Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online
S EP T E MBER 2 019
Danville LIVING
Meet the
Tavella Family: Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint COVER PHOTO:
by Kim Lind Photography
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Dear Neighbors! Publication Team Publisher:
Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017 Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography
Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
What an exciting time of year! School is in full swing, restaurants are debuting their new fall-inspired menus, and there are still so many events and activities happening around town. Check our calendar page to see what sparks your interest. We’ve had so many new contributors, both experts and neighbors, over the last several months, it’s really allowed our magazine to grow. I appreciate every article, picture, and idea that is sent in to me. If there is anything more that you would like to see, send me a note! I want this magazine to reflect our community, and the more our neighbors share, the more we really get to know one another. Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/danvillelivingca and Instagram @ danvillelivingca. We look forward to connecting with the community and spotlighting our sponsors in new ways! See you around town!
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: asullivan@ bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Alexandra Sullivan Content Coordinator
DANVILLE LIVING 3
Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Architects
Steven Wynn, AIA is an Architect with over twenty years’ experience designing custom homes, additions and remodels. A Cal Poly grad, Steven is NCARB certified and a LEED accredited professional with expertise in historic preservation and adaptive use. He and Blair Barry, a Danville native, are partners in their award-winning firm, Barry & Wynn Architects. Steven enjoys hiking with his camera and enjoying time with his family, including two young daughters.
Dentistry Paul Cannariato, DDS Danville Dental Care (925) 820-2121 www.paulcannariatodds.com
Dr. Paul Cannariato and his team have been providing friendly and professional care in Danville for over thirty years. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in 1987, and thereafter studied Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain at the University of California, San Francisco. In addition to his own practice he enjoys mentoring other dentists as a visiting faculty member of the Spear Institute.
Event Coordination and Design
Rayna Hess has over 15 years of experience in corporate and private event planning. She is an expert at bringing your vision to life, creating a spectacular event that friends and co-workers will talk about for years to come. Rayna’s sophisticated designs, and effortless management style, make her a preferred vendor at a number of popular, local venues including Blackhawk Country Club. As co-owner of Chairs for Affairs Party Rentals, she also has high quality event rentals at her fingertips for each of her clients.
Steve Wynn Barry & Wynn Architects 925-837-1422 stevew@barryandwynn.com www.barryandwynn.com
Eventfully Yours Event Designs Rayna Hess (925) 370-1300 rayna@eventdesignsbyrayna.com www.eventdesignsbyrayna.com
Fashion
Jonni Smith A Dress Change Consignment (925) 855-5581 www.ADressChangeConsignment.com
A Dress Change has been outfitting Danville and the surrounding areas since 2009. We are now the only women’s consignment shop in town and have grown our clientele to over 2500 consignors. Our labels range from high-end couture such as Chanel and St. John to casual clothing such as Chicos and Eileen Fisher as well as purses, shoes and jewelry. A Dress Change prides itself on customer service and are here six days a week to serve your needs.
General Contractor
Full-service complete, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation company based in Santa Clara. We are licensed to operate in CA. Our expert designers and in-house insured contractors will provide high-end, timeless, elegant, sophisticated, and classic complete renovation, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation.
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces
Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.
Ryan H. Done Right Home Remodeling Inc. 1-800-816-0000 homeprofessionals26@gmail.com www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com
Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Home Maintenance
AAA House manager is your partner in home maintenance. Trusted and reliable House Managers tackle your to-do list and help you create a plan to get ahead of future maintenance needs, all to keep you home running smoothly. Whether you have a leaky faucet, smart home tech to install, or need your gutters cleaned, AAA House Manager works for your home so your home can work for you.
Interior Design
Drawing inspiration from her clients, travels, and architecture, designer Casey Howard brings a refined, eclectic eye to each of her projects. At Casey Howard Designs, founded in 2012, the design team specializes in Full-Service Residential Interior Design, including new construction, small and large-scale renovations as well as furnishings and interior styling. With a high level of project management expertise, CHD simplifies the design process to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and effortless.
Music/ Singing Lessons
Elizabeth works as a Professional Lyric Coloratura Soprano, Private Voice Teacher, Philanthropist. Ms. Hunter Ashley specializes as a Soloist in Oratorio, Opera, Concert, Sacred, Musical, and Cabaret. She performs in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, the United States, and internationally with renowned conductors. As a Private Voice teacher Elizabeth is the sole proprietor of The Elizabeth Hunter Ashley Performance Studio in Danville, California.
Real Estate
Janice Jordan comes from three generations of real estate experts. Her passion and perseverance, combined with 30 years of experience and being a Danville resident for over 20 years, is her key to creating an extraordinary client experience, always exceeding expectations, and the reason clients call on her every time they are buying or selling a home. She is an upstanding member of the community and spends her time volunteering and supporting local events. In her spare time, Janice enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and spending time with her daughter Jenna, her horse, Wilder, and Australian Shepherd, Buster.
Rodent Proofing
Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything! We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.
Wealth Management
Local Danville residents, Jim and Matt have worked with families in the Bay Area for the past two decades. The Carbonell Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.
AAA San Ramon 925-314-2600 www.aaa.com/housemanager
Casey Howard Designs, Inc. Casey Howard (925) 725-4223 Info@caseyhowarddesigns.com caseyhowarddesigns.com
Elizabeth Hunter Ashley The Performance Studio 925-548-2694 Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com www.elizabethhunterashley.com
Janice Jordan Broker/Associate at Compass janice.jordan@compass.com 925-580-7482
Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.com
Jim Carbonell Matt Forrey The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/
Find us online DanvilleLivingCA www.DanvilleLivingCA.com
DANVILLE LIVING 5
Resident Feature This spring the whole family went to Mexico to build homes on a missions trip with CPC. It was a goal to all be there together, before Kate and Emma graduated.
Meet the
Tavella Family: Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017
O
ne of the world’s best runners, Hal Higdon, wisely said, “Life is a series of hard and easy runs.” No family knows this sentiment better than the Tavella family. EJ and Becky Tavella have a classic college love story. They met in the freshman dorms at Cal Poly, stayed friends for a couple of years, and then finally began to date during their junior year of college. Both Nor Cal natives, they actually grew up only 25 minutes away from each other, in Sacramento and Davis, respectively. Becky graduated in 1996 with a Liberal Studies degree, and EJ graduated in 1997 with a BS in Business Administration/ Finance. In 1998, the two tied the knot in their beloved college town, San Luis Obispo. “Shortly after we got married we purchased our first home in a quaint part of San Jose… While we needed to be in the San Jose area for our jobs, we knew we wouldn’t stay for long,” Becky said. During those early years of marriage, Becky and EJ welcomed Muggins, a lively black labrador retriever. After three years of wedded bliss, Becky became pregnant… with twins! In an unfortunate twist, Becky’s pregnancy didn’t go as smoothly as she always hoped, “My pregnancy was very difficult, even though I felt great. All twin pregnancies are
automatically considered ‘high risk’ according to my doctor, but mine lived up to it as I had to go on full bed rest at 22 weeks.” She was on bed rest for three months and had to be in and out of the hospital, while the doctors closely monitored the two precious girls she was carrying. Six weeks before their due date, Emma and Kate made their entrance into the world, each weighing less than 5lbs. The girls had to remain in the NICU for 3 weeks, while Becky and EJ went home. “It was a really difficult time to leave your teeny, tiny babies at the hospital, but we knew they were healthy and just needed some time to ‘grow’...The good news for us, neither baby needed a ventilator, as their lungs were strong, even on the day they were born.” In 2003, the Tavella family made their way to Danville. EJ was busy with Steelwedge, the company he co-founded in Pleasanton, and Becky was settling into life in the Wood Ranch neighborhood, even adding another beautiful baby girl, Sofia, to their family in 2004. “I often attribute my close friends [in] Danville and our community for making it much easier to entertain young children when Daddy was away.” EJ is now a partner in the consulting firm at End to End Analytics in Palo Alto and has spent many hours traveling all over. Also keeping
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the girls company during EJ’s long work trips was their beloved dog Muggins, and after he passed away 5 years ago, Wrigley the golden-doodle took over the dog duties. “When the girls got older... we found ourselves downtown more often than at our house, driving the girls here, there and everywhere. Our dream was to buy a house on the westside,” Becky and EJ shared. A couple of years ago, when Sofia hit 8th grade, and Emma and Kate were at SRVHS, the Tavella family settled in a home located in the hills behind the high school, “It is a different feel than the blockparty days of millions of kids running around Wood Ranch, but suits us for the time of life we are entering.” They’ve even dubbed it their “forever home.” This past summer Becky and EJ celebrated 20 years of marriage, and to mark that milestone, they planted a 300 vine vineyard! “EJ has dreams of actually making wine, like his Italian grandfather used to do, and not just having pretty grapes dotting our landscaping. We are several years away from this, but are enjoying the process of learning all there is to know about home vineyards.” Sports are central to Team Tavella (the moniker that first graced a family text thread and quickly grew to encompass the family’s all-for-one mentality). When the girls were
SEPTEMBER 2019
young, they dabbled in the typical array of youth sports, but never found one that they loved. Soccer provided the ability to run - and run fast - and the girls started running exclusively in middle school. Kate and Emma made their marks in the Junior Olympic Circuit, and both hold records (3200 for Kate and 1600 for Emma) at SRVHS. Both girls are continuing their running careers into college, Emma at UCLA and Kate at Georgetown University. Sofia has battled through 2 surgeries that sidelined her for a couple of years, but is surprising everyone with her grit and grace during her return to running at SRVHS.
Running is more than a sport for the Tavellas. It is “a way to spend time together, stay healthy, stay positive.” Seven years ago, Becky made the decision to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy, due to being diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene and being given an 87% chance of getting breast cancer, like her mother, aunt, and many other women in her family before. “Running became my therapy through all the surgeries and appointments and was my ‘go to’ to show my daughters that if they ever had to deal with this someday, they could be strong, healthy and in charge of their bodies...calling the shots before cancer had a chance.” In a true feat of strength during that time, Becky accomplished her dream of running the Boston Marathon, with Team Tavella cheering her on.
The Tavella family also uses running as a way to explore during their travels.
EJ, Becky, Kate, Emma, and Sofia, through their own trials and successes, are all great examples of this classic quote, “Tough runs don’t last. Tough runners do.” Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at asullivan@bestversionmedia.com.
DANVILLE LIVING 7
Pet Adoption Corner
Carebear
Malibu
Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. One-year-old Carebear is a smart, sassy girl with a heart of gold. Some would call her petite in stature, but her spunky, take-charge attitude more than makes up for it! This little lady is quite popular around the shelter and she’s got a long list of close doggie friends…not to mention a few secret admirers! She loves stuffed toys and plays a dynamite game of fetch. And when she’s not strolling around the neighborhood like the superstar she is, she won’t hesitate to climb into your lap or take a nap by your side!
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.
Five-year-old Malibu is a gorgeous lady and such a sweetheart too. She loves petting and will roll over on her side to ‘make biscuits’ in the air when relaxed. Malibu will be a wonderful addition to a calm home where she can feel safe and loved. The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 ($200 for 2) and for adult cats is $75 ($100 for 2).
The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Real Estate Listings in West Danville Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 8/10/19
Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths
Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths
Hartley Dr Rubicon Cir Ashley Cir Elworthy Ranch Dr Boyd Ct Elworthy Ranch Dr El Portal
La Gonda Way Briar Pl Kuss Rd Highland Dr Kirkcrest Rd Love Ln Starmont Ct
649000 650000 725000 938000 965000 999500 1150000
1283 1287 1292 1804 1941 2119 2690
2 2 3 4 3 4 4
2 3 2 2 2 3 3
1299000 1468000 1580000 1675000 1795000 1795888 2598000
2203 3158 2676 2948 2575 2500 4388
3 5 3 4 5 4 4
2 3 3 3 2 3 3
Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths
Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths
Midland Way Ashley Cir
Elworthy Ranch Dr Elworthy Ranch Cir
642900 720000
1301 1283
3 2
2 2
929000 929995
1804 1804
1500000 1570000 1650000 1588000 1699000
1490000 1495000 1550000 1616000 1637500
3 3
2 2
Sold Listings Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Hartley Dr Garden Creek Pl 55 Danville Oak Place Elworthy Ranch Dr Hardy Ct
694900 759000 799000 929000 1200000
700000 755000 800000 915000 1165000
1283 1357 1302 1752 1877
2 3 3 3 3
2 2 2 2 2
Hartford Rd Remington Loop Valley View Ct Veda Dr W Linda Mesa Ave
2191 2385 3106 2274 2840
3 4 4 4 5
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
DANVILLE LIVING 9
3 2 3 3 2
September
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wed., Sep.11
Tues., Sep. 17
September 11 Event
Wild Things Inc. - Animal Ambassadors
@Oak Hill Park Come join in the remembrance of 9/11 at Oak Hill Park. The event will feature a Fire and Police Honor Guard, local members and veterans of the armed services, and more tributes. Time: 10-12pm Cost: Free
Fri., Sept. 13
@Danville Library Join Wild Things Inc. for an educational and exciting presentation featuring some amazing animal ambassadors. You may see a Virginia opossum, a capuchin monkey, or a Burmese Python! Come and be surprised! Time: 4pm
Treats for the Troops
Fri., Sept. 20
@Lunardi’s Join Delta Nu Psi to collect items for the troops overseas year round! On the second Friday of each month, they collect items at Lunardi’s on Railroad Ave. So far the have sent over 41,000 pounds to the troops! Go to www.deltanupsi.org to find a list of wanted staple and fun items. Time: 11:30am-1:45pm
Comedy with Liz Grant and Friends
Sat., Sept. 14 - Sept. 29
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
@Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site and Tao House A son’s looming health diagnosis and a mother’s drug addiction hang over the Tyrone family. The four wounded Tyrones confront the powerful and contradictory feelings they have for each other. Long Day’s Journey Into Night is considered the greatest American tragedy ever written. Touring Tao House and then seeing the play that put Tao House on the map promises to be a magical experience. Visit www.villagetheatreshows.com for travel information and to buy tickets. Cost: $40 Time: 7:30pm (matinees at 2pm)
@Village Theatre and Art Gallery This month for Danville’s comedy scene, Headliner Mark Pitta returns. You may recognize him from The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and HBO. Also featuring Regina Stoops and Liz Grant. Cost: $20 Time: 7:30pm
Tues., Sept. 24
Danville Living Magazine Party @Albatross Restaurant Join us for a Customer Appreciation party! This is an open invitation to all; a chance to meet residents and thank the sponsors, all of whom make our magazine possible. We’ll be enjoying the fantastic food and drinks at Albatross, located at 312 Railroad Avenue. Cost: Free Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Sun., Sept. 29
Drive! Drive! Concert
of searching in Nashville for professional musicians, he found Gavin Hurlburt and Philip DeLuca (A Danville Native and Monte Vista Grad). Their first single reached over 100k streams on Spotify, and two additional singles have paved the way to a tour and sold out performances. Cost: $15 Time: 6:30pm
Every Saturday
Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot-Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants and fresh breads. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot. Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com
Every Monday
Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events @Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local nonprofit community. Tips for change is a fun and unique way for local local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local nonprofits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization. This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.
@The Village Theatre and Art Gallery Drive!Drive! isn’t just another internet pop band. The alternative pop creation was first formed in the mind of Alex Johnson. Craving to create something new and powerful. Not only with music but with a brand and aesthetic that would catch everyone’s attention. After a year
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Residents Giving Back
Have You Heard The Music? By Katherine Gillen, SRVHS and Lauren Torchiana, SRVHS
Background Lauren Torchiana and Katherine Gillen are cousins that have grown up together, and being just one year apart, have always shared similar interests and activities. Lauren is a junior and Katherine a senior at SRVHS, and they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to be able to better their community and bring a project that involved both music and art to their town. Both started piano lessons at the same time when they were young and shared a love for playing together. Two years ago on respective trips to Portland and San Diego during the same week, they both stumbled upon public pianos that were refurbished, painted, and placed on street corners, walking paths, public squares, or other locations with heavy foot traffic. The girls shared their discovery with each other and found this random coincidence as a sign to bring the idea of public pianos to their hometown of Danville. After they returned home they immediately formulated a plan to approach the town of Danville.
Katherine Gillen and Lauren Torchiana in front of one of their musical installations.
The Results After two successful summers of public pianos in Danville, Lauren and Katherine hold great pride in this project and love to Bringing the Idea to Danville admire their work when passing by any of Lauren and Katherine emailed representatives the pianos. The four girls, Katherine, Lauren, from the Town of Danville asking for a Kelly, and Grace, were all honored to receive meeting to propose bringing public pianos the Award of Merit at the 37th Annual to Danville, and everyone loved the idea and Mayors Installation by The Danville Town insisted they start right away. With the help of Council in December of 2018. The pianos Jessica Wallner, Program Supervisor, Henry have also been featured in multiple issues Perezalonso, Recreation, Arts & Community of local newspapers. This project had such Services Director, Christian Mejia, former These pianos were loved and well used by a positive response from the community and Performing Arts Program Coordinator, Leah the whole community all summer long. it reminds the girls of how lucky they are to Madonich, Program Supervisor for Adults have the ability to share their love for art and music within their and Seniors, and others, the process began in the beginning hometown. of Summer 2018. These individuals helped with acquiring the pianos to be refurbished, finding locations to work on them, and overall helping the process go smoothly. The Process Lauren and Katherine secured two pianos through local donations and gathered all of the necessary supplies for the project. The girls started by prepping the pianos, through hours of sanding, prepping, and painting base coats. Next, they called in two local artists and good friends to help, Kelly Anderson (a senior at SRVHS) and Grace McClure (a junior at MVHS) to design and paint the pianos. They all worked together to brainstorm the designs, and the two artists collaborated to bring the artwork to life. The first round of pianos was completed for the summer of 2018, and then the process began again for the summer of 2019, bringing two more pianos to the streets of Danville.
Lauren, Katherine, Kelly Anderson, and Grace McClure collaborated on two new pianos for 2019, bringing the total to four pianos throughout town.
DANVILLE LIVING 11
Danville Living is the place to find the best local, trusted businesses. The sponsors of Danville Living are selected in the area of reputation, customer service and expertise in the category of business. Not every business is able to be guaranteed in our magazine just because they are in business!! Our publisher personally meets with every single owner of each business to approve them as a sponsor.
Danville LIVING
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Charity Spotlight
Impact 100 East Bay Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organization By Nancy Clark, Resident since 1998
Our mission is to unite women in our community in a common cause. Together we provide large, transformational grants each year to local non-profits. Join us October 2nd at the Blackhawk Country Club to gift over $100,000 at our Annual Community Celebration or email to get involved right away. impact100eastbay.org, info@impact100eastbay.org
DANVILLE LIVING 13
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SEPTEMBER 2019
SRVHS Football
San Ramon Valley High School 2019
Football Schedule By Britt Vogel, SRVHS Football Varsity team parent
Date Time JV/VAR Opponent Location
Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1
5:00/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00 4:30/7:00
Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) Antioch Freedom Dublin* Foothill (Homecoming) Clayton Valley Charter De la Salle Cal High Monte Vista**
Away SRVHS Away Away SRVHS Away Away Away SRVHS
* EBAL - Non Conference Opponent ** Senior Night
VARSITY & JUNIOR VARSITY NCS Playoffs: Nov 8-30 CIF Regional Bowl Games: Dec 6-7 CIF State Championship Games: Dec 13-14
Date Time Opponent Location Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31
5:30 5:00 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30
Monterey Trail (Elk Grove) Antioch Freedom Dublin* Foothill (Homecoming) Clayton Valley Charter De la Salle Cal High Monte Vista
SRVHS Away SRVHS SRVHS Away SRVHS SRVHS SRVHS Away
FRESHMAN
DANVILLE LIVING 15
Wine, Food, and Fun
Old Friends and New Restaurants
are the Perfect Pairing By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
T
he Restaurant at Wente has been transformed and is now The Vineyard Table & Tasting Lounge. After an amazing day on The Course at Wente playing golf, laughing, and having fun with my friend, my senses were calmed by the serenity of the outdoor seating at The Vineyard Table. Our focus turned to the balance and body of our Nth Degree flight of wine paired with the hand-crafted bites. There is seating for all types of moods. Inside dining has cozy casual lounge seating by the fireplace, a long rustic modern bar, a lengthy wooden table – family style, and conventional casual dining tables. Outside, among the old growth trees and manicured grounds, there is casual dining on the patio and lounge seating around the glowing fire pit. In 2010, The Wente Vineyard became a Certified California
The bar at The Vineyard Table.
Sustainable Vineyard & Winery. There is no doubt that they have been perfecting their gardening skills because the fresh taste of the sustainably and organically grown vegetables and herbs was impressive. The new menu offers “Bites” (appetizers) and “Shares” (small plates) so that a variety of plates can be ordered to share. The waiter was informative on which vegetables & herbs were grown on property and how they were prepared and used in each dish. My top four favorite plates were the Blistered Shishito Peppers (grown on property), Marinated
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SEPTEMBER 2019
A delicious dessert! Chocolate pot de creme with salted caramel and raspberries.
Fresh Mozzarella and fresh green olives (grown on property) and the Grilled Hangar Steak. For dessert, we only tried one, and it was amazing! It was the Dark Chocolate Pot de Creme with Salted Caramel and Raspberries. Every bite was satisfying to my taste buds and every sip of my Nth degree flight made me smile. All in all, a fabulous day! You could have a day like this, too! The Wente Estates offers a fabulous indoor and outdoor setting for events, summer concerts, tournaments, wine tasting, an 18 hole PGA course and golf lessons. The Vineyard Table: Free Dessert with a $20 or more purchase, Mention â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make Timeâ&#x20AC;?.
DANVILLE LIVING 17
San Ramon Valley High School
What Are Your Plans For The New School Year? By Shelby Falahat, Junior Reporter, Class of 2020
W
e all know the beginning of a school year is rolling around again when we hear and see the endless advertisements for various school supplies. One minute you’re listening to the top ten summer hits and the next you’re hearing about saving on some new notebooks. San Ramon Valley High School students and alumni recognize and remember the feeling of coming back to school. With a new school year comes up-to-date goals and aspirations for all students.
have fun! Prom is the school event that I’m most excited for.”
In order to get a glimpse of the mindsets of current high school students, I reached out to a couple of individuals in hope to search for the aspects of school that motivates, as well as, excites students. We start with the newest member of the Wolf Pack.
Finally, I enjoyed the company of a Senior at SRV who shared her wisdom and hopes for her last year of high school. Claire has prioritized academics and has enjoyed SRV’s activities and events from the very beginning of her high school career. This year she plans on following a different path. Claire stated that, “Instead of focusing on getting A’s or reaching a certain grade point average, I’m going to prioritize learning so that I can start my transition to a different mindset for college.” In addition, Claire has decided that she wants to be more “hands on” in school activities. “This year, I plan on participating in dodge ball and the Greek Games with my friends,” said Claire.
Cameron, a current 9th grader attending San Ramon Valley High School, stated that he has “no idea what to expect” for the next four years of his life. However, he stated that he’s “excited to experience school activities, such as rallies and dances, and be part of a supportive community.”
With a fresh start to a school year comes different perspectives and goals. From Freshman to Seniors, it’s very evident how much students enjoy our high school, especially the unique community. From the wise words of Megan, “May everyone have a school year where dreams are made into reality.”
From there, I moved on to meeting a current Sophomore at SRVHS. “I wish I wasn’t so worried about making sport teams as I was my Freshman year,” said Kate, who’s passionate about sports. She plans to “give it her all” this fall when she tries out for SRV’s Varsity Women’s Soccer team. Next I sat down with a student whose goal is to focus on and prioritize school. Megan, a current Junior, is planning on “really buckling down on school work and SAT prep.” Compared to her Sophomore year, Megan is attempting to “procrastinate less when it comes to the work that needs to get done.” Though Megan is an extremely intelligent individual and takes school very seriously, she remarked that, “even though it’s my Junior year, I want to
Shelby Falahat is a Junior at San Ramon Valley High School. She loves writing as a tool to express herself as well as learn about the world around her. She also has a passion for working with children. Recently, Shelby has had the opportunity to work at Kumon, which has allowed her to teach young students math and reading. In addition, she loves to travel with her family across the globe.
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DANVILLE LIVING 19
Pet of the Month
Meet the Pet of the Month:
Kitt
By Kyle Olsen, Resident since 2000
K
itt is an adorable 10-year-old black Shih Tzu who loves attention from people, walks, mealtime, and sitting on laps. Kitt was named after the famous singer and Catwoman star, Eartha Kitt. She was born in San Diego on October 2, 2008, and she lived in Palm Springs until the age of five. She enjoyed sitting out in the desert sun and spending time with her then-ailing owner. When her owner and life companion passed away in 2013, she moved in with her owner’s niece and family in Danville. While this was a difficult transition for her, she loves her second family, and her second family loves her. Kitt’s life changed significantly. As her second family loves to travel, Kitt began to visit a number of states traveling in-cabin with her family. Kitt loves to join her family whenever and wherever possible. Kitt is a calm and seasoned traveler who knows her way around many yards. She most recently accompanied Kyle for a
weekend trip when he went back to the East Coast which is where Kyle goes to college. Kitt truly enjoyed the smells and sounds of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. You might run into Kitt during brunch at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings in Danville. When you see her, make sure to pet her and say, “hi!”
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Tee Time
Wine, Golf, and Friendship By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
I
f you are a golfer, there are few better ways to spend your Friday than playing golf on a challenging and beautiful course in the Livermore Valley and connecting with friends while sipping on award winning wines. The Wente Vineyards offers its guests, golfers and non-golfers, all of that and more. As you make your way towards The Course at Wente, you can spot the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes, protected by the lush vines grown by the Wente Family since 1883. Pulling up to the public course will have your senses fooled as you are greeted by an associate who will help you unload your clubs and assign you a golf cart. Just steps away is the Pro Shop where you will check-in. The shop has the latest in trends with top brands of clothing and golf clubs. The beautifully landscaped grounds, attention to detail, the manners and etiquette of the staff, and the golf carts fully stocked with amenities suggest that The Course at Wente is private. I was so impressed by the whole staff, each associate is “guest-first focused,” said Cabe Jones, PGA, Golf Director. There is also a well-maintained driving range with free range balls and tees. Located at the very top of the hill, the panoramic view overlooks The Wente Estate. The putting green is centrally located near the golf cart check-in. Whether you are playing in the early morning or afternoon, The Grill can serve up a “to-go” meal or you can dine on the patio facing the 18th hole & vast vineyard while enjoying a delicious crafted entrée and a glass of Riva Chardonnay or Charles Wetmore Cabernet. Don’t worry, there is a snack shack at hole 9 and the Snack & Drink Cart comes around frequently. The Course at Wente is a PGA Championship 7,181, par 72 course designed by Greg Norman. It has 3 distinct topographies and not a single house on the course. At the 1st Hole, the Marshall is very helpful, especially if you have never played the course before. He explains the rules, the trickiest holes, where the best views are, and when and where to order your food and drinks! The white, blue & gold tees are quite elevated, giving you sweeping views of the Del Valle Damn and the Cliffs of Cresta Blanca. As you progress through the course, you will no doubt have to navigate through the rolling hills. At times, between the slope and the elevation it can be a bit tricky to navigate just where you should aim the ball so that its final resting place will make for a great next shot, especially on hole 6. On some days, you may need to factor in the afternoon wind as you tee up, however, on the warmest of days, the breeze is welcoming. The Course at Wente has a “Lombard Street” and it is as steep and windy as the one in San Francisco. However, on this Lombard Street, you drive up to the very top of the hill to come to Hole 12. When you
View from 10th Hole Blue Tee Box, looking out toward Del Valle Damn.
The Course at Wente’s very own “Lombard Street”.
look in the opposite direction of the hole, you will see the most open wide views of the entire Livermore & Pleasanton Valley. With the grasslands, rolling hills and valleys on this hole, it is an easy place to lose a ball. Laying it up just might be a good idea! The iconic grape vines protect the last few holes which lead you back to The Grill & Pro Shop. For a Discount on a round of Golf at The Course at Wente: Mention this article and get a $20 discount on a round of golf: Monday – Friday through September.
Julie and Lynne, friends for 32 years!
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
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Danville LIVING
Here’s a few of the events we have sponsored: Have an event that you want us to sponsor? Email jpeek@bestversionmedia.com for more information.
Aloha Kiss Fundraising Golf Tournament Animal Rescue Foundation Arc Of the East Bay Golf Tournament Bay Area Tackles ALS Dinner Concours d’Elegance The Crayon Initiative Golf Tournament Danville Hot Summer Sunday Car Show Devil Mountain Run Discovery Counseling Center Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area 21st Anniversary Gala Have a Ball Horses Healing Hearts Invest in Hope Golf Fundraiser Loaves and Fishes - Drive out Hunger Loaves and Fishes - Rock out Hunger RISE | Forma Gym – Turkey Trot Shirley Ann Foundation Benefit Concert and Auction Swim with Mike Fundraiser Walk to End Alzeimer’s
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SEPTEMBER 2019
In Our Backyard
California Dreamin' By Breann Bruschke, Junior Reporter The famous Bixby Bridge, a familiar beckon as we approached our annual Big Sur camping trip.
O
ver the course of my life, my family and I have moved a number of times. With each new change, my ability to cope and to adapt to new environments, schools, and social settings progressively enhanced, but it has never truly become an easy feat. In preparation for yet another move, I have found myself hating the all too familiar feeling of uprooting from a position of comfort to a state of unfamiliarity. Foreseeing my departure, I discovered a desire to fully re-immerse myself in the breadth of my fondest experiences over the years fixed within the expansive borders of this state. Bluntly, I wanted to revisit places in California that hold a dear place in my heart.
my younger siblings and I, our faces caked with dirt but our smiles beaming, and the falls in the background. I remembered one particular night spent lying in an open field of the campground watching shooting star after shooting star in complete awe. Just beyond Big Sur, Highway 1 sparked memories of time spent in Santa Barbara, Cambria, and Monterey. Once again, I walked away from this trip with a thankful heart, both for the opportunity to return and make new memories with different friends as well as the enjoyable times it gave me in my youth. It amazes me that I was capable of remembering so many fond experiences by recasting my eyes over the places I had once been. I would glance at a sign or drive on a road and something I thought I had completely forgotten would be redrawn with such vividness. It hurts to walk away from such a beautiful state that is home to so many beautiful moments, but I am excited at the prospect of once again exploring and creating memories away from California. However, California will always hold my heart and forever be home.
Sunset at one of our favorite beaches: Salt Creek
The first stop: the Orange County area. The vast majority of my life, my grandparents held residence in San Juan Capistrano. We, annually, if not biannually, trekked out to visit them and soak up some sun at the beach. I went back to the area they lived and was quickly bombarded with a flood of memories. The constant smell of jasmine reminded me of hours spent with cousins drumming up elaborate fairy tale games on the hilly property my grandparents lived. I recalled a notable visit to the Santa Monica Pier and riding bikes down Venice Beach. I remembered watching Fourth of July fireworks from the hills as they cascaded into the sky over Los Angeles. Memories from renting a beach house summer to summer for a family reunion overwhelmed me. As I recollected these experiences by revisiting their origins, my heart swelled for how fortunate I was to claim such an abundance of happy memories. The second major stop on my reminiscent summer tour: Big Sur. Five Memorial weekends were spent camping here, so I was beyond ecstatic to once again camp at one of my favorite places. A drive down to Pfeiffer Beach to watch the sunset triggered a silly memory of the last time I rode down the narrow road to this beach, cramped in a van with 14 other anxious teenagers. The viewpoint of McWay Waterfall reminded me of an image of
Breann Bruschke has lived in different areas of Arizona, Singapore, and California, but Danville is home. She just graduated from SRVHS, and will be heading to BYU in the fall. She enjoys participating in sports, playing the violin, and reading. Other hobbies include wakeboarding, snowboarding, and puzzling. She is a true nature lover, always seeking to find the next adventure. DANVILLE LIVING 23
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Arts & Culture
T
he Las Trampas Hills towering over Danville were once haunted. Or rather, they were inhabited for several years by Eugene O’Neill, the “haunted poet” of the American theatre. O’Neill lived from 1937 to 1944 with his wife Carlotta at Tao House, now the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service in partnership with the Danvillebased Eugene O’Neill Foundation. This year marks the 20th Eugene O’Neill Festival, put on by the foundation. And the theme of this year’s Festival is “Haunted Poets.” But O’Neill was not the only haunted poet. (More on another in just a bit.) O’Neill was a member of a family that did not put the “fun” in dysfunctional. The playwright had major artistic differences with his father, James, an Irish immigrant actor who made a name for himself in stock melodramas. His son, on the other hand, wanted to create plays that broke the melodrama mold and explored, in a contemporary vernacular, the inner recesses and hidden passions and desires of his characters. And there were plenty of both in his family. Eugene blamed his father for an itinerant life necessitated by constant moving around while James was on tour and for the impact this had on the family. His brother, Jamie, drank himself to death at age 45 (O’Neill himself had a fondness for the bottle in his early years). And his mother was a morphine addict (see above). Finally, in 1941, O’Neill exorcised some of his family demons by writing his greatest work, the semi-autobiographical Long Day’s Journey Into Night, in which the Tyrone family stands in for the O’Neills. He composed this masterpiece in his study at Tao House. Journey headlines this year’s festival and will be presented Sept. 14–29 in the Old Barn, just a few steps from the playwright’s one-time residence. Another Haunted Poet Tennessee Williams’s The Glass Menagerie (presented Aug. 30–Sept. 15 at the Village Theatre) parallels Journey in several respects. Menagerie’s Amanda Wingfield is not a drug addict, but she is a faded “southern belle” trapped in the past and unable to cope with the mentally fragile state of her daughter, Laura. Both are financially dependent on Laura’s brother, Tom. This young man longs to be a poet but feels burdened and hemmed in by family obligations. His greatest desire is to escape this stifling environment. Williams coined the term “memory play” to describe Menagerie, which—along with Journey—was written in the early 1940s. O’Neill’s masterwork could be described as a memory play,
bringing to light as it does long-buried and painful family memories. A subsidiary character The Cast of “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”. Photo by John Carter. in Journey, Cathleen, becomes the main character in a Downton Abbey–like drama, titled The Second Girl (presented Aug. 24–25 at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley), that imagines observations of a Tyrone-family servant, a recent Irish immigrant. This follow-on to Journey was written by Ronan Noone—originally from Ireland—and now living in Boston. And it rounds out the “trifecta” of plays presented at the 20th Annual Eugene O’Neill Festival. The Festival started on August 24 and features several other events through September. Danville Is Alive with the Sound of Music Another Festival event of note is a Sept. 5 concert of Airs and Arias by noted Irish soprano Clodagh Kinsella, accompanied by Irish pianist Keith Stears. A graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, with first class honors in Vocal Studies, Kinsella is also a multi-instrumentalist, starting on violin at age 5 and piano at age 8, who will sing Irish favorites such as Danny Boy, The Kerry Dance, The Tinker’s Daughter, and The Leprechaun, and home favorites Shenandoah and America the Beautiful.. Stears has received numerous prizes and awards, including the coveted Lucien and Maura Teissier Scholarship Award, a competition of pianists studying at the RIAM. The concert is presented at the Village Theatre. For details about the plays, the concert, and other Festival events, including a ranger-led hike to Tao House and a history walk of downtown Danville, please visit www.eugeneoneill.org. Tickets can be purchased at www.villagetheatreshows.com.
Keith Stears, Irish pianist performing at The Village Theatre.
Clodagh Kinsella, Irish singer performing at The Village Theatre. DANVILLE LIVING 25
Expert Contributor
What Can a AAA House Manager
Do For You? By Lauren Parker, AAA San Ramon
W
hen it comes to home maintenance issues and prevention, there are no experts quite like our AAA House Managers. They’ve seen it all and fixed it all. We sat down with two of our most experienced House Managers, Sinclair and Matthew, to ask them about what advice they’d like us to pass along to you. QUESTION: What are some of the most common issues you see when visiting homes of AAA House Manager members? Matthew: Water and leaks are definitely big issues. We often see it intruding into places where it shouldn’t be — leaking from roofs into the home, leaks in bathrooms and kitchens. Getting in front of it is important so we make sure members are aware of the best ways to do that. QUESTION: What are some of the most common oversights you see homeowners make? Sinclair: Rodents. We often find them up in the attic, but homeowners don’t go up there so they’re not aware there’s an issue. We’ll come back down and tell them what we found. Behind fridges too. There are a lot of surprises when you pull them out.
Do any of these common household problems sound familiar? You’re likely not alone. Our House Managers offer a good reminder for what to be on the lookout for around your home.
QUESTION: What is one piece of advice you would give every homeowner to help them take better care of their home? Matthew: To get out in front of things. We have a tendency to let things go, thinking they might not be as bad as they really are. Getting in front of an issue can be the difference between a $1,000 fix and $10,000 fix. Communicating with your House Manager so that we can make recommendations or repairs before they become larger, totally overwhelming projects. Sinclair: If you’re investing in something, you want to make sure you’re taking good care of it. After a visit with your House Manager, you’ll have a Home Health Report listing all the issues that need to be addressed and how we can help.
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Book Club
“It’s Time to Talk (And Listen)”
- A Book Review By Ann Peltz, Resident since 2010
I
’m guilty. I’m that family member at the dinner table who avoids all conversations having to do with uncomfortable topics, especially around politics. I usually make up some excuse about how I should help clear the table or help the kids. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one. Whether it’s with coworkers, friends or family, avoiding difficult conversations is the easiest path. But it’s definitely not the most constructive. In fact, engaging in certain difficult conversations is our moral responsibility. A visit to Twitter, Facebook, and even NextDoor will show you how America is divided when it comes to politics, race, diversity, gun violence, and more. While most avoid these conversations, others do engage; however, these emotionallycharged conversations often become hurtful with each side not feeling heard or respected. It becomes a two-sided conversation. Not a two-way conversation. People talk to each other. Not with each other. In their book It’s Time to Talk (And Listen), Dr. Alicia del Prado and Dr. Anastasia Kim share the Kim Constructive Conversation Model, a step-by-step guide to have conversations about culture and
diversity. What is so compelling about this model is that it not only addresses the external processes like the words we use or how we engage in a dialogue, but it also teaches one to reflect on internal processes like our own personalities, goals, and values. When I think about the debates or conversations in which I’ve participated, my goal was to work through a misunderstanding or even to prove someone else was wrong and I was right. This model forces us to reject that notion. Instead, we must be deliberate in our intentions and open to the idea that we will be transformed by these conversations. The ultimate goal is to promote progress and healing. Dr. del Prado and Dr. Kim did a beautiful job writing this book; it’s easy to read and very practical. The authors offer their own experiences and relatable, hypothetical situations to guide the reader through each step. Additionally, they included sections titled “Your Turn” so the reader can actively participate, reflect, and set intentions for constructive conversations in the future.
This book could not be more timely. In a divided nation, it gives me hope that we can all engage in constructive communication to find understanding and promote healing. While we may not always agree, we can have a thoughtful dialogue about very important issues facing our world today. To Alicia: While I’m lucky enough to call you a neighbor and friend, I am so proud and grateful you are sharing your insights and learning to build a safer, better world where we can all travel on this path to healing. Fall is here and the holidays are also quickly approaching. I will soon be at that same dinner table enjoying my turkey and wine. Only this time, I am betterprepared to engage in a constructive conversation with family and friends.
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Come celebrate with us! Tuesday, September 24 5:30 - 7:30pm
J
oin us for a sponsor appreciation party! This is an open invitation to all; a chance to meet residents and thank our sponsors, all of whom make our magazine possible. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be enjoying fantastic food and drinks at Albatross. Please RSVP to save your spot! http://bit.ly/AlbatrossParty Complimentary glass of wine for the first 50 guests. No host dinner immediately following the event.
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Wine, Food, and Fun
Find Your Happy Hour Happy Place By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
As a person who lives to eat, I’m always on the hunt for the best happy hour in town. A little sip of a drink accompanied by a small plate to share can be a great way to wrap up a day. Happy hours menus can say so much about a restaurant. Think of it as the proverbial keyhole that gives you a peek into the world of that establishment before you commit to a reservation and a table. These top 5 happy hour hot spots are as unique as Danville itself.
Albatross (Every day, 4pm-6pm and after 8pm.)
Where to go when you want to unwind. This stunning new establishment is your organic farm-to-table oasis for some of the prettiest plates in Danville. The best way to describe Albatross is peaceful, calm and casual with an atmosphere that’s a cross between Martha’s Vineyard and the Napa Valley without the tourist prices. Locals are flocking Wine pairings help turn the to Albatross for the Chicken notch up on your happy hour at Lettuce Cups ($12), which comes Albatross. with smoky cashews. There is also nothing prettier than the Cheesemongers board ($15), which features three hand selected cheeses, honeycomb, and slices of fresh baguette and fruit. Pair that with one of their sommelier selected wines and you’ll have the perfect afternoon treat.
The Growler (Monday-Friday, 3PM-6PM, all day Wednesday)
This relaxing gastro pub is serving up artisanal food that anyone can enjoy on a budget. The biggest problem you’ll have at this old school eatery is deciding which beer you want to try first. The Growler has 20 rotating taps of craft beer, and a selection of stickto-your-ribs dishes that will pair perfectly with your drink. $5 is all you will need to sample Deviled Eggs Topped with Bacon, Hand-made Tater Tot’s, including their famous Totchos (Tater tot’s served nacho style), or pretzel bites with beer cheese. With 7 TVs, you won’t miss a single moment of your favorite game with your friends.
Auburn (Monday-Friday, 4PM- 6PM)
Ambience is the word! This ‘New Vintage’ night club is just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Once you step in the doors, you’ll feel like you’ve walked onto an old Hollywood film set and you’re ready for your close-up. Auburn’s
Auburn Lounge’s fan favorite cheese and charcuterie board.
entire menu is 25% off for Happy Hour, which includes an OldFashioned station and a variety of champagnes and sparkling wines to tickle your tongue. Even though Auburn is known for their cheese boards, the Meatballs and Elote Bites have been stealing the spotlight recently. Two TVs consistently play classic films; careful or you’ll lose track of time in this elegant downtown throwback.
McGah’s (Monday and Friday, 3PM- 6PM)
Did somebody say dueling pianos? Stroll on down to this comfortable hideaway that celebrates its rich family sports history, where they believe Irish/Mexican fusion success in that every day should be Taco these corned beef tacos from McGah’s! Tuesday. Happy Hour consists of four varieties of tacos ($6 each) which are as colorful as the bar itself -fish tacos, buffalo chicken, fried avocado, and Irish-style (corned beef with shredded potato). Grab a giant Moscow Mule and stick around for the song stylings of Dave and Travis, who can perform just about any song upon request every Friday and Saturday.
Primo Pizza (Everyday 3PM-6PM)
40 years of business is nothing to scoff at. This Danville landmark has been untouched by time, thanks to their “don’t fix it if it isn’t broken” approach to pizza. Everything is made in house and from scratch including the dough. Happy hour features Potato Skins for $4 and $1 off all beer, but the big attraction is the $6 pizza special. That gets you a jumbo slice of any one of their 20 different pizzas and a domestic beer. With all the money you save on food, you can head to the in-house arcade for a chance to win a stuffed animal. Stephanie Seaberg has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumni. Steph is a play-writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing. DANVILLE LIVING 29
Expert Contributor
The Art of the Stack By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry
A
s the fall season approaches, stackable rings are still one of the hottest trends and we just love it! Whether you’re going on a date, heading to work or a meeting, maybe even a girls’ night out, there is a stackable ring style that is appropriate for every occasion. Padis Jewelry carries a variety of stackable rings, from simple to ornate, and we encourage experimentation with mixing and matching them with other stackable rings in your jewelry collection.
Don’t leave your thumb or pinky bare: You can’t leave them bare. If not on both, as they may start to get in the way, you must choose between your thumb or pinky finger to complete the overall look. This will add a little more interest to the design you have set.
Here’s what you need to know to help you create your own personalized stack: Begin with your favorite piece: It could most definitely be your diamond engagement ring, a most frequently worn ring, a family heirloom, or anything else that is close to your heart. It deserves to find the most important spot. No matter how big or small, it needs to stand out, which takes us to the next point, balance.
How many are too many? We get asked this question a lot, and our philosophy is simple: the more bands, the better! With so many occasions to celebrate (new babies, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.), the perfect stack grows with you.
Aim for balance: It doesn’t matter if half of your ring stack involves gold or silver or white-rose colored bands, the key is to aim for a balance so that every piece looks like it was meant to be there and stacked strategically. If mix and match is not your style, you can always opt for a more polished look by going with a single color scheme. The only thing you will have to take care of is to ensure that a proportion is being maintained and not all thick or sleek pieces are stacked together. Mix & Match: Building different stacked looks is a perfect way to let your individuality shine. But sometimes, figuring out what ring goes with what can be stressful. Start simple and don’t be afraid to experiment. Try pairing a simple band with an east-west ring. Or, wear a bold chunky ring next to a delicate diamond eternity band. Throw in some larger statement rings. You get to make your own rules.
Ready to rock this style? Come visit us and try a variety of rings on! Our non-commissioned jewelry experts are ready to guide you to the perfect choice. Get started by scheduling a visit to the Padis Jewelry showroom in San Francisco or our brand new Forevermark Boutique in Walnut Creek’s Broadway Plaza. Feel free to contact us at concierge@padisjewelry.com. Be forewarned that once you start stacking, you’ll be hooked for life!
Pops of Color: Bring on the color! Rose, yellow, and white gold or platinum metals can play beautifully with each other. Wear one band style in multiple metal colors or create a little contrast by wearing rings from different designers and collections. You could even add a colored gemstone ring into your favorite stack with birthstones to represent children or special occasions. The combinations you can create are endless! 30
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