Photo by Kim Lind Photography
Saturdays in May
Music at the Plaza
@ Prospect Park Plaza
MayCALENDAR OF EVENTS
Rock your way into summer with a free music series at the new Prospect Park Plaza!
May 3: Nick Tyrrel , May 17: David Correa , May 31: Jeff Tamelier.
Time:4-6pm
Cost: Free
Sun., May 4
Danville Devil Mountain Run
@ Downtown Danville and the Iron Horse Trail
We are thrilled to host this Downtown Danville Favorite of 45 years on May 4th 2025. Free tech shirts will be given to the first 1000 registered/paid runners. Cash prizes for Top winners of the mile of truth. Overall and age group winner awards for 5K and 10K. The Mile of Truth has once again been chosen to be a grand prix championship event for the PAUSATF. Free Kids Fun Run and the popular Buddi Love Mile return. This is an event for the entire family so bring out everybody. The community loves it, the kids will love it, so will your pet! For more information and to register visit: https://devilmtnrun.com/
Time: 6:30am-12pm
Sun., May 4
May the 4th Be With you: Clone Celebration
@ Danville Community Center and Library
On May the 4th, the Town of Danville is celebrating all things Star Wars! Join us at the Danville Community Center, where Commander Cody will lead you and your fellow clone troopers in a variety of Star Wars themed games, activities, and crafts. Come see your favorite Star Wars characters and enjoy delicious space treats. For kids ages 3-10 years.
Time: 4-5:30pm
Cost: $6
Sat., May 17
Art in the Park
@Oak Hill Park
Children and their families are invited to partake in this chance to be creative and messy! Budding artists will be encouraged to try both process-based art and takehome crafts. This is a great opportunity for families to spend a relaxing afternoon making artistic and imaginative creations in a park setting. For kids ages 5-10 years.
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: $10
Fri., May 23
Young @Art: Breaking Rules
@ Art Gallery at the Village Theater
Come join the fun as we get inspired be the Breaking Rules exhibition at the gallery, then collage and paint our own layered abstract masterpieces!
Time: 3:45-5pm
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.
Hello Neighbors!
Although “May-hem” is in full swing at our house, we are trying to embrace the busyness of this time of year. Having many end-of-year performances, church sacraments, graduations, sports play-offs, parties, and events...it can be overwhelming to look at the family calendar. However, it’s a great reminder that time is a gift and we GET to have these moments of celebration. I hope you all join me in the wonderful mind shift of loving this time of year of joy and celebration... and we’ll just do the best we can to make it to everything!
Let’s not forget to celebrate our wonderful Mothers this month! Perhaps you can make her to delicious Bruschetta from our Cooking Corner recipe or treat her to one of the many amazing restaurants here in town. Our May issue is filled with events for the whole family, including the Annual Run for Education, Art in the Park and Music at the Plaza. The Dellamaggiore Family are our Feature Residents for our May issue and the whole community has benefitted from their move from Silicon Valley to Danville. They have become one of Danville’s most loved families, and it will be a treat to learn their history and family story.
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/
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.
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 the Dellamaggiore Family: Building
Bonds, Enriching Lives
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006
Photos provided by the Dellamaggiore Family
It was a fun-filled first date for Cal Poly freshmen, Katie and Nick, as they wandered the streets of downtown San Luis Obispo and chatted about their favorite numbers and types of toppings to cover their favorite froyo dessert. …fitting as “it’s all about the numbers” for this math loving duo. After dating on and off during their time at Cal Poly, Katie graduated a year prior to Nick and moved to Sacramento for work. Leaving Nick behind in San Luis Obispo was tough, but he was wrapping up his double major and eventually took his first job at the Lawrence Livermore Lab. The long distance relationship, made possible by nightly chats on the computer screen with “ICQ” instead of cell-phone texting, had its ups and downs , especially when Katie moved to Oregon to complete her Masters degree. Thankfully, Nick proposed just in time, bringing Katie back home to the Bay Area. Katie and Nick were married in 2005 and began their life together in the center of Silicon Valley in Mountain View, CA.
Growing up in “small town Sonoma,” Katie was excited to head to Cal Poly where she completed her BS in Statistics in 2001. She eventually studied at Oregon State University, receiving her MS in Statistics and has had a variety of data analysis jobs at Polimetrix, LinkedIn, Accenture, and as an instructor at Foothill College. She is currently loving her time as a stay at home mom! Katie enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, specifically leading the Montair Foundation Auction , serving on the Montair Foundation Board as well as on the Stone Valley PTA Executive Board. She can also be found taking in the fresh air walking up and down the Iron Horse trail. Nick is also a Bay Area local, growing up in San Jose. After completing his double major BS in Computer Science and Mathematics at Cal Poly in 2002, Nick has worked as a software engineer for Lawrence Livermore Lab, LinkedIn, Coursera, Robinhood and most recently, Metronome. In his free time, Nick is also heavily involved in his children’s schools, co-leading his son’s Cub Scout den and being an active member of the Montair Dad’s Club. Gardening, chicken farming, playing guitar and video games are also some of Nick’s favorite activities. Nick and Katie keep busy raising their three active children, Allison (15), Lily (13), and Andrew (9). Allison is a sophomore at San Ramon Valley High School and is quite the music prodigy. She has been playing the piano since Kindergarten and has recently begun teaching piano to children in
the neighborhood. She keeps very busy taking accelerated classes at SRVHS, babysitting, piano lessons, as well as volunteering with Assisteens (a subsidiary of the Assistance League which operates a thrift store in Lafayette, run entirely by volunteers) where she helps with clothes shopping for underserved children among other service projects. Allison attends their board meetings and next year will be on their governing board. Although Allison has a tight schedule with school, piano and volunteering, she also loves riding her bike all around town with friends. This summer she is looking forward to attending a science camp focusing on neurology and psychology research.
Stone Valley 7th grader, Lily, also has an ear for music, recently learning the guitar and loves playing all her favorite Taylor Swift songs. Lily is “super crafty” and loves to embroider, and create fancy finger nail designs. Some of her favorite moments are spent having movie and sleepover nights with friends. Lily also can be found dancing hip hop at Next Step Dance Studio and practicing her Irish Dancing routines through the Town of Danville classes. She’s proud to share that she’s danced down Disneyland’s Main Street in the Halloween Parade just last year! Just like her big sister, Lily dedicates many volunteer hours to Assisteens, labeling books to be donated to schools in Concord as well as packing “warm bags” to donate to families in need. This past year, both Lily and Allison have earned the Presidential Service Award for accumulating over 100 service hours through their volunteer efforts at Assisteens!
Andrew, a 3rd grader at Montair Elementary, is not to be forgotten in the music department, as he has also played the piano since Kindergarten and has received a variety of awards and honors over the past three years (CA State Honors and a piano award from the Music Teachers Association of CA). Andrew can also be found reading graphic novels, being active in his Cub Scout troop and also playing baseball for Danville Little League. In addition, he loves playing video games, chess, and is also the youngest ambassador for Bobby’s Brigade (a non profit organization that packages “teddy
bear bags” with secret messages to give to children who have been in a bad car accident or are separated from their parents). Andrew’s summer goal is to package 1200 “teddy bear bags” this summer for each CHP officer to have one in their car.
Over the past several years, the Dellamaggiore family has started asking a nightly dinner time question for each family member to answer in an effort to reflect on how their day was. Katie states, “having each person at the dinner table answer the question has helped us all be better listeners, learn about different opinions and thoughts, and discuss what is important to each of us.” Having family dinners together has become an important daily event and even though it is more difficult as the children’s schedules get busier, they attempt to do so as much as possible. The family also puts an emphasis in spreading kindness and love to others…”through their volunteer efforts, they always show compassion and caring for others” and Katie and Nick hope it continues as the children get older. Taking care of their sweet dog, Penny, is also a family affair. The 4 year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel/Poodle mix loves to do tricks and run around Osage Park. The Dellamaggiores love spending time together as a family and have enjoyed some wonderful outings to Osage and beyond. Some recent family trips have included glamping in Pismo Beach, spring breaks in New York, Washington DC and most recently a Disney Cruise, which was filled with relaxation, great food, fun people and lots of family time. They can’t wait for another!
Having lived in Mountain View and then Los Altos, moving to the East Bay had not always been on their radar. But during the summer of 2020, the Dellamaggiore family visited Danville and loved seeing how many
families were out and enjoying life downtown. “Seeing how busy Pete’s and Primo’s were during Covid was so nice to watch…we knew that this would be such a vibrant place to live. When Nick didn’t need to go into the Robinhood office in Menlo Park anymore because of the Covid ‘working from home’ situation, our family decided to move. We moved to be closer to a fun downtown and to our family in the surrounding area.” Although the girls were hesitant at first, they have grown to love their new home on Whispering Trees Lane in the Del Amigo neighborhood. Being able to walk or ride bikes downtown to meet up with friends at Sweet Street or Yogurt Shack is definitely a neighborhood perk and Andrew can’t resist the candy apples from Danville Chocolates. Katie and Nick love hosting neighborhood block parties in their court on Halloween and in the summer months and they enjoy seeing the parties get bigger every year!
The Dellamaggiore family feels very thankful to be a part of this community and “truly appreciates how everyone watches out for each other’s kids, how kind, caring, and respectful parents are, and how much families hang out with one another. It’s always nice going into town and running into several families we know. It is definitely a special place where family is top priority and people care so much about each other.” They also love attending SRVHS football games, the annual 4th of July Parade, the Tree Lighting, and riding bikes along the trail…taking advantage of ALL the family friendly activities Danville has to offer. The Dellamaggiore family has a message of gratitude to share with their Danville neighbors… ”Thank you for being so friendly and raising such great kids to be a part of the community. Our family is so grateful for our neighbors, the safe downtown space, the great schools and supportive people we’ve met here. We look forward to many memorable years to come!”
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 aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.
“I
Mayhem and Manifestations: Surviving the High School May-hem
By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach
Ah, May. The month where birds chirp, flowers bloom, and high school students.... well, they resemble caffeinated squirrels frantically burying acorns for a winter that never comes. Yes, we’re talking about final exams and projects, the academic equivalent of a marathon where everyone’s wearing clown shoes.
The Exam-inator is Back (and He’s Grading on a Curve)
Let’s be honest, trying to get a teenager organized in May is like herding cats wearing roller skates. But fear not, parents! Here are some survival tips:
• The “Study Snack” Strategy: Forget the carrot sticks. We’re talking brain-boosting brownies (within reason, folks). A sugar rush followed by a crash is still a rush, right? (Disclaimer: consult a nutritionist. Or don’t. We’re all just trying to survive.)
• The “Color-Coded Chaos” Method: Buy every color of highlighter known to humankind Turn study notes into psychedelic rainbows. If nothing else, it’ll be visually stimulating.
• The “Strategic Procrastination” Technique: Okay, we don’t actually recommend this, but let’s be real, it happens. If your teen insists on cleaning their entire room before studying, at least they’ll have a clean room. Silver linings, people. Seniors: From Cap and Gown to “What Now?”
For seniors, May is a bittersweet symphony of graduation gowns and existential dread. One minute they’re posing for yearbook photos, the next they’re staring into the abyss of adulthood.
• College Prep: The “Laundry and Ramen” Crash Course: Forget calculus; teach them how to do laundry without turning their whites pink and how to make ramen that isn’t just a flavor packet and noodles. These are the real life skills.
• Workforce Woes: The “Adulting 101” Seminar: Explain that “business casual” doesn’t mean wearing pajamas to an interview. Also, remind them that showing up on time is a superpower, whether to college classes or work.
• The “Gap Year or Bust” Debate: If your senior’s plan is “travel the world” with no actual plan, gently
suggest they also learn a marketable skill, like “professional Instagram influencer of budget travel.”
Dreaming Big (and Maybe Getting a Nap)
For all students, May is a great time to discuss future goals. But let’s be realistic, their “five-year plan” might involve becoming a professional gamer or a TikTok sensation.
• The “Reality Check (with a Side of Encouragement)” Conversation: Help them understand that while dreams are important, so are backup plans. Maybe “professional gamer who also knows how to code” is a good compromise.
• The “Skill-Building Summer” Initiative: Encourage them to explore internships, volunteer opportunities, or even just learn a new skill online. “Netflix and chill” is not a skill, despite what they might tell you.
• The “Just Breathe” Reminder: High school is a marathon, not a sprint. Remind them that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. And that a nap can solve almost any problem.
So, parents, arm yourselves with patience, snacks, and a healthy dose of humor. EYH is here to cover all bases:
• Empty Nester Support
• Stress
• College/Next Stage Planning
• Transition to College
Contact https://www.eyhcollegecoach.com/ or https://eyhlifecoach. com/ to support you and your family in this important next stage. We’ll get through this May-hem together. And who knows, maybe by June, we’ll all be ready for a well-deserved nap.
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.
AMERICA’S DREAM HOMEWORKS: Northern California’s Preferred Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeler
By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks
With 24 years of experience, the team at America’s Dream HomeWorks knows the ins and outs of kitchen and bathroom remodels. Whether it’s updating countertops, installing modern custom cabinetry, or reworking the layout, the team provides comprehensive design and construction services. Here are a few of the several factors that make America’s Dream HomeWorks the preferred choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels in Northern California:
Family Owned:
ADH is proud to be a family-owned business and likes to make all of their clients feel a part of the family as well. Our team works closely with homeowners, from the initial consultation through to project completion, ensuring every detail is accounted for. We provide transparent communication throughout the process, keeping clients informed about timelines, costs, and progress.
Expert Designers and Craftsmen:
ADH’s team of designers and craftsmen are highly skilled professionals who bring both expertise and passion to every project. Our company’s designers focus on creating functional, stylish layouts, while the skilled craftsmen ensure the highest quality in installation and finishes.
Customized Solutions for Every Budget:
A kitchen and bath remodel cost can vary depending on the scale of the project, materials, and design complexity. ADH works with clients to find a solution that fits their budget, offering a variety of pricing options without compromising on quality.
Streamlined Process:
Remodeling your kitchen and bathroom can be a daunting process, but ADH makes it simple and efficient. We handle everything from permits to final inspections, ensuring that the project runs smoothly and is completed on time.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
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
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 luxurious 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.
BelmontVillage.com/SanRamon | 925-414-0255
©2025 Belmont Village, L.P. | RCFE 079201442
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JOE & RON GATTI
Beware of Unsolicited Offers
By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass
Ifyou’re a homeowner, you undoubtedly have received letters in the mail, with someone interested in purchasing your home. These letters come from several different sources. If you receive a letter that has you intrigued, it’s a good idea to do your homework before you respond.
I receive the majority of these letters from large companies that are set up solely to buy property way under market, so that they can immediately turn it around for a profit. In simple terms, they’d like to steal your equity, if you’ll let them. The letters come with the enticement of you needing to do nothing, and you can select the timing that works well for you. Since these companies are out to make as much profit as possible, their offer is going to be well below the market value of your home, often times by 25% or more.
I’ve rarely met someone who has decided to sell their home this way, but when I have, I’ve found two common scenarios. The first is a seller who perhaps has no idea how much their home is currently worth. They may have owned it for a really long time. As a result, the price that the company offers them sounds fantastic and they don’t bother to get a second opinion. The second scenario is largely based on timing and external circumstances. An unsolicited offer arrives when someone is under a lot of duress, dealing with something else that is very stressful in life, and the offer seems like a sensible way to go in that moment. It’s heart breaking to see someone taken advantage of in these circumstances.
So what should you do if you receive an unsolicited offer and it sounds too good to be true? Call a trusted REALTOR® for a market evaluation, to find out how much your home is really worth. Then you
can at least make an educated decision. If you are willing to sell at the price the letter is offering, there is an excellent probability that your REALTOR® can easily sell your home on your terms, but at a much better price.
The other kind of unsolicited offer often comes from REALTORS® who are going the extra mile for a client they represent (trying to find the perfect home) or directly from individual buyers who are unrepresented and want a specific location or property. In either of these cases, your best bet is to contact YOUR trusted REALTOR® for an opinion of value. Beyond evaluating the value of your home, having your own representation should ensure that you are well protected and entering into a fair contract.
Every home sale is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com for a custom analysis. Even if you’re not planning to 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
BRUSCHETTA with Garlic Confit
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
Tomatoseason is coming! Tomato season is coming! OK it’s not here yet, but it will be soon, and you need to be prepared because there are so many fantastic tomato dishes out there. I was very lucky to come across some excellent tomatoes at the farmers market recently, and was inspired to make one of my favorite appetizers…bruschetta! Or as my non-Italian friends call it….Italian salsa. Pairing this lovely light and bright tomato bruschetta with a buttery mellow garlic confit is so delicious and highly addictive. I’ve never served this at a party to find any leftovers at the end of the night. So if you find yourself hosting a Memorial day backyard soirée, keep this recipe handy for your tomato loving friends. They’ll think you spent hours working on this lovely little hors d’oeuvre.
BRUSCHETTA WITH GARLIC CONFIT
Serves 4 to 6
You will need;
• 1/2 c. pre-peeled whole garlic (Don’t chop it)
• 2/3 c. olive oil
• 4 ripe roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1/3 c. red onion, finely chopped
• 5 basil fresh leaves, or one hearty stem, thin sliced 2 TBS fresh chopped parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ciabatta demi baguette. (Available at Trader Joe’s)
• 2/3 c. crumbled feta cheese or a soft goat cheese
Putting it together;
Preheat the oven to 350°. Place the garlic in a small oven safe bowl and cover with olive oil. The garlic should be submerged in the olive oil, so add more if necessary. Cover with a lid or tinfoil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking on it occasionally. It should turn a light golden brown. When the garlic is done, use a spoon to carefully remove the garlic to a medium size bowl to cool (about 15 minutes) and set the garlic oil aside for later. Once the garlic is cool, use a spoon to mash it into a paste on the inside of the bowl. In that same bowl, add your chopped tomatoes, onions, basil, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix everything really well, then cover and place in the fridge to chill. Preheat the oven to broil and slice the ciabatta bread into 1 inch slices. Arrange the
bread on a baking sheet and brush the bread with the reserved garlic oil. Make sure to save a little for garnishing. Toast the bread in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden. Remove the bread to a plate and top with a generous scoop of the tomato mixture. Sprinkle chunks of feta cheese on top and drizzle the last of the garlic oil.
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.
They’re outta here!
By Anne Angstenberger, Resident Since 2006
Please join the San Ramon Valley High School Athletic Department and school community in saying goodbye to the Varsity Baseball Seniors. These young men have helped grow a wonderful Wolves Baseball program and their years of commitment and hard work do not go unnoticed. The Den will miss you!
Michael Nichols began playing T-Ball at the age of five and has played baseball for 13 years. His primary position is Left Field and his favorite SRV baseball memory is winning the semi-final game in the Las Vegas Tournament during spring break 2024. Michael plans to study Business at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo this fall.
Dylan Waters started playing baseball at 4.5 years old with the Town of Danville. Growing up, he played SRVLL as well as Crushers baseball. Starting at SRV, he quickly turned into a pitcher. Dylan’s favorite memory was throwing his first inning on Varsity. After overcoming a UCL tear that impacted his junior season, he struck out the first three batters in his first varsity outing against St. Ignatius.
This fall, Dylan is heading to Ole Miss and will study Business.
Jack Yribarren has been playing baseball since 2010 (15 years).....since he was three years old! His primary position is catcher and his favorite SRV baseball memory is beating De La Salle during EBAL playoffs during his junior year. Jack is deciding between attending the University of Colorado, Boulder or Syracuse University in fall.
Owen Morgan began playing baseball at the young age of five years old. His primary position is a Left Hand Pitcher, and his favorite SRV baseball memory was playing with the Varsity Team during the spring break tournament in Las Vegas 2024. Owen is set to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona after graduation.
Dylan Waters
Jack Yribarren
Michael Nichols
Owen Morgan
Carson Wall has played baseball since he was six years old. His primary position for SRV baseball is playing outfield, and his favorite memory has been the great friendships he has developed with all of his teammates over the years. Carson plans to attend University of Colorado, Boulder in the fall.
Lucas Glazier has been playing baseball since first grade, playing shortstop the majority of those eleven years. He has been fortunate to get to play three of his four high school years on the Varsity team and was honored to be asked by his coach to be one of the team captains this season. His favorite memory playing for San Ramon Valley High School was winning the E-Ball Championship in 2023. Lucas is excited
Our Residents’ To-Do List:
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to attend The University of Mississippi this fall majoring in Business.
TJ Adlman began his baseball career thirteen years ago. His primary position is third base, and his favorite memory with the SRV baseball program was going to the Las Vegas Tournament with the Varsity team last year. TJ is currently deciding between attending SDSU or University of Washington after graduation. Bryce Monte has played baseball since the age of five. His primary position is a pitcher, and he plans to continue playing baseball at Ohlone College. His favorite SRV baseball memory was playing in Las Vegas last spring break and throwing against Faith Lutheran.
Evan Economos began playing baseball thirteen years ago. His primary positions for the SRV baseball program has been playing in the outfield, and he will never forget the walk off win against the Monte Vista Mustangs. Currently Evan is undecided in his plans after graduation.
Ryan Tong has been playing baseball since he was 6 years old. His primary position for the San Ramon Valley baseball program has been a pitcher. Ryan’s favorite memory that he will take with him is playing with a “great bunch of teammates.” Next fall, Ryan will attend Arizona State University followed by pursuing graduate school in Sports Physical Therapy .
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.
Bryce Monte
TJ Adlman
Lucas Glazier
Carson Wall
Ryan Tong
Evan Economos
End of Year Advice
By Kaylan Rizkalli, Member of the Danville Youth Council
May signifies the end of the school year and that summer is just within reach. For us students, May is also probably one of the most stressful times of the year with classwork, final exams, and extracurriculars all ramping up at once. What makes this end of year struggle even harder? A lack of motivation, which I know we all start to feel as the weather gets warmer and our to-do list gets longer. So, in the spirit of finishing the year strong, here are three tips to help you stay motivated during this time.
One way to boost motivation and keep you on track for success is to simply create a routine/schedule for each week leading up to summer break. Having a schedule to follow ensures that you make the most of your time and efficiently get through that daunting load of coursework. In fact, one way to increase the effectiveness of your schedule is to color-coordinate it! Adding color not only works to create a more visually appealing schedule (which never hurts), it also helps your brain process the information and keep you on top of all your assignments. A well-thought out schedule allows you to set realistic goals for yourself, prioritize your time, and reduce stress–all necessary components for success.
Although a schedule is imperative to keep you on track, knowing what study strategies are most effective for your classes is equally as important. Having varied study methods is a great way to prevent getting burnout by lengthy and repetitive cram sessions. By catering your study method to the specific class or topic, you avoid the monotony of studying, which boosts motivation to get work done. For instance, if you have lengthy chapters of a subject to read through before a final, consider making a “One Pager” for each chapter. One Pagers help you synthesize the most important pieces of information into various visual aids and blurbs, and it is a study tool I always turn to when having to digest lots of information at once. Additionally, you can find videos online that explain difficult concepts in fresh ways promoting your understanding of the course material, and keeping you engaged. Personally, I love Heimler History videos for help with AP U.S. History, Coach Hall Writes for AP Language and Composition help, AP Bio Penguins for AP Biology, and Khan Academy for pretty much any subject. These– and many
Education News
other videos– are all great places to start for review, and resources that I swear by to get me through the end of the year.
Having said this, sometimes what we really need to finish the school year strong is support from the people around us. It is almost impossible to navigate the challenges of a high-pressure environment without the support of others, let alone maintain motivation when we’re working all alone. I know that I perform my best when I have people to turn to and lean on for encouragement and assistance. So, whether it’s getting help from teachers after school or studying with friends and classmates, remember to surround yourself with people that make learning fun, and who keep you motivated. Planning a study session with friends at a local café is always a great way to get some homework done, and enjoy a relaxed, carefree environment. Working with peers is also a great reminder that you are not alone during this stressful time, and that you really will make it to the bright, sunshine filled days of summer.
Ultimately, as you finish out the academic year, remember to give yourself grace. Reflect on how far you’ve come this year, and treat yourself with the kindness and patience you deserve. Trust in yourself and the work that you do, and know that all your efforts in May will only make the summer months feel even sweeter!
Kaylan Rizkalli is currently a Junior at Carondelet High School and loves to be active in her community. She is a part of Model United Nations as well as the Multiplying Good club at her school, and plays soccer and lacrosse. In her free time, she loves to play piano and read mystery books. She is thrilled to be a teen journalist for Danville Living CA and is excited to share her thoughts on various topics to peers and neighbors.
Summer Imagineering
By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager
Join us for Summer Imagineering!
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.
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
St. Isidore School Celebrates Science, Innovation, and Community
By Stacie Mihalik, St. Isidore School Parent
At St. Isidore School in Danville, curiosity and creativity take center stage when it comes to science education. This year, middle school students in grades 7-8 had the exciting opportunity to put their scientific knowledge to the test by competing in the annual St. Isidore Science Fair. After weeks of research, experimentation, and analysis, students proudly presented their projects to a panel of judges. Their hard work and innovative thinking were on full display as they tackled real-world scientific questions and challenges. Congratulations to our winners!
The celebration of science didn’t stop there! Following the Science Fair, the entire school community came together for an unforgettable STEAM Night, which embraced an exciting space theme. The gym was transformed into a cosmic wonderland, with space-themed artwork created by students in grades TK-5 decorating the walls, setting the stage for an evening of hands-on discovery. Students of all ages explored a variety of interactive science activities, each designed to inspire and engage young minds. Some of the most popular stations included:
Balloon Rockets – Experimenting with propulsion and aerodynamics.
Parachute Design – Testing gravity and engineering skills.
Moon Rover Scene – Imagining and designing lunar landscapes.
Solar System Scrolls – Learning about planetary order and characteristics.
Constellation Chalk – Creating star patterns and learning about their significance.
Space Chains – Crafting models of celestial connections.
STEAM Night was a wonderful opportunity for students to dive deeper into scientific exploration while fostering a love of learning in a fun, collaborative environment. Events like these highlight St. Isidore School’s commitment to providing enriching educational experiences that ignite curiosity and inspire future innovators.
The spirit of creativity and celebration continued beyond the classroom at the St. Isidore School 2025 Gala, one of the school’s biggest annual fundraisers. Held at the stunning Blackhawk Automotive Museum, this year’s gala transported guests back in time with an Old Hollywood theme. Parents, faculty, and supporters of the school gathered for an elegant evening that featured a dinner, auction, and dancing—all in support of St. Isidore’s mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities. The event not only raised funds for vital school programs but also strengthened the sense of community and shared purpose that makes St. Isidore so special.
From the Science Fair and STEAM Night to the Gala, a common theme emerges—exploration, creativity, and connection. Whether students are testing their scientific theories, families are coming together for handson learning, or the community is celebrating and supporting the school’s future, St. Isidore continues to foster a culture of curiosity, discovery, and togetherness.
Honoring The Rosies While Taking in the Views
By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by Leah Johnson
Living in the Bay Area affords us easy access to natural beauty. But there are places so rich in history they have earned national recognition for helping the country at a particularly crucial time. On the waterfront in Richmond, you can find both.
Just 24 miles from Danville, the area off I-580 at the end of Harbour Way South there sits the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in “partnership” with the National Parks Service. The no-admission-charge museum accepts donations, and it’s a must because it houses artifacts and exhibits of this remarkable, historically important place. One of four wartime assembly plants on the West Coast, Richmond was the largest because it was on a deep-water port, at the end of major railroad lines and had access to plenty of land. Kaiser ran four yards here that produced mostly merchant ships as well as assembled tanks and built Jeeps. In all, 747 ships,49,000 wartime Jeeps and 91,000 other military vehicles came out of the yards.
In the early 1940s the U.S. economy was still mired in the Great Depression. When word got out that there were all kinds of jobs in Richmond, people from around the country took whatever they could to get here and then sign up. The city grew from 25,000 to more than 100,000 in months. With many men in military service, women
of all races were incorporated quickly into the Kaiser workforce. Their acuity in everything from welding to inspections to, yes, riveting played a major role in our military success and, more telling, our economic recovery. At the peak of its wartime construction, Richmond produced a “liberty” ship – a large sea-going vessel that carried equipment, troops, food and medical supplies – in
Who was Rosie
Rosie Riveter museum
Picture of women on the manufacturing line
about 40 hours. Thousands of people were in the buildings daily, and in turn Kaiser made what are now considered socially innovative steps to ensure production stayed high. Among other things, Kaiser provided child care for families. The company added health services to keep the workforce healthy. (Today, Kaiser doesn’t build ships but does operate a large healthcare service.) It included social outings and events, such as movie nights. And it built many a structures to house the workers. The museum also points out that there were tensions among the diverse workforce, and therein minorities did indeed point out their contributions to the war effort while still having to navigate the “Jim Crow” laws.
After the war, production slowed and eventually totally dissipated. The buildings fell into disrepair, and the Ford Assembly plant – which at 525,000 square feet was the largest assembly plant in the West –was badly damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake. In the 1990s, the area became the focus of politicians to resurrect the shipyards and honor “The Rosies” and all the people who worked in the yards. The renovated Ford building Assembly plant now houses offices, pickle ball courts and the Assemble Kitchen.
The Bay Trail edges the waterfront and leads you around the marina towards Marina Bay Park, making it easy to bike, run or walk the water front and take in more views of the Bay, San Francisco to the west, downtown Oakland to the south against the East Bay hills. It’s just one more place that not only offers easy, free access to our natural beauty, but it reminds us again of the role this area played in a very crucial time of the world’s history – just another reason to brag about being in the East Bay.
Local Resident Saves Student
By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010
If someone were to ask you what a hero looks like, what would you say? When we say that teachers are heroes, we’re often referring to their guidance, leadership or kind hearted demeanor. However, when a teacher summons the courage to step up and save the life of a choking student, that is a whole new definition of hero. That said, the town of Danville has a hero walking among us.
Tara Fay is a life long resident of Danville who attended San Ramon Valley high school and thrived in the music and arts department. She has always had a passion for education and eagerly accepted a position teaching music at Pinole middle school right after graduating from UCLA. Miss Fay settled into teaching very naturally, and, before long, two years had already passed.
As the month of December was slowly winding down, students turned their attention towards winter break fun and the distractions of vacation time. Miss Fay’s usual class came shuffling in for their regular fourth period music class. Being conscious of students living with food insecurity, Miss Fay has always had an open policy when it comes to eating in her classroom. Knowing that hungry students can’t focus, she allows her kids to munch on their lunch if they need to during class time. It was then that a male student, who had been eating away at his sandwich began to choke. The student quickly got up, and ran out of the classroom. Miss Fay saw that something was wrong and followed to check on him. The panicked student was stressfully bent over a trashcan in the hallway and began to turn purple. Miss Fay, quickly recognizing what was happening, sprang into action with heroic measure. She instructed 3 students to go get help from the office, and two more students to dial 911 as she began to perform the Heimlich maneuver. One student placed the 911 call on loud speaker so that Miss Fay could talk to the operator at the same time. After more than 90 seconds of pushing, Miss Fay successfully dislodged the sandwich from the child’s throat. Sighs of relief could be heard throughout the whole school over what can only be described as the perfect execution of the Heimlich maneuver. A life threatening crisis averted long before an ambulance could even arrive. The student went home, safe and sound with an incredible story to tell over winter break. The story of Miss Fay’s bravery was later featured on KRON 4 news.
Since the event, Miss Fay has maintained a humble stance on the matter, claiming that she was just doing her job. However, she wants to drive the message home very strongly that it is so important for everyone to have CPR and First Aid training. You never know who’s life you might save.
Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years.
LEFT: Former Ford assembly factory, now pickleball facility
Other coast as seen from San Franciscohence the name Contra Costa Sign in Riveter Museum
