Happy 2026, Tri-Valley! I know I’m not the only one struggling this week to get back into the grind! Hang in there!

Every January, many of us set big goals: work out more, eat better, sleep longer. And every January… life gets busy. The problem usually isn’t motivation — it’s that our resolutions are too big, too vague, and hard to sustain.

Real change almost always starts smaller than we think. Twenty minutes of movement beats an hour at the gym you never make it to. One healthy meal is better than chasing a “perfect” diet.

That’s why JOYA really stood out to me.

JOYA is built around helping people actually follow through — by focusing on attainable goals and surrounding you with a supportive community. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or simply looking to try something different, JOYA makes it easy to begin and stick with it.

Here’s what locals love about JOYA:

If building healthier habits — without pressure or perfection — sounds appealing, January is a great time to give JOYA a try. Their $39 Intro Month makes it easy to explore classes, meet the community, and see if it’s the right fit.

Sometimes the best resolutions aren’t about doing more — they’re about starting smarter. Click here to learn more.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat more cheese this year, have I got the promotion for you.

The Cheese Parlor in downtown Livermore may have started as a hidden gem, but the secret is definitely out. Since Brandon Wood and his family opened the shop nearly four years ago, it’s become the go-to spot for expertly crafted cheese and charcuterie boards, thoughtful gift ideas for every occasion, and a delicious lineup of beer and wine that pairs perfectly with their cheeses and meats.

To kick off 2026 in style, I’m teaming up with The Cheese Parlor for a very fun giveaway. One lucky winner will receive free cheese for a year, with a custom box of cheese, meat, and artisanal goodies crafted every month in 2026.

Want in? Click here to enter for a chance to win.

The winner will be announced Tuesday, January 13, right here in Tri-Valley Explorer.

Once California’s fastest-growing city, Dublin may be entering a new chapter — one defined less by expansion and more by tough choices.

For years, Dublin was the poster child for Bay Area growth. New housing, new schools, BART access, and family-friendly neighborhoods fueled a population boom that outpaced nearly every other city in the state. If you moved to the Tri-Valley in the last decade, chances are Dublin was part of that story.

But today, city leaders and residents alike are asking a big question: Is there room left to grow?

Much of Dublin’s easily developable land is already built out. Traffic congestion, rising housing costs, and state-mandated housing requirements are adding pressure to an already dense city footprint. Future projects are more complex, more vertical, and often more controversial.

For the Tri-Valley, Dublin’s moment is a signal — growth may be slowing, but conversations about livability, infrastructure, and community character are just getting started.

January 6 marks Three Kings Day, and that means galette des rois season. This traditional French pastry is made with flaky puff pastry and rich almond cream, with a tiny ceramic fève hidden inside — whoever finds it gets crowned king or queen for the day.

Bay Area favorite Maison Benoit is celebrating the season at its Danville location with two elegant versions: the classic almond galette and a chocolate-peanut twist. Known for its award-winning croissants and impeccable French technique, Maison Benoit delivers serious Parisian vibes right here in the Tri-Valley.

These galettes are available throughout January!

 📍 Maison Benoit, 402 Railroad Ave., Danville
📞 (408) 618-1683

 A delicious way to keep the holiday magic going just a little longer