Danville Living CA | March 2026

March

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fri., March 6- Sun., March 29

The 39 Steps Abridged, Adapted by Patrick Bariow

@ The Village Theater

A Hitchcock thriller becomes a hilarious stage adventure featuring jaw-dropping physical comedy, lightning-fast costume changes, and over 100 characters played by just four incredible actors. Shows run every weekend in March, starting Friday, March 6. Opening night ticket holders are also invited to a pre-show reception. Visit https:// www.danville.ca.gov/226/Village-Theatre for more information and tickets.

Time: 2PM, 7PM

Cost: $32-37

Sat., March 14

Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade

@ Downtown Dublin

The 42nd St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Organized by the Dublin Rotary Club, the parade will kick off at Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road, traveling east on Dublin Boulevard, north on Village Parkway, and west on Amador Valley Boulevard, ending near the Dublin Senior Center. Guests are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets to watch from along the parade route.

Time: 9:30am

Cost: Free

Tues., March 17

St. Patricks’ Day Celebration 2026

@ Danville Community Center

The Town of Danville is excited to host our St. Patrick’s Day event! Break out your green attire and participate in crafts and activities themed after the Irish culture. Young participants find the “Gift of Gab,” build Leprechaun traps, hunt for treasures, and enjoy the music of Ireland. Other crafts and activities will be available inside the Community Center.

Time: 3:30PM

Cost: Free

Tues.,

March 24

East Bay Vivarium Travelling Reptile Show

@ Danville Library

Join us for an educational and interactive program featuring nearly 20 animals from huge boas to tiny insects. Come learn about and explore the world or reptiles, amphibians and arachnids! After the show be sure to join us in front of the library for Cocoa with the Cops. Sip some hot chocolate and get to know the officers who serve and protect our community! Generously sponsored by the Danville Library Endowment in partnership with the Danville Police. No registration required. All ages and abilities welcome. For special accommodations, please contact the Library with 72 hours notice.

Time: 4PM

Cost: Free

Sat., March 28

Friends

of the Library Book Sale

@ Mt. Diablo Room, Danville Library

The Library’s Mt. Diablo Room is filled with books that have been donated over the course of that month. So our selection of books changes regularly-you never know what you’ll find! It’s not just fiction and nonfiction, but fabulous cookbooks and coffee table books, children’s board books and every genre imaginable for middle schoolers. And it doesn’t stop there-you’ll have to check out the home arts, travel, self-help, young adult, and vintage sections, too. Looking for a good deal? Most books are priced from $1 to $3, with the newest fiction and nonfiction priced up to $6. We also offer handsome book totes, gift certificates, and curated gifts, with all proceeds supporting the many unique programs at our Danville Library.

Time: 10am-2PM

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

“I

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.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Hello Neighbors!

During the month of March, I’m always reminded of the spectacular natural beauty we are blessed with here in Danville. The winter rains have brought us emerald green hills, and longer days and sunlight give us more hours in the day to be outside enjoying to first signs of spring.

The Fontillas Family are our feature residents this month, and they have a great story about meeting on a New Years’ Eve BART ride, falling in love, setting down in Danville to raise a family, and intentionally planting roots in this wonderful community. Our March issue is also filled with many neighborhood events, expert contributors articles, and a fresh salad vinaigrette recipe perfect to kick off your spring menu.

If you have a story to share or know a neighbor that you would love to see on our cover, please send me an email at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com. We welcome all families, couples, or individuals - the only requirement is that our feature family live on the west side of Danville. So send your friends and neighbors my way, I can’t wait to meet them!

See you around town!

Anne Angstenberger

Content Coordinator, Resident since 2006

We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com

Expert Contributors

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

Fitness

The Exercise Coach San Ramon

Jennifer Ringenberg 925-378-5941

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

Jewelry

Highline Custom Jewelry

Hasan Kader 510-786-4505 www.highlinecustomjewelry.com

Life Coach

EYH College/Life Coach

Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, MCC 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 925-964-5010 Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro

Remodeling

America’s Dream Homeworks

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

Wealth Management

Matt Forrey

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

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.

We started with an aim to make sure we will shine in the Bay Area and beat the prices from any jeweler. With over ten years in business, our expert staff and superior products will make you a lifetime customer. Serving all of your needs from our wide variety stock to our unparalleled custom work you will find a home with Highline Custom Jewelry.

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 34 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.

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

Fontillas Family

By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Family

What could be more of an ultimate Bay Area love story than meeting on BART? For Ryan and Kayte, that is exactly what happened on New Year’s Eve 2013. They were both heading into San Francisco from the Walnut Creek BART station with their own respective groups of friends planning for New Year’s celebrations in the city. Ryan and Kayte ended up taking the whole BART ride and when it was eventually Ryan’s stop, he slid his business card through the closing doors….Kayte followed up by texting him the very next day. Their first official date was at Maria Maria in the Rose Garden (currently the Yellow Chilli) and immediately hit it off. After several years of dating and falling in love with the central coast when Ryan traveled for work, the two were married in October 2019 in Avila Beach.

Born in Hayward, Ryan’s family eventually moved to Pleasanton when his father joined the Pleasanton Police Department. He then attended Foothill High School and graduated in the class of 2007. Sticking close to home, Ryan left for San Jose State and received his degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sports and fitness. Since graduation, Ryan has been working in sales and marketing in the healthcare profession for over 10 years. The Danville based non-profit, Teen Esteem is also very lucky to have Ryan on their team. In recent years he has remained deeply involved with Teen Esteem, helping promote positive choices and outcomes that teenagers face in today’s world. Additionally, Ryan is the founder of East Bay Toddler Ruck Club (EBTRC), a community of adventurous parents who come together to explore the East Bay Hills trails in the Danville area (many times with a toddler on their backs!).

The Fontillas family enjoys being outdoors whenever possible and EBTRC has helped them “enjoy the beauty of nature, connect with like minded families, staying physically active, and create unforgettable

memories with our little ones.” If any fellow Danville neighbors would like to learn more about EBTRC or join a future hike visit https://ebtrc.seanherrero.com/ for more information. Ryan also remains active in an independent professional wrestling scene (known as “Big Fonz”), which is equal parts fitness, storytelling and just having fun.

Just up highway 680, Kayte grew up in Walnut Creek, graduating from Carondelet High School in 2008. Coming from a family of Realtors, Kayte knew she would follow in those footsteps and become a fourth generation Realtor in the family one day…but first, Kaylte had plans to solidify her academic foundation. She attended the University of Arizona, majoring in Sociology and Psychology and knew her degrees would prepare her even further for her future goals. Kayte’s first job with Empire Realty as a marketing assistant which helped expose her to the behind the scene operations in the real estate business as well as working directly with clients. Following a position at Paragon Real Estate as the Relocation Director, Kayte ultimately joined Compass Real Estate in 2018 and has been selling real estate full time “bringing with me a well-rounded understanding of both the strategic and operational side of the business.”

It’s a family business at The Enea Group, as Kayte is proud to partner with her mother, who has more than 36 years experience in many highly regarded brokerages in the East Bay. “Being deeply connected to Danville and the surrounding East Bay communities has played a significant role in shaping how I approach my business. I chose real estate because it sits at the intersection of people, community and strategy.” Kayte also loves being a local mom and resident, helping her community make practical and informed decisions on a major life investment that affects their daily life. Although she is quite busy with work and family life, Kayte makes a point to start her weekday mornings with a 6am reformer Pilates class at IM=X in the Livery. Her morning routine grounds her to get ready for her days juggling working full time, motherhood and family obligations. She also carves out time to hike and work on home projects, hoping to one day manage a full renovation of her own home or a future investment property.

Ryan and Kayte have a sweet daughter named Ryla who is a preschooler at Young Learners Academy. She loves biking with her Daddy on the Iron Horse Trail, playdates with friends, swimming in their neighborhood pool, or practicing Hula and Ori Tahiti dancing. This spring she will start playing T-Ball with Danville Little League, and Ryan is excited to coach her team, as “baseball has been a lifelong passion for him and he’s thrilled to share that love of the game with her.” The Fontillas household is also “full of animals and personalities,” complete with 2 rescue dogs (Girl and Griffey), 2 rescue cats (Loki and Maui), a Russian tortoise, and chickens! Although the chickens started out as a COVID hobby, they are here to stay… as “there’s nothing better than fresh eggs straight from the coop to share with friends, family and their community.”

One of the Fontillas family favorite vacation spots is traveling to Hawaii, exploring new beaches and fully embracing Hawaiian culture. They also love their annual trip to Zion National Park during Thanksgiving Week, spending several days hiking, unplugging and slowing down during a time of busy holiday hustle. “This past year Ryla completed her first hike entirely on her own and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch her love for nature and hiking grow each year.” The health and happiness of their family is always a priority for Kayte and Ryan. When Ryla

was a toddler, the couple began to use the phrase “no big deal” and it has now become their family motto. Just a simple reminder to enjoy life, pause, and focus on what truly matters.

Finding their forever home in Danville, nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac “framed by sixteen towering redwood trees, it had the perfect layout for our growing family, and the backyard felt like a park.” They knew they had to see it and even though Kayte was nine months pregnant, their offer

was accepted the same day. Moving in when Ryla was just 2 weeks old, they have loved making it their own for their family. The proximity to the Iron Horse Trial, downtown and biking to Osage park, makes it the perfect home. Kayte notes that “many of the original homeowners still live on our street, which is a true testament to how special the neighborhood is.” Their favorite part of the neighborhood is the mix of young families, life long residents grounded in a “sense of community.” Their neighbors look out for

each other, take advantage of being outside, staying active and connecting with one another. Their message to their neighbors is one of simplicity; “take time and enjoy the little moments. Whether it’s a walk on the trail, a chat at the park, or a night out downtown. Life moves fast but it’s the connections with the people around us that truly make a neighborhood feel like home. Danville is such a special place to live… we’re grateful to be here and love seeing our community thrive.”

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.

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a luxurious and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.

925-414-0255

Why March is the Best Time for Juniors to Start College Coaching

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

By March, many high school juniors feel a subtle shift. College no longer feels like a distant idea—it’s suddenly real. For parents of 10th and 11th graders in Danville and the surrounding San Ramon Valley, March is not just another busy month. It’s one of the most strategic and supportive times to begin college coaching.

As the principal of EYHCollegeCoach, I often meet families who wait until senior year to seek guidance. By then, stress is high and options feel limited. Starting in March of junior year gives students a meaningful advantage: time. Time to explore interests, reflect on goals, and plan with intention rather than urgency.

One reason March is so effective is that students are academically settled. Grades from the first half of junior year provide valuable insight into strengths and areas that may need attention before applications are reviewed. With coaching, students can make thoughtful course selections for senior year, identify summer opportunities that align with their interests, and begin shaping a personal narrative that feels authentic rather than rushed.

March is also a pivotal emotional moment. Juniors are watching seniors receive college decisions—both celebrations and disappointments. This exposure often sparks comparison, anxiety, and self-doubt. Live college coaching helps students process these emotions in a healthy way, shifting the focus from outcomes to self-discovery and fit.

“When students start early, they don’t just prepare applications—they build confidence, direction, and peace of mind.”

Another advantage of starting in March is the opportunity for exploration without pressure. College coaching at this stage is not about applications; it’s about direction. Students can explore majors, career paths, and campus environments thoughtfully. For many highachieving Bay Area students, this space to think independently is both rare and essential.

March also allows families to plan intentionally for the summer before senior year, one of the most important yet underutilized periods in the college process. Coaching helps students choose meaningful experiences—whether employment, internships, academic programs, community involvement, or personal projects—that support both personal growth and future applications.

Perhaps most importantly, starting college coaching in March builds confidence. Students who begin early enter senior year prepared rather than overwhelmed. They understand timelines, expectations, and how to advocate for themselves. Parents, in turn, feel more informed and less reactive, creating a healthier dynamic at home.

College admissions has become increasingly complex, especially for California students navigating UC, CSU, and private college options. Beginning the process early doesn’t increase pressure—it reduces it. March offers clarity, breathing room, and the opportunity to approach college planning as a developmental journey rather than a high-stakes race.

For juniors and their families, March isn’t too early. It’s exactly the right time. Call EYHCollegeCoach today for your complementary consultation or check us out at: EYHCollegeCoach.com

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.

The Cost of Waiting

By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass

Waiting for the real estate market to drop before buying a home feels safe…until you do the math.

Quick rewind:

2019: “I’ll wait for the crash.”

2020: “Pandemic. Any day now.”

2021: “Prices are insane.”

2022: “Rates are too high.”

2023: “Still overpriced.”

2024: “Election year.”

2025: “Uncertainty.”

2026: Still renting. Still waiting.

Meanwhile, the “panic buyers” of 2019? On average, their homes are worth approximately $600K - $800k more, and they have seven years of equity. Even better, they haven’t paid rent in seven years, and they’ve been able to do fun things like getting a dog, painting their child’s room or planting trees. They also don’t have to worry about what to do if their landlord decides to sell the house or increase the rent.

Let’s look at the “crash” so many have been waiting for. Even a 20% dip still puts prices well above 2019 values — and now you’ve paid rent the whole time. Sometimes the market does drop, and when prices dip in the Bay Area, buyers rush in, inventory tightens and bidding wars become the norm. The “deal” quickly disappears. It’s also a time when you may need to compromise on the size, location or condition of the home you’re buying…and if you’re not an all-cash buyer, you might not be able to compete.

For many of us, the words of our parents, grandparents or a mentor ring in our ears, “Buy low, sell high!” Throughout most of recent history, real estate values have gone up dramatically every decade, with the exception of a few years here and there when we’ve seen a drop. Time spent invested in the market is more important than timing the market, especially if the house you’re buying is the home that you’ll be living in. Every year that you wait to buy costs you potential appreciation (equity) and money spent on rent, that you never get back.

Every home buying experience is unique! Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com. Even if you’re not planning a 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 34 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

Showcase homes open for

Crafted by Diamond, The Nova is a luxury 55+ community offering modern design and resort style living just steps from downtown Danville. Enjoy an elegant lounge and bar, a serene library, and private spaces for relaxation. Stay active in the state of the art fitness center, then gather outdoors at bocce courts, fire pits, and BBQ areas. Ideally located, The Nova is less than a 10-minute walk to Danville’s charming shops, award-winning restaurants, scenic parks, and local trails.

Save the Date for the Danville Little League Carnival and Silent Auction

By Melody Martins, Danville Little League, Photos provided

Mel Josafat, ProjektM Photography

Join us for a parade of teams, rides, games, food, a silent auction, and FUN! Activities provided by the Fun and Game Experts. An annual tradition not to be missed!

Sunday, May 3, 2026

11:30am - 3:00pm on the Charlotte Wood Middle School Blacktop.

What to Know Before Hiring your Bathroom Remodel Company

By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks

Renovating a bathroom can feel a bit like opening a can of worms—behind every tile might be a plumbing surprise, an outdated fixture, or worse. But when done right, a bathroom remodel can elevate your home’s comfort, boost resale value, and improve your daily life.

A bathroom remodel isn’t just cosmetic or solely utilitarian. It’s a blend of durability and aesthetics. You’re dealing with plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and structural elements all in one compact space. The top elements that make a bathroom remodel truly transformative are a tailored design, and thoughtful space planning. A bathroom remodel is one of the most technically complex projects in a home—which means an experienced contractor with in house design specialists is worth the investment.

The right remodel company will respect your home’s style and your vision, bring thoughtful creativity and design discipline, and deliver craftsmanship that endures beyond temporary trends.

If you’re ready to transform your bathroom, start with a team that sees more than plumbing and paint- at America’s Dream HomeWorks we’re ready to make your dream bathroom a reality!

Here are some currently available cuties!

CATS: DOGS:

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

Ilo Ln

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Hartz Ave Danvilla Ct Sky Terrace Bradford Pl

Sold Listings

Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Lot Acres

Hartz Ave

Mission Bay in San Francisco: Attractive and Almost Charming

By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991

Avery dear old friend who was a long-time resident of San Francisco told me 10 years ago about a major change coming. The Mission Bay neighborhood of SF would become the commercial heartbeat of The City.

Indeed, Third Street running from Oracle Park down to Chase Center has undergone major gentrification. Dozens and dozens of modern (read: boxy) large residential and commercial buildings –most notably the UCSF campus of medical and research buildings –stand in contrast to the old Victorian buildings in Alamo Park just a few miles away, or the 70s-skyscraper architecture of the Financial District.

Mission Bay is a “mixed-use” region consisting of residential housing and commercial enterprises. Indeed, high-tech companies Lyft, Uber, VISA and Open Ai, among others, call Mission Bay home. Knowing there are few vacancies in the surrounding condos proves the mixed-use program has taken hold. But is Mission Bay worth a visit when a game or concert isn’t in the offing?

Its epicenter culturally and commercially is Thrive Center, the open pavilion next to Chase Center. Here’s a large expanse surrounded by restaurants like Gott’s Roadhouse and Flush at Thrive, an expansive

sports bar with dozens of flat and projection screens to watch major sporting events. But outside this, what awaits?

A stroll up Third reveals some charms. It starts with Spark, an open region that contains food trucks, a miniature golf lot, lots of shrubbery and benches. It’s meant to convey some breathing space amidst the steel and asphalt. That the miniature golf course contains a hole where the Salesforce Tower fights the Transamerica Building suggests someone has a strong SF-based sense of humor.

Across from Spark on the UCSF campus you’ll find unique sculpture from noted artist Richard Serra. Called “Ballast,” two 50-foot high, 70-ton steel plates tilting in opposite directions stand like sentries. Earlier, when walking along the eastern side of Chase Center we came across cut-up remnants of the torn-down cantilever section of the Bay Bridge. Alas, Ballast and the bridge remnants have nothing do with each other.

Strolling north on Third reveals Arsicault, a bakery near Third and Channel that has been rated to have the best croissants in The City. Indeed, mine was flaky and light. The apple turnover the same. Turning around the corner of this region you’re off the Third Street and among the newer buildings. Looking up you can see the left field

stands of Oracle Park. And to the right you come to Via Aurelia. A member of the Che Fico restaurant group, this Tuscan-inspired restaurant is noted for its bright interior and stunning Italian fare. Reservations are recommended.

Turning left toward Third Street you come across Quik Dog, which is about as friendly a space can be for kids. Sitting outdoors while noshing a Puppy Dog is kinder heaven. A small pizza place, a juice bar, a small grocery store and a Starbucks also are available, but one key element that most traditional San Franciscans will notice a lack of is the neighborhood bar.

Indeed, Flush at Thrive seemed to be the only place to dive in for a beer. But about 10 blocks south on Third Avenue, there’s the funky, irascible Dogpatch, formerly the center of San Francisco ship building and repair. On Maryland St., you’ll find a remodeled, gentrified building housing the Scuderia scooter dealership next to Breadbelly, another amazing bakery, and the Standard Deviant Brewing Co. So, Mission Bay: Modern? Yes. Efficient? Certainly. Offering SF charm? Getting there.

Summer Imagineering

By Alicia Gee

The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond school enrichment program for SRVUSD students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest in choosing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes in middle and high school.

This Summer we will be offering a variety of classes that will appeal to young scientists, engineers, coders, programmers, chemists, techies, artists and mathematicians starting June 15 and running through July 17, 2026. With weeklong classes for incoming students from 2nd grade through high school, you are certain to find something for your student. Offered classes include:

• Blast Off!: Rocketry

• Creative Writing and Design

• Let’s Roll: Coding with Spheros

• Lights Camera Action!: Stop Motion Animation

• The Recycle Lab: Create, Build, Imagine!

• Zoology Explorers

• Creative Coding with Raspberry Pi & Python

• Level Up Your Money Game

• Marine Biology

• Medical Interventions: First Aid & CPR

• Pop-Culture Philosophy

• Robotics: Unleash Your Inner Engineer with Python and Pi

• Speaking Practice: Become a Confident Speaker

• Sweet Science Lab: Baking

students will perform in and design a fulllength musical developing and enhancing their skills in performing arts, visual arts, and sound engineering.

Registration is now open and early bird pricing is through April 1.

And for your student performer, we have Musical Theater: “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” a five-week theatre production class where

For the full schedule, class descriptions and to register, visit https://srvef.org/ imagineering/

Parsley Vinaigrette

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

Parsley has been the unsung hero of so many meals, and so many cultures. This bright and grassy garnish is often overlooked because people just don’t have it on hand in the refrigerator for everyday use. I consider it a wise $.75 investment that never goes to waste. And on those occasions when parsley is on sale (4 for a dollar) I love to buy a huge bag of it to take home and experiment with it.

So, what did I make? Parsley vinaigrette dressing, baby! Super yummy! I’ve been making parsley vinaigrette for the last two weeks, and I’m not even close to sick of it yet. It has the character of a chimichurri, but the texture of a pesto. So, if you have a blender and five minutes, you’ve got yourself a delicious homemade salad dressing.

YOU WILL NEED;

• 2 cups fresh Italian parsley, roughly chopped (1 bunch)

• 1/4 c. shallot, roughly chopped

• 3 cloves fresh garlic

• 1teaspoon of Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon of honey

• 1/4 c. Feta cheese

• Zest and juice of half a lemon

• 1/3 white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 c. Olive oil

PUTTING IT TOGETHER;

Using a small blender or a smoothie maker, combine all the ingredients, except for the olive oil, and blend until smooth. Add the olive oil, and pulse until well combined, but don’t ever mix. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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,

A Look into the History of Track and Field

By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student

Many consider Track and Field the ultimate expression of human athleticism. It displays strength, speed, agility, and technique, all through a wide variety of events ranging from jumping and sprinting to throwing. Here’s what the origin of these famed events are, and how they became the sports they are today!

Track and field has existed since the beginning of the Olympics in Athens, Greece in 776 B.C.; however, it eventually spread to Rome, and dispersed globally in the modern day, first gaining major popularity in the 1860s, as in 1866 the first championship of English track and field was held. In this tourney, the participants were not paid for taking part in the events. The modern Olympics were incorporated in1896, and have since remained the same.

Starting with throwing, the events include shot put, javelin, hammer, and discus. Shot put on the Olympic level is done with a 16 pound shot for men and an 8.8 pound shot for women. It involves tucking the weight under or on your neck with varying techniques such as the spin, and using the momentum created to throw the shot as far as possible. Current world records include Ryan Crouser 23.56 meters and Natalya Lisovskaya 22.63 meters. It originates from an ancient Irish tradition of throwing weighted stones as a part of festivals, rituals, and military practices. Discus originates directly from Greece, being mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, originally being of varying materials and weights such as bronze, whereas in modern day their composition has become more standardized at 4.4 pounds and a 22 CM diameter for men and 2.2 pounds and an 18 CM diameter for women. World records include 75.56m (Mykolas Alekna, 2025) for men and 76.80m (Gabriele Reinsch, 1988) for women. Discus follows a similar form and technique to shot put; however it involves cradling the disc in one hand as you swing back (Akin to the famed Grecian and Roman marble statues) rather than tucking it under your chin, using centripetal force to keep it tightly held.

Other track and field events include sprinting and jumping. Sprinting includes events like the 100 meter, 400 meter, 1600 meter, and on, including relay variants of most events in which a team of multiple athletes

hand off a baton between each other, competing against other groups (of course to run the course with the fastest times). Other variations include hurdle variants in which runners run the same courses but do so while jumping over hurdles as they run. Jumping includes horizontal jumps, like long jump and triple jump, where athletes attempt to jump as far out into a pit of sand as possible with either a running or hopping start. High jump involves trying to leap as high as possible over a bar without touching it (with a running start) while pole vault involves the same but with a pole being used to create leverage, flinging the athlete up into the air. Most of these events have more simplistic origins of simply displaying athleticism in ancient society to gain honor or respect the deities of Grecian or Roman pantheons.

With the wide variety of events that exist in track and field, it’s hard for there to not be an event of interest for someone, but even if that’s not enough, there’s always the plethora of other sports of the Olympics including rock climbing, basketball, and soon, flag football! So when the 2028 LA Summer Olympics happen, make sure to tune into some track and field, and now you’ll understand the meanings and reasons that drive athletes to do things like throw spears and weighted rocks, or jump over sand pits, which from an outside view might seem a bit strange.

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.