Blackhawk Living CA September 2021

Mailed Directly to Blackhawk Residents and Published Online

SEPTEMBER 2021

Blackhawk

LIVING CA

Meet the Kanars: Music, Faith and Fun Photo by Indigo Moments Photography

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Table of Contents

Table of Contents is proudly sponsored by Fife Avenue Partners

Letter to Residents

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Expert Contributors List

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Meet the Kanars: Music, Faith and Fun Resident Feature

08

ARF Adoption Stars Pet Corner

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Real Estate Statistics

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Calendar of Events

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Barkin’ in Blackhawk is Back!

Charity Spotlight

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What are buyers thinking?

Expert Contributor

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Invest in HOPE

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Quinoa with Oats and Chocolate What’s Cooking

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High Steaks Expert Contributor

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HAPPY 101ST BIRTHDAY TO FRANK ‘WHITEY’ NEGHERBON! Fun in the Community

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Teen Esteem: Empowering Students For Life Charity Spotlight

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More than just a pretty face: Geraniums add beauty in the home and in the kitchen In the Garden

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Blackhawk Women’s Golf Newsletter Local Sports

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Mustang Special Announcement Local Sports

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Check out the 9ers Ladies Golf

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De La Salle Swimmers Big Splash For Food Bank of Contra Costa Charity Spotlight

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Share local sports stories with us Local Sports

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Pebble Beach: Tiger Woods Designs “Peter Hay Short Course” Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

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Kids Corner Kids Corner

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The Blackhawk Museum Car Show Cars and Coffee

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Easy Craft for September Crafts Corner

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Dove Mountain – Upscale Golf in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson Golf Destinations

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The Scoop on CoolSculpting Expert Contributor

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It’s Back to School Time!

Tassajara Hills Elementary News

41

Ring Sizing 101 Expert Contributor

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 3

Experience the Difference at The Reutlinger Community

Proud member of the

family

Experience The Reutlinger Community, a beautiful senior living community located in the East Bay offering high-quality health care and support services in a life-enhancing and stimulating environment with a commitment to Jewish values.

With a wide range of features and amenities available, our dedicated staff will help you create a lifestyle tailored to your needs and preferences.

94%

Overall Resident Satisfaction Score

• Licensed nurse oversight • Diabetes management, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services available onsite • Restaurant-style dining with healthy and delicious cuisine prepared by culinary professionals (Kosher options available) • Regionally-renowned art program and art studio • Observance of Jewish services, holidays and traditions with full-time Rabbi and beautiful Synagogue on campus

Experience our community and meet our care staff today!

925-718-9626 • rcjl.org The Reutlinger Community Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville, CA 94506 License #075600335 COA #341

Equal Housing Opportunity 4

SEPTEMBER 2021

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: Indigo Moments 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.

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. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

This September marks our 79th issue of Blackhawk Living Magazine! We have learned a lot about our community over the past 79 months and have had a blast doing it! We have many more wonderful families to feature and stories to share. On behalf of our publisher, Jo Peek, our photographer, Ashley Shoemaker, myself and all of our talented contributors, we want to thank you for letting us share the stories of our community.

We want to thank all of our sponsors for making Blackhawk Living Magazine possible.

Every September my neighborhood throws an annual Labor Day Block Party. It’s where we get to know any new neighbors and catch up with everyone else. This block party tradition has been going on for over 29 years on my street. These kinds of community bonding activities are just another reason I cherish Blackhawk.

This month also marks the conclusion of summer and back to a regular routine for many of us. Wishing all our Blackhawk students a great back to school experience and a happy Labor Day! Warmly,

Megan Scott Resident since 2010 We are 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.

Find us online BlackhawkLivingCA www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

Running back to learning!

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 5

Expert Contributors

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

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.

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.

Catering Draeger’s Markets 650-244-6500 Social@draegers.com www.draegers.com

Draeger’s Market is a grocery store that offers fine foods, high quality meats and seafood, fresh and locally sourced produce, from scratch baked goods, over 3,000 of the world’s finest wines, and catering platters for special events.

Knowledgeable staff are ready to serve you, including the Director of Marketing, who has functioned as a journeyman grocery clerk, bakery clerk, beer and wine buyer and now spearheads marketing for the company.

Chiropractor Anatomy Power Wellness Dr. Tracey James 925-457-0210 HelloWellness@ProtonMail.com AnatomyPower.com

Dr. Tracey James joyfully serves as a chiropractor, doula and educator. She provides chiropractic care to individuals of all ages, specializing in pregnancy and pediatrics with over a decade of experience immersed in supporting families during their birth process and fertility journeys. Dr. Tracey graduated with honors from Life Chiropractic College West with further studies through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) where she gained certification in the Webster Technique.

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 Treatments Home Living Window Fashions Shem Isaac 925-351-4509 shem.isaac@gmail.com

Shem Isaac has been in the Window Fashions industry for over 16 years and presently serves as President of Home Living Window Fashions, a company he founded with his wife Melody Isaac. With a mission to help people Live Better

By Design, the Isaacs bring passion and enthusiasm to every project and provide solutions to their clients challenges with privacy, light control, and insulation, while providing a beautiful design. Shem is nationally known as an expert on shutter construction and installation, and provides training and mentorship to other pro’s within the industry. He is a CSLB licensed contractor and holds classifications in Window Coverings and Awnings.

Dance The Dancer’s Institute Lacey Price 510-703-7630 https://www.thedancersinstitute.com/

We are a new dance school serving the San Ramon Valley area. We are striving to bring proper technique to students in a firm but friendly environment. We believe in fostering the passion to move in a dancer and creating an environment where that passion can grow and mature. Technique, creativity, passion and love are all elements of dance in which we want to see our students find success by taking class at our studio.

Education St. Isidore School 925-837-2977 www.stisidore.org info@stisidore.org

St. Isidore School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic School serving TK-8th Grade. We believe each student is a unique and beautiful gift. We foster individuality in a familial environment, inspiring students to explore and grow. Our teachers create a love of learning by nurturing an inquisitive spirit, building connections, and developing critical thinking. We understand that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders.

Family Therapy Tyra Bennett Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Kith & Kin Counseling Services 925-257-0120 kithkincounseling@gmail.com Kithkincounselingservices.com

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and my private practice Kith & Kin Counseling Services was born out of the desire to provide practical and strength based counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and difficulty navigating interpersonal relationships.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University in 2009 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Sexuality. I went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in 2012 specializing in Marriage & Family Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy.

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!

Home Remodeling Ruggieri & Co Chris Ruggieri 925-263-2448 chris@ruggieriandco.com ruggieriandco.com

Chris Ruggieri is a skilled and premier residential contractor residing in Blackhawk and serving Contra Costa County.

Chris has the earned reputation of being both highly creative and original. Ruggieri & Co brings to each client experience, quality and originality. Having served Contra Costa County for over 25 years Chris has partnered with many of the top local designers in the East Bay. Chris approaches construction with a passion that strongly emphasizes communicating and understanding the wants and needs of his clients, in doing so he keeps design channels and creativity open and relevant until the fulfillment of the ultimate goal – a unique and excellent completed project.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

HVAC & IAQ Awesome Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Todd Rilston 925-989-7414 awesomeheatingandair@gmail.com www.awesomeheatingandair.com

Awesome Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. knows how important it is to make sure your business is comfortable for your employees and your customers. We are experienced in commercial sized HVAC. We can provide HVAC service contracts to make sure the air is healthy and comfortable. We do duct work and filtration and insure the best possible environment. We make sure to inspect and correct any issues. If you feel that your work environment is not right, give us a call today!

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.

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.

Landscape Construction Design-Build Native Soil Inc Emmanuel Gomez 510-332-9048 egomez@nativesoilinc.com www.nativesoilinc.com

Emmanuel Gomez has a degree in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has been installing landscape since he was 12 years old. He is very passionate about Sustainable Landscape Practices and has worked for many years at perfecting his craft. Native Soil has been in business since 2015 and we have installed many Landscapes for High End Residential Homes, Schools, and Parks around the East Bay.

Luxury Real Estate Expert Keller Williams DRE # 01466776 Tiffany Stock 925-989-2138 TiffanyStock@kw.com www.TiffStock.com

Tiffany is a professional real estate negotiator, and is the #1 Top Producer at Keller Williams Danville. Tiffany is extremely creative; and has a great attitude. She has a lot of experience selling real estate in 4 states and even sold co-ops and condos in New York City. She has been in the Bay Area for the last 17 Years and has lived in Danville for the past 12 years.

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.

Orthodontics Dr. Richard Anthony Blackhawk Orthodontics 925-736-3311 richard.anthony@blackhawkortho.com www.blackhawkortho.com

Richard Anthony, DDS MS Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Anthony moved to Danville in 1970 with his family and attended the old Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. Dr. Anthony attended the University of California at Berkeley and subsequently completed his dental education at the University of Southern California in 1990. Later that same year, he opened the current office location at the Blackhawk Medical Center where he practiced for over 27 years. Dr. Anthony, his wife Michele, and son Ryan live in Danville. The family can always be found up at Lake Tahoe either hiking, biking, skiing, boating, or relaxing at the beach.

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.

Residential Bridge Loans Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC Cesar Peña Senior Vice President / Director of Sales 925-239-6609 Cesar@Rubiconfund.net www.Rubiconfund.net

Cesar has been with Rubicon Mortgage Fund, LLC since 2013. Currently V.P. Director of Sales, Cesar is responsible for overseeing Rubicon’s loan originators and placing non-conventional financing for his clients throughout California.

Cesar received his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, CA, focusing in Finance and Real Estate Management. Cesar serves on numerous real estate organizations located in the Bay Area. CA BRE #01984871.

Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com

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.

Wealth Advisor WestPac Wealth Partners Phil Kang, CExPTM Henry Chau, CPWA® 925-350-6588 info@westpacwealth.com www.westpacwealth.com

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.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 7

Resident Feature

Resident e F ature is proudly sponsored by Tucker Associates Real Estate

marching band and jazz band. Tom attended St. Vincent College, in Latrobe, PA, earning a BA in Accounting/Finance and was honored as the top student in the program. Tom has a younger brother, Patrick, who resides in Delaware with his wife, Letitia.

Melissa was born in Newark, NJ. As a first grader, her family moved to Piscataway, a township in Central New Jersey. Melissa was the oldest of three children. Her brother, Dave, and her sister, Melanie, live in Virginia. Melissa went to middle school and high school in Piscataway. She was shy and introverted in school but a very good student. She went out for baton twirling and eventually became the drum majorette for the high school band. She left Piscataway for Thiel College in Greenville, PA. Then she went on to graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh, where she met Tom. After earning her Ph.D. in Microbiology, there was an offer for post doctoral work in Dallas, Texas, so the Kanars moved to Texas. During their years in Texas, Tom started working for a Dallas based company called Club Corp of America. Club Corp owned and operated private clubs throughout the United States. In 1987, Club Corp decentralized the company operations and opened a western regional office in San Ramon. This time it was a move for Tom’s job. Tom became the Western Region CFO for Club Corp.

Tom and Melissa at a wedding reception a few years ago

Meet the Kanars: Music, Faith and Fun

By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010

W

e’ve all heard nightmare blind date stories, but the Kanars first date story will make you a true believer in the power of love at first sight. “Tom and I met on a blind date,” says Melissa. “We were set up by mutual friends. On the first date we went to two summer picnics, and were together for about 10 hours.

If we didn’t like each other, it could have been a disaster. We clicked immediately and became inseparable. Tom and I were married May 10, 1980 at St. Lawrence O’Toole church in Pittsburgh, PA.” Tom was born in Brownsville, a small town southwest of Pittsburgh, PA. His family lived across the street from the local Catholic church, St. Peter’s. His love of music began with piano lessons in the second grade from the local Sisters, which blossomed into his first paying job in grade school managing the music program for the church. He attended St. Peter’s Elementary and moved to the public high school system where, in addition to academics, Tom was active in the

Melissa was always interested in science. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Southwestern Medical School, in Dallas, concentrated on research in immunology, natural killer cells, and transplant immunology.

When Tom’s transfer to the Bay area presented itself, she decided to leave academic research for a career in biotechnology. Over the past 34 years, Melissa has worked for several Bay Area biotech companies, including Chiron, PDL Biopharma, Novartis, AbbVie and others. Her current position as Director, Quality Assurance is with Agenus, an immuno-oncology company based in Lexington, MA. Agenus has a manufacturing facility in Berkeley where they make monoclonal antibody products for cancer immunotherapy.

As director of Quality Assurance, Melissa is responsible for ensuring that the drugs that Agenus makes are of high quality and are in compliance with the CFRs, FDA’s regulations regarding manufacturing and testing of pharmaceuticals.

Tom started his career with Price Waterhouse in the Pittsburgh office earning his CPA license during his tenure. As Tom learned, change is constant. He modified his finance skills for use in the medical space after a stint in hospitality. Over a ten year span, Tom worked to grow two medical device businesses both ending in acquisitions. From there, Tom pivoted again, gaining financial expertise in tech oriented companies and now works as a Consulting CFO specializing with emerging growth technology companies seeking to scale their business.

The Kanars have a cat, Leo. Or, as Tom would say, Melissa has a cat. Leo has been a family member since 2015. Last year in January, Leo used up one of his nine lives. He was chased up a 60 ft. tall redwood tree in the park next door, spending several days in the tree, with near freezing temperatures. Long story short, with some begging by the Kanars, the local fireman came to the rescue with their ladder truck. As the fireman approached Leo on the ladder, he was sufficiently startled to race down the redwood on his own, bouncing off a few branches in the process. While fully traumatized, he was not hurt. He has not repeated that exercise. The

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SEPTEMBER 2021

has served as an eucharistic minister. Tom is often seen cultivating his landscape, tapping the design talent of a fellow Blackhawk Chorus member, Bill Williamson, for new ideas on plant material.

Kanars in Hawaii, one of their favorite places

Kanars would like to salute the Fire Department for a great deed, rescuing Leo! Tom’s mother, Connie, lives nearby in Shadowhawk, in a townhouse the Kanars purchased for her. Last February, the Kanars met up with Tom’s brother and sister-in-law in Las Vegas to celebrate Connie’s 90th birthday. They had a great time and two weeks later, everything shut down. The Kanars’ son, Jason, also lives nearby in Dublin.

Tom and Melissa are longtime members of St. Joan of Arc church in San Ramon. Over the years, they have been members of the church choir and Melissa

Tom was recruited for the Blackhawk Chorus in 2003, singing bass. In 2003, the Kanars joined the first international chorus trip to Austria and the Czech Republic, performing concerts in Vienna, Straussberg and Prague. This was the first of a number of international performances for the chorus under the expert leadership of Diane Gilfeather, founder of the Blackhawk Chorus. The next chorus trip was to Italy where there were concerts in Rome, Florence and Assisi. In Rome, the chorus was invited to sing Alleluia by Morten Laurenson at a noon mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral; it was a memorable experience. Melissa joined in 2006. That year the chorus traveled to London, Wales and Scotland, performing three concerts in those cities. In 2011 the chorus returned to England during the Queen’s Jubilee and then took the ferry over to Ireland, performing in Waterford, and Cork. The last international trip was to Spain in 2015 where the chorus performed in Barcelona and Valencia. “We really love singing with the Blackhawk Chorus; it is refreshing to do music with others, it brings us joy and is very different from our day to day jobs,” says Melissa.

Although Tom and Melissa both hail from the East coast, they have been in the Bay Area since 1987 and consider it home. “We love living in Blackhawk, with the beauty of Mount Diablo, the golden hills and the quiet neighborhood feel of the community.”

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.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 9

Pet Corner

ARF Adoption Stars

Tabasco

Rajah

Submitted by ARF Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a no-contact virtual adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

Six-year-old Tabasco is a true hound detective.

He has a very curious nose and loves to explore the great outdoors, sniffing everything in his path in search for his favorite thing in the world, FOOD. Tabasco is excited to find his loving forever home where he can be taken on plenty of adventures that are followed by quality naps on a cozy bed. Tabasco has a positive history with other dogs and currently weighs 65 pounds.

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $350, for adult dogs is $250, and senior dogs (7+ years) and special needs dogs are 50% off the adoption fee.

Two-year-old Rajah is a sweet gal with a magnetic personality. This recent mom is a social butterfly who’s always happy to introduce herself to new people. She’s very curious of her surroundings and wants to explore everything in sight. Rajah would love to be a part of a home that can provide her with lots of love and attention.

The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) is $150, for adult cats is $100, $25 off each for multiple cats/kittens, and senior cats (7+ years) and special needs cats are 50% off the adoption fee.

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.

Estate Planning

As seen on

Asset Protection Community Value/Contribution

$1.8 BILLION1 ASSETS ADMINISTERED

$138M

ANNUAL RECURRING PREMIUM

31 THOUSAND CLIENTS

$59M

INCOME PROTECTION IN FORCE

$16M

$15B

LIFE INS. COVERAGE IN FORCE

ANNUAL LIFE DIVIDENDS

160

ADVISORS

Phil Kang, CExP™ Henry Chau, CPWA® Phone: 925.350.6588 Email: info@westpacwealth.com Phil Kang & Henry Chau are Registered Representatives and Financial Advisors of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS).

OSJ: 4275 Executive Square #800 La Jolla, CA 92037 619.684.6400. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Kang is a General Agent and Chau a 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, LLC 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. Kang CA Insurance License #0G18874| Chau CA Insurance License #0I21767 | Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents,

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 12/31/20. 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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and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. | 2021-119487 Exp. 04/23

SEPTEMBER 2021

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Michelle Nagle

ACTIVE BLACKHAWK LISTINGS 8/10/2021

CLOSED BLACKHAWK SOLDS SINCE 7/10/2021

Street

List Price

Street

List Price

Redwood Dr Blue Spruce Dr Eagle Nest Ln Deer Hollow Dr Pepperwood Ct East Ridge Ct Willow Creek Ln Blackhawk Meadow Dr

$1,699,000 $1,949,800 $2,238,800 $2,695,000 $3,595,000 $4,688,800 $5,888,888 $9,999,500

Silver Oak Place Live Oak Ct Liquid Amber Pl Whispering Oaks Ln Redwood Dr Silver Maple Dr Red Maple Dr Cottonwood Ln Blackhawk Meadow Dr Quail Run Dr Blackhawk Club Ct Scarlet Oak Pl Quail Run Ct Deer Meadow Dr Red Pine Ct Deer Ridge Rd

$1,150,000 $1,600,000 $1,940,000 $2,100,000 $2,100,000 $2,136,000 $2,165,000 $2,460,000 $2,500,000 $2,525,000 $2,530,000 $2,630,000 $2,850,000 $3,500,000 $4,400,000 $7,600,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 2968 3060 3722 4180 5947 7172 7000 10075

4 4 5 5 5 5 6 5

3 3 4 3 4 5 6 5

1 1 0 2 1 1 2 0

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area.

Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 2167 2055 2609 2772 3293 3024 2753 4228 3720 4174 3457 3542 4582 5126 6075 13748

3 3 2 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 5 6 6

2 2 2 2 3 2 2 4 3 3 2 3 3 4 6 7

1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 2

Source: BridgeMLS 8/10/2021

Michelle Nagle is Proudly Representing your Community!

Experience - Service - Integrity - Results!

We are the largest, independently owned and operated real estate company serving Northern California communities.

13 Offices and 500 agents producing nearly 5 Billion in annual sales volume.

Ranked among the top five in the nation for both per agent productivity and highest average sales price.

Agent driven 1% For Good Charitable Foundation has generated over $3.4 million in charitable donations.

Silicon Valley | SF Peninsula | East Bay | Santa Cruz | Tahoe

• 20 + Years of Real Estate Experience • UC Berkeley Graduate, Licensed Real Estate Broker & Proud Mother!

• I work, volunteer and live as friends among friends in your community • Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve my client’s best interests • Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing • Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost diligence and personal care!

• Excellence, Service and Results

Michelle Nagle | 925.872.1478 mnagle@sereno.com NagleNagle.com DRE 01261283 Thinking of buying or selling a home in 2021?

Call Me Today!

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 11

September

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thurs.-Fri., Sep. 9-10

Camp Blackhawk Tennis Camp

@Tennis Villas Back by popular demand… it’s Camp Blackhawk! Come and join us for our fun, educational, high energy women’s tennis camp held on September 9th and 10th at the Tennis Villas. Camp is taught by our USPTA/PTR certified tennis staff: Bryn Powell, Marco Sanchez, Lisa Cheng, Stevie Chow, Jason Hickey, and Kyle Reynolds.

Cost: $85 per day; price includes a box lunch.

This event is open to all Blackhawk members. Sign up by calling the Villas at 736-6575.

Thurs., Sep. 9

Widow to Widow Support & Social Group

@Lakeside boardroom Sharing in a friendly atmosphere.

Second Thursday of each month Topics include: Dealing with stress, Staying healthy, Making new friends, Enjoying life Having more fun. Optional no host lunch at the Lakeside Clubhouse Grille.

Elevator available.

Chair: Ann Taylor 925-838-5556 Time:10:15 AM to 11:45 AM Cost: Free

12

Sun., Sep. 19

Corn Hole at Blackhawk Country Club

@Thelmas The theme is college pride. Come for a fun afternoon of Corn Hole.

Time: Call for time

SEPTEMBER 2021

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 13

Charity Spotlight

, Barkin in Blackhawk is Back!

By Judy Slinger, Resident since 2011

Barkin’ in Blackhawk is Back!

Enter your photos at www.gogophotocontest.com/bwsfdogshow Winners will be featured in Blackhawk Living!

Check out our competition categories for this year: Fabulous Fella Lovely Lady, Waggiest Tail Dynamic Doggie Duo My Best Friend Precious Puppy

Captivating Costume Golden Oldie (10 years or older) Bow Wow and Meow (dog and cat) Fantastic Friends (dog and animal pal — other than cat)

This contest is not sponsored by or endorsed by Best Version Media in any way.

Our Scholarship Fund Group awards college scholarships to local women who show academic excellence and are financially challenged. Your participation in our virtual dog show will not only be fun, it will help make a difference in someone’s life. To

learn more about Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship Fund, visit the following link: bwscholarshipfund.com Thank you—Together we are making a difference in our community!

14

SEPTEMBER 2021

Expert Contributor

What are buyers thinking?

By Tiffany Stock, Real Estate Broker, Keller Williams

A

s buyers continue to over bid each other and pay well over asking for homes these days, what is going through the mind of these buyers?

Best answer… they still see Real Estate as a solid investment of their money right now.

Even though they hear people saying “it’s got to burst,” buyers don’t care.

They want a new home and they are willing to sell some stock and go all in on the housing market. According to Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, the current real estate market is strong and sustainable. Here’s what was said on their recent podcast Thoughts on the Market: “Unlike 15 years ago, the euphoria in today’s home prices comes down to the simple logic of supply and demand. And we at Morgan Stanley conclude that this time the sector is on a sustainably, sturdy foundation . . .. This robust demand and highly challenged supply, along with tight mortgage lending standards, may continue to bode well for home prices.

Higher interest rates and post pandemic moves could likely slow the pace of appreciation, but the upward trajectory remains very much on course.”

And boy are they correct with the tight mortgage lending standards quote, as you may have heard from some of your neighbors that most recently sold, appraisals are having bigger gaps and these current buyers are paying the difference in appraisal gap in cash.

According to a poll by Gallup “Gallup usually finds that Americans regard real estate as the best long-term investment among several options — seeing it as superior to stocks, gold, savings accounts and bonds. This year, 41% choose real estate as the best investment, up from 35% a year ago, with stocks a distant second.”

Buyers thinking that homeownership is the best longterm investment is fuel keeping this sellers’ market going.

But, if you’ve been contemplating selling, you must ask yourself, how long do YOU think this market will last?

If you’re going to sell in the near future anyway, consider selling soon. Capitalize on today’s home prices, before we see buyers changing their minds on this investment strategy and home appreciation levels out. If you want to know what you can sell for in today’s market, give me a call.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 15

Invest in

Hope

By Jo Peek, Resident since 2013

Event: Invest in HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere)

Date: Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 Location: Blackhawk CC - Falls Course

Golf tournament benefiting PGA HOPE of Northern California.

Join us for an exquisite four-course Winemakers Dinner. Each course will be paired with a selection from 2019 Winery of the Year Davis Estates.

Live Auction with exclusive packages and experiences Exotic Car show Limited to 100 Participants.

Reserve your team spot today!

Go to investinhope.us Sponsorship Opportunities Available We appreciate your support of Northern California Veterans!

PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

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Coding Lessons for Kids Now Enrolling

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Free Online Trial

What’s Cooking

Quinoa with

Oats and Chocolate

By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983

(A good breakfast pudding for longevity) Serves 6 • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 red apples, peeled, diced 4 cups milk 4 dates, pitted, diced ½ cup quinoa* whole grain flour ½ cup rolled oats 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup semi dark baking chocolate, shaved 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 dash sea salt Garnish: 2 fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons almond slivers, and mint sprigs

To the power-blender add all ingredients (apples, milk, dates, quinoa flour, oats, eggs, chocolate, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, and salt), blend for 1-2 minutes or until soft creamy liquid is formed (you may do several batches for convenient blending). Pour into top of double boiler and fill bottom 2/3 full of water. Bring water to a boil and lower the heat, place lid on top of double boiler. Let the mixture come to simmer and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes or until pudding is done; stirring gently occasionally. When done, pour into small bowl and garnish with sliced strawberries, almonds slivers and mint.

Variation: Quinoa Thin Flat Bread: In a small mixing bowl, mix ¼ cup of quinoa whole grain flour and 1/3 cup whole milk, ¼ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black seeds (nigella). Blend to make a smooth batter and let mixture rest for 30 minutes. Stir in 2 teaspoons olive oil. On a hot non-stick griddle, add quinoa batter to the center of griddle and level it. Wait until some small bubbles appear, flip it over and cook for a few minutes or until done. *Quinoa Grain: was used by the Aztec Indians for many centuries, and it has been called “the mother of all grain.” Quinoa is richer in protein, calcium, phosphorous, potassium, copper, zinc, and iron than other grains.

Holistic Journey: “The fragrant, celebratory sense of belonging that comes from sharing food with family and friends nurtures an identifiable hearth-closeness, which combats solitude and desolation.”

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 six books that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 17

Expert Contributor

High Steaks

By Tori Draeger, Draeger’s Markets

W

alking up to the Meat Counter at the grocery store can be a little daunting; so many different cuts of beef all neatly arranged, which is right for you, and which wine would pair best with it? Draeger’s experts are weighing in with some excellent advice. Fernando Esparza, Draeger’s Meat Operations Manager, sees the struggle to choose between cuts of meat daily: “there are three most often sought after cuts of steak: filets, New York strip steaks, and Ribeyes.” The choice is dependent upon both the flavor profile and what the use of the meat will be.

Cut from the loin, the filet is considered to be the leanest of the three cuts, and the most tender. Versatile, filets can be seared on the grill, sliced as an appetizer for party guests, used for fondue or beef wellington, even chilled and sliced as carpaccio. Draeger’s Wine Stewards agree that a Brunello, like the Poggio Landi de Montalcino, is the perfect accompaniment to this tender cut as the savory, backboned wine complements the beef flavor without overwhelming it.

Prime New York strip steaks are also cut from the loin, however they are a slightly fattier cut of meat. Many people shy away from marbled steak, out of the concern that they will cook down to mostly gristle,

but Fernando assures this is a myth: “a marbled piece of meat simply means it will be juicier, more flavorful.” These steaks are best when grilled. Look for a bold California Pinot Noir, such as Martinelli’s Bella Vigna Sonoma Cost Pinot to stand up to the robust red meat.

The Ribeye steak is cut from the upper rib of the cow. Larger and more marbled than the Prime New Yorks, Ribeyes are an excellent choice when feeding a crowd. They are delicious both grilled or oven roasted. Fernando is particularly proud that Draeger’s offers Snake River Ribeyes: an American Kobe beef that is grass-fed and grainfinished for a particularly succulent, meaty flavor. Wine Steward Jim Collins raves about the Bordeaux-blend Chappellet Mountain Cuvée with its grippy tannins as the ideal pairing to stand up to the bold flavor of the Ribeye.

“These three types of steak are just the tip of the ice burg,” Fernando informs. “There are 16 different recognized cuts of steak, each with their own flavor profile and best use.” Selecting the right cut of steak comes down to personal choice, but Fernando hopes the next time you sidle up to a meat counter and view the myriad selections available, you will be armed with a little more knowledge of these three - along with some pairing suggestions to truly elevate the flavor experience.

18

SEPTEMBER 2021

Fun in the Community

Happy 101st Birthday To Frank ‘Whitey' Negherbon!

By Lynn Brady and Suzanne Torrilhon, Blackhawk Residents

W

hitey Negherbon, who was featured on the cover Blackhawk Living previously, celebrated his 101st birthday on July 28th.

Whitey and his family have been long time residents of Blackhawk.

Whitey also celebrated his birthday at a lunch with the Ladies of the Magnificent Seven. The Ladies loved celebrating Whitey’s special day with him.

Whitey celebrated his 101st Birthday with his family and friends including a lunch with his special friends who fondly refer to themselves as the ‘Magnificent Seven’. This group of men have been friends since 1998 or before, having met playing golf at Blackhawk.

The ‘Magnificent Seven’ have played golf together, socialized together and continue to have lunch together every Wednesday and Friday at the Club. They are truly like brothers. Some original members of the group have moved or passed away, but the great lunch discussions and many laughs continue as others have joined the group. The ‘Magnificent Seven’ have such a special bond and friendship and loved celebrating Whitey’s 101st birthday with Whitey and being together.

In addition, Whitey’s family hosted a 101st Birthday Party for Whitey.

It was a great celebration for Whitey with family members and friends. Dinner was barbecued on Whitey’s original old fashioned barbecue pit made in 1955 for the large Italian dinners that Whitey and his wife Lydia and their family hosted. The family had the barbecue refurbished for the occasion. A large 101st birthday sign was displayed on Whitey’s front lawn and many neighbors honked as they drove by to acknowledge Whitey and his special day. Whitey loved it!

What a week for Whitey!

The team of Blackhawk Living Magazine would like to wish Whitey a HAPPY 101st BIRTHDAY from all of us!

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 19

Charity Spotlight

Teen Esteem: Empowering Students For Life

By Rachel Ackerman, Director of Administration, Teen Esteem

Every child is unique.

Every child is worthy of respect.

Every child should know their value is based on who they are; not what they do.

Teen Esteem sends these messages loudly and clearly to the children in our community while providing resources to help them develop lifelong skills toward healthy futures.

Since 1994, Teen Esteem has served more than 231,000 students and nearly 79,000 parents in the Tri-Valley through our prevention education programs. These programs include classroom presentations, assemblies, parent education, workplace lunch-andlearns and community events. Teen Esteem educates students, parents, and our surrounding community on the challenges young people are facing right here and right now - substance abuse, prescription drug abuse, vaping, social media, healthy relationships, and mental health issues.

With their education comes empowerment to make positive choices regarding those challenges. Consider these statistics: • • • •

90% of people who have an addiction started to drink alcohol or use drugs before they were 18 50% of all lifetime mental health issues begin by age 14 Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for individuals 10-19 Drug overdose deaths in 2020 were up 30% from 2019 primarily due to an increase of synthetic opioids

Adolescents who use social media more than 3 hours per day may be at heightened risk of mental health problems, particularly internalizing problems The data clearly shows that there is no time to waste in reaching our youth, they need our help. Teen Esteem programs are primarily funded by individual donors and due to Covid, we’ve had to downscale our annual fundraiser two years in a row. We are humbly asking the community at large to partner with Teen Esteem and help fund our upcoming fall programs.

Here’s what students are telling us: • • • • • •

“The most impactful part was “where you mattered” because I always had thoughts that it wouldn’t matter if I killed myself.”

“Teen Esteem talked about things that are usually not talked about.” ”I was impacted by all the things the Teen Esteem speakers shared about drugs affecting sports because it gives me a super important reason of why I should never try vaping or drugs.”

“I think it was very informational. I just wish that I knew about this a year or two ago (before I started experimenting with drugs).”

“The presentation taught me a lot about self-worth. I will respect myself more and know that every decision I make will have an impact on my future.”

“I believe it will help guide the choices I make like whether to take drugs, even if just medications, and alcohol. I also know not to take medications, especially pain killers from other kids.”

Check out one of our most popular ED Talk videos - iParents and the Impact of Tech ED Talk: This ED talk will encourage and equip you with tools to become an iParent (Informed Parent), creating strategies that will cultivate a healthy tech environment for your family. Find our complete ED Talk library on our website!

20

SEPTEMBER 2021

In the Garden

More than just a pretty face:

Geraniums add beauty in the home and in the kitchen

By Aly Baker, Bloomers Publicity

W

ith over 500 documented species, anyone interested in geraniums certainly has a lot of options to choose from. The hardy flower is drought and heat-tolerant, great for our Northern California summers, and their blooms offer intense colors with a long flowering period.

But geraniums are more than a pretty face, their flowers are edible and offer many culinary uses: flavor sugars or jelly, add to iced tea or lemonade, bake into pastries like pound cake, or add to your salad.

With so many varieties of geraniums, you can experience different taste profiles such as lemon, almond, nutmeg or even apple.

On September 22 the Blackhawk Bloomers host Robin Parer, a renowned, award winning author and expert horticulturist who owns

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

and operates Geraniaceas Nursery in Marin, specializing in rare geraniums from around the world. Robin will discuss the international fascination with geraniums, and some of the ways you can enjoy their color and beauty in your own home.

The Blackhawk Bloomers bring to life the world of flowers, gardening and all good things that Mother Nature has to share through workshops, events and social activities.

Our programs are designed for fun, personal enrichment and a way to meet and grow friendships.

You must be a resident of Blackhawk or a member of the Blackhawk Country Club. To learn more, contact Rose Gogarty at rosegogarty@gmail.com or go to https://www.blackhawkbloomers.org/ for more information.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 21

Joujou Chawla Trustworthy, Reputable and Experienced.

“Joujou quickly zeroed in on our asks and found us our dream home in this crazy seller’s market within 4 weeks. She has a great network, knowledge of the local area and is extremely responsive. We are extremely appreciative of her efforts in helping us close our home. Highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the East Bay.”

—Danville Buyer | July 2021

BLACKHAWK YTD ACTIVITY*

31 Homes Sold

$92M+ Sales Volume

Joujou Chawla Broker Associate | 510.406.4836 joujou.chawla@chawlarealestate.com chawlarealestate.com | DRE 00890002 22

1

Home Sold Every Week *Through 7.31.2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

#1

Top 105

$1.3 B+

380+

36+

In Blackhawk

Nationwide per

Lifetime Sales

Lifetime Homes

Years of

2013-2020

2021 WSJ

Value

Sold in Blackhawk

Real Estate

Real Trends

Experience

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 | 16 East Ridge Court, Blackhawk Active | 5 Bed | 5.5 Bath 7,172 Sq Ft | 0.62 Acres 16eridgect.com | LP: $4,688,800

2 | 5005 Blackhawk Dr, Blackhawk PSB | 5 Bed | 5.5 Bath 4,700 Sq Ft | 0.48 Acres 5005blackhawkdr.com | LP: $2,865,800

3 | 4455 Deer Ridge Road, Blackhawk PSB | 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath 3,711 Sq Ft | 0.38 Acres 4455deerridgerd.com | LP: $2,788,800

4 | 3450 Quail Walk Court, Blackhawk Pending | 5 Bed | 5 Bath + 3 Half Bath 8,325 Sq Ft | 1.69 Acres 3450quailwalkct.com

5 | 3745 Deer Trail Court, Blackhawk Pending In 24 Hours | 4 Bed | 3 Bath 3,504 Sq Ft | 0.52 Acres 3745deertrailct.com

6 | 4330 Quail Run Court, Blackhawk 5 Bed | 3 Bath | 4,582 Sq Ft | 0.78 Acres Sold Off Market | $2,850,000 $350K+ Over Asking Represented Buyer & Seller

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 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.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 23

Local Sports

Blackhawk Women’s Golf Newsletter

By Janice Lind, Resident since 1989

O

ne of my friends recently remarked “No matter how many years you have been playing golf, you can always find a brand-new way to mess up a round.” Amen sister! It’s definitely a roller coaster ride with the big ups and even bigger downs sometimes occurring on the same hole! Yet we keep coming back for more as we basically all love a challenge!

Our traveling competition teams continue to shine as they like nothing better than to bring their skill set to our rivals. As of the first week in August, our East Bay Team Play ladies are in 2nd place for both low gross and low net. These 26 competitors have played 12 different clubs since April. The Diablo Valley Team Play participants are currently in first place in both low gross and low net with only one

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match left to play. These teams absolutely earn our gratitude and admiration for accepting the challenge and representing us so well.

We were able to share our beautiful Falls course with guest on July 8th. Our winners were: Flight 1- 1st Place-Nicole Tucker, Vicki Kwiatkowski, Sandra Ingwers, Pam Hightow - 88 2nd Place- Julia Leng, Diane Lee, Myong Jarvis, Judy Ma – 90 Flight 2- 1st Place- Anna Li, Zhaohui Liu, Jin Xu, Jenny Condon – 88 2nd Place -Nancy Levin, Colleen Pastore, Filo Carathimas, Linda Stern – 91 Fight 3 - 1st PlaceYasuko Zingg, Kozue Ito, Ellie Menjo , Kyoko

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Hing – 84 2nd Place - Laura Carlson, Kali Flowers, Nancy Lisiak, Patti Jeffery – 86 July 15th was another fun Charm Day event at Lakeside where these Ladies shined the brightest of them all: Overall Low Gross -Andrea Petralia -86 Overall Low Net - Kathy Giroux - 72 Flight A - Low Gross - Lily Weng -83 Low Net -Laura Carlson -73 Flight B - Low Gross-Betsy Jenkins - 101 Low Net – Linnell McRee - 75 Flight C - Low Gross - Fillo Carathimas - 109 Low Net – Shirley Lowes - 77 Flight D - Low Gross-Judy Ma - 107 Low Net – Terry Portillo – 73 Our newest member is Sue Takaichi. Welcome to our golf family as we look forward to playing with you. Accept the challenge, ride that roller coaster and enjoy all the fun that the BWGA can bring to your world!

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 25

Local Sports

Mustang Special Announcement

By Melissa Durkee, Mustang Soccer Club Photo Courtesy of Mustang Soccer To many, John Doyle has played multiple positions in his lifelong soccer career; U.S. Men’s National Team and World Cup member, Olympian, teammate, coach, and Earthquakes General Manager to name a few. But to countless families in the Town of Danville & Alamo communities, he has been the strongest influencer on why the Mustang Soccer Club exists today. After 21 years as the Director of Coaching, John Doyle has stepped away from his Mustang Soccer duties and moved to Copperopolis, CA.

the Mustang Soccer Board of Directors, shared the same sentiments, “John took a flawed competitive program at Mustang and changed it to be a community-first minded program, with rules centered around providing players within our community the opportunity to play within their hometown, with their friends, and at the playing level of their choosing.” Scott acknowledged all of the programs and levels that Mustang Soccer currently offers; ECNL, Competitive Elite, Competitive Premier, Rec Plus, Rec, and Juniors.

Mustang Soccer’s current Board of Directors President, Richard Northing, recently commented, “John’s wonderful leadership as our Director of Coaching has instilled his ‘player first philosophy’ within the Mustang coaching curriculum, where it will live forever. I can’t thank John enough for all his contributions to the club.” Richard went on to list many of John’s accomplishments during his tenure; created a Top 20 girls program in the country, built out the Mustang Soccer Complex, created relationships with many prominent suppliers, and established Mustang as the Bay Area’s leading community-based boys and girls soccer club.

John would like to be remembered for “helping to create a communitybased culture where our players and families were always put first.

Our competitive program grew to 50+ teams, all with professional coaches that care about our players’ development on and off the field, who cultivate these players to be adaptable in any system or style of play. It is important to lead by example, I always tried to treat everyone with respect as relationships matter more than wins, reminded everyone that family should come first and before soccer, to have fun, and that we are all in the same Mustang family so let’s be kind to one another.”

Scott MacDougall, a longtime friend of John Doyle and Alumnus of

“I was trained by John Doyle from the very beginning to the end of my Mustang playing career. He brought out the best in me and my fellow teammates, assisted in my professional career with an Earthquakes internship, and my current role at Mustang. He is someone I know I can always count on,” reminisced Michaela DeJesus, Mustang Soccer Competitive Division Registrar and Scheduler.

Life-long friend, business partner, co-worker, and Executive Director of Mustang Soccer Fred Wilson is grateful for his time at Mustang with John. “Many don’t realize that John brought a model of coaching that includes honesty, integrity, truth, positivity, fun, and age-appropriate player expectations. Over the years, his model has been ingrained in all of our Mustang coaches and is evidenced by the tenure of our directors and coaches. Although I will miss the day-to-day interactions with John, as well as his great counsel, I have full confidence that our Girls and Boys Directors, Patrick Uriz and Joe Owen, will continue with John’s model.”

John Doyle, the Mustang Soccer community is blessed to have had your presence for 21 years. Thank you for all you have done and for making Mustang the great place it is today!

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Ladies Golf

Check out the 9ers

By Linda Marver, Resident since 2007

A

ugust has been a fun month for the Niners. We had our Breakfast at Tiffany’s Niners Invitational for members and guests. What a great event and so much fun for all!

Everyone had on their best Audrey Hepburn jewels and clothes. Following golf we had a delightful luncheon on the balcony of the ballroom. Then our final event was the Horserace Playoff between the winners of the front nine and back nine of Lakeside.

Lots of bets and plenty of winners!

Thanks to Linda McColgan and Mary Quinn for all their wonderful organizational skills and to all their helpers who made this a smashing success.

Congratulations

to the winners of the Front Nine: Rita Renner, Jane Peterson, Jo Peek, and Lucia DeBene.

Congratulations to the winners of the Back Nine: Ruth Chantland, Jane Novak, Terri Waterman and Nancy Bircher.

September Calendar Sept. 2nd: Lakes, front Sept. 9th: Falls, front/Board mtg.

Sept. 16th: Lakes, back; Guest/Exchange Sept. 19th: Lakes, Nine & Dine Sept. 23rd: Lakes, front/Charm Day Sept. 30th: Falls, MYOTT

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Winners of the HorseRace Playoff- Rita Renner and Jane

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Charity Spotlight

De La Salle Swimmers Big Splash For Food Bank of Contra Costa

By Helen Sweet, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Tent Gents

J

uly 30, Sterling Sweet and Ryan Anthony, De La Salle swimmers, delivered a check for $2,500, which when matched

by Travis Credit Union, will provide 10,000 meals for residents needing food assistance.

The Food Bank folks were absolutely terrific, welcoming and displayed great appreciation. They provided a tour of their facility and better insight into their tremendous operation. Moreover, they imparted the need for everyone to support their cause – with upwards of 250,000 clients monthly requiring their services.

SHARE YOUR STORY Share your child’s first T-ball hit, their first catch, their first smile playing the sport they love!

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Local Sports

Share local sports stories with us

By Cara Douglas, Sports Writer

Hey Team Blackhawk,

Douglas Family.

Photo from left to right: Cooper (son), Bridget (daughter), Cara (mom), Hunter (son), Alison (daughterin-law)

My name is Cara Douglas. I love sports. My sport is tennis.

I still play competitively and it keeps me in the game and connected to my community. To me, sports are about more than play.

Sports are about the life lessons we learn. Participating in a sport, we learn to win and lose with grace. We learn to embrace the excitement of taking the field, court, and lane.

We learn that playing the game is not about us. It’s about our teammates, opponents, families and fans. Being an athlete is powerful stuff.

I admire athletes, coaches, teams, fans, and the families behind the scenes. Blackhawk is a wonderful community with a rich array of athletes at every age and level. Moving forward, I look forward to telling stories of Blackhawk athletes or teams of the month in each issue of Blackhawk Living. I need your help. Please send me your tips and suggestions, athlete, team or sport highlight ideas by contacting me directly. Until then...

GO TEAM!

Cara Douglas is an award winning writer, an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. With three sports kids of her own who all play a sport, she’s featured athletes for more than 20 years. Cara loves giving back to the community in which she lives and looks forward to meeting the area’s rising stars- at any age or sport! Reach out to Cara at 559.349.8085, or via email at carapdouglas@gmail.com!

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Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

Pebble Beach: Tiger Woods Designs “Peter Hay Short Course”

By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990 photo by MJ McColgan

R

ecently, we had the pleasure of playing the redesigned Peter Hay short course at Pebble Beach. “The Hay” is a ‘must do’ experience.

Professional golfer Peter Hay’s vision of a fun short course for families, kids and golfers of all skills has become reality with the redesign of this course by Tiger Woods.

It is an affordable way to experience Pebble Beach complete with a copy hole of famous number 7.

Green fees are only $65 with kids under 12 playing for free and $5 for youth on course members. There is also a putting course that is no charge for everyone. It is also 50% off to replay it.

After you are done, lunch at the famous 19th hole “Tap Room” featuring Kobe burgers. The coconut cake is highly recommended.

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For the avid golfer, you can complete this special golfing experience by playing nearby Pacific Grove known as “The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach“ with many fabulous ocean view holes for $45.

For more information and to make a tee time go to: https://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/the-hay/

SEPTEMBER 2021

Kids Corner

Kids Corner

By Erin McDermott, Blackhawk Kids Club

KIDS CLUB IS BACK AT BLACKHAWK COUNTRY CLUB! Kids Club Activities:

Homework Club Held outside, Homework Club is on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. $10 per child, snack and drink provided.

Please reserve on the Blackhawk Website.

Movie Night October 15: Coco

Reservations for Kids Cub can be made on the Blackhawk App up to 3 days in advance. Please anticipate spending 10-15 minutes on your first visit back to fill out paperwork and to get oriented with some new procedures. We are so excited to be able to offer Kids Club to our members again! Should you have any questions, please email Erin McDermott or call Kids Club for questions or inquiries on space.

925-736-6500 ext. 570.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Cars and Coffee

The Blackhawk Museum Car Show

By David Tom, Resident Since 1990

T

he Blackhawk Museum held its muchanticipated Father’s Day Car Show on June 20, 2021. The extravaganza is an annual tradition and is just one of many events the Blackhawk Museum sponsors for our community. Car aficionados from around the Bay Area were treated to classic, customized, and modern rare cars and a hoppin’ performance by Juke Joint performing favorites from the 1960’s and 1970’s.

David Tom: I have lived in Danville for 30 years. I retired from the corporate tax world and now pursue a variety of projects that interest me.

I have always loved cars and look forward to sharing them with you.

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Crafts Corner

Easy Craft for September

By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018

W

hile walking our dogs each morning, I often pass by this collection of painted rocks. You may have seen them too. They are located on the corner of Blackhawk Drive and Blackhawk Meadow Drive near hole #11 on the Falls course.

I have been wanting to try my hand at painting one, so this month I gave it a shot.

This is a very simple project. I believe almost any age could make one. Whomever implemented this idea, it inspired a lot of people to join in. I was inspired by this red, orange and yellow rock above. Someone out there has incredible talent.

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To create your own, you need a rock, paintbrush and acrylic paint. I painted the rock black and then chose white and pink paint to create the dots on the rock. You can dip the eraser on the end of a pencil into the paint to get perfect little circles to create the dots. Wait for the paint to dry between layers. Again, there are endless videos with instructions on Youtube on the process and many examples/ inspirations on Pinterest.

Your child can create one and give it to their teacher or parent as a paper weight.

Have a great month!

Enjoy creating!

Michelle

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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 37

Golf Destinations

Dove Mountain –

Upscale Golf in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson

By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012

A

rchitect Jack Nicklaus created 27 holes of challenging and scenic golf at Dove Mountain Golf Club. Blending natural desert saguaros with countless bunkers and waste areas makes this a difficult golf course. Striking vistas of the surrounding Tortolita Mountains ease the pain, and the elegant Ritz-Carlton hotel nearby enhances the experience. You can spend hours honing your game at the extensive practice facility. By the same token, the comfortable stone clubhouse with its outdoor fireplace is perfect for an afternoon lunch or sunset cocktails. A scarcity of homes adds to the ambiance and opens hillside vistas.

Nicklaus Bunkers Galore

The Club hosted the PGA Tour’s Accenture World Match Play Championship for six years from 2009 to 2014. The Championship was played on the Saguaro and Torolita nines which ranked #8 in Arizona by Golf Magazine in 2-16-2017. The third nine, Wild Burro, is said to be Nicklaus’ favorite and is more difficult. To be sure Nicklaus has littered these golf courses with hundreds of bunkers.

Bunkers Galore Fairway bunkering was much more difficult than expected. For example, bunkers are often in play on both sides of the fairway.

Most of these pot bunkers incorporate sloping perimeters making them difficult to avoid. Occasionally, extended waste areas align the fairway further narrowing the landing areas. It’s tighter than

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Many Large Saguaros

it appears. And it’s easy to get uneven lies. Bunkers are placed either beyond the tee shot landing area or many yards ahead of the green fooling your sense of distance. In addition, the distinctive desert brush terrain of the Sonoran desert is menacing. In the same fashion, more than half of the holes have a desert wash area bisecting the fairway.

As is typical with a Nicklaus design, the greens are large and contoured and you won’t find many level putts. Undulations around the greens require precise chip and pitch shots. Hole #6 on the Torolita nine is an excellent hole. In the tournament, tee locations make it a drivable Par4. The rocky/sandy desert area 200-220 yards from the tee requires risk/reward decision making.

Dove Mountain Golf Club is difficult. Expect to find challenging bunker situations. Accept just getting your ball back into play.

Without a doubt, we found the conditioning superb and the setting tranquil.

If You Go: Course Info – The Dove Mountain Golf Club (www.dovemountain. com) incorporates 27 holes consisting of the Saguaro, Tortolita and Wild Burro nines.

Location – In the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains in Marana, Arizona. About 100 miles south of the Phoenix airport and 30 miles north of the Tucson airport.

Lodging – The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (www.ritzcarlton. com) is adjacent to the course. Otherwise, it’s 20 minutes to the nearest accommodation.

Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf.com) A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a players point-of-view, articles include magnificent high-resolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.

BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 39

Expert Contributor

The Scoop on CoolSculpting Dy Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, MD FACS, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and MedSpa

Y

ou may have heard of cool sculpting from friends, TV commercials or magazine articles, but aren’t exactly sure what it is or how it works. This summer we’ve received many calls and requests for information, so I thought it would be good to provide an overview of this fat reduction procedure here.

“CoolSculpting” is the name of a product that was invented to safely freeze off stubborn fat from various areas of the body. This fat freezing method is also known as “cryolipolysis.” The scientists who invented this fat removal method were studying frostbite and its effect on fat. They discovered that fat freezes at a temperature that’s higher than the skin around it. These scientists harnessed this knowledge to create a device that targets fat to freeze it off while leaving your skin and other tissues unharmed.

CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared device and procedure that requires no downtime, making it a realistic treatment option for both busy women and men alike. On the day of your procedure you can expect a highly trained practitioner to place one or more CoolSculpting pads on the target area(s). While you relax in the treatment room, the pads cool down very quickly to the precise fat-freezing temperature.

The pads typically remain on the target area(s) for around 30 to 45 minutes, during which time up to 20% of the fat cells in this targeted area will be destroyed. As for the final results, they can take up to a month or two. This is because your body needs time to clear out and eliminate these dead fat cells from your body. But once those fat cells are gone, they are gone for good.

Some of the more popular areas we use Coolsculpting to treat stubborn fat include ‘love handles’, hips, back, butt and below the bra line. The procedure also yields great results under the chin and along the jawline. Because of how non-invasive this treatment is, there is no down time after the procedure and very few risks. All in all, it is a very effective way to eliminate stubborn fat that is otherwise resistant to dieting and/or exercise.

If you are interested in learning more about our CoolSculpting or any of our many surgical and non-surgical procedures, please contact our office at 925-736-5757 to schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation. We look forward to hearing from you… and potentially helping sculpt a new you!

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Tassajara Hills Elementary Updates

It's Back to School Time!

By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010

A

fter over a year of not attending in-person school for many of our kids, it was an especially sweet welcome back to school for our kiddos this year. All of us at Blackhawk Living wish our kids a great school year!

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Expert Contributor

Ring Sizing 101

By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza

A

proper fit for a ring is essential; too loose and you risk losing it - too tight and it’s uncomfortable and hard to remove. When your ring doesn’t fit properly, your first thought is to get it resized. Often, this is the safest, most permanent option. However, it’s not always the best choice, and temporary solutions can be ideal under certain circumstances unless you are confident your ring size is correct and a permanent or semi-permanent change. While we all work to lose the COVID “19 pounds,” here are some suggestions and advice.

When Not to Resize Your Ring

If you suddenly find your ring spinning on your finger, your first step should be to pinpoint the root cause. Fingers can shrink for many reasons, many of them temporary, like cold weather or weight loss.

Also consider the circumstances under which your ring was first fitted. Something obvious, like pregnancy, would cause your ring to fit more snugly. But the culprit could also be something more unexpected and seemingly trivial, like a high-salt meal right before your sizing.

Maybe you’re just really sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If your ring size seems to go up and down with the mercury, a temporary ring adjuster is perfect. Whether you need an interim solution until you reach your goal weight, or you need something you can take in and out indefinitely in accordance with the weather, read on to learn how to make a ring smaller without resizing.

When you think of taking your ring to your jeweler to be resized smaller, you likely think of a permanent reduction in the circumference of the band. That’s not the only option, though. Since every resizing can negatively affects the strength of the metal, it’s wise to consider adding to the ring instead, which maintains the integrity of the ring.

Sizing Beads

To make your ring smaller using sizing beads, a jeweler simply adds two small metal balls on the back part of the inside of your ring.

Sizing beads are an economical way to reduce the size of your ring. They’re perfect for reducing a ring and they’re great for keeping your ring upright on your finger.

Some Parting Advice

If your ring isn’t fitting quite right, take it off, store it safely and feel free to bring it in to one of our consultants. Their expert opinion will be able to tell you whether you should permanently resize your ring, have them apply an adjustable ring sizer like those previously discussed, or go with a plastic guard you can use as needed.

Always remember: The fewer times you resize your ring, the better. Each resize stretches and weakens the metal and eventually, you will increase your chances of damage or loss.

Have any other questions about ensuring a proper fit for your rings? Ask us at concierge@ padisjewelry.com

Do-It-Yourself Ring Sizers

If you’d prefer not to visit your jeweler or have an urgent need, there are ring sizers you can buy and apply yourself. Widely available, plastic ring adjusters are an inexpensive, quick option to solve your ring size issue right away. They’re basically little silicone wedges or sleeves that sit between your ring and your finger. At Padis, we call these “Ring Snuggies” and offer them complimentary.

They can easily be added or removed, but one downside is it can make your ring sit up higher on your finger.

Ring Sizers to Avoid

You might thus be tempted by DIY methods usually found via Google search that involve adhering something to your ring. Adhering anything not specifically made for jewelry is asking for trouble. Gold and platinum are typically nonreactive, but you can very easily do permanent damage and your skin might not react well to the foreign substance, either.

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