Meet the Perez Family:
A Story of Grit, Adventure and the Ties That Bind
Image courtesy of Kim Lind
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014
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. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting
Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the dog days of summer — when the sun is high, the days are long, and the only thing on the agenda should be staying cool. Whether you’re lounging poolside, escaping to the coast, or just enjoying a popsicle on the porch, don’t forget to bring along your latest issue of Blackhawk Living Magazine for some light summer reading.
This month, we are so excited to introduce you to your neighbors, the Perez family. Dan, Yvonne, and their son Sean have one of the most remarkable stories I have had the privilege of sharing in these pages. From Dan’s journey through the United States Naval Academy and service in the Western Pacific, to Yvonne’s extraordinary leap from Shanghai to Indiana with two suitcases and a dream, to Sean’s championship swimming career and upcoming debut on the college swim team at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey—this family is the very definition of grit, adventure, and the ties that bind.
Their story is one of resilience, love, and the kind of deep family devotion that reminds us all what matters most. I think you will find it both inspiring and heartwarming—and you just might recognize them the next time you see them at the Sports Complex or on the pool deck cheering for HOX!
As always, Blackhawk Living is dedicated to celebrating the people, places, and moments that make our community so special. If you have a story, event, or announcement you would like to share, I would love to hear from you at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
Stay cool out there and enjoy every sunny moment.
Warmly,
Megan Scott Resident since 2010
Blackhawk Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Advertising - Website, SEO & Digital Marketing
Blackhawk Living CA
Jo Peek
925-272-8246
BlackhawkLivingCA@gmail.com www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com
Auto Sales & Service
Kerri Anderson
Pleasanton Automall
Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925-737-5062
Cosmetic Surgery
Brett Stompro, M.D., F.A.C.S.
The Art of Beauty Plastic Surgery & MediSpa www.plasticsurgery1.com 925-736-0401
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
Pool Service
Sebastien Lubrano
Atlantis Pools 925-736-0447 info@atlantispoolsdanville.com atlantispoolsdanville.com
Real Estate
Terri Fenelon Real Estate Group
Terri Fenelon 925-915-5151
Terri@FenelonGroup.com BlackhawkLuxuryHomes.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.
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!
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.
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.
Expert Contributors
contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Tax & Accounting
East Bay Accounting
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
Meet the Perez Family: A Story of Grit, Adventure
and the Ties That Bind
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Some families find each other by chance. Others find each other by design. Dan and Yvonne Perez found each other somewhere in between—at a professional networking event on the 52nd floor of the Bank of America Center in San Francisco in 1998, with the whole city glittering below them and absolutely no idea that they were about to change each other’s lives forever.
“We planned our first lunch in a professional setting,” Yvonne recalls with a smile, “since we thought we should refer each other clients.” What started as a business lunch became something far more meaningful. By the end of 2001, Dan and Yvonne were married—in a ceremony at the All Faiths Chapel on Naval Air Station Pensacola, followed by a reception at the Officer’s Club on base. The wedding was memorably imperfect in all the right ways. The real scene-stealer was the flower girl—Yvonne’s young niece Haruka, who traveled all the way from Japan for the occasion, performed her duties with great seriousness, and then promptly ran off, tripped, and burst into tears in the middle of the festivities. “To this day,” Yvonne laughs, “we still watch the wedding video just to hear little Haruka’s cries in the background.”
Two Extraordinary Journeys
Dan was born into a Navy family rooted in the Filipino immigrant experience. His father joined the United States Navy shortly after World War II before settling in Pensacola, Florida, inspiring Dan to apply to and be accepted by the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. After graduating, he served as a surface warfare officer out of San Diego, sailing through the Western Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska, the Straits of Malacca, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. After five years of service, he returned to civilian life, earned his doctorate in chiropractic medicine, and operated practices in downtown San Francisco and
San Ramon for 23 years before pivoting to teaching. Today, Dan brings his passion for science to local schools and runs a YouTube channel called “Ask Dr. P,” dedicated to educating the public on self-care for pain and staying fit over 50.
Yvonne’s story is one of extraordinary determination. Born and raised in Shanghai, she always dreamed of the United States. In 1994, she arrived in Terre Haute, Indiana, with two suitcases and knowing absolutely no one. What followed was a remarkable climb—from Indiana State University to Golden Gate University, from local CPA firms to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Novartis, and Deloitte—specializing in international taxation during one of the most dynamic periods of global business expansion in modern history. In 2016, she co-founded what would become Lead International CPAs, where she serves today as managing partner, helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate cross-border investment, international tax planning, and global expansion.
The Star in the Water
If Dan and Yvonne are the foundation of the Perez family, eighteen-year-old Sean is its brightest current chapter. Sean began swimming with HOX when he was young, left briefly at 15 to train with a competitive year-round club team, and then made the decision to come back. “I missed the community, the friendships, the coaching, and the atmosphere that summer swimming brings,” he says. In his first HOX season at age 14, he won the VSA League Championship in the 50 Butterfly. Last summer, he won the 100 Butterfly Championship—and this season, he hopes to defend his title one final time before heading off to college.
Central to Sean’s journey has been Coach Sean—a mentor he credits with shaping him not just as a swimmer, but as a person. “He taught me the importance of consistency, accountability, and having confidence in myself,” Sean says. Coach Sean also guided Sean through the college recruiting process, helping him find the right fit academically and athletically. “Coaching Sean has been an amazing privilege. While his accomplishments in the pool are exceptional, what stands out even more is the young man he has become. Sean leads with humility, works relentlessly, treats his teammates with respect, and consistently chooses to do the right thing even when no one is watching,” says Coach Sean. This August, Sean will head to Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, where he will join the college swim team. He is also a young man of surprising talents—capable of performing a standing backflip on a flat surface, a skill he put on full display at his high school’s final dance team performance in May, where he wowed the audience on stage.
Photos provided by the Perez Family
Rooted in Blackhawk
The Perez family has called Blackhawk home since 2020, drawn here by a best friend already in the neighborhood; Sean’s determination to attend Monte Vista High School; the Sports Complex; and the need for a home that could accommodate Yvonne’s mother, Lilian. A retired civil engineer born in Shanghai in the late 1930s, Lilian helped raise Sean from birth, teaching him mathematics, building
LEGO models with him as a toddler, and communicating with him in Mandarin—a language the two still share today. “It’s all about carrying on this tradition of helping to keep the family strong from generation to generation,” Yvonne says.
At Blackhawk, the Perez family has found their people—regulars at the Sports Complex, the wine fairs, the dining at the club, and the friendships forged on the pool deck. When they recently purchased a second home, also in Blackhawk, there was never any question about leaving. “It’s the people that made us decide to stay; we found almost every friend right here in our community,” Yvonne says. “It came as no surprise that both the real estate agents and the loan officer who helped us purchase our new home are Blackhawk residents or fellow club members.”
The Family That Keeps Moving
The Perez family motto, drawn from an ancient Chinese proverb, is “Lifelong Learning, Purposeful Travel, Strong Family Bonds, and Meaningful Connections.” Sean has visited many countries. Their most memorable adventure? A hike along
the Nā Pali Coast on Kauai that ended in complete darkness, pouring rain, slippery cliffs, no water, no snacks — and Dan practically carrying an exhausted Yvonne through the final three miles. When they finally collapsed into a restaurant booth, they ate, as Yvonne puts it, “as if we had not eaten in a week.”
“It was difficult,” she laughs, “but it remains one of our favorite family memories because it tested our perseverance, teamwork, and sense of adventure.”
That, in a nutshell, is the Perez family. People who show up, push through, carry each other when necessary, and always — always — find a way to laugh about it later. Blackhawk is lucky to have them.
Sean at Monte Vista High School graduation with his grandma
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.
Sean with Hox Coach Sean
Here are some currently available cuties!
CATS: DOGS:
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person.
Adoption Hours
Mon-Fri: 12 – 7 PM
Sat-Sun: 11 AM-6 PM
(Early sign-in begins at 9 AM)
Business Hours
Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit https://joybound.org/ for more information.
Quarter
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
Sir Noodle
Duke Kai
Mario
A Sampling of Homes Active
Niner’s News
By Fran Davis
The Blackhawk Niners and BWGA recently enjoyed a memorable day of golf and camaraderie as members of both groups came together for an 18-hole scramble on the Lakeside course. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for golfers of all skill levels to play together, meet new friends and strengthen the connections that make our golf community so special.
Following the round, everyone gathered at Thelma’s for a casual lunch filled with lively conversation, laughter and shared stories from the course. Events like these highlight the welcoming spirit of Blackhawk County Club and the friendships that extend well beyond the fairways.
A special thank you to Nancy Lisiak for her partnership in planning and coordinating this successful event. We look forward to more opportunities for the Niners and BWGA to come together for great golf, good company and lasting memories.
August Calendar
August 6 - MYOTT
August 13 - MYOTT
August 20 - Charm Day - Lakes Back
August 27 - Falls Back
Niners and BWGA Mingle
Enjoying Lunch at Thelmas
Niner BWGA on the course
Listings Ser vice
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
By Insert Publisher, Expert Contributor
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.
An online listings service ensures that your business data, such as your name, address, phone number, hours, and website, is accurate across search engines, maps and directories.
Source: 1 https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-business-discovery-trust-report/
By Jo
925-272-8246
BlackhawkLivingCA@gmail.com
Expert Contributor
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.
Online listings services help local businesses stay competitive, visible, and credible. Don’t let wrong information limit your growth.
From Rancho to Race Cars: The Story Beneath Our Streets
The land you call home has a facinating past
Compiled by Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010
Long before the gates, the golf courses, and the country club, the rolling hills of Blackhawk were part of Rancho San Ramon—a vast Mexican land grant stretching across thousands of acres of the Diablo foothills. Granted in 1833, the rancho was once roamed by cattle and vaqueros on horseback, with Mount Diablo watching over all of it, just as it does today.
As California became a state in 1850, the great ranchos gave way to pioneer farming families who planted orchards and grain fields across what is now Danville. A quieter, simpler time — and a far cry from what was coming next.
In 1981, developer Ken Behring transformed this ranchland into the planned community we now call home, building two championship golf courses and a country club that made Blackhawk one of Northern California’s most sought-after addresses. And just down the road, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum opened in 1988, housing one of the most extraordinary collections of rare automobiles ever assembled—Bugattis,
Duesenbergs, and Ferraris once owned by kings and movie stars, right here in Danville.
From rancho to race cars to your backyard—not bad for a stretch of California hillside.
Visit the Museum of the San Ramon Valley or the Blackhawk Museum to dig deeper into our community’s remarkable past.
Blackhawk Women’s Golf Association (BWGA)
By Lynn Prakash
BWGA CLASSIC – Low Scores in the Highlands June 24-26
A HUGE thank you goes out to Anne Kuelz and her tournament committee for putting on an epic three-day golf tournament, with great decorations, a visit from 2 Highland Coos, (cows) and a bagpiper playing in the morning.
We did Scotland proud! As they say, “No Scotland, No Party”. Well, this was a party from beginning to end. Starting Wednesday afternoon with a 9-hole scotch alternate shot golf tournament, followed by drinks, dinner and fabulous Scottish singing entertainment by the Tartan Tarts and Old Farts, led by Stephanie Newby and her cast of tarts, Kim Davis, Denise Benger, Anne Kuelz, Louise Kershaw, Patricia Painton and Jen Zink.
The next two days we set out to conquer the highlands, and were treated to some definite Scotland weather with fog, a little drizzle and wind. Some great scores were posted, and winners were celebrated.
Winning Overall Low Gross was the team of Hailey Joo and Linda Madawura, with their guests, Julie Bai and Amanda Theis, posting 119 Gross Stableford Points – Impressive Ladies!!
Overall Low Net Classic 2026 winners
Grabbing the Overall Low Net Title was the team of Lisa Cook and Kristen Henry with their guests Laurie Zuvella and Katie Kenly – 175 Points
Tournament Flight Winners
Carnoustie Flight
Low Gross – Joan Scott, Bridget Bisnette, Karen Dougherty & Laura Capilla – 112 Points
1st Low Net – Nancy Levin, Colleen Pastore, Dawn Barazza & Sandra Winterbottom – 162 Points
2nd Low Net – Lisa Winsten, Lisa Ferrante, Kari Kantor & Susan Tarantino – 161 Points
3rd Low Net – Caroline Culin, Stephanie Lee, Debbie Budd & Jill Beeman – 161 Points
4th Low Net – Stephanie Newby, Louise Kershaw, Tracy Zhou & Bonnie Waters – 161 Points
St. Andrews Flight
Low Gross – Lynn Prakash, Andrea Petralia, Kathleen Wood & Cheryl Claeys – 78 Points
1st Low Net – Lynne Egan, Helene Holman, Lisa Pasquale & Jackie Davos – 167 Points
2nd Low Net – Kobi Enochian, Betsy Sevillano, Lucia Lawrence & Karen Burkhart – 160 Points
3rd Low Net – Denise Mallozzi, Amy Stanberry, Terri Lawson & Caroline Reid – 159 Points
4th Low Net – Nicole Barger, Jeanine Benedetti, Sue McDonald & Lisa Im Trautner – 157 Points
Kingsbarns Flight
Low Gross – Anne Kuelz, Jessica Kuelz, Shirley Lowes & Vicki Hess – 70 Points
1st Low Net – Irma Tidwell, Janie Westcott, Kathy Giroux & Kathleen Nagle – 170 Points
2nd Low Net – Ruby Caffrey, Rose Wong, Pam Hightow & Mary Mizono – 168 Points
3rd Low Net – Kim Roth, Kalli Crawford, Karyn Giannini & Allyson Berry – 163 Points
4th Low Net – Sue Takaichi, Fan To, Rene Hirshberg & Paula Bellas – 161 Points
Royal Dornoch Flight
Low Gross – Keri O’Reilly, Wendy McBay, Channing Azzolino & Patty Lin – 55 Points
1st Low Net – Pam Jacoby, Amy Hopkins, Margaret Jones & Sandy Mazza – 160 Points
2nd Low Net – Wendy Echsner, Gisela Coddington, Tiffiny Crossley & Ximena Olave – 159 Points
3rd Low Net – Leslie Sprague, Susan Jones, Shelley Foster & Leslie Selbach – 158 Points
4th Low Net – Cheryl Hanson, Leila Rajagopalan, Sandra Ingwers & Kathy Readler – 158 Points
Tartan Tarts and Old Farts 2026 Classic
Overall Low Gross Classic Winners 2026
East Coast DiscoveringElegance: Atunyote at Turning Stone
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012
The journey to one of the country’s most exclusive public golf experiences begins with a deliberate sense of arrival. As you pass through the magnificent, towering wrought-iron gates of Atunyote Golf Club and meander along a two-mile ribbon of road through dense, rolling woodlands, the noise of the modern world fades entirely. When the expansive, stately wood-sided clubhouse finally emerges from the trees, you quickly realize this is not just another round of golf—it is a masterclass in luxury.
Nestled in Verona, New York, and meticulously operated by the Oneida Indian Nation, Turning Stone Resort Casino has quietly established itself as the ultimate premier vacation destination in the Northeast. While the resort features a worldclass casino, twenty exceptional dining venues, and serene luxury spas, it is the caliber of the golf that commands national attention. Turning Stone holds the rare distinction of being the only resort in the Northeast to boast two courses in Golf Digest’s coveted “Top 100 Greatest Public Courses” rankings.
For the discerning player, the resort’s crown jewel is undeniably Atunyote. Named after the Oneida word for eagle—whose real-life counterparts can regularly be seen soaring above the fairways—this magnificent track was built to the uncompromising standards of the PGA Tour, famously hosting elite professionals from 2007 to 2010.
A Fazio Masterpiece Sculpted from Nature
Ranked as the #3 public course in New York State, Atunyote is a visual triumph designed by the legendary Tom Fazio. Fazio is renowned for his ability to dramatically reshape the earth while making the result look completely organic, and Atunyote is perhaps his finest canvas.
Fazio moved massive volumes of soil to sculpt a terrain defined by pristine, manicured fairways framed by native fescue grasses, vibrant wetlands, and over a thousand beautifully mature trees. Cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes guard the greens, demanding precise shotmaking while offering breathtaking views from every tee box. The course is long, challenging, and immaculate, yet it remains incredibly fair and playable for golfers of all skill levels.
World-Class Preparation, Year-Round
The commitment to excellence extends far beyond the 18th green. Turning Stone caters to the dedicated golfer with an extraordinary seven-story indoor Golf Dome. Stretching over a football field in length, this massive facility houses 40 hitting stations, cutting-edge simulators, a sprawling 17,000-squarefoot short-game practice area, and a premium 5,000-square-foot
Pristine Manicuring
Iconic Entrance Gate
Superstore equipped with the latest tour-level fitting technology. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself on the penal, shotmaker’s layout of sister course Kaluhyat (ranked #7 in the state), enjoy the classic parkland beauty of Shenendoah, or spend a quiet afternoon soaking in the panoramic vistas from Atunyote’s clubhouse patio, Turning Stone delivers an elite golf getaway. It stands proudly as one of the most elegant, plush, and unforgettable golf experiences in the country.
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.
Vibrant Flowers
The 43rd SRVEF Run for Education
By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Iron Horse Middle School
12601 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon
Come for The Run and Stay for the Fun: kids’ zone, exhibitor booths, and more! Don’t miss out on a cherished tradition, bringing the community together while funding essential programs across all 35 San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) schools.
Sign up for one or more:
NEW 1.5 Mile - start at the same time and place as the 5K, but enjoy a shorter route - perfect for groups with participants of varying fitness levels
5K walk/run
10K starting at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville Mini Run for ages 2-6 years old - participants receive our signature Mini Run cape and post-race treats Friendship Run for participants with special needs All participants receive a shirt and medal!
NEW THIS YEAR: School & Group COSTUME CONTEST! Awards will be given for Best School Spirit and Best Community Group. For contest rules, event information, and to register, visit: www.srvef.org/the-run
By the Sea... Create a Charming Felt Wall Hanging
By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018
Ifyou’re looking for a fun, relaxing project that you can complete in a day, this delightful felt wall hanging is a wonderful choice. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to stitch, and comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon of crafting.
The project featured here is the Seaside Felt Vista Kit from Pretty Fabrics and Trims. The kit includes everything you need, so there’s no need to gather supplies before you begin— just open the package and start stitching. It’s an excellent option for anyone who enjoys the convenience of having all the materials ready to go.
Pretty Fabrics and Trims also offers a variety of beautiful felt projects in the Felt Kits section of their website, with designs to suit different styles and skill levels. Their thoughtfully designed kits make it easy to
enjoy embroidery and felt crafting, whether you’re new to stitching or have years of experience.
One of my favorite offerings from Pretty Fabrics and Trims is the Secret Squirrel Stitch Society, a subscription club that delivers seasonal stitching projects each quarter. Although the club is currently on hiatus, I’m hoping it returns soon. I joined for a year and received several wonderful kits, and I’ll be sharing one of those projects in next month’s newsletter.
Until then, I hope you enjoy exploring these lovely designs and find inspiration for your next creative project.
Have a wonderful August, enjoy those warm summer evenings, and as always…
Michelle
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Heads Up, Riders: New E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules Coming to Danville Parks
Compiled by Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010
If your family uses e-bikes or motorized scooters to get around the community, there is an important update you will want to know about before August.
The Danville Town Council has adopted a new ordinance requiring riders of electric bicycles and motorized scooters to dismount and walk their devices while inside all Town parks. The new rule takes effect August 6, 2026. Riders are still welcome to bring their e-bikes into parks — they simply may not be ridden within park boundaries. The ordinance is designed to help Danville’s parks remain safe and comfortable spaces for people of all ages to walk, play, gather and enjoy recreation. As e-bikes have grown increasingly popular throughout the community, the Town wants to make sure all riders understand how the new rules will affect their park use before it goes into effect.
Over the coming weeks the Town will launch a community education campaign that includes new signage at Town parks and
outreach through local communication channels. The Town is also working directly with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District and local schools to make sure students and families are informed before the new school year begins.
Please take a moment to share this information with family members who ride e-bikes — especially kids heading back to school this fall.
For more information and frequently asked questions visit danville. ca.gov/NotMyKid
PContinuum Estate: A Mondavi Legacy Reimagined on Pritchard Hill
By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since1990, Photo by MJ McColgan
erched high above Napa Valley on the storied slopes of Pritchard Hill, Continuum Estate stands as a testament to the Mondavi family’s enduring pursuit of excellence. The hill itself carries a rich history—named for Charles Pritchard, a New York native who settled the rugged terrain in the 1860s and became one of the region’s earliest non-native pioneers.
Today, this elevated landscape is home to one of Napa’s most revered winegrowing sites. Founded in 2005 by Tim and Marcia Mondavi, Continuum represents the next chapter of a winemaking lineage that spans more than a century and four generations. Their vision is clear: to craft wines that honor their heritage while expressing the singular character of this extraordinary vineyard.
From the moment you arrive, the estate feels almost celestial. Sweeping vistas stretch across Napa Valley, with the distant shimmer of the San Francisco Bay completing the panorama. The vineyard’s steep slopes, volcanic soils, and meticulous farming practices form the foundation of Continuum’s distinctive style. Hand-harvested fruit and gravity-flow winemaking further preserve the purity and elegance of each varietal—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
The tasting began with the 2023 Sentium, a vibrant blend of 99% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Semillon. Crisp, refreshing, and beautifully textured, it set an elegant tone for what followed. Next came the 2023 Novicium, a youthful yet refined expression composed of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. Its balance and depth hinted at the promise of future greatness.
The pinnacle of the experience was the 2023 Continuum, crafted in celebration of Tim Mondavi’s 50th vintage. This masterful blend—46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot—captured the essence of Pritchard Hill with remarkable grace and complexity. Each wine was paired with thoughtful accompaniments: Toma cheddar, Midnight Moon goat’s milk cheese, Marcona almonds, Castelvetrano olives, and a fresh French baguette from Model Bakery.
Among the lineup, the 2023 50th Anniversary Continuum and the 2023 Sentium stood out as personal favorites. We brought a bottle of each back to Danville, eager to share them with fellow wine enthusiasts.
Our host, Lyndsey, welcomed us with warmth and deep expertise. After a thoughtful tour of the property, we settled into the newly constructed Estate House, a serene, light-filled space overlooking immaculate vineyard rows. It was the perfect setting to experience the wines that define Continuum’s identity.
Continuum Estate is more than a winery—it is the embodiment of a family’s legacy, passion, and unwavering commitment to world-class winemaking. For anyone exploring Napa Valley, it is unquestionably a must-visit destination and a profound reminder of what can be achieved when heritage and terroir converge.
To learn more or schedule a visit, explore: https://www.continuumestate.com/contact/
Daikon Vegetable Sandwich
By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983
Serves 4-5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
• 1 loaf sprouted sourdough French bread
• 5 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 avocados, seeded, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ½ cup shredded daikon
• 1 tablespoon of pine nuts
• 1 cup of alfalfa sprouts or shredded lettuce
Cut the French bread lengthwise into halves. Remove about 1/2 inch of bread from inside (of each half), leaving a rim around the outside. Drizzle the inside with oil and Dijon mustard. Bake bread in the oven for 4 minutes and remove.
Make a layer of avocado, tomatoes, onion, carrot, daikon, and pine nuts and decorate with alfalfa. Place the top half of the bread in position, and cut widthwise into small sandwiches.
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.
Travel Hacks: Part One
By Chuck & Kathie Neuenschwander, Your Savvy Blackhawk Travelers, Photos by Chuck & Kathie Neuenschwander
Whentraveling for pleasure, the last thing you want is to spend time solving problems. Aside from suggestions like “make a list,” in three installments we will explore ideas to make travel easier. First, ideas that can help with trips of all types, however long. Mix up credit cards. Don’t rely on two cards with the same number –especially when in locations where replacements are difficult – because if one is stolen, the other is dead to you. We each carry two cards, no two of which have the same number.
Documents can be heavy, and they take up room. PDF everything: driver’s licenses; reservation confirmations; travel company docs; medical insurance cards; travel insurance policies; backup copies of passports and visas; and in case of an emergency, prescriptions, including vision. These should be readily available, like on your mobile phone or tablet. Ask your travel agent to list everything that requires a hard copy.
Travel insurance. A benefit of buying through the tour company for the trip is many have a flat rate; they don’t price by age, which becomes more noticeable every successive year.
If you choose to find your own insurance (including medical or evacuation), think about credit cards. We pay $1,100 a year for American Express Titanium cards. On two recent trips, we used the free, automatically included travel insurance and cut the amount remaining
by half—saving more than $6,000 (we’re old and the trips were long).
If there are a lot of flights, certain credit cards can grant access to multiple airline clubs, many of them private and unaffiliated with a single airline. Our AmEx cards list more than 1,500 clubs worldwide, leading us to drop American’s Admirals Club, another way to pay for the card. It seems to work well.
Finally, we all know we should stay hydrated on planes. That should include saline nasal sprays. Sure feels good.
A NEW SEASON, A FRESH LOOK
By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry San Francisco | Napa | Walnut Creek, Family owned and
There’s something about August that invites a fresh start. The pace of summer begins to slow, vacations become cherished memories, and our calendars gradually fill with the routines and celebrations that carry us into fall. It’s a season of transition, making it the perfect time to take a fresh look at something many of us wear every day, our jewelry.
When was the last time you opened your jewelry box and truly looked through it?
Over the years, we’ve found that nearly everyone has pieces they wear almost daily, alongside beautiful treasures that have quietly waited for their next moment. An anniversary gift, a pair of earrings purchased on a special trip, a family heirloom passed down through generations. These pieces often hold far more than gemstones or precious metals. They hold stories.
As you begin reaching for sweaters instead of sundresses and prepare for the busy months ahead, consider giving your jewelry collection the same attention you give your closet. You may discover that a favorite necklace layers beautifully with another you’ve forgotten about. A classic pair of diamond studs may feel entirely new when paired with a chunky gold bracelet or a colorful gemstone ring. Today’s style is wonderfully personal, and there are no strict rules. The best jewelry is the jewelry that feels like you.
August is also an ideal time to care for the pieces you love most. After months of sunscreen, pool days, gardening, travel, and outdoor gatherings, even the most beautiful diamonds can lose a bit of their sparkle beneath everyday residue. It’s also a good time to make sure prongs, clasps, and settings are secure before the busy fall and holiday season. A little preventative care now can help protect the pieces you treasure for years to come.
At Padis, we’re always happy to help bring your jewelry back to life. Whether your favorite ring needs a professional cleaning, a bracelet
operated for over 50 years
needs a new clasp, a treasured heirloom needs repair, or it’s simply time for a routine inspection, our team is here to help you keep your jewelry looking beautiful and wearing safely for generations to come.
Sometimes, a fresh look means rediscovering something you already own. Other times, it means reimagining a piece that’s no longer your style. We’ve had the privilege of helping families transform inherited jewelry into designs that honor the past while becoming part of someone’s everyday life. There’s something incredibly meaningful about preserving a family’s history in a way that reflects the next generation.
Perhaps the best advice we can offer is this: wear your jewelry.
Don’t wait for the perfect dinner, the holiday party, or a milestone celebration. Wear the bracelet your children gave you. Put on the necklace that reminds you of your wedding day. Enjoy the ring that always makes you smile. The moments that become our favorites are rarely the ones we plan. They’re the quiet dinners at home, afternoons with friends, walks through the neighborhood, and family gatherings around the table.
Jewelry becomes more meaningful with every memory we create while wearing it.
Whether you’re wanting to rework what you currently wear, shopping for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion or simply treating yourself to something beautiful, our team at Padis is always happy to provide complimentary jewelry styling consultations. We’ll help you layer necklaces, stack rings, mix metals, or rediscover pieces that have been tucked away in your jewelry box. Sometimes a fresh look doesn’t require something new, just a new way to wear what you already love!
