Rachel Orvino

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Teen Wellness in the East Bay

Jan 24, 2025 | diablomag.com | LeeAnne Jones |Rachel Orvino |Emilie White

GETTING PHYSICALWhen it comes to what’s new in the realm of physical wellness efforts at East Bay high schools, two clear themes emerge: improved school lunch menus and expanded opportunities for female athletes. Depending on your age, memories of school lunch are often negative, from pans of mystery meat to piles of fast-food packages. But today’s cafeterias are in the midst of a culinary throwback with a contemporary twist.
Roger Ravenstad and the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery

Nov 29, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

With its stunning landscapes of succulents, cacti, and other water-conserving plants, the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery in Walnut Creek is prized as a local gem by many in the East Bay—and beyond. In fact, in August, Travel and Leisure magazine reported that the 3.5-acre dry garden was named the most beautiful flower garden in the world, based on Tripadvisor reviews and rankings. “We are incredibly honored.
Holiday Shows in the East Bay

Nov 22, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

From the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Mouse King, fantastical characters pirouette across the stage in The Nutcracker every holiday season. Several East Bay dance companies are offering adroit takes on the classic ballet this year. Under the guidance of artistic director Graham Lustig, Oakland Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Paramount Theatre, December 21 and 22. oaklandballet.org.
One Fine Weekend at East Bay Hotels

Nov 22, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

Sometimes the best spot for a memorable yuletide gathering is a hotel, where the halls are beautifully decked and festive foods are prepared by professional chefs. For a luxury staycation befitting your immediate family or one that includes out-of-towners, consider these top-tier accommodations.
October 2024 Talking Points

Oct 25, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

From a groundbreaking presidential candidate to a hairstyle hero to gold-medal athletes, East Bay stars shine bright this season. City Center Ignition PowerA new public art installation at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon celebrates Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s revolutionary achievement in fusion ignition. A collection of nine 23-foot-tall banners titled “Bringing Star Power to Earth” showcases the 2022 event.
Ghosts and Spooky Events in the East Bay

Oct 4, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

History comes alive with the help of the undead at Kottinger Barn in Pleasanton. Built in 1852, the adobe structure on Ray Street was once the property of John W. Kottinger, an early Pleasanton pioneer responsible for naming the town in the late 1800s. Kottinger was also a justice of the peace, and his barn doubled as the local jail. “There was one jail cell in a corner of the barn,” says Rachel Brickell, director of education at Museum on Main.
Five Questions for Payam Zamani

Sep 14, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

Payam Zamani wants to change the way we do business. The founder of One Planet Group, a private equity group in Walnut Creek, Zamani believes we need to combine spiritualism and capitalism, both to make the world a better place and to find more joy in our everyday existence. He is also a Baha’i refugee who escaped religious persecution in Iran when he was a teenager. He recounts his experiences in his new book, Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life’s Difficult Journeys.
Five Questions for Carolyn Wente

Aug 16, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

Founded in 1883, Wente Vineyards is the oldest continuously owned family winery in the United States and an integral part of the Livermore Valley wine community. Carolyn Wente, who stepped down as Wente’s board chair this spring, helped guide the winery over the past 40-plus years (including serving as the organization’s CEO from 2008 to 2021).
Summer Camp Advice

Jul 19, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

Traditional summer camps–with days spent horseback riding and doing arts and crafts–might seem old-fashioned, but these kid havens are more essential than ever in our modern era. “Kids are spending too much time on their screens, too much time inside, and way too much time that isn’t face-to-face,” says Ann Woods, co-owner of Roughing It Day Camp.
Five Questions for Markus Potter

Jun 1, 2024 | diablomag.com | Rachel Orvino

As a teenager growing up in Concord, Markus Potter says he struggled to find his way until he discovered a home in the theater. His professional journey took him to New York City, where he earned acclaim for his off-Broadway direction of Stalking the Bogeyman, and London’s off-West End.