Child Haven

Frederick Douglass, the 19th century abolitionist and social reformer, once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Child Haven is attempting to strengthen our local children who have been abused, sexually assaulted, traumatized, severely neglected, or have been suffering from a disorder … at Child Haven suffering children get the individualized treatment and help they need to transition into strong thriving children who can then become strong, thriving and productive adults. The Child Haven staff works with children from birth to age 21 providing a full range of mental health services to support the child and their caregivers to help set them on a successful path. Unfortunately, the demand is outstripping their capability. The staff at Child Haven needs the continued support of the community so that they can meet the needs of all the children that come to them. If we do not help now to address the needs of these children, we as a community will be forced to do so when then they grow into broken adults.

Contact Child Haven today to learn more about what they do and how you can help support their work in the community. Remember that children, while only 1/3 of our population, are 100% of our future.

801 Empire St, Fairfield, CA 94533

707-425-5744

www.child-haven.org

Las Trampas

The staff at Las Trampas works with developmentally disabled adults to realize their potential and provide the needed support so that they can live fulfilling and productive lives in the community.  Originally founded in 1958 as a nonprofit residential school for the developmentally disabled, its mission has shifted as those original children grew into adulthood and special needs youth were mainstreamed.  Las Trampas now provides weekday educational and vocational services at a variety of locations including a 3-acre campus in Lafayette, 5 residential homes, and supported and independent living services throughout the communities of Lafayette, Concord, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek.

The staff’s philosophy is to help each person develop to their optimal state of social, physical and mental health so that they can realize a life that is similar to and integrated with those not faced with disabilities. It is a challenging and rewarding endeavor to enable people to participate in the broader community. It also takes significant resources to provide the care and training needed to accomplish that goal. A growing demand for expanded services has led to Las Trampas launching a 2016 capital initiative to create a state-of-the-art new facility on campus. Visit them online to learn more about them and how you can help.

3460 Lana Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549

925-284-1462

www.lastrampas.org

V Marketplace

V Marketplace is Napa Valley’s most beautiful and inviting specialty retail complex, located in the world-renowned epicurean hamlet of Yountville, surrounded by lush picnic gardens, beautiful water features and meandering cobblestone.

For 48 years, the tradition of retail and customer service excellence has existed here at V Marketplace. Visitors will find a collection of unique specialty shops that include clothing for men, women and children of all ages, an inviting home and garden shop, and gift shops that offer a range of items: simple souvenirs, locally made soaps and lotions, romantic bedding and everything in between.

There are three distinctive art galleries that offer fine art, photography, sculptures, glass art, jewelry and more.

Visitors will find one of the most complete wine cellars of the Napa Valley, offering an inviting wine environment that will please novices and aficionados alike with a choice of a wine bar or a cozy(??). V Marketplace is also home to Napa Valley’s original hot air balloon company, which launches daily—weather permitting—from the property.

Centered in the foodie mecca of Napa Valley, V Marketplace is home to some of California’s finest wine country eateries, ranging from casual, easygoing burgers and sandwiches to mouthwatering and extravagant hand-made chocolates and, of course, Emmy-award winning Chef Michael Chiarello’s fabulous, delicious and highly-touted restaurant Bottega.

V Marketplace also plays host to special events and entertainment scheduled year round. So, “Come for the Wine, Stay for the Shopping!

6525 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599

707-944-2451

www.vmarketplace.com

Edward Jones

Everyone needs a little advice from time to time and that is what Ken Casper, CFP® and his Senior Branch Office Administrator, Lisa Schelble, both specialize in. Since becoming a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in 2001, Ken and Lisa have been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate the rough financial ocean we have been experiencing. Ken’s hard work and the efforts of this firm have paid off, as they’re recognized locally as a frequent “Best of” in Financial Services by the local newspaper. Edward Jones has been recognized nationally as well by J.D. Power and Associates, April 2015, “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms.” Edward Jones also received J.D. Power’s prestigious President’s Award for 2016 in appreciation and recognition for its commitment to excellence in Customer Service. In March 2015 Forbes recognized Edward Jones as the highest ranking financial services firm in its first-ever rank of best employers. Also in March 2015, Fortune Magazine, for the 16th year, named Edward Jones as one of the best companies to work for. So, sit down with them and learn why they have developed such a loyal group of clients.

555 First St, Benicia, CA 94510

707-745-8133

www.edwardjones.com/ken-casper

Edward-Jones-Web

Christine Hannah – Homes of Napa Valley

Christine Hannah, the founder of Homes of the Napa Valley has represented many homebuyers and sellers during the last 15 years. She started her sales career in her native Germany at the tender age of 10 when she sold eggs and chickens at her parents’ farm. She injects that same integrity, energy, hard work and creativity she learned all of those years ago into every detail of her work with her clients today.

Her three children, and two grandchildren know her as devoted “Oma” and they are her passion when she is not out working with her clients.

Having immigrated to Napa in 1987 from Germany she has enthusiastically embraced her adopted community and enjoys tennis, cycling, and showing clients the best Napa has to offer. Give her a call and learn why the readers of Local Happenings have voted for her this year!

1556 First St, Ste 203, Napa, CA 94559

707-257-6000

www.christinehannah.com

Christine Hannah

Juan Gomez

Buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most of us will ever engage in, and while we have become a do-it-yourself type of world, it sure is nice to have a trusted professional at your side at that critical time in your life. Juan Gomez with RE/MAX Gold is just that person to help you. If it is your first house ever or your first house this week, he is ready to meet your needs. Having grown up in Solano County he is extremely aware of the market and its pitfalls so he is able to help safely navigate his clients through them. He has also embraced the advanced technology that is available today to homebuyers and sellers and he will help employ those to your advantage. Juan is extremely fond of helping people with their first home and loves to be a part of that experience with the people he helps. That enthusiasm, we are sure, is the reason our readers have selected him, for the third year in a row, as our Local’s Choice Realtor for Solano County. Give him a call and learn why people trust him with one of the largest, most important transactions in their lives.

723 Amador St, Vallejo, CA 94590

707-980-3634

www.myhousehuntonline.com

Nikki Biama

Wow! What an honor to have been chosen as the Contra Costa County REALTOR by our local residents! I am currently an agent out of the East Bay Area representing the entire 580/680 corridor. I am affiliated with Better Homes & Gardens out of Danville, CA.  As you may or may not know, BHG is one of the most reputable franchises in real estate nationwide. We take pride in representing our clients to the fullest and it is nothing short of a privilege to be a part of such a successful group of individuals. I branched into the real estate world just a few years ago, but in just that short while, I have extended my geographic focus to Solano and Napa counties as well. I am eager to continue meeting residents in both Contra Costa and Solano counties and provide my utmost services to both buyers and sellers. Please feel free to take a look at my website for my featured listings and utilize a great tool I provide to calculate the value of your home! Thank you again for the votes, I look forward to servicing you one day!”

630 San Ramon, Danville, CA 94526

925-520-5989

www.nikkibiama.com

Realtor Nikki Biama

A Dress Change Consignment

Now in their 7th year of business, A Dress Change continues to be excited about their growth, endless new merchandise, fabulous new and loyal customers, and most importantly—being here for you, their customers.  They are more than honored to have been selected as the Local’s Choice Award for Best Retailer in Contra Costa 2014. This makes their 5th award in the past three years, which says a lot about this homespun store.

A Dress Change offers moderate to high-end women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories that are two years and newer. Some of their most popular brands are Eileen Fisher, Chico’s and an undisclosed “new” line of samples similar to Eileen Fisher and J. Jill, just to name a few. This cozy store has over 5,000 items to select from in sizes from 0P to 3X. They also offer senior discounts every Wednesday and all garments are reduced at 30 and 45 days old. Intake is done by appointment. They are currently booking for spring intake in April so give them a call.

Its all about the hunt, sometimes you score and sometimes you dont.  We look forward to seeing you soon! – Donna Read

125 Railroad Ave #B, Danville, CA 94526

925-855-5581

www.adresschangeconsignment.com