Good Morning Tri-Valley - I hope these April showers bring May flowers!
Local Authority with UNCLE Credit Union
Danville Business Hunt is THIS Saturday
Fire It Up Friday - Events and Live Music!
Last Chance to Enter our Amp Mode Giveaway!
The Queen of Mariachi is coming to the Bankhead!
Saturday Shenanigans
Beauty, Self-Care and Wine!
Sunday Funday
Comedy at 3 Steves Winery
Pet of the Week
In Partnership with UNCLE Credit Union
Local Authority with UNCLE Credit Union!
I’m excited to introduce Jai Kooner and Debbie Aynaga from UNCLE Credit Union!
Both are experienced Mortgage Consultants with deep knowledge of the local home loan market, and I know mortgage questions are always top of mind for so many people around here.
This week, I asked them two questions that I think a lot of readers will find helpful.
1. How do I know if I qualify for a mortgage?
The best way to start the home buying process is to meet with a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. Prequalification is not an official stamp of approval, but it will set the parameters of how much home you are able to afford. Once you find a property and making an offer, you’ll provide additional paperwork to become preapproved.
Here is the typical mortgage application process:
Prequalification: Your first step in purchasing a home is getting prequalified. The process varies, but usually involves you sharing initial income details. The lender then reviews credit, and qualifies the loan file.
Preapproval: To get preapproved, your lender will need additional financial information such as bank statements, pay stubs including W-2’s. This is also not a guarantee you’ll get a loan, but a preapproval provides real estate agents and the seller that you are serious about buying a home. It also shows an estimated approval amount to guide your home purchase price range.
2. How long does it take to get a mortgage?
From application to approval and closing, closing a mortgage may take anywhere from 21 days to 60 days depending on the Real Estate Purchase Contract. However, some home purchases can take longer, depending on factors unique to your scenario. Steps homebuyers can take to speed up the home loan processing time, such as providing the documents required during the pre-approval process.
UNCLE Credit Union has been serving the Tri-Valley for more than 65 years.
Jai can be reached at [email protected] and Debbie can be reached at [email protected].
Shopping, Food, Deals & More in Downtown Danville this Saturday
Downtown Danville is getting into the spring spirit on Saturday, April 4 with a fun day of specials, treats, and family-friendly activities.
The Downtown Business Hunt is a fun way to explore downtown while stopping by local businesses for special promotions and festive surprises along the way.
Just grab the map and “hunt” your way through downtown for a little extra spring fun.
The event is happening alongside the annual Eggstravaganza on the Town Green.
Registration for Eggstravaganza is already full, but everyone is still welcome to join in on the Downtown Business Hunt.
Whether you hop or stroll, there will be plenty of “eggstra” fun waiting for you at participating downtown businesses on April 4.
April 3rd - Fire It Up Friday! 🔥
🎸🎶 Live Music
Alex Lucero Duo (Acoustic Fridays) - Altamont Beer Works - Livermore, 4pm
Happy Minute Band - Wood Family Vineyards - Livermore, 5pm
BLT Trio - JMC Cellars - Livermore, 5pm
Jim Remy - Neighborhood Sportsbar & Kitchen - Pleasanton, 6pm
Karaoke Night with Your Pal Al - Longevity Wines - Livermore, 6:30pm
Last One Picked - McKay's Taphouse & Beer Garden - Pleasanton, 6:30pm
The Traveling Wilburys Revue - Almost Famous Wine Company - Livermore, 7:30pm
Ravi Shankar Ensemble - Bankhead Theater - Livermore, 8pm
Rusty Giraffe - Norm's Place - Danville, 8pm
🎭 Theater, Comedy, Food & More
Kids Day Out - Town of Danville - Danville, 9am–3pm
First Fridays with EBRPD (nature talk) - Civic Center Library - Livermore, 3:30pm
Susanna Harris Art Reception - The Independent Gallery - Livermore, 6pm
Craig Shoemaker - Tommy T's Comedy Club - Pleasanton, 7:30pm
Laughs in a Glass Comedy Night - 3 Steves Winery - Livermore, 7:30pm
Events are curated from Mark Elster’s Tri-Valley Music Scene, Facebook Events, Vibe Tri-Valley, Eventbrite, and other sources
In Partnership with Amp Mode Pleasanton
GIVEAWAY ALERT! Family Fun, Corporate Team Building, Birthday Parties and more!
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Have you checked out Amp Mode in Pleasanton yet? I recently took the family and we had so much fun.
It’s such a cool interactive experience that combines fitness, teamwork, AI-powered games, and a whole lot of energy.
It’s perfect for families, birthday parties, team building, and just doing something different and fun, with entertainment for all age groups.
I’m teaming up with Amp Mode for a really FUN GIVEAWAY!
THREE winners will each receive a 1-hour private pod session for up to 5 people - a $70 Value!
How to enter:
Follow @goampmode and @trivalleyexplorer on Instagram
Submit your email address here: https://www.trivalleyexplorer.com/ampmode
Tag friends in the comments for extra entries. Each tag counts as one additional entry.
Winners will be announced on Saturday, April 4 via Instagram and email.
Aida Cuevas, The Queen of Mariachi!
If you love mariachi music, this looks like such a special night at The Bankhead.
Aida Cuevas, known as “The Queen of Mariachi,” is coming to Livermore on Friday, April 10 at 8pm for what promises to be a really unforgettable evening.
She’s known for her powerful voice, emotional performances, and incredible artistry, and has spent five decades sharing Mexican and Latin American music with audiences around the world.
With iconic songs like “El Pastor” and “Quizás Mañana,” this is the kind of performance that feels both timeless and deeply moving.
April 4th - Saturday Shenanigans!
🎸🎶 Live Music
Chris Rogers - Retzlaff Organic Vineyards - Livermore, 12pm
Lavender Fields Band - McGrail Vineyards - Livermore, 1pm
Steve Kritzer Ukulele Jam & Open Mic - Charles R Vineyards - Livermore, 1pm
CaliCeltic (Irish music) - Del Cielo Brewing - Livermore, 6pm
Lessons & DJ - Maverick's - Pleasanton, 7pm
Southbound 101 - Maverick's Country Lounge - Pleasanton, 7pm
Long Time – A Tribute to Boston - Firehouse Arts Center - Pleasanton, 7:30pm
Jazz Mafia's Grateful Brass - Almost Famous Wine Company - Livermore, 7:30pm
Journey Revisited (Journey tribute) - The Village Theatre - Danville, 8pm
🎭 Theater, Comedy, Food & More
San Ramon Farmers Market - City Center Bishop Ranch - San Ramon, 9am
Pleasanton Farmers Market - Downtown Pleasanton - 9am
Danville Farmers' Market - Downtown Danville - Danville, 9am–1pm
Easter Blast (egg hunt & carnival) - St. Matthew's Baptist Church - Livermore, 11:30am
Flutes, Coups & Tulips Sparkling Wine Tasting - Wente Family Vineyards - Livermore, 11am
Spring Family Day on the Main Lawn - Concannon Vineyard - Livermore, 12pm
Hop into Spring (Easter Bunny, petting zoo, crafts) - Danville Livery - Danville, 12pm
Craig Shoemaker - Tommy T's Comedy Club - Pleasanton, 7pm, 9:30pm
Downtown Business Hunt (spring promotions & family fun) - Downtown Danville - Danville, all day
The Unknown Pour: Black Glass Tasting - Wente Family Vineyards - Livermore, 3pm
Events are curated from Mark Elster’s Tri-Valley Music Scene, Facebook Events, Vibe Tri-Valley, Eventbrite, and other sources
Beauty, Self-Care and Wine at Omega Road Winery
If you love a good speaker event, this month’s Unfiltered sounds like a fun one.
The series brings together unexpected voices and fresh perspectives, and on April 9 the spotlight is on Kelly from Skin Philosophy in Livermore.
Kelly is an award-winning esthetician with more than 20 years of experience, and she’ll kick off a special three-month wellness series with a conversation all about skincare, self-care, and feeling confident in your skin.
April 5th - Sunday Funday - Easter!
🎸🎶 Live Music
Michelle Lambert (violin) - Pruett Estate Winery - Livermore, 11am
Steve & Lanette Fread - Retzlaff Vineyards - Livermore, 12pm
Live Music - Rios-Lovell Winery - Livermore, 1pm
Adam Shulman & "NOT King Cole" (jazz) - Peace Lutheran Church - Danville, 5pm
🎭 Theater, Comedy, Food & More
Livermore Farmers Market - Downtown Livermore - 9am-1pm
Easter Brunch Buffet - Polo's Corner - Livermore, 9:30am
Easter Sunday Open - 3 Steves Winery - Livermore, 11:30am
Easter at Las Positas Vineyards - Livermore, 12pm
6th Annual Easter Egg Hunt (live music, vendors, face painting) - Homegrown Hops Brewing - Livermore, 1pm
Events are curated from Mark Elster’s Tri-Valley Music Scene, Facebook Events, Vibe Tri-Valley, Eventbrite, and other sources
Comedy at 3 Steves Winery!
If you’re looking for a fun date night or night out with friends, Laughs in a Glass at 3 Steves Winery should be on your radar!
I’ve seen Terrell “Big T” Butler before, and he is hilarious, so this show at 3 Steves Winery should be a lot of fun.
Add in great wine, food, and a beautiful Livermore Valley setting, and you really can’t go wrong.
Doors open at 6 pm, the show starts around 7:30 pm, and seating is limited, so tickets are a good idea.
Pet of the Week
Pet of the Week: Po
Meet Po!
Named after the legendary Dragon Warrior himself, Po is a 15-pound Kung Fu Panda in cat form: big, bold, food-motivated, and fully convinced he’s in charge.
This talkative lovebug will happily supervise your every move and then settle into your lap for a well-earned nap, but like any great warrior, he sets his own boundaries and needs a cat-savvy family who respects them.
Po is looking for a kingdom of his own as the one and only fur ruler of the household.
Call (925) 426-8656 or email [email protected] to get started with the adoption process.
Breed: Domestic Shorthair/Mix
Age: Young Adult
Gender: Male
Size: Large
Color: Brown/White
Neutered: Yes
Housetrained: Yes
Adoption Price: $100.00
Only Pet: Yes
