Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010
Designer: Meagan Cowle
Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography
Advertising
Contact: Jo Peek
Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
Dear Neighbors,
May is one of my favorite months, and it starts with one of the best days of the year. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10th, and I want to take a moment to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all the moms in our community. Whether you are being treated to breakfast in bed, a long walk, a quiet afternoon, or a table full of your favorite people, I hope your day is as wonderful as you are.
May also brings Memorial Day, which in my book marks the unofficial start of summer. Time to pack away the winter clothes and bring out the sandals. Whether you are heading out of town for the long weekend or grilling in your backyard with family and friends, we hope you enjoy every moment of it safely and well.
Inside this issue, you will meet the Palma family, your neighbors right here in Blackhawk. Oksana and Justin, along with their daughters Esmeralda and Jasmine, their brand-new baby boy Amadeo, and their sweet chihuahua Neshki, have roots that stretch from Ukraine to Italy to New York, and they have made Blackhawk their home with open hearts and a lot of holiday spirit. Their story is one of adventure, family, and finding exactly the right place to land. I think you will love getting to know them.
We are so fortunate to live in a community full of remarkable people, and it is my favorite part of this work to be able to share their stories with you. As always, if you have a story, event, or news to share, please reach out to me at mscott@ bestversionmedia.com. This magazine belongs to all of us.
Warmly,
for
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.
Over the last 10 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
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.
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Ranked Top 10 in CA and Top 20 in the USA, The Art of Beauty Plastic Surgery & MediSpa has been voted Best Plastic Surgeon in the East Bay and the Best MedSpa in the East Bay year after year, and again in 2025!
Brett Stompro, M.D., F.A.C.S.
The Art of Beauty Plastic Surgery & MediSpa www.plasticsurgery1.com 925-736-0401
Heating and Air
Perfect Star Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Chris Donzelli (925) 444-STAR (7827) info@perfectstarhvac.com www.perfectstarhvac.com
Insurance
Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces
Steve Padis
Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com
With over 30 years of experience, Perfect Star Heating, Cooling and Electrical is proud to be a truly locally owned and operated family business serving Alameda & Contra Costa County. We specialize in Furnace/Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ductless Mini-Split installation, along with repair and maintenance for Central HVAC systems. Our services also include Ductwork, Indoor Air Quality solutions, and now Electrical Repair & Installation, as well as Solar Installation.
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.
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.
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.
Expert Contributors
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Terra A Malcolm 925-421-2202 (office) 925-421-2203 (direct) terra@eastbayacct.com www.eastbayacct.com
Tree Service
Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 925-449-1203 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.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.
Terri Fenelon is thrilled to call Blackhawk home! As a Top-Producing Agent with Keller Williams, Terri is proud to be ranked among the Top 1% of Realtors nationwide. Her team has also earned the distinction of being #1 in the Keller Williams region. A Michigan native, Terri deeply values the confidence her clients place in her and is committed to exceeding their expectations every step of the way. Whether you’re buying or selling, you can count on Terri for professional guidance and a friendly, supportive, white glove experience.
East Bay Accounting was established 5 years ago in Danville, California, and our partners have over 20 years of tax law experience. Continuous education on the newest legislation and pristine customer service is what we pride ourselves on. We provide high quality, uniquely tailored tax saving strategies that every American taxpayer deserves to have access to. We look forward to serving our Blackhawk community.
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.
MEET THE
Palma Family: Where
Every Road Leads Home
By
Some families find their home after a long search. The Palmas found theirs almost by accident, and they couldn’t be happier about it. Oksana and Justin Palma, along with their daughters Esmeralda (10) and Jasmine (6), brand-new baby Amadeo, and their beloved chihuahua Neshki, are the kind of neighbors who go all out for Halloween, wave hello from the driveway, and somehow make the whole street feel a little more like a community. Their path to Blackhawk winds through New York, Ukraine, Key West, and even Bali—a journey as colorful as the family itself. But it was a simple favor for a friend that changed everything. “A friend asked us to watch his dog in Piedmont while he traveled,” the couple recalls, “and we just fell in love with the area.” They first settled in Walnut Creek, but as their family grew, they needed more space, better schools, and a neighborhood that felt like somewhere to really put down roots. Blackhawk checked every box.
A Love Story Written in Tattoos
Oksana and Justin’s story reads like a movie. They met in Ukraine—at a nightclub—and from the very first conversation, they knew. “From the very first ‘hi,’ we just clicked—perfectly,” they say. So sure were they about each other that just a few months into dating, they got tattoos of each other’s names. And their wedding? A true fairy tale was held at Disney World, with their rings delivered inside Cinderella’s glass slipper by a butler. It’s the kind of detail that makes you smile and think, “Of course they did.”
The two come from very different worlds, and they’ve made that richness central to how they’re raising their children. Oksana grew up in Chutove, a small village in Ukraine, where her family tended a sprawling home garden—never needing to buy fruits or vegetables from a store. “Our daughters have already visited a few times,” Oksana shares, “and we can’t wait for the war to be over so we can bring our son, Amadeo, there too.” Justin’s family roots trace back to Italy, by way of New York, where his grandfather built homes and buildings so enduring that streets and parks still carry the family name. A few years ago, the Palmas brought their girls to Italy to walk those streets. “For us,” says Justin, “it’s really important that our kids know their roots and feel proud of where they came from.”
“Together is our favorite destination.”
—
The Palma Family Motto
Busy Little Bees and Big Dreams
With two active girls and a newborn, the Palma household is cheerfully chaotic. Esmeralda and Jasmine are enrolled in ballet, acting, coding, piano, art, and tennis. “Honestly, they’d love to add even more,” their parents laugh, “but there just aren’t enough days in the week.” To keep the family grounded amid all that activity, Sundays are sacred. “Sunday Funday” is a standing family tradition—zoo trips, museum visits, movie days—a weekly reminder to end each week with laughter and togetherness.
And then there’s Neshki, their chihuahua and selfproclaimed first baby. Justin and Oksana used to drive three hours every weekend just to visit him before he was old enough to come home. “Even now,” they admit with a grin, “we always argue in the car over who gets the first kiss from him when we walk through the door.”
Innovation Runs in the Family
Justin’s professional life mirrors his family’s blend of old-world legacy and forward-thinking ambition. With a computer science degree and a Harvard Business School specialization in innovation and disruptive theory, he’s a tech startup founder with two successful acquisitions behind him. His latest venture, Rentonomy.ai, uses empathetic AI and machine learning to reimagine the tenant-landlord relationship—with plans to launch in over 40 countries.
The Palma family — with roots in Ukraine, Italy, and New York — found their perfect landing spot right here in Blackhawk.
Megan Scott, Resident since 2010 Photos provided by Palma Family
Photo by Frameit Bay Area
He’s also restoring a charming 10-unit historic building in upstate New York—in the very region where HBO’s The Gilded Age is filmed—using AI and 3D printing to preserve its original details. It will be the first property fully managed by Rentonomy. His grandfather built for permanence. Justin is building for the future. Oksana brings her own intellectual depth to the family, holding a master’s degree in sociology.
Home for the Holidays—and Then Some
If you’ve driven past the Palma home during Halloween or Christmas, you already know: these people commit. “We always go all out,” they say, “turning our home into a festive wonderland that our kids and neighbors love.” They’ve come to treasure the Blackhawk HOA’s decoration awards. “It’s always so exciting to wake up and see the signs placed in our front yard”—and they’re grateful to live in a community that celebrates that spirit.
After 15 countries, a cross-country RV road trip from New York to California, and a lifetime of adventures still ahead, the Palmas have found something rare: a place that feels as big as their dreams and as warm as their family. Right here in Blackhawk.
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.
Photo by Lori Dorman Photography
Here are some currently available cuties!
CATS:
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person.
Adoption Hours
Mon-Fri: 12 – 7 PM
Sat-Sun: 11 AM-6 PM
(Early sign-in begins at 9 AM)
Business Hours
Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit https://joybound.org/ for more information.
DOGS:
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Cosmopolitan Kai
Meadow Posey
A Sampling of Homes Active in your Neighborhood
Niner’s News
By Fran Davis
On our last two Charm Day play days, we were blessed with beautiful sunshine, bringing the Niners out in full force for some fantastic golf, great camaraderie and plenty of smiles along the way. It’s always a treat to see the course filled with such positive energy and friendly competition!
Congratulations to our winners over the past two months!
March Charm Day Results
Flight #1 - Leigh Bultman
Flight #2 - Brenda McNabb
2nd Place Net
Flight #1 - Karilyn Collini
Flight #2 - Mary Porteous
1st Place Gross
Flight #1 - Misty Wilkins
Flight #2 - Maureen Pereira
March charm Day Winner-Susie Bauernfeind
2nd Place Gross
Flight #1 - Linda Marver
Flight #2 - Helen Tarantino
Low Putts
Flight #1 - Shelby Short
Flight #2 - Diane Manske
Congratulations Susie Bauernfeind, March Charm Day Winner
April Charm Day Results
1st Place Net
Flight #1 - Linda McColgan
Flight #2 - Susan Nicholson
2nd Place Net
Flight #1 - Carol Gray
Flight #2 - Diane Manske
1st Place Gross
Flight #1 - Misty Wilkins
Flight #2 - Jeanie Egan
Your Trusted Blackhawk Tax Advisors
April Charm Day Winner-Shelby Short
2nd Place Gross
Flight #1 - Helen Tarantino
Flight #2 - Fran Davis
Low Putts
Flight #1 - Linda McColgan
Flight #2 - Susan Nicholson
Congratulations Shelby Short, April Charm Day Winner
Well played to everyone who participated, your enthusiasm and sportsmanship are what makes these days so special! And remember…the only thing better than a great round of golf is celebrating with friends after!
A Heart for the Ones Who Wait
By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010
EveryWednesday, Tonya Tecca walks through the doors of the East Bay SPCA with a bag of snacks, a phone ready to roll video, and the kind of calm, purposeful energy that anxious shelter dogs respond to immediately. She does a slow walk through the facility first, sizing up who is there and who seems to need her most. Then she gets to work.
Tonya was nine years old when she got her first dog, Punkie. That bond planted something in her that never went away. Decades later, when she found herself looking for a place to channel her love of dogs into something meaningful, the East Bay SPCA was a natural fit.
Like all new volunteers at the SPCA, Tonya started with shelter care: laundry, dishes, cleaning floors and windows, and feeding the animals. From there she moved into customer care, helping connect animals with potential adopters and processing all the paperwork and fees to finalize adoptions. Now, her primary role is simply to sit with dogs. “Simply” might be an understatement. On any given Wednesday she may be working with one dog or three, offering treats, practicing commands, and playing music to help a nervous animal settle. She also films short videos of the dogs she spends time with and posts them to her Instagram and Facebook accounts. In case they touch someone who might feel the need to come and adopt,” she says. Her Instagram is @ tonyateccarealtor for anyone who wants to follow along and maybe meet their next best friend.
Blackhawk resident and realtor
Tonya Tecca has spent more than two years showing up for shelter dogs at the East Bay SPCA. For her, it is anything but a hobby.
Ask Tonya for a standout moment, and she does not hesitate. A dog named Rita had been adopted as a puppy and then returned to the shelter. During an adoption event, Tonya met a woman named Dawn, who had come in with her daughter after recently losing their own dog. They asked Tonya if she had a favorite.
She took them to Rita. “It was a perfect match,” Tonya says. Rita went home with Dawn and her daughter and was renamed Echo. “She is living her best life now. The most spoiled and loved pup. I am just thrilled.” It is exactly the kind of outcome that keeps Tonya coming back every week.
Where Passion Meets Profession
By day, Tonya is a realtor with Compass, and her two worlds have a way of weaving
together. “As much as people ask me about properties, they also ask me about the SPCA and specific dogs I am focused on getting adopted,” she says. Compass has been supportive of her advocacy, even hosting a company volunteer day at the shelter last year.
She also produces a social media series called Tonya’s Tuesday Tips, covering housing, health, and helping animals, where her SPCA work gets its own regular feature. It is a tidy reflection of who she is: someone who does not keep the things she cares about in separate boxes.
A Legacy of Care
The East Bay SPCA has been operating since 1874, making it one of the oldest shelters in the country. Tonya wants the Blackhawk community to know just how dedicated the people inside those walls are. Nearly every staff member she has worked alongside has been there for years, with one team member logging 18 years of service. “They love the animals and the mission so much,” she says. “The shelter is a safe place, and the people who run it have given their careers to making it that way.”
For anyone interested in getting involved, the SPCA welcomes new volunteers and supporters. And if you want a front-row seat to the dogs Tonya is rooting for this week; you know where to find her: @tonyateccarealtor, every Wednesday, one good dog at a time.
Rita, one of Tonya’s favorite adoption stories
$3,888,888 $3,700,000 $2,406,000 $2,100,000
Blackhawk Women’s Golf Association (BWGA)
By Lynn Prakash
Putting Clinic – April 2nd
Gideon Harris and Mike DuRoff put on an excellent putting clinic for the BWGA. We worked on keeping the club square on the line of putt by placing two tees about 6 inches apart, then about 2 feet beyond that another set of tees was placed to make sure the ball stayed on line to the target. We then worked on uphill putts with a break, emphasizing making sure the ball got up the hill and was not short. That proved to be a challenge for some of us.
April 2nd Rules Seminar
Following the putting clinic, a Rules Seminar was put on by our Rules Chairwoman, Paula Hamra. The attendees were each given a rules book, and a video was played discussing several rules. Lots of questions were asked about unplayable lies, when you can and can’t play a provisional ball, and how to take cart path relief. Other topics included local rules and relief from an unplayable ball in a bunker. Pro’s Thomas Fong and Gideon Harris were there for more explanation of some of the rules, as well as former rules chair and current Captain, Nancy Lisiak.
April 9 Play Day –Match Play at Lakeside
With both East Bay Team Play (EBTP) and Diablo Valley Team Play (DVTP) starting later this month, the BWGA did a fourball match play format on their Thursday playday. Players were put together in two person teams to compete with another two person team.
Winning Teams were:
Hailey Joo & Karin King
Jill Austin & Terri Lawson
Nancy Lisiak & Ronda Sroka
Anne Kuelz & Tiffiny Crossley
Nancy Levin & Julia Leng
Kristen Henry & Wendy Echsner
Stephi Newby & Shelley Lober
Attendees at the Rules Seminar
Golf Pro Gideon Harris with Paula Hamra, Rules Chairwoman
Meet your 2026 BWGA Board
Exotics Parade Through The Livery
By Celeste Altus, Photos by Celeste Altus
The Barnyard Epicurean Wine Bar in downtown Danville isn’t just serving up sparkling wine and killer bites—it’s turning heads with its high-octane flair for exotic car events! At a recent cars and coffee gathering, the parking lot looked more like a luxury auto showroom than a restaurant, drawing in a jawdropping lineup of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, a rare Pagani, sleek Porsches, roaring Corvettes, McLarens, luxury BMWs and more. Car enthusiasts and curious coffee-drinkers came out in droves, snapping photos and soaking in the sights and sounds of pure horsepower. It’s safe to say this place is shifting into high gear as the go-to spot for food, fun, and flashy rides.
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.
The Old White at The Greenbrier: Golfing in the Footsteps of Sam Snead
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012
For the serious golfer, a trip to The Greenbrier Resort in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia is more than a standard getaway; it is a pilgrimage to one of the most storied cathedrals of American sport. While many visit for the “Old White” package, they stay for the chance to walk the same fairways where Sam Snead, the “Slammin’ Sammy” himself, built a legacy that is still palpable today.
The Grand Dame of American Resorts
The hotel, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted 28 U.S. Presidents and remains the gold standard for “old-school” luxury. Redecorated in 1948 by the legendary Dorothy Draper, the interior is a masterclass in Modern Baroque design. Its vibrant floral patterns, high ceilings, and bold colors create a regal atmosphere that feels both historic and impeccably maintained. The resort is a sprawling 720-room sanctuary, offering everything from a world-class casino to subterranean Cold War bunkers, all while maintaining a level of service that harkens back to a more elegant era of travel.
Sam Snead: The Soul of The Greenbrier
No name is more synonymous with the resort than Sam Snead. His connection to the property began in 1936 as an assistant professional, eventually serving as the head golf professional from 1946 to 1974. He returned in 1993 as the Golf Professional Emeritus, a title he held until his passing in 2002. The clubhouse serves as a living shrine to his 82 PGA Tour victories. Visitors should not miss the Champions Room and the Sam Snead
Museum, a dedicated display featuring an extraordinary collection of memorabilia. Here, you can stand inches away from his Masters Green Jacket, his Open Championship Claret Jug, and his Ryder Cup captain’s jacket. It is a rare, intimate look at a titan of the game. Snead’s presence is even etched into the course itself; he famously recorded his 42nd and final career hole-in-one on the 18th hole of The Old White.
Architectural Mastery and Exquisite Conditioning
The Old White remains the centerpiece of the resort’s five courses. As the first 18-hole design by C.B. Macdonald, it is a living museum
Old World Elegance in the Allegheny Mountains.
Sam Snead memorabilia
of “template holes.” The conditioning today is nothing short of exquisite. Following a 2017 restoration, the bentgrass fairways are kept at a championship density that provides the firm, tight lies preferred by low handicappers. The greens are meticulously groomed to run fast and true, rewarding those who can read the subtle undulations of the Allegheny terrain. While the course hosted the 1979 Ryder Cup and the 1994 Solheim Cup, it remains a premier venue for modern competition, currently serving as a featured stop for LIV Golf.
Featured Hole: No. 3 – The Biarritz
The pinnacle of the round is Hole No. 3, a 197-yard par 3 known as the Biarritz. This template hole is a grueling test of distance control. The massive green is bisected by a deep, four-foot swale—the “valley of sin”—that runs horizontally across the surface. A player must decide whether to carry the ball to the back tier or use the contours to run it through the trench. If your tee shot finds the wrong tier, you are faced with a treacherous putt that must climb a steep incline, requiring absolute commitment to pace and line.
A Legacy Preserved
Between the meticulous grooming of the fairways and the echoes of legends in the clubhouse, The Old White is a masterclass in architectural integrity and historical reverence. It remains an essential destination for any golfer who appreciates the intersection of classic design and the enduring spirit of Sam Snead.
Find other high-resolution photos at: www.quintessentialgolf.com/destinations/waldorf-astoria-golf-club
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.
Lush greens, towering pines and mountain vistas.
Mother’s Day in Bloom
By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015
Some of my favorite photos with my mother are not from one single place, but from many — from Boston and Seattle to Kerala in India, and closer to home in Blackhawk, San Francisco, and Hawai‘i. In almost every one, there is a familiar pattern: flowers, a garden path, a pretty corner, or just my mom standing somewhere that makes the frame feel instantly brighter. My face cheers up when I click her. Wherever we go, we somehow pause for the same things — blooms in season, soft light, a shared drink or lunch, and those little outdoor moments that are too lovely to pass by, especially when we are watching a sunset or sunrise together and the sky puts on a show.
That is probably why May in Blackhawk feels like such a natural fit for Mother’s Day. This is the time of year when the neighborhood looks especially inviting — flowers filling out, hills still green, and evening walks stretching a little longer before summer sets in. It is not hard to imagine mothers and daughters, families and friends, slowing down to enjoy it all. Sometimes the best part of the season is simply sharing what is right in front of you. What do you most love sharing with your mother — a place, a ritual, or just a memory that still makes you smile?
Sonia Lamba
Photographer and videographer capturing the quiet beauty of nature, travel, and everyday life. After a career in finance, I’ve embraced a long-held creative passion—turning moments into visual stories through both images and motion. Based in scenic Blackhawk, California, I find inspiration both close to home and wherever my travels take me.
I’ve been writing for the magazine since 2017, sharing stories through words and imagery—from Blackhawk to far beyond. I hope you enjoy them, and I always welcome your thoughts or ideas. Follow my work on IG @sonialambaphotography and everyday moments at @with.love.sonia
May Craft: Sew a Makeup Bag
By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018
Thismonth is a quick sewing project, a makeup bag. This was completed from start to finish in less than three hours. It is an easy, beginner project. The video is easy to follow. I love how they turned out.
Here is the link to the instructional video: tinyurl.com/bdemz9nj
I made some for friends and they really liked them.
Craft Retreats
I have met and made friends with the nicest people I meet at Craft Retreats. It is a great way to meet people with similar interests. People attend from all over the state and (depending on the retreat) from all over the world. Some focus on painting, others on hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, slow stitching and foraging. The food we enjoy at the retreats is usually local farm to table displays. Artists are curated to teach you their specialty. Some examples of Craft Retreats out there are held by the French General. They hold two trips in Vermont each year and many in France.
The French General: frenchgeneral.com/ There are many out there. Here are a sample: Curious House: curioushouse.net/courses
Forage by Lisa Mattock: foragebylisamattock.com.au/
I like the retreats that are held in other locations because they usually tie in trips to the local shops, sites and experience the local specialities.
When I was in Vermont, attending the French General retreat, we spent a morning at a Sugar House where we learned how maple sap was extracted and then boiled and made into maple syrup and maple sugar.
I hope you have the chance to attend a retreat and meet the wonderful people that run them and attend them.
LACE UP: The 5 Best Hikes to Explore Around Danville This May
Why Local Businesses Need An Online Listings Ser vice
By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010
1. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness If you have not yet explored Las Trampas, May is the month to go. The hills are still lush and green, wildflowers are putting on a show, and the temperatures are just right for a longer adventure. With trails ranging from easy family walks to more challenging ridge climbs, there is something for every level here. The views from the top stretch all the way to Mount Diablo on a clear day, and that alone is worth every step.
Inaccurate or outdated online information can severely impact
Trust Report showed that 62% of consumers would avoid using a business if they found incorrect information online.1
2. Mount Diablo State Park No Danville hiking list would be complete without the crown jewel of the East Bay. Mount Diablo offers dozens of trails for all skill levels, but May is especially magical when the spring blooms are still hanging on and the air is crisp and clear. On a good day the summit offers one of the most expansive views in the entire country. Bring plenty of water, start early, and prepare to be completely humbled by how beautiful this place is.
Outdated information leads to many challenges for local businesses
Customers may show up when you’re closed, leading to frustration, loss of trust, and potentially a negative review.
Mismatched info across platforms can confuse search algorithms, reducing your search ranking and overall visibility.
Managing dozens of individual listings is a headache and takes time away from running your business.
Inconsistent or missing details lead to fewer customer interactions and missed revenue opportunities.
3. Shell Ridge Open Space Just a short drive from downtown Danville, Shell Ridge Open Space is a local favorite that never gets old. Rolling oak woodlands, open grasslands, and a network of trails that can be mixed and matched depending on how ambitious you are feeling that day. May brings golden light and a breeze that makes even the steeper sections feel manageable. Dogs are welcome on leash, which makes this one a family favorite in every sense of the word.
By Insert Publisher, Expert Contributor
4. Round Valley Regional Preserve If you are looking for a hike that feels like a true escape, Round Valley is your answer. Tucked away and a little less crowded than some of the more popular East Bay parks, this preserve delivers wide open meadows, rolling hills, and a peaceful quiet that is increasingly hard to find. The loop trails here offer a satisfying full morning adventure, and the wildflower displays in May can be absolutely stunning after a good rain season.
Accurate business listings can give companies a competitive edge
Consistent information builds credibility and trust with new and existing customers, giving them peace of mind to choose your business over others.
Accurate listings lead to increased engagement and improved search rankings, boosting your local visibility.
Easier updates from a single dashboard allow businesses to conveniently manage their online information with just a few clicks, saving valuable time for owners
When your info is up-to-date, more people will reach out, and stop by, which can directly boost your bottom line.
Summer Imagineering
By Alicia Gee
The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond school enrichment program for SRVUSD students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest in choosing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes in middle and high school.
This Summer we will be offering a variety of classes that will appeal to young scientists, engineers, coders, programmers, chemists, techies, artists and mathematicians starting June 15 and running through July 17, 2026. With weeklong classes for incoming students from 2nd grade through high school, you are certain to find something for your student. Offered classes include:
• Blast Off!: Rocketry
• Creative Writing and Design
• Let’s Roll: Coding with Spheros
• Lights Camera Action!: Stop Motion Animation
• The Recycle Lab: Create, Build, Imagine!
• Zoology Explorers
• Creative Coding with Raspberry Pi & Python
• Level Up Your Money Game
• Marine Biology
• Medical Interventions: First Aid & CPR
• Pop-Culture Philosophy
• Robotics: Unleash Your Inner Engineer with Python and Pi
• Speaking Practice: Become a Confident Speaker
• Sweet Science Lab: Baking
And for your student performer, we have Musical Theater: “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” a five-week theatre production class where students will perform in and design a full-length musical developing and enhancing their skills in performing arts, visual arts, and sound engineering.
Registration is now open and early bird pricing is through April 1.
For the full schedule, class descriptions and to register, visit https:// srvef.org/imagineering/
Terri Fenelon, Blackhawk Resident Realtor
Quinoa with Oat and Chocolate
By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983
Serves 6
• 4 red apples, peeled, diced
• 4 cups of milk
• 4 dates, pitted, diced
• ½ cup quinoa whole grain flour
• ½ cup rolled oat
• 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 salt
Garnish: 2 fresh strawberries (sliced), 2 tablespoons almond slivers, and mint sprigs.
Private Blood Draws. On Your Schedule.
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, cool 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 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.
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.
We’re Here to Help You Find the Perfect Gift for Mom
By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry San Francisco | Napa | Walnut Creek, Family owned and
Mother’s Day is a time to honor the incredible women who shape our families with love, strength, and devotion. My wife, Judy, is the heart of our family—her kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support inspire me every day, and I am forever grateful to share my life journey with her. After 43 years of marriage, 4 children and now 8 grandchildren, I continue to count my blessings as our family grows and I watch my own daughters become mothers.
Every year at our stores, Mother’s Day - this year on May 10thbrings us special opportunities to be part of celebrating important women in your lives. Making recommendations that’ll make her smile? That’s our happy place.
This year, show your appreciation with a meaningful piece of jewelry from Padis Jewelry—something she will cherish forever. Our guide will help you select the perfect gift based on her style and personality.
Stackable Bands
Stackable rings are the perfect Mother’s Day gift because they beautifully symbolize the layers of love, memories, and milestones that define motherhood. Each ring can represent a child, a cherished moment, or a personal achievement, allowing moms to build a collection that tells their unique story. Their versatility makes them effortless to wear alone for a delicate look or stacked together for a bold, dazzling statement. With timeless elegance and endless customization options—whether in different metals, diamond shapes, or engravings—stackable rings offer a meaningful, stylish, and sentimental way to celebrate the incredible mothers in our lives.
Initial and Nameplate Jewelry
This Mother’s Day, express your heartfelt appreciation with a personalized necklace, a timeless token of affection that she’ll treasure
operated for over 50 years
forever. Show mom you love her with a message written in gold and diamonds! We love custom, personalized necklaces because they quickly become a staple in any woman’s jewelry collection AND they’re meaningful! We have a number of options to select from. Depending on how many names, birthstones, initials, or messages you want to engrave, choose either a nameplate or diamond initial necklace.
Whether adorned with birthstones representing each child or featuring a delicate pendant with a significant symbol, personalized necklaces offer a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate the incomparable bond between a mother and her children. With each glance at this personalized piece, she’ll be reminded of the unconditional love and appreciation that fills her life, making it a gift a truly unforgettable gift.
Diamond Stud Earrings
Consider the timeless elegance of diamond earrings, whether labgrown or natural. You can’t go wrong with the timeless, essential gift of diamond studs available in all metal colors! Lab-grown diamonds are crafted with technology to mirror the brilliance of their natural counterparts. These diamonds, grown under controlled conditions, boast the same quality and beauty as those formed deep within the earth. Alternatively, natural diamond earrings carry a unique allure, showcasing the marvels of nature’s craftsmanship over millennia. Both options radiate sophistication and love, making them perfect gifts to celebrate and cherish the remarkable mothers in our lives.
We recommend it to every spouse who asks us what they should get for their partner if they don’t have them already. Even if she already has a pair from us, Padis offers a Lifetime Trade Up on natural diamonds, so that they can grow with her and with your love as the years go by!
We are here to help!
This list is our inspiration for your gift-giving but by no means features all the amazing options of necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and more we have in-store and online. Please note our online inventory doesn’t feature everything we carry so there are tons more gifts to discover in-store.
Come and visit us at our Walnut Creek, San Francisco or Napa locations! We would love to meet you and talk about the special mother figures in your life so we can pair each of them with a great gift that makes them feel celebrated. Make sure to ask about special pricing, flexible payment plans as well as interest-free financing.
From our family to yours, we wish your family a very happy Mother’s Day celebration!
