Spring is almost over, so it’s time to pull out your maintenance checklist and prepare your home to transition summer.  Here are 6 tips to get you started to keep your home in tip-top shape this season.

1. Did you know that the U.S. Fire Administration reports over 15,000 dryer fires each year? Remember to give your dryer vent a thorough cleaning this summer using a vent-cleaning brush kit. It’s more effective than using your household vacuum cleaner.

2. It’s time to clean the exterior glass of your home! Wash your windows this summer so you can enjoy crystal clear views all year long.

3. You’re going to want to spend plenty of time in your backyard – so help promote healthy lawn and garden growth by planning a watering schedule.

4. Grab a ladder because it’s time to clean your gutters! Prevent water damage to your home by washing out the built-up debris that can collect during the cooler months.

5. Just like resetting your clocks for daylight saving time, you’ll want to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades for the summer to circulate cooler air and save money this season.

6. You’ll have plenty of outdoor gatherings to prepare for – so don’t forget to give your grill a deep cleaning.

Happy summer!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

The Bay Area has plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy this weekend! Take a look at what’s happening on Saturday and Sunday near you.

Learn all about the natural splendor of the High Sierra tomorrow in Dublin! Naturalist Stew Winchester will educate hiking enthusiasts on exploring the trails and help plan your trip to this gorgeous area of the Golden State at 9AM. Click here for more info. 

If you love Western tunes and the rodeo, then you’ll love this event happening in Livermore on Sunday! Come hear the Western swing flavor of The Stardust Cowboys at the Livermore Public Library at 2PM. Learn more here.

Get ready to celebrate Broadway composers this weekend in Pleasanton! Mads Tolling and Wesla Whitfield present Mads About Broadway, featuring the music of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and others on Sunday at 2PM at the Firehouse Arts Center. Get tickets here.

Travel down the yellow brick road tomorrow in Livermore! The Wizard of Oz Sing-A-Long is happening at the Vine Cinema and Ale House at 11AM. Don’t forget to come dressed up as your favorite character from the classic film to enter to win the costume contest. For tickets, click here. 

Your little ones’ favorite characters from the famous street in New York are coming to San Jose this weekend! Sesame Street Live: Make A New Friend is hitting the stage at the City National Civic at 5:30PM. Purchase tickets here.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Summer is almost here and what better way to celebrate than with some great events happening near you in the Bay Area!

Kick start the season with your family this weekend in Pleasanton! The Goodguys 21^st Summer Get-Together is happening on Saturday and Sunday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and features a showcase of American-made cars, trucks and specialty exhibits at 8AM. Get more info here. 

Take part in an activity your whole family will enjoy this weekend! Explore ancient Egypt and join in on a museum scavenger hunt at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium on Saturday at 12:30PM. Get the details here. 

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds this weekend at the Fifth Chili Shooters Stampede in downtown Livermore! Sample chili with an ethnic and culinary spin starting on Sunday at 10AM. Find out more here.

Enjoy an evening of fun by the campfire this weekend! Pull up a chair and listen to stories from around the world under the night sky at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore on Saturday at 8PM. Learn more here. 

Wine, cheese and chocolate! Oh, my! Come relax at a fun-filled pairing event happening this weekend in San Jose. The J. Lohr Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting with The Chocolate Garage starts on Saturday at 7PM. Get your tickets here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Create the perfect Memorial Day lunch with this mouthwatering recipe. Enjoy!

Deluxe Lobster and Potato Chip Rolls 

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 celery rib, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons Tabasco
• 2 tablespoons snipped chives, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt
• Three 1 ¼-pound live lobsters or 1 ¼ pounds cooked lobster meat
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 brioche hot dog buns
• One 4-ounce bag potato chips

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, celery, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco and the 2 tablespoons of chives; season with salt. Refrigerate until chilled.

2. Bring a very large pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the lobsters to the boiling water, head first. Cover and cook until they’re bright red, about 8 minutes. Transfer the lobsters to the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the lobsters.

3. Twist off the lobster claws, knuckles and tails. Crack the claws and knuckles and remove the meat. Using kitchen scissors, cut along the underside of the tail shells and remove the meat. Discard the dark vein running lengthwise down each tail. Chop the lobster meat into ½-inch pieces and fold them into the dressing. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, melt the butter on a large griddle or in a large skillet. Add the closed buns and toast the outsides over high heat, turning frequently, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the buns to a platter, split the tops and fill with the lobster salad. Tuck the potato chips into the rolls, garnish with chives and serve.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

It’s going to be an exciting weekend in the Bay Area! Check out these family-friendly events happening near you on Saturday and Sunday.

Beautiful tunes will fill the air this weekend in Livermore! The Livermore Amador Symphony is performing “Five Dedicated Decades” at the Bankhead Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Get tickets here.

Help keep your local creeks and lakes clean, healthy and beautiful this weekend in San Jose. National River Cleanup Day is happening on Saturday from 9AM to 12PM. For more info, click here. 

Bring your family and friends out for a day of fun, music and community building in Livermore! The May African Drumming and Dance Workshop is taking place at the Bothwell Arts Center on Sunday at 3PM. Get the details here. 

 Head over to Santana Row this weekend for a free yoga series! Lululemon Athletica presents a complimentary stretching and relaxation experience on Saturday at 8:30AM in San Jose. Click here for more info.

 Take part in a fun family event this weekend in San Jose! This Saturday at 10AM, get a hands-on feel for the city’s recreation programs and summertime activities your kids can participate in at the first annual Rec Day San Jose. Get more info here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Make Mom feel extra special this Mother’s Day with a brunch celebration at home! Check out this recipe for delicious blueberry-lemon pancakes that will get her day off to a great start!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups plus 1-tablespoon cake flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups evaporated milk (more if needed)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons butter, melted, plus more softened for serving

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 large egg

1-cup blueberries

Maple or pancake syrup, warmed, for serving

Directions

Heat a heavy skillet or grill over medium-low heat.

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the evaporated milk, lemon zest and juice. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then add the egg and vanilla. Mix to combine.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently to combine. Stir in the melted butter. Splash in more evaporated milk if the mixture is overly thick. Stir in the blueberries.

Melt a little of the softened butter in the heated skillet. Drop the batter by 1/4 or 1/3 cup measures and fry the pancakes on both sides for a couple of minutes until golden.

Serve with more softened butter and warm syrup.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Summer is quickly approaching and there’s no better way to celebrate than with fun events happening near the Bay Area!

Get ready to taste delicious wines this weekend in downtown Livermore! The Wine Country Festival, happening this Saturday and Sunday, features wine and craft beer tasting, live entertainment, boutique shopping, outdoor dining, a family run and more beginning at 10AM. To learn more, click here.

It’s guaranteed to be an evening of laughter as this comedian is bringing her impeccable comedic timing and razor sharp wit to Livermore this weekend! Paula Poundstone is coming to the Bankhead Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Get tickets here. 

Support a great cause this weekend in Pleasanton! The Paws In Need Yard Sale benefits the community animals’ urgent-needs veterinary fund and spay/neuter program. Come out to stock up on pet items, home decor, kitchenware and more at 8AM. For more info, click here. 

Prepare to sing along to some of your favorite tunes this weekend in Pleasanton! Broadway classic, The Music Man, is coming to the Firehouse Arts Center on Sunday at 2PM. Purchase your tickets here. 

Learn about the jewelry of ancient Egypt this weekend in San Jose! Come out to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium to learn about stones and styles and how they served ancient specific purposes on Sunday at 12:30PM. Get more info here.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

The Bay area is full of fun family-friendly and date night outings this weekend! Here are a few to get you started.

Listen to the beat of pulsating drums this weekend in San Jose! Head over to the annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival on Sunday at 10AM where you’ll experience Japanese American culture and heritage through arts and crafts, food and live performances. Get more info here. 

Take a stroll through historic downtown Pleasanton this weekend with your family! Learn about the history of the city on a self-guided tour (using your cell phone) tomorrow at 2PM. To learn more, click here.

Come experience an exciting chamber music concert this weekend in Pleasanton! The Eos Ensemble is performing at the Bankhead Theater on Saturday at 8PM. These talented musicians will thrill the audience with a wide range of musical styles and instrumental combinations. Get tickets here. 

Spark your child’s imagination this weekend in San Jose! The 26^th Annual San Jose Children’s Faire is happening this Saturday and features entertainment, arts, crafts, interactive activities and a chance to participate in the Children’s Parade at Discovery Meadow Park at 10:30AM. Learn more here.

Stroll along Lincoln Avenue tomorrow sipping wine and enjoying a lovely spring afternoon at the Willow Glen Spring Wine Walk. Taste wines from over 30 wineries, and visit shops and restaurants along the way. For tickets, click here.

It’s all about Easter fun in the Bay Area this weekend! Check out the exciting, family-friendly events that are happening near you.

Head over to the Garre Winery in Livermore for a delicious Easter brunch this weekend! The vineyard’s annual event includes an omelet station, carving stations, breakfast options – plus, the Easter Bunny will be handing out Easter baskets filled with goodies to all children in attendance at 9AM on Saturday. Learn more here. 

Come out for a Spring Eggstravaganza this weekend in Dublin! This family-friendly event features a “freestyle” egg hunt, carnival games, arts and crafts – plus photos with Peter Rabbit. For more info, click here.

Enjoy Easter brunch at Left Bank Brasserie in San Jose this weekend! The restaurant will be serving a variety of delicious specialty menu items this Sunday from 10AM to 10PM. Get more info here.

Come celebrate spring this weekend in Pleasanton! Visit Alviso Adobe Community Park on Saturday for a day of rabbits, egg coloring and an egg hunt beginning at 11AM. Click here for more info.

Try to find the golden egg this weekend in San Jose! Bring your little ones out for egg hunts, seasonal crafts and delicious food on Saturday at 10AM. Find out more here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Here’s some of the fun to expect in the Bay Area this weekend! Make your spring weekend brighter with these unique and exciting events.

Art lovers unite! The Livermore Art Association presents their annual Spring Art Show this Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM at The Barn. This is the biggest exhibition for the art association and drawing artists from all over the Bay Area. To learn more, click here.

Come out for side-splitting comedy this weekend in Livermore! Canadian duo Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté bring Circo Comedia alive at the Bankhead Theater this Sunday at 2PM. Get tickets here.

Have a fun, foolish and fabulous time this weekend in Pleasanton – and it’s all for a great cause! The Axis April Fools 5K Walk/Run is happening this Sunday at 8:45AM. Proceeds from the race will help raise funds for medical care for low-income and uninsured residents of the Tri-Valley region. Click here to register.

American Idol finalist Bo Bice is coming to Pleasanton! The country star brings his chart-topping music to the Firehouse Arts Center this Saturday at 8PM. Get your tickets here.

Come watch the San Jose Sharks hit the ice against the Nashville Predators this weekend! Your hometown team is playing at the SAP Center on Saturday at 7:30PM. To reserve your seats, click here.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.