Good Morning Tri-Valley! Who’s Ready for the Upcoming 3-Day Weekend?

• Local Maker Spotlight: Chocolate Dreams, Made Right Here in the Tri-Valley

• Ask the Expert with Richard’s Heating & Air Repair

• Pet of the Week! 🐶

• Whisky, Kilts, Bagpipes and More - The Scottish Games are Back!

• Midweek Mix - Local Happenings & Events This Week

Local Maker Spotlight: Chocolate Dreams in the Tri-Valley from Bluebirds Chocolates!

Sweet Dreams are Made of These!

Did you know Livermore has its own Chocolatier? There are only a handful in the Tri-Valley, and I recently had the chance to meet Larissa Milano, owner of Bluebirds Chocolates—and sample some of her incredible hand-crafted creations!

A Bay Area native who has lived in Livermore for nearly a decade, Larissa has been in the confectionary business for 20 years, with the last five devoted to chocolate. As she puts it, “I didn’t plan to get into chocolate, but I just fell in love with it. Food brings happiness, food brings comfort, and chocolate is the perfect medium.”

You may have already seen Bluebirds Chocolates at local events—Larissa has hosted several wine & chocolate pairings, including a recent sold-out tasting at The Black Cat in downtown Livermore. She continues to collaborate with makers, wineries, and restaurants across the Tri-Valley.

Larissa brought me a box of treats to try, and I have to share a few favorites. Her Bon Bons are rich, unique, and absolutely addictive—especially the Milk Chocolate & Pistachio, Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut, and the one-of-a-kind Dark Chocolate & Sage. Other standouts included Milk Chocolate Honeycomb, White Chocolate with Ginger, and a spicy Dark Chocolate with Mango and Ginger.

So, where can you get these delicious chocolates? Visit her website, watch for upcoming events, and be sure to follow Bluebirds Chocolates on social for the latest creations—including her popular Bon Bon advent calendars! Plus, you can find your artisan chocolate bars at JMC Cellars in Livermore.

In partnership with Richard’s Heating & Air Repair

Ask the Expert with Richard’s Heating & Air Repair!

QUESTION: Why should I consider a surge protector for my AC?

ANSWER: Think of your air conditioner as the VIP of your home’s comfort system. It’s also one of the most expensive appliances you own. The easiest way to keep it safe? A surge protector. Here’s why:

Shields Against Power Spikes
A sudden surge can zap your A/C’s control board or compressor in an instant. A protector acts like a bodyguard, taking the hit so your system doesn’t have to.

Saves Serious Money
Replacing fried parts isn’t cheap—we’re talking hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars. A surge protector is a small investment that can prevent a wallet-draining repair bill.

Helps Your A/C Live Longer
Tiny surges happen all the time, slowly chipping away at your system. A protector blocks that damage so your A/C stays healthier, longer, and runs more reliably.

Peace of Mind, Every Season
Surges aren’t just a storm problem. They can strike any time—day, night, or when the lights flicker. With protection in place, you can relax knowing your system is safe.

Bottom line: a surge protector is like insurance for your A/C—affordable, invisible, and a whole lot cheaper than a replacement.

At Richards, we offer a Maintenance Plan that includes two tune-ups a year—one in winter and one in summer. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your HVAC system needs routine care to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Give us a call if you have any questions or would like more information about our services! 925-846-9397. We’re located in Livermore and service the entire Tri-Valley!

Pet of the Week! Teddy Bear!

🐾 Meet Teddy bear 🐾
This 19 week old Bernese Mountain Dog does not look real! He looks like beautiful plush toy! Thank you sharing your fur baby’s photo with us, Pam! 👑🐶

Want to see your pet in the spotlight?
👉 Submit your Pet of the Week entry here! Dogs, Cats, Reptiles or another pet you call part of your family is welcome!

****Please note the submission form only works with gmail addresses. If you don’t have a gmail address, just email me with a photo, your pet’s name, your name, and a sentence or two about your pet! [email protected]

The 159th Annual Scottish Highland Gathering & Games are this Weekend at the Fairgrounds!

🎶🥁 Kilts, bagpipes, and a whole lot of Scottish pride—Pleasanton is about to go plaid! The 159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games takes over this weekend, keeping a Bay Area tradition alive since 1866. From the 2025 Women’s World Championships in Scottish Heavy Athletics to Highland dancing, piping, drumming, soccer, and Celtic rock, there’s something for everyone. Families can explore living history, birds of prey, and even Celtic animal exhibits. Don’t miss the Grandstand Show, where visiting pipe bands join hundreds of musicians in the unforgettable Massed Bands finale—trust us, you’ll feel the goosebumps when the pipes start!

Click Here for Details and Tickets

Midweek Mix - A little bit of everything happening now!

• Tues. 8/26: Boozy Book Fair by Town Center Books at SideTrack Bar & Grill in Pleasanton, TONIGHT! Kind of like your kids’ book fairs, but WAY BETTER. Tickets are $25, includes drinks and small plates. Click here for tickets.

• Tues. 8/26: Barrels and Bingo Game Night at McGrail Vineyards & Winery. 6pm.

• Tues. 8/26: Tuesday Tunes at Bankhead Plaza in Livermore. 6:45pm

• Wed. 8/27: Comedy at 1st Street Wine Company. Livermore, 7pm

• Thur. 8/28: Xtreme Music Bingo at BottleTaps. Pleasanton, 7pm

• Thur. 8/28: Dublin Farmers Market at Emerald Glen Park. 4-8pm

• Thur. 8/28: Livermore Farmers Market at Carnegie Park. 4-8pm

• Double Dose of Dungeons & Dragons for Teens!

  • Saturday 8/30 at San Ramon Library. 10:30am. Ages 13 and up.

  • Saturday 8/30 at Dublin Library, 11am. Middle School students.