Arts + Culture

Sharing The Magic

Meet Young Performers from The Peter Pan Foundation Who Delight Audiences and Kids in Need Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Provided by Peter Pan Foundation Since 2007, The Peter Pan Foundation (PPF) has aimed to help young people of all ages build talents and confidence through musical theater. The main show, "Wish Upon A Star," features iconic characters like heroes, princesses, and villains, with Peter Pan guiding the audience. Performances support UCSF Benioff Children's...

Life + Culture

All Aboard!

Walnut Creek’s Ace Hardware Hosts a Miniature Marvel in Motion. Article by Ryan Phillips | Photography by Provided by Eric Moe Step into Downtown Walnut Creek's Ace Hardware, and you'll quickly realize it's more than just a place for nuts and bolts. You'll encounter a marvel of miniature engineering. A 575-foot G-scale model train, which has become a beloved community fixture,  loops on its intricate overhead tracks. It chugs past a redwood bridge and tiny landscapes that evolve every few...

Local Services

Forging a Trail

The Story of BSA Troop 402's Bold Beginnings Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Provided by Heather Tzortzis In 2019, a bold and inspiring chapter began in Lafayette when the Tzortzis and Mlynek families co-founded one of the region’s first all-girls Scouts BSA troops. What began as a daughter’s simple request—“I want to join Boy Scouts”—quickly transformed into a pioneering effort that has since created a lasting legacy of empowerment, leadership, and community for young women. What...

Fitness

Off the Beaten Path

Local Youth Mountain Biking Team Finding Wisdom on the Trails Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by DavidCervenka.com In the rolling hills and open trails of Walnut Creek and Lafayette, a unique youth sports team is doing more than just teaching kids how to ride bikes—it’s helping them build confidence, focus, resilience, and lifelong friendships. The Contra Costa Composite Mountain Bike Team (CCC MTB) brings together middle and high schoolers from across the county to experience the...

Life + Culture

Keep Your Pets Cool

Summer Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends! Article by Dr. Wailani Sung | Photography by Provided by Joybound People & Pets and Stock Photos When summer’s heat settles over the Bay Area, we are not the only ones feeling the burn—our pets suffer too. Dogs and cats are far more vulnerable to high temperatures than we often realize. Unlike humans, pets do not sweat efficiently and can quickly overheat, leading to serious risks like heatstroke, dehydration, painful paws, and sunburns.  As...

Arts + Culture

Inside California Symphony’s Sound Minds Program

The Free Music Program Helping Kids Thrive Article by Crystal Long | Photography by Beth Thiesen & courtesy of California Symphony We all enjoy music—whether we’re dancing to it, listening on repeat, or even learning to play. But did you know that learning a musical instrument at a young age can offer powerful developmental benefits? Research shows that kids who play instruments enjoy enhanced memory, better coordination, higher self-esteem, and stronger social skills. It can even lead to...

Local Services

A Day of Perfect Joy

Following Francis Delivers Joy to Kids Who Need It Most Article by Peter Brooks | Photography by Margaret Mayer & James Kirkpatrick When the kids at a San Francisco elementary school returned from their April field trip, they weren't just buzzing with excitement—they were glowing.  "The kids had so much fun. Seeing the joy on their faces as they participated in the different activities was priceless," the school's principal wrote in a thank-you note. "The parents were so grateful, and the...

Life + Culture

Wander Wisely

Expert Travel Tips for Families Craving Adventure and Comfort. Article by By Danielle Lederman | Photography by Provided By Danielle Lederman Planning a family getaway that feels adventurous and effortless? Whether you're craving a luxe beach escape, a wellness reset, or a California dude ranch that feels like summer camp for all ages, travel advisor Danielle Lederman has you covered. In this Q&A, she shares her favorite easy-to-reach destinations, travel tips, accommodations, and trends to...

Wellness

Mud Magic

A mom’s 24-Hour healing escape in Calistoga Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Stock Photos My first solo escape to Calistoga was when my son was three. I needed a break from mom life and wanted to go somewhere healing that wasn't a far drive, low-key, quiet, and luxurious. I decided on a night at Indian Springs. As I rode around the grounds on one of their cruisers, memories from years before becoming a mother and attending a bachelorette weekend in Calistoga came back to me. We'd...

Health + Wellness

Calm Within the Storm

How to Stay Centered When Life Feels Overwhelming Article by Yuki Yoshii | Photography by James Brian Studios & Stock Photos You wake up already behind schedule, your to-do list grows faster than it shrinks, and even downtime feels rushed. Sound familiar? Does it feel like your life is moving at double speed—with too much to do and not enough time to do it all? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of life. Responsibilities pile up, and it can seem like...