Blackhawk Living CA February 2024

Mailed Directly to Blackhawk Residents and Published Online

FEBRUARY 2024

Meet the

Burgess Family:

Second Chances, Second Wind Image courtesy of Lara George

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FEBRUARY 2024

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 3

Table of Contents

05 Letter to Residents 06 Expert Contributors List the Burgess Family: Second Chances, Second Wind 08 Meet Resident Feature Rescue Foundation Adoption Stars 10 Animal Pet Corner of Events 12 Calendar February a new deputy to Blackhawk Police Services 13 Welcoming Message from the Police Chief Bloomers Garden Club 14 Blackhawk Recipe Scholarship Applications are being 15 2024 accepted now for the Blackhawk Scholarship Fund

Animal Rescue - Giving them another chance 16 Tri-Valley Pet Corner Matte: Must Do Rooftop Japanese Peruvian Cuisine Arrives at Union Square 17 Chotto Wine, Food, Golf & Fun Lasting Impact of Advertising 20 The Expert Contributor Pleasure with Flavorful Thai Rice 21 Elegant In the kitchen Craft: Modern Pillows 23 February Crafts Corner

News 24 Niner’s Local Sports HOX Swim Team is ramping up for an amazing 2024 season!

26 The Local Sports Winter Magic: My Snow Globe of Happiness 27 Zermatt’s Life through a Lens Header

Club of America 28 Porsche Cars and Coffee

Your Appearance: Cosmetic Procedures for a Renewed You 32 Revitalize Expert Contributor Valentine’s Day Jewelry Gift Guide 33 The Expert Contributor

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Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

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: mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

This month we are celebrating a certain romantic holiday in Blackhawk Living and introducing you to your neighbors, the Burgess Family. They are rooted in the Bay Area, and we are lucky they chose Blackhawk to call home.

Personally, award-show spectating is what I look forward to most in February, along with celebrating Valentine’s Day and the long President’s Day Weekend.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Blackhawk Living Magazine!

Warmly,

Megan Scott Resident since 2010 Blackhawk Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@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. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved. .

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Expert Contributors

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

Advertising - Print & Digital Blackhawk Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 BlackhawkLivingCA@gmail.com www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

Over the last 9 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.

Auto Sales & Service Kerri Anderson Pleasanton Automall Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925-737-5062

The Pleasanton Automall is a luxury automotive dealership housing the Acura and Lexus dealerships located in Pleasanton, CA. In addition to our flagships, we also carry a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We pride ourselves in offering a World Class experience to all of our guests. Visit us today or contact us online to experience the Pleasanton difference.

Chiropractic Plaza Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Dr. Max Lippman, D.C. 925-964-9189 drmax@blackhawkchiropractor.com Website www.blackhawkchiropractor.com

Dr. Lippman has been in practice in the Tri-Valley since 2009. His passion is to help eradicate back pain and allow people to live their lives to the fullest. He is married and the father of two very good looking kids. When not cracking backs, he can be found running, hiking or biking with his kids, or enjoying a ballgame in the sun.

Cosmetic Surgery Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality cosmetic treatments in the Blackhawk area for more than 15 years. Now they are thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic led by migraine specialist, Alicia Choquette. Alicia brings over 5 years of migraine expertise to the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic and looks forward to helping patients live a better quality of life migraine free.

Custom Window Coverings Elite Shutters & Shadings Janice Tracy, Lead designer 925-243-9066 www.Eliteshadings.com

We offer the highest quality window treatments available, and we also provide custom design, measurement, and installation services. Our experts are dedicated to providing our clients with high quality window treatments that can improve your home. Our window treatments are custom-designed to be the perfect fit for your interior decor, your home’s energy efficiency needs, and your personal taste.

Dentist Dr. Larry Porteous DDS Larry Porteous Family Dentistry 925-736-9000

Porteous Family Dentistry- Larry Porteous DDS and Linda Porteous RDH have been serving the dental needs in the communities of Rodeo,Vallejo and Blackhawk/Danville for over 30 years.They are a full service practice, eliminating, in most cases, the need for referrals. Offering extended hours for your convenience. “Our practices are dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We strive to give each person the same respect, concern and care we would expect as patients.

Home Maintenance Home Inspections Plus Mark Beck 925-240-0441 m.beck@localinspector.com www.localinspector.com

At Home Inspections Plus, we have two basic rules: client satisfaction and long-term relationships. With our many years of business experience and over 6,000 fee paid inspections, we believe after you try our service, you will gladly refer others to us and use us in the future. Realtor and consumer inquiries welcome!

Insurance Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com

Roger Fernando has been a State Farm Agent for 30 years, starting his insurance agency in 1988.

Roger and his team are fully licensed. We take pride in giving personal, exceptional service, in talking and listening to our clients about their insurance needs. Our mission has always been to consult with customers as their insurance needs change, protect their insurance for the risks of everyday life and help recover from the unexpected loss.

Investigations The Frame Group www.TheFrameGroup.com 9000 Crow Canyon Road, Suite 395 Danville, California 94506 Tel: 1.925.837.8309 | Fax: 1.925.837.8737

Michael F. Framé received his formal investigative training from the United States Department of Justice (FBI), the United States Secret Service, IRS, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) while serving as an undercover narcotics investigator assigned to the Vice Crimes Division of the Oakland Police Department. This training included asset identification and discovery, money laundering, fraud, financial crimes, business intelligence, organized and whitecollar crime, narcotics processing, sales, possession, and influence.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

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Mortgage CrossCountry Mortgage LLC W. Todd Galde 925-854-5238 todd.galde@myccmortgage.com www.toddgalde.com

After more than 20 years, Todd Galde has mastered the process of helping borrowers with different income sources, matching the correct loan to their unique circumstances. We teach and advise, then we customize. A Direct Lender, Team Galde offers solutions with competitive rates and financing programs that give you more qualifying options, including the unique NINE Loan for owner-occupied purchase or refinance. Learn more at www.The9Loan.com.

Music: Soloist & Private Voice Lessons Elizabeth Hunter Ashley The Performance Studio 925-548-2694 Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com www.elizabethhunterashley.com

Professional lyric coloratura soprano, Elizabeth has extensive experience as a soloist in oratorio, concert, musical theatre, sacred music, and new music. She performs nationally and internationally with renown conductors, orchestras, composers, international communities, and holds a myriad of national credits including MM degree. As the proprietor of her vocal music studio, she has taught 300+ private students from youth to mature adults offering them a sustainable vocal technique, biannual voice recitals which include philanthropic fund raisers, music connections in the community, performance preparation for high school top choirs, vocal competitions, college prep. recordings, pageant training. Elizabeth is a member of NATS, CCMTAC, an adjudicator for CMEA, and NATS.

Pool Service Jon Lubrano Atlantis Pools 925-736-0447 info@atlantispoolsdanville.com atlantispoolsdanville.com

Atlantis Pools Inc. is a family owned business that has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years. From pool repair, maintenance needs, remodels and updates, no job is too big or small for us. We take pride in the high quality service we give to each customer.

Property Management California Pacific Realty Zahid Jahania 510-757-1265 www.californiapacificrealty.com infocalpacrealty@gmail.com Remodeling DLM Enterprises Dennis Meurer 510-915-0091 dlmeurer@comcast.net dennis@dlm-enterprises.net Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com Sushi Blue Sakana Blackhawk JD Choi jd@bluesakanablackhawk.com 925-648-7838 bluesakanablackhawk.com Wealth Advisor WestPac Wealth Partners Phil Kang, CExPTM Henry Chau, CPWA® 925-350-6588 info@westpacwealth.com www.westpacwealth.com

California Pacific Realty is a locally owned and operated full-service Real Estate firm. We specialize in buying, selling, and managing investment properties throughout the Bay area.

Our mission is to offer unique turnkey solutions to our investors. We specialize in acquisition, sales, and property management throughout Oakland and the Alameda County area. Our local property management expertise helps owners improve their return on investment (ROI), and renters find their ideal rental home.

I have been a license contractor for 13 years, I have over 25 years’ experience building, designing and remodeling residential properties. We do some commercial building remodeling. As a construction firm we do the majority of the work inhouse, we sub out very little.

Buena Vista Tree Service is committed to preserving our urban forests and environment. They recycle 100% of our green waste into a reusable landscaping product. Trex safely and efficiently handles all types of tree emergencies 24 hours a day to eliminate tree risks to people and property and significantly reduce your liability exposure.

Blue Sakana has become the premier destination for Japanese food, offering the highest-quality fish and most original sushi rolls in the area. Our inviting atmosphere and friendly staff have quickly made Blue Sakana a neighborhood favorite. Blue Sakana at Blackhawk offers a full bar with artisanal, Asian-inspired cocktails, an eclectic beer selection and a great wine list.

We specialize in sushi and Japanese dishes made with fresh ingredients, all at an accessible and affordable price.

Uniquely positioned to offer our clients access to one of the most comprehensive financial product platforms available today, Westpac envisions and enhances our clients’ goals by designing a customized strategy and creating a life map to achieve and protect their wealth.

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Resident Feature Resident Feature is proudly sponsored by Coldwell Banker Eloisa Ortenburger

Meet the

Burgess Family: Second Chances, Second Wind

By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010 Images courtesy of Burgess Family

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blind date at Blackhawk Grille led to a true love story for Pat and Paul Burgess. Twenty-three years ago, both Pat and Paul had gone through difficult divorces and were apprehensive about dating and meeting someone new. “When I walked into Blackhawk Grille and saw Paul, it was an instant connection. We closed the restaurant down. Our second date was a marathon of wine tasting and dining. We started out at Château St. Jean Winery in Sonoma. As we entered through the arches into the gardens, I had this eerie feeling that we were going to get married there, which terrified me!

Neither of us had any desire to ever get married again! Fast-forward five years, and we ended up getting married at Château St. Jean,” says Pat. In the first five years of their relationship, Paul says they both were afraid to fall back in love. “During those first five years, we dated and broke up, and dated and broke up... until we finally got back together and realized it was time to stop being so afraid of being hurt again and to trust that we were meant to be together. That was 18 years ago, and our love grows stronger every day.

I can’t imagine a life without my partner and my best friend.”

Between Pat and Paul, they have five adult children ranging in age from 42 to 25 years old, and they are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren. The children and their families reside all across the United States.

Paul was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He left Memphis at the age of 30 for Colorado and then moved to Wisconsin before finally permanently making his way to the Bay Area. He lived in San Ramon, Rockridge, and Walnut Creek before calling Blackhawk home 18 years ago. Furthermore, he received his degree in business at Memphis State University and went on to a career in sales, primarily in the finance and healthcare industries.

He has worked for GE Medical and GE Capital, as well as Siemens Medical.

Pat hails from the East Coast and was raised in New York and New Jersey. After attending college in New York and Boston, she remained on the East Coast and lived in New England before moving to Blackhawk, where she has lived for more than 30 years in five different homes.

She received her degree in English literature from Boston College and started her career in advertising on the McDonald’s account. From there, she got into tech sales for NJ Bell, then AT&T Information Systems, and moved into national account sales for Rolm Corporation.

IBM bought Rolm, and Pat was promoted to product marketing within IBM headquarters. When her former husband took a job in California, she moved the family cross-country and ultimately, together, they started an IT consulting firm. Following that, Pat switched careers and went back to school for interior design combined with a real estate license. Today, Pat and Paul have built a successful career in real estate. “The concept of helping people realize their dreams has been much more rewarding than IT sales,” says Pat. Volunteering is a major part of Pat’s life. “When my kids were in school, I volunteered in the classroom regularly. Once everyone had graduated, I joined the Danville-Sycamore Rotary Club, where I have been a member for over 16 years. I have served as president, community service chairperson, and several other positions. In addition to Rotary, I started a group called “Divorce Angels”. After living through the nightmare of a horrible divorce, I made it my mission to help educate others. Divorce Angels is made up of professionals within both the legal and financial industries with the goal of providing practical information to help people in this situation make educated decisions. I’m also the co-founder of Impact 100 East Bay. Our mission is to unite women in Alameda and Contra Costa counties through collective philanthropy. Since founding Impact 100 East Bay seven years ago, we’ve donated almost $900,000. Impact 100 East Bay’s goal is to provide high-impact grants that reach under-served populations, support nonprofits, and highlight unmet needs in our community,” says Pat. She has also been an active member of the Danville Chamber of Commerce and faced some challenges when, in 2020, she was the Chairman of the Board. “Because of COVID and with a 10 day resignation notice from the then-current president, steering that boat was very difficult. However, because of strong leadership skills, we found an amazing

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new president, and the Chamber is now stronger than ever before,” says Pat. Traveling and creating new memories together is an important part of Pat and Paul’s lives. “This past summer we spent two weeks in Cape Cod, which was so much fun! We loved connecting with our family back east and golfing on amazing courses. We also visited beautiful beaches and quaint towns.

Paul and I try to take an extended trip every year. In 2022 we went to Greece; prior to that, we traveled to Ireland; and a few years ago, we went to Italy. Next year, we are hoping to visit England and Scotland. My daughter and I try to go away at least once a year together as well. Last year, we went on a safari in Africa, which was the most incredible trip of a lifetime! We have also traveled to Italy and South Korea together,” says Pat. No matter where they are in the world, the couple says they are always grateful to come home to Blackhawk where they are both very active in the community. Pat is the secretary for the Blackhawk Niners and a member of Blackhawk Bloomers and Blackhawk Women.

“We love living in Blackhawk and playing golf at the Blackhawk Country Club! Blackhawk is like living

in a resort. The two golf courses are fantastic (but hard!), and it is such a treat to be able to go out virtually anytime you want and play a round of golf. In addition to golf, we enjoy our Wednesday night Bocce, although our team is clearly not the best, but we all have lots of fun. We also love the gym, the camaraderie we find on the golf course, and taking walks in the neighborhood. Being here as long as we have, it would be difficult to ever leave Blackhawk, as it has provided a true sense of community for us.”

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 mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

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Pet Corner

ARF Adoption Stars

Ebony

Razzmatazz

By Cole Kuiper, ARF Marketing Manager

Two-year-old Ebony is a sweetheart, full of love to give! She adore shuman affection and will always be there to greet you with a wagging tail. She’s got a zest for life and her enthusiasm is infectious. Ebony has a positive history with other dogs. She currently weighs 45 pounds.

Ebony’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

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dopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6 pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am.

Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

ARF adoption fees: • • • • • •

Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:

$150 $50 for an adult dog $375 $50 for a puppy (<6 months) $75 $50 for a special-needs dog $200 $50 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months) $75 $50 for a senior dog (7+ years)

Three-year-old Razzmatazz is ready to find a loving home! She is a friendly, gentle, and playful cat who quickly warms up to new friends. Despite having lost vision in one eye she navigates her world with ease, showcasing adaptability and resilience.

ARF adoption fees: • • • • • • •

$100 $50 for an adult cat $175 $50 for a kitten (<6 months) $150 $50 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens $50 for a special-needs cat $100 $50 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months) $50 for a senior cat (7+ years) Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

Success is the result of a well-designed future.

Our business is to help clients make smart financial decisions to navigate the complex financial world that we live in.

Tax Strategies

Wealth Management

As seen on

Business Succession

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Community Value/Contribution

$2.5 BILLION1 ASSETS ADMINISTERED

$173M

ANNUAL RECURRING PREMIUM

35 THOUSAND CLIENTS

$62M

INCOME PROTECTION IN FORCE

$24M

$19B

LIFE INS. COVERAGE IN FORCE

ANNUAL LIFE DIVIDENDS

270

TEAM MEMBERS

1 Assets Administered by agency, represents in-force for life ins., disability income ins. LTC ins and assets held in retirement, brokerage, and advisory accounts as of 12/31/22. The values provided should not be used in making a determination on the quality of services provided by representatives of this agency. WestPac Wealth Partners is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor.

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Phil Kang, CExP™ Jonathan Pop Phone: 925.350.6588 Email: Phil.Kang@WestPacWealth.com Phil Kang & Jonathan Pop are Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 5280 CARROLL CANYON ROAD, SUITE 300, SAN DIEGO CA, 92121, 619-6846400. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. WESTPAC WEALTH PARTNERS is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

Insurance products offered through WestPac Wealth Partners and Insurance Services, LLC, a DBA of WestPac Wealth Partners, LLC. Pop CA Insurance License #4261127 | Kang CA Insurance License #0G18874| Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. | 2023-158974 Exp. 07/25

FEBRUARY 2024

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February CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Now through March 22 Driven To Abstraction Art Exhibit

Wed., Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day Dinner

@Village Theatre Art Gallery Driven To Abstraction features the work full of five unique artists with diverse backgrounds who have found commonality in their love for abstract visual art and are all inspired by nature and local landscapes.

For more information, call the Village Theatre Art Gallery at 925-314-3467 or email artgallery@danville.ca.gov

@Blackhawk Lakeside Ball Room Seatings from 5-8:30pm To reserve, visit www.blackhawkcc.org

Sun., Feb. 3 Recreation Expo & Open House

@Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local non-profit community. Tips for Change is a fun and unique way for local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local non-profits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization. This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.

More information at www.giannissanramon.com

@Danville Community Center & Library Stop by the 14th Annual Recreation Expo to explore the summer offerings.

Learn more at https://www.danville.ca.gov/Calendar

Sun., Feb 11 Falls Club Superbowl Party @Falls Club Blackhawk Country Club Watch the Superbowl live on the big screens.

Kick off is at 2pm

Every Monday Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events

Every Saturday Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot - Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items you can eat in the market or take with you to enjoy at home. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot.

Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com

Save the date: Sun., March 10th Go Hox Summer Swim Kick Off Event @Blackhawk Pool Join us for our annual HOX Summer Swim Kickoff Event. You don’t want to miss this HOX event. Order your suits, caps and HOX apparel, catch up with our coaches and reconnect with old friends. Mini HOX families are welcome. The Summer 2024 Theme will be revealed, so save the date in your calendar now!

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Message from the Police Chief

Welcoming a new deputy to Blackhawk Police Services

By Lieutenant Jeff Schultz, Chief of Police, Blackhawk Police Services

D

eputy James Trevino is the newest member of the Blackhawk District Police.

Deputy Trevino has been with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff since November 2018.

Deputy Trevino attended the Sheriff’s Department’s Academy (LETC), where he was a standout recruit amongst his classmates. Upon graduating from the Academy, he began his career in Custody Division, working at both West County and Martinez Detention Facilities, and as a bailiff in Court Security. Deputy Trevino transferred to Patrol Division in 2022 and worked Valley Station and Muir Station, serving the communities of Alamo, unincorporated Danville and Baypoint.

Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, Deputy Trevino worked as a supervisor for Altergy Systems, a hydrogen fuel cell company. Deputy Trevino has served in the United States Air Force reserves since 2009 and is currently an aviator with 4 deployments to the Middle East. In his off-time Deputy Trevino enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with his wife and two daughters (ages 8 and 6) who are involved in competitive gymnastics. Please welcome Deputy Trevino in his new assignment with the Blackhawk District Police.

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Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club

By Terrie Gleason, VP Programs | Photo credit: Ananth Balasubramanian

T

he Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club is excited to offer a special Lunar New Year luncheon program with Elaine Brovont on February 14, 2023. Elaine is a Clinical Instructor at Stanford Healthcare Physical Sports Medicine and an instructor and personal trainer at Blackhawk Fitness.

Elaine specializes in Senior Fitness, Core Stabilization, Balance, Strength and Flexibility training, Stress Reduction and Functional Fitness. She uses exercise and mind body techniques to work around client impediments and challenges, including, but not limited to clients who present with comorbidities, Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and various respiratory and cardiac conditions, including stroke patients. Elaine is a Tai Chi expert and continues her Tai Chi education as a practitioner with traditional Chinese Masters.

Elaine will share the Lunar New Year with us, which this year is the Year of the Dragon. She will explain how Tai Chi and other wholistic practices can increase our mobility, balance, and strength, and improve our ability to garden! She will also give us a demonstration of the beautiful Tai Chi form and engage us all in chair Tai Chai!

This event is open to our members and their guests. If you are not a member and would like to join, our dues are $50 a year. To join, you must be a resident of Blackhawk or a member of the Blackhawk Country Club. To join or learn more, contact Maria Knutson at m.knutson@comcast.net.

BLACKHAWK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

• Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures • Accredited Private Surgery Center • Call for your Free Consultation

925.736.5757 3600 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville, California 94506 BlackhawkPlasticSurgery.com

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FEBRUARY 2024

Charity Spotlight

2024 Scholarship Applications are being accepted now for the Blackhawk Scholarship Fund

By Claudine Young

T

he Blackhawk Scholarship Fund is now accepting scholarship applications until March 1, 2024. The requirements are as follows:

You can find out more information about our requirements and how to apply on our website at bwscholarshipfund.com/how-to-apply

•

Female, residing in Contra Costa County, California

•

A minimum 3.5 cumulative unweighted GPA

•

Be active in community service

•

Be in need of financial aid - Your Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FASFA Submission Summary (FSS) must be no more than $32,000

The Blackhawk Scholarship Fund (BSF) is a 501c(3) nonprofit, allvolunteer organization established in 2003 to increase education opportunities for college-bound women in financial need. Since its inception, BSF has awarded more than $430,000 in scholarships to over 100 recipients. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please send us an email at bwscholarshipfund@gmail.com.

•

A graduating High School Senior or Junior/Community College student who will be attending a 4-year College/University in the Fall

Your generosity is greatly appreciated to help us fund more scholarships. to learn more visit bwscholarshipfund.com

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Pet Corner

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue Giving Them Another Chance

By Sue James, President

EAST COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOMES

Below are just a couple of the adorable, loving East County Animal Shelter dogs that are available for adoption. The shelter is located at 4595 Gleason Drive in Dublin and is totally full so instead of buying a dog - why not ADOPT A LOVABLE DOG and save a life? All of the dogs are vaccinated and if not already spayed or neutered like Elsa and Callisto -- they will be before going to their new homes. Tri-Valley Animal Rescue volunteers spend countless hours every week - walking and socializing these dogs.

Getting them adopted is the ultimate goal and reward so please consider adopting a shelter dog. The dogs and our volunteers will be forever grateful.

ELSA

Hello! I’m Silly Elsa, the Bunny Dog! I’m a young, goofy and confident Siberian Husky Mix girl and I weigh around 50 lbs.

My stunning bi-colored eyes, endearing antics and pawsitive, personality have made me a volunteer favorite. When I’m out on my walkies, everyone I meet can’t help but stop and say ‘hello’!

Yard time is my favorite part of the day! It’s when I get my zoomies out hopping around like a bunny, play with toys and snuggle up to my volunteer buddies. I also love prancing happily back to them every now and then to

give kisses and get belly rubs so they don’t miss me too much.

You will sometimes see me poke my head out through the yard fence or into bushes in deep thought. Er, no, I’m not meditating....that’s just me keeping an eye out for the squirrels who run around stealing all our acorns!

Nope! Not happening! Not on my watch!

Even though I’m a silly, fun loving girl, I’m still very gentle. I am a good listener and will ‘Sit’ when asked to. My volunteer buddies tell me that I have good recall and ‘Come Back’ when called, except when there is a squirrel involved.

I love going on sniffaris and walk well on the leash. I’ll sometimes hop around like a bunny to show you how happy I am to be walking with you. When we go home, I’d really like to learn new tricks and continue practicing what I already know.

I love learning with treats and will take them from you very gently.

Come meet me and give me a chance to bunny hop into your heart....and maybe stay there furever.

CALLISTO

Callisto is a very handsome male German Shepherd. He is approximately 8 months old, and currently weighs 54 lbs. He was brought

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to the shelter after being abandoned in Dublin by his previous owner. He has been vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. And---He’s ready to go home right away! Callisto is a young pup with energy to match. He seems smart and eager to learn though, and would be a great fit for a fun, active person or family who will provide regular exercise and continue with his basic training.

Both Elsa and Callisto are located at the East County Animal Shelter – 4595 Gleason Drive in Dublin. You can see more about them and additional pictures and videos at www.tvar.ors

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) Giving them Another Chance.

TVAR is a locally based and volunteer run 501(c)3 animal rescue organization.

With our foster dog and foster kitten programs and our Dog and Cat Shelter programs at the East County Animal Shelter, TVAR assists in saving hundreds and hundreds of animals yearly in the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas. We are celebrating 30 years of saving lives with over 250 local volunteers. At TVAR, we rely solely on Public Support to fund our life saving programs.

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FEBRUARY 2024

Chotto Matte:

Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

Must Do Rooftop Japanese Peruvian Cuisine Arrives at Union Square

By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990

R

ecently, we had the pleasure of dining at Chotto Matte. This new San Francisco restaurant opened on the top of the previous Macy,s Men’s Store at Union Square. It offers great views from its rooftop terrace and an extensive selection of unique and delicious Japanese Peruvian dishes.

Chotto Matte translates “to wait a moment” or “hold on a second”.

The concept is deeply integrated in Japanese culture where patience and thoughtfulness are highly valued virtues.

We took our time at this elegant restaurant with views of the “city by the bay” on the top of Macy’s on a sensational crystal-clear day.

You know it is going to be a special experience when you check into the black marble entrance before taking an elevator to the rooftop terrace.

Service is very attentive with an extensive selection of cocktails and wine. We enjoyed a variety of appetizers including calamari, sushi, and Perfect Manhattans made with Angels Envy. We also enjoyed chicken and salmon donburi bowls graced with deep fried, finely ground red sweet potatoes garnished on top that made for an impressive presentation. For dessert, we shared a freshly made apple cobbler that was a heavenly ending to a fantastic dining experience.

This restaurant is the 5th in their collection with others in London, Toronto, Saudi Arabia, Miami and more planned.

It is a great addition to San Francisco’s famous Union Square. We would highly recommend it.

For more information and make reservations go to: https://chotto-matte.com/

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*Based on 2021 and 2022 Volume. Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes CA in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

The Lasting Impact Of Advertising

▶ DON’T FORGET ABOUT DIGITAL

By Jo Peek Expert Contributor

Advertising is one of the most important investments a business can make. If you stop advertising, you’ll eventually run out of leads and be limited to the customers you already have.

This is why sustained advertising is key. It continues month after month, building recognition and trust for your local brand. Research published in the Journal of Marketing shows that sustained advertising leads to higher profits and sales, while short-term advertising does not produce consistent results.¹

▶ TOP-OF-MIND AWARENESS Advertising isn't a quick fix solution. It takes consistent effort, time and nurturing to grow your customer base. While only a certain percentage of people who see your ad will take immediate action, focusing on sustained advertising across digital and print formats helps create brand awareness so when customers are ready to buy, your business is already top-of-mind.

Did you know that digital advertising can drive your long-term growth? New research by Nielsen, Nepa and GfK shows that businesses are undervaluing advertising if they only measure its short-term outcomes.² Digital advertising is extremely effective for building long-term brand ROI, which is a key part of any good marketing strategy. When thinking about your marketing strategy, consider all the benefits of consistent digital advertising that can easily be paired with your print advertising efforts.

▶ STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD It's likely that your competitors also struggle during tough times or slow periods of the year. While they might use that as an opportunity to cut back on advertising, you can go the opposite direction and increase your advertising efforts. Think of your advertising campaign like a train on a track. Once it gains momentum, it's difficult to stop. Similarly, campaigns take time to produce results, but once they start to gain traction, the benefits are significant. This long-term strategy will help you stand out from your competitors and reach more potential customers in the long run.

Sources: Zhang, Steven. Reasons for Market Evolution and Budgeting Implications. Journal of Marketing: Vol. 72, No. 5. pp. 15-30. https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/The-short-and-long-term-impact-of-advertising.pptx.pdf

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20

FEBRUARY 2024

In the kitchen

Elegant Pleasure with Flavorful Thai Rice

By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983

Serves 6. Preheat oven to 300 degree F. • 2 cups Basmati long grain brown rice • 1 ½ tablespoons sea salt • 12 cups spring water, divided • 2 medium white onions, chopped • 1-inch ginger root, peeled, finely chopped • ¼ cup olive oil • 1 stalk lemon grass, finely chopped* • Zest of 2 organic limes (about 2 teaspoons) • 1 ½ teaspoons coriander, ground • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin seeds, ground • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, ground

Garnish: ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped and 1 radish Rinse brown rice with spring water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly. Soak rice with 4 cups spring water overnight in refrigerator and next day drain using a fine sieve.

Add 8 cups of spring water into a large ovenproof stock pot. Bring to boiling.

Add rice and salt. With wooden spatula stir a few times. Bring back to a boil and boil rice for 12 minutes or until it becomes soft but still firm.

Strain rice through fine sieve and add back to stock pot. Set it aside.

Meantime in a large skillet stir-fry onion, ginger in heated olive oil until onions become translucent. Add remaining ingredients (lemon grass, lime zest, coriander, cumin, and fennel). Stir twice and add mixture to ovenproof pot containing rice. Stir a few times. Place back on heat and add ½ cup fresh water. Cover the pot and bring the contents to a simmer.

Transfer pot into oven. Cook rice for 60 minutes or until done. Fluff the rice, and transfer on serving plate and garnish with cilantro and radish. *Please choose young lemon grass. Cut into ½-inch sections. Place lemon grass pieces in a small plastic zipper bag. Bang on lemon grass until smashed and thinly shredded. Remove from plastic bag and finely chop.

About Parisa Z. Ambwani: Parisa, a native of Persia who moved to Blackhawk in 1983, has a BA in Fine Arts. Deeply influenced by her mother’s cooking, she has spent three decades writing cookbooks and pairing food with her poetry, philosophy, herbs and spices, and herbal teas. Parisa’s unique cookbooks are known for their merging of useful culinary information with a clear understanding of the relationship with other human beings and with the universe. She has followed this recipe to write and photograph seven books and over 1000 recipes that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com.

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 21

22

FEBRUARY 2024

Crafts Corner

February Craft: Modern Pillows

By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018

I

have been having a hard time finding pillows that I like. I came across this article and fell in love with these pillows. Jamie from Sew Brainy Designs created a 2022 Make it Modern Pillows series last year. She created a new pillow design for each month.

You can follow Jamie at Sew Brainy Designs is on Instagram @sewbrainy or on the internet at www.sewbrainy.com. Jamie designed these pillows for Riley Blake Designs on Instagram at @ rileyblakedesigns.

Here’s the link to the pattern and instructions: https://blog.rileyblakedesigns.com/ make-it-modern-pillows-october-tutorial/ These instructions are very visual with easy to follow graphics and step by step instructions.

I love the fabric colors that were chosen for the original pillow, so I decided to stay with those fabrics. You could change it up with your own scraps or completely different fabrics.

I completed two pillows over a weekend. I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out. I like them even better than the photos.

Here’s a peek at the process, assembling the pieces and the second photo shows a quilted pillow front and a completed pillow.

January had many rainy days and a few days with no so I was happy to fill the time with creating these pillows.

inter net,

You can zoom in on the photos on Instagram at #bhlmcrafts.

Hope your February is full of arts and crafts. I hope a little inspiration was received upon reading this article.

Best, Michelle Barry

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 23

Local Sports

This Sports Content is Sponsored by The Burgess Team

Niner’s News

By Fran Davis

A

warm welcome to Misty Wilkins, Jeanie Egan, Rose Gogarty, and Michelle Barry! For those interested in joining Niners, feel free to reach out to Leslie Sprague at lesliesprague@comcast.net for more information. Happy golfing!

February calendar February 1 - Lakes Back February 8 - Charm Day - Falls Front February 15 - Lakes Front February 22 - Falls Back February 29 - Lakes Front Congratulations to Leigh Bultman on being named Team Captain for 2024! With Leigh’s leadership, the Niners are looking forward to another successful and memorable year.

Leigh’s message: What an honor it is to serve as the 2024 Captain of the Blackhawk Niners.

My husband Bill and I moved to the Bay Area in ’93. He’s from Seattle, and I am originally from New Orleans. We joined Crow Canyon CC because we lived so close and at the time, we were both working. I finally retired from nursing and got back into golf, which is where I joined their nine hole group thanks to the encouragement of our good friends, the Giovanzanas. In September of 2020 we decided to join Blackhawk, which was during the height of the pandemic. This was the best thing we have ever done!

We have met so many wonderful people and made such great friends especially after joining the Niners. They are a fantastic group of women that enjoy playing golf but more

2024 Niners Co-Captain, Carol Gray

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Our deepest gratitude for the NINERS incredible generosity for those in need at the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Your compassion is the heartbeat of our community, and we thank you for making a lasting impact with your support.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws. License #0199628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467.

FEBRUARY 2024

than anything love having fun playing together! This year should be no different with another Angel Cup on the schedule, Guest and Charm days, Nine & Dine, and hopefully another invitational.

I am looking forward to the coming year and meeting new members and hopefully playing a good game of golf!

Leigh Bultman, Niners 2024 Captain

2024 Niners Board Committee Chairs Captain Leigh Bultman Away/MOTT Annette Costello Co-captain Carol Gray Publicity/Graphic Arts Fran Davis Secretary Pat Burgess Angel Cup/Exchange Mary Porteous Treasurer Diane Manske Shirley Stone Tournaments Helen Tarantino Sunshine Linda Marver Membership Leslie Sprague Hospitality Monique Morgan Handicap Shelley Foster Nine & Dine/Guest Day Wendy Echsner Past Captain Lil Giovanzana

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

2024 Niners Captain, Leigh Bultman

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 25

Local Sports

The HOX Swim Team is ramping up for an amazing 2024 season!

By Dana Tsubota

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HOX AND MINI HOX Registration is open for our HOX swim program for both spring and summer, and Mini HOX registration is open for summer. See below for further details.

HOX Spring Clinics Spring clinics for swim team ready and seasoned swim team swimmers will run March 4 - March 29, 2024. Clinics will focus on technique and help swimmers get back in the “swim of things” before summer practices begin in April. Visit hoxswim.com for details and registration.

HOX Summer Swim Team HOX summer swim registration is open! Afternoon practices for the HOX summer swim team start April 8. Visit hoxswim.com for details and registration.

The Mini HOX Program Mini HOX exposes children and their families to the fun of being on a swim team. It is for potty trained, water safe children ages 3-6 that are ready to learn competitive swim strokes. Mini HOX sessions will last 30 minutes each. New to the HOX swim team? An evaluation is required with Head Coach & Aquatics Director Sean Quackenbush prior to registration. Space is very limited.

The Mini HOX spring program will be open for registration in the next few weeks. Please check hoxswim.com in the next few weeks for details.

The Mini HOX summer program will run from June 11-July 19.

On the last day of the program, the Mini HOX swim in a special end of season mini meet.

Visit hoxswim.com for details, including evaluation and registration information.

SUMMER SWIM KICKOFF EVENT, MARCH 10, 2024 • Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Sunday, March 10 from 12-3pm. The HOX will be hosting our annual Summer Swim Kickoff at the Lakeside Ballroom. At this fun event, you’ll have the opportunity to: • See the HOX 2024 Summer Theme • Order theme and HOX apparel including limited quantity theme t shirts • Try on and order your right-size team swimsuit • Catch up with your favorite coaches • Reconnect with old friends If you’re planning to swim this summer, you won’t want to miss this event, so save the date now! New Families and Mini HOX families welcome – we’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have about the program.

The HOX swimmers have finished their last three seasons as the VSA league champions, and look forward to another competitive season of recreational swimming, with a focus on individual progress, team unity, swimmer participation and family support.

GO HOX!

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FEBRUARY 2024

Life through a Lens

Zermatt’s Winter Magic: My Snow Globe of Happiness

By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015

A very snowy day in Zermatt village

M

y January visit to Zermatt with family was one of the loveliest winter getaways. Zermatt is a charming little village with impeccable views of the most mystical and majestic mountain, the Matterhorn; that sits proudly over the village and is perfectly framed by wooden homes and snow. Being a non-skier, my favorite thing to do was souvenir shopping, just walking around the village or by the Vispa river, that flows from the glaciers and down through Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. The water from the melting glaciers is quite amazing. The river walk had spectacular views of the Matterhorn with lots of photo opportunities. Also, if you enjoy Swiss food, do try the Swiss fondue with raclette, potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins. I very much enjoyed the cheese and tomato fondue at Du Pont restaurant.

I also picked one of the days to ride the gondola Matterhorn express up to Schwarzsee at 8,474 feet. Here you can hop off and take photos with the Zermatt sign and Matterhorn up close, enjoy a

Trockener Steg Skiing

Vispa River Walk

cozy meal at the Hotel restaurant Schwarzsee while enjoying jaw dropping panoramic views of the Alps. Luckily it was a clear day with lots of sunshine. I could even spot the Zermatt village below.

The gondola ride was very scenic with stunning views and spinetingling moments. As you ride up to the snowy heights, the beauty of Matterhorn and its surrounding nature becomes more empowering and intimidating. Regardless, it was an amazing once in a lifetime experience for sure.

The gondola can take you all the way to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 12,740 feet, the highest cable car station in Europe, but it’s not for the weak-hearted like me. Most of the time it’s closed because of the winds. My family skied the Trockener Steg, that sits at the foot of Matterhorn at 9,642 feet, with the mighty mountain so close, just 2.485 miles away and from here you can head to Italy too. The matter valley has wide trails and long runs. A winter paradise for skiers!

Here is a fun fact. The ski trail between Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and Zermatt is the longest ski slope in the world, which is 15.5 miles, making it the longest descent in the world.

The last day I was there, it snowed all day with periods of heavy snowfall and no Matterhorn in view. I did feel like I was inside this snow globe of happiness. A perfect ending indeed!

Sonia Lamba As an aspiring photographer, I have always loved taking beautiful photos of my friends and family, nature and travels. After having a fulfilling career in finance in New York, I moved to California in 2014 where my love for photography turned into an invigorating passion. Moving to gorgeous Blackhawk has further enriched and blossomed my love for the camera. I take my camera everywhere, regardless of how short the distance is. Knowing me, there is always a photo opportunity!

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 27

Cars and Coffee

Porsche Club of America

By Celeste Altus

B

efore the rainy season started, car club members routinely gathered at Blackhawk Plaza, like this December meeting of the Porsche Club of America. The Porsche club lives by the motto that all Porsches are equal, has 150,000 members nationwide and has built communities around the collective love of driving these exhilarating cars. Auto enthusiasts at local car shows often say they find great value in joining a car club of their make. Many owners trade information on good mechanics, and also sponsor events like group drives. So if you’re crazy about your car, look in to if there is a local club.

Celeste Altus is a freelance writer and content marketer specializing in technology, retail and finance.

She lives in Danville, and keeps a car account on Instagram called @Cars_of_Danville.

28

FEBRUARY 2024

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Expert Contributor

Revitalize Your Appearance: Cosmetic Procedures for a Renewed You

By Stephen J. Ronan, MD FACS, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and MedSpa

T

o achieve a more youthful appearance for the upcoming spring season, our center provides a range of cosmetic procedures tailored to help you attain a revitalized and radiant look. Below are a few common cosmetic procedures that can help both women and men look more youthful in time for the warmer weather.

Rhinoplasty The nose plays a crucial role in defining facial features, and its shape can impact overall facial harmony. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a routine cosmetic procedure aimed at correcting the shape of the nose to ensure it harmonizes with the rest of the face. Whether addressing concerns about width, length, or humps, rhinoplasty can create a balanced and proportional appearance.

Face/Neck Lift As we age, the skin on the face and neck tends to lose elasticity, accompanied by a natural decline in fat and muscle tone. A face and neck lift can counteract these effects, offering a comprehensive solution to the signs of aging. This combined procedure provides a more youthful appearance by tightening skin and addressing sagging in both the face and neck, with results that can last up to a decade.

Liposuction For those looking to sculpt and contour their body, liposuction is a popular and effective option. This minimally invasive procedure removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, enhancing your natural curves and creating a more defined silhouette.

Liposuction is ideal for individuals who struggle with stubborn fat pockets that resist diet and exercise, offering a transformative solution to achieve a more streamlined and toned physique.

Fat Transfer to the Face Facial volume loss is a common sign of aging that can contribute to a tired or sagging appearance. Fat transfer to the face, also

known as fat grafting, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and strategically injecting it into the face to restore volume and enhance contours. This natural approach not only rejuvenates the face but also provides long-lasting results by utilizing your body’s own fat for a more youthful look.

Hair Restoration Recent advancements in hair transplant and restoration procedures have opened up new possibilities for individuals experiencing hair loss. Our hair restoration clinic specializes in offering a variety of transplant options, including the latest technologies such as ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplantation IX, NeoGraft capabilities, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair transplantation, and other non-surgical treatment options. These advancements provide effective hair restoration solutions for both men and women, catering to various stages and types of hair loss.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these procedures, please stop by or contact our office at 925-736-5757 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

32

FEBRUARY 2024

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Expert Contributor

The Valentine’s Day Jewelry Gift Guide

By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry

Symbolic Love with Heart-Shaped Pendants:

Heart-shaped pendants have long been associated with love and romance, making them an ideal Valentine’s Day gift. Crafted in various materials, such as gold, silver, or platinum, these pendants can be adorned with diamonds or gemstones to add a personalized touch. Engraving a meaningful message or initials on the pendant further enhances its sentimental value.

V

alentine’s Day, the celebration of love and affection, is the perfect occasion to express your feelings with a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Among the plethora of options available, jewelry stands out as a timeless and cherished choice. This Valentine’s Day, consider the enduring allure of jewelry to convey your deepest sentiments. In this gift guide, we will explore the top three jewelry pieces that cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that your gifting is as unique as your love.

Classic Elegance with Diamond Stud Earrings:

A pair of diamond stud earrings is a classic and timeless choice that never goes out of style. The brilliance of diamonds complements any outfit, making them a versatile and sophisticated accessory. Whether your special someone prefers a traditional round cut or a more modern princess cut, diamond studs add a touch of elegance and glamour to any occasion. They will take you from the gym to a job interview and never look out of place. We have an extensive collection of both natural and laboratory grown stud earrings to maximize the size for your buck!

Matching Sets:

Celebrate the unity of your relationship with matching jewelry sets for couples. Coordinating rings, bracelets, or necklaces can symbolize your shared commitment and connection. Consider incorporating elements that resonate with both partners, creating a harmonious and visually appealing set. Choose a gift that reflects your partner’s style and preferences, and let the sparkle of diamonds serve as a lasting symbol of your love. With this comprehensive jewelry gift guide, you’re sure to find the perfect token of affection to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.

Happy to Be Nearby to Conveniently Serve You!

Padis Jewelry Walnut Creek is located in Broadway Plaza, right next to Free People near the fountain. Padis brings the same exceptional selection, value, and customer service to Walnut Creek that they have offered to their jewelry clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa Valley for 50 years.

Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with your gifting and shopping needs both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry. com 24/7 on our live chat or at 925-532-7500.

The Padis team is thrilled to be a part of the East Bay community and looks forward to seeing you soon. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy Valentine’ Day.

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 35

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