Danville Living CA August 2026

Hacienda de las Palmas 1924 Alameda Diablo, Diablo

6 BED | 6 FULL, 2 HALF BATH | 6.992 SQ. FT. | 1.53 AC. LOT

$9,750,000

WELCOME TO HACIENDA DE LAS PALMAS... Behind double gates with access from both Alameda Diablo and La Cadena, this exceptional Spanish-style Hacienda blends timeless character with modern sophistication. Originally built in 1949 and thoughtfully renovated, the estate honors its rich architectural heritage while offering every comfort for today’s lifestyle.

MARY BONHAM mary.bonham@theagencyre.com 925.997.1787 | LIC. #01203856

erin.carrigg@theagencyre.com 925.360.4420 | LIC. #02020465

August CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tues., Aug. 4

National Night Out

@ Your neighborhood

On the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. To register your neighborhood party with the National Night Out organization, visit www.natw.org/registration.Register now through July 21 to have a local Danville Police representative attend your registered neighborhood party. Residents will receive information from a PD representative. The time frame requested is not guaranteed. Representative visits will be based on calls for service and available resources. Please contact our Community Service Coordinator with any questions at (925) 314-3717.

Time: 4-8PM

Cost: Free

Tues., Aug. 12

Picture This Pencil

@ Art Gallery at the Village Theater

Step into the More Than a Line exhibition and rediscover the joy of the humble pencil. Participants will craft picture frames transforming simple lines into expressive works of art. Made for kids age 5-10. Register at danville.ca.gov/recguide.

Time: 3:30-5PM

Cost: Free

Thurs., Aug. 13

Joybound Around Town

@Prospect Park Plaza

Don’t miss our first-ever Joybound Around Town in Danville community festival! You’re invited to join us for an evening stroll through downtown Danville alongside your family, friends, and canine companions. Meet adorable adoptable animals, enjoy live music and activities, learn all about Joybound’s programs, and shop for a cause at partnering stores and restaurants throughout the downtown area. We can’t wait to see you there!

Time: 6-8PM

Cost: Free

Wed., Aug. 19

Crafting with Colored Pencils

@ Art Gallery and Village Theater

Come and get colorful with us while creating a beautiful, vibrant succulent sculpture out of colored pencils at this workshop inspired by the More Than a Line exhibition. Made for ages 13 and up.

Time: 5:30-7:30

Cost: $25

Fri., Aug. 21

Jazz and Juice

@ Village Theater and Art Gallery

Join the Town of Danville and Sixth Line Studios for a relaxing summer evening of live music and refreshments for our inaugural event in Danville’s Theatre Plaza! Enjoy the sounds of a professional jazz trio while sipping complimentary drinks and enjoying light snacks in the warm evening air. This gathering is the perfect way to unwind and celebrate summer with friends and neighbors. For ages 21 and over ONLY.

Time: 6:30-8PM

Cost: Free

Sun., Aug. 30

Hot Summer Sundays Car Show

@ Historic Downtown Danville

A street party like no other, Danville’s Hot Summer Sundays Car Shows combines classic cars and camaraderie to create a wonderful day of summer celebration. Whether we’re admiring a pristine classic hotrod, or we’re taken aback by the smooth ride that dad unveiled for Sunday drives, we never seem to tire of gawking at beautiful automobiles. The show features hundreds of hot rods and classic cars along Hartz/Prospect Avenue. Expect to see rare one-of-a-kind collector cars, custom-designed cars and classic and muscle cars from all era’s. Live music fills the streets, vendor booths and awards for the favorite collector vehicles, and local shop owners and restaurateurs welcome you to discover what makes Danville so special.

Time: 11am-4PM

Cost: Free

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market

@ Railroad Ave. Municipal

Parking Lot Downtown

Get the freshest seasonal fare at Danville Certified Farmers Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh cut flowers, seafood, meats, local honey, and baked goods. More information at www.pcfma.com.

Time: 9am-1pm

Cost: Free

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014

Content Coordinator: Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Designer: Meagan Cowle

Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

Advertising

Contact: Jo Peek

Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.

Hello Neighbors!

Happy August! This month always seems to be a “catch all” time of the year....many families squeezing in last minute summer vacations, rushing to get all the supplies ready for the first day of school, fall sports kicking into high gear, yet there’s still those impromptu neighborhood BBQ’s and late night swimming sessions we get to enjoy. Perhaps it’s the warm evenings with the late pink sky sunsets, or the comforting feeling of stepping back into a family routine...but August is definitely a month to enjoy, especially in Danville!

We are thrilled to share the Dunivant Family story with our Danville neighbors this month. Ursula and Tyler have built a home and business filled with love, energy, kindness and beauty. They are familiar faces to many around town and their seasonal porches are not to be missed. You will love learning all about how Porch of Plenty came to be and how the family is thrilled to call Danville HOME. We also have a great collection of expert articles, a Greek Bruschetta recipe and a fun review of a daytrip around the Sacramento

Expert Contributors

Advertising - Website, SEO & Digital Marketing

Danville Living CA

Jo Peek

925-272-8246

DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

Doulas

DOULAS by the BAY

Shakila Marando 415-650-1616

Fitness

The Exercise Coach San Ramon

Jennifer Ringenberg 925-378-5941

jennifer.ringenberg@exercisecoach-usa.com www.exercisecoach.com/san-ramon

Life Coach

EYH College/Life Coach

Christian Dalton MS, PPS, MCC (Master Certified Coach) 925-872-4726

Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/

Pilates

Mighty Pilates Danville 925-486-1140

danvilleinstructormanager@mightypilates.com www.mightypilates.com/danville

Real Estate

Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Compass

DRE#01111126

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, SRES® 925-964-5010

Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro

Remodeling

America’s Dream Homeworks

Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com

Tree Service

Terry Powell Terry’s Tree Service (925) 449-2087 https://terrystreeservice.com/

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

Over the last 10 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.

At DOULAS by the BAY, our mission is to provide peace of mind while expanding access to thoughtful, evidence-based doula care. Through our experience, attention to detail, and deep commitment to families, we support parents, strengthen communities, and create meaningful pathways for doulas to grow. We specialize in education and support for families preparing for birth, adjusting to new parenthood, and caring for their newborns during the early weeks.

Are you someone that values your time and doesn’t want to spend 2 hours on a gym routine? We offer high-efficiency strength training in our private studio with results that can be achieved with no more than two 20-minute sessions per week. Our program focuses on total body fitness through customized muscular conditioning using cutting-edge realtime digital feedback with our proprietary personalized strength technology, Exerbotics ®. Within weeks, you’ll start restoring strength and muscle mass, leading to increased energy, improved cardiovascular health, and more.

Christina has serviced the high school community for 39 years as: Lead Counselor, Math Dept. Chair, Academy Coordinator and Educational Trainer. As a certified executive Life Coach credentialed from UC Davis, Christina gives her clients a powerful edge. From developing a diverse college list, to creating a competitive profile with dynamic essays and interviewing strategy, Christina has guided hundreds of students into top universities throughout the United States.

Mighty Pilates brings a fresh, energetic approach to classical Pilates, combining traditional technique with a modern intensity that challenges both body and mind. Led by a team of dynamic, highly rated certified instructors, our classes range from beginner-friendly Foundations sessions to advanced Power Pilates workouts for seasoned enthusiasts. We also offer unique experiences like Mighty Moonlight (a candlelit stretch class) and Happy Hour Pilates (complete with a postclass toast!). At Mighty Pilates, every class is designed to elevate your energy, strengthen your body, and leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 35 years. Lisa is an East Bay native & longtime Danville resident, where she’s been involved in the community. Lisa has earned the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® designation and is also a Certified Trust & Probate Specialist. Lisa takes pride in excellent communication skills, creativity, attention to details, and empathy, to provide the ultimate customer experience and successful transactions. Contact Lisa for “Service from the Heart.”

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.

Terry’s Tree Service, Inc. provides a complete range of tree services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. In addition to planting, trimming, shaping and removing all types of trees, the company offers specialized services, including yard clean-up, pet rescue, fire prevention, brush chipping, stump grinding, and more.

Wealth Management

Matt Forrey

The Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 www.mattforrey.com

The Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.

Meet the Dunivant Family

Bloom where You’re Planted

By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Photos provided by the Dunivant family

Like many modern love stories, Ursula and Tyler met online. Ursula had recently moved back to California after nearly 20 years of living in New York to care for her ailing father in the “final chapter of his life.” While she didn’t expect it was the season she would meet her future husband, God clearly had other plans. On their first date Tyler looked across the table and said, ‘Imagine… this could be your last first date.’ Ursula laughed beneath her New York skepticism and quietly replied, ‘I give this three weeks.’ The next morning Tyler called his father and confidently announced, ‘I met the woman I’m going to marry.’ Three weeks later Ursula realized he had been right. Six months later they were engaged on Christmas. Within eleven months they were married and expecting their daughter. Today Ursula happily admits, ‘He was right. I was wrong.’ Ursula and Tyler were married on a cliff in Big Sur, where the mountains meet the sea and the sea meets the sky—they couldn’t imagine anything closer to God. They chose Mother’s Day weekend and honored their mothers as their ‘Moms of Honor,’ a reflection of a marriage based in faith, family, gratitude, and hospitality from the very beginning.

While their life is completely rooted in Danville, their paths to get here were quite different. Tyler is a fifth-generation East Bay native whose family has long been woven into Danville’s story. In 1995, his parents founded the Danville Cigar & Wine Shop on Hartz Avenue, a beloved downtown gathering place that has welcomed neighbors for decades. Watching his parents build relationships, not just a business, taught him that “community is created one conversation at a time.” Professionally, he has spent more than twenty years leading logistics, sourcing,

manufacturing, operations, and sales in the packaging industry. Ursula was born in Fresno and grew up in Carmel-by-theSea, before moving to Paris, San Diego, Washington D.C., and spending nearly 20 years working and living in New York City. Her career started in fashion magazines and eventually expanded into public relations, marketing, events, and brand development for luxury fashion houses, hospitality brands, restaurants and lifestyle companies. “I’ve always been drawn to work where creativity meets human connection–where thoughtful design and memorable experiences have the power to turn a place into a destination.” Today she continues that work as a founding partner of the Rockaway Ocean Club, helping restore New York City’s historic Jacob Riis Bathhouse into a vibrant destination where history, hospitality, and culture meet. It remains the career she has devoted more than two decades to building—and one she still loves deeply. Yet she has always believed that “while your career may take you around the world, it’s important to bloom where you’re planted. Invest wholeheartedly. Love your neighbors. Support your schools. Open your table. Show up for your community. Celebrate the seasons. Wave first. Leave every place a little better than you found it. And whenever possible, infuse it with joy.”

The Dunivant girls “are wonderfully different, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.” Lizzie (11) is “incredibly thoughtful, hardworking and compassionate.” She enjoys being active in her church youth programs and takes pride in doing well academically. She also loves swimming on the Del Amigo Swim team and is growing into a kind and compassionate young lady. Everlie (6) wakes up each morning believing it will be the “best day ever!” She loves spending time drawing, playing soccer, swimming, and “approaches life with a sense of wonder that reminds all of us not to take ourselves too seriously.” The household would not be complete without Lucy and Ethel, their two rescue cats who have graciously allowed the rest of the family to live alongside them in their westside Danville home.

When deciding on where to settle down and raise their family, Tyler suggested Danville, yet… “wisely eased a Manhattan girl westward” by first living in San

Francisco. Tyler still jokes that San Francisco was Ursula’s ‘methadone’ to wean a city girl off urban life. Eventually, Danville won Ursula’s heart with its walkable streets, friendly downtown, and the sense that neighbors still genuinely knew one another. It reminded her of Carmel-by-the-Sea, where she grew up. “Once we moved to Danville, I found myself with something I’d never had before: a front porch. To my husband’s amusement and annoyance, I enthusiastically made up for lost time and purchased what he would probably describe as an entirely unreasonable amount of seasonal décor. After spending nearly twenty years living in New York apartments, I’d never had a front porch—or, more accurately, a stoop. What I did have was a career immersed in beautiful design. Somewhere along the way, I accumulated a wonderful résumé, a killer shoe collection... and absolutely no holiday decorations.” Not anymore! Fast forward to a couple of years ago when a friend texted Ursula an article about a woman decorating porches in Texas with one simple line: ‘We could totally do this.’ By bedtime, Porch of Plenty had a name, a logo, a website domain, and a social media handle. “Some ideas whisper. This one practically shouted.”

Ursula describes Porch of Plenty as not just a business, but their family’s “Love Letter to Danville…It’s not just decorating porches…but creating moments. A front porch is where neighbors wave, children come home from school, holiday photos become family traditions, and friends are welcome before the front door ever opens.” Drawing from Ursula’s background in editorial, branding and design, she first creates a blank canvas in her mind, then adds color, proportion, texture, movement and storytelling. “Pumpkins, ribbons, greenery, flowers and seasonal decor simply become my medium.” Porch of Plenty has truly become a family business as Tyler’s skills and talents have made him the resident engineer - transforming Ursula’s ideas into reality. He is the perfect counterpart to her creative side…managing sourcing, fabricating custom pieces, solving every logistical challenge and tackling the ladder, rooftop and power tool duties.

The Dunviant family also finds time to travel together. They love to sneak in trips along the California coast, as well as their annual ski trip to Idaho to visit Ursula’s parents. Between Porch of Plenty, Ursula’s work in New York, school events and church, there’s never a dull moment. Faith and community are very important parts of the Dunivant household. Tyler was raised Catholic, while Ursula was raised Protestant, yet the family has decided to fully embrace both churches; attending Mass at St. Isidore Parish and also Sunday Services at Community Presbyterian Church. They believe their girls are receiving a well-rounded Christian education and learning that “loving God and loving people is the center of it all.” Spending time with the people that mean the most to them

Porch of Plenty’s new website is now live and preparing for the fall and holidays. Follow the adventure in decorating at @PorchofPlenty on Instagram.

is a constant in their lives. Their Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house are part of their intentional tradition where gathering and sharing memories around the table as a family happens each week. “We also love celebrating the season - whether it’s pumpkins in the fall, decorating for Christmas, delivering treats to neighbors at Easter, or lining our court with American Flags for the Fourth of July; they are simple traditions, but we’ve found it’s the little things families do year after year that children remember the most.”

If you happen to see Ursula this holiday season, she’ll probably be carrying more pumpkins than one person reasonably should— or wearing an unapologetically festive headband. Wave; she’ll wave back. Because somewhere between Manhattan and Danville, between grief and joy, between one unforgettable first date, a family business on Hartz Avenue, two faith traditions shared under one roof, and one late-night text that simply read, ‘We could totally do this,’ the Dunivants discovered that home isn’t something you find. It’s something you build. One welcome. One tradition. One front porch. One neighbor at a time. Ursula and Tyler hope their daughters grow up to be “the kind of people who celebrate loudly, sit quietly when needed, and never let the people they love walk through life alone.” If they’re remembered as a family that ”lived by faith, loved well, showed up for others, and made people feel at home,” they’ll consider that a life well lived.

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.

Why Your Teen Doesn’t Need to Cure Cancer

By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, MCC, EYH Life/College Coach

This is the first article of a four part series.

If you spend enough time around parents of high school students in Danville, you’ll eventually hear a story that sounds something like this: A friend’s cousin’s neighbor’s child started a nonprofit, conducted medical research, founded a business, captained a varsity sport, and somehow still found time to sleep.

At that point, every parent in the conversation has the same thought: Is my kid doing enough?

Welcome to college admissions in 2026, where rumors travel quickly, social media amplifies anxiety, and many families feel like they’re trying to compete in a game without knowing the rules.

The good news is that your teenager does not need to cure cancer to get into college.

In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions about college admissions is that students must excel at everything. Colleges aren’t looking for superhumans. They’re looking for young people who have challenged themselves, pursued meaningful interests, and demonstrated growth over time.

Think about it from an admissions officer’s perspective. Thousands of applications cross their desks every year. What often stands out isn’t a long list of activities. It’s authenticity.

A student who spends four years deeply involved in robotics, theater, coding, journalism, music, or community service often presents a stronger story than a student who joins every club available simply to build a resume.

Yet many families find themselves trapped in a cycle of comparison.

Somewhere between club sports, AP classes, SAT prep, and hearing about another student’s impressive summer internship, it’s easy to wonder whether your own child is falling behind. The reality is that there is no universal formula for admission.

Strong academics still matter. Challenging coursework matters. Consistent involvement matters. But colleges are increasingly interested in qualities that don’t fit neatly into a spreadsheet: resilience, curiosity, initiative, kindness, and the ability to contribute to a community.

That’s why students should pursue activities because they genuinely enjoy them—not because they believe an admissions office will be impressed. Ironically, authenticity is often what makes applicants memorable.

Another source of stress for parents is the perception that every college has become impossibly selective. Headlines about acceptance rates at a handful of elite universities create the impression that higher education has become a giant game of musical chairs. What rarely gets discussed is that there are hundreds of excellent colleges across the country where students receive outstanding educations, build meaningful relationships, and launch successful careers.

The sweatshirt logo isn’t the destination. It’s simply the beginning of

the journey. As your student prepares for college, perhaps the most valuable thing you can provide isn’t another enrichment program or another line on a resume.

It’s perspective.

Encourage your teenager to explore their interests. Celebrate effort as much as outcomes. Remind them that admission decisions are influenced by countless factors beyond their control.

Most importantly, remember that the goal of high school isn’t to manufacture the perfect college applicant.

It’s to help young people discover who they are becoming. And that’s a far more important accomplishment than curing cancer. If you are needing support to navigate this journey, EYH College Coach and EYH Life Coach can guide your child’s journey while supporting your next stage.

Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.

Greek Bruschetta

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

A chilled vegetable appetizer on a hot sunny day is one of life’s great pleasures. Vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers are in season, which means that they are affordable and very delicious. My friend Derek nonchalantly served these Greek beauties at a party he was hosting, and I had more than my polite share while raving about them. It is a clever take on the classic bruschetta, but with a Greek twist. The olives give it a beautifully salty note, while the brightness of the cucumber feels like you’re eating a salad. This appetizer is guilt free, very filling, and a regular dish on my summer table.

YOU WILL NEED;

• 1 French Baguette

• drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

• 1- 8 ounce container of store-bought hummus Veggies;

• 2 cups English cucumber, finely diced (peeling optional)

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced or quartered

• 2/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 1/2 cup red onion , finely diced

• 2/3 cup kalamata olives, chopped Dressing;

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• zest of half a lemon

• 2-3 garlic cloves, finally minced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finally chopped

• salt / pepper to taste

PUTTING IT TOGETHER ;

Start by making the vegetable salad. Mix all the veggies together with the feta and olives until well incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while making the dressing. In a small bowl, blend the red wine vinegar, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and stream in the olive oil until well blended. Stir the dressing into the veggie mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour. Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices. Brush with olive oil and bake in a preheated 400° oven for 5-7 minutes or toast them in the air fryer, which is what I do. Spread a little hummus on the toasted bread and top with the veggie mix. If you’d like to be extra fancy, you can add a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Stephanie Seaberg has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumni. Steph is a play-writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing.

Helping Homeowners with the Benefits of a Kitchen Cabinet Remodel

By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks

Are your kitchen cabinets outdated or lacking in functionality? It’s time to consider a transformation. America’s Dream HomeWorks and DreamLine Cabinetry offers a vast array of kitchen cabinets designed to enhance both the style and efficiency of your kitchen. From contemporary to classic designs, we provide solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.

Undertaking a kitchen cabinets remodel can have a significant impact on your kitchen’s appearance and usability. The key

benefits of new kitchen cabinets are increased storage, enhanced functionality, and improved aesthetic appeal. Creating an ideal kitchen remodel requires meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail. Our team works closely with you from the initial design phase to the final installation, ensuring every aspect of your project is executed flawlessly. America’s Dream HomeWorks is committed to providing exceptional service and high-quality products.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Visit our showroom or give us a call, we’d love to make your dream project a reality!

Joybound Looking for Love

By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager

Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person.

Adoption Hours

Mon-Fri: 12 – 7 PM

Sat-Sun: 11 AM-6 PM (Early sign-in begins at 9 AM)

Business Hours

Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM

Visit https://joybound.org/ for more information.

Joybound adoption fees:

• $150 for an adult dog

• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)

• $75 for a special-needs dog

• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)

• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

• $100 for an adult cat

• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)

• $50 for a special-needs cat

• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)

• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran

Hill

Sold Listings

SThe Hidden Dangers of Summer: Protecting Your Trees, Property, and Family

By Antoinette Vargas - Certified Arborist # WE13627A

ummer is one of the most enjoyable times of the year in the East Bay, but it can also be one of the most stressful seasons for trees. Extended periods of high heat, drought conditions, and sudden wind events can weaken even healthy-looking trees, increasing the risk of branch failure, property damage, and fire hazards.

When Healthy-Looking Trees Fail

One of the biggest misconceptions about trees is that dangerous branches always appear dead or unhealthy. In reality, some of the largest failures occur in trees that look perfectly healthy from the ground.

As temperatures rise, trees work harder to move moisture from their roots to their canopy. Existing defects such as internal decay, cracks, weak branch attachments, or excessive end weight can become more problematic during periods of environmental stress.

A large branch can fail with little warning, damaging roofs, vehicles, fences, patios, and outdoor living spaces. In communities such as Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo, and Alamo, where mature trees are a defining feature of many properties, preventative maintenance is often the best defense against costly damage.

Heat Stress Isn’t Always Obvious

Trees often suffer from heat and drought stress long before visible symptoms appear. By the time leaves begin browning or branches start dying back, the tree may have already been struggling for months.

Warning signs may include:

• Thinning foliage

• Dead twigs in the canopy

• Premature leaf drop

• Cracks in large limbs

• Fungus growing on trunks or root flares

Early detection can help prevent more serious problems and extend the life of valuable landscape trees.

Reducing Fire Risk Around Your Home

Proper tree maintenance plays an important role in fire safety. Removing deadwood, reducing excessive canopy density, and maintaining proper clearance from structures can help reduce combustible material around the home while improving airflow throughout the canopy.

Healthy, properly maintained trees are generally more resilient to environmental stress than neglected trees burdened with deadwood and structural defects.

Protecting Your Investment

Mature trees provide beauty, shade, privacy, and value that cannot be replaced overnight. Many of the magnificent oaks, redwoods, and specimen trees throughout our communities have taken decades to mature.

While homeowners often receive estimates that vary significantly in price, the quality of pruning can have a lasting impact on a tree’s health, structure, appearance, and safety. Professional pruning performed according to ISA arboricultural standards is designed to reduce risk, improve structure, and preserve a tree’s natural beauty for years to come.

As temperatures continue to rise, now is an excellent time to have your trees evaluated. Many homeowners throughout Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo, and Alamo trust Terry’s Tree Service because of our commitment to ISA arboricultural standards, experienced crews, and pruning practices that prioritize the long-term health, safety, and beauty of their trees—not simply the lowest initial price.

Since 1999, Terry’s Tree Service has helped East Bay homeowners protect the trees that define their properties.

The Sacramento River Delta

By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991

From the Gold Rush towns to the earliest settlements on the coast, it’s quite common for any short trip in Northern California to reveal historical charm.

One of the easiest but often most overlooked regions is on Highway 160 north of the Antioch Bridge in one of the state’s most productive agricultural regions known as the Sacramento River Delta. The twolane road sits atop the levee constructed by Army Corps of Engineers about 100 years ago due to the river’s tendency to flood. A 30-mile drive north of the bridge reveals the area’s assets.

First, it’s the soil. The floods left a silt rich in minerals, and the river creates a high-water table that makes it extremely easy to irrigate crops. Early settlers took advantage by planting vast orchards to go along with fields of tomatoes, corn, squash and about anything. Many orchards have been replaced by grapes of all varietals.

The center of this region is Walnut Grove, about 60 miles from Danville. It is a true ag-first town of a little more than 1,000 residents that during summer weekends becomes a haven for water skiers and boating enthusiasts.

About three miles south of Walnut Grove is the Ryde Hotel, a throwback rest stop built in the 1880s, then rebuilt after a fire and now carrying that 1920s Art Deco style that made it a speakeasy during Prohibition. It was once a first-rate restaurant that now specializes in Sunday brunch. With its charming garden, large dining room and bar, it remains popular for both weddings and receptions.

It’s worth noting that this region is spliced by various channels of the river, and that’s why a casual ride from the Ryde through the vineyards and orchards and large homes on the banks brings you to something right out of the Great Gatsby – the Grand Island Mansion. Designed in 1917 as the home of Lewis Meyers, a major fruit farmer, this four-story, 24,000-square-foot, 58-room villa is the largest private estate in Northern California. It is stocked with the finest features of classical architecture and expert craftsmanship. From the website:

Distinctive original features like marble fireplaces, unique handmade tile work, inlaid parquet flooring and imported wood paneling have

remained intact for visitors to admire and enjoy a century after the mansion was constructed, enhanced by luxurious period furnishings and authentic artwork.

Luminaries like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Greta Garbo and later, Ronald Reagan, have visited the estate. Now it’s available for weddings and special events, with two upstairs floors offering overnight accommodation. There’s even a Mansion yacht available for river cruises.

Further north on the River Road, it’s possible to taste what all those vineyards have been producing at Bogle Vineyards in Clarksburg.

Back to the south on the east side of the river you’ll come to Locke, the only town in the U.S. built by and for Chinese immigrants. Founded in 1915, it features preserved wooden buildings, museums, and local eateries, the most famous of which is Al The Wop’s.

This is a dive bar’s dive bar. Look up “ramshackle” in the dictionary and there’s a picture of Al The Wop’s. The building was constructed in 1915, and a couple decades later a man named Al Adami purchased the building, adding the not-so-quaint Italian reference.

Also known as Al’s Place, it’s possible to get an ice cold beer for $6 as well hamburgers, pasta and any number of specials. Its charm is

Newborn Sleep: What’s Normal and How to Get Through It

By Shakila Marando, Infant Sleep Consultant and Founder of DOULAS by the BAY

If you have a newborn, you’re probably exhausted. Your baby may be waking constantly. You might wonder, “Is my baby okay? Am I doing something wrong?”

Here’s the good news: nothing is wrong. Your baby is doing exactly what they are supposed to do. I’ve been there with both of my children, and now I help families through these early weeks. Let me share what really helps.

Newborns aren’t made to sleep all night

Newborns wake up a lot because:

• Their tummies are tiny, so they get hungry fast.

• Their brains are growing.

• Their body clock is developing.

When babies are born, they can’t tell day from night. Most babies begin to have more predictable sleep around 4 months when their body starts making a sleepy hormone called melatonin. Before that, they wake, eat, and sleep around the clock.

Feed well during the day

When babies eat well during the day, they often sleep better at night. Here’s a plan that can help:

• Feed often during the day, every 2-3 hours.

• Embrace the evening “cluster feed” — eating frequently without breaks. This is normal and helps your baby fill up.

• Give a full feed before bedtime.

This helps your baby get enough daytime calories so they may sleep longer overnight. In the early weeks your doctor may ask you to wake your baby for feedings until they return to their birth weight.

Every baby is different

Some babies are easy going. Others are wakeful and sensitive. This is called temperament and your baby was born with it. You may have a baby who needs more help to settle and that’s okay.

Keep sleep safe

No matter how sleep is going, these rules protect your baby:

• Always put your baby on their back to sleep.

• Use a firm, flat sleep space, like a crib or bassinet.

• Keep the baby’s bed free of pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.

• Swaddle your newborn for sleep. Stop swaddling once they try to roll over.

Try a rhythm

Newborns don’t need a strict schedule; a simple rhythm works. During the daytime try this pattern:

Feed → awake/play time → sleep.

Newborn wake times are short, often 30 to 60 minutes. That’s enough time to eat, have a diaper change, enjoy play time, and then they’re ready for sleep. Overnight, keep things calm and boring on purpose. When your baby wakes, feed them, change them, and put them right back to sleep. This pattern helps your baby learn that night is for sleeping.

Simple things to remember

Newborn sleep is messy, and waking up a lot is normal. In the first few months your baby is still learning day from night. You don’t need a perfect schedule. Feed your baby, keep sleep safe, answer their needs, and take care of yourself. Most babies sleep longer as they grow. Every baby is different, and that’s okay. This hard, beautiful season will pass.

Shakila Marando is the founder of DOULAS by the BAY, which she established in 2009. Today, the company employs more than 90 birth and postpartum doulas serving families throughout Northern and Southern California. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your pediatrician or doctor.

August is a Hot Real Estate Season

By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass

Mixing back-to-school season with listing your house for sale might seem counterintuitive, but in our local market, August and September are typically two of the hottest months in the real estate market.

For starters, most families with school aged children are back in town. Have you ever noticed how much quieter it is downtown and on the thoroughfares in July? Many of our local residents leave town for a good part of July, focused on travel. The days in August and September are still long and warm, offering ideal conditions for presenting and showing a home in its best light, when potential home buyers are back on schedule and back in town.

Another reason that the market stays strong in August and September is that many home buyers had a different home that they needed to sell first, before buying their next one, creating a second (albeit smaller) wave of qualified new home buyers, a bit later in the year.

Even though school is back in session, August tends to still have a slightly more relaxed schedule. Those without children at home may still be in full summer mode, and families with children don’t usually have the heavy sports, tutoring and other extracurricular activities in full swing until September or October.

For home sellers, there is also the benefit of bringing a house to market

at a time of the year when there are fewer competitors for a buyer’s attention. The inventory of homes for sale often drops quickly this time of year, and buyers are quick to check out anything new that hits the market. Sellers have the advantage of attracting buyers who envision being settled into their new home, before the start of the winter holiday season.

Every home sale is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com with questions or for a custom analysis and consultation. Even if you’re not planning to move, I’m happy to help by providing you with relevant data, enabling you to make a well informed decision. It’s never too early to start planning for success!

Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate has been impressing her clients for 35 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime Danville resident, where she’s been actively involved in the community while raising her two children. DRE#01111126

San Ramon Valley Wolves

Varsity Football Schedul e 2026

By Chris DeClercq, SRVHS Athletic Director

Mark you Calendars and join all of Danville for Friday Night Lights. Go Wolves!

August 21 7:00PM @ Antioch Scrimmage

August 28 7:00PM @ El Cerrito

September 4 7:00PM @ Enochs (Johansen High School)

September 11 7:00PM v. Clayton Valley

September 11 7:00PM v. Clovis North

September 25 7:00PM v. Foothill (Homecoming Game)

October 9 7:15PM @ Livermore

October 16 7:15PM v. Amador

October 23 7:15PM @ De la Salle

October 30 7:15PM v. Cal High (Senior Night)

November 6 7:15PM @ Monte Vista

Join the Dad’s Club at Montair Elementary School

By Matthew Forrey, Danville Living Expert and Montair Dad

The Dad’s Club at Montair Elementary School in Danville’s West Side is more than just a group of dads—we’re a community of volunteers committed to making our school better for every student. From fixing playground benches to tackling larger maintenance projects, we tackle the hands-on work that keeps our school running smoothly. Whether it’s painting the blacktop, repairs, or general assistance, we’re here to support whatever Montair needs.

But we’re not all work and no fun. Three times a year, we treat the kids to a fun morning where we provide donuts and a pancake breakfast that the kids love. We also partner with the PTA and Foundation to support school initiatives, and each year we organize a Mother’s Day flowerpot painting event that the kids love.

We’re Looking for You

If you’re a dad (or father figure) interested in making a real difference at Montair Elementary, we’d love to have you join us. We meet once a month on the first Tuesday at Norm’s in Danville—a great opportunity to connect with other parents while planning our next project. No experience necessary. Just show up, pitch in, and be part of something meaningful for our school community. Visit https://montairdadsclub.com/ for more information.

The best returns are more than financial

Your financial goals are as unique as you are. I work to understand what’s most important to you and your vision for the future. Together, we’ll develop customized strategies, and I’ll provide the attentive service that helps you build the future you’re working toward.

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Portfolio

Manager

(925) 279-1710 | matthew.forrey@rbc.com www.mattforrey.com

The 43rd SRVEF Run for Education

By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Iron Horse Middle School

12601 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon

Come for The Run and Stay for the Fun: kids’ zone, exhibitor booths, and more!

Don’t miss out on a cherished tradition, bringing the community together while funding essential programs across all 35 San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) schools.

Sign up for one or more:

NEW 1.5 Mile - start at the same time and place as the 5K, but enjoy a shorter route - perfect for groups with participants of varying fitness levels 5K walk/run

10K starting at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville Mini Run for ages 2-6 years old - participants receive our signature Mini Run cape and post-race treats Friendship Run for participants with special needs

All participants receive a shirt and medal!

NEW THIS YEAR: School & Group COSTUME CONTEST! Awards will be given for Best School Spirit and Best Community Group. For contest rules, event information, and to register, visit: www.srvef.org/the-run

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