Beyond GPA: Helping your Teen Discover their “Why”
Universal Design is Good for Everyone Expert Contributor
Great American Cheeseburger Dip Cooking Corner
Kitchen Cabinets: Reface or Replace? How to Solve your Renovation Dilemma
Joybound–Looking for Love
Fri., July 3
Moonlight Movies
@ Town Green
Moonlight Movies is back on the Town Green! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and movie snacks and join us for a movie under the stars! Arrive at 6:30 to enjoy crafts, lawn games, and pre-movie trivia!
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011, PG-13) will begin at 8:00PM pm or when lighting permits.
Time: 6:30-10PM
Cost: Free
Sat., July 4
Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade
@Historic Downtown Danville
Honoring SRVUSD: Great schools + great students = great community! This year’s 2026 Parade Grand Marshal, is San Ramon Valley Unified School District. 2026 marks the 51st anniversary that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley first began organizing and conducting the 4th of July Parade in Danville, and Kiwanis has presented a Parade every year since, including the virtual Parade that was held online in COVID year 2020. The Parade will take place along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard from approximately 9am to noon, starting at San Ramon Valley High School at Railroad Avenue. The Parade route will end at Town and Country Drive like last year. The parade can be seen from either side of the street, and there is always plenty of room for everyone!
Time: 9am-12PM
Fri., July 10
More Than a Line Art Exhibition
Opening Reception
@ Village Theater and Art Gallery
This summer, the Town of Danville invites the community to reconsider one of the most familiar creative tools through More Than a Line, a new exhibition at the Village Theatre Art Gallery. Centered on the simple pencil, the exhibition explores how a single medium can produce an extraordinary range of styles, textures, and expression. More Than a Line opens with a reception on Friday, July 10, from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Attendees can meet the artists, be among the first to view the artwork, and enjoy refreshments
Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Cost: Free
Sat., July 11 and Sat., July 25
Music in the Park
@Town Green
Join the Town of Danville for its Music in the Park at the Town Green with all performances beginning at 6:00 pm. Be sure to bring blankets, lawn chairs, hats and snacks for a free evening of music and dancing. The lineup for this month is as follows July 11 – Mercy & The Heartbeats and July 25 – Dream Like Taylor.
Time: 6-8PM
Cost: Free
Wed., July 22
Kidchella
@Town Green
The Town of Danville invites families to sing, dance, and celebrate summer at Kidchella, a free music series created especially for kids and their families. Held in partnership with the Danville Library, Kidchella brings together live music, story time, and hands-on fun at the Danville Library and Town Green. Each Kidchella event begins with an interactive story time at the Danville Library at 11:15 a.m., followed by a live music performance on the Town Green at noon. Families can stick around after the concert for arts and crafts. The 2026 Kidchella lineup for Wednesday, July 22: The Banana Slug String Band.
Time: 11:15am
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
By Alicia Gee
Performances on Thursday, July 23rd and Friday, July 24th
7:00 PM at the California High School Performing Arts Center
(9870 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon)
Tickets available at https://srvef.org/
$7 Students K-12
$12 Adults
Where residents find and recommend the best
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.
July in Danville means, summer camps, swim parties, backyard grilling...and if your family is anything like mine...lots of baseball! There’s also nothing like the annual Kiwanis 4th of July parade in Danville, which historically brings thousands of spectators from all around the Bay Area. This is the parade’s 51st year and we’ll be celebrating our wonderful SRUSD schools and community. Be sure to grab your seat along Hartz Ave. and join the fun!
Danville Living is excited to have the Hyland family as a feature family this month. You’ll love reading all about their adventurous lifestyle and how they are grateful to be raising their young family in one of the best westside neighborhoods. We also have a great collection of expert articles, a tasty recipe to bring your next cookout and even a deep dive into one of many Danville resident’s favorite getaways...South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy!
Advertising - Website, SEO & Digital Marketing
Danville Living CA
Jo Peek
925-272-8246
DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com www.DanvilleLivingCA.com
Dermatology
Wallach Derma Center
Adam Wallach, M.D. 925-837-8848 www.WallachDermaCenter.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
Christina Dalton, MS, MCC, Master Certified Coach 925-872-4726
Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/
Mortgage
RateSecure
Gurp Bhandal 925 786 8915
gurp@ratesecure.com www.ratesecure.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 Wallach Derma Center, our top priority is providing first-rate dermatologic health care. We have built a stellar reputation by developing relationships with our patients. We strive to understand your concerns, to answer the questions you have, and to develop an optimal, personalized treatment plan for you. Because of our strong emphasis on continuing education, we are able to offer you the latest, most advanced dermatologic treatments, with meticulous attention to both your good health and appearance. We have extensive experience in the treatment of a wide array of skin conditions in patients of all ages.
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.
Gurp Bhandal is the Founder and CEO of RateSecure, a mortgage company on a mission to make the home financing process easier and more cost-effective for homebuyers and owners. Gurp has an extensive background in the finance and mortgage industry, having previously held seniorleadership positions at major financial institutions. Gurp’s passion for finance and technology, combined with his vision of making mortgages more accessible and affordable, led him to create RateSecure. Gurp’s vision is to make the mortgage process simpler and more accessible for everyone. He is committed to providing best-in-class services and helping customers achieve the dream of homeownership.
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.
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Photos provided by the Hyland
Family
After an initial connection on Bumble in 2018, Meghan and Matt went on their first date at a rock climbing gym. By the third date, they were bungee jumping, and by the fifth date, they found themselves in Puerto Vallarta getting scuba diving certified. “It was an adventure from the start!” Quickly their love grew while racing Spartans, Ironmans, and traveling to various locations for vacations and races. Both Meghan and Matt are “thrill seekers” – together they have hang-glided in New Zealand, camped on overnight trips in the Utah desert, and wake surfed their way through as many California lakes as they can. On a dream houseboat trip to Lake Powell with 20 of their closest friends, Matt proposed to Meghan. While floating out on their wakeboard boat, Matt got down on one knee, and all she heard was the start of his speech, “Meghan you’re my best friend….” followed by the roar of their friends singing and popping champagne bottles over the side of the houseboat after she said an emphatic “YES!” In 2021 they were married at the Boulder Ridge Country Club in San Jose, CA.
Although Meghan grew up in Seattle, WA, she always knew she would end up in California. After graduating high school, she moved to San Rafael to attend Dominican University of CA. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major: a BA in Political Science and a BA in Business Administration. Meghan continued her education earning her Certified Financial Planner designation from UC Berkeley as well as an MBA from Pepperdine University. In 2015 she began working for WestHill Financial Advisors and is currently the President and Director
of Financial Planning. Meghan is “beyond passionate” about her job because she can see the life changing impact financial planning has on people. “People want a partner, someone who takes the time to care for them, someone to help them create a path to achieve their family’s lifelong goals, especially in a world that has become depersonalized and automated,” which is the vision Meghan has brought to life at WestHill.
Meghan’s also always looking for ways to challenge herself in her workouts, running on the Iron Horse Trail, playing with the kids outdoors, and planning activities with her family and a great group of friends. One goal she is striving towards is to beat Matt in a marathon someday—with her determination, it’s “only a matter of time!” Mentoring women has become another passion for Meghan. Over the past 10 years she sponsored a woman from Rwanda to achieve her college degree in the United States with a non-profit organization called SHE CAN. Additionally, Meghan volunteers at many local pro bono financial planning events to help those who could otherwise not afford a financial advisor.
Matt, originally from Austin, Texas, moved to Danville when he was seven years old; attending Green Valley Elementary, Los Cerros Middle School and Monte Vista High School. He headed south for Loyola Marymount University and graduated in 2013 with a BA in Business Administration. Ever since then, Matt has been working at Dodge & Cox investment management firm in San Francisco, and currently holds the title of Vice President, Co-Manager of Retail Services. He is also “the man with a thousand hobbies.” From training for Ironmans, cycling, boating, rock crawling, to off-roading, Matt is always up for anything outdoors. You can find him every Saturday morning at Peets Coffee meeting up with the “Hop Ride” cycling group and playing with the kids or building something in the afternoon. Matt is also known as the “vacation dad,” even before kids, as he loves coordinating all of the vacations and fun activities for their friends. One goal of Matt’s is to one day have a garage larger than his house for all his toys. But he loves nothing more than spending time at the lake and giving his family a fun and adventurous life.
Maverick is the oldest Hyland brother, a 3-year-old at Fountain Montessori. He is fiercely independent, determined, athletically gifted and hilarious. Mason is the baby of the family and also attends Fountain Head Montessori with his brother. He is sweet, social, very smiley and always hungry! Maverick and Mason live outside in the court playing with all the kids on the
street, jumping in the bounce house, riding bikes and having squirt gun battles. The family pet, Roo, is often considered the boy’s “third brother” as he is constantly chased by Maverick and Mason. The Hyland family is excited to continue and begin new memories and traditions with their family, including Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning, having “too many” Christmas decorations, wake surfing on Christmas Day in Santa Suits and in general, making the holidays fun and magical for their children.
Once Matt and Meghan were expecting Maverick in 2022, they knew the “best place to raise a family and put down roots was back in Danville,” where Matt grew up. They moved into their westside home when Meghan was 4 months pregnant. They chose the neighborhood because of the multitude of young families, the excellent school district, safety, walking distance to downtown and a bonus is that grandma and grandpa live up the road in Blackhawk. Matt and Meghan feel incredibly lucky…”We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors. Our street alone has 14 kids under the age of seven and the court next to us has even more! We call ourselves the “Corte Crew!” For Christmas we have a snow machine, and we all get together for a potluck -- Santa even shows up! We have also done an Easter Egg Hunt for a couple years in a row.” It’s common to see the whole “Corte Crew” outside in lawn chairs chasing around toddlers up and down the street on a given day. “It’s been an incredible community and wonderful support of one another as we get through the years of having small children. We are bringing back the childhood of kids playing outside with neighbors.” The parents have also bonded over many nights where the dads play poker and the moms socialize in the hot tub once the kids go to sleep. When asked what their family motto is, Matt and Meghan said, “Full Send, because we live life to the fullest and say yes to big challenges.” The Hyland family is so excited to be raising their family on the west side of Danville and is living out their family motto each day.
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.
By Christina Dalton MS, PPS, MCC, EYH Life/College Coach
Before the acceptance letters arrive—before the essays are written, before the applications are even started—there is one question that will shape everything that follows: Why?
For many high school students, the college application process feels like a race. Deadlines, GPAs, extracurriculars, and comparisons can quickly take center stage. As parents, it’s natural to focus on these measurable pieces. They feel tangible, controllable, and important. But beneath all of that activity lies something far more powerful and far more defining than any statistic.
Your teenager’s “why.”
“Why do you want to go to college?” seems like a straightforward question. Yet, if you pause long enough to really listen, you may find that your child doesn’t quite know how to answer it. They might say, “to get a good job,” or “to make you proud,” or “because it’s what I’m supposed to do.” These answers aren’t wrong, but they are only the surface. A meaningful why goes deeper. It is the internal motivation that gives purpose to effort. It’s what will carry your child through moments of doubt, rejection, and growth. And most importantly, it’s something that cannot be manufactured overnight. It must be discovered.
This is where you come in.
As a parent, you don’t need to provide the answer. In fact, you shouldn’t. But you can create the space for your teenager to explore it. Start by asking better questions, not about outcomes, but about meaning. What excites them? What problems in the world catch their attention? When do they feel most alive, most curious, most driven? Listen carefully. Often, their why is already there, quietly revealing itself in their interests, their frustrations, and their dreams. It’s also important to remind them that their why doesn’t need to sound impressive. In a process that often feels like a performance, authenticity is easy to lose. But a genuine why, no matter how simple, is far more powerful than a polished but hollow answer. Whether it’s a desire to help others, to create something
new, or to explore the unknown, what matters is that it feels true to them.
At the same time, your role includes helping them navigate the pressure that surrounds this journey. Students are constantly absorbing the message that their value is tied to where they get accepted. This belief can quietly erode confidence and increase anxiety. Reassure them that a college decision does not define their future or their worth. When a student is grounded in their why, everything begins to shift. Their essays become more honest. Their decisions become more intentional. And when setbacks occur, they are more resilient, because they understand what they are working toward. The college process, at its core, is not just about gaining admission to a school. It is about growth, self-discovery, and direction.
And long after the acceptance letters are opened, the rankings are forgotten, and the excitement settles, one thing will remain: A student who knows why they started and who is ready to keep going.
For families who want guidance in helping their teenager uncover and articulate that deeper purpose, EYHCollegeCoach provides personalized support that goes beyond checklists and deadlines. By focusing on each student’s unique story, strengths, and motivations, we help transform the application process into a meaningful journey, one where students don’t just apply to college, but truly understand why they’re going.
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.
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass
Everyone can use universal design. It doesn’t matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a competitive athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home, and that home will still be a great fit for all - even if needs change in the future.
Universal design is defined as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal design can be incorporated into new home construction, and it is most often related to aging-in-place remodeling.
Even if everyone in your family is healthy and able bodied, you may want to give some thought to making universal design improvements. Why? The unexpected can happen at any time. A young, very healthy member of my household recently got into an accident that impacts mobility. We have two bathrooms and both of them have a “shower over tub” configuration. With the new injury, this young, healthy family member cannot get in and out of a shower, by stepping over the bathtub wall. Period. It could happen to any of us, at any time. The solution is to tear out the bathtub and create a stall shower only. It’s not a huge project, but it would have been much nicer to have it already in place and functional, rather than dealing with it at an already challenging time.
Here are some of the more common universal design features that are also incorporated into aging-in-place remodels: No-step entry. No one needs to use stairs to get into a universal home or into the home’s main rooms.
One-story living. Places to eat, use the bathroom and sleep are all located on one level, which is barrier-free.
Wide doorways. Doorways that are 32-36 inches wide let wheelchairs pass through. They also make it easy to move large things in and out of the house.
Wide hallways. Hallways should be 36-42 inches wide. That way, everyone and everything moves more easily from room to room. Extra floor space. Everyone feel less cramped and people in wheelchairs have more space to turn.
Some universal design features simply make sense for everyday living. Once you have them, you may wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:
• Floors & bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet.
• The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
• Good lighting helps people with poor vision, and it helps everyone else see better, too.
• Lever door handles & rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. Most other people like them, too. Try using these devices when your hands are full and you’ll quickly experience the benefits.
Every home is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-9645010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com with questions or for a custom analysis. 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. In addition to having 35 years of experience as a Realtor®, I’ve also earned the designations of Certified Senior Advisor® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, elevating the services that I can provide to my mature clients.
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
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
America has a big birthday coming up, so we need to go big this year. I really did struggle to find a dish that really screams ‘America’ since we are such an eclectic melting pot of cuisines. What would be a delicious American dish? Cheesecake? Ribs? Pot roast? I farmed the conversation out to a group of friends that I was entertaining one weekend. I had just whipped up a batch of cheeseburger dip to snack on and they all agreed that this was the most obvious choice. As a country, we love cheeseburgers and we love snacks. So, there you have it. Cheeseburger dip is so easy it’s almost not a recipe. If you have a crockpot and 10 minutes to prep, you have a great dip for Fourth of July. It’s one of those ‘Set it and forget it’ appetizers. Start it two hours before company arrives, and watch it disappear once it hits the table.
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1TBS of a neutral oil
• 1 pound Velveeta American cheese loaf, cut into 1 inch slices.
• 15.5 ounce jar of any salsa you like (hot or mild) 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
• Tortilla chips
In a skillet, heat the oil and brown the beef until it is cooked through. Transfer the meat to a small crockpot and sprinkle over the garlic powder. Next, add the Velveeta cheese and pour over the salsa. Don’t mix it. Cover with a lid and cook on low for 1 hour. After one hour, give it a good stir and cover again for 30 to 60 more minutes. Serve it with tortilla chips. It can be served straight out of the crockpot or in a fancy fondue pot. Highly recommend serving it out of a container that will stay warm.
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.
By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks
“Should we reface or replace our kitchen cabinets?”
It’s one of the most common dilemmas in kitchen renovations - but with the right knowledge, you can save thousands, increase value, and create a space that finally feels as good as it functions.
Refacing is ideal for homeowners who like their cabinet layout but hate the color. It involves keeping the base cabinet box in tact while replacing all of the doors and drawers with new material and hardware.
Sometimes, you can’t polish what’s past its prime. This is when you’d want to do a complete replacement. A cabinet replacement includes: removing existing cabinets, redesigning the cabinet layout, choosing new cabinetry material and color scheme, and installing with soft-close hinges, integrated organizers, and new hardware and pulls.
To make your decision even simpler:
Choose to Refinish If:
• Cabinets are structurally sound but not your desired aesthetic
• You want a faster, more budget-conscious facelift
Choose to Replace If:
• You’re dreaming of a total layout overhaul
• Your cabinets are damaged, low-quality, or functionally frustrating
Whether you refinish or replace, the key to a truly elevated kitchen is intentionality. Remember, luxury isn’t always about cost. It’s about creating a kitchen that reflects your priorities, your style, and your standards.
Our design-build helps homeowners make confident, valuedriven decisions that elevate both aesthetics and function. Call to schedule your free consultation today, and let’s design a kitchen worth living in!
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.
Matthew Forrey Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Portfolio Manager
(925) 279-1710 | matthew.forrey@rbc.com www.mattforrey.com
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
Ilo Ln
San Ramon Valley Blvd
Laurel Dr
Rubicon Cir
Ashley Cir
Garden Creek Pl
Westfield Circle
W El Pintado Rd
Elworthy Ranch Dr
Windstream Place
Hartz Ave
W El Pintado Rd
W El Pintado Rd
Pending Listings
Sold Listings
Ashley Cir
Rubicon Cir
Hartley Dr
Garden Creek Pl
Montego Place Hartford Road
Briar Pl
Sonora Ave
Glen Alpine
$720,000 $750,000 $760,000 $770,000 $1,880,000 $1,900,000 $2,010,000 $3,150,000 $3,300,000
By Esther Wang
For 17 years, Shakila Marando has been helping Bay Area families navigate one of life’s most significant transitions: welcoming a new child. As founder of DOULAS by the BAY, a full-service doula collective established in 2009 that has served 3000+ families, Marando has built an organization dedicated to providing compassionate support to parents during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
DOULAS by the BAY offers birth, postpartum, overnight, and sibling support services to families throughout the Bay Area. Every doula on the team is CPR certified, background checked, insured, and trained in perinatal mental health, helping families feel safe, supported, and cared for during some of their most important moments.
Marando’s path to this work began long before she launched the business. After years of working as a nanny and independent doula, she discovered a deep passion for supporting families through both the joys and challenges of parenthood. “I found a calling in helping families during some of their most tender moments,” she says. “Becoming a doula allowed me to connect with parents by understanding their experiences, concerns, and hopes.”
That passion became the foundation of DOULAS by the BAY. Marando assembled a team grounded in compassion, empathy, and genuine care, with a shared mission of helping parents feel confident, supported, and understood.
The organization’s philosophy extends beyond individual client care. At its core is a commitment to making doula services more accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to afford them. Through a sliding-scale fee structure and volunteer doula program, DOULAS by the BAY provides free or low-cost support while also creating mentorship opportunities for new doulas entering the profession.
“When families hire us, they’re helping make doula care available to others in the community,” Marando explains. The organization is also focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes and creating meaningful career opportunities for doulas seeking long-term professional growth. For Marando, this mission continues to be a powerful source of inspiration.
“My biggest motivation is seeing families thrive,” she says. “It’s rewarding to watch parents welcome a new baby with confidence, support, and joy rather than fear or overwhelm.” She also finds great satisfaction in mentoring future doulas and helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to support families during life-changing experiences.
Originally from Tanzania, Marando credits her upbringing with shaping her strong belief in community and the idea that “it takes a village” to raise a child. That philosophy continues to guide both her personal and professional life. A proud single mother of two teenage daughters, she says motherhood has been one of her greatest teachers, giving her firsthand insight into the realities families face. Outside of work, she enjoys long morning walks, mentoring doulas, supporting women in business, and finding ways to strengthen the communities she serves. Her message to families is simple and reassuring: You don’t have to do this alone. Whether welcoming a first baby, expanding a family, adopting, or navigating the postpartum journey, support is available.
Through education, advocacy, mentorship, and direct family care, DOULAS by the BAY continues its mission of helping families feel supported, respected, and empowered while building healthier, stronger communities throughout the Bay Area.
By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991
Few places, if any in the world, match South Lake Tahoe and Stateline, Nevada for access to unparalleled mountain views, vast vistas with snow-covered Sierra mountaintops posing in the distance anchored by the deepest alpine lake in the world. Laden within is access to outdoor activities ranging from hiking to boating to kayaking and just about anything else one can imagine.
What has begun to resonate more is that the region is less about winning at the gambling tables but more about enjoying nature’s largess. In doing so, it is not what people do when visiting the region that’s so beneficial as much as what the region does for them. Scientific studies have shown that natural wonder does indeed do wonderful things to us. This phenomenon can happen in a dense growth of evergreens, or when the gondola at the Heavenly ski resort crests and the entire region is revealed below.
The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority promotes the region’s rejuvenating effect on people. In a three-part docuseries Beyond Awestruck: The Scientific Search for Connection, Lake Tahoe’s beauty is framed as a living laboratory where people experience moments of awe and the resulting effects. At a time when people are searching for ways to feel more connected and less overwhelmed, the views, the interaction with nearly unfettered nature that comes in the brief encounters with the vastness of the beauty can and does indeed reshape how we relate to ourselves and each other.
How to experience awe is what makes Lake Tahoe unique. It could happen on the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path, a scenic, 3.5-mile paved, multi-use path running alongside Highway 89 that includes stops on Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Prefer to use your feet? The Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach is a gentle 3-mile round-trip that winds through peaceful Rabe Meadows and ends directly on the sand at Nevada Beach.
My favorite place is the lawn in front of the stately and modern Edgewood Lodge. It leads to the lakeshore and a view of translucent Lake Tahoe all the way to the Sierra peaks in the distance. In my experience there is no other luxurious accommodation matched by the stunning mountains looming in the distance.
Want some history of the area? Tallac, once known as the “Grandest Resort in the World,” features the Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla estates built more than 100 years ago. You can tour the grounds and visit the historic Valhalla Boathouse Theatre.
A little further away near Fallen Leaf Lake, Vikingsholm Castle is a breathtaking 38-room replica of a Viking castle considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the U.S. After any or all of that, of course, there are many culinary choices.
Where to start? The braised ribs at Maggies in the Desolation Hotel?
The Snoopy Salad at Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood at Harrah’s has long been a local favorite. Can you resist trying the 20-layer lasagna at Bruschetta? If you’re looking for more traditional fare, there are three high-class steakhouses in the local casinos: Mastro’s in the Golden Nugget; Friday’s Station in Harrah’s; and Ciera Chophouse in Bally’s. A new place worth considering is The Edge, whose remodeling in the Edgewood course clubhouse is now complete.
South Lake Tahoe has long been the go-to vacation spot for families. The options for activities, eating, celebrating and even regaining a
sense of peace are myriad, plentiful and memorable. For those who visit often enough it can be taken for granted. But many of the most powerful comments from out-of-state visitors focus on the lake itself. Due to its clarity and color, it connotes purity. Therein comes a deeper, more profound perspective. This is a region of immense marvel and beauty that has been here for millennia and will continue for generations, if we take care of it.
Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
By Chris Declercq, SRVH Vice Principal, Athletic Director, Photos provided by the SRVHS Athletic Department
The 2025-2026 school year was incredibly successful for our student athletes! Together our programs brought home eight EBAL Championships, five NCS Championships, two NorCal Championships, and two State Championships.
Our teams and athletes also demonstrated remarkable consistency in the classroom, earning five NCS Scholastic Team honors, and seeing over 300 students recognized as NCS Scholar Athletes!
As the school year comes to an end, so do our very successful Spring sports. Below is a recap of their team and individual accomplishments. Badminton- Our Badminton team had a successful season, placing multiple people in the EBAL and NCS tournament!
Beach Volleyball- This past spring marked the 2nd season for our Beach Volleyball team! The team was very successful, and we are excited to see the sport grow at SRV and in Northern California!
All League- Grace Vella(2nd Team), Doni Vella(2nd Team)
Baseball- Our baseball team finished 3rd in the Mountain division of the EBAL, and qualified for the NCS tournament!
All League- Carson Williams(1st Team), Will Rau(1st Team), Dario Boban(2nd Team), Colton Fitzgibbon(2nd Team).
Men’s Lacrosse- Our Men’s Lacrosse team competed in the extremely difficult EBAL Mountain division, finishing 3rd, and qualifying for the NCS playoffs!
All League- Gavin Berke(Co-DPOY), Thomas Navone(1st Team), Zayden Sembrat(1st Team), Caden Divelbiss(2nd Team)
Women’s Lacrosse- Our Women’s Lacrosse team advanced to the NCS Semi-Finals, and won the EBAL Mountain Division for the 6th consecutive year. They also finished the year ranked in the top 20 in the state!
All League- Elizabeth Kerr(DPOY), Everleigh Jasso(1st Team), Taylor Petroski(1st Team), Lila Duke(1st Team), Jessica Sprague(1st Team), Lilia Sepic(2nd Team), Kacie Kunz(2nd Team)
Softball- NCS CHAMPIONS, EBAL CHAMPIONS!
All League- Lila McLeod(1st Team), Addie Layous(1st team), Gia Ryan(2nd team), Madeline Sekera(2nd team).
Men’s Volleyball- The Men’s Volleyball team concluded another very successful season. They clinched the EBAL Mountain Division title and secured berths in both the EBAL and NCS playoffs.
All League- Dimitri De Zilwa(1st team), Gavin McGredy(2nd team).
Stunt- Our Stunt team completed another successful season finishing tied for 4th in the very difficult EBAL.
All League- Payton Jolly(1st team), Nola Dawid(2nd Team).
Track and Field- Our Men’s and Women’s track and field teams had outstanding Springs, both as teams, and individuals. Our Women’s team captured the schools first EBAL championship in 12 years! All in all, we had eight athletes qualify for the State Meet! State qualifiers include: Girls 4X100 Relay(Merryn Coupland, Ella Hoffmann, Hope Diekmann, Kyra Hansen), Girls 4x400 Relay(Olivia Roden, Katelyn McGinnis, Hope Diekmann, Merryn Coupland), Hope Diekmann(100 Hurdles, 300 Hurdles), Nikolas Brown(Pole Vault).
All League- Hope Diekmann(1st Team, 4 events), Kyra Hansen(1st Team), Merryn Coupland(1st Team), Ella Hoffmann(1st Team, 2 events), Tessa Pingatore(1st Team), Allie Long(1st Team), Betchy Long(1st Team), Charley Nee(1st Team), Emily Roesgen(1st Team), Riley McMullen(2nd Team), Sara Benhamida(2nd Team), Ella Hoffmann(2nd Team)
Swim and Dive- Both swim and dive teams did very well this past spring. Our women’s swim team finished as the runner up at the EBAL meet, 3rd at the NCS meet, and 4th at the state meet!
All League- Daniela Linares-Danzos(1st Team, 3 events), Alexis Parkinson(1st Team, 3 events), Sasha Babushkina(1st Team, 2 events), Izzy Richards(1st Team, 2 events), Maya Knapp(1st Team), Kayla Arneson(2nd Team), Cornel Lee(2nd Team, 2 events), Sajan Singh(2nd Team), Graham Hodson(2nd Team), Evan Liberatore(2nd Team)
Men’s Golf- Our Men’s golf team completed another successful spring. They finished as the runner-up in the EBAL, and runner up at NCS! Our team qualified for NorCal for the 2nd time in 3 years. Ryan McDonnell and Colin Schmiegel both qualified for the State Golf Championships.
All League- Ryan McDonnell(1st Team), Tyler Schmiegel(1st Team), Gavin Kropp(2nd Team), Colin Schmiegel(2nd Team)
Men’s Tennis- Our Men’s tennis team competed very strongly in the difficult EBAL. Rishi Palle finished off a great spring by winning the EBAL singles championship, and finishing as the NCS runner-up!
All League- Rishi Palle(1st Team), Darwish Riyaz(2nd Team)
By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student
The US has had a long and storied history, and as it reaches its 250th birthday, it’s interesting to look at the progress, growth, and changes that have occurred since then. Despite the fact that Danville hasn’t technically existed for 250 years, we can still take a look into the past of the area. As such, in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, here is a look at the history of Danville itself.
Early tribes in the area pre-dating the Gold Rush were numerous and typically related to the Bay Miwok groups, including a group named by the Spanish settlers to be the “Tatcan.” They lived low in the San Ramon Creek watershed. Additionally, other tribes like the Souyen and Seunen lived in the area, speaking the Ohlone language. The Volvon tribe also came to the area occasionally; however, they lived more on Mount Diablo.
Following the Gold Rush, California began experiencing massive growth. Through this, in 1854, Dan and Andrew Inman bought 400 acres of land, with their earnings from mining gold, in what is now Old Town Danville as a result of their experiences living there a few summers prior. Four years later, the community included a blacksmith, wheelwright, general store, and a hotel, and a post office was in the works.
By 1860, the Danville post office opened, with the first postmaster being the hotel owner Henry W. Harris. By 1862, 20 people lived in the town proper, and soon the town started growing further and further. By 1869, the census counted 1,800 people in the area, typically on squatted or purchased land from Mexican grantees and other owners of ranches, farms, or businesses. These early settlers grew fruit crops, walnuts, and almonds. From here on out, the town continually grew, especially after the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1891.
Initially, the name Inmanville was proposed for the town, but Danville was eventually chosen. Not for the fact that Dan Inman was, of course, named Dan, but because Andrew’s mother-in-law was born and raised in Danville, Kentucky. Early settlers’ names can be seen on road names throughout the town, such as Baldwin, Harlan, Wood, Love, Hemme, Boone, Bettencourt, and Meese! Later, John Hartz sold a sizable plot of his land (8.65 acres) to build up the Danville Depot. He proceeded to divide up and sell plots of land to the east of the depot, forming around Hartz Avenue. Next came a bank, saloon, doctor’s office, and drugstore. By 1910, the public high school of San Ramon Valley Union High School was built. A library opened in 1913, and by 1915, streetlights and paved roads were implemented. Between 1940 and 1950, the population doubled, and new developments like Montair and Cameo Acres were established. Most importantly, the establishment of the I-680 freeway brought even more growth to the town.
Although the town wasn’t technically incorporated until 1982, Danville has gone from a land of Native heritage, to a Gold Rush town, to what it is today: one of the safest towns in the entire US. And throughout all that, one key theme has rung true—togetherness and unity. So next time you wonder how Danville came to be, now you know!
Kallen Cooyar is a junior at San Ramon Valley High School. He enjoys sports, and spending time reading. He is the president of the Persian heritage club and a member of the personal finance club. He plays football and is an avid stock investor . He is thrilled with the opportunity to share his views on contemporary events with his neighborhood through Danville Living CA.
