Good Morning Tri-Valley! Have an Awesome Week!

• Local Maker Spotlight: Saucy Secrets - Masala Gossip Brings the Flavor!

• Pet of the Week! 🐶

• LLNL Director makes Forbes 50 Over 50!

• Sip, Support & Celebrate: Women Leading Livermore Wine

• Midweek Mix

• Shout-Out: The Endodontic Center of Pleasanton

• Comedy Night for a Great Cause

Local Maker Spotlight: The Rumors are True! Masala Gossip Brings the Flavor!

As Good as Indian Takeout, Better For You, at a Fraction of the Price!

Meet Dhara Gadi—a local entrepreneur bringing serious spice to the Tri-Valley (and beyond!) with her brand, Masala Gossip. Rooted in generations of Punjabi home cooking, Masala Gossip transforms cherished family recipes into simmer sauces and chili crisps made with clean, bold ingredients. The result? Authentic Indian flavors made simple for today’s busy kitchens.

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for shortcuts that don’t sacrifice quality. Masala Gossip has quickly become one of my favorite go-tos—just add a sauce, protein, and veggies, and it tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Pro tip: grab some frozen naan from Trader Joe’s and you’ve got Indian takeout vibes at a fraction of the price. Quick, flavorful, and absolutely family-approved!

I tried all the sauces and both chili crisps - here’s how they turned out:

Tikka Masala
Diced chicken breast + onions simmered in Masala Gossip’s Tikka Masala = perfection. Served over fluffy rice with a side of broccoli air-fried in Dhara’s Red Chili Masala Crisp. Easy, tasty, and full of flavor!

Spinach Masala
Shrimp, onion, and bell pepper with Spinach Masala for a meal that’s as simple as it is delicious. Add Trader Joe’s Garlic Naan on the side and you’ve got a family favorite in minutes.

Butter Masala
Tender chicken breast and onion simmered in a delicious Butter Masala, ladled over rice. Paired with crispy cauliflower from the air fryer tossed in Green Chili Masala Crisp — the ultimate comfort combo.

First time customers can save 15% on orders - just visit Masala Gossip’s website and wait for the 15% off pop-up window.

Pet of the Week! Meet Diddy!

🐾 Meet Diddy! 🐾
Also known as Itty Bitty Diddy, Dids, and a handful of other adorable nicknames, this tiny chihuahua mix was adopted by April and her family in 2021. Don’t let his size fool you—Diddy’s got a big, spicy personality just like his human mom! His favorite hobbies? Barking at squirrels and being chauffeured around in his baby carrier, living life like the little prince he is. 👑🐶

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]

LLNL Director Named to Forbes 50 Over 50!

Big news out of Livermore! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Director Kim Budil has been named to the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50 list, which honors women making bold moves and a lasting impact.

Dr. Budil is featured in the Innovation category, highlighting her groundbreaking leadership in science and national security—including overseeing the first-ever lab demonstration of fusion ignition and the installation of the world’s fastest supercomputer, El Capitan. She also made history as the first woman to lead LLNL in its 70+ year history.

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Budil during LLNL’s 2024 Family Days, and it was truly inspiring to hear firsthand how she champions innovation and community. She’s an incredible role model for young women aspiring to careers in STEM.

Congratulations to Dr. Budil on this well-deserved recognition!

Women of Livermore Wine Industry are Leading the Charge!

There’s something remarkable happening in Livermore Valley. Step into a tasting room and chances are you’ll find a woman leading the way. From vineyard rows to cellar floors to ownership boards, 15 local wineries are guided by women—nearly double the leadership seen in many other wine regions.

Together, they’ve formed the Women’s Wine Collective, a group built on collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support. During harvest they swap advice, share resources, and celebrate each other’s wins, proving that in Livermore, success is something best shared. Their energy is helping put the valley on the map—not just for historic roots, but for trailblazing leadership.

Now you can raise a glass with them. Join and meet the women of the Collective for a harvest celebration, Hints of Harvest on the Charming Fig patio, featuring wines from all 15 women-led wineries, crostini pairings, and food available for purchase.

✨ Tickets: $40 presale | $45 at the door - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Midweek Mix - A little bit of everything happening now!

• Tuesday 8/19: Music Bingo at Wood Family Vineyards. Livermore 5pm

• Tuesday 8/19: Tuesday Tunes at Bankhead Theater lawn. Livermore, 6:45pm

• Wed. 8/20: Blood Drive at Livermore Civic Center (1016 S. Livermore Ave). 9am-3pm

• Wed. 8/20: Adult Improv Class series. 6 consecutive weeks starting on 8/20. 6:30pm at their Livermore rehearsal space. Click here for details and registration.

• Thur. 8/21: Twilight Tunes at Concannon Winery. Livermore, 5:30pm

• Thur. 8/21: Xtreme Music Bingo at BottleTaps. Pleasanton, 7pm

• Thur. 8/21: Dublin Farmers Market at Emerald Glen Park. 4-8pm

• Thur. 8/21: Livermore Farmers Market at Carnegie Park. 4-8pm

• Sat. 8/23: Livermore Safeway (4495 First St.) is firing up the Hatch Green Chile Roasters starting at 9am, available until sold out!

A Shout-Out to the Endodontic Center of Pleasanton!

I do shout-outs whenever I have a personal experience I feel I must share with my friends and family—and now, with you, my community! This time, it’s for an exceptional practice right here in the Tri-Valley: the Endodontic Center of Pleasanton.

I recently walked in for a dental procedure I was dreading, full of nerves. What I found instead was an incredible team of women who turned a stressful situation into something positive. From the warm, professional welcome at check-in to the assistants who were as sweet as they were attentive, every step was handled with genuine care.

I met two of the doctors, and both impressed me with their professionalism, compassion, and clear explanations of my treatment. Paired with state-of-the-art technology and an unwavering bedside manner, this office is a shining example of patient-first care. A heartfelt thank-you for such exceptional service!

“Funestra” Comedy Night at Fenestra Winery this Saturday 8/23 at 7pm

Headliner, Samson Koletkar is kicking off his Northern California Mahatma Moses comedy tour at this show. Here’s your chance to see one of the funniest comedians in the Bay Area. Get Your Tickets here!