by
Photo
Kim Lind Photography
Mary Bonham Team
LIVE LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Choosing the right senior living community is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Care and safety come first, but lifestyle and independence are important too. At Belmont Village, you’ll find it all. An experienced staff, 24/7 licensed nurses, award-winning enrichment and memory programs in a
and attentive environment. And unlike most, we build, own, and operate all of our communities. So residents can count on the continuity of those high standards, never compromising on the things that matter.
Tues., June 3
A Taste of Danville
JuneCALENDAR OF EVENTS
28th Annual Danville Lions Club Restaurant
Walk will take place in the area around Hartz Avenue in Old Town Danville. Over 20 local restaurants will be serving up tastes of their best dishes. In addition, the Beer & Wine Tasting will be available again. And the free street trolley will be there to transport you to all restaurants. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-taste-ofdanville-2025-tickets-1318346512909.
Time: 6-8:30PM
Cost: $45
Sat., June 7
Art, Smarts, and Music in the Sun Summer Block Party
@ 3478 Camino Tassajara
Live art demos by Hawaiian Fluid Art. Live Music by Reeder Music Academy. Studio Tours at Huntington Learning. Raffles and Giveaways..fun for the whole family!
Time: 11am-2PM
Cost: Free
Wed., June 18
Kidchella: Asheba
@ Town Green
Join us for an afternoon of fun with our summer performance series, Kidchella. In collaboration with the Danville Library, this family event is free and includes a story walk, story time on the Town Green, a live musical performance, and ends with arts &crafts. Storytime on the Town Green begins at 11:15 AM. The musical performance begins at noon, followed by arts & crafts and a storywalk at 1:00PM to conclude the event.
Time: 11:15am- 1:30PM
Cost: Free
Saturdays All Summer
Music at the Plaza
@ Prospect Park Plaza
Rock your way into summer with a free music series at the new Prospect Park Plaza.
June 14: Rolando Morales
June 28: James Funk
July 11: Mio Flores SalSazz AllStars
July 12: Jenny Madrigal
July 26: Meredith McHenry
August 9: Jimmy Leslie
August 23: Alex Lucero
August 29: Mio Flores
September 6: James Patrick Regan
Time: 4-6PM
Cost: Free
Moonlight Movies @Town Green
Coming to a park near you, re-watch movie favorites on the big screen at the Town Green! Activities start at 6:30PM, and the movie will start around 8:00PM, depending on lighting. June 13 will be featuring Tarzan and June 27 will be featuring Field of Dreams.
Time: 6:30-10PM
Cost: Free
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, seafood, meats, local honey, and baked goods.
More information at www.pcfma.com.
Time: 9am-1pm
Cost: Free
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014
Content Coordinator: Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Designer: Meagan Patry
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: aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Hello Neighbors!
Summer has arrived in Danville! That means school is out, impromptu BBQ’s with friends and family, and plenty of swimming! One of my favorite things about living in Danville is walking along Hartz during the summer months and seeing neighbors relaxing at a favorite restaurant or at the many live music events our town has to offer. Downtown Danville is such a special place...enjoy it!
Our June issue features long time residents Beth and John Dzenitis. They have built (literally) a wonderful life here on the westside and have loved sharing their expertise, woodcraft and philanthropic gifts in the community. We also have a great collection of community content focused on travel, summer fun, and “savoring the moment.” Let’s not forget to wish all the Danville Dads out there a wonderful Father’s Day!
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 aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com. We welcome all families, couples, or individuals - the only requirement is that our feature family live on the west side of Danville. So send your friends and neighbors my way, I can’t wait to meet them!
See you around town!
Anne Angstenberger
Content Coordinator, Resident since 2006
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 aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
Advertising - Print & Digital
Danville Living CA
Jo Peek 925-272-8246 DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com www.DanvilleLivingCA.com
Cooling & Heating Eco-Pro 844-605-2194 callecopro.com
Dentist
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS
Dentist of Walnut Creek 925-938-6000 www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com
Dermatology
Wallach Derma Center
Adam Wallach, M.D. 925-837-8848 www.WallachDermaCenter.com
Life Coach
EYC Life Coach
Christina Dalton 925-872-4726 Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/
Memory Care
Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.com
Music
Danville Music
115 Town and Country Dr. Suite E Danville, CA 94526 925-226-8772 info@danvillemusic.com
Real Estate
Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Compass 925-964-5010 Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro
Remodeling
America’s Dream Homeworks
Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com
Wealth Management
Jim Carbonell
Matt Forrey
The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
Eco Pro is a family-owned and operated HVAC company established in 2016 with over five decades of combined technical experience, serving six major counties in Northern California, including Pittsburg and the surrounding areas. Call (925) 272-0094 today to learn more about our services and request a same-day service appointment!
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stressfree, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice. We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
At Wallach Derma Center, our top priority is providing first-rate dermatologic health care. We have built a stellar reputation by developing relationships with our patients. We strive to understand your concerns, to answer the questions you have, and to develop an optimal, personalized treatment plan for you. Because of our strong emphasis on continuing education, we are able to offer you the latest, most advanced dermatologic treatments, with meticulous attention to both your good health and appearance. We have extensive experience in the treatment of a wide array of skin conditions in patients of all ages.
Christina has serviced the high school community for 39 years as: Lead Counselor, Math Dept. Chair, Academy Coordinator and Educational Trainer. As a certified executive Life Coach credentialed from UC Davis, Christina gives her clients a powerful edge. From developing a diverse college list, to creating a competitive profile with dynamic essays and interviewing strategy, Christina has guided hundreds of students into top universities throughout the United States.
Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a compassionate team, we provide 24/7 support with a personalized care plan, an enriching calendar of activities, delicious dining, & private residences. Take a tour today.
We are a full-service music center that offers high-quality, brand name instruments for purchase and rent, supplies and accessories, repair services, as well as private lessons with well-known, established instructors. Danville Music is proud to be Northern California’s premier guitar shop. Nothing compares to our selection of high quality and boutique custom instruments in a wide variety of price ranges.
Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 34 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime resident of Danville, where she’s been involved in the community while raising her two children. Lisa takes pride in excellent communication skills, creativity, attention to details, and empathy, to provide the ultimate customer experience and successful transactions. Contact Lisa for “Service from the Heart.” DRE#01111126
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.
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.
Meet Beth and John Dzenitis
Building a Family Legacy in Engineering, Service and Community
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Dzentis Family
Working as engineers for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Beth and John were introduced to each other by a mutual friend. John immediately thought Beth “was cute and was impressed with her biting sense of humor.” Luckily, Beth had a similar first impression. The couple remembers that there really was no “first date” but rather a “first piece of furniture story.” Their dating progression didn’t follow the typical pattern of others, but rather Beth started to teach John her woodworking skills on their “dates.” Beth had experience woodworking since middle school, and John expressed an interest, so the two started building a trestle table together. “The project spanned the period of the first Gulf War, and so we named it the ‘WarTable.’ We didn’t suspect we would be making furniture together 35 years later.” Nevertheless, the hard working engineering couple were destined to do so, and in May 1995, were married in John’s hometown of Louisville, KY.
Being the eldest of three boys, John’s childhood was filled with energy and curiosity. He was the kind of kid who liked to “fix things around the house, and take things apart unnecessarily to see how they worked.” Eventually that manifested in earning his BA and MA in Engineering at Dartmouth College. Growing up in St. Paul, MN with an older sister and younger brother, Beth had a similar interest in “junior engineering” and charted her own path to earning her BS in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Minnesota. After their undergraduate degrees and working a few years at NASA, the couple returned to school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where Beth earned her MS and John his PhD.
Upon completion of their professional degrees, Beth and John moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Beth worked for McDonnell Douglas on the impressive F/A-18E/F fighter jet. John
had an exciting career working for Monsanto and Pharmacia on chemical separations and also teaching engineering fluid mechanics at Washington University in the evenings. And just when life felt it could not get any busier, the couple decided to start a family, with their eldest, Ella, born in 1996, and their son, Daniel, born in 1998. Around the same time, Beth and John decided they wanted to change jobs and began looking at the Bay Area due to the many technical job opportunities available. Beth and John remembered that “our image of California was mostly Southern California and LA, which felt very alien to us. But once we visited the Bay Area on a few trips, it became a place where we could see ourselves living…great jobs, weather, nature, and cultural opportunities. The main downside was leaving behind a lot of family in the Midwest.”
In October of 2001, just weeks after the 9/11 attacks, the family moved into an apartment in Livermore while both John and Beth began working at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Just settling into the Bay Area after a few months, the family felt drawn to the “trees and beauty of Danville.” The family was “blessed to find a house on the west side, walking distance to downtown, St. Isidore Church, and a half block from the Iron Horse Trail.” Beth and John have lived in and raised their children in the same house since 2002. Both children attended Valley Montessori School through 8th grade, then graduated from Carondelet and De La Salle High Schools. Ella also attended Dartmouth College and
Photos provided by the
is currently working as a software engineer in Brooklyn, NY. Daniel followed a similar career path as his parents, graduating from Gonzaga University as a mechanical engineer before moving to San Ramon. His current work is in hardware design, supporting several projects for the Department of Energy National Laboratories.
Beth and John both have notable accomplishments in their professional careers. While working at LLNL, Beth managed production of inertial confinement fusion targets for the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Although Beth moved on to other projects at LLNL in 2014, she is proud of her small contribution to the fusion milestone recently achieved on NIF. “Demonstrating the feasibility of laboratory-scale fusion was an important stepping stone in possible application to fusion energy plants, a clean and abundant energy source for the future.” She went on to manage largescale explosive experiments in support of nuclear proliferation detection R&D, partnering with scientists and engineers from other Department of Energy National Laboratories. After 23 years of service, Beth retired from LLNL last year, but continues to consult on projects on a limited basis. John also worked at LLNL for over ten years, then eventually moved to Bio-Rad’s Digital Biology Center in Pleasanton, also working on large R&D projects. In 2017, John took a position as head of Program Management at 10x Genomics in Pleasanton, staying there until 2022. It was during this time that the family decided to build onto their home. They loved their location, but they wanted more room than their 1960’s ranch-style home had, so they added a large family room and a dedicated woodshop. Initially it was intended to be Beth’s woodshop, but John worked on a few projects himself and developed into a talented and creative woodworker. The rest was history. They officially started “Dzenitis Art and Engineering LLC” in 2018, and John has been working as a full time furniture designer and craftsman since 2022, Beth part-time. Beth and John create limited series pieces on a commission basis, but nearly every piece is made to order or custom designed. The primary material used is wood, but on occasion the couple uses metal, concrete and simple upholstery in their pieces. “Our typical customer has a need but has not yet been able to find something that excites them, wanting something more personal or artistic that you can’t get in a store.” The Dzenitises’ first job was a concrete wall ball for Tiger’s Tap Room in Oakland, and most recently they designed and built the
tabernacle for St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon.
It’s understandable that Beth and John remain quite busy with their woodworking business, however, you may also find them volunteering their gifts in a variety of ministries at St. Isidore’s Church, including St. Vincent de Paul and Knights of Columbus. Together they have been more involved at Cristo Rey De La Salle High School in Oakland (supporting their mission and unique work study program).
Traveling to visit friends and family is also a top priority for Beth and John, as well as taking advantage of in-person “master classes” from local artists around the world. Back here at home in Danville, Beth and John place a priority on health, regularly working out at home, on the Iron Horse trail, or a local gym. They can also be found testing out all of the breweries that pop up all over the East Bay and “can confirm that Danville Brewing Company has very good beer!” While the family has no problem joining in for local Bay Area sports team comradery, Beth and John stay true to their roots supporting the Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals and University of Louisville basketball teams.One family tradition that the Dzentises plan to continue is hosting a pre and post-party for the Danville Tree Lighting. The guests all arrive at the tree lighting with a turkey leg and can’t start eating until the tree is lit! They began this tradition when their children were very small, but it has grown and become very popular with their Danville friends for the past 20 years.
Beth and John love living alongside their westside neighbors along with their 12-year-old cat, Thomas Jefferson (TJ). Although they used to be the “young family” on the street, they are now the “seasoned veterans” watching new families move in each year. Seeing children playing outside and hearing the exuberant shouts at Del Amigo pool continue to remind them why they chose Danville as home. In the past they have even had the chance to help some neighborhood children on construction projects. ”It’s an opportunity to help them. Kids today have so little unstructured time to explore interests or aptitudes, so we enjoy doing it in the hope that we spark an interest in making things. It’s a good indication of, and preparation for, an interest in engineering and science.” Beth and John never miss the tried and true Danville traditions, such as music in the park, downtown street fairs, open artist tours, and the annual 4th of July Parade, as either spectators or participating with the Knights of Columbus. Make sure to give them a wave or say hello in person this year!
Supporting Your Child’s Transition into High School and College: A Guide for June
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
June is a month of change; summer begins, the school year ends, and for many families, it marks the transition from middle school to high school or from high school to college. These transitions can be exciting yet overwhelming for both parents and children. Preparing in advance can help ease anxieties and ensure a smooth shift to the next academic stage.
Preparing
for High School
Moving from middle school to high school is a significant milestone. Here’s how parents can support their child’s transition:
1. Encourage Organization and Time Management
High school brings a heavier workload and more extracurricular opportunities. Help your child develop strong organizational habits by:
• Using planners or digital calendars for assignments and activities
• Setting up a consistent study routine
• Teaching prioritization of tasks
2. Foster Independence and Self-Advocacy
High school students are expected to take more responsibility for their learning. Encourage your child to:
• Ask teachers for help when needed
• Advocate for themselves in academic and social settings
• Develop problem-solving skills
3. Address Social and Emotional Changes
High school introduces new social dynamics. Support your child by:
• Talking about peer pressure and decision-making
• Encouraging them to join clubs or sports teams
• Helping them balance social life and academics
4. Discuss Academic and Career Goals
High school is the start of the college and career preparation journey. Guide your child by:
• Researching course options and graduation requirements
• Exploring career interests and extracurricular activities
• Setting goals for each academic year
Preparing
for College
If your teen is graduating high school and heading to college, June is the perfect time to start preparing for this next big step.
1. Build Financial and Budgeting Skills
College students need to manage their own money. Help them prepare by:
• Discussing budgeting and expenses
• Teaching them to track spending and savings
• Exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities
2. Teach Life Skills
Before they leave home, make sure they can:
• Do laundry, cook simple meals, and manage their time
• Schedule doctor appointments and understand health insurance
• Handle transportation and navigate a new city
3. Prepare for Academic Expectations
College classes require more independence. Encourage your child to:
• Read syllabi and prepare for courses in advance
• Learn effective study techniques
• Connect with academic advisors or professors early
4. Support Emotional Well-Being
The transition to college can be emotionally challenging. Help your child by:
• Discussing mental health and stress management strategies
• Encouraging them to seek campus support services if needed
• Reassuring them that it’s okay to ask for help
Self Care For You
Your own personal self care is important in these life transitions. It is not unusual to feel sadness, depression and a feeling of loss as your children gain their own wings. Be aware and kind to who you want to be.
Final Thoughts
June is a time of excitement and preparation. By focusing on organization, independence, social adjustment, and academic readiness, parents can help their children confidently step into their next phase of education. Transitions may come with challenges, but with the right support, they can also be opportunities for growth and success. Should you need a life jacket in this transition https://eyhlifecoach.com/ and https://www.eyhcollegecoach.com/ can partner with you to manage your own self care in this life changing transition while also navigating your children to map out their success.
Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Here are some of our adorable animals looking for love:
CATS:
DOGS:
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: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
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
Alpenrose
Lauryn
Carnation
Fern
Active Listings
El Dorado Ave
San Ramon Valley Blvd
Midland WAY
Jewel Ter
Ashley Cir
Garden Creek Pl
Ashley Circle
Danville Oak Pl
Hartz Ave
Jewel Ter
Hartz Ave
Hartz Ave
Elworthy Ranch Drive
$580,000
Danville
W
Hartz Ave
Hartz Ave
Hartz Ave
Hartz Ave $1,525,000
Coexist with Local Wildlife
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass
Saturday morning cartoons taught us at a young age that a big part of life would be battling local wildlife to protect our homes and gardens (think Donald Duck, Looney Tunes & even Popeye!). We are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. With that beauty comes a lot of wildlife that also calls this location home. Most of us love seeing the abundance of wildlife, but sometimes an existence that doesn’t mesh with our lifestyle, can turn into a battle.
My current battle? Gophers (or as I prefer to call them, my lawn hamsters). These incredibly cute residents have formed an army of mass destruction. They’ve even joined forces with some local ground squirrels, and I am definitely losing the battle. They are incredibly friendly and not at all afraid of me, my family or even our dog. They love our passion for gardening and the wide assortment of fresh plants and bulbs that we contribute to the yard. We refuse to put out poison, for many reasons. One of the most important reasons is that we have so much wildlife that is actually helping us fight the gophers - birds of prey, coyotes, bobcats and snakes, just to name a few. Poison and traps put our other friends at risk, too. We will eventually modify our yard, as I have done in the past, by installing a wire mesh barrier below the landscape. It’s a method that works, without doing harm.
Creating barriers is also important for protecting your house. It’s wise to check regularly to make sure that rodents and other unwanted inhabitants can’t easily gain access, especially to your crawl space and your attic. Critters living in these areas can do a lot of damage, and the clean up and repair can be quite costly. A little prevention goes a long way. Regularly inspect the exterior of your home for openings where critters could get in and promptly close the openings. Keeping trees and vines away from the side of your house takes away natural ladders that help unwanted guests get in (it also lowers fire risk and may help with your homeowner’s insurance).
Remember Popeye? As I recall, he always had a big problem with termites. Do you know that there are some easy steps that you can take to reduce your risk? Subterranean termites do the most damage to homes of any California termite species. These termites build their nest underground and feed on anything containing cellulose. Subterranean termites must remain in a moist environment, so they travel from their
underground colonies in mud tubes that they build. There are two easy steps that you can take to help protect your home. First, make sure that you don’t leave their favorite foods under your house (wood/boards, etc. laying on the dirt). Second, keep soil and mulch away from the side of your foundation. High soil levels make it easy for termites to build their tubes to travel up and into the walls of your house. Proper clearance prevents this.
There isn’t room here to address all of our wildlife, but the important takeaways from this article should be that wildlife, like all living things, are strongly driven by the desire for food and shelter. Balance is incredibly important in an ecosystem. Taking steps to create barriers to unwanted wildlife and not attracting them with food, are the most effective and friendly way to protect your home and co-exist with our beautiful neighbors.
Do you have real estate questions? Every home is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com. Even if you’re not planning a move, I’m happy to help by providing you with relevant data, enabling you to make a well informed decision. It’s never too early to start planning for success.
Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate has been impressing her clients for 34 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime Danville resident, where she’s been actively involved in the community while raising her two children. DRE#01111126
‘EVERYTHINGBAGEL’ SALAD
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
Serves 4 to 6
YOU WILL NEED;
For the Salad:
• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 c. Napa cabbage, very thinly shredded
• 1/2 c. of crumbled goat cheese or feta
• 3-5 ounces of smoked salmon (I recommend spicy smoked salmon)
• 1 C. cucumber, sliced thin
• 1/2 c. red onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half
• Bagel croutons (recipe below) or toasted bagel chips
• Everything bagel seasoning blend for garnish
For the dressing:
• 1/4 c. Red wine vinegar
• 1/4 c. Milk or half-and-half
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 c. Fresh chopped dill, divided
• 1/4 c. Fresh parsley
• 2/3 c. Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Sour cream
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 dash of hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
PUTTING IT TOGETHER;
Start by making the dressing. Place the red wine vinegar and milk into a food processor and allow it to sit for five minutes. This is creating buttermilk, which will add thickness and depth of flavor to your salad dressing. After five minutes, add the garlic, half of the fresh dill and parsley, then pulse until it is roughly chopped. Next, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, and hot sauce, then pulse until well combined, but don’t over blend it. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour into an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour or until you’re ready to serve. If you want to make homemade bagel croutons, take a whole plain bagel and slice it into 1/2 inch pieces vertically. Lay the
bagel pieces in an air fryer and spray with a little cooking spray. Toast it until it is golden brown.
When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the dressing with the chopped Romaine and cabbage, then layer onto a serving platter. Artfully arrange the cucumber, red onion, and salmon anyway that you like and dot the salad with hard-boiled eggs and cheese. Lastly, scatter the bagel croutons, bagel seasoning, and the remaining fresh dill over the top.
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.
News From Del Amigo Pool Association
By Jason Blatter
This past April the Del Amigo Pool had a special visit from the Easter Bunny and a very successful egg hunt at the pool with nearly 100 kids gathering over one thousand eggs!
Coming up this summer, there is still room for 2 programs (open to the public as well!) starting June 16 for young swimmers;
Dolphin Swim Program – Registration Open Now
The Del Amigo Pool Association is excited to offer a fun, noncompetitive swim lesson program designed for children 3-6 years old. Dynamites is a pre-team program that bridges between the Learn To Swim lessons and the competitive swim team, The skills learned in Dynamites are to have an awareness of body control, freestyle with side breathing, back stroke, butterfly kick, butterfly swim and basic diving knowledge. By the end of the program, swimmers will be able to swim length of pool and be ready for swim team. Also, just as important as the skills learned is to nurture a love for the water as well as meet new friends.
Guppies Program – Registration Open Now
Guppies is a program aimed at 2 - 3.5 year olds designed to get swimmers comfortable in the water. Swimmers will work on going underwater, rolling to their back and safely returning to the wall after jumping in. The goal of this program is to teach swimmers basic life-saving water safety skills. In the small group setting swimmers will have time to make friends while also learning how to be safe in a pool. Parents will NOT be in the water.
Be sure to mark you calendars for our 20205 Del Amigo Meet Schedule;
May 31 Saturday Rancho San Miguel @ DEL
June 7 Saturday Danville Sea Devils (DANV) @ DEL
June 14 Saturday Springbrook Hogs @ Springbrook
June 18 Wednesday Blackhawk Country Club (HOX) @ HOX
June 21 Saturday San Ramon Aquacats (SRAC) @ SRAC
June 25 Wednesday Round Hill Country Club (RHCC) @ DEL
June 28-29 Saturday & Sunday Battle of the Ages, Pleasant Hill
July 9 Wednesday Gehringer Park Swim Team @ GPST
July 12-13 Saturday & Sunday Woodlands Invitational*
July 16 Wednesday Sycamore Stingrays (SSST) @ SSST
July 19 Saturday Diablo Country Club (DCC) @ DEL
July 20 Sunday HOX Last Chance Meet @ HOX
July 25-27 Friday-Sunday VSA Championships @ Blackhawk (Friday), Dougherty Valley High School (Sat/Sun)
August 2-3 Saturday & Sunday County Championships** @ Acalanes High School
* Invitation Only
** Must Qualify for Meet
INTERESTED IN A DAPA MEMBERSHIP? Please contact Membership at delamigopool@gmail.com
Summer Imagineering
By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager
REGISTRATION is still OPEN for Summer Imagineering classes. Don’t wait - Classes are filling quickly!
The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond-school enrichment program primarily for San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD) students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) with weeklong classes running June 16 through July 18, 2025, for incoming 2nd grade through high school students. Classes will be held at Gale Ranch Middle School. Proceeds from this program go to support SRVUSD-wide initiatives.
We are also excited to continue our Summer Theatre Program with a production of Shrek The Musical JR. This program will be five weeks long starting June 16 and ending on July 25 with an evening performance on July 25. Must sign up for this program before June 16th!
All Imagineering classes are taught by SRVUSD teachers. Many partner with community and industry experts to extend learning opportunities.
Follow the link to Register TODAY bit.ly/imagineering_srvef
Our Residents’ To-Do List: Relax Enjoy Repeat
Where Every Moment Matters
At Carefield, we believe life should be full of laughter, love, and adventure—no matter your age! Our communities are bursting with fun activities, heartwarming connections, and all the support your loved ones need to live their best lives.
Our residents enjoy personalized care and engaging activities that bring smiles to their faces and joy to their life!
Come for a visit, and leave with a smile!
Please join us for a personal tour. Call the Carefield community nearest you to schedule today.
The Olympics are coming to California!
By Kallen Cooyar, SRVHS Student
Believeit or not, Los Angeles has been selected to hold the 2028 Summer Olympics! Every 4 years, the Olympic Cycle (or Olympiad) completes. During this cycle, both the Summer and Winter Olympics take place while alternating every two years. Now, let’s dive into the rich history of the Olympic Games!
The history of the Olympics began in Greece, and although its roots lay in mythology, the Olympia was a real event, which was held in the city state of Elis for the majority of its existence in Greek Society. The mythological aspect of the Olympia comes from the belief that Zeus took residence on Mount Olympus around 1200 BC when the Eleans conquered the surrounding Peloponnesian territory. The stadium of these original Olympics held more than 40,000 people. Interestingly, the stadium was used as a planting ground for wheat during disuse. Similarly to modern day, the Olympia caused the building of new infrastructure to support the interest of the masses visiting as shown by the more than 150 wells built from the time period of the original Olympic stadium. The Stadium eventually took its third form around the middle of the fourth century BC which increased the amount of people who could attend by 50% and with this change, the polytheistic Greeks built around 70 different altars to numerous gods. Although the Stadium experienced numerous changes, the size of the track was reported to remain the same, being 600 feet long as that was apparently how far Heracles (the original, Greek name of the hero Hercules) could run with a single breath. Eventually training began taking place here, and a gymnasium was built with practitioners of wrestling, boxing, pankration, discus, javelin, and the long jump all training in close proximity.
on to the core principles of sportsmanship and competition. The location of the Olympics is decided years in advance to provide ample time to prepare for the massive undertaking of hosting the Olympics. The location is chosen by a secret ballot of the International Olympic Committee. Don’t worry though, members must refrain from voting when a country they have personal connection to is on the ballot. There is a separate committee for both the Summer and Winter Olympics. But, the ballot also takes into consideration how well the plans of the events fit with existing regional and national development plans, and the longterm strategic goals of the Olympic Movement. Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Summer Olympics on September 13, 2017 and the Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 14 to July 30. The Los Angeles bid included unprecedented corporate funding, which is what secured the bid, and recently Sofi Stadium was confirmed to be holding at least part of the events.
Who knows, maybe someday the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl will happen in the same city in the same year! But either way, during the Summer Olympics in 2028, try to make a trip to LA so you can experience one of the events as this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity!
In modern day, the Olympics are a far cry from their origins, but they hold
Kallen Cooyar is a sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School. He enjoys sports, and spending time reading. He is the president of the Persian heritage club and a member of the personal finance club. He plays football and is an avid stock investor . He is thrilled with the opportunity to share his views on contemporary events with his neighborhood through Danville Living CA.
Recognize, Enjoy and Savor the Moment
By Mike Copeland, Resident since 2002
I’ve had my moments. Good moments and bad moments. Happy moments and sad moments. I’ve had moments that I’m proud of and moments that have caused me huge embarrassment. Each of us have undoubtedly shared “moments” with friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, casual acquaintances and complete strangers. Our moments might vary on the emotional Richter scale from regrettable to forgettable to absolutely remarkable, but a deeply memorable moment might be something we reflect on for a lifetime.
Parented Moments: My dad was a tough 25-year U.S. Navy veteran. Although he was a man of few words, we had our moments. Anytime I felt I made him proud is a moment that’s hard for a son to describe. My mom, on the other hand, was a “moment making machine”.
Parenting Moments: Being a parent certainly has its moments. The tender, nurturing, teaching, proud, excited, loving moments of parenting are nothing less than magical. Moments of sadness, sorrow, anger, hurt, disappointment, or concern can be difficult and painful, but all part of the “parenting moments” experience. It all starts the moment you first hold your newborn baby. Calling it a true “Lifechanging” moment will forever be an understatement. Developmental moments such as first steps, first words, potty training or riding a bike are hard to describe unless you’ve been there to experience them firsthand. Seeing your child drive off in a car for the first time or when they leave for college can cause a parent endless sleepless night moments.
Sibling Moments: No one pushes our buttons like siblings, and no one is there for us like siblings. Sibling moments include vacations, holidays, births, deaths, successes and failures. Siblings share most of life’s best and worst moments together.
Extra-Curricular Moments: Almost all of us have at least one moment that includes athletics, band, drama, scouts or some other extra-curricular activity. I have 10 years of football moments and one completed marathon moment. Curiously, most of these moments only get better (and more embellished) with age.
of romantic moments. Falling in love and having one’s heart broken are both defining moments that have given songwriters endless material. Don’t overlook the need to share romantic moments with the one that you love.
Faith Moments: Faith moments aren’t always easy to identify, but I do believe in the power of prayer and an occasional miracle. I will be forever grateful for the moment God blessed me with the healthy birth of my two daughters and when he received both of my parents into his grace following their deaths.
“Moments” are just that, moments in time. They can also be identified as an instant, jiffy or flash. A moment can last seconds, minutes or hours. There really is no defined duration of time that constitutes a moment it’s more what the moment meant and if it is memorable. While it can be fleeting, it can also be immeasurable as a lasting moment forever burned into our head or our heart. Take it from me, recognize the moment, enjoy the moment and savor the moment. We don’t get as many of them as you might think.
Danville Music
Career Moments: Work is work, but I’ve had a few moments as a commission salesman that were memorable. Closing that “First Deal” and closing that career “Big Deal” are moments. Leaving one company after 15+ years and starting with another was a cautiously optimistic/nervous excitement moment. That said, we work to live, we don’t live to work, so work moments pale in comparison to life moments.
Romantic Moments: I’m no Don Juan, but I’ve had my share
Cabo San Lucas Is Hot
By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by Quivira
After the three-hour flight from San Francisco and the scramble through customs comes a dodge-and-run obstacle course through the cab drivers and limousine companies offering free tequila shots while trying to lure you into a ride to your destination in Cabo San Lucas. That’s when you realize you’ve arrived in alluring Mexico.
The ride from the airport into town lacks visual appeal, but once the harbor appears you’re now in what many simply refer to as “Cabo.” The charm comes quick, the appeal is obvious. This is a resort town of the first order – beaches, restaurants and activities like scuba diving, sailing, fishing and now high-end golf. Cabo is now the “center” of various events: bachelor parties, honeymoons, fast vacations, boys and girls golf trips, and even corporate outings. Nightclubs like Senor Frogs and Cabo Wabo contribute to that healthy party reputation.
Located at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo sits at the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. The waters are rife with mahi, bonita, roosterfish and just about every kind of shark. In October, Cabo hosts Bisbee’s Ocean Offshore tournament whose participants try to land the largest blue or black marlin. In the winter, whales and their calves linger in the Gulf, and yet this place apparently is a world headquarters for sea turtles as the olive ridley, green, leatherback, and hawksbill species commune.
No wonder a scan of the slopes above the town reveals single-family homes and condos in either towers or in attached buildings. Perhaps the most common vehicle in these parts is a cement truck. The units are either sold and occupied or available as rentals for days to months. In tracts with names like Malvila, Coronado and Alvar, new construction is everywhere.
Living in these developments for an extended period isn’t much different than living in Danville. The residential units are modern with everything from central air to being pre-wired for the most extensive office or entertainment needs. Within the development itself, it is possible to get shuttled to restaurants, gym clubs, golf courses and gathering spots.
Venturing into town requires descending the steep roads, but Cabo is known as one of the safest places in Mexico. English and dollars are
easily mixed, and in the markets the fresh fish, meats, produce and chocolate – a local specialty – are first-rate.
We stayed at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort right on the beach. Aside from stunning views of the Gulf and amazing Armonia spa, a favorite was a short shuttle ride to The Marketplace: five food counters ranging from a bakery to Italian and Mexican. A large sports bar sits in the back overlooking the gulf. Not to be missed: LaFrida Restaurant at the nearby Sunset resort. It looks like a place Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand toasted Chris Columbus prior to his little trip in 1492.
These places are part of the “Q Life,” a package of amenities that comes with a real estate purchase that brings access to beach clubs, golf courses and restaurants within the sprawling Quivira (pronounced Key-veer-ah) development.
It includes the Jack Nicklaus-designed Quivira Golf Club and its famous sixth hole seemingly stapled to the side of a steep mountainside drop-off to the Pacific. From the back nine you can look down on the expansive stretch of white sand where the Brad Pitt film “Troy” was filmed. A second 18-hole course was being graded during our stay.
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica pool view
Sixth hole at Quivira Golf Course
Hillsides above the Sunset resort in Cabo San Lucas
First thing that comes to mind when thinking Cabo is good times. That’s continuing now, but the margaritas are flowing in the resort developments in the hands of lots of American ex-pats.
Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
Interior of La Frida restaurant
Armonia spa
