San Ramon

 

 

 

Located at 1050 Trumpet Vine Lane, BELLA VISTA ELEMENTARY is the newest addition to the SRVUSD. Funded through the Measure D school bond, this elementary school will accommodate approx. 830 K-5th grade students on a 7.4 acre site.

 

More info from Danville Patch:

 

Bella Vista Elementary will be led by Principal Barbara Mallon, formerly principal at Twin Creeks Elementary, Ms. Mallon has been an educator for over 30 years. During her career, she has held a variety of positions including: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Coordinator, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, instructional assistant, special education teacher, and a general education teacher.

 

Bella Vista Elementary School will open as the first elementary school in the District with Project Launch – a program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Project Launch is the elementary pathway of the middle and high school program Project Lead the Way. This program focuses on activity-, project-, and problem-based STEM curriculum, providing students a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning.

 

The dedication is the first step in the much anticipated opening of a school that will provide relief to the elementary schools in the Dougherty Valley in San Ramon. This school was made possible through a unique three-way partnership between the City of San Ramon, Shapell Homes (now Toll Brothers), and the SRVUSD.

 

“We are grateful for our partnerships with the City of San Ramon and Shapell Homes/Toll Brothers who helped our District make this school a reality,” SRVUSD Board President Greg Marvel said. “Through our partnerships, we have built a school that offer families in the Dougherty Valley another excellent campus where students will receive a top quality education in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District.”

 

Shapell Homes and the City of San Ramon provided the land to the School District, with the play fields also serving as permanent joint-use parkland for the City. This partnership continues the joint-use cooperation and sharing between the City and the School District that exists at the other schools in San Ramon, and has become a model for other communities.

 

“One of the things that makes the San Ramon community special are the unique private and public partnerships. In this Valley, we work together to provide excellent amenities and services for our citizens,” San Ramon Mayor Bill Clarkson said. “Bella Vista Elementary School is another example of how we collaborate to create a wonderful environment for families to grow and thrive.”

 

The school construction was funded through the $260 million Measure D school facilities bond approved in 2012. The new school has been built to accommodate approximately 830 kindergarten through 5th grade students, on a 7.4 acre site located approximately 1/2 mile southwest of the Dougherty Station Community Center and Library. The school site is located across the street from the City’s new 30-acre community park.

 

The school is designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and includes two-story classroom buildings, a multipurpose building, a library, and administration and after-school childcare spaces. Design features include strategic building positioning and operable windows to allow for natural ventilation in all classrooms, energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems, drought tolerant landscaping and recycled water for irrigation.

 

Bella Vista Elementary will be SRVUSD’s 36th school and the fifth elementary campus in eastern San Ramon.

 

Excerpt from San Ramon Patch:

 

The new San Ramon City Hall on Bollinger Canyon Road is set to open in just a couple weeks, complete with a new council chamber, public conference rooms, city offices and a stunning glass rotunda.

 

The city will host a grand opening event in May, however, 45,000-square-foot facility open in early April.

 

According to the city’s spring newsletter, the opening of the new building is a catalyst for a number of improvements along Bollinger Canyon Road.

 

“The $750 million City Center Bishop Ranch project, built by Sunset Development, is estimated to break ground in March, the renovated Skate Park will open by Summer of 2016, and renovations to the San Ramon Library will be completed in early 2017,” said the city’s release, “These new projects collectively will help to create a Civic Area for the community and will be the downtown that San Ramon residents have sought for years.”

 

Contra Costa County has implemented a program called “Green Building” in order achieve a “greener” approach to city projects and conserving resources. Since the drought, it is more crucial than ever to make sure we are being intelligent with our resources and living sustainably and efficiently.

 

According the the Contra Costa County website:

 

Green building is a “Whole-Systems” approach for designing and constructing buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and are healthier, safer, and more comfortable.

 

In practical terms, green building includes:

 

• Using sun and wind to the building’s advantage for natural heating, cooling, and daylighting;
• Landscaping with native plans and using water efficiently;
• Building quality, durable structures;
• Insulating well and ventilating appropriately'
• Incorporating salvaged, recycled,and sustainably harvested materials;
• Maintaining healthy indoor air quality with appropriate building techniques, and materials;
• Using energy-efficient and water-saving appliances/fixtures; and
• Reducing and recycling construction waste.
  
  

The California Department of Education presents The San Ramon Valley Unified School District with the most Gold Ribbon Awards in Northern California and the second most in California! (Second to the the Los Angeles Unified School District) Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, and parents! What an amazing accomplishment!

 

• California High
• Charlotte Wood Middle
• Diablo Vista Middle
• Dougherty Valley High
• Gale Ranch Middle
• Iron Horse Middle
• Los Cerros Middle
• Monte Vista High
• Pine Valley Middle
• San Ramon Valley High
• Windemere Ranch Middle
  
  

For more information: California Department of Education

 

San Ramon’s new City Center has been years in the making and we are one step closer to the completion. This exciting new project will feature an outdoor shopping complex that will be become the heart of Downtown San Ramon. Across from Bishop Ranch, there will be a new City Hall, Library, and 635,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space including a movie theater, restaurants, an ice-skating rink for the winter season, and a gorgeous plaza for local events and gatherings. There are also developments of business space, a 169-room hotel, and 479 residential units. Taking advantage of the California sunshine, this outdoor oasis will be a great addition to Contra Costa County. Construction has begun and this project should be completed next year.

 

Among the many prestigious schools in the Contra Costa county, one school has achieved academic excellence and received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High Performance. Windemere Ranch Middle School is one of the 25 middle schools in the nation among 337 school all together to receive the award. The API (Academic Performance Index) score which measures overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing is 986. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 or higher as the state goal for all schools. Since opening in 2005, it has been twice recognized as a California Distinguished School is in the top one percent of all middle schools in California. Go Falcons!

 

As it is a family-oriented city, there is no shortage of activities for all ages in San Ramon. There is a unique mix of historical sites, community events, parks and trails, and arts and culture. 13 years ago, the local government of San Ramon made a significant commitment to support the arts in this city. They developed a Five Year Cultural Arts Plan that has helped to develop the events, venues and programs that exist today in the visual and performing arts in San Ramon.

 

Music performance is often in the spotlight. The Summer Concert Series brings a variety of performers to the stage in San Ramon Central Park where residents gather in the evenings. Local musicians have an opportunity to shine in the 75-member Symphonic Band. Adult vocalists take part in the celebrated Community Chorus and talented young instrumentalists have a great opportunity to develop musically in the Youth Symphony. The excitement of the arts extends to the stage as well in San Ramon with dramas, comedies and musicals under the lights at the Community Theater.

 

There is always something happening in San Ramon. Two of the events that are most anticipated each year are the Art and Wind Festival and the Black & White Party. It is a day of kite flying and competitions when the Art and Wind Festival takes to the skies. The Black & White party brings out residents in their most creative attire for a fun filled night of food, music and entertainment.

 

Fulfilling a long-held vision, San Ramon developed a performing arts center in partnership with the school district with dynamic results. The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center and the Front Row Theater provide performance and rehearsal space for the many quality events and films that are held here each season.

 

The focal point for many of the local events is San Ramon Central Park. On July 4 residents gather here for the annual fireworks display. On warm evenings people are cycling and running the trails, children are enjoying the playgrounds and the water park; and there is always sports being played on the many athletic facilities. For something different, San Ramon is home to the Art and Wind Festival, a kite-flying event. Summer nights can be spent enjoying concerts while visiting with friends and neighbors. In the spring the San Ramon Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesdays in Bishops Ranch. It is a great venue for fresh, local and organic produce, plants and flowers, handmade items and live music.

 

There is something for everyone in San Ramon. Those with a green thumb can enjoy year-round vegetable and flower gardening at Crow Canyon Gardens, a community garden rented on a yearly basis. DunDraCon, the West Coasts’ premiere electronic gaming convention is held here each winter drawing enthusiasts from all over the United States.

 

For those interested in local history The San Ramon Historic Foundation is dedicated to educating the present about the lives of the early pioneers who settled here. The foundation has two main museums: the Forest Home Farms Historic Park and the David and Eliza Glass House Museum. For athletes the Tiffany Roberts Sport Park, the Iron Horse Regional Trail and the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offer great opportunities to get outside and play.

 

Explore this vibrant community and its attractions with Realtor® Julie Whitmer, one of the area’s top real estate professionals. Connect today to learn more.

 

San Ramon, home to many major corporations, has neighborhoods befitting the executive lifestyle. In this exclusive neighborhood, the prices of homes are ranked among the most expensive in California as well as in the United States. Some areas to explore when making the decision to move to San Ramon should include Norris Canyon Estates, Gale Ranch, the Camino Tassajara Road area and San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Westside Drive.

 

The only new, single-family homes in a gated community in the region are in Norris Canyon Estates. This community is situated just off of Norris Canyon Road. The homes are built by Toll Brothers and include both model and custom-building options on oversized lots. These residences are exceptional for their incredible views of the San Ramon Valley and the Mount Diablo range. This exclusive staff-gated neighborhood includes walking trails, tennis and basketball courts, a playground and a community center. Prices in Norris Canyon Estates range from $1,500,00 to $1,800,000.

 

The Gale Ranch homes in Dougherty Valley are part of a well-designed and scenic enclave. For convenience, the neighborhood has The Plaza shopping center to meet the needs of its residents. Throughout the community you will find parks and walking trails for fitness and recreation. There is also an 18-hole golf course that was designed by famed golf course architect Johnny Miller. These elegant residences range from $800,000 to $2,000,000.

 

Camino Tassajara and Camino Tassajara Rd are among the best neighborhoods for families in California. Its combination of top public schools and beautiful homes gives the area a charming nostalgic feel of life in a simpler era. Everything a family needs to thrive is located in this neighborhood. Homes here range from $900,000 to $1,200,000.

 

The San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Westside Drive area is a stunning executive community that has been rated a “Best Choice” neighborhood for California. The homes are stately on large lots with beautiful views of the hills. There is also nearby shopping and access to the freeway to make this an easy neighborhood for commuting. The average price for homes here hovers around $1 million.

 

To learn more about these and other San Ramon luxury communities, connect with Realtor® Julie Whitmer today. She looks forward to hearing from you soon and to introducing you to the many luxurious options found in the area.

 

San Ramon provides a world of tastes that you can experience without ever leaving the neighborhood. Choosing the best restaurants in San Ramon can actually be a challenge as there are many excellent and unique establishments providing a variety of cuisines and price ranges. Good restaurants in the San Ramon Area are able to accommodate different dining needs and depending on the mood, there is a cozy and romantic environment for a date night, a weekend brunch with family and an option for everything else in between.

 

San Ramon is, not surprisingly, home to many excellent, locally owned restaurants. There are few regional and national chains in the city, allowing for a uniquely diverse group of eateries to flourish. One notable and interesting aspect of dining in San Ramon is the number of options for eating gluten-free. While there is abundant fine dining, the city does not ignore its youngest residents and there are many family-friendly choices like Guiseppe’s Pasta and Grill and the many Asian selections.

 

It is difficult to create a list of the best restaurants in San Ramon as there are many delicious alternatives and a multitude of opinions. A quick overview of the culinary community must include the locals’ breakfast favorite, Katy’s Korner and its eggs Benedict. For a dinner with atmosphere, The Blackhawke Grille has seating on their attractive patio and the chef strives to create the perfect plate. Creme Si Bon and Stephanie’s Sweets are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

 

There are plenty of options for the entire family in San Ramon. On Fire Pizza elevates pizza night to an art form. Two imported wood-fired ovens create specialty pies that are complimented with an organic salad bar. Habit Burger sources fresh California produce and daily-baked bread for burgers that they hope will become a habit. The Hop Yard has an extensive beer menu and great food in a family atmosphere that is perfect for socializing. For something a little different, San Ramon is also home to Hawaiian fusion, Persian and Indian Restaurants.

 

Learn more about San Ramon and its restaurants by connecting with Realtor® Julie Whitmer. She looks forward to hearing from you and to introducing you to this vibrant community.

 

When choosing a new family home, one of the most important decisions is the educational opportunities that are available in the community. Fortunately, the city of San Ramon emphasizes education with an award-winning public school district, excellent options for private education and access to world-class universities.

 

The public schools are part of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. In addition to these 17 publically funded schools, there are five private schools in San Ramon that provide education up to the 5th grade. The breakdown for the public schools is 11 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools. The two high schools are California High School and Dougherty Valley. California High School has achieved an A rating in the district. SRVUSD even provides an alternative K-12, independent study option to support home-schooled students and their families.

 

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is highly ranked both in the state of California and in the United States. It is currently listed as both third in the northern California region and eighth in the state overall. This top ten designation provides the competitiveness for its college-bound students. An astounding statistic regarding SRVUSD is that more than 94% of its graduates go on to colleges and universities, which is nearly double the national average.

 

Within the state of California, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District is the recipient of the State Department of Education’s Distinguished Schools Award. The SRVUSD stands out in the state by having won this award more than 50 times. The National Department of Education has also recognized SRVUSD’s academic excellence by presenting some of its schools with the Blue Ribbon Schools award. The reason for these accolades lies in the strong programming, the dedication of the faculty and staff and the involvement of the parents and families. The schools offer an International Baccalaureate academic program for schools, courses in foreign language and have an active visual and performing arts department.

 

San Ramon also provides opportunities for higher education. The San Ramon branch campus of Diablo Valley College is a “feeder” college to the University of California, Berkeley; California State University, East Bay; and to St. Mary’s College. DVC offers unique programs in hotel/restaurant management, culinary arts, dental technology and real estate. The University of San Francisco, one of the most highly ranked universities in the United States, has a regional campus in San Ramon. Additionally, the UC Davis Graduate School of Management operates the Bay Area working professional program in the city.

 

For a city known for its high-tech industry, it is not surprising that there is an emphasis on quality education. From the youngest pre-kindergarten student to the adult pursuing a graduate degree, there is a program available in San Ramon. Learn more by connecting with Realtor® Julie Whitmer today!