary Bonham Team
$5,500,000 $3,600,000
$3,350,000
TEAM SALES VOLUME 2022-2023 A R Y B O N H A M T E A M
MARY BONHAM TEAM
THE AGENCY CHAIRMAN AWARD RECIPIENT
YEAR
613 Bradford Place, Danville*
adford Place, Danville* aint Alicia Court, Alamo
121 Saint Alicia Court, Alamo 6 Crownridge Drive, Danville
6 Crownridge Drive, Danville
406 Red Wing Drive, Alamo
406 Red Wing Drive, Alamo
15 Glen Hollow Road, Danville
15 Glen Hollow Road, Danville
184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville*
184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville*
50 Jessica Court, Alamo
50 Jessica Court, Alamo
e, Danville* ourt, Alamo g e, Danville 406 Red Wing Drive, Alamo 15 Glen Hollow Road, Danville 184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville* rt, Alamo Drive Lafayette mon*
1409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo
16 Silverado Drive, Lafayette
409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo 16 Silverado Drive, Lafayette
8 Tea Tree Court, Danville* n Ramon* twood* ey* Rossmoor e 2, Rossmoor
8 T T C D ille* n Ramon* twood* ey* Rossmoor e 2, Rossmoor
*buyer represented
$5,500,000 $3,600,000 $3,350,000 $2,900,000 $2,650,000 $2,400,000 $2,236,000 $2,029,000 $1,625,000 $1,550,000 $1,330,000 $1,029,000 $778,000 $600,000 $598,000 $490,000
$3,600,000 $3,350,000 $2,900,000 $2,650,000 $2,400,000 $2,236,000 $2,029,000 $1,625,000 $1,550,000 $1,330,000 $1,029,000 $778,000 $600,000 $598,000 $490,000
$5,500,000 $3,600,000 $3,350,000 $2,900,000 $2,650,000 $2,400,000 $2,236,000 $1,625,000 $1,330,000 $600,000 $595,000 $490,000
Sat., Jan. 11
JanuaryCALENDAR OF EVENTS
Aja Vu Plays the Music of Chicago
@ Village Theater
In this special tribute, San Francisco Bay Area Steely Dan Tribute band, Aja Vu, will be performing Chicago’s greatest hits as well as songs from Steely Dan’s songbook.
Time:7-9pm
Cost: $35
Mon., Jan. 30
Opening Reception: San Ramon Valley Unified School District Exhibition - Innovate to Elevate @ Art Gallery at the Village Theatre
San Ramon Valley Unified School District showcases student work in this exhibition titled, “Innovate to Elevate.” Come see the talent of these young and aspiring artists! Light refreshments will be served.
Time:5-7pm
Cost: Free
Wed., Jan. 22
Breakfast with Friends @ Crumbs
Hope you can make it to our quarterly Breakfast with Friends at Crumbs! Enjoy a hot breakfast and some fun conversations before you start your day. Always a fun morning with this group! Fees include breakfast and coffee/tea. Register at danville.ca.gov/242/Community-Events
Time: 9-10:30am
Cost: $20
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, seafood, meats, local honey, and baked goods. More information at www.pcfma.com.
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: Free
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.
Hello Neighbors!
Time seems to be flying by, and it’s unbelievable that it is already 2025! Here at Danville Living we hope that you had a restful holiday season and are ready to jump into the new year rejuvenated and prepared for a great year ahead. Perhaps you have some heath, spiritual, or personal goals you hope to achieve...or maybe just being more present and mindful of your priorities this year. Regardless of your plans, Danville is certainly the place to do it!
Our feature family this month is the Parry family. The Danville natives have a sweet story of long time childhood friends, to eventually getting married and raising their family back home on the westside. We know you will love our expert and community articles, complete with a day drip to St. Helena and a cozy steak dinner recipe for you to try.
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
Cosmetic Surgery
Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.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!
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality care in the Blackhawk area for more than 20 years. Including a fully accredited on-site surgery center, clinical Med Spa and top ranked Hair Restoration Center, Dr. Ronan’s team of skilled professionals are dedicated to delivering transformative results with every treatment.
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.
Why Choose Our Kitchen Cabinet Experts?
By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks
From refacing your existing cabinets to replacing them with a custom-built design, we’re your one-stop shop for any cabinetry needs.
Kitchen cabinets are an extremely practical and important feature of any functional kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be incredibly beautiful too! At America’s Dream HomeWorks, we’re a full-service kitchen remodeling company that’s known for combining high quality, high style, and high functionality. As an A+ BBB-accredited and family-owned kitchen remodeler since 2001, we know that there’s no one-sizefits-all formula for the perfect kitchen. What works for your family may or may not be suitable for another. That’s why we offer such an extensive variety of kitchen cabinet services! With DreamLine Cabinetry to ensure a tailored experience, smooth process, and complete client satisfaction from start to finish we do everything in house - from design, and fabrication, to installation. Many homeowners hire us for their main kitchen cabinets, but our services are available for pantry cabinets, mudrooms, and even custom entertainment systems. If it’s a part of your home’s design, storage, or organization solutions, we can help!
Our staff includes designers, engineers, and production specialists, who take full responsibility for every aspect of the job. With a track record of success that includes over 19,500 happy customers, America’s Dream HomeWorks and DreamLine Cabinetry is a company you can count on to bring your cabinet dreams to life!
Meet the Parry Family
Homegrown Happiness, One Adventure at a Time
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Photos
provided by the Parry Family
It was “crush at first sight” for Kensey when she spotted Michael in the halls of Stone Valley Middle School. Although the two were not in the same grade, they were lucky enough to spend some shifts working in the snack shack together. Meeting up again at San Ramon Valley High, the crush became mutual and ignited a brief summer romance. Kensey recalls “this was when you paid by the text, so I was grounded a lot after my parents got my phone bill.” As many typical high school romance stories go…the timing “wasn’t quite right,” but they remained friends throughout the years. One of the unique westside Danville traditions is the inevitable meet up in downtown during the holidays, and Michael and Kensey were no exception. During a chance downtown run in, there was “no doubt the spark was still there.” After just one year of dating, Michael and Kensey were engaged while sailing in the Sea of Cortez. They were married in Kensey’s parents backyard in 2014. Having lived in Pleasanton for a few years in an attempt to shorten their commutes, they ultimately settled back in their childhood town of Danville.
Being Danville locals, Michael and Kensey have fun and familiar memories of Mustang soccer and the Danville baseball and softball leagues. Michael grew up off of El Pintado, playing every sport he could including swim and tennis, and eventually graduated from
Arizona State. After receiving his Masters in Kinesiology from Cal State East Bay, he put his passion for health to good use working as a Tennis Pro for Blackhawk County Club before transitioning into Revenue Operations. Working with technology startups, he loves the daily challenges that come with building business for scale. Growing up close to Montair, Kensey is very familiar with the westside, sharing happy memories of adventures on the Iron Horse trail and competitive soccer. She graduated from Chico State and then pursued her Masters degree in Change Management from Hawaii Pacific University on Oahu. Trading the island life adventures to come back home to California, her first job was working in sales for a technology startup. Over the years Kensey has settled into GTM Strategy and Enablement, finding her passion in working across functions to support sales teams.
Having three young children, Emerson (8), James (7) and Sunny (4), certainly keeps the Parry family busy. Emerson is both a sports enthusiast and art lover. She is lucky to have an incredible grandma (Lala) who is an artist and regularly paints with her. James can often be found playing a game of pick up kickball with friends, and playing whatever sport is in season! Both have a big cheering squad of grandparents, who rarely miss a game. Never to be left behind, Sunny is the best little sister, always along for the ride to practices or games and being her siblings’ “very best cheerleader.” Both Kensey and Michael coach Rec for Mustang soccer and love hearing “Hey Coach!” in the halls at drop off and pick up at Montair Elementary. It makes them feel even more connected to their school and community. During the spring, Michael also loves coaching baseball for Danville Little League, and is known to pull together a few scrimmages with James and his friends to get them ready for the spring season.
The Parrys take full advantage of living so close to the snow, spending as many winter weekends as possible skiing. “Getting three kids dressed in their ski gear and boots is no easy feat (essentially a sport itself), then you get to carry the rest of their gear (and sometimes a
child) to the hill…but we turned a corner this past season with all three skiing on their own and it is the absolute best!”
Sneaking in early morning workouts is important to Michael, and Kensey loves her weekly hiking group. She “has the best group of ladies” who hike all year and prepare for their annual Ridge Hike in Las Trampas to raise money for breast cancer prevention. As a survivor herself, this is a cause near and dear to Kensey’s heart.
Making the decision to move back to Danville and raise their family here has been a blessing. In 2015 when Kensey was 7 months pregnant with their oldest, they bought their first project home on Ochos Rios… they immediately went to work with renovations, and Kensey went into labor the day they moved in! While they loved their neighborhood, they always had their eye on their dream property. On a whim Kensey decided to call the owners and ask them if they would be willing to sell it. The timing was right and they closed 3 months later. They have lived in their home on Love Lane for the past 1.5 years and love being
so close to school, walking distance to all the westside has to offer, and of course their neighbors and community.
Growing up, Kensey’s parents would always host a neighborhood 4th of July party, complete with long jump, greased watermelon, and swim relay competitions. “It was such a great day of family fun that we decided to bring back a version for our kids and friends. The kids’ events are fun, but the adult sweatsuit swim relay is always the highlight- it gets pretty competitive!”
The Parry family feels so lucky to “foster independence in our kids and give them a bit of freedom to do things on their own” because of their wonderful neighborhood. They also recognize, “It’s a really special thing, living in the town you grew up in. We are still discovering new things to do as a family, while also sharing some of our favorite things from our past.” While annual trips to Mexico, Kauai, and weekend getaways to Tahoe or Pinecrest are always a treat, the Parry family loves coming back home to their community and family in Danville.
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.
Involved Parents Want to Know: When should I begin preparing my child for college?
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
This can be one of the most difficult questions for a parent to answer. My husband and I began our discussion with our children early. From junior high school, each vacation involved a trip to a local university. So when should you start? If you are an active, committed parent like myself, here is a guide to help you.
Parents can begin preparing their students for college well before the application process starts. Here’s a timeline of when and how to get started:
1. Middle School (Grades 6-8):
• Fostering Good Study Habits: Help your child develop strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Encouraging Extracurricular Activities: Encourage involvement in extracurriculars, whether academic clubs, sports, or arts, to build well-rounded interests.
• Introduce the Idea of College: Start casual conversations about what college is and why it’s a valuable path, making sure to include discussions about different types of schools and careers.
•
2. Early High School (Grades 9-10):
• Building Strong Academic Foundations: Ensure your student focuses on core subjects, as GPA and class performance are key in college admissions.
• Exploring Interests: Encourage your child to explore academic and extracurricular interests (e.g., internships, volunteer work, clubs) that align with potential college majors.
• Understand College Admission Requirements: Research college admission requirements for different types of schools (e.g., state schools, private universities, liberal arts colleges) to know which courses your student should take.
3. Junior Year (Grade 11):
• Research College Options: Start exploring different types of colleges (e.g., large universities, small liberal arts schools, community colleges) to see which fits best with your student’s interests, values, and career goals.
• Test Preparation: If your child plans to take the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests, junior year is when they should begin preparation. Consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in test prep classes if needed.
• Start Building a College List: Begin narrowing down a list of schools your child may want to apply to. Consider factors like academic programs, location, campus culture, and cost.
• Visit Colleges: If possible, plan visits to campuses to get a feel for different environments. College tours and information sessions can provide valuable insights.
• Explore Financial Aid: Begin understanding the costs of college, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Familiarize yourself with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other financial assistance options.
4. Senior Year (Grade 12):
• Finalize College List: Narrow down the list of schools your student wants to apply to, and determine the application deadlines.
• Application Prep: Help your student organize application requirements, including essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and standardized test scores. Be proactive in ensuring deadlines are met.
• College Essays and Interviews: Assist with essay brainstorming, editing, and preparation for interviews. Encourage your child to be reflective and authentic in their application materials.
• Financial Aid & Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA and look into other scholarships or state-based financial aid programs. Be sure to check deadlines for aid applications.
• Decision Making: Once acceptances come in, help your child weigh the pros and cons of each school, considering factors like financial aid offers, location, and long-term career goals.
• College Visits: If your child hasn’t already visited the final schools on their list, now is the time for “admitted student” days to get a better sense of the community before making a final choice.
5. Summer Before College:
• Prepare for Transition: Help your student with packing, understanding their college schedule, and preparing for dorm life. This can include organizing finances, setting up a bank account, or figuring out how to handle health insurance.
• Final Decision: If your student hasn’t already committed, this is the final chance to decide which college to attend and send in the deposit.
General Tips Throughout the Process:
• Encourage Independence: Allow your student to take the lead on decisions as they approach high school and college, with guidance from you when needed.
• Promote Life Skills: Teach your child basic life skills, such as managing a budget, cooking simple meals, and handling time management—skills they will need when living on their own.
In short, preparation for college should begin as early as middle school, with a focus on academic success, personal growth, and exploring college options in high school. The earlier you begin fostering independence and encouraging your student to think critically about their future, the smoother the transition to college will be. At EYHCollegeCoach, we partner with our clients to assist in this exploration to prepare for success. Check our many packages or customize your own unique journey at: https://www.eyhcollegecoach.com/
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.
9pm
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
Grand Opening
For more than 25 years, Belmont Village has set the standard for senior living. Now, we’re bringing our award-winning programs to San Ramon in a luxury community featuring our renowned, first-rate clinical care, exceptional hospitality, and elegant amenities, thoughtfully designed for our residents.
Open House By Appointment Only
Saturday & Sunday January 18 & 19, 2025
Columbia Huck
Fry Chase
Midland Way
Rubicon Cir
Jewel Terrace
Hartz Ave
Winfield Lane
Hartz Ave
Ocho Rios Pl
Pending Listings
Garden Creek Pl
Garden Creek Pl
Garden Creek Pl
Pending
New Year, New Home?
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass
Is it time for change? Whether it is a change in your family, finances, health, career or simply a desire for change, January is a great time to prepare for a move. Whether your destination home is down the road or out of state, spring & summer will bring a good number of home options to market. If you have a home to sell soon, you’re also positioned in a great time of year.
Do your homework early, so that you’ll have a plan in place without unnecessary surprises. Talk to your financial planner, CPA or other trusted professionals to find out what your tax ramifications might be. Your Realtor® can help you calculate other closing costs and expenses, so that you have a realistic view of the financials.
If you’ll be financing your next purchase, consult with a trusted lender (don’t just drop numbers into an online calculator) to make sure that you’ve explored your loan options and to make sure that there isn’t anything that you aren’t aware of, that could prevent you from obtaining the financing that you have in mind.
Will you need the equity in your current home, to purchase the next one? You’ll want to evaluate the pros and cons of selling first, versus buying first…and you may need approval for a bridge loan, if you plan to buy first. Buying first usually involves more financial risk and expense, however, many people choose to buy first because the “right” home is the motivation for the move, and they want to know where they’re going.
If you’re looking at a different area, or perhaps a different type of home, be sure to investigate your insurance options and know what the average new policy of homeowners insurance is likely to cost. Familiarize yourself with property tax rates & special assessments. These can vary significantly by state, county, city & neighborhood. If you’re moving to an area that you don’t know very well, consider renting a home first…at least for a few months. This will allow you enough time to find the neighborhoods that
best match your lifestyle and personal taste. It will also give you time to figure out which neighborhoods the locals value most, hopefully leading you to a strong investment. Desirable features aren’t always the same, from one community to the next. If you’re moving to a different climate, be sure to think about the seasons and what that will mean for your lifestyle, and your utility bills. Quality of schools, commute distances, and access to medical care are all factors to consider, even if they are not important to you. Why? They will have an impact on your long term investment, if they are not favorable to the majority of home buyers.
One thing is for certain, time moves quickly! Take advantage of the rainy days of January to do some early pre-move packing, cleaning and home repairs/improvement, if needed. If you have a home to sell, consult with your Realtor® now to make a plan that fits your needs & timing. You’ll want to be ready for the best opportunities, when the time comes.
Every home sale and purchase is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com to discuss your options. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
Steak and PinwheelsSpinach
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
January means cozy, warm, and filling dinners in my house to help us forget that itʼs going to be cold and wet outside for the next two months. That usually means itʼs time for steak. As awesome as steak is, I feel that it has to be paired with a nice deep green vegetable for balance, and cream of spinach has always been my favorite thing to eat with a steak. By combining the two dishes into this yummy steak pinwheel, you save on time and clean up. Plus, it looks beautiful when you serve it next to some mashed potatoes. So put on your sweatpants and a good movie. Itʼs time to eat steak and chill!
STEAK AND SPINACH PINWHEELS
Serves 4
You will need;
• 2 pounds of flank steak
• 4 strips of prosciutto
• Half of a 10 oz bag of fresh spinach (not frozen)
• Drizzle of olive oil, divided
• 1/3 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
Putting it together;
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 package of Boursin soft cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 barbecue skewers, broken in half (don’t use toothpicks)
Preheat the oven to 400°. Lay the flank steak on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the beef thin to tenderize it, then set aside. In a medium size bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, until well blended. Set it aside. In a medium size pan, add a little water and heat it up, then add the fresh spinach. Cover and allow the spinach to steam for 5 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is wilted, transfer to a strainer to cool and drain. In that same pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion on medium heat until soft. About five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer the onions to the cheese mixture and add the spinach. Mix everything well. Go back to the steak and layer the prosciutto on top. Then spread the spinach mixture on top. (Do your best to keep the spinach in the center of the steak so it doesn’t ooze out when you’re rolling it) starting at one end, and tightly roll the steak into a pinwheel shape. Take the barbecue skewers, and insert them all the way through the steaks to secure its shape. Then using a sharp knife cut each roll in half. You should have four beautiful pinwheel steaks.
In a medium size skillet, heat up a drizzle of olive oil. Once it is hot, brown the steaks on all sides and transfer to an oven safe baking dish, cut side down. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on how well done you like your steak. Once they’re finished, allow them to cool for five minutes and carefully remove the barbecue skewers before serving.
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.
SRVHS Fall Sports Wrap-up
By Chris Declercq, SRVHS Athletic Director, Photos provided by Chris Declercq
Congratulations to our amazing Fall Athletes!
Flag Football
Finished 2nd in the EBAL, and earned the #3 seed in NCS
All League players
Offensive Player- of The Year- Gia Ryan
1st team- Sydney Gann
2nd team- Hania Bowes, Ella Gunderson, Lauren Clark
Girls Volleyball STATE CHAMPIONS
NorCal Champions
All League Players
1st team- Lucy Chertock, Ellie Hunt
2nd team- Sophia Vella
Girls Water Polo
NorCal Champions
NCS Champions
All League Players
1st team- Shelby Killingsworth, and Daphne Mundelius 2nd teamNatalie Buck, Olivia Anderson, and Brooke Temkin
Boys Water Polo
Finished 2nd in EBAL, and advanced to NCS semi-finals
All League Players
1st team- Evan Liberatore, Donovan Swann, and Daniel Drozdowicz
2nd team- Charlie Feaver, Stellan Karkazis
Football
EBAL Mountain Division Champions. Finished as the NCS division 1 runner-up.
All League Players
Defensive Player of the year Marco Jones
1st team- Owen Scott, Dylan Dietsch, Rhett Thompson, Kaleb Pleis, Jason Doyle
2nd team- Max Ellis, Mathew Garibaldi, Evan Economos, Brayden Forschler, Julien Cambra, Luke Fitzgerald, Tyler Petersen
Girls Tennis
Monika Tekic- NCS Singles Champion
Team finished 2nd in EBAL Valley Division, advanced to the NCS team tournament.
All League Players
1st team- Monika Tekic, Olivia Gallaway, Sydney Yuen
Girls Golf
Team advanced to the NCS team tournament.
All League Players
1st team- Mia McDowell
Cross Country
Boys- Qualified for NCS Meet
Girls- EBAL runner-up, NCS 3rd place, 18th place finish at the California State Meet.
All League Players
1st team- Hailey Gunderson(G), Emma Davidson(G)
2nd team- Sierra Davalle(G), Ila Mustin(G)
Hon. Mention- Alexandra Smith(G)
Band
2nd Place in 2A Parade Bands
2nd Place in 2A Street Percussion
3rd Place in 2A Color Guard
Sideline Cheer, POM
Did an amazing job performing at home and away football games during the Fall. POM will continue to perform at basketball this Winter.
Wolves Basketball 2025
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Come Cheer on your SRVHS Men’s Varsity Wolves!
Fri. Jan 10 v. DVHS 7:30PM
Tues. Jan 14 @ DLS 7:30PM
Fri. Jan 17 @ Livermore 7:30PM
Tues. Jan 21 v. AVHS 7:30PM
Fri. Jan 24 @ Cal High 7:30PM
Tues. Jan 28 v. Granada 7:30PM
Fri. Jan 31 @ Foothill 7:30PM
Tues. Feb 4 v. Dublin 7:30PM
Fri. Feb 7 v. Monte Vista Time TBD
New Year, New Beginnings
By Kaylan Rizkalli, Member of the Danville Youth Council
January is a month that generally symbolizes new beginnings and renewal. The name January is actually derived from the name of the two-faced Roman god Janus, said to symbolize transition from the past to the future. New Year’s Day kicks off a month dedicated to a fresh start and hopeful wishing for a better year ahead. While many New Year’s Resolutions tend to focus on self improvement in one form or another, some can be drastic - calling for a complete change of way of life. A drastic resolution is often unattainable and can leave many feeling discouraged. Oftentimes, instead of focusing on a complete change, it’s easier to focus on one important aspect of your life you want to improve through small, simple steps. The perfect place to start your journey to self improvement is taking care of your mental health.
This New Year, when creating a fresh start, try to place more of an emphasis on your mental health. Especially for teens, when the New Year often means a stressful semester two filled with AP Exams and tests, the New Year is the perfect time to check in with yourself mentally. Improving your mental health doesn’t have to seem like a big, impossible task. Instead, finding a couple simple yet effective steps to implement in your daily life can create a world of good.
For instance, maybe your goal for the New Year is to practice mindfulness every morning - spending a quiet moment with yourself before launching into your busy day. Another option that can be easily incorporated into any part of the day is a quick meditation. You can easily find a short meditation on YouTube that connects to what you might be feeling that day or even follow a guided meditation script online and reflect on it.
One of the biggest, and probably hardest, things to do that will greatly improve your mental health is getting away from your phone. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to step away from your phone and stop “deadscrolling” on Instagram and Tik Tok. Still, it’s important to remember that time on social media platforms can quickly turn destructive as these apps can be plagued with media that lowers your self-esteem and creates body image issues. Starting off small, and slowly lowering your phone time can greatly benefit your mental health. In the time you spend getting away from your phone, you can dedicate it to reading a new book, journaling, spending time in nature and with friends, and more.
This month, as you begin to take on new beginnings and a fresh start, remember to start small and focus on your mental health. As you look forward to what the new year holds, don’t forget to celebrate your past accomplishments and congratulate yourself on getting through the year.
Kaylan Rizkalli is currently a Junior at Carondelet High School and loves to be active in her community. She is a part of Model United Nations as well as the Multiplying Good club at her school, and plays soccer and lacrosse. In her free time, she loves to play piano and read mystery books. She is thrilled to be a teen journalist for Danville Living CA and is excited to share her thoughts on various topics to peers and neighbors.
January is a Great Time to Reset! Let’s Get Healthy!
By Dr. Cynthia E. Stephenson, DDS
It’s a New Year! Are you prioritizing health and starting the year off with easy steps to improve your body and strengthen your immune system?
1. Preventive Dental Care is Cost-Effective:
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential preventive measures that help detect dental problems early when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
2. Preventive Measures Help Avoid Emergency Dental Visits:
• Neglecting dental health can lead to dental emergencies, such as severe toothaches, infections, or broken teeth, which often require immediate and costly treatments.
3. Early Detection and Treatment Save Money:
• Dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral infections can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more extensive and expensive treatments.
4. Preservation of Natural Teeth:
• Prioritizing preventive care and addressing dental issues promptly can help preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Tooth replacements like dental implants and restorative dentistry is costly and may require ongoing maintenance, making the preservation of natural teeth the more cost-effective option.
5. Prevention of Systemic Health Issues:
• Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
6. Avoidance of Long-Term Dental Costs:
• Neglecting dental health can lead to the need for extensive and costly dental treatments, such as root canal therapy, tooth extractions, or periodontal surgery.
7. Financial Preparedness for Dental Expenses:
• Incorporating dental expenses into your overall financial plan can help you budget for routine dental care, preventive treatments, and any unforeseen dental emergencies.
Quality dental care is not always top of mind but is an important part of planning and maintaining health.
Consider prioritizing dental health as part of your financial and health planning as you look at a new healthy upcoming year! You can look great, feel healthy, and save money!
Day Trips and Getaways
St. Helena, Epicenter of the Wine Lifestyle Experience
By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos by Amy Carabba-Salazar, St. Helena Chamber of Commerce
That 4.5 million people visit Napa Valley each year tends to make us locals think just another major tourism attraction. But all it takes is one day in St. Helena and its quaint Main Street, the nearby world-class wineries to go with top-notch culinary options, spas, and shops, to remind us of how lucky we are to be this close to the epicenter of “the wine lifestyle experience.”
A great way to start is the “Napa Valley Wine Passport” from the St. Helena Welcome Center. For $95 apiece, it gives access to 13 wineries and brings extended tastings, unique wine and food pairings, and tours, like that of historic Beringer Vineyards estate (146-years-old and as stunning as anything you’ll find in the Northern Rhone region of France).
It’s best to buy the Passport and then contact the wineries, as Sterling, Pope Valley, among others, require reservations. The Passport is good for one person but can be used through March 2025.
Spa-centric St. Helena makes it easy to focus on wellness, and the Spa at Meadowood remains a favorite. The resort’s reception, restaurant and cabins burned in the famous 2020 Glass Fire, but the Spa remains and still has its Tree House Milk Bath, which exfoliates and hydrates the skin. The Tree House Mustard Bath helps detoxify, ease muscle aches, and improve circulation, offering a soothing and restorative experience.
Meadowood is located a few miles away off the Silverado Trail, so for those who want to stay on Main Street, Spa Alila offers ancient healing with modern wellness experiences with signature massages, a soothing steam room and guided meditation.
Strolling Main means being tempted to dive into shops, galleries and restaurants that give St. Helena its charm. On the north end, the NO/MA House Café & Collective brings together wine, food, coffee and art. Sample the $7 turmeric latte while you peruse the pottery and jewelry.
Walking into the JCB St. Helena tasting room is like stepping into the boudoir of French king Louis XV – velvet walls and gauche paintings and mirrors on the wall, and a small black bar. JCB offers tastings of high-end French wines, so it’s sort of like a competitor setting up camp in the middle of the Valley. Owner Tim Wood makes it a treat to learn about how the various wines differ and coalesce with Napa’s best.
A visit to the Napa Valley Olive Oil Company is another throwback experience. This barn two blocks off Main Street holds bottles and gallon jugs of olive oil and balsamic vinegars in various varieties. Italian meats, cheeses and other delicacies fill the shelves, and the concrete floor still has the tracks for the small rail cars that hauled olives in for crushing.
Though wine is central to this lifestyle, food is just as important. For mid-day eating, Gillwood’s Café is more traditional breakfast and brunch fare – pancakes, eggs benedict. Need a little more flare? One street east of Main Street is where you’ll find Charlie’s, known for its fried chicken and shrimp and grits, but always get the Campfire Pie.
For dinner, St. Helena spoils with high-end choices such as Press and Cook, and Farmstead at Long Meadow is indeed a true farm-to-table experience. Charter Oak deserves a look because Chef Christopher Kostow, who built the Meadowood Restaurant into a 3-star Michelin stop, is the man behind the menu.
In all, St. Helena is indeed an epicurean attraction, singular, admired around the world that we get to visit any time.
Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
