If you’ve never attended the Yountville Festival of Lights, where have you been these last 28 years? Now preparing for its 29th annual festival, this seasonal event draws hundreds of people from all around the Bay Area and beyond every single year. “It’s an event where neighbors, businesses and visitors ring in the holidays while savoring a small-town atmosphere, partaking in the most amazing food, wine and shopping that Napa Valley has to offer,” said Whitney Diver McEvoy, CEO, Yountville Chamber of Commerce. “The seasonal allure of horse-drawn carriages, twinkling streets and the song of carolers makes this event special. It truly embodies the magic of the season.” Even if you don’t live in Yountville you’re invited to join in the festivities. Get a taste for how Yountville does things by planning to attend their Festival of Lights this year. As their mantra goes: Taste Life Here! Event details can be found on their website beginning in September. Mark your calendars, bring the fam, layer up, and be merry.
6484 Washington St., Suite F, Yountville, CA 94599
707-944-0904
www.yountville.com
(sponsored by the City of Benicia in partnership with Benicia Main Street Merchant Open House)
Our voting occurred as the holidays were approaching, so it’s no surprise that Benicia Tree Lighting won the prestige of Best Event for Solano County. You may be surprised to hear that the people behind the Benicia Tree Lighting are our very own Benicia Parks & Community Services Department, and this award makes them our winningest recipient for 2017 with a total of three Local’s Choice Awards! They’re like the La La Land to our Golden Globes (if the swept the Oscars, then those too!). They can’t be stopped! Which is great as they’re doing wonderful things. “The Annual City of Benicia Tree Lighting is a success due to the incredible teamwork and partnerships of all City Departments and Benicia Main Street,” said Ann Dunleavy, Superintendent of Parks & Community Services. “The Tree Lighting and Holiday Merchant Open House are some of the most magical nights here in Benicia … it’s so much fun to see our community come together to celebrate the holiday season!” We’ve got some time to go before getting to the next tree lighting, but set a reminder now just in case.
370 East L St., Benicia, CA 94510
707-746-4285
facebook.com/BeniciaPCS or ci.benicia.ca.us/parks

Stroll Danville’s tree-lined Hartz & Prospect Avenues and enjoy artist booths filled with original works in jewelry, glass, ceramic, painting, and photography at Danville’s favorite street fair – Summerfest! Mark your calendars for June 17th & 18th, 10am-5pm, to experience what our readers have told us is the best event in Contra Costa County. You could be one of more than 30,000 attendees gravitating from all over the Bay Area. You’ll find artist booths with original works in the forms of jewelry, glass, ceramics, paintings, and photography. You can get to know your local merchants who’ll be setting up their booths and storefronts. Then rock out to the sounds of 925 Band, and move to the Latin rhythms of Patron. The Classic Car Show will be making its return, and many restaurants are also gearing up. Be sure to visit Primo’s Pizzeria and Pasta for its special Summerfest lunch specials, and stop on by the Chamber of Commerce’s beer and wine booths for a taste of Schubros Brewery and R&B Cellars. Admission is free and any nearby parking meter will not be enforced. So that’s free, free, and fun … that’s a pretty good deal! Special thanks go to the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville for sponsoring the event.
Hartz & Prospect avenues, Danville
925-837-4400
www.danvilleareachamber.com

For more than 25 years Dr. Rock Irvine and Dr. Mary Whitehill have been providing top-quality medical care for the pets of their Napa neighbors. All doctors at Napa Small Animal Hospital (NSAH) are graduates of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, hailed by the 2015 U.S. News & World Report as being ranked #1 among North America’s 30 veterinary schools, and is the largest of it’s kind in the country. “Our philosophy as a hospital is truly to treat all animals with the dignity, respect, and care they deserve, and to treat those who love them the same way,” said Suvi Irvine, Hospital Administrator for NSAH. “Our staff is deeply committed in this regard, and I feel so lucky to work with such lovely people; they bend over backwards for our patients and clients.” Things have been going so well for NSAH that the City of Napa has given its owners the green light to remodel and expand their building! “It’s going to be a bit chaotic, but we are going to stay open,” said Suvi. “We can’t wait to have people see the new building. It’s been a labor of love getting the process approved, but it’s happening!” So if you see some construction going on, don’t let it deter you, they’ll still be open for you 7 days a week.
517 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA 94558
707-257-8866
www.napasmallanimalhospital.com

In April of 2016, Dr.’s Harvinder and Harpaul Sandhu took over the Animal Clinic of Benicia. In October, Dr. Adam Brown joined the team. Today, they’re stronger than ever. “They’ve worked hard to build and maintain an amazing practice that proudly provides its community with loving, friendly, and professional service,” said Practice Manager Ashley Scism. Having received this honor from our readers now for the fourth year in a row, the Animal Clinic of Benicia has definitely been able to retain the quality care that we’re used to. They offer routine services such as spaying/neutering, dental prophylaxis (cleaning), growth removals and more. Dr. Harpaul specializes in orthopedic surgeries, so they’re now also able to offer TPLO surgeries for dogs—a procedure that stabilizes the stifle joint after ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament, analogous to the ACL in humans. They can also perform ultrasounds and take x-rays. “We at the clinic understand that pets can be a huge part of the family,” said Ashley. “On behalf of Dr. Harvinder Sandhu, Dr. Harpaul Sandhu, Dr. Adam Brown, Ashley, Chelsea, Dani, Diana, Nicole, Kristin, Sam, Zoe, Jenn, Cam, and Meri—thank you for putting your trust in us and for your continued support.”
402 Military East, Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-5993
www.animalclinicofbenicia.com

Nitro Dog is a “fun to functional” dog and cat boutique in Lafayette that carries well-researched, quality items for your dog, cat, home or person. They strive to offer an ever-changing, wide selection of pet products that range from whimsical to practical, while being pet-health conscious and fairly priced. Nitro Dog also carries original art, photography and local crafts. Nitro Dog also sells items online at nitrodog.com, and, if you don’t see an item listed, just email them and ask! They will do their best to help. Len and Leslie Ofiana opened Nitro Dog in 2000, along with their dogs Casey, Luna and Tulip (who love being personal product testers). They are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative products that will work best with your needs. Len and Leslie are also keen to work with non-profit, pet-related organizations so that they can give back to their community. With knowledgeable and focused customer service to assist you with your purchases, coupled with a wide selection of high-quality products and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the store, Nitro Dog works hard to assure you a pleasurable shopping experience.
61 Lafayette Cir., Lafayette, CA 94549
925-962-2275
www.nitrodog.com

If you’ve yet to find a solution for pain management, women’s health, digestive issues, allergies, and really anything else, visit Cuiping Zhan, L.Ac., O.M.D. at United Acupuncture & Herbs who has been providing outstanding alternative medicine since she first established her business in 2000. She’s received formal training in both the U.S and in China, and is the 7th generation in her family to practice the tradition of acupuncture and herb treatment. “Thank you very much to all who voted for me and my team,” said Dr. Zhan. “We help patients with what they need and we care about them like family. I always update my knowledge to bring the best to my patients, offering the highest quality treatment and service possible.” Many people credit acupuncture and herb treatment for getting them through some of the toughest health problems imaginable, even cancer. If you’re in need of an alternative solution to what you’ve been provided thus far for your personal health issues, give Dr. Zhan a call.
1171 Trancas St, Napa, CA 94558
707-226-9800
www.unitedacupunctureandherbs.com

Calling all shimmering blondes, sultry reds, lustrous browns … bodacious blues? Whatever your shade may be, even a multi-shade with all the colors of the rainbow, the staff at Bada Bing Salon understands that hair color is an expression of your style, and your personality. “I think our clients would agree that Bada Bing Salon is a relaxing environment, allowing for some time away from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives,” says Owner/Stylist Starr Safa. “From our candlelit zen room to refreshing cucumber water, we try to create an overall pampered experience.” When’s the last time you’ve been pampered? If you’re still thinking of the answer then it’s been too long. Plus, we’ve got a new year ahead of us! Maybe it’s time for a change. “Hair is our passion at Bada Bing Salon,” says Starr. “We have a highly trained team of stylists who continue to take advanced training courses throughout the year to stay up on the latest trends and techniques.” So invite your hairstyle into 2017 and treat yourself to Bada Bing Salon.
425 Military E suite G, Benicia, CA 94510
707-746-5566
www.badabingsalong.com