Home

With Sondra C. Baker: the story so Far

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

At her core you’ll discover her sophisticated, worldly and uniquely versatile ability with people, from all walks of life. The heartfelt connections she makes, combined with her meticulous design aesthetic, are the driving force behind what has become her work and her identity. Her ability to relate across the room and across the world is palpable.She began her career in the 90’s in Los Angeles as an actress, appearing on signature shows like Cheers, Who’s the Boss and The Young and the Restless.  Her entrepreneurial drive was sparked during that time, when she recognized the demand for home delivery created by LA’s then burgeoning restaurant scene. She founded Why Cook? with two friends, LA’s first “high-end” restaurant delivery service. Sondra and her partners built a network of LA’s finest restaurants – when nothing like it existed in the city – and created a team and culture to support the growing business. In an industry and city not known for longevity, Why Cook? is still thri...

On and Off the Mat: Roy Dean’s Approach to Leadership and Personal Growth

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

 Imagine a discipline that not only builds your physical strength but also sharpens your mind, fosters resilience, and enhances your leadership skills. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but the reality of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), a martial art that transcends the physical realm to shape the practitioner’s mindset and life direction. When we delve into the world of BJJ through the eyes of Roy Dean, a 4th degree Black Belt, who has dedicated his life to mastering this art and sharing its transformative power with others. From personal growth to business success, the principles of Jiu Jitsu can supercharge your life and leadership journey.In a world where physical fitness is often equated with gym workouts and running, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emerges as a unique and compelling alternative. More than just a martial art, BJJ is a holistic practice that fosters not only physical strength and agility but also cultivates mental resilience, discipline and strategic thinking. It’...

From New Zealand to the World: Steve Butcher’s Tattoo Journey

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

The captivating world of tattooing is an expanse filled with rich color, powerful narratives, and an undeniable artistic flair. Each tattoo tells a story, blending tradition and personal expression into a gorgeous, intricate piece.Amid the vibrant colors and sweeping designs, realism has emerged as a fascinating genre, challenging the notion of what is possible on the canvas of human skin, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.This genre daringly challenges art conventions and pushes the boundaries of creativity and skill to a level rarely seen before. At the heart of this exciting new shift is none other than Steve Butcher, a New Zealander with a keen eye for detail and a passion for translating bits and pieces of visual poetry onto his clients’ skin.Since he was a child, Steve was captivated by art, using pen and paper to reconstruct the images of his favorite cartoons and movies.“My Nana would often take me to the cinema, and I remember being excited to come home and try...

The Inspiring Journey of Ruby May

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

Born and bred in England, Ruby May ventured to the vast terrains of Australia at the tender age of eighteen. This bold leap across hemispheres marked the beginning of her unconventional journey towards self-discovery and entrepreneurial success.Ruby May initially started her career in Australia as a topless waitress, a profession that is both celebrated and reviled for its audacious blend of entertainment and feminine allure. However, it was during these early years that Ruby May began developing the tenacity and resilience that would eventually shape her future. As she navigated the hustle of Australia’s nightlife, her ambition began to crystallize into a business model that would forever change her life.As COVID-19 sent ripples through the globe, she reoriented her life to adapt to the changing times. Instead of succumbing to the fear and uncertainty that gripped the world, she found new ways to stay afloat, all while nurturing a burgeoning community of followers. Ruby May t...

Top 3 Websites to Buy Instagram Likes in 2023

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

Did you know you can buy Instagram likes to maximize your profile’s full potential? We have all been there, spending hours perfecting what we thought would be the best posts that got no likes or engagement. Instagram has emerged as the go-to platform for individuals, influencers, and businesses to connect, engage, and thrive in the bustling world of social media. But with countless users vying for attention, standing out can be challenging.This is where safe and affordable sites to buy Instagram likes come into play.Below is a captivating journey through the top 3 companies that offer authentic Instagram likes. Say goodbye to mediocrity and hello to enhanced engagement, increased visibility, and endless possibilities within the app. Being able to buy automatic Instagram likes provides an immediate boost in engagement, amplifying your posts’ visibility and attracting new followers. Are you ready to take your Instagram page to the next level with trustworthy companies that are c...

Palo Alto: Meyhouse opens long-awaited flagship restaurant

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

Entrepreneurs Omer Artun and Koray Altinsoy had a vision of creating a meyhane — the lively Turkish tavern from their native country — here in Silicon Valley. The started first with a pop-up, then a 55-seat restaurant in Sunnyvale where fans of their mesquite-grilled meats, dolma and other meze packed the tables. Clearly, there was a demand for this concept.Tonight, the duo’s long-awaited flagship — Meyhouse Palo Alto — is opening on Emerson Street. A grand renovation has transformed what was Dan Gordon’s former barbecue/beer place into a sleek, sophisticated room that accommodates 135 diners along with a live-music stage that will feature jazz and global music starting this fall.“We wanted to create a space that is warm, inviting and genuinely reflective of the traditional meyhane, but with a bit of an elevated, perhaps more contemporary sensibility,” Artun said in his opening-day announcement.The menu’s gone in a more sophisticated direction, wi...

Human remains found in Alameda are those of woman; death being investigated as homicide

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

ALAMEDA — Human remains found along the shoreline near the Bay Farm Island Bridge last month are those of a woman and her death is being investigated as a homicide, police said Wednesday.The woman is believed to be 20 to 40-years-old but she has not yet been identified, authorities said.Based on initial autopsy findings, police said the death is being investigated as a homicide, but the cause of death is not clear. Police are trying to determine when and where the woman was killed and how long she had been in the water.The remains were found about 3:30 p.m. July 20 along the shoreline near the bridge.The death is the first homicide investigated by police this year.Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 510-337-8340.

How much are you spending on back-to-school shopping for your kid? Is $800 enough?

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

Bay Area parents are expecting to spend more money on their children’s back-to-school shopping than any other region, according to a new report from the Deloitte Consumer Industry Center — a whopping $805 per child.That figure is 35% higher than the national average of $597, with the largest chunk of change going toward technology products. Parents estimate they’ll pay nearly $700 for computers and other electronic gadgets alone, according to the survey.“Despite keeping an eye on the budget, (across the country) nearly six in 10 parents are willing to splurge for the right reasons, like treating their child, self-expression, or better quality,” noted the report.Over the past few months, inflation has cooled considerably across the country. June’s inflation figures stood at just 3% — the lowest figure since March of 2021. Despite that, high costs in nearly every category have lingered, and school supplies are 24% higher today than they were two years earlier, accord...

Sale closed in Danville: $1.9 million for a four-bedroom home

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

645 Adobe Drive – Google Street ViewA 2,138-square-foot house built in 1979 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 600 block of Adobe Drive in Danville was sold on July 25, 2023, for $1,905,000, or $891 per square foot. This single-story house provides a generous living space with its four bedrooms and three baths. On the exterior, the home features wood shake roofing / shingles. Inside, there is a fireplace. In addition, the home includes an attached two-car garage, ensuring ample room for parking and storage. The property encompasses a generous 9,040 square feet of land, featuring abundant outdoor space and a pool.These nearby houses have also recently changed hands:On Rockport Court, Danville, in June 2023, a 2,218-square-foot home was sold for $1,724,000, a price per square foot of $777. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.In May 2023, a 2,344-square-foot home on Stonington Court in Danville sold for $1,850,000, a price per square foot of $789. The home has ...

Antioch approves speed limit changes, traffic calming measures

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:37:24 GMT

Antioch will spend $1.5 million on traffic calming improvements on some of its most dangerous streets while decreasing the speed on two of them.In the first traffic-related action, the council voted 4-0, with Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent – to reduce the speed on Laurel Road and Wild Horse Road by from 45 mph to 40 mph. And while Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock wanted also to reduce the speed on James Donlon Boulevard – a main thoroughfare in the city – from 40 to 35 mph, the city’s traffic consultant said that was not possible.“By law, we’re only permitted to reduce the speed based off the 85 percentile,” consultant traffic engineer Charmine Solla said, referring to the speed that 85% of the drivers are driving at or below.“We’re permitted to round down to 45 and reduce that by 5 miles per hour. James Donlon is outside of that range,” she said of the main arterial road, which has been the site of many accidents in the past.And although Assembly Bill 43 allows cities to change speed...