Danville Living CA August 2021

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

Danville LIVING CA

Meet Rhonda, Makena, and Jett: Family First Photo by Kim Lind Photography

AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021

Table of Contents Letter to Residents

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Expert Contributors List

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Meet Rhonda, Makena, and Jett: Family First

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ARF Adoption Stars

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Real Estate Statistics

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Calendar of Events

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Lights, Camera, Action! for I Can Do That Performing Arts Center

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“Because we’re here for you!”

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Cub Scouts Pack 800

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Stars and Stripes at the Danville Car Cruise

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Rising Youth Soccer Player Takes on Challenges for Charity

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Tee it Up - Mother/Daughter Day at Cabo del Sol

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Danville Library Invites the Public Back Inside for Full Service!

Danville Public Library

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How Do You Find the Best Way to Honor a Loved One Who Was Cremated?

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Margarita Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Citrus Mayo Cooking Corner

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Fading Away: How nearly 10,000 people from Tiffany’s Dance Academy are just...gone.

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Natural Eyelid Surgery Results, Not What You Think

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Summer Travel Jewelry Care

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Resident Feature

Pet Corner

Expert Contributor Expert Contributor

Kid Corner

Community Events

Local Sports

Tee Time

Expert Contributor

Expert Contributor Expert Contributor Expert Contributor

DANVILLE LIVING CA 3

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AUGUST 2021

Hey Neighbors!

Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

We’re in the dog days of Summer now! Hopefully your AC is pumping, the pool is refreshing, and your drinks of choice are all ice cold!

Around town the kids are buzzing with the excitement of back to school (or is that the parents??). We’ve got a Labor Day Parade to look forward to!! Restaurants are able to keep their outdoor dining spots for a little while longer. The whole town feels alive and it’s awesome.

This month we are featuring Rhonda DeMoss and her kids on the cover. This fun family came to Danville for all the same reasons we’re all here - family, safety, and a tremendous sense of community. I can’t wait for you to meet this awesome mom!

If you have a story to share or know a neighbor that you would love to see on our cover, please send me an email at asullivan@bestversionmedia.com. We welcome all families, couples, or individuals - the only requirement is that our feature family live on the west side. So send your neighbors and friends my way! I can’t wait to meet them!

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: asullivan@ 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.

Alexandra Sullivan Content Coordinator

We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at asullivan@bestversionmedia.com

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

DANVILLE LIVING CA 5

Expert Contributors

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

Banking Community Bank of the Bay Team Danville 925-838-2902 info@bankcbb.com www.bankcbb.com

Established in 1996, Community Bank of the Bay (CBB) is an independent, community-focused bank. Our mission is to foster and promote economic development in the communities we serve. We take the time to listen, understand, and develop customized financial solutions to support the needs of businesses. CBB is a FDIC member, SBA Preferred Lender, and a CDARS depository institution. We are California’s first FDIC-insured certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Chiropractic Sycamore Valley Chiropractic (925) 837-5595 info@sycamorevalleychiropractic.com www.sycamorevalleychiropractic.com

Serving the Danville community since 1984, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is here to provide you with the highest quality in natural health care. In our comfortable, welcoming environment, you’ll feel right at home. Whether you’re looking to restore your body after an injury has left you sidelined, or want to feel as good as possible, Sycamore Valley Chiropractic is the perfect place to begin your journey to wellness.

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.

Dance Lessons Tiffany’s Dance Academy and Twinkle Star Dance Paul and Tiffany Henderson (925) 447-5299 paul@tiffanydance.com or tiffany@tiffanydance.com www.tiffanydance.com

Paul and Tiffany Henderson own 6 successful Tiffany’s Dance Academy locations in the Bay Area and there are over 300 subscribers to their Twinkle Star Dance pre-school and middle-school curriculum worldwide. Since 2000, they’ve consulted with dance studio owners all over the world. Students who have attended Tiffany’s Dance Academy are routinely accepted to major dance companies and colleges all over the country and Canada.

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

End of Life Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park Bob Gordon (650) 550-8808 info@cypresslawn.com https://www.cypresslawn.com

Robert Gordon Jr. began his career at his grandfather’s cemetery and funeral home as a teenager — he worked in every position, eventually rising to the level of Vice President. He went on to hold director positions at both the El Camino Group and Service Corporation International. Bob is now the President and CEO of the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association. He is a licensed funeral director and cemetery broker.

Home Maintenance AAA San Ramon 925-314-2600 www.aaa.com/housemanager

AAA House manager is your partner in home maintenance. Trusted and reliable House Managers tackle your to-do list and help you create a plan to get ahead of future maintenance needs, all to keep you home running smoothly. Whether you have a leaky faucet, smart home tech to install, or need your gutters cleaned, AAA House Manager works for your home so your home can work for you.

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Expert Contributors HVAC & IAQ Evergreen IAQ JC Garcia 925-444-5069 jc@evergreenIAQ.com https://evergreeniaq.com

We are a family owned, residential AC and heating company specializing in indoor air quality and high efficiency system maintenance. I truly believe that every household should be able to control their comfort level while keeping their energy costs to a minimum AND ensure clean, fresh air to breathe inside their own homes. It IS your castle after all.I am committed to reinventing the industry and showing the world a new way to do business and get things done... The Evergreen Way.

Insurance William W. White Insurance Agency Bill & Teresa White (925) 820-7500 billwhite@allstate.com www.williamwhiteinsurance.com

With our clients, “it’s personal”. Our 42 years of experience and market based initiatives have resulted in customers who know we take their insurance needs seriously. Our goal is simply “complete customer satisfaction”. At the William W. White Insurance Agency we are here to serve you and your families through all times, especially the trying ones. Give us a call and let us see how we can help you.

Interior Design Casey Howard Interior Design Casey Howard 925-725-4223 info@caseyhowardid.com www.caseyhowardID.com

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

Casey Howard Interior Design is a full-service boutique interior design studio specializing in residential and hospitality.

Work with us on new construction, large and small scale renovations, and full-scope furnishings projects. CHID’s edgy classic aesthetic is grounded in functionality layered with the unexpected and provocative. Based in the heart of Danville, California, CHID works throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, Marin County, Silicon Valley, and beyond.

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.

Real Estate Janice Jordan Broker/Associate at Compass 925-580-7482 janice.jordan@compass.com

Janice Jordan comes from three generations of real estate experts. Her passion and perseverance, combined with 30 years of experience and being a Danville resident for over 20 years, is her key to creating an extraordinary client experience, always exceeding expectations, and the reason clients call on her every time they are buying or selling a home.

She is an upstanding member of the community and spends her time volunteering and supporting local events. In her spare time, Janice enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and spending time with her daughter Jenna, her horse, Wilder, and Australian Shepherd, Buster.

Remodeling America’s Dream Homeworks Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com

Our company offers one-stop shopping for your complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. We handle the design, materials and installation in house, so you only deal with one, full-service company. Find all the styles, fixtures and products for your renovation project in our 20,000 sq. ft. kitchen and bathroom showroom.

Roofing HRC Roofing and Solar Inc Cris Hernandez 855-827-8957 cris@hrcroofingandsolar.com www.hrcroofingandsolar.com

Cris Hernandez started his career in his late teens. After gaining enough experience and aspiring to grow professionally, he started his own company. HRC Roofing and Solar Inc. has over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial installations and repairs of all roofing types, gutters and solar. Quality workmanship is HRC’s guaranteed for all your roofing and solar needs. CSLB Lic: 918651

Wealth Management Jim Carbonell Matt Forrey The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/

Local Danville residents, Jim and Matt have worked with families in the Bay Area for the past two decades. The Carbonell Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.

DANVILLE LIVING CA 7

Resident Feature

In 1997, Rhonda and her eldest son, James, went on to live in Tiburon and later Petaluma where Rhonda got married to Makena and Jett’s father. After James graduated high school and began his career as a firefighter, everyone else moved to Discovery Bay. Unfortunately the marriage wasn’t meant to last, but both parties co-parent so well that they all moved to Danville where they could live near each other and have Makena and Jett’s paternal grandparents nearby in Alamo.

Meet Rhonda, Makena, and Jett: Family First

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

L

iving in Danville for the last 10 years has been a wonderful experience for Rhonda DeMoss, Makena Nelson (18) and Jett Nelson (16). Rhonda is a single mom and works from home, specializing in business development and enterprise sales in the Bay Area and west coast. She is also a professional photographer.

Growing up with a father who was in the Navy, brought Rhonda’s family all across the United States. In fact, Rhonda and each of her three siblings were all born in different states (CA, WY, ID, HI)! They landed in Antioch in the 70’s, where Rhonda went on to graduate high school and then attend business school.

It was in 2000, with her young kids at home that Rhonda picked up photography. “I was a stay at home mom with the kids and this allowed me to work a flexible schedule, have a creative outlet and take care of the kids,” says Rhonda.

She’s done a little bit of everything, first starting with family portraits, then moving into weddings, corporate events, commercial work, and even destination events. Her passion for photography passed on to all of her kids and it’s something that she loves to do even now, outside of her 9-5 sales job.

James DeMoss is a firefighter with Marin County Fire. He lives with his wonderful wife Stacey and their amazing son Cooper (7 months old). They both have solid careers in fields that help people; Stacey is a Radiology Technologist with Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Danville/Dublin and James is a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator.

Makena graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 2020, is working in town, and attending DVC. She is planning to transfer to a four year university in the pursuit of a degree in Psychology. Her goal is to continue working with children and be able to use her artistic abilities and creativity in her everyday life.

Jett, who is set to graduate high school in 2023, is also working in town, and taking guitar lessons at Danville Music. Jett is most interested in technology (IG: jettnel), skateboarding and dirt bikes. Rhonda says, “He is my IT guy when I have issues with my computer!” Everyone enjoys being outside, traveling, and the kids love hanging out with their friends. Rhonda and the kids like to say, “Work before play, then play hard.”

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AUGUST 2021

With Danville being centrally located in the Bay Area, this allows Rhonda and the kids to also be close to immediate family with a short drive. Rhonda’s parents live in a retirement community in Brentwood and James and his family live in Oakley. Family is very important to all of them and they have fun getting together with family from all over California. The main gathering usually happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas… making a new holiday known to them as “Thankmas.”

Like many people, they had a variety of struggles with the pandemic in 2020, but the bright side for them was Rhonda’s grandson Cooper’s early arrival (5 weeks premature, and “the happiest and cutest baby in the world”), Makena’s virtual graduation, and purchase of their new home. All these things during a pandemic was a real challenge, and they worked it all out and persevered. In 2021, with school just getting back to in-person learning, things are looking good for Jett for his Junior year.

The family is looking forward to traveling again with everything finally opening back up…first stop, the ever so popular Hawaii or SoCal/Disneyland. Everyone loves Disneyland, they’re a big “ride” family! In 2018-19, Rhonda took some fun trips to Spain, France, London, and Mexico. London stood out as a favorite destination for her: she loved exploring recommendations from friends, and although her dream tea with the Queen never panned out, she would love to go back. 2020 was the year of no travel, unless you count Safeway or a walk down the trail. They are planning some international travel with Makena and Jett sometime soon.

Now living on the west side of town, Rhonda just loves the vibe of the whole area. The neighborhood they live in is so peaceful, just like Tahoe with all the Redwood trees. The location is perfect for a nice walk to downtown for a meal

or to shop. The Iron Horse trail is conveniently located for easy access. Their two rescue dogs Russell, a 5-year-old Shepard/Husky, and Sunny, a 7-year-old Chiweinie, also enjoy the area and all the walks they get to go on. These two love their human family members with their whole hearts.

Living in Danville has provided Rhonda and her family with the central location, safety and security, and all the fun, outdoor activities they could want! They’ve loved going through the SRVUSD school system and look forward to spending even more time in this top-notch town!

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 asullivan@bestversionmedia.com.

Home maintenance and renovations from AAA With an in-depth home health evaluation, seasonal maintenance visits, and access to repair and renovation services, AAA House Manager is your partner for making your home safer, healthier, and more comfortable.

AAA.com/HouseManager | Use code DANVILLE to receive 20% off an annual AAA House Manager Membership © 2021 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. All rights reserved. AAA House Manager is a service provided by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

DANVILLE LIVING CA 9

Pet Corner

Huntington

ARF Adoption Stars Submitted by ARF

Dhalia

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.

Three-year-old Huntington is an active boy that loves exploring the world around him. He enjoys spending time outside running around, soaking up some Vitamin D and creating his own fun. Huntington would be happy to help any willing family get outside more to enjoy the sunshine. Huntington has a positive history with other dogs and currently weighs 58 pounds.

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.

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.

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Three-year-old Dhalia is a sweet and patient girl. She just finished doing a wonderful job raising six kittens. She loves to being brushed, petted and being around people, but is also very independent. Dhalia would be a wonderful and loving family cat.

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.

AUGUST 2021

Real Estate Listings in West Danville

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Gatti Real Estate Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 7/10/21

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

El Dorado Ave. Elworthy Ranch Dr

$599,000 $1,262,888

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

357 Cordell Dr Bradford Pl

$2,195,000 $2,200,000

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Ilo Ln Podva Rd W El Pintado Hartley Dr Ashley Cir Garden Creek Pl Ocho Rios Dr

$569,000 $648,900 $685,000 $699,888 $749,000 $845,000 $1,450,000

El Dorado Ave Briar Pl Highland Dr Del Amigo Rd La Gonda Way Glen Alpine Alexander Ln

$1,475,000 $1,549,950 $1,875,000 $2,049,000 $2,395,000 $2,565,000 $2,575,000

924 1804

2 3

1012 1094 1242 1283 1283 1357 2760

2 2 2 2 2 3 4

2 2

1 1 2 2 2 2 2

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths W Prospect Avenue $549,999 Rubicon Cir $700,000 Westfield Cir $900,000 Elworthy Ranch Cir. $1,249,888 Elworthy Ranch Dr $1,288,888 William Ct $1,498,000

$550,000 $680,000 $1,050,000 $1,200,000 $1,360,000 $1,650,000

640 1287 1788 1752 1752 1758

1 2 3 3 3 3

1 2 2 2 2 2

2666 2032

1706 2924 1660 2275 3422 4123 3554

4 4

3 4 3 4 5 5 5

3 2

2 3 2 2 5 4 3

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Mira Loma Lane Montego Pl Sorrento Ct Ocho Rios Dr Camino Amigo Camino Amigo

$1,599,000 $1,795,000 $1,795,000 $1,949,000 $2,100,000 $2,250,000

$2,050,000 $2,050,000 $2,200,000 $2,220,000 $2,250,000 $2,250,000

1924 2088 2002 2610 2165 2443

4 4 3 4 3 4

2 3 2 3 2 3

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.

Recent Activity in Your Community!

As Danville Natives, We Know Danville and the San Ramon Valley Sold $200K Over Asking

Sold!

Rep Buyer

New to Market

357 Cordell Drive, Westside Danville

413 Verona Ave, Danville

101 Via Serena, Alamo

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,666 Sq Ft | $2,195,000 Westside Danville location on one of the most soughtafter streets. Located on a flat 1/2 acre, the future home possibilities are endless. A short distance from the Iron Horse Trail, and award-winning schools.

3 Beds | 1 Baths | 997 Sq Ft | $1,508,000 Negotiated the winning offer for our buyer in a competitive 5+ offer situation. A fantastic opportunity in Westside Danville. A block from the Iron Horse Trail, SRV High School, and downtown Danville. We can’t wait to see what our buyer does with this property!

4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,183 Sq Ft | $2,400,000 Single story home in one of Westside Alamo’s most coveted neighborhoods. The ample backyard features a pool, art studio, an extra office studio, and built-in barbeque area.

Moments from the Iron Horse Trail.

Call us regarding how our Compass Concierge and Bridge Loan programs can help you!

Joe Gatti Broker Associate 925.588.3590 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 01914487

Ron Gatti Broker Associate 925.596.1972 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 00623995

gattirealestate.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

DANVILLE LIVING CA 11

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

up their restaurant to support our local non-profit community.

Tips for change is a fun and unique way for local local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local nonprofits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization.

This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public.

Reservations required.

Save the Date Mon., May 31 - Mon., Sep. 6 Shrumen Lumen @Danville Library and The Village Theatre The Town of Danville is pleased to present its newest temporary Public Art Installation: Shrumen Lumen. On display in downtown Danville from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2021. The sculptures were conceived and created by a Bay Area group of engineers and artists: The FoldHaus Artist Collective. By day, the 12 x 14 ft mushrooms are an ethereal white, at night they come alive, as the mushroom caps open and close and a rainbow of LED lights cycle through from top to bottom back to the top again in a stunning display of art and engineering, creating a surprising and delightful experience.

Sat., Jun. 19 - Sun., Aug. 22 Totally Trains Running Through the Depot

@Museum of the San Ramon Valley Model trains will return for the summer. Whether young or old, you will love spending a summer afternoon watching the trains run around the tracks.

2021 Family Train Passes are available for purchase for $15. The pass entitles families to visit the museum every day during trains. https://museumsrv.org for more information.

Sat., Aug. 7 Music in the Park The Sun Kings

@Oak Hill Park Music in the Park is in the park again! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, hats, and snacks and join us for an evening of music and dancing.

Cost: Free Time: 6pm

Fri., Aug. 13 Preschool in the Park

@Town Green Located on the Town Green on 420 Front Street. Bring your lawn chair and your door dash order and enjoy the great outdoors with some family entertainment.

Cost: $5-$15 Time: 10am

Sat., Aug. 14 Back to School Under the Stars

@Museum of the San Ramon Valley - ZOOM Join us for the last virtual Back to School Under the Stars!

This year the museum will be hosting its (hopefully) final virtual gala with plans already in place to be back at the One Room School House in 2022.

You will have some fun as well as help to raise some muchneeded funds for the museum.

The event will be hosted this year by Dan Ashley, ABC Channel 7 news anchor. The gala will be virtual this year

available over Zoom. Online auction opens up on August 9.

Cost: Free Time: 6-7pm

Every Saturday Farmers’ Market

@Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot-Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants and fresh breads. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot.

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

Saturdays in August Family Chalk Art Downtown Walnut Creek

@Various Locations Downtown Join us Saturday mornings in August for FAMILY CHALK DAYS. Bring your creativity and positive messages! Help CREATE ART that can be enjoyed all month long.

Cost: Free Time: 10-11:30 am Visit: walnutcreekdowntown. com/family-chalkart for locations

Every Monday Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events

Sat., Sep. 4 Kiwanis-Danville 4th of September Parade

@Historic Downtown Danville Always a popular summer event, the Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade was canceled for 2021.

An event of this magnitude, which routinely draws around 40,000 spectators from around the Bay Area, requires months of planning and logistics including multijurisdictional police support, fire and emergency medical services, road closures and traffic management, as well as additional garbage receptacles, street sweepers, signage, and portable restrooms. In addition, the event organizers need to secure sponsors and enlist parade entries. A determination was made in early May that there wasn’t enough time to safely plan a large-scale event for July 4th this year.

However, discussions between the Town and the Kiwanis Club continued, and the decision was made to hold a Labor Day Parade in Danville in September 2021. The late summer date for this parade allows more time for the additional planning required to stage such a large event and increases the opportunity for more families to get vaccinated.

Get your lawn chairs ready for the Labor Day Parade 2021!

Details forthcoming, so stay tuned...

Time: 9am-12pm

@Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens

12

AUGUST 2021

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Experience our community and meet our care staff today!

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 13

Arts & Culture

Lights, Camera, Action! for I Can Do That Performing Arts Center

By Shayna Ronen, Co-Founder/Theatrical Producer, I Can Do That Theatre

I

t has been an absolute dream come true to finally open our doors to the new I Can Do That! Performing Arts Center!! Fall is just around the corner and we will be offering programming for all ages! Be sure to subscribe to our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date information!

For our littlest performers ages 1-6, we are offering weekend and weekday classes. All classes will involve a developmentally appropriate curriculum that uses the arts and music to teach language and literacy, motor skills, and creative expression through guided play based activities! Classes for 1-3 year olds will be with a family member(s) and for 3 year olds and up, if they are potty trained, they can attend drop-off classes!

For our Homeschool families we are offering daytime acting classes, dance classes, vocal classes and even opportunities to be a part of a show that will perform at the end of the year! Visit our website to see if we are an approved vendor for your Charter School!

After school we offer classes and production opportunities for our 6-18 year olds students.

Whether they are interested in learning the basics of acting in our Acting 101 class, learning a dance from Wicked in our Broadway Dance Class, or want to join one of our Junior or Mainstage Productions, we’ve got you covered! We even have a drop off Kids Nights Out! We are so excited to announce that come Fall we will be offering adult classes including Improv, Acting, Ballroom, and Hip Hop classes. You can sign up for a full session of classes or feel free to try one class and see if it’s a fit for you.

Also, our cafe, front patio, and back courtyard are open to the public Monday through Friday. Come grab a latte and a pastry while you wait

Running back to learning!

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AUGUST 2021

for your kiddos or just on your own and support your local nonprofit!

My childhood best friend Jarusha and I founded I Can Do That! in 2016 and began offering programming in our small but mighty studio in Danville. Our student base quickly grew from 18 students in our first cast to 50 students per cast by year two. By the end of 2019 we were offering 4 productions a year with 50 kids per cast along with weekly classes, camps, and workshops. With the incredible interest and support from our community, we knew it was time to grow!

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In November 2019 we announced that we had signed a lease on a location at 194 Diablo Rd. in Danville and were to be raising funds and starting renovations as we built our dream Performing Arts Center. Then the pandemic hit. All of our programming immediately went onto Zoom and we continued offering all of our programming for ages 6-18 in my front and back yard here in Danville. The show must go on! During this past year we worked with our amazing team and are so thrilled that we could, despite the adversity, bring this Center to life!

A huge thank you to our community for your love and support! We are here to serve our community and to bring as much love, joy, music, laughter, and learning as we can to all!

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 15

Expert Contributor

“Because we’re here for you!”

Many

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Now Open

Saturdays & Sundays Reserved Tickets Required Available at blackhawkmuseum.org

World of Nature Now Open

By Margie Perry, SVP/Chief Experience Officer, Danville Branch

H

i, I’m Margie Perry, and I’m a banker with Community Bank of the Bay in Danville.

In this era of big banking, corporate and multinational banks often bear a more familiar name because their brands are more recognizable. Large multi-billion dollar banks frequently have financing operations that span the globe. As bankers, we are often asked, “What are the advantages of using a local community bank?” I always have a ready answer.

“Because we’re here for you.”

In our busy lives, finding support when we need help can feel like a luxury. But at a local community bank, the personal interaction is our business.

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I’ve been a banker in and around Danville for 35 years. I’ve been privy to many small business dreams and it’s been my privilege to contribute to bring them to life. But it’s not the financing options I can give people that makes my job one of the best. It’s the opportunity to be there for the businesses that make up our community. .

This pandemic allowed me to see, and reflect on, how important it is to be able to find help when help is needed. Our community came together during the difficult months of economic shut-down and helped each other as much as we could. We bought local goods and services and ordered take-out from restaurants in town.

As one of the first banks in our area to offer support for PPP loans, we were able to extend support for business owners who were suddenly without revenue. Our PPP lenders worked around the clock to help as many local businesses as possible. In fact, with Community Bank of the Bay’s help, 100% of eligible business and non-profit applicants received a PPP loan in 2020 and 2021.

Local banking benefits local communities because money deposited with the bank is used to finance loans and development within that same community. The more local businesses have access to capital, the greater the number of local jobs. Deposits at a local bank stay in the local economy, where you and I live and where our restaurants, stores, schools and gas stations are. Big banks, in contrast, live in the “financial economy.” Deposits at a big bank enter a large pool of funds that are circulated around the globe in milliseconds.

We are following all COVID-19 protocols.

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AUGUST 2021

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There are also benefits to working with a banker who takes the time to understand the uniqueness of your business, who knows and lives in the community in which you operate, and with whom you can grow a long-term relationship. If one of my clients has a lending or cash management need, they know they can call me up and I’ll solve their problem. I want them to know I’m here so that they can focus on running their business.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 17

Kid Corner

Cub Scouts Pack 800

By Shani Hall, Resident since 2020

C

ub Scouts Pack 800, based out of Alamo, made the most of the past year. Although they weren’t able to have as many group events as usual, they still enjoyed hiking, cleaning up, and participating in classic Cub Scout events like the Boat Regatta. All boys and girls, ages K-5 are welcome to join!

Boat Regatta Day

Pack 800 helps clean up on MLK Jr. Day

Cub Scout Graduation

Scouting for o F od Drive

18

AUGUST 2021

Community Events

Stars and Stripes at the Danville Car Cruise

By Ricky Helton, Resident since 2004

L

ast month I had the opportunity to capture something special. It was an event organically grown by our love for our community and our country. For the past year, a group of residents have been holding a car cruise once a month.

The month of July happened to work out perfectly - the first Sunday was also the 4th of July. Since the town’s annual parade has been rescheduled to Labor Day, our car cruise carried on downtown. Neighbors from Blackhawk, Danville, Alamo, Diablo and beyond joined in to celebrate our Independence Day.

SHARE YOUR STORIES Do you know any local student athletes, coaches or teams who deserve some recognition?

Tell us why! Visit our website to submit your articles and videos so we can feature the go-getters and MVPs in your neighborhood.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 19

Local Sports

Rising Youth Soccer Player Takes on Challenges for Charity

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

I

nspired by the hashtag #GiveHowYouCan, 11-year-old Kaylie Mar has combined her passion and athletic skills to support those in need. Kaylie started soccer at a young age and plays competitively on the 2010 Elite team for Mustang Soccer Club in Danville. When California’s stay-at-home order shut down all sports, her coach assigned 15 minutes of daily juggling homework. Little did he know that this would spark a journey of growth and philanthropy for one of his players.

As the pandemic continued and inspired by juggling for a cause, Kaylie noticed that she’d outgrown her practically new cleats. Seizing the opportunity, she collected over 30 pairs of footwear from family and friends in support of Soles4Souls, an organization that repurposes shoes for good use.

When Kaylie first started, she was driven by her goal to achieve a new personal juggling record. Her mentor, Louise Arseneault, Canadian pro beach soccer player, shared the Juggling for Jude Challenge on social media, and Kaylie was immediately drawn by the challenge to complete as many juggles as possible in one minute and donated from her own savings to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“Kaylie’s drive and willingness to learn is something I truly admire.

Guiding her has been such a joy and privilege,” says Arseneault.

When salons were shut down due to COVID-19, Kaylie’s hair was already long. After learning that human hair was needed to make wigs for kids with cancer, Kaylie convinced her sister to join her in growing out their hair over the next 12 months. They each donated more than 10 inches to Children With Hair Loss, a charity that provides wigs at no cost to youth facing hair loss due to medicallyrelated conditions. The only requirement for her first haircut in over a year was that it was long enough to put in a ponytail when she played soccer!

As Kaylie’s juggling skills developed, so did her rising personal record. She celebrated reaching 2,068 consecutive juggles with a second contribution to St. Jude. She’s currently training for another new record and will donate again to #JugglingForJude.

What’s next for Kaylie as sports resume? Running for conditioning and community. Kaylie ran her first 5K race in 2019, the Run for Education, in support of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation.

She surprised herself coming in first place in her age group and has

20

AUGUST 2021

been hooked on running ever since. Kaylie recently raised $280 for a run benefiting Girls Leading Girls, a local nonprofit focused on leadership and life skills through soccer. Kaylie is actively seeking her next 5K in support of a cause, and training to improve her one-mile pace time.

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“I’m always looking for new challenges that push me to grow as an athlete,” says Kaylie. “I hope to continue playing soccer in high school and college. One day, I’d like to have a career focused on training and educating athletes, especially girls. It combines my love for sports while lifting up and helping others.”

The Mar Family have been residents since 2001. Follow Kaylie’s journey on Instagram @kayliemmar.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 21

Tee Time

Tee it Up Mother/Daughter Day at Cabo del Sol

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008

P

ost-Pandemic travel, “revenge travel”, is real. People are flocking to places like Hawaii and Mexico. If you are one of them, you have no doubt seen some Danvillians during your travels. Our trip to Cabo, was a Girl’s Trip like no other. We were Mothers, Daughters, Aunts, Sisters, Cousins, and Granddaughters staying together for a week of bonding. The COVID Pandemic gave us time, a lot of time, that we needed to remember what is truly important. For me, it was realizing time is of the essence. Pre-Covid, we thought we could always plan a trip or visit our loved ones later, never thinking that things could change in an instant. As we now know, they can.

I spent one week with my mom (76), my aunts (80 & 60), my cousin (61), and my daughters (17 & 16) in a private house in Cabo San Lucas with a view of the Pacific Ocean. We spent hours laughing, celebrating all the birthdays we missed during 2020, sitting together

for 3 meals a day, prepared by our in-house chef, taking pictures, floating for hours in the pool, and celebrating us. We strengthened our bonds through shared experiences, stories of the past, and created many new memories. We were even treated to a 4-hour sunset cruise on a friend’s yacht. We felt blessed and grateful for each other and the entire experience. We toasted to Frances, whom was our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, for instilling in us that the bonds between us were important. She was a spicy one with a lot of razzle dazzle, so we shared all kinds of stories about her which made us both laugh and cry.

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AUGUST 2021

On the third day of our trip, my mom and I headed off to play the Cabo del Sol Desert Course. It was only one of three times we left the comforts of “our” Villa Desierto. Playing golf at a resort is always a fun experience.

Upon arrival to the Cabo del Sol Desert Course, we were greeted by staff that loaded our golf clubs into the cart. The Pro Shop is filled with magnificent logo and designer clothing, golf shoes and more. As you exit, you are welcome to take any snacks you think you may want while you’re on the course – Kind bars, bananas, apples, and more. You will definitely want to get to the course early so you can practice at the driving range. Not only are the views from the range amazing, but the set-up is awesome. There is a good distance between each hitting bay.

Each person has a directional marker, tees, table to put your water and set clubs against, chairs and umbrellas. Also, there is a huge bin with “complimentaries” such as: tees, markers, protein bars, Tums, matches, Advil, and a few other fun items. You take what you need for the day. There are Yeti coolers periodically on the golf cart path filled with bottled water, too. It just makes you smile!

The Desert Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, combines the desert with mountain and ocean views from every hole. The par 72 course

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plays at 7049 yards from the tournament tees. The elevations are dramatic. Even with the 7:30am tee time, it was hot by 8am. The front 9 seemed a bit easier than the back 9, but it may have been that we were so hot towards the end it was hard to concentrate. The views from each hole and the fun of the game kept us going through the 18th hole. As we drove from the 18th hole to the clubhouse, we were greeted with smiles, cold water bottles, and a wet iced towel smelling of eucalyptus. It was just as perfect as our whole day on the course! True to our Girl’s Trip plan, we bonded as mother and daughter over a fun game of golf in a gorgeous location.

Lessons Learned from the Pandemic – take those vacations, spend the time with your loved ones, celebrate the “circle of life” events that were missed, and find an activity to do with your parents and children together.

Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel - lynneharrosh@me.com

more local sports articles just like this on BVMSports.com

DANVILLE LIVING CA 23

Danville Public Library

Danville Library Invites the Public Back Inside for Full Service!

By Seng Lovan, Manager, Danville Public Library

T

he Danville Library, part of the Contra Costa County Library, is welcoming the public back inside for full library service as of June 15th! The library is excited to be able to offer more seating, study spaces, public computers and Wi-Fi, free printing and scanning services and access to all library collections. “Our libraries served our communities in so many ways during the pandemic, with a safe Front Door Service option, as COVID test sites, using 3D printers to create PPE, collecting donations, and with more than 70 staff members working in disaster service roles,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “ We are very proud of the work we provided but are more excited to have all 26 of our libraries open to the public very soon.” Library programs and story times remain virtual, but staff hope to bring in-person programs back very soon in the fall. Face coverings are optional if individuals can self-attest they are fully vaccinated, and of course are required for children ages 2-12 who are still not eligible for the vaccine. The only exceptions are if the library becomes a designated Contra Costa County Cooling Station during excessive heat warnings or if directed by local health officials. Check out a book or magazine and enjoy it outside under the beautiful trees of the Town Green or have a seat in the library and admire the view from indoors!

Until the library can host story times, family events and educational programs in person, please visit the Contra Costa County Library website for live virtual events, recorded talks and fun story times. There are programs for all ages including family events, children’s performers, author talks, museum/art presentations, health seminars, story times and so much more! Don’t forget all the free and informative online services available to all patrons with just your library card or ecard including downloadable audio and ebooks, online newspaper access, digital magazines, streaming films, Rosetta Stone language learning

24

materials, and genealogy research just to name a few. Please visit the Danville Library in person or online to see everything your library has to offer.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021, marks a very special milestone for the Danville Library. Happy 25th Birthday, Danville Library! There is no better way the library would like to celebrate than with the local community. Earn a magical wizarding prize by completing the library’s Happy Birthday, Harry Potter and Danville Library Trivia all week long and on August 4, the Danville Library will be celebrating with a very special giveaway! The first 100 young participants will receive a Birthday Bash Activity Bag (2 per family while supplies last)! Also, join us online on Instagram @danvillelibraryca for fun Storytime Snippets, songs and even more surprises.

Get ready for a fun and exciting birthday party both in person and online!

AUGUST 2021

Expert Contributor

How Do You Find the Best Way to Honor a Loved One Who Was Cremated?

By Robert A. Gordon Jr., President & CEO of Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Resident since 2017

W

hen it comes to choosing a final resting place for a loved one, some may feel their options become more limited if they choose cremation … but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Bay Area families who choose cremation have many different options available to them, and our care team is ready to help them find the best fit for their needs and budget.

When it comes to selecting an urn, why not choose an urn that symbolizes your loved one’s personality? Perhaps an urn featuring their favorite color or flower? Or maybe an urn with specific religious symbols? The options are endless.

Many families prefer having a specific place they will be able to return to for years to come — a space where their loved one can find eternal rest that they know will be well-maintained and protected for future generations. At Cypress Lawn, we offer the ability to bury an urn or place an urn in a glass-front niche, which is a weather-protected structure.

If your loved one was passionate about nature, you might consider an outdoor final resting place. Cypress Lawn has multiple cremation gardens, including The Garden of Light, which features a stunning mosaic depicting the Golden Gate.

Or maybe a cremation bench in your loved one’s honor seems like the best fit for your family. Cremation benches can be customized to add details about your loved one and can also hold multiple urns so families can rest in peace together.

Some families tell us that they would prefer to scatter their loved one’s cremated remains in a place that is memorable or special to them, perhaps by a lake or the ocean. Our care team is well versed in all of the local and state regulations you need to know about and will share these details with your family — making sure you don’t have to do any research about the logistics.

No matter what your family’s needs and wishes are, we stand ready to walk with you and guide you every step of the way.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 25 1/9/21 9:41 AM

Cooking Corner

Margarita Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Citrus Mayo

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

D

o you have a grill master in your family? That guy or gal who spends most of the summer either cooking on the grill or explaining grilling to everyone around them? I’m not that person, but I’m often asked by those friends, “What’s a new or exciting thing to try out on my grill?” You can never go wrong with margarita chicken. It’s light and fresh and a nice change from a heavy sticky BBQ sauce. Don’t have a grill? No problem! This chicken is perfect in the oven too. Just pop it under the broiler for the same cooking time and you will have the perfect sandwich to go with a tall frosty margarita.

Margarita Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Citrus Mayo Serves: 4 Time: 20 minutes, plus marinade time.

You will need For the marinade: • • • • • • • •

2 TBS Fresh lime juice 1/4 C. Tequila 1/4 C. Olive oil 1 Clove garlic, chopped 1 Small fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded, and minced Pinch of salt 1/4 C. Fresh cilantro, chopped 4 Boneless skinless chicken breast, pounded thin (or buy thin sliced at the store)

For the Chipotle Citrus Mayo: • • • • •

1 C. Mayo 3 TBS Orange juice 1TBS Canned chipotle peppers, minced Salt and pepper to taste Sandwich toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, cheese and a bun.

discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked (depending on how thick it is) Serve the chicken on a toasted bun and with lots of citrus mayo.

Putting it together

In a medium size bowl, mix the lime juice, tequila, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, salt, and cilantro. Place the chicken breast in the bowl and mix until everything is well coated. Cover and chill in the fridge for 1 hour. In a small bowl. Blend the mayo, orange juice and minced chipotle peppers together and set aside until needed. When the chicken is ready, remove it from the bowl and

Stephanie Seaberg has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumni.

Steph is a play-writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing.

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AUGUST 2021

Expert Contributor

Fading Away How nearly 10,000 people from Tiffany’s Dance Academy are just...gone.

By Paul Henderson, Tiffany’s Dance Academy

W

e learned a big life lesson. It started in the lobby of the Hyatt Burlingame on Friday night, February 28, 2020. We’d taken 300 of our performing company dancers to a convention.

My wife Tiffany, along with Jessica from NBC News, a few dance instructors, my in-laws, and Robbie, our Director of Operations sit elbow-to-elbow, face-to-face. We laugh and tell stories. We plan our next get-togethers. We clink glasses. We hug the dancers who skip excitedly to us every few minutes to tell us about their latest adventure.

The enormous lobby oozes happiness, warmth and community.

It’s surrounded by nine floors of hotel rooms. The glass ceiling is a hundred feet in the air. The place is lit beautifully, and there’s music playing. Dozens of Silicon Valley’s tech and finance geniuses mill about. They chat, eat, drink, laugh, and mix with parents of costumed dancers.

Televisions behind the bar are muted, but the programming is unmistakably Covid. Nobody really knew what a “global pandemic” was. Some of us thought it would go away. Some of us thought our medicines would solve the problem within a couple weeks. Some of us had already spent hours poring over data from China and Italy, preparing.

At 10:30 PM we watch seven Emirates Air flight attendants, wearing their stylish red berets and white scarves, pull their carryons hastily toward the elevators. They make eye contact with nobody. They all wear N95 masks.

Back then we had 2,112 students, 32 instructors, and 7 administrators. On March 12th, 2020, they began fading away.

75% of our students vanished. The ones that remained suffered through awkward online dance classes. Instructors quit oneby-one. Only one remains. Administrators moved on. Only one remains. 1515 people are no longer in our orbit. If you include the dancer’s families who would come to our events, we’re missing close to 10,000.

Students have begun enrolling for our new season. We’ve replaced our instructors and administrators with talented, thoughtful people. That’s wonderful, of course, but Tiffany and I will never again enjoy the company of those wonderful dancers and their families. We might never again toast those instructors, some of whom we had employed for 15 years. The magnitude of such a tremendous loss is overwhelming at times.

That’s the big life-lesson. Cherish the ones you’re with. You never know when they might just fade away.

The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 1331 North California Boulevard, Suite 650 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 279-1701 us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/carbonellforreywmg

Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2020 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

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DANVILLE LIVING CA 27

Expert Contributor

Natural Eyelid Surgery Results, Not What You Think

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

E

arlier this year I wrote an article about various surgical and nonsurgical options to improve the appearance of your face and eyes. These include face lift, brow lift and eyelid surgery. Nonsurgical options to treat wrinkles and creases include dermal fillers, neurotoxin injections, and medical-grade skin care products from ZO Skin Health and SkinCeuticals that are available at our practice.

As a result of that piece, we received lots of calls from prospective patients interested in learning more about my approach to eyelid surgery. This month’s article will cover that procedure (blepharoplasty) in more depth. Eyelids are both more complicated and more simple than traditionally taught.

Your eyes are a key part of the overall appearance of your face.

Over time, the eyelids and brows can begin to sag and wrinkle which can give your eyes an aged look. In addition, facial volume

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AUGUST 2021

loss over time results in deflation of the cheek and hollowing of the lower lid area. Thankfully, eyelid surgery offers a way to lift and smooth upper and lower eyelids and rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes. But there is a catch…

Upper eyelid surgery is most often done simultaneously with a brow lift. In most people, the brow provides at least as much improvement as the lid. When I talk about brows, I mean the improving the lateral hooding over the eye, not lifting the entire brow (more commonly done). Lifting the lateral brow looks natural, lifting all of it does not.

Once the lateral brow is out of the way, the excess upper eyelid skin and fat is removed resulting in a lighter, youthful appearance. For most people, doing the eyelids without the brow leads to descent of the brow and minimal result.

When I was in training many of the lower lid articles in the journals were about limiting lower lid complications. The reason for the high complication risk (and/or lack of results) was a fundamental misconception of how facial aging takes place. The traditional thinking involves removing the laxity, removing fat and tightening things up. This is unfortunate as most surgeons still think this way today. Lower lid procedures tried to lift the upper cheek leading to complications and poor results. The actual process of facial aging involves loss of facial fat, descent of the cheek, and hollowing of the lower lid area (or upper cheek). When this undereye area or upper cheek is treated with volume replacement (fat) and sometimes elevation of the cheek, the lid becomes a simple procedure with low risk and better results.

If you are bothered by the aged and wrinkled appearance of your eyelids and are interested in exploring the various options available to you, please give us a call at 925-736-5757 and/or come in for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

DANVILLE LIVING CA 29

Expert Contributor

Summer Travel Jewelry Care

By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and the Forevermark Boutique in Broadway Plaza

A

s COVID restrictions continue to loosen, the world is beginning to re-open and everyone is booking the trips and vacations we’ve all been craving! Weekend getaways, jaunts to the beach, and full-fledged vacations are perks that pretty much come with the territory during the summer months, so it’s no wonder that summer fashion tips such as what to wear, what to pack, what to buy—are at the forefront of our minds right now.

a reputable jeweler that’s been in business for several years. Many stores in vacation destinations prey on unknowing tourists whose guard is down due to a few too many mojitos. When in doubt, check a retailer’s reputation and rating with the Better Business Bureau and always ask for an appraisal. The appraisal should always have the store’s letterhead and a clear signature of a member of store management.

One thing, though, that’s not quite as readily on our radar is the idea of jewelry, and how the summer months might affect our pieces. Namely, how we can protect our beloved rings, jewelry, necklaces, and earrings from the season’s elements, and how we can keep them secure while jetting off somewhere sun-filled.

5. Before you go away, be sure your jewelry is adequately insured.

Our jewelry can take a serious bruising when exposed to summer activities such as lounging in the sand, applying suntan lotion, and traveling. Whether your summer plans include a weekend trip or a week abroad. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind while you enjoy the beauty of summer:

1. Sunbathe without your Gems

Sunscreen can coat gemstones, which reduces refractive and reflective light. Essentially, this means your stones won’t be as brilliant or sparkly. To avoid this, leave your fine pieces at home if you’re heading to the beach or the pool for the day, and be sure to clean them regularly all summer.

If you decide to bring an especially valuable piece on vacation— perhaps your engagement ring, a pricey watch, or a family heirloom—always be sure it is fully insured. Always obtain insurance through your homeowners or renters policy or a jewelry insurance company like Jewelers Mutual - it is safe and more affordable than you would imagine.

Our team at Padis Jewelry is happy to assist you with any questions or maintenance for your pieces to ensure they stay safe and sparkly throughout the year. Feel free to reach us at concierge@ padisjewelry.com if we can be of assistance in any way. Wishing you and your family lots of happy memories and vacations during these lovely summer months!

2. Organization is key when traveling.

When jumbled together, your jewelry doesn’t always get along.

For example, a diamond can scratch a pearl, and a bracelet can get caught on a necklace, so always pack pieces in individual soft cloth pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching, dulling, and the dreaded tangling of chains.

3. Keep it safe.

When selecting a hotel, be sure that safe deposit boxes are available.

Never leave fine jewelry unattended in a hotel room, a rental car, or on a lounge chair—even if you’re just popping over to the bar for a Mai Tai.

4. Shopping for something new? Do your research.

Oftentimes, vacation destinations are also prime shopping destinations, so if you get the urge to commemorate your trip with a new fine jewelry purchase make sure you’re buying from 30

AUGUST 2021

DANVILLE LIVING CA 31

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