It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting John Muir National Historic Site in Pleasant Hill, CA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Pleasant Hill, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2”
“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a”
“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to”
“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my”
“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care”
“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of”
“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have”
“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service”
“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old.”
“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great”
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the”
“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great,”
“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me &”
“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable,”
“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services.”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for”
“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to”
“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very”
“Excellent service. Bill explained all the details about in-home care thoroughly and accurately. My 2 main caregivers, Kangou and Beth, were very professional and competent and treated me well, and were very nice people to work with.”
“Very nice,friendly and professional. Fairly new with this care and will update after about a month”
“I live in Texas and my Mom was in California, so communication was key to me in knowing how my Mom was doing, and what she might need. ABC did all the right things; from setting up an online portal that would allow my siblings and I to see what each caregiver was doing during her in-home care, to billing questions, medication requirements, etc. Everything was transparent, and that's so important when it comes to caring for an older family member. Their office staff is outstanding as well. From billing questions to change requests, they never made me feel like I was asking for too much, or that they didn't have time to make sure my Mom was always taken care of. Always Best Care took the time and effort to make sure my mom was taken care of in the best possible way, and for that I will be eternally grateful. Highly recommend their service!”
“My nickname for Bill is Clarence the Angel from "It's a Wonderful Life". At the worst possible time, in the middle of a pandemic, my elderly mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I had 1 week to find a place for her to live and set up hospice care. In addition I had no other family support. That is when I found Bill/ABC. What a joy! He listened to my needs, concerns, budget and general stress all with great patience and concern. He guided me through the process, set up home tours and advised me what to look for while interviewing prospects. Within 1 week we were able to place my mom in a wonderful home where she can spend her remaining days happy and cared for. The relief I feel cannot be measured and I will be forever grateful to Bill and team.”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”
“I am forever grateful for the compassionate care provided by Always Best Care to my grandparents. Their caregivers are experienced and can work under any situation. Both my grandparents had not been keeping well for a long time, especially my grandma who was recently diagnosed with dementia. The caregivers took care of all her needs, including her diet, exercise routine, etc. Thanks again to the whole team of Always Best Care.”
“We chose Always Best Care because their staff is extremely personable, responsive, and caring. We know that we can call them anytime for anything. They are very flexible and always ready to make the required changes in the care plan.”
“I would be more than happy to recommend the care services of Always Best Care to anyone looking for a good caregiver. They have the best team of caregivers who are trained, experienced, and highly knowledgeable in every aspect of senior care. I highly recommend Always Best Care to anyone who often feels overwhelmed while caring for a senior family member. I have been through this and know how difficult it can get at times. But thanks to Always Best Care, I am now able to better manage my time at work and home. I would still have been struggling with a lot of things if I didn’t have their amazing caregivers to help me take care of my ailing aunt.”
“Bill is representative of his professional, reliable, kind-hearted staff. There is an over abundance of non-medical Homecare companies in the Contra Costa Area and Always Best Care makes my top three list because I trust them implicitly. Their hearts are in the right places when it comes to providing great care and truly helping people. They are very responsive, dependable, and I never worry about anything falling through the cracks. Absolutely recommend their services.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have two aging family members that have currently needed some extra help. My wife and myself have full time jobs and cannot provide all the extra help that our loved ones need. Always Best has filled that need and has allow both family members to remain in their homes and still feel in control of their lives. Always Best is just that. They are flexible with their schedules and both relative's have enjoyed the extra help and company.”
“I am a current client of this provider I am very appreciative of the amazing service Always Best Care has been providing to my grandmother. The caregiver assigned for her care is professional, honest, and patient. Thank you so much for everything.”
“We are very happy with the service we have received from Always Best Care. They have the best aides with the all the knowledge, experience, and training needed for senior care. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional care for a senior loved one.”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I always wanted my parents to live in their own house as they grow old. I am glad I found a reliable agency like Always Best Care that has been helping seniors age in place for so many years. Their excellent care services have greatly helped my parents live their senior years in the healthiest and happiest way. Thank you so much Always Best Care for referring Sarah to us. She is very sweet and knows her work. My mother enjoys her company and waits for her every morning. They are soon planning to start doing Yoga at home. I am sure it is going to be a lot of fun. Sarah is more like a family to us now.”
“I really want to thank Always Best Care for dealing with my grandmother with great care and dedication when she needed it the most. The decision of sending her to a senior living facility was a quite difficult one to execute but then the team assured us about her security and safety in such a manner that we could not resist availing their services. I am so glad that we took the decision.”
“I would like to acknowledge the contributions to my father’s well being made by the wonderful staff of Always Best Care. Not only did they arrange for his care on a very short notice, but also sent the best caregiver to help him with difficult tasks.”
“My mother was a very active senior, but when her back pain became too great, we were looking for a caregiver for her because her pain was getting out of control day by day. Then I called up Always Best Care and they helped me with everything. I am very satisfied with their work. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care supported me when I was in utmost need. They provided me & my family with the best care possible. Thank you Always Best Care!”
“We feel very fortunate to have Edwin Sterling as our caregiver. He is very dependable, courteous and has a lot of patience.”
“I am very grateful to Always Best Care for providing such great In-Home Care services. My mom can remain in her home with dignity and respect – the way she always wanted. Things wouldn’t be this easy without the support of your wonderful caregivers. Thanks a lot.”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care to all those looking for professional care giving services for their aging love done at home. They have the best team of caregivers who ensure to provide compassionate services. Well done guys!”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would happily recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking for quality in-home care for a senior loved one. I was very satisfied with the care provided to my dad. The caregivers easily adapted to his changing needs over time. Their team always kept in touch to check on how everything was going. They were always quick to respond to my concerns and kept me involved in the whole process.”
“Always Best Care has been a godsend. When I got sick I needed more care than my family could provide. The staff at the skilled nursing facility recommended Always Best Care. Bill Kammerer visited and explained how they could help me recover and stay safe and healthy. Bill is very easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable, and patient. He asked me questions, listened to my responses, suggested solutions, and developed a care plan that meets my needs perfectly. In addition, Always Best Care’s caregivers have been fantastic. They are polite, hardworking, reliable, professional, congenial, and well trained. I whole-heartedly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives. I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”
“Many Thanks for the compassionate care and attention your caregivers provided us at a very difficult time-period in our lives. I would recommend your services to anyone in need of care for a loved one.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pleasant Hill Park in Pleasant Hill, CA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rooftop Restaurant Bar or visit Fort Baker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Pleasant Hill, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Pleasant Hill, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Pleasant Hill, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Charlotte Wood Middle School assistant principal Adria Ibarra has been selected as the next leader of Pleasant Hill Elementary School, one of two administrators with San Ramon Valley career ties hired to principal posts in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District for the upcoming academic year.The MDUSD Board of Education named Ibarra as one of its new principal hires May 13, with the district confirming her campus assignment as Pleasant Hill Elementary nine days later.“She has been recognized for her dedication to strength...
Charlotte Wood Middle School assistant principal Adria Ibarra has been selected as the next leader of Pleasant Hill Elementary School, one of two administrators with San Ramon Valley career ties hired to principal posts in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District for the upcoming academic year.
The MDUSD Board of Education named Ibarra as one of its new principal hires May 13, with the district confirming her campus assignment as Pleasant Hill Elementary nine days later.
“She has been recognized for her dedication to strengthening student learning and engagement,” MDUSD officials said in a Facebook post announcing her appointment. “Through data informed practices and strong collaboration with staff and families, she helped her school make significant academic gains.”
Ibarra, a married mother of two children who lives in Danville, began her education career in the Boston metro area in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. When she moved to California, she became a sixth-grade core teacher and later a middle school assistant principal, according to MDUSD. She was an assistant principal at Danville’s Charlotte Wood this past school year.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in human biodynamics from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree in elementary education from Lesley University in Massachusetts and an administrative services credential from Cal State East Bay. “In her spare time, Adria enjoys traveling, baking, and gardening. She’s also an avid Disneyland fan,” MDUSD stated.
Another former San Ramon Valley Unified School District educator and administrator was hired this spring for a principal role in the Concord-based MDUSD.
Stacy Campbell worked earlier in her career in SRVUSD, as an elementary teacher, multi-tiered systems of support liaison, summer school principal and then assistant principal at San Ramon’s Golden View Elementary School.
The past three years Campbell has served as principal of Mountain View Elementary School in Concord. She will move a few miles south within MDUSD for 2026-27 to become principal of Sequoia Elementary School in Pleasant Hill.
Citing Campbell’s bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in teaching, MDUSD officials said, “Her experience across classroom instruction, student support systems, and site leadership reflects a strong commitment to student success, collaboration, and building positive school communities.”
“Stacy is honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as Principal of Sequoia Elementary School. She looks forward to partnering with students, staff, families, and the broader school community in support of continued growth and success for all students,” they added.
Ibarra and Campbell were among nine new principals announced in MDUSD for the 2026-27 school year, a list led by Amanda Loushin taking the reins at Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord.
The district includes more than 50 school sites in Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Pacheco and Bay Point, and portions of Walnut Creek, Martinez, Pittsburg and Lafayette.
Credit East Bay teenagers with helping to build the cult following around Morucci’s, the classic Walnut Creek deli that has become known for the line of customers snaking outside its front door at lunchtime, eager to reach the counter to order one of its hearty and tasty hot or cold sandwiches.That’s why high schoolers were at the top of mind when the sandwich shop’s new owner, Terrence Heaps, himself a longtime Morucci’s superfan, and his partners zeroed in on a certain Pleasant Hill address to open a second M...
Credit East Bay teenagers with helping to build the cult following around Morucci’s, the classic Walnut Creek deli that has become known for the line of customers snaking outside its front door at lunchtime, eager to reach the counter to order one of its hearty and tasty hot or cold sandwiches.
That’s why high schoolers were at the top of mind when the sandwich shop’s new owner, Terrence Heaps, himself a longtime Morucci’s superfan, and his partners zeroed in on a certain Pleasant Hill address to open a second Morucci’s location next spring. The new space is located across Golf Club Road from Diablo Valley College, the community college destination for a sizable number of students graduating each year from local high schools.
As Heaps and former longtime owner Robert Fambrini tell it, the 34-year-old deli really started to make a name for itself after students at Acalanes, Las Lomas and other local high schools turned it into a favorite place to pick up sandwiches or snacks during school breaks or before sports practices. One of those teens was Walnut Creek-reared WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, who once proclaimed her loyalty to Morucci’s #5 – the California Club, stacked with oven-roasted turkey, Swiss cheese, crisp bacon and a house-made sauce.
“Its popularity was driven by high schoolers,” Heaps said. These teens, in turn, got their parents and other family members hooked, growing a multigenerational fan base that has extended to people working in and around downtown Walnut Creek and people living in neighboring East Bay suburbs.
These customers have made Morucci’s a destination, despite its off-the-beaten-path location in the Saranap neighborhood, just outside downtown Walnut Creek. “We have a product and a service that people will come to us for,” Heaps said. Among other things, the prices remain affordable for the upscale suburbs, between $8 and $12 for sandwiches.
Heaps and his partners, Anthony Johnson and Parham Mirshahpanah, also have their sights on one day opening a third Morucci’s location in Orinda, having signed a lease for a space near the Orinda Theater. But they are focused right now on prepping their Pleasant Hill shop, hopeful it will take off once it launches. That’s because it would have a ready-made customer base in Diablo Valley College students.
“We’re planning some promotions when we open geared to those students,” Heaps said.
Heaps has been a Morucci’s regular himself since he was in elementary school, growing up in the shop’s neighborhood, which also is near the Lafayette border. He’d bike there with friends to grab a toasted bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. As Heaps attended Acalanes High School, Diablo Valley College and St. Mary’s College in Moraga, his Morucci’s habit never waned. His own love for the Morucci’s experience is one reason he thinks the region deserves more locations.
“You can’t have this awesome deli that just stays in this one neighborhood,” he said.
Heaps and his partners purchased Morucci’s from Fambrini in April 2025. He had hoped to work with Fambrini on opening a second location, but the long-time owner opted to retire after running the eatery since the 1990s. Heaps has described Fambrini as an “amazing sandwich recipe artist” and credits him with coming up with another innovation that boosted the shop’s popularity: making sandwiches using artisanal ciabatta, Dutch crunch and other bread from Alameda-based Semifreddi’s bakery.
But as much as Heaps and his partners are excited about their expansion ideas, they plan to move slowly and space out new openings, with the Orinda shop possibly not opening until 2028. They are not looking to build a franchise empire that would risk diluting the Morucci’s experience.
As new owners, they have of course made some changes, such as upgrading equipment at the Walnut Creek shop, streamlining service and launching online ordering that lets customers bypass those long lunch lines. The Pleasant Hill location also will feature a separate counter for Lever Coffee, a version of the artisan cafe and bakery in Alamo that Heaps also owns.
But Heaps was advised by Fambrini not to take down the wall of shelves in the Walnut Creek shop that displays a decorative array of Kettle Brand potato chips — a big draw for customers. Most notably, Heaps and his partners don’t plan on tinkering with the classic Morucci’s menu “whatsoever,” he said.
“We want to emphasize that,” Heaps added. If anything, he’d like to work more with local producers, including farmers, to source more fresh, local ingredients to incorporate into the recipes.
The new owners’ embrace of what makes the Morucci’s experience so special means that customers at the Walnut Creek shop — and at the future Pleasant Hill and Orinda shops — will still be able to find their favorites, including soups and salads. As for the sandwich menu, it has long featured DIY options, like chicken and tuna salad, as well as 25 hot and cold specialties, some of which are known for their quirky numerical designations.
There’s the house-roasted turkey sandwich, Heaps’ personal favorite, which is “#00.” Meanwhile, “#6, #6 1/2 and #6 ¾” signify sandwiches built around caprese-salad combinations of tomato, mozzarella and basil.
The shop’s most popular sandwich remains the “#5,” or the California Club, which Ionescu gushed about in a YouTube conversation with Fambrini in 2020. “I’m always with the #5,” the hoops star said. “That’s the go-to. I know it always tastes the same. I’m loyal to my #5.”
Details: Open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Morucci’s of Walnut Creek, 1218 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek; moruccis.com.
Readers honored arts venues, gardens, and festivals in Diablo magazine's annual Best of the East Bay rankings.CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — From Lamorinda to Pleasant Valley and Martinez, local businesses captured nearly 100 honors in Diablo magazine's 2026 Best of the East Bay awards, with readers recognizing destinations ranging from performing arts and public gardens to one of the region's largest annual festivals.The annual awards highlight businesses, attractions, restaurants, services, and organizations that readers s...
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — From Lamorinda to Pleasant Valley and Martinez, local businesses captured nearly 100 honors in Diablo magazine's 2026 Best of the East Bay awards, with readers recognizing destinations ranging from performing arts and public gardens to one of the region's largest annual festivals.
The annual awards highlight businesses, attractions, restaurants, services, and organizations that readers say best represent life in the East Bay.
Walnut Creek led the region with 56 winning categories, followed by Lafayette with 21, and Concord with 12 — making the three cities the top Contra Costa County performers in Diablo Magazine's 2026 Best of the East Bay readers' choice awards. However, Pleasant Hill and Martinez had 16 winners between the two cities.
Winners are determined through reader voting across dozens of categories, while Diablo magazine editors also select a smaller number of editorial favorites.
Best Dance CompanyThe Ballet School Performing Arts' Ballet JoyeuxWebsite: theballetschool.org
Best Performing Arts VenueLesher Center for the ArtsWebsite: lesherartscenter.org
Best Place to Take VisitorsThe Ruth Bancroft Garden and NurseryWebsite: ruthbancroftgarden.org
Best Gift ShopWishWebsite: wishwalnutcreek.com
Best Independent Shoe StoreFootwear Etc.Website: footwearetc.com
Best Shopping CenterBroadway PlazaWebsite: broadwayplaza.com
Best Children's ClothingWishWebsite: wishwalnutcreek.com
Best Community PlaygroundHeather Farm ParkWebsite: walnutcreekartsrec.org
Best Day CampThe Ballet School Performing ArtsWebsite: theballetschool.org
Best Kid-Friendly RestaurantPiddeGWebsite: piddeg.com
Best Music LessonsThe Ballet School Performing ArtsWebsite: theballetschool.org
Best BakeryModel BakeryWebsite: themodelbakery.com
Best Brunch (Co-Winner)Katy's KreekWebsite: katyskreek.com
Best ChefHasan Yildiz, La FontaineWebsite: lafontainerestaurant.com
Best DeliMorucci'sWebsite: moruccis.com
Best Farmers MarketWalnut Creek MarketWebsite: cccfm.org/walnut-creek-market
Best Greek Restaurant (Co-Winner)EliaWebsite: eliarestaurants.com
Best Ice CreamLottie's CreameryWebsite: lottiescreamery.com
Best Italian RestaurantBenvenuti RistoranteWebsite: benvenutiwc.com
Best Japanese RestaurantSasaWebsite: sasawc.com
Best Local WineryShadowbrook WineryWebsite: shadowbrookwinery.com
Best Mexican RestaurantBar CaminoWebsite: barcamino.com
Best New Restaurant (Opened After March 2025)Stereo 41Website: stereo41.com
Best Outdoor Dining (Co-Winner)Bar CaminoWebsite: barcamino.com
Best Outdoor Dining (Co-Winner)Va de Vi Bistro and Wine BarWebsite: vadevi.com
Best Romantic RestaurantLa FontaineWebsite: lafontainerestaurant.com
Best Special Occasion RestaurantLa FontaineWebsite: lafontainerestaurant.com
Best Thai RestaurantTorsap Thai KitchenWebsite: torsapthaikitchen.com
Best Vegetarian RestaurantSipeosWebsite: sipeos.com
Best BarRetro JunkieWebsite: retrojunkiebar.com
Best Bloody Mary1515 Restaurant LoungeWebsite: 1515wc.com
Best Cocktail MenuLa FontaineWebsite: lafontainerestaurant.com
Best Dance ClubRetro JunkieWebsite: retrojunkiebar.com
Best Happy HourBenvenuti RistoranteWebsite: benvenutiwc.com
Best Late-Night DiningStereo 41Website: stereo41.com
Best LGBTQ+ BarClub 1220Website: club1220.com
Best MargaritaBar CaminoWebsite: barcamino.com
Best MartiniLa FontaineWebsite: lafontainerestaurant.com
Best MocktailsSipeosWebsite: sipeos.com
Best Sports BarStadium PubWebsite: thestadiumpubwc.com
Best Whiskey ListHops and ScotchWebsite: instagram.com/hops_and_scotch
Best Fertility ServicesCollab FertilityWebsite: collabfertility.com
Best Day SpaWoodhouse SpaWebsite: woodhousespas.com
Best MassageWoodhouse SpaWebsite: woodhousespas.com
Best Nail SalonChanges Salon and Day SpaWebsite: changessalon.com
Best Place to Buy Beauty ProductsSkinScience Medical AestheticsWebsite: skinsciencemedicalspa.com
Best WaxingChanges Salon and Day SpaWebsite: changessalon.com
Best Dance StudioThe Ballet School Performing ArtsWebsite: theballetschool.org
Best Animal RescueJoybound People and PetsWebsite: joybound.org
Best Furniture StoreCole's Interiors Design CenterWebsite: colesinteriors.com
Best Home DecorCole's Interiors Design CenterWebsite: colesinteriors.com
Best Interior Design StudioJeffrey Neve Interior DesignWebsite: jeffreyneve.com
Best FloristFlower Bowl FloristWebsite: flowerbowlflorist.com
Best Party Venue1515 Restaurant and LoungeWebsite: 1515wc.com
Best Wedding Cake (Co-Winner)Le Gâteau ÉlégantWebsite: legateauelegant.com
Best Wedding VenueThe Ruth Bancroft Garden and NurseryWebsite: ruthbancroftgarden.org
Source: Diablo Magazine's 2026 Best of the East Bay readers' choice awards. (muckrack.com)
Best Local FestivalLafayette Art and Wine FestivalWebsite: lafayettefestival.com
Best StaycationLafayette Park Hotel & SpaWebsite: lafayetteparkhotel.com
Best Antiques StoreVintage VidaWebsite: instagram.com/vintagevida.shop
Best Bicycle ShopFirst Mile Cycle WorksWebsite: firstmilecycle.com
Best Men's Clothing StoreVenture Quality GoodsWebsite: venturegoods.com
Best Stationery / Greeting CardsVenture Quality GoodsWebsite: venturegoods.com
Best Specialty Grocery Store / International FoodsDiablo FoodsWebsite: diablofoods.com
Best Breakfast SpotTutu'sWebsite: tutusfooddrink.com
Best Hair SalonCaroline's SalonWebsite: carolinessalon.net
Best Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Specialist (Co-Winner)Lamorinda Gynecology and SurgeryWebsite: lamorindagyn.com
Best Lash and Brow SalonArtistryMKWebsite: artistrymk.com
Best Hiking Spot (Co-Winner)Briones Regional ParkWebsite: ebparks.org
Best Place to Have a PicnicLafayette ReservoirWebsite: ebmud.com
Best ContractorDouglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Flooring / CarpetAbodeWebsite: abode-flooring.com
Best Garden CenterOrchard NurseryWebsite: orchardnursery.com
Best Home LightingLuxe Home by Douglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Kitchen & Bath RemodelDouglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Kitchen & Bath StoreLuxe Home by Douglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Stone / TileLuxe Home by Douglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Window TreatmentsLuxe Home by Douglah DesignsWebsite: douglahdesigns.com
Best Consignment ShopreChicWebsite: shoprechic.com
Best RoofingA 1 Home Roofing CompanyWebsite: havealeak.com
Best Dance LessonsJoy in MotionWebsite: joyinmotiondance.org
Best Nonprofit GalaCelebrate John Muir Health!Website: johnmuirhealth.com
Best Family-Fun SpotDave & Buster'sWebsite: daveandbusters.com
Best Family PhotographerGretchen Adams PhotographyWebsite: gretchenadams.com
Best Pet PhotographerGretchen Adams PhotographyWebsite: gretchenadams.com
Best Private High SchoolDe La Salle High SchoolWebsite: dlshs.org
Best Brewery / TaproomSide Gate Brewery & Beer GardenWebsite: sidegatebrewing.com
Best Trivia NightSide Gate Brewery & Beer GardenWebsite: sidegatebrewing.com
Best Singles SpotResidual Sugar Wine BarWebsite: rswine.com
Best Wine BarResidual Sugar Wine BarWebsite: rswine.com
Best Cosmetic DentistryJosh McCormick, DDSWebsite: myeastbaydentist.com
Best Dog-Friendly RestaurantLazy DogWebsite: lazydogrestaurants.com
Best Solar (Co-Winner)Got Watts?Website: gotwatts.com
Best Summer Concert SeriesSunset by the Lake Summer ConcertsWebsite: pleasanthillsummerconcerts.com
Best Day CareMy Spanish VillageWebsite: myspanishvillage.com
Best BarbecueBack Forty Texas BBQWebsite: backforty.us
Best CatererBack Forty Texas BBQWebsite: backforty.us
Best Brunch (Co-Winner)Katy's KreekWebsite: katyskreek.com
Best Live Music SpotWiseGirlWebsite: wisegirlph.com
Best Neighborhood BarWiseGirlWebsite: wisegirlph.com
Best Emergency VetVEG Veterinary Emergency GroupWebsite: veterinaryemergencygroup.com
Best Hospice CareHospice East BayWebsite: hospiceeastbay.org
Best Chinese RestaurantSunflower GardenWebsite: sunflowergardentogo.com
Best DinerCopper SkilletWebsite: copperskillet.com
Best Cannabis DispensaryVelvetWebsite: velvetcannabis.com
Best Boot CampMartinez Athletic ClubWebsite: martinezathleticclub.com
Best Gym / Training FacilityMartinez Athletic ClubWebsite: martinezathleticclub.com
Best Personal TrainerBen Borsellino, Martinez Athletic ClubWebsite: martinezathleticclub.com
Best Dog WalkerDiablo Dog Walking and ServicesWebsite: diablodogwalking.com
Best Art GalleryJor Fine Art GalleryWebsite: jorfineartgallery.com
Diablo magazine has published its Best of the East Bay issue annually for more than three decades, making it one of the region's longest-running readers' choice programs.
The awards celebrate favorites across dining, shopping, arts and entertainment, health and wellness, home services, recreation, and community life.
Each year's results combine reader voting with a curated selection of editors' picks intended to showcase businesses and destinations that help define the East Bay. You can find the rest of them on the Diablo magazine website.
College Park LacrosseUp NextAway GameNon-LeagueCollege ParkMonte VistaMar 2, 2027 @ 7:00pmPreview GameWednesday, May 6, 2026Photographer Vien Lam has posted a new gallery Tamalpais vs. College Park (CIF NCS Division 1 Round One) containing 158 photos.Tuesday, May 5, 2026On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team lost their at Tamalpais game against Tamalpais High School by a score of 2-17.Tournament Game2026 North Coast Section Gi...
Up Next
Away Game
Non-League
College ParkMonte Vista
Mar 2, 2027 @ 7:00pm
Preview Game
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Photographer Vien Lam has posted a new gallery Tamalpais vs. College Park (CIF NCS Division 1 Round One) containing 158 photos.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team lost their at Tamalpais game against Tamalpais High School by a score of 2-17.
Tournament Game
2026 North Coast Section Girls Lacrosse Championships Division 1
College Park2
Tamalpais17
Final
Thursday, Apr 30, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Northgate on Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026.
11
Goals
3
Assists
23
Shots on Goal
Thursday, Apr 30, 2026
On Thursday, Apr 30, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Northgate High School by a score of 11-2.
College Park11
Northgate2
Final
Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Clayton Valley Charter on Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026.
16
Goals
6
Assists
11
Shots on Goal
Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026
On Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Clayton Valley Charter High School by a score of 16-4.
College Park16
Clayton Valley Charter4
Final
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Campolindo on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026.
13
Goals
1
Assists
6
Shots on Goal
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026
On Tuesday, Apr 28, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team lost their game against Campolindo High School by a score of 13-14.
College Park13
Campolindo14
Final
Friday, Apr 24, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Las Lomas on Friday, Apr. 24, 2026.
10
Goals
3
Assists
16
Shots on Goal
Friday, Apr 24, 2026
On Friday, Apr 24, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Las Lomas High School by a score of 10-7.
College Park10
Las Lomas7
Final
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Miramonte on Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026.
12
Goals
1
Assists
8
Shots on Goal
Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026
On Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team lost their game against Miramonte High School by a score of 12-13.
College Park12
Miramonte13
Final
Friday, Apr 17, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Acalanes on Friday, Apr. 17, 2026.
9
Goals
1
Assists
9
Shots on Goal
Friday, Apr 17, 2026
On Friday, Apr 17, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team lost their game against Acalanes High School by a score of 8-10.
College Park8
Acalanes10
Final
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Foothill on Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026.
10
Goals
2
Assists
13
Shots on Goal
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026
On Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Foothill High School by a score of 10-6.
College Park10
Foothill6
Final
Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Northgate on Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026.
17
Goals
1
Assists
17
Shots on Goal
Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026
On Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Northgate High School by a score of 17-6.
College Park17
Northgate6
Final
Monday, Mar 30, 2026
Stats have been entered for the College Park vs. Piedmont on Monday, Mar. 30, 2026.
12
Goals
3
Assists
15
Shots on Goal
Monday, Mar 30, 2026
On Monday, Mar 30, 2026, the College Park Varsity Girls Lacrosse team won their game against Piedmont High School by a score of 12-8.
College Park12
Piedmont8
Final
Tue, 3/2@ Monte Vista7:00pmThu, 3/18@ Amador Valley7:00pmTue, 3/23@ Berkeley7:00pm
View Team Schedule
Stats are entered by the coach or designated team statistician in the admin.
Volunteer to be the statistician
Do you have a team photo? Upload it here
Submit Team Roster
925-210-0323
