Blackhawk Living CA May 2023

The

The

After a cold and rainy week, clear skies welcomed Niners and guests on Falls front Local Sports

A Monte Vista High School Production: Mean Girls Junior Reporter

May Craft: Sew a Makeup Bag Crafts Corner

For

Test your Knowledge – MAYbe you know the answers

Dining to Deliver Gala

Vegetarian Turnip Soup Recipe

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue - Giving them another chance Pet corner

Remembering

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014

Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010

Designer: Emily Lund

Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

Advertising

Contact: Jo Peek

Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

Dear Neighbors,

It’s that time of year when we celebrate and honor the mothers! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

May also brings Memorial Day, which in my book, is the gateway to summer. It’s the cue to pack up the winter clothes and bring out the sandals. Whether you are heading out of town or spending the holiday grilling in your backyard, we hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend.

Blackhawk Living is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbors, the Agustin Family. They share a combined love of community and adventure and fit right in here in Blackhawk.

In this month’s community calendar, you’ll find many ways to get involved in the community. Plus Blackhawk Chef, Parisa Z. Ambwani shares one of her favorite recipes.

Warmly,

Megan Scott Resident since 2010

We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Expert Contributors

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

Advertising - Print & Digital Blackhawk Living CA

Jo Peek 925-272-8246

BlackhawkLivingCA@gmail.com

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

Auto Sales & Service

Kerri Anderson Pleasanton Automall

Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925-737-5062

Chiropractic

Plaza Chiropractic & Massage Therapy

Dr. Max Lippman, D.C. 925-964-9189

drmax@blackhawkchiropractor.com

Website www.blackhawkchiropractor.com

Cosmetic Surgery

Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757

www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com

Custom Window Coverings

Elite Shutters & Shadings

Janice Tracy, Lead designer 925-243-9066

www.Eliteshadings.com

Dentist

Dr. Larry Porteous DDS

Larry Porteous Family Dentistry 925-736-9000

Home Maintenance Home Inspections Plus Mark Beck

925-240-0441

m.beck@localinspector.com

www.localinspector.com

Insurance

Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700

roger@rogerfernando.com

Investigations

The Frame Group www.TheFrameGroup.com

9000 Crow Canyon Road, Suite 395

Danville, California 94506

Tel: 1.925.837.8309 | Fax: 1.925.837.8737

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.

The Pleasanton Automall is a luxury automotive dealership housing the Acura and Lexus dealerships located in Pleasanton, CA. In addition to our flagships, we also carry a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We pride ourselves in offering a World Class experience to all of our guests. Visit us today or contact us online to experience the Pleasanton difference.

Dr. Lippman has been in practice in the Tri-Valley since 2009. His passion is to help eradicate back pain and allow people to live their lives to the fullest. He is married and the father of two very good looking kids. When not cracking backs, he can be found running, hiking or biking with his kids, or enjoying a ballgame in the sun.

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality cosmetic treatments in the Blackhawk area for more than 15 years. Now they are thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic led by migraine specialist, Alicia Choquette. Alicia brings over 5 years of migraine expertise to the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic and looks forward to helping patients live a better quality of life migraine free.

We offer the highest quality window treatments available, and we also provide custom design, measurement, and installation services. Our experts are dedicated to providing our clients with high quality window treatments that can improve your home. Our window treatments are custom-designed to be the perfect fit for your interior decor, your home’s energy efficiency needs, and your personal taste.

Porteous Family Dentistry- Larry Porteous DDS and Linda Porteous RDH have been serving the dental needs in the communities of Rodeo,Vallejo and Blackhawk/Danville for over 30 years.They are a full service practice, eliminating, in most cases, the need for referrals. Offering extended hours for your convenience. “Our practices are dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We strive to give each person the same respect, concern and care we would expect as patients.

At Home Inspections Plus, we have two basic rules: client satisfaction and long-term relationships. With our many years of business experience and over 6,000 fee paid inspections, we believe after you try our service, you will gladly refer others to us and use us in the future. Realtor and consumer inquiries welcome!

Roger Fernando has been a State Farm Agent for 30 years, starting his insurance agency in 1988. Roger and his team are fully licensed. We take pride in giving personal, exceptional service, in talking and listening to our clients about their insurance needs. Our mission has always been to consult with customers as their insurance needs change, protect their insurance for the risks of everyday life and help recover from the unexpected loss.

Michael F. Framé received his formal investigative training from the United States Department of Justice (FBI), the United States Secret Service, IRS, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) while serving as an undercover narcotics investigator assigned to the Vice Crimes Division of the Oakland Police Department. This training included asset identification and discovery, money laundering, fraud, financial crimes, business intelligence, organized and whitecollar crime, narcotics processing, sales, possession, and influence.

Expert Contributors

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

Jewelry,

Diamonds & Timepieces

Steve Padis

Steve Padis Jewelry

info@padisjewelry.com

www.padisjewelry.com

Mortgage

CrossCountry Mortgage LLC

W. Todd Galde

925-854-5238

todd.galde@myccmortgage.com

www.toddgalde.com

Music: Soloist & Private Voice Lessons

Elizabeth Hunter Ashley

The Performance Studio

925-548-2694

Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com

www.elizabethhunterashley.com

Pool Service

Jon Lubrano

Atlantis Pools

925-736-0447

info@atlantispoolsdanville.com

atlantispoolsdanville.com

Tree Service

Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service

415-531-1247

ntdonovan@yahoo.com

www.buenavistatree.com

Sushi Blue Sakana Blackhawk

JD Choi

jd@bluesakanablackhawk.com

925-648-7838

bluesakanablackhawk.com

Wealth Advisor WestPac Wealth Partners

Phil Kang, CExPTM

Henry Chau, CPWA®

925-350-6588

info@westpacwealth.com

www.westpacwealth.com

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

After more than 20 years, Todd Galde has mastered the process of helping borrowers with different income sources, matching the correct loan to their unique circumstances. We teach and advise, then we customize. A Direct Lender, Team Galde offers solutions with competitive rates and financing programs that give you more qualifying options, including the unique NINE Loan for owner-occupied purchase or refinance. Learn more at www.The9Loan.com.

Professional lyric coloratura soprano, Elizabeth has extensive experience as a soloist in oratorio, concert, musical theatre, sacred music, and new music. She performs nationally and internationally with renown conductors, orchestras, composers, international communities, and holds a myriad of national credits including MM degree. As the proprietor of her vocal music studio, she has taught 300+ private students from youth to mature adults offering them a sustainable vocal technique, biannual voice recitals which include philanthropic fund raisers, music connections in the community, performance preparation for high school top choirs, vocal competitions, college prep. recordings, pageant training. Elizabeth is a member of NATS, CCMTAC, an adjudicator for CMEA, and NATS.

Atlantis Pools Inc. is a family owned business that has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years. From pool repair, maintenance needs, remodels and updates, no job is too big or small for us. We take pride in the high quality service we give to each customer.

Buena Vista Tree Service is committed to preserving our urban forests and environment. They recycle 100% of our green waste into a reusable landscaping product. Trex safely and efficiently handles all types of tree emergencies 24 hours a day to eliminate tree risks to people and property and significantly reduce your liability exposure.

Blue Sakana has become the premier destination for Japanese food, offering the highest-quality fish and most original sushi rolls in the area. Our inviting atmosphere and friendly staff have quickly made Blue Sakana a neighborhood favorite. Blue Sakana at Blackhawk offers a full bar with artisanal, Asian-inspired cocktails, an eclectic beer selection and a great wine list. We specialize in sushi and Japanese dishes made with fresh ingredients, all at an accessible and affordable price.

Uniquely positioned to offer our clients access to one of the most comprehensive financial product platforms available today, Westpac envisions and enhances our clients’ goals by designing a customized strategy and creating a life map to achieve and protect their wealth.

Meet the Agustins: In It Together

has held multiple technology management positions at Moody’s Analytics where he currently leads the KYC Technology & Data Strategy Team. A software engineer staying at the same company for multiple decades is rare in the Bay Area, but he really enjoys the company and the domain.

Jimmy’s and Eleen’s lives were lived parallel to each other for many years before they intersected. Both students at UC Berkeley, they initially met in 1996. “It was the day after graduation and Jimmy showed up with a mutual friend of ours to help me move out of my apartment and ended up cracking my desk — what a first impression! It would take us another eight years before we started dating, but during that time we’d frequently run into each other at the many dotcom parties being thrown throughout the city,” says Eleen.

In 2004, Eleen took a big fall off her road bike while training in the Berkeley Hills. “I think the moment it struck me that Jimmy might actually be “the one” was when I called him to the rescue after my bike accident. He came to my rescue and treated me to a giant plate of pasta and a pitcher of beer, which was apparently the way to my heart (and also did wonders for my new road rash). He proposed on a beach in Jamaica in 2007, and we married at our alma mater the following year. We celebrated our crystal anniversary—15 years of marriage—on January 26th. We had reservations to celebrate at Esin Restaurant, but a sick kid and a tennis injury forced a change in plans. We treated ourselves to a lovely takeout dinner from Lakeside and couldn’t have been happier,” says Eleen.

Both raised in Southern California, Jimmy was born and raised in Cerritos and is proud to have attended Whitney High School. Eleen was born in Newfoundland, Canada where her dad got his Master’s Degree in Geology before moving to the San Fernando Valley. The couple both graduated from UC Berkeley and both landed jobs in San Francisco. They coincidentally ended up living in the same apartment complex in Emeryville. After marrying, they settled in Alameda. “We loved living by the water, but like a lot of other families, we got a bit antsy during the pandemic and eventually followed in the footsteps of one of our neighbors, who introduced us to Blackhawk. Once our heads started filling with the idea of the kids having more space to run around, not to mention the lure of a swimming pool (and weather that gets hot enough to want to use it), sprawling parks, and of course, good schools, we couldn’t stop thinking about it. We bought our dream home in April 2021, after a 10-month search. Even though it’s been almost two years, we often find ourselves staring out the windows marveling at the amazing sunsets, soaring hawks, and the occasional deer, owl, and other critter sightings,” says Eleen.

Jimmy received his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He worked as a software developer at multiple startups as well as larger enterprises like Siebel Systems and Oracle. For the last 21 years, he has built financial and regulatory software and

Eleen graduated from the business undergrad program at UC Berkeley and started her career at Ernst & Young as a financial auditor and IT security consultant, then jumped into the dotcom world where she managed project management teams and led web development/online marketing projects with clients like Screen Actors Guild, Häagen-Dazs, and Orbitz. She spent a couple of years at Wells Fargo as a project manager in their Internet Services Group before finally jumping ship from the corporate world and opening her own brick and mortar shop in Alameda that featured handmade goods by local artists. During that time, she was hired into one of her favorite jobs — working with some of her best friends to help the late Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh, launch his best-selling book Delivering Happiness, then helping set up the consulting startup that evolved from the book. These days, Eleen feels fortunate to be able to stay at home with her two girls and enjoys volunteering her time at their school and Girl Scouts/Cub Scouts organizations.

The couple’s oldest daughter Zoe is 10 years old and in 4th grade at Tassajara Hills Elementary. Last year, she landed her first “job” as a Harmony Worker at school, where she helped with peer conflict resolution on the playground. This year, she made Student Leadership and got selected to be a Harmony Worker again. Zoe recently competed in the school’s first spelling bee and was thrilled to come home with 3rd place. Outside of school, Zoe is on the competition team at Black Tiger Taekwondo Studio and has earned two gold and one bronze tournament medals. She enjoys tennis lessons with friends at Blackhawk Country Club, playing board games, designing things in Canva and making friendship bracelets. Zoe hopes to be a 1st grade teacher when she grows up.

“Our youngest daughter, Maya, is 8 years old and is our dog-obsessed 2nd grader, teaching herself everything there is to know about dogs, thanks to the school and public libraries. She loves the Paws to Read program at the Danville branch and has signed up multiple times to read to therapy dogs. Maya also does competitive taekwondo and has a growing collection of gold and silver medals. This little girl can most often be found doing the running

man or practicing her taekwondo moves and always has a joke for anyone who’ll listen. Maya would like to be a veterinarian when she grows up,” says Eleen.

Being active members of the community is of high importance for the family. Jimmy volunteers as an Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 1776, where he gets to relive his childhood experience as an Eagle Scout. He has also enjoyed being captain of the Blackhawk Country Club’s 3.0 Men’s Tennis Team. He is also serving his 7th year as the executive sponsor for Girls Who Code through Moody’s.

Eleen co-leads special events for Maya’s Girl Scout Brownies Troop and is on the planning committee for Zoe’s Cub Scouts Day Camp program. At the kids’ school, her favorite volunteer role is helping out in the kids’ classrooms and at the school library, but she also loves being part of the wonderful parent community that comprises the PTA. “As a family, we’re working on upping the frequency of our community service efforts, but we love the Family Food Sort program at the local Food Bank and at Kids Against Hunger, as well as

the fact that both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts provide volunteer opportunities for the kids to serve their community,” says Eleen.

The family says the kind neighbors and the beauty of the community made them fall in love with Blackhawk, “Our home sits atop a small hill at the end of a court. We love the views that this gives us, along with the privacy and quiet. When we first moved in, Zoe wrote a letter of greeting and introduction to each of our neighbors, and she and Maya dropped one into every mailbox on our street. We were a little unsure of what kind of response we would get, if any, but were pleasantly surprised when over the next few weeks, kind neighbors began ringing our doorbell to say hello, dropping cards in our mailbox, and even having us over for tea. We feel so blessed to have landed on this street amongst such friendly and welcoming folks.”

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

ARF Adoption Stars

Adopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6 pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:

Scone Cherub

One-and-a-half-year-old Cherub is the fluffiest girl! This fun-loving, furry pup is looking for a family to call her own. If you’re looking for unconditional love and lots of cuddle time, she’s your girl! She is ready for a picnic in the park, a long walk on the beach, or to stay and cuddle up with a good book. Come say hi and let her show you that she can be your lifelong pal! Cherub has a positive history with other dogs. She currently weighs 53 pounds.

ARF adoption fees:

• $250 for an adult dog

• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)

• $150 for a special-needs dog

• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)

• $150 for a senior dog (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

Two-year-old Scone is a scrumptiously adorable and sweet girl who sees with her heart what she can’t see with her eyes. And what does she see, exactly? She sees your love, care, and affection. She sees herself safe, warm, and loved in her forever home – your home – happily curled up on your lap, purring and making biscuits before she drifts blissfully to sleep under the warm blanket of your adoring gaze. Scone will bring your life a comfort and enrichment you didn’t know was possible, and she deserves exactly the same and so much more! Come meet this special girl today.

ARF adoption fees:

• $125 for an adult cat

• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)

• $200 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens

• $75 for a special-needs cat

• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)

• $75 for a senior cat (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Updates

Night with the Stars event: On Monday, April 17, 2023, we celebrated our district’s Shining Stars! Learn more at: https://srvef.org/night-with-the-stars/

Summer Imagineering Registration begins: The San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) is proud to offer Imagineering, a beyond school enrichment program for SRVUSD students. The goal of Imagineering is to spark student interest in choosing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) classes in middle and high school.

This Summer we will be offering a variety of classes that will appeal to young scientists, engineers, coders, zoologists, programmers, chemists, techies, artists and mathematicians starting June 12 and running through July 21, 2023. With weeklong classes for incoming students from 2nd through high school you are certain to find something for your student. Learn more at bit.ly/srvef-imagineering

May

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thurs., May 4

May the Fourth Be With You

@Downtown Danville, Town Green & Village Theatre

Come celebrate all things Star Wars at the Town of Danville’s May the 4th Be With You Event! Looking for more ways to celebrate Star Wars? Jedi training activities taking place on the Town Green. Time: 4:00–6:00 pm.

Costumes are encouraged. For more information call the Danville Community Center at (925) 314-3400.

Sun., May 7

Animals on Broadway

@Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek

ARF’s Annual Pet Walk/Parade and Wellness Fair in downtown Walnut Creek. Join ARF in celebrating the special bond between pets and people at this community festival at Broadway Plaza. Bring the whole family - including your pet - and walk to save lives at the Pet Walk! Sign up as an individual or with friends as a team to help raise $100,000 for animals in need at this one-mile walk. Then, the fun continues with raffles, demonstrations, and Pet Wellness Fair offering an array of health services for your best friend. ARF and other rescue groups will have furry friends of all sizes available for adoption. Time: 9:30 am

Sun., May 14

Blackhawk Country Club Presents

Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinner

@Lakeside Blackhawk Country Club

Don’t miss a brunch and dinner to celebrate the moms. Full menu and reservations available at https://www.blackhawkcc.org

Mon., May 29

Memorial Day Ceremony

@Oak Hill Park

Honor and remember our fallen veterans at Danville’s Memorial Day Celebration. Follow the American flags on Stone Valley Road to Oak Hill Park, where you’ll enjoy live music, entertainment, and a special ceremony including guest speakers and tributes to past and present service members. Bring a picnic lunch and share this patriotic and educational event with the whole family. Time: 10:30 am

Every Monday

Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events

@Gianni’s Italian Bistro

Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local non-profit community. Tips for Change is a fun and unique way for local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local non-profits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization. This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required. More information at www.giannissanramon.com

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market

@Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot - Downtown

Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items you can eat in the market or take with you to enjoy at home. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot. Time: 9am-1pm

More information at www.pcfma.com

Riding Stuffed Animals Around Scottsdale

My mom surprised me when we visited Scottsdale over spring break! She told me we were taking an electric scooter ride, but when I saw the scooters, they were giant stuffed animals!

We did the Rydables Tour of Old Town Scottsdale through Kactus Jock and it was so fun! I chose the giant stuffed tiger to ride on and my mom rode a pinata dog.

We got to ride all around the town and everyone smiled when they saw us. If you ever visit Scottsdale, be sure to do the Rydables tour!

Eyelid Surgery: Enhancing Appearance and Restoring Function

As we age, the skin and muscles around our eyes start to loosen and sag, resulting in the appearance of bags under the eyes, droopy eyelids, and fine lines and wrinkles. These changes can not only affect our appearance but also our vision, making it difficult to see clearly. Fortunately, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can address these issues and restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eyes.

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids. During the procedure, excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed or repositioned to improve the appearance and function of the eyes. Upper eyelid surgery typically involves making an incision in the natural crease of the eyelid, through which excess skin and fat are removed. The muscles in the eyelid may also be tightened, and the incision is then closed with fine sutures. Lower eyelid surgery may involve making an incision just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid, depending on the patient’s needs. Most often, fat grafting is done simultaneously to replace lost volume on the face, especially below the eyes. Sometimes the cheek is lifted as well.

Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means the patient returns home on the same day as the surgery. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient, but most people can expect to return to work and regular activities within a week or two. The benefits of eyelid surgery extend beyond just improving one’s appearance. The procedure can also improve vision by removing excess skin and fat that may be obstructing the visual field. In some cases, eyelid surgery may also be recommended for medical reasons, such as to correct ptosis (drooping eyelids) or to address skin cancer.

Eyelid surgery is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the eyes and restore function to those who may be experiencing visual obstruction. If you are considering eyelid surgery, please schedule a consultation with me so we can discuss your personal goals and determine if the procedure is right for you. To schedule this complimentary consult, please call 925-736-5757. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club Orlando

Plenty of Water

The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando hotel, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek hotel and the 75-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve make up the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Resort Development. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is open to the public, but hotel guests receive a discount. We had heard good feedback about the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club but were skeptical. Would it be another well-manicured but gentle and less challenging resort course? Surprisingly, Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is a spectacular tournament-caliber golf course. The Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is the first Rees Jones design in Orlando.

Carved from a sizable area of swampland near the Orlando theme parks, the course sports traditional Rees Jones elevated greens that slope on the back and sides. Long and errant approach shots bound down the green-side slopes and the lack of false fronts allow run-up shots. There are no houses, and the feeling is remote. To increase pace-of-play for a resort course, the rough is minimal, out-of-bounds is nonexistent, and water hazards are all staked red as lateral.

The front nine is the gentler of the two nines. Areas outside the rough often incorporate tall bunch grass giving a cleaner look while maintaining shot difficulty. Rees Jones greens roll off the back and sides as seen on Hole #7 and Hole #12. A fun reachable Par5, Hole #8 is the lull before the storm of the back nine as the course brings its teeth.

Back nine starts with a short Par4 Hole #10, an excellent opportunity for a birdie. Over fifty bunkers throughout the course include fairway bunkers on every hole and green-side bunkers on every hole but one. Many of these bunkers are large sprawling complexes. Water comes into play on twelve holes. As shown on the cart GPS, snake and alligator warnings are prevalent in Florida. Hole #13 is short dogleg left around the pond to an elevated green that falls off on the back and left side into the water or a bunker. The Par4 Hole #15 is another dogleg left around the water with a large bunker complex in the landing area to the right demanding precision from the tee.

Extensive water and woods make an exciting combination of openness and remoteness at the same time. With a challenging layout of memorable holes and excellent conditioning, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is a resort course you’ll want to play again. Spend a few days here with the kids at the theme parks.

If You Go:

Course Info - Waldorf Astoria Golf Club includes eighteen championship golf holes. Only members or guests of the Waldorf Astoria or Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek have access to the golf course.

Location - Thirty minutes west of the Orlando International airport. Only a few miles from the major theme parks. Google Map

Lodging - Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are on the golf course.

Quintessential Golf

(https://www.quintessentialgolf.com)

A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a players point-of-view, articles include magnificent high-resolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.

The Blackhawk Chorus Updates

“Sounds of the American Spirit”

Saturday, May 6th @ 6pm Dinner Show

Blackhawk Country Club

Join the Blackhawk Chorus as we celebrate America and its wonderfully unique sounds throughout history. We will lead you on a joyful journey through time with music from a wide variety of genres - from spiritual gospel, to folk, jazz and pop - interwoven with the patriotic anthems we all know and love! You’ll hear songs such as Oh Happy Day, Ain-a That Good News!, Shenandoah, I Got Rhythm, California Dreamin’, God Bless America, and Amazing Grace. This is a concert you won’t want to miss!

Other performances include:

Saturday, May 6th @ 2pm | Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church

Sunday, May 7th @ 4pm | San Ramon Valley High School

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

“The house was sold faster than I expected. No need to say much further, Chawla real estate team is #1. Every one in the team is friendly and professional, I am sure I will reach out to Joujou again for my real estate needs in the near future.” -

Mustang Soccer Updates

Registration for our Fall 2023 is open for U5-U19 players. We have many different levels and programs for all types of players to enjoy!

The Level IV - Recreational & Recreational Plus Programs are the largest divisions within the club with over 65% of participants playing at this level. There are no tryouts for this level of play and the program consists of an 8-10-game season. These teams have volunteer coaches and the Recreational Plus teams have one training per week with a professional Mustang Soccer trainer. The season begins in August and it is open to U5-U19 for Recreational and U9-U14 for Recreational Plus.

The Level III - Competitive Select Program, formerly known as the Competitive Premier/Bronze Division, is a fantastic bridge between recreational soccer and the upper competitive levels. Our Competitive Select teams are unique, as they have a parent volunteer coach, who the club has approved, based on their experience, licenses, and background, and a professional Mustang Soccer trainer. These teams begin their season in June/July and are open to birth years, 2005-2015.

The Level I - ECNL Program & Level II - Pre-ECNL, Elite I, & Elite II Program are our highest levels of competitive soccer at Mustang. Close attention is paid to the tactical, physical, and mental development of our players and our philosophy aims to develop more creative and technically proficient players and prepare them for soccer at the high school and college level whenever possible. These teams have professional coaches, are a year-round commitment, and are open to birth years, 2005-201,1 for Level I, and 2005-20016, for Level II. Level II also includes our Juniors Program which is open to birth years, 2016-2017.

If you have any questions about any of our programs, please read more on our Programs page on our website and/or reach out to our Board of Directors assigned to each Level. Their info can be found on our website, mustangsoccer.com, on the Contact Us page.

HOX Swim Updates

HelloHOX Families! Can you believe that our swim season is in full swing and that our summer schedule is fast approaching? HOX swimmers are always ready to be in the water. Are you ready? Do you have your tent mates all set? Have you stocked up on sunscreen and spare goggles? It’ll be here before you know it. So many fun family events to put on your calendar for this summer. Please see the events calendar as well as the HOX meet schedule for the summer.

Are you new to the area or just haven’t made up your mind about joining a swim team yet? It’s still not too late. Please reach out to Coach Sean and he can answer any questions that you might have seanq@blackhawkcc.org

Afternoon practices run through June 2nd, then we switch to the summer morning schedule on Tuesday June 6th. Check your swimmer’s practice times.

After a cold and rainy week, clear skies welcomed Niners and guests on Falls front

Ninershosted 14 ladies from Orinda CC and Diablo CC for our second Angel Cup Tournament. It was a fun round of golf and commaradie with a 2 net best ball format, followed by a delicious lunch in the Falls dining room. First, second and third place teams were awarded Amazon gift cards. In addition, a 50/50 raffle was held with the proceeds going to Youth on Course. YOC provides a young person access to play at nearly 2,000 golf courses for $5 or less, along with benefits and opportunities that support their journey with the game.

A big thank you to Mary Porteous and Leigh Bultman for organizing the tournament, Linda McColgan and Etienne Melchner for the beautiful angelic decor and to the country club staff who worked to make this event a success.

A Monte Vista High School Production: Mean Girls

Girls is an iconic movie and a hallmark film of the 2000s. This year, the Monte Vista High School (MVHS) Drama Program tackled the daunting challenge of recreating this well-known satire. The Drama program, which encompasses both on stage performers and behind the scenes contributors, devoted hours of tireless work to hone in on the subtle details that make Mean Girls so enjoyable to watch. The musical was also greatly elevated by the variety of musical pieces played by the MVHS orchestra and band. Mason Gemmer, a current Sophomore and top-notch trumpet player at Monte Vista, described in detail the level of commitment and dedication that went into mastering his pieces. Reflecting upon the preparation that went into the play, he made sure to highlight that it was “a really fun experience preparing for [the play] with the band” (Gemmer). This opportunity gave him a chance to further strengthen existing friendships, while fostering a greater sense of connection among him and his fellow bandmates. The play also allowed for Mason’s individual growth as a musician, as the complex songs that he played helped him refine his craft. Gemmer also acknowledged that the band’s involvement in the play called for a significant time commitment. Leading up to the play, he and his fellow bandmates “would spend hours at home and hours at [Monte Vista],” frequently rehearsing “on Saturdays, Sundays, [and] weekdays,” (Gemmer) to ensure that they perfected the subtle intricacies of each and

Mean

every song. Alex Yang, a current Senior and tenured orchestra member at Monte Vista, shared similar sentiments, mentioning that rehearsals were hosted “multiple times a week” after returning from winter break. However, the orchestra’s commitments also extended beyond school, as they were expected to rehearse outside of school in order to memorize the lengthy “two hour long show, during which [they] played for the vast majority” (Yang). Thanks to the efforts of the MVHS Band and Orchestra, the audience’s experience was greatly enhanced, as their lively tunes added a much needed dimension of vibrance to the production. Among the other essential contributions towards the production were those of the behind the scenes stage crews. While the on stage performers certainly excelled in their respective roles and deserve plenty of recognition, it is also imperative to spotlight the behind the scenes contributors who played an instrumental role throughout the entire process. Erin Yang, a Sophomore and proud member of the Tech crew for the Drama Class, addressed the fact that different crews are responsible for different tasks including properly angling stage lights, diligently curating costumes, and ensuring that transitions are seamless (Yang). Without the efforts of these meaningful off stage contributors, orchestrating the production would have been nearly impossible. And, of course, what is a production without the performers? Michael Cahn, a current Junior and talented Drama Student at Monte Vista played the role of Damian Hubbard, who quickly befriends the main character, Cady Heron, upon her arrival at her new school. Michael did a flawless job capturing the fun and boisterous personality of Damian, learning to “embrace the role,” while having the “most fun that [he] has ever had on stage” (Cahn). He also appreciated how his starring in the role of Damian enabled him to “explore a different side of [himself]--one that is more loose and relaxed” (Cahn). Michael also made it a point to recognize all of the hard work that went into the production before discussing what makes the Monte Vista Drama culture so special. Cahn proceeded to describe the supportive and uplifting community which motivates Drama students to “put their best foot forward,” while striving for excellence. More than anything, Michael admires how the Drama Program is “one of the groups on campus that is inseparable and that has so much fun together...A family” (Cahn). As the old saying goes, “a team is greater than the sum of its parts.” The drama productions at Monte Vista certainly embody this mantra, engaging a variety of groups on campus, while fostering a greater sense of community.

Dylan Reyes is a current Sophomore at Monte Vista High School. He is a first time author for the publication who loves creative writing. At Monte Vista, Dylan is an active member within his school community serving as a Sophomore officer in the Leadership class. Furthermore, Dylan is a proud Filipino American who sought to enrich the student body when he founded the first Filipino American Student Union at his school. Dylan’s role in the Danville Youth Council also allows him to stay updated about the latest news within our town. In his free time, Dylan enjoys talking about and playing basketball with his friends, playing fantasy football, and podcasting, a more recent hobby of his. Dylan is excited to pursue this writing opportunity and looks forward to highlighting all of the positive developments at Monte Vista High School and the Blackhawk Community at large.

May Craft: Sew a Makeup Bag

Thismonth is a quick sewing project, a makeup bag. This was completed from start to finish in less than three hours. It is an easy, beginner project. The video is easy to follow. I love how they turned out.

Here is the link to the instructional video: https://tinyurl.com/bdemz9nj

I made some for friends and they really liked them.

Craft Retreats

I have met and made friends with the nicest people I meet at Craft Retreats.It is a great way to meet people with similar interests. People attend from all over the state and (depending on the retreat) from all over the world. Some focus on painting, others on hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, slow stitching and foraging. The food we enjoy at the retreats is usually local farm to table displays. Artists are curated to teach you their specialty. Some examples of Craft Retreats out there are held by the French General. They hold two trips in Vermont each year and many in France.

• The French General: https://www.frenchgeneral.com/

• There are many out there. Here are a sample:

• Curious House: https://www.curioushouse.net/courses

• Forage by Lisa Mattock: https://www.foragebylisamattock. com.au/

• Shiny Happy Art: https://www.shinyhappyartonline.com/

• Cathe Holden https://catheholden.com/events/

• Alisa Burke https://www.shopalisaburke.com/collections/ retreats-and-classes

I like the retreats that are held in other locations, because they usually tie in trips to the local shops, sites and experience the local specialities.

When I was in Vermont, attending the French General retreat, we spent a morning at a Sugar House where we learned how maple sap was extracted and then boiled and made into maple syrup and maple sugar.

I hope you have the chance to attend a retreat and meet the wonderful people that run them and attend them.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

For the Love of Golf

Have you ever hit a ‘perfect’ shot every time in the round of golf? Sure, there have been 59’s scored in golf, but to be technically perfect in this game one would have to ‘Ace’ every hole and score 18. Obviously, this is impossible even for Tiger Woods. However, in Special Olympics Golf there are no bad shots. Every shot is ‘perfect’ as these amazing athletes overcome many adversities and inspire many as you watch them play.

My son MJ is one of these athletes and has accomplished an amazing amateur record in Northern California and around the world. He has won 3 National Championships, 9 straight N. California State Championships, many Regionals and been inducted into 3 Hall Of Fame’s. In 2004 he was inducted into the San Francisco Hall Of Fame, and in 2006 he was inducted into the Michigan Hall Of Fame having been born there. He has also participated in 3 Summer World Games: Dublin, Ireland; Shanghai, China; and Athens, Greece.

Having just returned from the World Games in Greece and seeing these amazing athletes from 185 nations, it inspired me to write this article about this challenging game called golf. CEO Tim Shriver summarized the Summer Games in Greece by saying, ““The great examples of these athletes in the Games go on and on, but one thing is clear: as our athletes continue to spread the spirit of unity beyond the borders of Greece, we have an opportunity to join them. We can play unified with them, and we can live unified thanks to them.”

Golf is a difficult game. Pittsburgh Steeler and Hall Of Famer Lynn Swann has said, “I come off the golf course and I am always down. So I go home, take a shower, I put on my 4 Super Bowl Rings and say, “I am an athlete.”

After being involved with Special Olympics Golf for many years, I am never down in golf. As long as the shot is in play, it is ‘perfect’. Elizabeth Kubler Ross became famous for writing about the 7 stages of grief. These stages can also be applied to golf.

• Shock stage: Initial paralysis at hearing the bad news.-Hitting a Bad Golf shot

• Denial stage: Trying to avoid the inevitable.-Denying that one could hit a bad golf shot

• Anger stage: Frustrated outpouring of bottled-up emotion.Swearing, throwing a club-getting upset

• Bargaining stage: Seeking in vain for a way out.- God-Get me out of the bunker and I will never be angry again

• Depression stage: Final realization of the inevitable.-Realizing that I will not be a scratch golfer

• Testing stage: Seeking realistic solutions.-Taking lessons to improve my golf game

• Acceptance stage: Finally finding the way forward.-Realizing that I will never break 70, 80, 90 or 100 and enjoying the game, the people the surroundings and making a few great shots or putts--

From changing times.com,

Getting stuck

A common problem with the above cycle is that people get stuck in one phase. Thus, a person may become stuck in denial, never moving on from the position of not accepting the inevitable future. When it happens, they keep on denying it, such as the person who has lost their job still going into the city only to sit on a park bench all day.

Getting stuck in denial is common in ‘cool’ cultures (such as in Britain, particularly Southern England) where expressing anger is not acceptable. The person may feel that anger, but may then repress it, bottling it up inside.

Likewise, a person may be stuck in permanent anger (which is itself a form of flight from reality) or repeated bargaining. It is more difficult to get stuck in active states than in passivity, and getting stuck in depression is perhaps a more common ailment.

Going in cycles

Another trap is that when a person moves on to the next phase, they have not completed an earlier phase and so move backwards in cyclic loops that repeat previous emotion and actions. Thus, for example, a person that finds bargaining not to be working, may go back into anger or denial.

Cycling is itself a form of avoidance of the inevitable, and going backwards in time may seem to be a way of extending the time before the perceived bad thing happens.

Special Olympics Golf has taught me that there are no bad shots and to accept each shot as being ‘Perfect’. Understanding this concept, will make the game more enjoyable for golfers at all skill levels.

Accept your skill level and realize that if you shoot your handicap that you will be doing very well. Studies have proved that if your handicap is legitimate that you will only shoot below it 25% of the time. Finally, learn and accept that there are no bad shots in this game, every shot is ‘Perfect’.

Test your Knowledge –MAYbe you know the answers

May is when the flowers bloom, the average daytime temperature reaches the mid 70’s, and outdoors is the place you want to spend your time. It is the start of a long season of fun. In keeping with the idea of “fun”, all the questions below have something to do with the word May, how many can you answer.

What is the birth flower for the month of May?_______________

In the 1960’s TV series The Beverly Hillbillies what was Granny’s granddaughter’s name? _____________

What insurance company features a character called Mayhem?__________

Name three vegetables or herbs that should be planted in May___________

What song by Rod Stewart has “May” in the title?

Name three characters that were in the Andy Griffith show Mayberry RFD.

What is the name of the ship that carried the Pilgrims from

England to Plymouth Massachusetts? _________________

What word signals distress? ____________

What is a popular brand of mascara? _________________

What is the best month to join the Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club?____________

If you would like to learn more about the Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club or become a member of this fantastic organization, please contact Rose Gogarty at rosegogarty@gmail.com

Answers: 1. Lily of the Valley 2. Elly May Clampett 3. Allstate, 4.carrots, radish, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, all herbs 5. Maggie May, 6. Andy Taylor, Opie Taylor, Aunt Bea, Thelma, Barney, Goober, Otis 7. The Mayflower 8. Mayday. 9. Maybelline 10. Any month, but especially MAY.

Vegetarian Turnip Soup

Serves 4 Preheat oven to 275-degree F.

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, peeled, chopped

• 1 young turnip, peeled, chopped

• 1½ cup cabbage, chopped

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled, diced

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 3 cups water

• 1 teaspoon sea salt OR to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

• 1 cup white wine

• 1 cup Chinese parsley, cleaned, chopped

Garnish: A few sprigs Chinese parsley and one red radish, grated

In a large (4 qt.) oven proof stock pot, stir-fry onion, bell pepper, turnip, cabbage in 6 tablespoons heated olive oil on stove top for a few minutes. Add celery and potatoes, stir a few times.

In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir flour into 2 tablespoons heated olive oil, gradually add water from the corner of saucepan. Stir to make a smooth sauce. Add this sauce gradually to stock pot containing vegetables while stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper. Cover the stock pot and simmer over low heat until vegetables are tender. Gradually add wine and Chinese parsley, stir, and bring to a simmer.

Transfer a partially covered stock pot into oven and cook for 60 minutes. Remove from oven and let soup cool slightly. Blend soup mixture in blender for 30 seconds, and garnish with parsley and radish.

About Parisa Z. Ambwani: Parisa, a native of Persia who moved to Blackhawk in 1983, has a BA in Fine Arts. Deeply influenced by her mother’s cooking, she has spent three decades writing cookbooks and pairing food with her poetry, philosophy, herbs and spices, and herbal teas. Parisa’s unique cookbooks are known for their merging of useful culinary information with a clear understanding of the relationship with other human beings and with the universe. She has followed this recipe to write and photograph seven books and over 1000 recipes that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue Giving Them Another Chance

“P” PUPPIES IN A PEN-

- TVAR FOSTER DOG PROGRAM

Meet our litter of “P” puppiesParker, Patrick, Perry and Peter are the boys and Piper and Presley are the girls. The 6 puppies are part of a litter of nine puppies who were born at the end of 2022. Three were adopted - and 6 are still available. All of them are friendly, well socialized and live with other dogs and cats. They all came down with a mild case of Parvo in early March - but TVAR and their foster parents worked hard to save these adorable, sweet temperered and loving pups. They have completely recovered from Parvo and are Good to Go. And the great news is - once a puppy survives Parvo - it is unlikely for them to get it again.

You can find out more about each of them at www. tvar.org

All of TVAR’s foster dogs and pups like our litter of P Puppies live in foster homes till adopted. Foster families get to know each dog’s personality and needs in a home setting - allowing TVAR to find the right match so dogs and adopters thrive!

FERRIS BUELLER -

- TVAR FOSTER KITTEN PROGRAM

Ferris is a one-year-old kitty available for adoption in a Tri-Valley Animal Rescue foster home. He loves to spend every waking minute with his foster parents and they consider him to act more like a dog than a cat. He has striking brown tiger

stripes and huge eyes. Ferris is especially interesting because he is a polydactyl cat with extra thumbs on each of his front paws! These make him look like he’s wearing oven mitts all the time. Ferris is on a special diet because he has a sensitive stomach, but he doesn’t let that slow him down one bit! He loves a good wrestle and chase session with his foster brothers. Tri-Valley Animal Rescue has given Ferris a second chance at finding a fur-ever home. Ferris is neutered, microchipped, and tested negative for FIV/ FeLV.

TVAR’s kitten and bottle baby programs rescue kittens - some only days old - who are unable to be adopted from the shelter and place them in foster homes where they receive medical care, love, and a home setting until they are healthy, able to be spayed or neutered and ready for their forever homes

TRI-VALLEY ANIMAL RESCUE (TVAR)GIVING THEM ANOTHER CHANCE

TVAR is a locally based and volunteer run 501(c)3 animal rescue organization. We assist in saving hundreds and hundreds of animals yearly in the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas. We are celebrating 30 years of saving lives with over 250 local volunteers. At TVAR, we rely solely on Public Support to fund our life saving programs.

All of TVAR’s foster animals go directly from the local Animal Shelter into foster homes where they receive much needed love and socialization and where they are kept until adopted.

We also have an invaluable Shelter Program where our volunteers spend countless hours every day at the local shelter working with the Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens and the Public.

Remembering Jon Snyder

TheBlackhawk Museum held its inaugural Jon Snyder Memorial Father’s Day Car Show on June 19, 2022. The annual Father’s Day car show was named after Jon Snyder who was a Blackhawk Museum Director when he passed away in 2021. Jon was involved with the Museum for 24 years and the Father’s Day car show was his favorite event. As has been the tradition, the crowd was treated to a spectacular display of cars from across the Bay, family activities and live music from Juke Joint performing classic soul and R&B tunes from the 60’s and 70’s. This is not your typical car show, but rather a celebration for the whole family. As this is one of the largest car shows put on by the Blackhawk Museum, you won’t want to miss this year’s 2nd annual Jon Snyder Memorial Father’s Day Car Show on June 18, 2023. It is guaranteed to kick off a fun day remembering, and celebrating, dad.

David Tom: I have lived in Danville for 30 years. I retired from the corporate tax world and now pursue a variety of projects that interest me. I have always loved cars and look forward to sharing them with you.

The 20th Anniversary of the Drive Fore Mobility Golf Tournament

InKen Behring’s book, The Road to Leadership, he shares his transformation from a man of means, business success and personal accomplishments to a person of purpose. In 2000, he placed a little girl in Vietnam into her very own wheelchair. This gentle act of kindness filled a void in him that no amount of money, no collection of cars and not even ownership of a professional football team had ever brought him. It had everything to do with finding and sustaining joy.

I recently sat down with Ken’s son David, President of the Wheelchair Foundation, to talk about his father’s legacy and the lasting appeal of their Drive Fore Mobility golf fundraiser benefiting the Wheelchair Foundation that to date has donated over 1.8 million wheelchairs to grateful recipients in over 156 countries.

“Since its inception, we’ve only missed the golf tournament two times. In 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and one year it directly conflicted with our Foundation’s 1,000,000 Wheelchairs Gala.” David says the popularity and ultimate success of the annual golf event is in large part thanks to four contributing

factors. 1. Corporate sponsors, companies and individuals who support the cause, 2. The beautiful Blackhawk golf course, 3. The day/event itself, which has food, games or spirits on every hole and, 4. The auction which procures rare and unusual items with a heavy emphasis on special wine packages. “Our committee, of roughly 10 people, with two co-chairs, do an amazing job each year and we couldn’t be prouder of our success.”

“I never fully understood the importance and impact these wheelchairs make to people in impoverished parts of the world. You’ll come away changed”, said former KTVU Sports Director and longtime Drive Fore Mobility MC, Mark Ibanez who has been on two wheelchair missions.

“The Behring Global Education Foundation is actually the umbrella organization that oversees not only the Wheelchair Foundation, but the Blackhawk Museum as well,” David informed me. “The Wheelchair Foundation’s mission is to bring mobility to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs a wheelchair, but can’t afford one,” David added. During our conversation, David said most of us can’t imagine such an impoverished area where people literally drag themselves throughout the streets. A wheelchair provides these individuals with a sense of freedom, dignity and social interaction that quite simply expands their world.

Proceeds from the annual golf event stock shipping containers full of wheelchairs that different groups and organizations deliver throughout the world, including but not limited to Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, China and Africa. Mexico is a favorite recipient country of the Wheelchair Foundation as many of their cherished partners in that part of the world know exactly how to get chairs to the people most in need. As a Rotarian of 23 years, David enjoys working with Rotary clubs and they have been responsible for sponsoring almost ¼ of all wheelchairs donated. David adds, “we encourage many of our donors to bring along their teenage children to experience international community service which often makes a huge transformation in their lives.

This year’s Drive Fore Mobility golf tournament and auction takes place on August 21st at the Blackhawk Country Club. For more details visit their website at https://www.wheelchairfoundation.org/ event/20th-annual-drive-fore-mobility-golf-tournament/

A Night to Remember

Benefitting Tassajara Hills Elementary School

Itwas a night to remember! Our Hot Havana Nights Auction was held on February 11th at the picturesque Blackhawk Country Club. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support from family donors and sponsors from our school and local community, which made the Tassajara Hills Elementary Foundation Auction an enormous success.

We had the exceptional honor of hosting over 200 guests, including parents, sponsors, teachers, and staff, who joined us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, raffles, games, live auctions, and dancing.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the local businesses and families who donated items, sponsored our Auction, and participated in both our Silent and Live Auctions. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the team of amazing volunteers, led by Auction Chair Sarah Thompson and Procurement Chair Kavita Sohal, who worked tirelessly to make this event possible.

As a community, we achieved something truly remarkable for the students and families of Tassajara Hills. Through this Auction, we raised enough funds that will enable us to continue funding staff salaries and educational enrichment programs, thereby delivering a premium public school education for our children. With this support, our students will continue to thrive, and our local community will also benefit. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions. Together we soar!

We’re Here to Help You Find the Perfect Gift for Mom

Throughout the Month & at the Bay Area’s Largest Tacori Event on Mother’s Day Weekend!

Everyyear at Padis, Mother’s Day brings us special opportunities to be part of celebrating important women in your lives. Making recommendations that’ll make her smile? That’s our happy place.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the weekend of May 12-14th for the Padis Spring Tacori Event. The Tacori brand, first popularized by the engagement ring designs featured on The Bachelor television series, specializes in engagement rings and fine jewelry. With the San Francisco Bay Area’s largest collection of Tacori, Padis Jewelry is ready to help make every gift-giving opportunity extra special.

We recognize and celebrate that there are all kinds of moms in our lives for Mother’s Day: working moms, young moms, single moms, stepmoms, like-a-moms, grandmas, great-grandmas, and the list continues. So for all of the different moms we know and love, here are our top recommendations for gifts to show your love this Mother’s Day:

Initial and Nameplate Jewelry

Show mom you love her with a message written in gold and diamonds! In rose, yellow, or white gold to be specific. We love these custom, high-quality necklaces because they quickly become a staple in any woman’s jewelry collection AND they’re meaningful! We have a few options to pick from. Depending on how many names, birthstones, initials, or messages you want to engrave, choose either a nameplate or diamond initial necklace.

Diamond Stud Earrings

You can’t go wrong with the timeless, essential gift of diamond studs available in all metal colors! We recommend it to every spouse who asks us what they should get for their wife if she doesn’t have them already. Even if she already has a pair from us, Padis offers a Lifetime Trade Up so that they can grow with her and with your love as the years go by!

We have several collections of diamond studs you can explore in-store, and with our Tacori special event, we will have an expanded collection known for being hand-set. Not only are Tacori’s fine jewelry setting secure, they provide a brighter look that sits flush with the skin of your ear lobe.

Preloved- Luxury Handbags

New to Padis are spectacular pre-owned luxury handbags including brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more. Not only is this a more affordable and sustainable way to shop for luxury handbags, but they’re also in great condition. We have a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes for whatever she’s had her eye on lately!

Thanks for reading our Mother’s Day gift guide from Padis Jewelry!

This list is our inspiration for your gift-giving but by no means features all the amazing options of necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, and more we have in-store and online. Please note our online inventory doesn’t feature everything we carry so there are tons more gifts to discover in-store.

Come and visit us at our Walnut Creek, San Francisco or Napa locations! We would love to meet you and talk about the special women in your life so we can pair each of them with a great gift that makes them feel celebrated this Mother’s Day. Make sure to ask about special pricing, flexible payment plans as well as interestfree financing.

From our family to yours, we wish your family a very happy Mother’s Day celebration!