Danville Living CA | November 2025

Mary Bonham Team

November

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Nov. 29

Through Dec. 19

Melded Metals Exhibition

@ Art Gallery at the Village Theatre

At first glance, some metals might not seem like the most inviting or expressive materials. Their hard surfaces, cold textures, and industrial associations can make them appear rigid and unyielding. Yet for the artists featured in Melded Metals, it was precisely within these raw and seemingly inflexible elements that they discovered extraordinary beauty and endless creative potential. We invite you to come and experience Melded Metals for yourself. Let the textures, forms, and transformations reveal to you the hidden life within metal — a material that, in the right hands, transcends its surface and speaks to the imagination in unexpected and moving ways.

Time: Wed.-Fri.12-5PM, Sat. 11am-3PM

Cost: Free

Sun., Nov. 2

Live Comedy Starring Liz Grant and David VanAvermaete

@ Village Theater

Join powerhouse performers Liz Grant & David Avermaete as they each film their individual comedy specials in one electric evening of stand-up.

Time: 6-9PM

Call: 925-314-3418 for Tickets

Tues., Nov 11

Veterans Day Celebration and Open House

@ Veterans Memorial Building

Come in for this Family Friendly Event at the Veterans Memorial Building in Downtown Danville. The ceremony will begin at 11am and the Beacon Lighting ceremony will occur at Sunset.

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

Time:9am-5PM

Cost: Free

Tues., Nov. 25

Holiday Celebration: Friendsgiving Desert Recipe Swap

@ Community Hall

Savor the season and enjoy delicious dessert and coffee on us. Just bring a favorite pie recipe to share.

Time: 10am-12PM

Cost: Free

Fri., Nov. 28

Lighting of the Old Oak Tree

@ Historic Downton Danville

Join us for the traditional Lighting of the Old Oak Tree Visit our Downtown for Entertainment, Holiday Lights & Shopping Discounts! Meet Father Christmas and the Snow Angel and enjoy holiday treats and Holiday Classics by the Danville Girls Chorus, the Monte Vista High School Chamber Singers & San Ramon High School Chamber Singers. Join in the fun as we kick off the Holiday Shopping Season!

Time:5-8PM

Cost: Free

The Best Intentions Holiday Concert

@ Village Theater

Due to popular demand, The Best Intentions will be returning to the Village Theatre to perform their Holiday show! Their irresistible harmonies and captivating choreography are sure to get you moving and grooving throughout the holiday season! They will be performing a mix of holiday songs along with Old School favorites, Motown Classics and Contemporary R&B Hits. Visit danville.ca.gov to purchase tickets.

Time: 8-10PM

Cost: $47

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 Patry

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. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Hello Neighbors!

I personally love the month of November! It’s the time we can clean up the Halloween decorations and really embrace the scents, cozy feelings, and food of the fall seasonthink apples, pumpkins, cinnamon and of course, turkey! November is also my wedding anniversary month...a reminder to give thanks to my husband, my children, and our family and friends for this beautiful life we have been blessed with.

Our feature family for the November issue of Danville Living is the Barry Family! Kyle is a Danville native who met his wife, Natalie, while working and living in San Francisco. The two have found the perfect home to raise their boys and could not be more excited to share their story with you. Our November issue is also filled with expert articles on topics from health to home, and plenty of community events to get you in the spirit for the holiday season.

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

EYC Life Coach

Christina Dalton

925-872-4726 Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/

Memory Care

Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.com

Mortgage

RateSecure

Gurp Bhandal 925 786 8915 gurp@ratesecure.com www.ratesecure.com

Music

Danville Music

115 Town and Country Dr. Suite E Danville, CA 94526 925-226-8772 info@danvillemusic.com

Pilates

Mighty Pilates Danville 925-486-1140 danvilleinstructormanager@mightypilates.com www.mightypilates.com/danville

Real Estate

Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Compass 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 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/

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.

Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a compassionate team, we provide 24/7 support with a personalized care plan, an enriching calendar of activities, delicious dining, & private residences. Take a tour today.

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.

We are a full-service music center that offers high-quality, brand name instruments for purchase and rent, supplies and accessories, repair services, as well as private lessons with well-known, established instructors. Danville Music is proud to be Northern California’s premier guitar shop. Nothing compares to our selection of high quality and boutique custom instruments in a wide variety of price ranges.

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 and longtime resident of Danville, where she’s been involved in the community while raising her two children. 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.” DRE#01111126

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 Barry Family

Grateful for Family and Cherishing their Community

By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Photos provided by the Barry

Family

Natalie and Kyle’s story began in San Francisco, joining up with their respective friend groups at lively dinners and evenings out in the Marina district. Kyle admits that initially he made a few attempts to “transition our friendship into something more,” but Natalie enjoyed the status quo of the friendship and “gently declined.” However, during Kyle’s 30th birthday houseboating trip to Lake Shasta, Natalie and Kyle had their first kiss. Only two weeks later, they had their “official” first date and began their dating journey. Three years later Natalie and Kyle were married in 2017 at a private estate on the Truckee River (a sentimental choice for a location, as they both had spent childhood vacations with their own families in Lake Tahoe).

Encinitas native, Natalie, grew up playing soccer and enjoying the San Diego beaches. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for college and fondly remembers that time in her life that gave her a great education, but also lifelong friendships. Upon graduation, Natalie and a group of her close friends moved to San Francisco to “embrace the excitement of their young adult years” in the city. That move put her in a perfect place to work for a variety of companies such as Salesforce, Cisco and currently, 1Password. Bay Area native, Kyle, was raised in Danville just like his parents before him, attending John Baldwin Elementary, Charlotte Wood Middle School and De La Salle. After high school, Kyle attended the University of Arizona, and eventually found his way into the fintech space technology world for work. But after 15 years in the industry he felt a pull to pave his own way and “decided to go back to my roots in the trades

and acquire a 25 years old HVAC company, Energy Solutions (hvacenergysolutions.com).” He has been loving being back in the trades and working locally with neighbors to provide essential services to the community he lives in.

Natalie and Kyle keep busy raising two active boys. Hudson (5) is a kindergartener at Montair and has “boundless energy”....fitting as his nickname is “The Hurricane”. His “battery seems endless” especially when it comes to sports, as he is active in soccer, baseball, flag football, and swims at Del Amigo.

Little brother, Luke (3) loves making people laugh, practicing gymnastics, playing baseball and tennis, and keeping up with his big brother. He has just started his first year at the Dorris Eaton School. When Huddy and Lukey aren’t playing sports, they can be found cuddling on the couch or playing outside with neighbors or their cousins that are also growing up right here in Danville!

Although Natalie and Kyle keep on the move chasing around Huddy and Lukey, they both enjoy exercise and physical outlets for “alleviating stress and feeling our best, but more importantly, to impart that on our boys.” Natalie can be frequently seen at BodyRok and Spenga classes, while Kyle loves working out at the gym, mountain biking, and playing golf and tennis. You can also find the whole family hopping into the golf cart for a casual lunch or dinner in town and ending with the kids favorite treat: Yogurt Shack.

Both Natalie and Kyle feel incredibly fortunate to have family homes in Tahoe and continue to gather with their

families to experience winter and summer activities. The family spends a “significant amount of time there with our boys, family, friends, enjoying the lake, pool and boating in the summer months…as well as all the winter and snow activities.” They also love the fact that when they travel to Tahoe the home is filled with six or more energetic male cousins, making lasting memories together. The Barry family loves to travel and take on adventures together. “From bungee jumping in Whistler on our first trip, to scuba diving in Thailand, to celebrating our honeymoon at Oktoberfest in Munich, we’ve built our relationship around exploring new places together. Looking ahead, we dream of retiring to see more of the world, while hopefully cherishing time for grandchildren.”

Family is also something incredibly important to both Natalie and Kyle. One special tradition the family cherishes is their Christmas Eve “Grand Breakfast for Dinner.” Instead of a Turkey with the usual fixings, the family gathers to enjoy baked goods, egg casseroles, and plenty of bacon and ham. After the meal, one of the family elders sneaks onto the roof “stomping on the shingles and shouting “Ho Ho Ho” down the chimney, perfectly

impersonating Santa. This sends the kids into a frenzy of excitement and we all rush outside to try and catch a glimpse of him. When Santa proves elusive, one or two of the older adult cousins take the younger children on a “Santa hunting” drive and admire Christmas lights. This clever maneuver provides the grown ups with time to tidy up, relax with a cocktail, and enjoy a few peaceful moments. Upon the kids’ return, presents have mysteriously appeared under the tree.”

In 2018, finding the perfect home to settle down in and raise their children was a top priority for Natalie and Kyle. They knew moving to the East Bay was the path forward, but after extensively searching up and down the 24//680 corridor for a home, they were lucky enough to find the perfect home on the same street as Kyle’s cousin! Having the family connection and getting a personal introduction sharing their interest and about their deep roots in Danville helped land them their home on the west side. The Barry family loves their proximity to downtown, the closeness to family and friends, as well and the “cozy embrace by Las Tramplas.” In just a few years they have watched their street transform with the arrival of new families, bringing a

vibrant energy to the neighborhood. “We’re fortunate to have an amazing mix of boys and girls, all close in age, and their connections beyond our street; school, sports, and of course Del Amigo Swim Club. We even have Sunday potlucks on the court with our neighborhood families, where the kids run around, bike, play baseball, while the parents chat, enjoying drinks and food.” Over the past several years, Natalie’s sister, brother, as well as many close friends from Cal Poly have also made their move up to the East Bay, and the Barry family feels exceptionally blessed to share their Danville home with the people that mean the most to them. Here’s to many more years of living and enjoying life on the west side!

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.

Singles TennisWith a Growth Mindset

By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach

Have I shared with you that I play USTA tennis, competitively? But more so, last week I played singles. And…Guess what! I won!

That may not seem like a big deal, except that the last time I played singles in USTA was four years ago. Due to being defeated so badly and actually losing my ranking, I chose not to play singles and swore I would never play singles again competitively. But, that was four years ago. A lot has changed in four years. I have also learned a great deal about myself in the last four years.

In the last two years alone, I have been working on a growth mindset. What is a growth mindset you may ask? A growth mindset is the opportunity to look at possibilities and at times to accept challenges. It is also the opportunity to be curious and to learn from failures. For instance, though I love sports and I love playing sports, I hate working out. Yet, last March I purchased a Peloton. My peloton bike is placed in view of my bedroom. It teases me to ride it every morning and dares me, challenges me and invites me to see what is possible in my work out each day. Little did I know last March that through that workout I would become much quicker and more agile on the courts. My muscles would not hurt after a difficult match, well…at least not as badly.

What was different this time? I planned and prepared this time to play singles again. This is something I did not realize I needed four years ago. How did I prepare myself, you may ask? I went to the experts - Seasoned Singles players on my team who took the time to coach me, play against me and provide me valuable pointers on how to go the distance. Through well-timed lobs and drop shots, I created the timing to position myself for each play. I was patient, a characteristic I have to work on, and I didn’t look for the put

away shot right away. I slowed down the play and evaluated my opponent. I focused on the present, not dwelling on past shots. Most importantly, I utilized humor and self talk to motivate myself to go the distance. In two sets, I defeated the season player 6- 3 and 7-5. Most importantly, when the match was close, this strategy helped me persevere, pushing my resilience to not give up. I stayed the course.

All the techniques I used in tennis are who I am striving to be every day. My first goal is to be present in situations and conversations. My awareness of others empowers them and makes me better.

The ability to evaluate and look at each situation to bring out my best self has truly changed who I am. To work towards patience, humor, and resilience are the cornerstones I strive for each day. Am I perfect at this? Absolutely not. But guess what? I have the rest of my life to work on this and take each moment, day by day, to play my best shot and be my best self. This is what I bring to coaching conversations to empower strategies for others, whether it’s finding the best dream college or maneuvering critical life changes, such as empty-nesting, retirement, or career change. I look forward to your call if this article motivates you to find your best put away shot.

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.

Holiday Gatherings & Home Design Trends

By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass

Holidays are a meaningful and memorable part of most people’s homes. While the rest of the year may blur together, most people have sharp memories of holidays past, and the people who came to gather and celebrate. Many home buyers also give serious consideration to what their holidays will look like, in a potential home.

Over the decades, home design has changed notably, to reflect the evolution of how people choose to celebrate their holidays. The “must have” formal dining room has often been eliminated over the past 25 years, as fewer home buyers value a formal space that is only used on rare occasions, preferring that the additional space go into the rooms that they use everyday. Perspective has definitely changed. Some generations put a lot of importance on not just a formal dining room, but also their china and good silverware, which they felt needed a big, beautiful china cabinet.

When I first started selling homes, finding a formal dining room that fit people’s dining room furniture was often at the top of the list of buyer priorities. While it is still important to some buyers, I have to laugh at what I’ve often heard as the most common current reason for liking a formal dining room. It’s actually my personal preference, too. Do you know what it is? Many buyers who are indifferent about whether a home has a formal dining room or not, state that they love it when the formal dining room is the only room that you see from the front door. Why? Since it is a room that gets little use, it’s easy to keep it looking picture perfect. In retrospect, this is likely why the formal living and dining room, positioned by the front entry, became so popular in the first place. With homes being so much more expensive today, it’s a luxury that some buyers don’t put as much value on, while others still do.

As the times have changed, so has the way in which people celebrate with family and friends. For many, holiday gatherings have become much more casual. We also have a lot more diversity in our communities, bringing in a lot of additional holidays and traditions. We all had an unexpected change during the pandemic, when many families cancelled their gathering traditions. Now,

large gatherings are celebrated again, but the trend towards casual has grown very strong.

Whether I’m working with a buyer who is a household of one person, or a large family, most still have strong opinions about their holiday decor and traditions. This can be one of the big advantages of the sparse furnishings that home stagers typically use, when presenting a home for sale. Why? It showcases space that is available in the home. No matter what their personal religious beliefs are, nearly all of my clients think about where they are going to put their winter holiday tree. When there isn’t space for it, many buyers feel discouraged. The emotions tied to holiday traditions are a big motivator in choosing a home.

Do you have real estate questions? Every home 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

By Erin Kreitz, Focus on the Field, Photos provided by Heather Paterson

The Diablo Scorpions Lacrosse Club is dedicated to growing the game in the San Ramon Valley by building strong, confident athletes who love to compete and have fun. With programs for boys and girls from beginner through advanced, the Scorpions focus on player development, teamwork, and community. Their mission is simple — to create a positive, high-energy environment where every athlete can reach their full potential on and off the field.

Visit our Instagram page @scorpionlacrosse or our website at https://www.scorpionlacrosse.org/ for more information.

Visit our Registration page today to register for Spring: https://www.scorpionlacrosse.org/spring-2026

Providing Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons, and Music Lessons to students of all ages and levels.

Schedule a meeting by calling! Call: (925) 326 MIMS (6467)

Contact: Sharon at Sharonspiano@att.net 433 Front St, Danville, CA 94526 musicinmotionschool.com

CALL: (925) 326 MIMS (6467)

MOVING INTO THE HOLIDAYS WITH STRENGTH AND CALM

By Eileen Vander Leun, Certified Pilates Teacher and Wellness Writer, Mighty Pilates

The holiday season is full of joy, but let’s face it, it can also bring stress, long to-do lists, and plenty of distractions. At Mighty Pilates, we know one of the simplest ways to keep your footing through it all is to stay grounded by moving your body with purpose.

Science backs this up. Aerobic and mindful movement like Pilates, yoga, or even a brisk walk increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, selfcontrol, and empathy. A little movement not only makes you feel good, it also helps you think clearly, manage stress, and show up more fully for the people around you. What better way to embrace the spirit of the holiday season?

We may be partial, but Pilates is especially powerful because it pairs breath with precise, mindful movement. This combination strengthens your body while also creating space in your mind. Studies show that mindful practices like Pilates lower cortisol (the stress hormone) while raising endorphins (your natural mood boosters). So while you’re building core strength and better posture, you’re also giving yourself a mental reset. And what a gift that is!

The best part? It doesn’t take hours to feel the difference. Just ten minutes can shift your whole day. Roll out your mat in the morning for a short series, sneak in a walk between gatherings, or stretch before bed to calm your mind. Think of these moments not as chores, but as simple rituals that keep you connected to yourself during a busy season.

This November, as the holiday pace picks up, consider movement your anchor. Whether you choose Pilates, walking, or another mindful practice, it’s a way to stay centered, joyful, and resilient. At Mighty Pilates, we see every class as a chance to strengthen not only your body but your spirit, and to connect with a community that helps you feel grounded all season long. And this Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for that.

5 Must-Have Features for a Modern Kitchen Remodel

By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks

When people ask about the must-have features for a modern kitchen remodel, it’s not just about what’s “in”—it’s about what will make your kitchen feel truly yours. Here’s a step-by-step guide filled with features that matter both now and for the long haul.

1. Start with Smart Storage That Feels Seamless

Before thinking about colors or countertops, ask: How do you live?

Are you a baker? A host? A smoothie-before-sunrise kind of person? Let your answers guide your storage layout.

Must-Have Storage Features:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans

• Pull-out pantry shelves

• Organizational inserts for spices, utensils, and more

2. Design Around Natural Light (Or Fake It Beautifully)

If you have a window—celebrate it. If you don’t, lean on lighting design to add warmth and ambiance. We recommend Dimmable LEDs and warm light temperature (2700K–3000K).

3. Choose Countertops That Are Durable and Elevated

Quartz continues to be a favorite for its stain resistance and beauty. For those who crave timeless elegance and functionality, it’s the sweet spot.

Pro Tip:

5. Give the Space a Story—Through Materials, Color, or Meaning

Whether it’s a copper pot passed down from family or open shelves for your favorite cookbooks, don’t be afraid to be bold and take a design risk your kitchen should reflect you!

• Opt for slab backsplash instead of tile for a continuous, modern look

4. Finish with Fixtures That Feel Like Jewelry

Fixtures are your kitchen’s finishing touch—subtle, but powerful.

Must-Have Fixtures:

• Brushed brass or matte black finishes

• Touch-activated or pull-down faucet

• Coordinated cabinet hardware

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.

Here are some currently available cuties! CATS:

Starting Nov. 1, we will have new adoption hours.

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

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

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.

BelmontVillage.com/SanRamon 925-414-0255

Active Listings

Hartz Ave

Hartz Ave

El Dorado Ave

Ilo Lane

Hartz Ave

Hartz Ave

Midland WAY

Garden Creek Pl

35 Danville Oak Pl

$433,074

$433,074

$545,000

$565,000

$583,089

$583,089

Real Estate Listings in West Danville

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Gatti Real Estate Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti

Pending Listings Active Listings

W El Pintado Rd

W El Pintado Rd

W El Pintado Rd

Ilo Ln

Hartz Ave

W El Pintado Rd

La Gonda Way

W El Pintado Rd

Hartz Ave

$1,216,350 $1,337,000 $1,390,500 $1,450,000 $1,585,000 $1,591,650 $1,849,000

Sold Listings

Street List Price Sold Price

San Ramon Valley Blvd

Jewel Terrace

Danville Oak Pl

Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Tiramisu Dessert Cocktail

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

Listen to me very carefully… I will never, and I mean never be too full for tiramisu. I don’t care if I’ve done the nine course tasting at the French Laundry. I don’t care if I’m stuffed to the gills. If tiramisu is being served, I’m having it. That said, I found myself wondering, why don’t I ever see a tiramisu cocktail on a menu? It seems it would be the most ideal dessert drink. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I thought this would be a great chance to do some experimenting to see if I could come up with a quick and easy after dinner concoction. So, bust out your cutest martini glasses because you’re about to show them off.

Serves: 1

YOU WILL NEED;

• A martini shaker with ice

• 2 ounces of RumChata

• 1 ounce Kahlúa liqueur

• Whipped cream

• Cocoa powder

• Crispy Ladyfinger (optional)

PUTTING IT TOGETHER;

In a martini shaker, filled halfway with ice, pour in the RumChata and Kahlúa. Cover the top tight and shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Strain out into a martini glass. Top with whipped cream, dust with cocoa and crispy Ladyfinger.

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.

Why Mt. Diablo?

By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student

Have you ever gone mountain biking, taken a hike, or camped at Mount Diablo? Even if you haven’t, you have likely spent time admiring its beauty! But have you ever wondered why, exactly, it’s called Mount Diablo? Well, here’s why:

Mount Diablo is considered relatively young, geologically speaking, as it is only 2 Million years old! In that “short” time, humans have only been active on Mount Diablo for around 4000 years (since 2000 BC). These people were the Native American tribes of the Bay Area, namely the Ohlone, Nisenan, and Miwok. These peoples believed that Mount Diablo was the birthplace of mankind, although they called it multiple names, such as Tuyshtak (meaning Dawn of Time), none of these names were “Mount Diablo”. When going to Mount Diablo (specifically Rock City), you can see the mortar holes made by Natives over hundreds of years, used to grind down acorns and seeds amongst other things. The name Mount Diablo came from the Spaniards, who while tracking a group of Native Americans, lost them near Mount Diablo, leading the Spaniards to nickname the area “the thicket of the Devil”, or “Monte Del Diablo”. This name referred more specifically to the forested region north of the mountain, despite this, settlers interpreted it to directly refer to the mountain, due to the “Monte” in the name.

Although the history of this mountain and its name are interesting, so are the species that call it home! In terms of mammals, Mount Diablo

hosts coyotes, bobcats, black-tailed deer, California ground squirrels, fox squirrels, grey foxes and mountain lions. Mount Diablo is also a prominent refuge for the threatened California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake.

Some wildlife species that are a bit rarer on Diablo include the reintroduced peregrine falcon, ringtail cats, American badgers, San Joaquin kit fox, roadrunners, California tiger salamander, and burrowing owls. During the winter, you may see Bald and Golden Eagles, with a few recent sightings of California Condors.

Unfortunately, a species of Elk that was indigenous to California and once native to Mount Diablo, the Tule Elk, was hunted to local extinction in the Diablo Area in 1850.

Of course, you can’t forget the Tarantulas and Black Widows of Mount Diablo, and although they may seem scary, the bite of a Tarantula is no more harmful than a bee sting!

On the mountain, there are 200 miles of trail and road available for public usage, some are available to mountain bikers or cyclists! Mount Diablo also receives snow occasionally, with the amount of snowfall increasing in recent years. Surprisingly, the critically acclaimed video game series, Diablo, is named after Mount Diablo, as the Head of Blizzard studios (David Brevik) at one point lived nearby the mountain.

Next time you gaze at Mount Diablo, visit the mountain, or even just think about it, imagine the time of Mount Diablo before the introduction of humans, and think of the millions of years that went into the creation of the mountain.

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.

SCOOPS LACROSSE; Where Fun Comes First!

By James Simons, Owner of Scoops Bay Area, Photos by Audrey Kimbrough

Our formula is simple — FUN!

High-fives, Noodle Monsters, and tons of smiles are how we do it at Scoops. We create a positive, playful environment where kids fall in love with lacrosse first — then learn the game!

• Ages 3–8

• Boys & Girls Welcome

• No Pads. No Pressure.

• Sticks & Smiles Included!

Come see why Scoops is the most fun your kid will ever have with a lacrosse stick! Visit our Instagram page @scoopsbayarea or www.scoopsbayarea.com for more information. Learn. Laugh. Lacrosse.

Day Trips and Getaways

Making GSM Art in Paso Robles

By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by Paso Robles Winery Public Relations

amazing Matt

Ardent

wine lovers in Danville – and there are more than few – have noticed a unique vintage that’s making experts the world over take notice. This particular blend is a tricky juggling act known as “GSM” – which stands for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes.

Each grape adds singular features on the palette – Grenache for sweetness, Syrah for body or fullness, and Mourvèdre, or “Mouve,” for tannins. The challenge is assessing each type of grape from the vine to the barrel; and right now there are two wineries in Paso Robles who might be the worldwide standard for this compelling wine.

There’s Linne Colado, founded by Matt Trevisan, who oversees everything on his hillsides from harvesting to building design. A 53-year-old bio-chem major out of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo who was so poor and so low when he started in the industry, he slept in his car. Stints as forklift driver and warehouse manager at White Horse and Justin – long-established wineries in Paso – gave him the knowledge and drive to start on his own.

Trevisan’s view of his craft comes down to what he calls not wines but “photographs.” Each year offers different conditions and challenges that becomes a unique vintage. The wine is just a snapshot of those conditions. And that can become tricky when there’s a third Grenache, a third Syrah, 27 percent Mourvèdre and 9-percent Granciano.

“I may take a picture of you one year, and then a year later I’ll take another and you’ll be wearing different clothes, maybe your hair is longer,” said Trevisan under an aged baseball cap marked by dust and sweat. “My wine is the same way.”

Less than three miles away is Booker, another GSM hotbed started by Eric Jensen. Its high-end tasting room looks like a Brooklyn industrial loft remodeled into something that would hold fashion shows. Just outside are the steep hillsides of grapes that are not just reminiscent of Tuscany but are indeed, for lack of a better term, California’s Tuscany.

Tasting Jensen’s 2022 Fracture and 2023 Fracture side by side reveals the art of GSM. Both are medium in body, but how the tongue detects supple flavors and lingering aftertaste varies by the vintage. The ’22 is slightly fuller, softer and lush, whereas the next year’s has a drier aftertaste. Each has its appeal.

Linne Colado – so named after the soil makeup – has hillsides less than six miles from the Pacific, yet each slope has different exposure to the sun and afternoon the breezes. Accounting for weather gets complicated by the how each grape type responds to that season’s climate conditions. Thus, making GSM becomes art. What’s more, each vintage is Trevisan’s interpretation, and his only. “I blend like a dictator,” he said.

Both wineries are located on Highway 46 southwest of Paso Robles, which itself is about three hours from Danville, making it difficult for a one-day wine tasting excursion. But there are hotels in the area, and Paso Robles itself, a ranch-and-grower’s region known for tri-tip meat in nearly all restaurants, does offer a reason to stay overnight. Few pairings are better than tri-tip and GSM.

And there’s another reason: Though large-scale vintners like J. Lohr and Justin all have their own tasting experiences in Paso Robles, Linne

Colado and Booker feature high-end wines with retails costs ranging from $60 to about $100 per bottle, which is considerably cheaper than the best full-bodied reds in the Napa Valley.

If you have the time and the love of a unique California vintage, Paso Robles is hard to beat.