It’s another great weekend in the Bay Area. Check out what’s happening near you on Saturday and Sunday.

Celebrate Irish heritage this weekend in Pleasanton! Premier Celtic harpist and spoken word artist, Patrick Ball is coming to the Pleasanton Library this Saturday, March 21^st at 2PM. Known as an “American master of the Irish instrument,” Ball has sold over half a million albums and has won national awards. For more info, click here. 

Your weekend isn’t complete without a trip to the farmers’ market! The Sunday market in Livermore brings you the freshest produce and lots of booths to explore from 10AM to 2PM.  Learn more info here. 

Travel back to the days of teen idols and bouffant hairdos this weekend in Pleasanton! Kit & The Kats: Put a Nickel in the Jukebox mixes R&B, pop and rock ‘n’ roll this Sunday, March 22^nd at the Firehouse Arts Center at 3PM. For tickets, go here. 

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Seasonal changes definitely take place in Northern California! And along with that comes certain maintenance chores that are specific to the weather. Here are some great tips to keep your living and outdoor space in tip-top shape all year long.

Get to mowing. Did you know that you should mow your leaves instead of raking them during the winter? The cut-up leaves will fall among your grass blades and help nourish the lawn during the cooler months.

Spring is the best time to fertilize your lawn so it keeps looking great throughout the summer months.

Keeping it clean. Remember to replace and clean filters in your home once a month!  You’ll also need to check and clean your dryer vent, air conditioner and ceiling fans.

Safety first. Change smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year (a good rule of thumb – replace the batteries when the time changes in the fall and the spring). Inspect your fire extinguisher at the same time to make sure it’s working properly.

Tree-trimming time. Late winter is the ideal time to prune your trees and shrubs. Your plants have lain dormant and prepared for spring growth. A trimming will encourage their bloom.

Flip the switch. Make sure your ceiling fan blades are reversed during the cold months to help circulate hot air into a room. And here’s more great news – you’ll save money with this helpful tip due to increased energy efficiency. Flip the switch back in the warmer months to ensure the circulation of cool air.

Chim – Chimney. Now’s the time to have a professional chimney sweep clean out your fireplace. Getting rid of soot buildup during the cold months is more than just a matter of cleanliness. A deep clean of the chimney might prevent fire.

No gutter trouble. Clean your gutters so that leaves and debris don’t result in a clog! You’ll also want to clean your drain pipes and position them to drain away from your home. Put this on your schedule every spring and fall.

Another purpose for curtains. They’re not just for shade! Layer your window décor to make your home even warmer during the winter. Cotton flannel or curtains made of insulation material will do the trick.

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This weekend is sure to be a hit in the Bay Area! Check out the great events happening near you on Saturday and Sunday.

Check out a magic show like no other this weekend in Livermore! NewMagic with Alex Ramon adds a new style and flair to incredible marvels and feats this Sunday at the Bankhead Theater at 3PM. Purchase tickets, here. 

Run for a great cause – and get blasted with some color – this weekend in Pleasanton! The Color in Motion 5K is happening this Saturday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and benefits the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. To register, click here.

Come listen to an original repertoire of tunes this weekend in Livermore! Americana Quintet, Houston Jones is performing songs ranging from bluegrass to gospel at the Livermore Public Library this Sunday at 2PM. Get more info, here.

Learn bike maintenance tips this weekend in Dublin! REI is hosting a workshop to help you get to know the basics this Saturday from 9AM to 10:30AM. Click here to register.

Jazz is calling your name this weekend in San Jose! The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is taking place this Saturday in the downtown area of the city. Listen to the sweet sounds of local and regional artists starting at 10AM. Find out more, here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

We know you love model homes – so why not live in one? The Residence 1- Flex model home sales release is happening on Saturday, July 26 at 11AM, and it’s a flex model home lottery!

Visit the sales office early to get more information on the sales release. To be eligible for the lottery, potential buyers must be registered and pre-qualified (with a pre-approval letter) by 4PM on Friday, July 25.

Register by contacting us at the ‘Register’ field in the right-hand column or at (925) 460-8900

Here’s what the next place you’ll call home has to offer your growing family:

• 3 Bedrooms – 2.5 Baths + Den
• Approx. 2,370 Sq. Ft.
• Fully Landscaped Model Home
• Washer/Dryer Included
• Built-In Refrigerator
• Extended, Staggered Tile Flooring
• Crown Molding in Den and Living Room
• From the low $1 millions

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Get out and about for a great time this weekend in the Bay Area! Don’t miss out on these fun events happening near you.

Enjoy an evening of award-winning wine and culture this weekend in Livermore! Head over to Concannon Vineyard on Saturday at 7:30PM as the Livermore Shakes present Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Get more info here. 

Get ready to tap your feet and groove to the music this weekend in Livermore! “Times 4” is playing their unique blend of urban jazz at the Livermore Public Library on Sunday at 2PM. Learn more here. 

Summer is the perfect time for backpacking in Northern California! Come learn the backpacking basics including preparation of gear and how to select proper clothing at REI in Dublin on Saturday at 9AM. Register here. 

Pack a picnic and watch a Shakespearean masterpiece under the stars this weekend in Pleasanton! Shakespeare in the Park presents The Taming of the Shrew on Saturday at 7:30PM. Get the details here.

A well-beloved Broadway comedy is hitting the stage this weekend in San Jose! A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner is coming to the Montgomery Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Purchase your tickets here. 

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There’s nothing better than a tasty and mouthwatering side dish to go along with your Independence Day meal! Here’s an easy recipe to make that you should definitely add to your menu.

Grilled Corn with Mango-Habanero Butter

Ingredients

1 mango, peeled and coarsely chopped

¼ cup mango nectar

1 tablespoon honey

½ habanero chile, seeded

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons packed cilantro leaves, chopped

½ teaspoon kosher salt

8 ears of corn

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped mango with the mango nectar, honey and habanero chile. Bring to a simmer and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the mango is very soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer the mixture from the saucepan to a food processor and puree until smooth. Strain the mango puree into a small bowl and let cool, about 30 minutes.

3. Wipe out the food processor. Add the cooled mango puree along with the butter, cilantro leaves and salt and puree until smooth. Scrape the mango butter into a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

4. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Pull the corn husks down to the base of the stalks, leaving the husks attached. Discard the corn silk. Using butcher string, tie back the husks.

5. Fill a large bowl with cold, salted water and submerge the corn for 10 minutes.

6. Drain the corn but don’t pat dry. Grill the corn over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until tender and browned in spots, about 8 minutes. Transfer the corn to plates, spread with the mango-habanero butter and serve.

Happy Fourth of July!!

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We know your family loves fireworks – and we do too! Here are some Independence Day shows happening in the Bay Area this Fourth of July to help you start planning your big day ahead of time.

Get set for the July 4^th Fun Festival in San Jose! Come out with your little ones to Almaden Lake Park for live music, a parade, kids’ games and food truck eats starting at 11AM. Stay into the evening to enjoy the fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:15PM. For more info, click here.

Come watch a fantastic fireworks display with the Downtown Rotary Club in San Jose! The club is celebrating their centennial year and what better way to mark the occasion than with this Fourth of July tradition. The 20-minute show begins at 9:30PM at Discovery Meadow. Learn more here.

The City of Livermore is celebrating the Fourth of July with a 25-minute fireworks show that is sure to delight! Head over to Downtown Livermore to celebrate Independence Day with your family on Friday, July 4 at 9:30PM and take in this bright lights show. Get more info here.

There’s nothing better than a baseball game on the Fourth of July! Come watch the San Jose Giants hit the field against the Stockton Ports and stay for fireworks at San Jose Municipal Stadium on Friday, July 4 at 6:30PM. Get tickets here.

Happy Fourth of July from Ponderosa Homes!

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This recipe is definitely the perfect meal to celebrate dad this weekend. Enjoy!

Whiskey Glazed Flat Iron Steaks and Grilled Potatoes 

Ingredients

½ cup whiskey, such as Jack Daniels®

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, smashed

Four 8-ounce flat iron steaks or filet mignon steaks

1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Directions

1. Preheat a grill on medium-high heat. Whisk together the whiskey, brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of the oil and the garlic. Add the steaks, turn a few times to coat with the marinade and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, quarter each potato lengthwise to form wedges and put in a medium pot. Cover with cold water to cover by 1 inch and add salt until the water tastes like sea water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium and simmer until tender (but not falling apart), about 15 minutes. Drain well. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Pour the marinade into a small pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced, making sure the sugar does not burn, to make a glaze and sauce for the steak.
4. Grill the steaks until an internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads about 130 degrees F, 3 to 4 minutes per side, brushing with the boiled marinade several times in the last few minutes of grilling time. (If you are cooking filet mignon steaks, you will need to increase this time to 8 to 10 minutes per side to account for the thicker cut). Transfer to a large plate to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. While the steaks grill, add the potatoes to the grill and grill until well-marked and crispy, turning to grill all sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer the potato wedges to a bowl.
5. Toss the grilled potatoes with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, chives, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the garlic cloves from the remaining glaze and serve drizzled over the steaks with the potatoes on the side.

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Spring is almost over, so it’s time to pull out your maintenance checklist and prepare your home to transition summer.  Here are 6 tips to get you started to keep your home in tip-top shape this season.

1. Did you know that the U.S. Fire Administration reports over 15,000 dryer fires each year? Remember to give your dryer vent a thorough cleaning this summer using a vent-cleaning brush kit. It’s more effective than using your household vacuum cleaner.

2. It’s time to clean the exterior glass of your home! Wash your windows this summer so you can enjoy crystal clear views all year long.

3. You’re going to want to spend plenty of time in your backyard – so help promote healthy lawn and garden growth by planning a watering schedule.

4. Grab a ladder because it’s time to clean your gutters! Prevent water damage to your home by washing out the built-up debris that can collect during the cooler months.

5. Just like resetting your clocks for daylight saving time, you’ll want to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades for the summer to circulate cooler air and save money this season.

6. You’ll have plenty of outdoor gatherings to prepare for – so don’t forget to give your grill a deep cleaning.

Happy summer!

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