July
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thur., July 4
Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade
@Historic Downtown Danville
This year’s parade theme is Celebrating Businesses of the San Ramon Valley. Our Grand Marshal in 2024 is Marcia Harmon, owner of Cottage Jewel in Danville. The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized and conducted the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in partnership with the Town of Danville since 1975. The parade attracts 30,000-40,000 spectators each year and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate America’s birth.
Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: Free
Sat., July 6
Music in the Park
@Oak Hill Park
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, hats and snacks and join us for a free evening of music and dancing! Food trucks will be on site for Oak Hill Park concerts. All ages welcome. The July 6th concert will be performed by Jackson Michelson (Country Music).
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Cost: Free
Fri., July 14
Botanica Opening Reception
@Village Theater and Art Gallery
Join us for an enchanting floral exhibition that celebrates the beauty and artistry of flowers. For more information, call the Village Theatre Art Gallery at 925-314-3467 or email artgallery@danville.ca.gov
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: Free
Sat., July 13
Kidchella: Asheba
@ Town Green
Join us for our annual music series, Kidchella. In partnership with the Danville Library, this is a free event that is sure to get kids dancing, participating in story walks, and playing games with Arts and Rec on the Go! Geared towards ages: 0-11. Kidchella Schedule:11:15 am
- Book reading at the Library, 12:00 pm. - Music Performance,1:00 pm. - Arts and Crafts. Time: 11:15am-2pm
Cost: Free
Thur., July 25
Senior Trip
@Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow Public Market, located in the Oxbow District of Napa, has become the local gathering place for great food and wine in downtown Napa and throughout the Napa Valley. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms. The marketplace consists of 22 merchants, each independently owned and operated. This trip will give free time to explore the market and downtown Napa for shopping and more food choices. This trip includes round trip transportation only. Lunch and explore on your own. Pre-registration required. Register at www. danville.ca.gov/recguide or contact the Danville Senior Center at 925-314-3430.
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Cost: $63 (R), $75 (NR)
Wed., July 31
Harry Potter’s Birthday Bash
@Town Green
Join the Town of Danville in celebrating the magic of Harry Potter’s birthday! Activities include crafts, snacks, potions, Quidditch, and Butterbeer! All muggles are welcome. Two sessions are available but pre-registration required. Register online at www. danville.ca.gov/recguide
Time: 3-6:30pm
Cost: $6 (R), $8 (NR)
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: 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: aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Hello Neighbors!
One of my first memories of falling in love with Danville was attending the annual 4th of July parade as a young adult after graduate school. I remember thinking...”I didn’t know places like this still exist....a small town parade with families of all ages, music, food, fun, flags and filled with enthusiastic patriotism.” It was right then I knew I would do my very best to live and raise my family here in Danville. Years later, my very own little Miss America (daughter) will celebrate her 13th birthday on this 4th of July...making it even more of a celebration for our family!
Our July issue of Danville Living is so excited to share with you the Murray Family as our feature residents this month. Annie and Brian have a house full of girls and are soaking up all that Danville has to offer their young family. This issue also includes a great collection of expert articles, highlights of local non-profit events, and student athlete recognitions for all to enjoy.
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
Gut Health
Austin Roseberry ArchaBiota (833)377-5009 www.gutpositive.com
Life Coach
EYC Life Coach
Christina Dalton 925-872-4726 Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhlifecoach.com
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.
Austin Roseberry healed his own gut holistically which led him to teaming up with a scientist to create the ArchaBiota product. The ArchBiota product is geared to help thouse who have Crohn’s, IBS, food sensitivity and Inflammation.
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.
Expert Contributors
Memory Care
Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care
Parveen Singh 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.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.
Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a nurse on staff and 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.
Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 33 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime resident of Danville, where she’s been involved in the community while raising her two children. Lisa takes pride in excellent communication skills, creativity, attention to details, and empathy, to provide the ultimate customer experience and successful transactions. Contact Lisa for “Service from the Heart.” DRE#01111126
Our company offers one-stop shopping for your complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. We handle the design, materials and installation in house, so you only deal with one, full-service company. Find all the styles, fixtures and products for your renovation project in our 20,000 sq. ft. kitchen and bathroom showroom.
Local Danville residents, Jim and Matt have worked with families in the Bay Area for the past two decades. The Carbonell Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.
Meet the Murray Family
Bruins and Bears: United in love and family
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
provided by the Murray Family
Danville native Brian spent many summers attending Lair of the Bear, a Cal Alumni Family Camp, as both his parents were Cal alumni. Many years later, despite attending UCLA, he served as a camp counselor alongside Annie, current Cal student. Annie and Brian had a “glamorous” summer together, “working in the dining hall and cleaning toilets.” The two became close friends and bonded over end of camp awards, as Brian won “Least-Adapted-to-theWoods,” and Annie received the runner-up title. Following that summer, Brian and Annie remained friends as they finished up their degrees in Los Angeles and Berkeley, but did not start officially dating until years later. In 2011, they reconnected while Annie was clerking at the SF District Attorney’s office and Brian was working at Yammer, a small start-up in SoMa. Annie recalls how sparks flew (literally) when Brian took her on the back of his Vespa for a harrowing journey over the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods. Within just a few months, Brian proposed to Annie at the Grand Canyon, and the two were married later that year at the Historical Museum in Santa Barbara.
Having grown up in Laguna Hills, Annie loves calling Danville home but sometimes can’t resist a weekend down south to visit some of her favorite spots: Pedros in San Clemente, Disneyland, and grabbing coffee in Dana Point. After high school, she left SoCal to attend UC Berkeley. After graduation, Annie enrolled in law school at Indiana University. After her first year at IU, Annie took a summer clerkship at the SF DA’s office, which led her to visit Brian at his Yammer office. She decided to abandon her dreams of putting criminals behind bars when she experienced the free food, scooters, and swag-a-plenty of the startup life. After law school, Annie worked at Dropbox for four years but now is happily tenured as the “Chief Operating Officer of the Murray household, collaborating with her four diminutive colleagues.” Brian, on the other hand, is a second generation Danville “townie.” Many in town may even know his mom who graduated from from all the Danville schools and was the registrar at both SRVHS and MVHS. Brian is also a proud graduate from Vista Grande, Charlotte Wood, and SRVHS, only leaving the Bay Area for Los Angeles for a few
years to obtain his degree at UCLA. Brian returned to the Bay and took a job at Yammer, a fledgling start-up where he met many of the people he continues to work with today. Brian now works in venture capital and helps start companies.
The Murray household is filled with girl power! Marlowe (8), Charlotte (6), Brynn (4) and Kit (2) fill the Murray home with laughter and backyard play time. Brian and Annie are “passionate about disconnecting from technology, plugging into nature, and connecting with family and friends.” On Mondays, you can find Brian taking one of the girls on a Daddy-Daughter dessert night and Saturdays are reserved for Annie to surprise one of the girls for a Mommy-Daughter day date. Danville Chocolates, Sideboard, or Lottie’s are some favorite downtown spots for the girls. When Annie is not cheering on the Warriors, you will find her volunteering at Montair Elementary in the girls’ classrooms or power walking down Sheri Lane with a kiddo in tow. Brian loves spending his Thursdays playing soccer with some fellow SRVHS Mens’ Soccer alumni. Growing up, Brian worked at Windmill Farms, McCovey’s, and the old Andronico’s. One of the best parts of moving back to Danville is seeing childhood friends return and raise their own families right here in our small, yet vibrant town. Brian and Annie even set up one of Brian’s childhood best friends with Annie’s sister, and now they are married with four boys and live in Alamo…”best friend turned brother-in-law!”
With a growing family and knowing grandparents/babysitters were just down the street, moving to Danville felt like a “no brainer.” It didn’t
Photos
take much to convince Annie that “Danville was the best place to raise their family. One trip to Dominico’s, a picnic at Osage, and some shuffleboard at Elliot’s was all it took.” The Murray family has been settled into their westside Danville home since 2022 and have loved the new (and reconnecting with old) friends they have made here. While they always love planning a fun trip to Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas, Sea Ranch or Pinecrest, coming back home to the friendly faces will always remind them how blessed they feel to be raising their family here 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.
A Different Kind of Memory Care
Our Lightfinder™ Memory Care respects the life experiences, history and legacy of your loved one. Available 24/7, our team is dedicated to treating your loved one with respect, dignity and compassion.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Cole Kuiper, 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: Monday-Sunday, 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.
Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:
Zeppelin is a sweet, active companion who would make an excellent adventure buddy. He can be a bit timid but blossoms quickly when given the chance and some treats. He loves to chase toys, frolic in the yard, and follow his nose to explore new places
Bonus: Zeppelin’s adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous admirer!
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
River is full of love and looking for a family that will give him nice chin scratches. He will need regular brushing and some play time with his favorite toys.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $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 Veteranss
DISTINCTIVE LIVING MEETS BEST-IN-CLASS CARE
For more than 20 years, Belmont Village has set the standard for senior living and care in the Bay Area. Elegant yet welcoming, Belmont Village San Ramon will be a vibrant, innovative community nestled in the heart of Bishop Ranch. Unparalleled hospitality, award-winning programs and renowned first-rate clinical care, surrounded by upscale shopping, dining, walking trails, arts and attractions. Experience the difference.
Pre-Opening Rates Available for a Limited Time
Ilo Ln
El Dorado Ave
Ilo Ln
$598,000
Danville Oak Pl Ashley
Pending Listings
W Prospect Avenue
Cathy Lane
Appian Court
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Navigating Your Child’s Success Story; The College Application
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
AsI reflect on my own daughters’ high school experiences, I worked to support them with all the tools possible to instill preparation for their college journey. Part of that journey was defining and executing which colleges would best support them in their personal, professional, and social needs. My biggest goals included that my girls had a rigorous curriculum so that they would be able to handle college. I also strived to support them to be balanced in their passions to enjoy the high school experience. Ultimately, I now realize that what I created is the package each student needs to be competitive in today’s college application process.
If you have a student who is entering high school or is in high school, the first step is to be sure that they have a solid four year plan that supports their interests and their college major. For instance, if your child is planning on a premed or an engineering major, it is critical that their math and science classes align to these majors. The colleges want to see sequence and depth in their curriculum. Simultaneously, your child’s extracurricular interest to include summertime activities is a critical part of this portfolio.
The summer months provide time to boost your child’s interests to build their profile. The student can do an ample amount of programs to further support their goals. For instance, the options may include:
1. Boosting their sports or theater by taking advantage of traveling teams, club sports, workouts, city plays and musicals….
2. Take classes at the local community college or enroll in accredited online programs to further the academic knowledge in the field they love
3. Do informational interviews, job shadow, find an internship or do research on a topic that supports their interests
4. Do volunteer work
5. Have a paid job
All of the above can demonstrate your child’s passions, perseverance, and the ability to be responsible. Each activity is proof of your student’s dedication to learn and grow. Finally, summer is a great time to plan college visits. If your family goes to Disneyland for example, UCLA, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, Loyola Marymount and several other colleges are within an hour’s drive from the Disney Park. Visitations are key to inspire your child and also to get a sense where he/she feels good about attending. If this sounds too complicated,
EYHLifeCoach strives to manage the stress for you and your child. Reach us, your professionals, in the coaching journey. We guide families in each step of the process. We would love to travel this road with you.
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.
Open Heart Kitchen Gala
By Denise Boulter, Development Director
Let’s paint the roses red at the Heart in the Tri-Valley Gala for Open Heart Kitchen. Just like Alice In Wonderland, we invite you to step through the looking glass and into a world of compassion and generosity. Join Open Heart Kitchen for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fine dining, and entertainment.
Your presence supports our programs that provide nutritious meals and shelter to those in need. Open Heart Kitchen serves people in need through five programs: Community Meals for all, Senior Meals for older adults, Street Outreach for neighbors experiencing homelessness, Pop-Up grocery distributions, and our newly opened Open Heart Refuge adult shelter.
Together let’s all be the Queen, or King, of Hearts and create a brighter future for those facing food insecurity and homelessness.
Friday, September 6, 2024 at 6 pm at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton
Tickets are $150 each or Table of Ten for $1,500 Don’t miss the Special Early Bird price of $1,250 for a table of ten until July 31st!
Last Minute Band is an 8-piece cover band that fills the dance floor with their renditions of soul, R&B, disco, Motown, funk, and some modern tunes.
Purchase tickets at www.openheartkitchen.org/gala
Open Heart Kitchen board members (left to right): Janette Pace, Mike Haase, Erick Lovdahl, and Chuck Deckert
49er Cal-High Sports Award Recipients from SRVHS
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Lastmonth, 49er Cal-High Sports honored several SRVHS athletes during a banquet at Levi’s Stadium for their amazing achievements on and off the field/court. Congratulations to these athletes! We are Wolf Proud!
Marco Jones- NCS Football Player of the Year
Marco has been playing football since the age of 7. Playing football at SRV has really shown the strong community that Danville brings to every game. Marco works extremely hard with a strict training regimen, so he was honored to receive last year’s 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Defensive Player of the Year in NCS and this year’s Overall Player of the Year! Marco is looking forward to a great senior season before heading to college in the winter.
-Kathryn Jones, mother to Marco Jones
Max Ellis- Play of the Year
“Max has had an amazing time playing baseball at SRV. He appreciated all the time and effort his coach’s put into his development and will always have a special place in his heart for SRV baseball. He’s received different honors while playing at SRV and closed out his senior year with a 1st Team All League nod. But, winning Play of the Year and being honored at the 49er Cal High banquet was icing on the cake for him and a great way to finish his baseball career. Max will be attending the University of Mississippi, in Oxford Mississippi this fall. Congrats Max!”
-Marcey Ellis, mother to Max Ellis
Ella Beardslee- NCS Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Ella grew up in Alamo, attended Rancho Romero Elementary, Stone Valley Middle School and just graduated from San Ramon Valley High School. Ella has been passionate about playing soccer ever since her first clinic with Lil’ Kickers when she was 4 years old! Ella went on to play for Mustang Soccer Club and most recently played for Mike Kelley on the ECNL team. During her senior year at SRV Ella was a Team Captain, named first team All-League for EBAL and Cal-Hi Sports NCS Player of the Year. The Varsity Women’s Soccer team won NCS and made it to State. Ella was also honored as a Scholar Athlete and Athlete of the Month Winner at SRV. Outside of soccer, Ella was very active in Leadership at SRV, a Rally Leader and graduated with High Honors. She is actively involved at Community Presbyterian Church in Danville and works at the Church on weekends. Ella loves to participate in mission trips with the Church and attends Camp Ozark Christian Camp each summer in Arkansas. Ella is also a youth coach for Mustang Soccer Club. Ella will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall and studying Communications.
-Kelly Beardslee, father to Ella Beardslee
Sierra Chambers- NCS Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Sierra Chambers is honored to be the 49er Cal-Hi NCS Girls Basketball Player of the Year. As a four year varsity starter, Sierra is part of the 1,000+ club and won EBAL championship three times. Sierra will be playing D1 basketball at Southern Utah next year.
-Melanie Chamber, mother to Sierra Chambers
Luke Baker- NCS Scholar Athlete of the Year
Luke Baker, Class of 2024 at San Ramon Valley High School, was recently honored at a 49ers Cal-Hi Sports event at Levi Stadium. Luke was named the 49ers Cal-Hi Sports NCS Scholar Athlete of the year. Luke played quarterback for San Ramon and has been named the East Bay Athletic League Player of the Year for both his junior and senior seasons. In his junior season, Luke was awarded All-State First Team by Cal-Hi Sports and named Bay Area Player of the year. Luke led his team to NCS and NorCal championships on the way to the California State Championship. He has set numerous school and state records including throwing for 513 yards in a single game. Luke was named San Ramon Athlete of the year for his senior year while earning a 5.0 GPA his last semester. Luke was awarded a full-ride scholarship to play football and baseball starting this fall at Sac State where he plans to study applied math.
-Darlene Baker, mother to Luke Baker
Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips
By Xochitl Barajas, Marketing Coordinator Eco-Pro
Here are some helpful tips to know for the summer.
Check Air Filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. Regularly inspect and replace air filters, typically every 1-3 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Inspect Thermostat Settings: Ensure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and mode (cooling or heating). Replace batteries if necessary, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management.
Clear Debris Around Outdoor Unit: Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the outdoor unit (condenser) to maintain proper airflow.
Check Air Vents and Registers: Make sure air vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture, curtains, or other objects. Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and cause uneven heating or cooling.
Clean Condenser Coils: Dirty condenser coils can reduce the system’s ability to remove heat efficiently. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the coils, and consider scheduling professional coil cleaning annually.
Monitor System Performance: Pay attention to any unusual sounds, odors, or changes in performance from your HVAC system.
Gorgeous (intelligent) Landscape
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass
Abeautifully landscaped yard is one of the features of a home that brings great joy and in most cases, it can turn an ordinary house into an extraordinary home. Make wise choices - it’s important to consider your desired look & function, water limitations, local wildlife and eco-friendly options. If you are thinking about landscape improvements and have the option of hiring a professional landscape architect or design specialist, it’s a good way to go. The end results will show. If that’s not an option, here are some tips to consider while you’re planning.
Get to know your neighbors. Not the people, but rather the wildlife that shares your home. While some of them are adorably cute, they can also be incredibly destructive as they go about their business of looking for food. Before you plant, do some research to see if your desired plants are on the favorite foods lists for gophers, moles, voles, ground squirrels & deer, or if they are a natural repellant. Trust me, your life will be much happier if you avoid the favorite foods. Good news - gophers are repelled by the smell of lavender!
Consider choosing drought tolerant plants, especially if your yard gets full sun. This may be the solution if you currently have a lawn that you’re fighting to keep green, without breaking the bank with your water bill. There are gorgeous options for creating a low maintenance, low water usage yard that have a very current look. You’ll do best to select native plants and can help the environment at large by avoiding invasive species. Many of these are excellent options if you wish to plant to help pollinators, such as honeybees, butterflies & hummingbirds. If you are considering removing your lawn, be sure to check out EBMUD’s lawn conversion rebate program. It may cover all or part of the cost of your project and they even offer landscape design consultants. No matter what type of plants you choose, be sure to amend the soil and create optimal water conditions. A drip system and mulch are generally the best for conserving water.
Avoid plants and trees that are especially flammable, such as eucalyptus or manzanita. They may thrive in our region, but they put your home at greater risk from fire and they may impact your homeowner’s insurance. On top of that, your human neighbors may get a little grumpy if they see you planting these. On the subject of trees, be sure to do your research. Know what to expect in terms of size and root characteristics. If you’re planting close to a structure or hardscape, you’ll want to avoid trees with wandering, shallow root systems. These can be result in roots invading pipes, lifting walkways or damaging your foundation and patios. Did you know that redwood trees need to be planted in groups of 3 or more, preferably in a triangle? They rely on each other for stability. If your home has solar panels, or if you want to add some in the future, remember to think about the location and not plant trees that will eventually block sunlight from the panels. Did you know that Danville protects a lot of trees? Before planting, you may want to consider whether the variety is on the protected list, in case you want to keep options open for something else in that location, in the future.
Finally, plan for the seasons. You’ll want to select a variety of plants that are in their prime, at different times throughout the year. Find out when they bloom or if the leaves change color. It’s wise to mix in some evergreens, to keep your yard looking good in the winter, too. One of my favorite garden features is the smell of exquisite blooms. Aromatic daphne, jasmine, gardenias, citrus and lavender all do well in our region. Be sure to check on frost hardiness and sun and soil requirements, for the best possible results.
If you’re thinking about sprucing up your yard to prepare for a sale, you may want to take a different approach. Every home is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-9645010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass. com for a custom analysis of your options. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate has been impressing her clients for 33 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime Danville resident, where she’s been actively involved in the community while raising her two children. DRE#01111126
Sausage Burgers
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
Who’sready for burger season? I love a good burger, but sometimes I need a change. This super savory burst of delicious sausage flavor is the new favorite in my house. Thanks to the seasoning already in the sausage, you don’t even need to add anything to it. I didn’t even put ketchup or mustard on my burger. The bell peppers and cheese were all I needed. Serve these up at your next poolside barbecue and I guarantee there will not be leftovers.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4
You will need;
• 3/4 pound of Italian sausage, or three sausage links with the casing removed (hot or mild)
• 1/2 Pound ground beef (80/20 fat is best)
1 Red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1/2 Large yellow onion, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Provolone cheese
Putting it together;
In a medium size bowl, mix the Italian sausage and the ground beef together with your hands, making sure to incorporate the two meats well. You can add burger seasoning or salt and pepper if you like. Divide them into four patties. Place the patties on a preheated barbecue or stove top skillet and grill to your liking. Since this burger does contain mostly sausage, it’s not advised to serve it rare. If you have a meat thermometer, it should be 160° internally or higher. Remove the burgers to a plate to rest and add provolone cheese. In that same skillet, drizzle a little oil and add the onions and peppers. Sauté the peppers and onions on medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until caramelized. Adding the garlic salt. Evenly divide the peppers and onions on top of each sausage burger and serve immediately.
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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Non-Invasive Clear Aligners can transform an ordinary smile into a Spectacular Smile!
By Dr. Cynthia E. Stephenson, DDS
We have an innovative, simple, quick, non-invasive option to make your smile dazzle!
Using Invisalign and teeth whitening treatments are both effective ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Let’s look at Invisalign in more detail:
Invisalign: Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a discreet option for teeth straightening.
The process starts with a personal consultation with the doctor. We assess your teeth and bite and create a custom treatment plan tailored to your needs. Using advanced computer imaging technology, a series of clear aligners will be designed specifically for you.
One benefit of having a Cosmetic Restorative dentist prescribe your Invisalign is that the treatments are shorter. We are typically not making skeletal or large sale changes in the bite, but are keyed into preventing wear and damage, reducing potential for sleep apnea, improving periodontal cleaning accessibility, and look at esthetics in a unique and valuable way.
Once we’ve straightened your teeth, in the final visit we focus on minor refining making sure your bite is correct. Cosmetic dentists are experts at minor but profound contouring and polishing. We scan for your final retainers and then we’ll whiten your smile to dazzle!
KOR whitening is the most effective professional whitening system that we have used. It has chemistry-controlled whiteners, shipped on dry ice, and special state-of-the-art desensitizers. It provides a more effective and more comfortable system for whitening than anything we have used in 30 years.
By combining Invisalign to straighten your teeth, and teeth whitening to enhance their brightness, you can achieve a beautiful, confident smile in the least invasive way. The average Invisalign case only takes 4 months!
Invisalign Special: $1000 OFF
Come in to discuss your unique situation and goals. It’s fun and easy and now more affordable than ever!
Call TODAY!!!
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS 1981 North Broadway Suite #212 Walnut Creek, Ca 94596 925.938.6000
New AviClear Laser Treatment for Acne
By Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS
AtBlackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their aesthetic and skincare goals, and believe that a new laser procedure called AviClear will be a real game-changer in the treatment of acne. We are also thrilled to be one of the first practices in Northern California to add this treatment to our comprehensive range of skincare solutions.
As a member of the team that developed, tested, and secured FDA approval for AviClear, I am particularly excited to bring this advanced technology to our patients. AviClear is designed to provide a cuttingedge solution for individuals struggling with mild to persistent acne. This state-of-theart laser treatment targets the root causes of acne, offering a powerful and effective approach to achieving clear and healthy skin. Unlike traditional acne treatments that rely on topical or systemic medications, AviClear utilizes advanced laser technology
to address acne at its source, providing longlasting results without the common side effects associated with other treatments.
One of the key advantages of AviClear is its ability to precisely target and destroy acnecausing bacteria while also reducing sebum production, which is often a significant contributor to acne development. This dualaction approach not only treats existing acne but also helps prevent future breakouts, offering a comprehensive solution for individuals of all ages and skin types.
Additionally, AviClear’s advanced technology minimizes discomfort during treatment, making it a comfortable option for patients. The treatment is designed to be quick and effective, allowing patients to resume their daily activities with minimal downtime. Our expert team is highly trained in administering AviClear, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care and achieves the best possible results.
If you, a friend, or a family member is interested in learning more about how AviClear can help deliver clear skin, please call our office at 925-736-5757 or visit our website to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
SKIN CARE OPEN HOUSE and AVICLEAR LAUNCH EVENT:
On Thursday, July 11th, from 4-6 PM, we will be hosting a launch event and skincare Open House. During the event, I will provide an overview of AviClear and unveil a brandnew line of our very own Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa skincare products. But that’s not all! At 6:30 PM that same day, we will begin broadcasting our episode of BPS Live! with our first-ever live studio audience! The whole afternoon promises to be both fun and informative, and we hope you can join us.
Are Your Kids’ Teeth Ready for Summer?
By Dr. Cynthia E. Stephenson, DDS
Kids Under 8: Summer means different schedules and sometimes junky snacks on the go. Consider filling them up with protein rich, low sugar, low processed foods. Watch snacking on juices, even a lot of fruits in the afternoon can give kids cavities. Try to brush after breakfast and before bed. Regular cleanings with fluoride and education can prevent cavities.
Kids 8-14: Watch that new independence as it relates to food and beverage choices. Teach them to read labels, fill them up with nutrition and caution against artificial sports drinks and watch sticky candy from the snack shack. Empower them to make healthy choices for their brains and athletics. Regular dental visits can give them another perspective reinforcing prevention. The Sonicare toothbrush and Water Pick are great tools at this age during orthodontics.
Kids 14-18: Solidify habits with help from your dentist. Nutrition and hygiene habits take on new meaning when kids this age want fresh breath, healthy gums, and white teeth. Good diet and hygiene habits, along with adult sealants, removal of wisdom teeth, and regular retainer wearing help prepare them for a lifetime of no cavities and beautiful smiles. Your dentist is another professional adult who can provide guidance on avoiding tobacco products and vape, and educate about the harmful effects of drug use on oral and overall health. It takes a village.
Communication, partnership, and education with your Dentist can have a huge impact on your child’s oral health. Oral health is just
one aspect of health but early prevention saves a lifetime of potential discomfort, inconvenience, and expense.
Beautiful healthy smiles have a huge impact on kids’ self-esteem and wellbeing.
Written by Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, D.D.S., trained at UCLA, and Albert Einstein Medical Hospital. For further questions please call 925-9386000 or visit www.DentistOfWalnutCreek.com.
The Addams Family, the Musical
By Alicia Gee, Project Manager SRVEF
Please join us as Summer Imgineering Theater presents
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Young@Part A NEW MUSICAL
Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE
Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Date: Thursday, July 25th / Friday, July 26th
Time: 7 pm, doors open at 6:30
Location: California High School
Cost: Adult $10 / Student $5
https://srvef.org/imagineering/
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt, Five Cent Productions, Stephen Schuler, Decca Theatricals, Scott M. Delman, Stuart Ditsky, Terry Allen Kramer, Stephanie P. McClelland, James L. Nederlander, Eva Price, Jam Theatricals/Mary LuRoffe, Pittsburgh CLO/Gutterman-Swinsky, Vivek Tiwary/Gary Kaplan, The Weinstein Company/Clarence, LLC, Adam Zotovich/Tribe Theatricals; By Special Arrangement with Elephant EyeTheatrical Young@Part Edition adapted by Marc Tumminelli and originally workshopped at Broadway Workshop in NYC
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Young@Part A NEW MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.www. theatricalrights.com
Danville Children’s Guild
By Amanda Chavez, Danville Children’s Guild
Chances are you haven’t heard about an amazing nonprofit run by 50 women who volunteer their time to raise money for programs providing direct services to Contra Costa County youth. And yet Danville Children’s Guild has raised over 1.5 million dollars for children’s charities since 1999. In 2023, the organization was recognized as nonprofit of the year by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Most recently, Danville Children’s Guild, raised over $20,000 at a Fiesta for Youth “fun-raiser” on May 23, 2024. The event was held at Taco Bell Cantina in Danville with proceeds going directly to a Richmond based nonprofit working to help students to be the first in their families to go to and graduate from college. The event was made possible with underwriting from Rudney Associates, a financial advising firm in Alamo. Throughout the night, attendees had opportunities to win a trip to Puerto Vallarta, a 14k gold and diamond necklace, and dinner for 12. Items were donated by local businesses Love You More, The Long Table, and B.Allan Jewelers.
For more information on Danville Children’s Guild please go to www.danvillechildrensguild.org
