Danville Living CA October 2020 by Danville Living CA

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

OCTOBER 2020

Danville LIVING CA

Meet the Pickerings Pets, Projects, and Positivity Photo by Kim Lind Photography

OCTOBER 2020

Family Owned Since 1962 - Expert Diagnosis & Solutions I.S.A Certified Arborists - Licensed - Insured - Bonded

Complete Tree Service - Landscape Maintenance Tree Pruning - Cabling Shaping - Surgery - Tree Removal Stump Grinding - Tree Spraying

Table of Contents Letter to Residents

Expert Contributors List

Meet the Pickerings: Pets, Projects, and Positivity

ARF Adoption Stars

Real Estate Statistics

Calendar of Events

SPENGA, your all-in-one workout emphasizing SPin - strENgth - yoGA

Real-life Examples of Supply and Demand

Cottage Jewel - a harvest from past to present!

The New I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center

Girl Scouts Welcome Here!

Smallcakes Danville is SWEET!

Two families find a true labor of love in running a business together

Bonneville Salt Flats

How Theater is Adapting to a Virtual

A Virtual Day in the Life

Greek Chicken Gyro

Parenting during the Pandemic: “Breakfast for Dinner”

Seasonal Design Shifts to Keep Your Space Fresh

Tee it Up in Truckee Tee Time

The Times They Are a Changin’ – And So Are We: Padis Jewelry Downtown Napa is Now Open!

Cover Article

Pet Adoption Corner

Contractor’s Lic. 393973

Complete Outdoor Pest Control Insect & Disease Control - Landscape, Trees, Yard Spraying Systemic & Injection Treatments Fertilizing - Soil Conditioning Gophers - Moles - Rodent Control atlaspestcontrol@atlaspestcontrol.com

License #39316

Business Spotlight

Expert Contributor

Business Spotlight

Arts and Culture Girl Scouts

Business Spotlight

Business Profile

Life is an Adventure

Arts and Culture

San Ramon Valley High School

Cooking Corner Family Time

Expert Contributor

DANVILLE LIVING CA 3

Hey Neighbors! Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

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.

Welcome to Fall. It feels odd that we’re still in a bit of a social limbo - Halloween? Football? Birthday parties? But one thing that has been proven repeatedly in the crazy year that is 2020, is everyone’s dedication to find the silver lining. Our Rec team with the Town of Danville is offering all sorts of virtual classes, small business shopping has been made a top priority, and neighbors seem to be looking out for one another like never before. In this issue of Danville Living CA you are going to meet two very special west side residents, Dave and Kathleen Pickering. These two were nominated with high praise and when I started to get to know them, it was clear that every word was well deserved! I hope you enjoy learning about them. You will also hear from our industry experts and learn about some other local businesses. As always, if you have a thought or story to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am dedicated to sharing your experiences. See you around town!

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

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DRIVEWAYS WALKWAYS PATIOS STAIRS RETAINING WALLS LANDSCAPING POOL DECKS

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OCTOBER 2020

Expert Contributors

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Arboriculture Atlas Tree Service Inc. Steven Duncan 925-687-3631 atlastreeservice@atlastreeservice.com www.atlastreeservice.com

Steve Duncan is the manager for Atlas Tree Services and has been working for the company since 1989. He has been a Certified Arborist since 1997, specializing in helping homeowners and developers throughout the Bay Area with understanding the health and impact of the trees on their lands.

Cosmetic Surgery Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality cosmetic treatments in the Blackhawk area for more than 15 years. Now they are thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic led by migraine specialist, Alicia Choquette. Alicia brings over 5 years of migraine expertise to the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic and looks forward to helping patients live a better quality of life migraine free.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Remodeling

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.

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.

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

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

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

America’s Dream Homeworks Vlad Chernioglo vladc@dreamhomeworks.com (916) 739-0996

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

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

Resident Feature is proudly sponsored by Syntero Group

Meet the Pickerings Pets, Projects, and Positivity By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

or over thirty years Dave and Kathleen Pickering have made their home on the west side of Danville, a place filled with love, hard work and generosity. They’ve made lasting friendships with their neighbors, created a dream backyard for themselves and their pets, and spent years working with local pet rescue organization, ARF. In 1962, right after his high school graduation, Dave Pickering joined the Air Force and left his home in Indiana. During his four year tour of duty, he was stationed in places such as Texas, Nevada, Greenland, and San Francisco. In 1965, while stationed above the Arctic Circle in Greenland at a remote 17 man site, Dave was involved in the DEW line (Distant Early Warning) defense program, necessary for listening for military transmissions over the polar ice cap during the Cold War. There was a long stretch where the sun didn’t rise and the daily temperature was on average -30 to -50 degrees. “During the 90 day dark period when the sun never rose, I could enjoy the most amazing displays of the Aura Borealis. The heavens were dancing with murmuring waves of green lights,” said Dave of his time up north. Dave literally “left his heart in San Francisco” when he fell in love with the city while stationed there in 1964. In 1966 he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and 30 days after returning home to Indiana, Dave made the trek back to San Francisco in a family car with $300 and a single suitcase. “A week later I applied to a newspaper ‘want ad’ in the Palo Alto Times for a job at Pacific Telephone & Telegraph in Palo Alto, and was hired that same week.” Both Kathleen and Dave had long careers in various roles, including IT/Operations at Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, which through a series of name changes is now better known as AT&T. “We met at Pacific Telephone & Telegraph sharing a rolling ladder working on a problem in the Central Office in 1980,” says Kathleen. They’ve been together for over four decades, officially tying the knot on February 29, 2016 - which means they just celebrated their “first” anniversary earlier this year!

The Pickerings love their work with ARF.

Kathleen worked for AT&T for over 30 years, and after that moved on to working at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation for over 11 years. Her most adorable coworker is their certified therapy dog, Romeo, “He works with ARF in their Pet Hug Pack program visiting schools and participating in ARF’s All Ears Reading program. He also visits children with disabilities during the summer at Camp Arroyo in Livermore.” A few years ago Romeo went Twitter famous when Danica Patrick gave him a smooch and shared it with her 500,000 followers! The Pickerings also adopted sweet Gracie from ARF. These days she hangs out in her Catopia aptly named Gracieland. Dave built the whole thing, and Gracie is able to access it whenever she wants thanks to a pet door inside the house. Aside from being a talented woodworker, Dave is an accomplished stained glass maker as well. “Dave loves stained glass and is currently making ‘Toucans with Attitude’ for mounting in our palm trees by the pool,” says Kathleen. With a complementing creative mindset, Kathleen’s hobbies include handbell ringing, gardening, and teaching friends how to make chocolate tulips and other confectionery delights. The Pickerings can proudly say that after many years of growing giant pumpkins, they can now add “First Place Winner” to their trophy case! “We would have the neighbors bring their kids to watch their dads help load it into a trailer to take to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival each year.”

OCTOBER 2020

The neighborhood that Dave and Kathleen call home is a tight-knit one. Dave serves as the Neighborhood Watch ambassador and is the go-to guy for mail and package collection when friends go on vacation. When they first moved in, Dave helped out elderly next door neighbor Winifred Haagensen with her trash cans. “She lived alone next door and for the next 11 years Dave volunteered to help her with whatever she needed so she could live out her days in her home, which she did until age 91. She was quite a woman and started the “Tree of Lights” fundraiser event to help hospice.” It was a beautiful connection that set the tone for how neighbors can become so much more. 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.

Toucans with Attitude.

Kathleen teaches friends and family the fine arts of crafting decadent chocolate truffles and roses.

Their giant pumpkin contender!

DANVILLE LIVING CA 7

Pet Corner

Birdie

ARF Adoption Stars Submitted by ARF

Hula

Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a no-contact virtual adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Six-year-old Birdie is a sweet, sensitive girl searching for a special someone to take her under their wing. She loves tasty treats, the company of other canine friends, and napping in cozy spots. While Birdie enjoys walks in quiet areas, loud cars and heavy foot traffic are overwhelming for her. Birdie’s perfect home would be a calm, quiet household with another gentle, low-key dog who would like to be friends. The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $350, for adult dogs is $250, and senior dogs (7+ years) and special needs dogs are 50% off the adoption fee.

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. 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.

Ten-year-old Hula will happily greet you with a gentle meow and head bunt. This sweetheart is so affectionate and enjoys being close to people. He is looking for a loving home with lots of cozy places to snuggle, including your lap, where he will happily purr up a storm. Hula has some arthritis in his spine and is taking gabapentin for pain management. Hula’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) is $150, for adult cats is $100, $25 off each for multiple cats/kittens, and senior cats (7+ years) and special needs cats are 50% off the adoption fee.

OCTOBER 2020

Real Estate Listings in West Danville Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Gatti Real Estate Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 9/10/20

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

El Dorado Ave Rubicon Cir Inman Court W El Pintado

Railroad Ave Clipper Hill Rd Montecito Dr Camino Encanto

$519,900 $659,900 $1,199,000 $1,199,000

871 1391 2255 2318

2 2 4 4

2 2 3 2

$1,549,000 $1,599,000 $1,688,000 $1,936,000

1383 3382 1886 2475

2 5 3 4

2 3 3 3

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Ilo Ln Danville Oak Place River Rock Veda Dr Weller Ln Cedar Hollow Drive Remington Ct

Sheri Ln Remington Dr La Gonda Ct Rio Del Ct Pixie Ln Del Amigo Rd 61 Emerald Dr

$510,000 $849,000 $959,000 $1,189,000 $1,199,000 $1,329,000 $1,669,000

1012 1493 1375 999 2578 2093 2760

2 3 3 3 3 4 4

1 2 2 1 2 2 3

$1,679,000 $1,725,000 $1,790,000 $1,795,000 $1,798,000 $1,895,000 $1,995,000

2479 2945 2877 2191 1584 2219 2841

4 4 5 4 3 4 5

3 2 3 3 2 2 2

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Ilo ln Podva Rd

822 Podva Rd $625,000 Danville Oak Pl $698,000

$514,500 $595,000

$514,500 $584,000

1012 1094

2 2

$625,000 $760,000

1094 992

2 2

1 2

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.

As Danville natives, we know Danville and the San Ramon Valley

Pending

61 Emerald Dr, Westside Danville 5 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2,842 Sq Ft | $1,995,000 Representing Buyer

Sold

440 Montcrest Place, Westside Danville

822 Podva Rd Apt A, Danville

4 Beds | 2 Full Baths + 2 Partial Baths | 3,133 Sq Ft 1.6 Estate Acre Lot | $2,000,000 As Is

2 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1,094 Sq Ft | $625,000

During this uncertain time, you need proven real estate professionals who you can always trust. Ron & Joe Gatti are here to help guide you through this journey.

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.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 9

October

2020

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Oct. 11

Every Wednesday

Every Saturday

San Ramon Valley Run For Education Goes Virtual

10-8 “Make people’s lives better by Safeguarding the Lives, Rights, and Property of the people we serve”

Farmers’ Market

@Anywhere and Everywhere A virtual run is a race where you can run, jog, walk or roll for the distance of your choosing. Whether on the road, trail, treadmill or track, you pick the finish line. Complete a virtual 1K (Friendship or Mini Run), 5K, 10K, or create one of your own. Should you choose to time yourself, you can upload the results and even print a certificate of completion! Earn money for your school! Simply register for the event and you are in! https://www.srvef.org/ The-Run-For-Education/Race-Information

Fri., Oct. 16

SRVHS Homecoming Parade @Downtown Danville Museum of the San Ramon Valley Looking for something to do outside while still social distancing? Learn more about the history of the San Ramon Valley. https:// museumsrv.org/historical-markers/ Also check out the Eugene O’Neill collections online

Sun., Oct. 18

Meet the Maker: Kappy Venezia @Cottage Jewel on Hartz Each week Cottage Jewel hosts a “Meet the Maker” artisan pop-up event at their store located at 391 Hartz Avenue. Local mosaic artisan, Kappy Venezia, will be hosting Mosaic Memory Jug workshop (limited to 6 participants) - call or visit the shop for reservation details (925)837-2664

@Facebook Live Join Police Chief Allan Shields and Lieutenant Jason Ingrassia every Wednesday at 5:00 PM for the Town of Danville Police Department’s weekly show. Hear about current trends, crime prevention and community preparedness strategies. You can also submit your questions to be answered live on the show.

Every Friday

Follow Up Friday and Future Focus Business Meeting @Online via Zoom With the COVID-19 pandemic creating, almost daily, changes to both our general and business communities The Town of Danville is partnering with the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce to provide a weekly platform to share updates as to what has transpired over the previous week (CARES Act, Shelter In Place, Essential Business Designations, County Health Services Declarations, Economic Development, etc.). Further, to assist with visioning, as we look forward to what resources and actions will need to be taken today, to prepare for our current and future recovery. Register here: https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_HNCVRq2QQpS6BLgqx9uLwA Time: 10-11am

@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 freshcut 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

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 non-profits 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.

OCTOBER 2020

DANVILLE LIVING CA 11

Business Spotlight

SPENGA,

your all-in-one workout emphasizing SPin - strENgth - yoGA Story and Photos by Rachel Wood, Resident since 1999

ay goodbye to multiple gym memberships and hello to Danville’s newest fitness studio, SPENGA! If you’ve been wondering what all the buzz is about, here’s your inside scoop. Unlike other fitness studios, SPENGA combines three essential elements of fitness to create one workout that is simply known as the best workout ever. Each 60 minute SPENGA session boosts your endurance, strengthens your muscles and restores your body through 20 minutes of spin, 20 minutes of HIIT training and 20 minutes of yoga. A routine unlike your ordinary, SPENGA sessions inspire with power boosting music, energy-fueled HIIT training, and revitalizing active recovery that bring you one class closer to discovering your healthiest, happiest self.

So who’s bringing your favorite new studio to Danville? Two Bay Area families who happened upon this business by chance, but invested by choice. The Drotars and Passanissis fell in love with the

Stop in and save on AAA House Manager Have questions about AAA House Manager? Wondering if our service is right for you? Our Agents are available and ready to help. Stop by our San Ramon branch and mention Danville Living to receive 20% off an annual AAA House Manager membership. Visit our San Ramon branch located at 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd Ste 5, San Ramon © 2020 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. All rights reserved. AAA House Manager is a service provided by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah.

OCTOBER 2020

Be sure to follow their Instagram and like their Facebook page for news and updates on their opening date! Instagram: @spenga_danville. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spengadanville/ BEST.WERKOUT.EVER!

model and the idea of providing adjustable and sustainable fitness to their families, friends and local communities. When researching Northern California’s first SPENGA location, their attention was caught by Danville’s family-feel town. “Our easiest decision to date was picking the location,” commented co-owner Shannon Drotar. “The Danville community has been welcoming and supportive beyond measure. We are building this studio for our members, because they are the heart of our business. And we can’t wait to open our studio doors and ride, rep and revive with our #SPENGAFam!” Aiming to open later this fall, SPENGA is ready to make a positive impact on Danville’s mind, body and soul. Stay tuned because they have some surprises in the works and lots of fun swag to share!

BLACKHAWK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

• Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures • Accredited Private Surgery Center • Call for your Free Consultation

925.736.5757 3600 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville, California 94506 BlackhawkPlasticSurgery.com

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 13

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Expert Contributor

Real-life Examples of Supply and Demand By Janice Jordan, Compass, Resident since 1998

emember back in college the Econ class and the chart depicting the two opposing lines that represented supply and demand? In these last 5-6 months we have seen that play out in so many scenarios. First it was toilet paper and sanitizing wipes that everyone wanted, but stores were empty. Now with everyone working from home and distance learning, desks and printers are in short supply, and used goods are going for a premium. I went searching just last week for a printer and every store was out of stock on the base model printers. My least expensive option was a $600 printer, which was professional office size and hardly practical for home use. I even resorted to Ebay looking for used and refurbished models. EBay’s prices for used printers were equal to the price I would normally pay for a new printer, plus there was the cost for shipping. In today’s Real Estate market we are seeing the Supply and Demand model play out. Currently in Danville and Alamo, there are less homes for sale than there are buyers. For every home that comes on the market there are more than 1 set of buyers vying for that home. This can be great news for sellers, but it is a more than frustrating experience for the buyers. There are 2 factors that have created the

shortage of homes: 1. lower than average number of homes currently for sale, and 2. historically low interest rates allowing more buyers to qualify to buy. I have one family who can buy a home up to $2.5 million dollars. They have been making offers on homes for over 6 months. Each time, so far, they have been outbid. They are quite aggressive in their offers; offers over asking, large down payment, no contingencies and short close of escrow. Even then, someone else wins in the bidding war. This might be a story similar to what you are hearing from many of your friends as well. Homes are selling at or above asking price within 10 days of coming on the market. Our homes here on the Westside offer large flat lots that are very appealing to the buyers coming from Metropolitan areas where they’ve lived in high density neighborhoods. I have a buyer who is moving from the Peninsula who was quite happy to see what an awesome home and yard $1.8 million could offer here in Danville. “Where we live in Palo Alto, we would have to buy a 1300 square foot fixer on a 5000 square foot lot for this price.” This is great news for the buyers coming from San Francisco and Peninsula cities, but bad news for the local move up buyers. The City folk are paying over market

prices, driving up values even faster than normal appreciation rates. You can’t use data from the last sold home in the area because the current “for sale” home will sell for more. After 30 years selling Real Estate I know that this is just a cycle. The market will adjust. There will be a time when buyers will have the advantage. Just when this will happen, no one knows. My advice to buyers :buy sooner than later before you get priced out of your market and have to settle on a smaller home or a home in a different area. My advice to sellers; sell now. Especially if you are moving away from California, sell now. There is no better time to have the ability to sell a home with little effort and probably for more than you thought. A simple lesson in Supply and Demand Economics. See you around town, Janice

Janice Jordan is a third generation real estate expert. She has lived in Danville for over twenty years. In her spare time Janice loves to hang out with her daughter Jenna and go on outdoor adventures of all kinds.

DANVILLE LIVING CA 15

Business Spotlight

Cottage Jewel a harvest from past to present! By Marcia Harmon, Cottage Jewel

anville’s award-winning boutique has expanded just in time for the “hunt and gather” season. What’s on your wish list for the Fall? Now open daily on Hartz Avenue, Cottage Jewel features vintage home goods, rare heirloom jewelry and artisan trunk show events. Shop local daily and discover why Diablo magazine editors named Cottage Jewel “The Best Place to Go Treasure Hunting” Follow us on Instagram to learn about “Meet the Maker” artisan pop-up sales and D.I.Y. Workshops hosted almost every weekend.

OCTOBER 2020

Mayor Karen Stepper and local youth help artist Kappy Venezia assemble broken china into a community Heart Art mosaic for the Teen Esteem Gala fundraiser.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 17

Arts and Culture

The New I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center

By Shayna Ronen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of I Can Do That! PAC

hen shelter-in-place hit in March the founders of I Can Do That!, a Danville based youth nonprofit, immediately pivoted to ensure their High School Musical cast of 50 and their tons of students in theater classes would still be able to rehearse and stay connected. Now, 6 months later, not only is ICDT! continuing with virtual classes as well as adding outdoor and indoor socially distanced classes, they are expanding to build a Youth Center in Downtown Danville. In November of 2019, without any notion of what was to come in March 2020, I Can Do That!’s founders Shayna Ronen and Jarusha Ariel signed a lease on a building in Downtown Danville and set out to build the I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center. The new 6,000 square foot Center would have three rehearsal studios, a costume room, cafe, and two outdoor lounge spaces for local youth to call their own. There they would ‘use the power of community, wellness, and the performing arts to fuel our youth; the individuals who will become the problem solvers, citizens, and leaders we need in this world.’

by a San Francisco based company, One Hat One Hand, and will be ‘the central art piece of the Center, ‘showing the boldness, creativity, and love that ICDT! is all about’. Names will be featured on this wall as tribute to those who helped bring this Center to life, especially during this challenging time. Ronen and Ariel were just named one of Diablo Magazine’s ‘Agents of Change’ for their work in keeping our local kids ‘socially connected, learning, finding joy, and creating an empowered view of themselves and the world around them.” If your family, foundation, business, or club is interested in learning more about the project, please reach out to Executive Director, Shayna Ronen at Shayna@ICanDoThatPAC.org.

Upon signing the lease, Ronen and Ariel also began a Capital Campaign to raise $750,000 to complete the renovation of the space. “We wouldn’t have been shocked at all if fundraising stalled or completely stopped once the pandemic hit,” said Ronen, “but our community wouldn’t let that happen.” Since going into shelter in place ICDT! has raised over $400,000 bringing their total to $607,832. These funds have come in from tons of local families as well as clubs like the Rotary Club of Danville / Sycamore Valley, and foundations like the Donald Zonshine Family Foundation all who gave over $10,000 to be included on the Center’s Donor Wall. This Donor Wall will be designed

OCTOBER 2020

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts Welcome Here! By Ruby Wang, Resident since 2013

esign For You, LLC has lived in a 500 square ft, room, tucked in the corner of the second floor of the Village Shopping Center in Danville for the past two years, after taking over the Girl Scout uniform merchant position from an arts and crafts store called Hand Works. Being a Girl Scout uniform merchant has allowed Design For You to provide a one-stop shop for the Girl Scout essentials in the East Bay — from the Daisy tunics or the Junior Mint patches to Northern California Council IDs. Besides these Girl Scout uniform essentials, Design For You owner Ruby Wang has made it a key part of our business’s services to offer jewelry-making sessions, which makes for fun birthday parties, memorable grandma-granddaughter bonding, and great school fundraising events, not to mention a perfect Girl Scout activity. Design For You is proud to offer these jewelry-making sessions alongside a full range of jewelry-related services, such as repair, appraising, custom-made pieces, jewelry on consignment, and servicing senior facilities for the residents’ jewelry needs, like watch battery replacements or band resizing. Design For You owner, Ruby Wang, also has a personal connection to the Girl Scout organization. In her own words: “I am a firstgeneration immigrant to the US. In my childhood, I did not have any community resources like Girl Scouts that allowed me to gather with other women and girls on a regular basis to do community work or build important skills. After I became a US citizen and the mother of three girls, I saw that an organization like Girl Scouts was the perfect place to send my daughters through the years. With Girl Scouts, they learned many life skills and made lifelong friendships, through a whole range of activities, from camping to selling cookies. I myself enjoyed participating as a mom volunteer, learning things alongside my daughters and the other members of their troops. Getting to spend time with happy and excited young girls made me feel almost as if I was reliving my childhood. The activities my girls got to participate in throughout their Girl Scout experience empowered my girls and their troop members to contribute to the community and trained them how to manage their time and money responsibly. This kind of development is so important to have while your kids are growing up. It takes a village to raise a child, and participating with Girl Scouts can surround your daughter with a wonderful village. I encourage all girls to get involved with non-profit organizations like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts for healthy group life experiences while learning and contributing at the same time.” During the Covid-19 pandemic, Design For You has curbside pick-up and drop-off options for the previously mentioned services. Please feel free to contact Ruby at 925-899-1789 or email ruby@design4uj.com

DANVILLE LIVING CA 19

OCTOBER 2020

Business Spotlight

Smallcakes Danville is SWEET! By Smallcakes Danville

mallcakes Danville was a long time coming for Nisha, a passionate home cook who loves to experiment with food and is also an IT project manager by profession. She loves to entertain her family and friends with new delicacies and that creative energy needed an outlet. In 2016 Nisha and her husband Uday Kumar, a business consultant, decided to open Smallcakes. It took them a year and a half to find their ideal location and finally opened in May 2018. Since that first day when they sold out three times, Smallcakes has been baking cupcakes and cakes fresh from scratch every day. Both Nisha and Uday are very grateful for the love and support that this community has shown in welcoming Smallcakes Danville. In 2019, Smallcakes Danville won the “New Business of the year award” from the Danville Chamber of Commerce and the “Best Dessert” at the Wine and Dine event held by the San Ramon Chamber. Smallcakes Danville is a neighborhood custom bakery. The menu includes gourmet cupcakes, cakes, homemade ice creams, wedding cakes, gender reveal cupcakes, cupcake in a jar, dessert cups, pup cakes (yes for our furry friends), brownies and more. Cupcake flavors feature some of the popular everyday favorites and specialty seasonal flavors that are introduced every month. Cakes are made to order: bringing the

We want to hear from you!

vision of our customers to reality. We never sell day old cupcakes or cakes – and anything left at the end of the day, is donated to first responders, schools and homeless shelters in our community. We are very fortunate that we have been able to support our local community from the very first week. We can also customize the cupcakes and cakes based on your theme. Pictures of our work are always posted on our social media (Facebook & Instagram) and we recommend following to see what’s new! Regular cupcakes and cakes can be ordered on our website www. smallcakesdanville.com and picked up at your convenience. To keep it fun and exciting, we often have custom themed cupcake boxes that are available by pre-order for your celebrations. With Halloween coming up soon – here is a preview of what to expect In time, Smallcakes Danville hopes to be the go-to place for all celebrations, big or small – and create this happy zone, because – maybe a cupcake will help!

If you’d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email asullivan@bestversionmedia.com

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 SRVHS Junior Reporter More ...

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 21

Business Profile

Two families find a true labor of love in running a business together By Kara Navolio

lex Diaz and Matthew Hechim met over 20 years ago while working for a plumbing company. They both dreamed of one day owning their own business, and in 2006 they embarked on that journey opening Water Heaters Masters Inc. along with their wives, Tuty and Maura. They built their business on the foundation of high quality service, affordable pricing and integrity. “We created the environment where the customers’ needs can be met with ease and where we treat our team like family,” says Matthew. Their children and loved ones provide inspiration. “All the hard work that goes into running a business sets a good example for our kids and allows us to support our families,” says Alex. “When it

is done right, and we are able to get people hot water in a timely manner, it provides a lot of satisfaction…helping out other families in a time of need.” When a water heater fails, it often happens at a very inopportune moment. Water Heater Masters prides itself on finding a replacement quickly and affordably to reduce the stress for their customers. The Diazes spend much of their free time cheering on the sidelines as their two grown children play baseball and softball. Gio is pursuing a career in baseball after playing for St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Their daughter, Xiara, is a middle infielder for the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo softball team. Alex and Tuty also have four fur babies: Jack, Boo, Frank and Olivia. Matt and Maura Hechim enjoy spending time with their daughter, Samantha, hiking, going to the beach and cooking together. They are also very involved in charity work through their church. Matt adds, “This is truly a family run business, and all four owners are heavily involved…both Tuty and Maura have been a big part of the company, running the office, advertising, website, social media, HR and IT. Work has always been our passion, and creating this business together with the Diaz family has been a very rewarding experience.” Water Heaters Masters would like the neighborhood to know: “This has been a difficult year for a lot of families in the community. We all have been affected by the California fires, the civil unrest, COVID-19 and the shift in the economy. We are all trying to help each other out, and together we can get through this. At Water Heaters Masters, we want to do our part. Not just by social distancing, or wearing a face shield or mask, but also through respect and showing empathy for people who are going through hard times. Although we are a business, we feel very connected to the community, and we are happy to do our part.”

Y OUR LO C A L R EA L ESTATE PROF E SSIONAL 16 years of local real estate experience Over 85% of her business is repeat and referral In depth local market knowledge and pricing expertise Creates custom marketing campaigns for each client Creates custom hyper targeted digital advertising campaigns Manages whole process from pre market prep to post closing. Works collaboratively with fellow agents to serve her clients’ best interests

Jill.Fusari@TheAgencyRE.com 925.817.7818 | LIC # 01775608

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Jill Fusari

OCTOBER 2020

Life is an Adventure

Bonneville Salt Flats By JP Sullivan, Second Grade

y science class is studying land forms and recently I got to see the coolest one of all - the Bonneville Salt Flats. I guess technically it’s not a landform, but it used to be a lake. All that is left of the ancient super salty lake is the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City. The salt flats were awesome. We drove off the road and did circles around the huge, empty space. My mom got nervous because there was no one else driving around, but my dad knew what he was doing. Later on we saw lots of cars driving across the open space. If you were looking away from the highway, you couldn’t see anything but flat land. It went on forever.

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The salt flats crunched under our feet. When we got back on the road, you could see muddy tracks where other cars got stuck. We even saw a car that was stuck! They didn’t drive in the right spots. It was hot, salty, and there were thousands of flies. When it was time to leave our car was filled with them! We had to open all the windows on the highway to try and get them out. I can’t wait for our next family adventure!

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 23

Arts and Culture

How Theater is Adapting to a Virtual World By Jake Zingg, Danville Resident since 2000

t’s been over eight months since I was cast in Loyola Marymount University’s production of She Kills Monsters, and this week we finally performed our show for an audience for the first time. Originally, we were set to perform in person in March, but just over a week before the curtains were supposed to rise, our show was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the determination of a wonderful cast, crew, and director, our play has found a new life on Zoom. My name is Jake Zingg, and I’m a Theatre Arts major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I’m a Danville native who is pursuing my dream of becoming an actor. I got my start performing right here in Danville, singing in Sunshine Vocal with Lorrie Harris and performing with San Ramon Valley High School’s Theatre Department for four years. She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen is a play that follows a young woman, Agnes, who starts playing Dungeons & Dragons in hopes of learning more about her sister, Tilly, following her untimely death in a car crash. I play Chuck, the nerdy teenager

who introduces Agnes to the world of D&D. The show is heavily reliant on stage combat to tell its story, so naturally I was skeptical about performing it all online. But everyone involved in this project is so full of imagination and optimism, and every limitation has been viewed as nothing more than a creative challenge. We have cast members scattered across the globe, including one in Hong Kong, so while we’re performing at night, she’s performing in the morning. Our costumes and props were shipped to us, swords, monster heads, and severed human arms among them. We got to work adapting the show we created in a real life theatre to the virtual world of Zoom. It turns out that storytelling possibilities are limitless with technology and imagination. I’ll be honest, when Fall classes moved fully online, I considered taking a semester off of school. Acting classes over Zoom seemed like a waste of time. How can you connect to your fellow actors through a screen? How do you make eye contact with your costar through your camera lens? No one has mastered these skills just yet, but I’ve since come to the realization that these challenges are not a

reason to write this semester off as wasted time; they are a test of my creativity as an artist. After all, art cannot be separated from the time in which it was created, and as artists we must embrace the challenges of the time we find ourselves in now. Although my journey with She Kills Monsters has nearly reached its end, I still have an exciting semester of Zoom acting classes to look forward to, including, (ironically enough) Acting for the Camera. Acting class works surprisingly well over Zoom, and I’ve been inspired by my professors’ continued dedication to providing a quality education in the virtual world. I’ve even been cast in my next play with LMU, Lysistrata, which is set to open over Zoom in November. As I move forward in pursuing my acting career in the ever changing landscape of Hollywood, I will face new challenges with the same optimism and creativity that made possible the virtual performance of She Kills Monsters.

OCTOBER 2020

San Ramon Valley High School

A Virtual Day in the Life By Oliver Falahat, Junior Reporter, SRVHS

School is in full swing now, but due to the COVID-19 virus, schools are doing things a little differently this semester. This semester school is fully remote, meaning all of our classes are being held through Zoom or Google Meet. If you don’t know how Zoom and Google Meet work, let me tell you. Zoom is an application available on all devices that allows anyone to make a meeting. When you make a meeting, you are given a link, which is what you pass on to the people that you would like to join your meeting. By clicking the Zoom meeting link you can automatically join the meeting and begin. Teachers give us students the Zoom meeting link, and we join the Zoom meeting at the time when our class begins on our schedule. Google classroom works in a similar way; teachers make a meeting, give us the link, then we join. Both platforms use your laptop’s built-in cameras and microphones to make the experience more realistic and let you see and hear your classmates and teachers. Some of our teachers require us to have our laptop cameras on to make sure that we are paying attention and not on our phones, but also to make the setting look more like a classroom for them. They also require us to have our microphones muted in case we have any background noise that could disrupt the class such as pets making noises or our families talking. If they call on us to answer a question, we unmute our mics, answer, and then go back to mute. Although remote learning is going well in my experience, I prefer going to school because I can see my friends and have human interactions. One downside is classes are moving a lot slower, mostly due to how new this is to everyone, but also because of technical problems. The way we receive our assignments is through Google classroom. Before the school year started, the district added us to our classes on Google classroom so that we were instantly connected to our teachers and able to see their announcements and homework assignments. We usually

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have two days to do the assignment because our classes are on a block schedule: Monday, I have all 6 classes from 9:10 A.M. to 1:40 P.M., Tuesday/ Thursday I have class periods 1,3, and 6 from 9:20 A.M. to 3 P.M., and Wednesday/Friday I have class periods 2,4, and 6 from 9:20 A.M. to 3 P.M. Each class is 35 minutes on Monday, but then they are an hour and 25 minutes each Tuesday-Friday. We do get 10-15 minute breaks throughout the day to get food, water, or stretch, which is very nice considering that we are sitting in the same spot for so long staring at a screen. After my first class on Tuesdays-Fridays, I have student support where I can ask teachers questions in Google Meet or Zoom calls if I need help, or I can just do homework. After student support I have lunch, so basically I have about an hour of no class to grab food and do homework. After lunch I have two classes back to back with about a 5 minute break in between classes. Looking at a computer screen all day is shockingly exhausting, and I welcome the shorter school day each Monday. Although online school has its struggles, I’m growing to enjoy it because of the comfort I receive from it: such as being in my own home with my family while still getting an education at our top-notch school. Oliver Falahat is a 15 year old junior and San Ramon Valley Highschool. He enjoys travelling with his family, writing, and learning about history, which is how he found his new passion for writing. He writes to express his thoughts and emotions on paper. His hobbies include playing lacrosse and piano. Oliver also enjoys working with kids and has tutored for his own tutoring business at the Danville Library the past year.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 25

Cooking Corner

Greek Chicken Gyro By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

love getting takeout, but it can get expensive. Whenever I hear somebody talking about the latest and greatest “Homemade Takeout” recipes, I’m usually all ears and ready with a pen and paper. Greek takeout happens to be one of my absolute favorites. A soft chewy pita bread filled with meat and Tzatziki sauce and some bright saffron rice is a meal I can’t say ‘No’ to. My homemade Greek dinner is easy, inexpensive and will really impress everyone at the dinner table. (Ppppst!....Don’t tell them it isn’t take out.) What I love so much about this recipe is that it just takes a simple marinade to bring this beautifully flavorful dish to life. That means less time cleaning up and more time eating it with family and friends. Any chicken that I have left over goes wonderfully on a fresh green salad the next day.

Greek Chicken Gyros:

Serves: 6 Time: Marinade 15 min. Cooking 20 min.

For the marinade, you will need:

6 Boneless skinless chicken thighs 2 TBS dry oregano Zest and juice of 2 Lemons 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flake (optional) 1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

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.

For the Gyros:

Pita bread, Tzatziki sauce, saffron rice, Greek olives, Feta cheese and sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion

Putting it together:

Cut the chicken thighs into 1 inch bite-size pieces and place them in a large Ziploc bag. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil, red pepper flake, salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined. Pour the marinade into the bag with the chicken and seal it up tight, pushing out as much air as possible. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. (You can even freeze it for a future dinner.) After it marinates, preheat the oven to BROIL and thread pieces of chicken onto your wet BBQ sticks, then place them on a foil lined baking sheet. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken under the broiler 4 inches from the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. You may have to do this in two batches. Serve the chicken with all your Gyro fixings and get ready for a Greek feast.

OCTOBER 2020

Family Time

Parenting during the Pandemic:

“Breakfast for Dinner” By Alicia del Prado, PhD, Resident since 2014

arenting is a tough job. Parenting has become increasingly challenging in unprecedented ways during the pandemic. Even in the best of circumstances where health, jobs, and shelter are in place, the world feels a bit upside down. We typically rely on the wisdom of those who have parented before us to help navigate the parenting dilemmas of today. But in 2020, we are facing new conundrums and are faced with making pioneering parenting choices. Endless questions persist: How do I talk about COVID with my children? What educates them? What is too much and scares them? To Pod or not to Pod? Do I organize a small group of children so my child has some peer interaction during virtual learning? Or is that too risky for our health and do I keep them home? Do I sign my child up for sports this fall? Do we risk seeing grandparents? The decisions seem to be endless. The ambiguity, the uncertainty, and the unknown future can bog parents down. While there are no easy answers, the importance of fun and play in the home can be a saving grace for parent and child alike! When I was a very young child, one of my favorite memories was the nights my mom surprised me with “breakfast for dinner!” It was evening time, and yet there we were enjoying over easy eggs (what my family affectionately called “juicy eggs”) and toast. I remember the excitement I felt when doing something we weren’t supposed to. If I was really lucky, we’d have a picnic in the living room too…. both blanket and breakfast on the floor. What I didn’t know at the time, was that my mom came up with these creative approaches to dinner time, because as a single working mother she didn’t get to the grocery store yet. To this day, I admire my mom for making what was a hardship an adventure for her young daughter.

•

Start the morning with silliness, adults = wear your clothes inside out on purpose, put your undies on the outside of your clothes, or do a crazy hair day that will take your kids by surprise.

•

For recess, create a treasure hunt to lead to your child’s favorite snack. More elaborate treasure hunts work for lunch time too.

•

Treat your child to a “Very Merry Unbirthday”. Yes, this is a favorite for all of the Alice in Wonderland fans out there. Sing to your child, put up a ”Happy Unbirthday” sign, and let them pick their favorite “unbirthday” treat.

Have more than one kiddo? Pick names out of a hat to see whose “unbirthday” it is that day. Remove that name for the next time you celebrate an “unbirthday” so everyone gets a turn. For extra silliness, put parents’ names in too. By adding in these surprises and other creative twists, you help make these atypical days of living through a pandemic a little more fun. Watch the smiles and laughter blossom from your child’s face. Their happiness is contagious and will bring joy to your day too! Interested in other resources for parenting during the pandemic? Check out the American Psychological Association’s free presentations on “Parenting in the Age of COVID-19”.

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So during this pandemic and horrendous fire season, let’s “make breakfast for dinner” with our children. We can create moments of fun and surprise for their eyes, even when it is born out of difficulty and lack of access to our usual choices for fun. Here’s a few ideas that might add a spark to your child’s quarantined day:

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Expert Contributor

Seasonal Design Shifts to Keep Your Space Fresh By Casey Howard, Casey Howard Designs Photography by SEN Creative / Lauren Andersen

abor Day has come and gone, our favorite retailers have peppered our inboxes with Fall fashions, we’ve heard a holiday playlist on a grocery run, and the end of Daylight Saving Time is around the corner. A seasonal shift is upon us, but if you’re anything like me, you’re adverse to thematic decorations. Never to fear, there are great ways to indulge that inner calling to coziness that feel authentic, satisfying and sophisticated. I turn to my surroundings to cue the seasonal design shifts I make for both my clients and my own home. DECORATE WITH PRODUCE It’s great for our bodies and the environment to eat seasonally, so take a

cue from produce to decorate your space for the season, too. Select bowls that inspire you to fill with seasonal fruit and vegetables. A special vessel placed on a counter or table brings life and color to your home, and you’ll be a step ahead on meal prep! I love apples and the unique shape of artichokes for Fall and the vibrant color of pomegranates and winter squash for Winter. FASHION CUES FURNISHINGS Break out a chunky sweater and a chunky throw at the same time. Look to rich textiles to inform what to put on your back and in your home. Shifts into Fall and Winter call for layers of leather, suede, wool, mohair, velvet and cashmere. Get the look at home by bringing in rich throws and swapping

out pillows and bedding in these materials when the air turns crisp. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN Forage for branches and stems outside your door to infuse the energy and scents of the season, or look for seasonal stems at the market. Curly Willow branches add a touch of drama. Dahlias, Anemone, and Poppies are harvested Fall through Winter, and all have beautiful blooms and colors. An old florist trick to extend the life of a branch, just add a couple drops of bleach to the water. To take your seasonal decor or your entire space to the next level, CHD specializes in luxury residential renovation and wholehome furnishings projects.

OCTOBER 2020

Tee Time

Tee it Up in Truckee

Hole 12, par 5, up in elevation to the flag, dogleg right, with granite boulders bigger than cars as the backdrop on the severely sloping back to front green. Keep your thinking cap on at all times on this course!

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008

ust minutes from the historic town of Truckee, is a golf course unlike any other, Coyote Moon. With a warm greeting at curbside check-in and the knowledgeable Marshall’s welcome with his overview of the course, your day will just keep getting better. Overlooking the first tee at the Marshall’s desk, you may just think you are at a ski resort. The steep mountain rises in elevation while it slopes down to the right at the same time. If that does not intimidate you enough, the long par 5 seems to have moguls throughout the fairway. The fresh mountain air, the pine trees, and being on the pristine golf course makes any worries of the difficulty of the course just fade away.

Quietly walking through the dense forest on the edges of the course is the wildlife of the Sierra Nevada Hole 16, Par 3, over grasslands and an Mountain Range: deer, coyotes, enormous lake to the green! rabbits, fox, and colorful birds. As we Coyote Moon was designed by former player, Brad Bell. It is a have been living with the chaos of 2020, there is no better escape tough course. Each hole, each stroke needs a strategy and careful than a day at Coyote Moon. consideration. There is not one house located along the course, just The 13th hole, Coyote Moon’s Signature hole, is one of the most tall pines, Trout Creek, ponds, enormous granite boulders and fields spectacular and exciting holes to play! The Par 3 Black Tee Box is of wildflowers. The beauty of the landscape is unlike any other. 227 yards from the hole. However, because of the elevation, it plays like it is only 165 yards from the flag! Hitting from the top tee box is exhilarating, especially when you land on the green just feet from the flag! There is nothing like a nice golf shot!

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Hole 16, a par 3, and hole 17, a par 4, are back to back water shots, both very tricky when the mountain winds funnel through the valley. Amid the careful planning from shot to shot, having a fox trot across the tee box as you are about to approach it, hearing packs of coyotes A view from the Gold Tee Box On hole 17 howling off in the distance, with the second pond on the right. or watching deer nibble on fresh shoots along the green’s edge is true beauty and a reminder of all the natural wonders in the Sierras. If you are a skier and only travel to Tahoe in the winter, I highly recommend testing out the Tahoe summers. They are spectacular in every way. You will have the fresh mountain air, the cool nights, river rafting, mountain biking, hiking, lake sports, and of course, golf!

“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 CA 29

Expert Contributor

The Times They Are a Changin’ – And So Are We Padis Jewelry Downtown Napa is Now Open! By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Broadway Plaza Forevermark Boutique

020 has certainly been QUITE the year. We’ve faced a global pandemic, civil unrest, devastating wildfires, and orange skies right out of a horror movie. As a family and a company, we have been evaluating how we can best serve you, our clients, and we are ready to meet you where you need to be met. We understand that everyone has their own preferences on handling these unique times. Know that the Padis Jewelry team is going to do absolutely everything we can to make you feel comfortable and exceed your expectations. Now it’s time to celebrate all those “I Do’s”, “I Love You’s”, and “Will You Marry Me’s.” We are grateful for our community’s commitment to safety and health and we look forward to welcoming you back to Padis Jewelry – either at our Broadway Plaza Forevermark store, our locations in San Francisco, or our brand new store in downtown Napa! Napa is the perfect local day or weekend getaway; just a short drive away. The congestion of the Bay Area and San Francisco quickly disappears into rolling hills of open space and fresh air of the Napa Valley. The vibrant restaurant scene and the copious amounts of wine available certainly helps one relax and enjoy! The Padis Family has long been involved in the local Napa community, and is now taking an exciting step further with a brand new 4000 sq. ft. Padis Jewelry & Wine Tasting Experience, located within the luxurious Hotel Andaz. This vast new Padis Jewelry Napa Valley location is nestled among outstanding

restaurants, luxury shopping and tasting rooms, with short walks to the scenic Napa River and Oxbow Market, a hub of central Napa and a destination for any local visitor. The Napa Padis experience features an enormous selection of sought-after designers like Tacori, A Jaffe, Verragio, and Breitling, as well as one of California’s largest collections of Forevermark diamonds, which are ethically-sourced and traced from mine to finger. Additionally, the location is aiming to create a first-of-its-kind unique luxury experience by adding a space for exclusive Padis wine tastings and a Breitling Bar and Boutique, set to open later in the year. Plus, there’s free parking at the Clay Street garage to make shopping even more convenient. Padis Jewelry will be announcing a (socially-distanced) Grand Opening celebration soon, so be sure to register at padisgems.com/napa to get your invitation to the festivities! We sincerely thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life’s most precious moments. Email us at concierge@padisjewelry.com or visit our website at www.padisjewelry.com to book your appointment either virtually or in person.

OCTOBER 2020

DANVILLE LIVING CA 31

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