From the urban pulse of Oakland to the suburban sophistication of Walnut Creek, the large East Bay region has plenty to offer families, including a wide range of open spaces, cultural amenities, strong school districts and pleasant weather.
THE ARTS
Art Class
Gold: Learning Bee Learning Center. This afterschool program offers art among other enrichment activities including homework help, fitness, academic support and programming. 39977 Mission Blvd., Fremont. 510-226-8408. learningbeelearningcenter.com.
Silver: i heart art. 15 Vivian Drive, Pleasant Hill. 925-602-0140. iheartartstudio.co.
Bronze: Alameda Arts. P.O. Box 202, Alameda. info@alamedaarts.com. alamedaarts.com.
Dance Class
Gold: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy. The academy offers a diverse curriculum – including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, special needs classes and more – for students from age 3 to 70-plus. 101 Ryan Industrial Court, San Ramon. 925-837-4656. srvda.com.
Silver: Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921. shawl-anderson.org.
Bronze: Tutu School. Multiple locations. tutuschool.com.
Music Class
Gold: East Bay Music Together. Make music with your child, from birth to age 7, at one of East Bay Music Together’s 15 locations. Multiple locations. 510-848-7464. eastbaymusictogether.yourvirtuoso.com.
Silver: Bay Area Academy of Music. 5460 Sunol Blvd., #1, Pleasanton. 925-398-8683. bayareaacademyofmusic.com.
Bronze: Crowden Music Center. 1475 Rose St., Berkeley. 510-559-6910. crowden.org.
Theater Class
Gold: Bay Area Children’s Theatre. Its academy offers a theater skill-building curriculum for children from kindergarten through high school. 6114 La Salle Ave., #431, Oakland. 510-296-4433. bactheatre.org.
Silver: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts. 3840 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-531-4400; 3369 Mt. Diablo, Lafayette. 925-284-7388. kidsndance.com.
Bronze: Berkeley Playhouse. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. 510-845-8542. tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org.
CAMPS
Cooking Camp
Gold: Camp Galileo. Whipping up unique cheesecakes and popsicles were just a few of the activities offered through Galileo’s online Innovator’s Club. Online and multiple locations. 800-854-3684. galileo-camps.com/galileo-summer-quest.
Silver: Pans On Fire. 3059 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. 925-600-7267. pansonfire.com.
Bronze: Cook! Programs. 510-726-7837. cookprograms.com.
Bronze: Spanish Academy Cooking Camp. 925-289-2352. spanishacademy.org.
Day Camp
Gold: The Growing Room. Camp is offered for kids in TK-sixth grade at four locations in San Ramon and Danville. Multiple locations. 925-837-4392. thegrowingroom.org.
Silver: Springfield Montessori School. 2780 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. 925-944-0626; 5100 Brannigan St., Dublin. 925-828-5102. springfieldmontessori.com.
Bronze: Camp Galileo. Multiple locations. 510-595-7293. galileo-camps.com.
Bronze: TechKnowHow. Multiple locations. 650-638-0500. techknowhowkids.com.
Overnight Camp
Gold: Trackers. Kids can gain self-reliance and independence at overnight backcountry camps set in beautiful wilderness locations. 1110 James Place, El Cerrito. 510-575-9444. trackersbay.com.
Silver: Alameda County 4-H Camp (Las Posadas). alameda4hcamp@gmail.com. lasposadas4hcamp.org.
Bronze: Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp. P.O. Box 11013, Oakland. 360-921-5182. cazfamilycamp.org.
Special Interest Camp
Gold: Springfield Montessori Summer Camp. This summer camp is offered for children ages 2-6 with half day, full day and extended care options. 2780 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. 925-944-0626; 5100 Brannigan St., Dublin. 925-828-5102. springfieldmontessori.com.
Bronze: The Growing Room. Multiple locations. 925-837-4392. thegrowingroom.org.
Bronze: TechKnowHow. Multiple locations. 650-638-0500. techknowhowkids.com.
Technology Camp
Gold: Camp Galileo. Galileo camps aim to teach children to think like innovators, encouraging them to identify goals, generate ideas, design, create, test, evaluate, redesign and share. Multiple locations. 510-595-7293. galileo-camps.com.
Silver: Scientific Adventures for Girls. P.O. Box 11123, Oakland. 415-531-5288. scientificadventures.org.
Bronze: TechKnowHow. Multiple locations. 650-638-0500. techknowhowkids.com.
DINING & SHOPPING
Children’s Resale Clothing
Gold: Chloe’s Closet. A great spot to buy and sell kids’ clothing, toys, baby gear and maternity clothes. 1545 Solano Ave., Berkeley. 510-900-6043. chloescloset.com.
Silver: Growing Pains. 4425 Treat Blvd., Suite K, Concord. growingpainsresale@gmail.com. facebook.com/growingpains95.
Bronze: Valentine’s. 3820 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-985-5437. valentineskids.com.
Family Home and Garden, Exterior
Gold: Sloat Garden Center. Offers a wide selection of plants, garden tools, pottery and more, with knowledgeable nursery professionals. Multiple locations. sloatgardens.com.
Silver: East Bay Nursery. 2330-32 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510-845-6490. eastbaynursery.com.
Bronze: Pete’s Ace Hardware. 2569 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. 510-581-7633. peteshardware.com.
Family Home Improvement – Interior
Gold: Cole Hardware. Combining traditional hardware fare from tools to paints and lifestyle needs from Parisian patio furniture to cookware, textiles and kitchen appliances, Cole Hardware is a one-stop home shop. 5533 College Ave., Oakland. 510-230-0145. colehardware.com/stores/rockridge-store.
Silver: Worley’s Home Design Center. 2751 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley. 510-582-6400. worleyshomedesigncenter.com.
Bronze: Nathan & Co. 4025 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-428-9638; 5636 College Ave., Oakland. 510-601-1677. nathanandco.com.
Family Restaurant
Gold: Denica’s Real Food Kitchen. Scrumptious pastries, pancakes and crepes, omelets, burritos, sandwiches and more mean there’s something for everyone on the menu. Multiple locations. denicascafe.com.
Zachary’s Chicago Pizza. Zachary’s is famous for its Chicago-style stuffed pizzas, and offers thin crust and half-baked styles, too, along with salads, beer and wine. Multiple locations. zacharys.com.
Silver: Lazy Dog. Multiple locations. lazydogrestaurants.com.
Bronze: Jack’s. 60 Crescent Drive, Suite A, Pleasant Hill. 925-849-6195; 1029 Newpark Mall Road, Newark. 510-789-0027. Ilovejacks.com.
Bronze: Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. 7202 Amador Place Road, Dublin. 925-828-7427; 486 Sunvalley Road, Concord. 925-677-7427. lucillesbbq.com.
Kids Eat Free or Cheap
Gold: Mountain Mike’s Pizza. With lots of locations to choose from for pizza, wings, salads, desserts and more, Mountain Mike’s is a family favorite. Multiple locations. mountainmikespizza.com.
Silver: Tomatina. Multiple locations. tomatina.com.
Bronze: Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria. 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 925-947-6105. roccospizzeria.com.
Pet Store or Services
Gold: Pet Food Express. Food is just one of the many items you can buy your furry or feathered friend, from toys to beds, with additional services including self-service pet wash, community vet clinics and more. Multiple locations. petfood.express.
Silver: Petsmart. Multiple locations. petsmart.com.
Bronze: Albany Aquarium. 818 San Pablo Ave., Albany. 510-525-1166. albanyaquarium.com.
Shopping Center or Mall
Gold: Stoneridge Shopping Center. With more than 165 stores from clothing to home furnishings and electronics, plus a large selection of restaurants, this two-story indoor mall is a top Tri-Valley shopping destination. 1 Stoneridge Mall Road, Pleasanton. 925-737-4100. simon.com/mall/stoneridge-shopping-center.
Silver: Broadway Plaza. 1275 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. 925-939-7601. broadwayplaza.com.
Bronze: Bay Street Emeryville. 5616 Bay St., Emeryville. 510-655-4002. baystreetemeryville.com.
EDUCATION
International School
Gold: The Renaissance International School. This school, for ages 2 through middle school, provides an international and multidisciplinary experience, with an international community from more than 30 different countries and nearly every ethnic group and world religion represented. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Silver: East Bay German International School. 1070 41st St., Emeryville. 510-679-2199. ebgis.org.
Bronze: Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley. 1009 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-549-3867; 901 Grayson St., Berkeley. 510-549-2851. eb.org.
Language Immersion School
Gold: The Renaissance International School. The program begins with immersion in French or Spanish for preschoolers and changes to a tri-lingual immersion program in elementary school. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Silver: East Bay German International School. 1070 41st St., Emeryville. 510-679-2199. ebgis.org.
Bronze: Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley. 1009 Heinz Ave., Berkeley. 510-549-3867; 901 Grayson St., Berkeley. 510-549-2851. eb.org.
Math or Science Support
Gold: The Growing Room. This program provides before- and after-school enrichment and support at sites in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Multiple locations in San Ramon and Danville. 925-833-4392. thegrowingroom.org.
Silver: Khan Academy. Online. khanacademy.org.
Bronze: Mathnasium. Multiple locations. mathnasium.com.
Montessori School
Gold: Fountainhead Montessori. Founded on Montessori principles in 1972, this school – for children 18 months through age 12 – strives for a joyful learning environment that acknowledges that children think and learn in unique ways. Multiple locations. 925-820-1343. fms.org.
Silver: Choice in Learning Montessori. 490 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. 925-687-5321. cilmontessori.org.
Bronze: The Renaissance International School. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Preschool or Childcare Center
Gold: Choice in Learning Montessori. This Montessori school for children ages 2-6 has a special program in which students participate in activities with senior citizens at a neighboring adult day program. 490 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. 925-687-5321. cilmontessori.org.
Silver: East Bay German International School. 1070 41st St., Emeryville. 510-679-2199. ebgis.org
Bronze: The Renaissance International School. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Private Elementary School
Gold: Redwood Day. This independent K-8 school aims to keep every child engaged and growing, with a world-class curriculum, excellent teachers and a focus on the individual student. 3245 Sheffield Ave., Oakland. 510-534-0800. rdschool.org.
Silver: East Bay German International School. 1070 41st St., Emeryville. 510-679-2199. ebgis.org.
Bronze: The Renaissance International School. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Private Middle School
Gold: Redwood Day. Visual arts, performing arts, athletics, outdoor education, service learning and community service are at the heart of the middle school program at this independent K-8 school. 3245 Sheffield Ave., Oakland. 510-534-0800. rdschool.org.
Silver: East Bay German International School. 1070 41st St., Emeryville. 510-679-2199. ebgis.org.
Bronze: The Renaissance International School. 3650 Dimond Ave., Oakland. 510-531-8566; 5201 Park Blvd., Piedmont. 510-328-1127. therenaissanceschool.org.
Private High School
Gold: Redwood Christian High School. This interdenominational, Christ-centered school offers a rigorous college-prep academic program built on the foundation of a Biblical world view, and also has competitive athletics and a comprehensive fine arts program. 1000 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo. 510-317-8990. rcs.edu.
Silver: Head-Royce School. 4315 Lincoln Ave., Oakland. 510-531-1300. headroyce.org.
Bronze: Bishop O’Dowd High School. 9500 Stearns Ave., Oakland. 510-577-9100. bishopodowd.org.
Public or Charter Elementary School
Gold: Neil Armstrong Elementary. This K-5 school has been recognized as both a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. 2849 Calais Drive, San Ramon. 925-479-1600. naes-srvusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Gold: Tassajara Hills Elementary. A California Gold Ribbon School, Tassajara Hills prides itself on high academic performance, coupled with supporting students’ social and emotional development. 4675 Camino Tassajara Road, Danville. 925-855-7800. thes-srvusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Silver: Creekside Elementary. 6011 Massara St., Danville. 925-314-2000. ces-srvusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Bronze: Greenbrook Elementary. 1475 Harlan Drive, Danville. 925-855-5300. gbes-srvusd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Public or Charter Middle School
Gold: Pine Valley Middle School. This school has been recognized as both a California Gold Ribbon and California Distinguished School. 3000 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon. 925-479-7700. pvms.schoolloop.com.
Silver: Charlotte Wood Middle School. 600 El Capitan Drive, Danville. 925-855-4400. cwms.schoolloop.com.
Bronze: Yu Ming Charter School. 1086 Alcatraz Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2063. yumingschool.org.
Public or Charter High School
Gold: San Ramon Valley High School. This National Blue Ribbon School aims to provide an education that fosters the intellectual, physical and social development of each student. 501 Danville Blvd., Danville. 925-552-3000. srvhs.schoolloop.com.
Silver: Alameda High School. 2200 Central Ave., Alameda. 510-337-7000. aus-alamedausd-ca.schoolloop.com.
Bronze: Berkeley High School. 1980 Allston Way, Berkeley. 510-644-6121. bhs.berkeleyschools.net.
Technology School or Program
Gold: Lawrence Hall of Science. This hands-on science museum, part of UC Berkeley, also offers workshops for families, camps and classes. 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-642-5132. lawrencehallofscience.org.
Gold: The Growing Room. This San Ramon Valley enrichment and childcare program is a member of the STEM Education Coalition and Maker Ed. Multiple locations in San Ramon and Danville. 925-837-4392. thegrowingroom.org.
Silver: TechKnowHow. Multiple locations. 650-638-0500. techknowhowkids.com.
Bronze: Scientific Adventures for Girls. P.O. Box 11123, Oakland. 415-531-5288. scientificadventures.org.
Bronze: Camp Galileo. Multiple locations. 510-595-7293. galileo-camps.com.
Tutoring or Education Support Program
Gold: Learning Bee Learning Center. This center offers hands-on academic enrichment opportunities after school, as well as classes in LEGO robotics, writing, Scratch programming and more. 39977 Mission Blvd., Fremont. 510-226-8408. learningbeelearningcenter.com.
Silver: The Growing Room. Multiple locations. 925-837-4392. thegrowingroom.org.
Bronze: Lafayette Academy. Multiple locations. lafayetteacademy.com.
Bronze: TutorCorps. Multiple locations. 415-990-1322. tutorcorps.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
Date Night Location or Venue
Gold: Gott’s Roadside. The East Bay outpost of this popular Northern California restaurant is a great spot for burgers, salads, shakes and more. 1275 S. Main St., Walnut Creek. 925-954-6243. gotts.com.
Silver: The LOT City Center. 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, #2300, San Ramon. 925-664-0069. thelotent.com/home#!.
Bronze: The New Parkway Theater. 474 24th St., Oakland. 510-338-3228. thenewparkway.com.
Family Event, Community Fair/Festival
Gold: Alameda County Fair. From rides and animals to fair food and live entertainment, the Alameda County Fair is a tradition for many East Bay families. Taking place this year Oct. 22-31. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. 925-426-7600. alamedacountyfair.com/2021-fair.
Silver: Ardenwood Historic Farm Harvest Festival. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-544-2797. ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood.
Bronze: Castro Valley Fall Festival. Castro Valley Boulevard between Redwood Road and Santa Maria Avenue, Castro Valley. info@castrovalleychamber.com. edenareachamber.com/events/details/2021-fall-festival-6769.
Bronze: Oakland First Fridays. Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. event@oaklandfirstfridays.com. oaklandfirstfridays.org.
Hidden Gems – Little Known Business, Activity or Spot
Gold: Bumblebee Playspace. This more than 3,000-square-foot indoor playspace is designed for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. 35500 Dumbarton Court, Newark. 510-894-0442. bumbebeeplayspace.com.
Silver: Chabot Space & Science Center. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300. chabotspace.org.
Bronze: Children’s Fairyland. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259. fairyland.org.
Indoor Playspace
Gold: Bumblebee Playspace. The large indoor playspace for young children includes art and light rooms, water and dramatic play areas, musical instruments and more. 35500 Dumbarton Court, Newark. 510-894-0442. bumbebeeplayspace.com.
Silver: Lawrence Hall of Science. 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-642-5132. lawrencehallofscience.org.
Silver: Lost Worlds Adventures. 6538 Patterson Pass Road, Suite E, Livermore. 925-338-7788. lostworlds.rocks.
Bronze: Habitot Children’s Museum. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. 510-647-1111. habitot.org.
Local Family Entertainment
Gold: Bumblebee Playspace. In addition to the large indoor playspace for young children, there’s a soft play area for babies and a private room for nursing mothers. 35500 Dumbarton Court, Newark. 510-894-0442. bumbebeeplayspace.com.
Silver: Children’s Fairyland. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259. fairyland.org.
Silver: Little Farm, Tilden Regional Park. Tilden Nature Area, north end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley. 510-544-2233. ebparks.org/parks/tna/default.htm.
Bronze: Oakland Zoo. 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. 510-632-9525. oaklandzoo.org.
Museum
Gold: Chabot Space & Science Center. This popular science center is slated to reopen in November with new exhibitions, events and programs in partnership with NASA’s Ames Research Center. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-336-7300. chabotspace.org.
Silver: Oakland Museum of California. 1000 Oak St. 510-318-8400. museumca.org.
Bronze: Lawrence Hall of Science. 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-642-5132. lawrencehallofscience.org.
Party Entertainment or Jumper Company
Gold: Bri Crabtree’s Silly Circus Show. Oakland-based Bri Crabtree combines her professional training in juggling, unicycling, magic, mime, dance and clowning into a hilarious show. 415-205-3219. sillycircusshow.com.
Silver: Ricky Roo & Friends Puppet Shows. chris@rickyrooandfriends.com. rickyrooandfriends.com.
Bronze: Bouncy Bounce. 415 Boulder Court, #300, Pleasanton. 925-365-6964. trivalleybouncehouse.com.
Bronze: The Cinderella Company. 855-846-2446. thecinderellacompany.com.
Party Facility or Location
Gold: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. This trampoline park has jump and dodgeball arenas, a slam dunk zone, vertical ops and more. Multiple locations. rockinjump.com.
Silver: Pump It Up. Multiple locations. pumpitupparty.com.
Bronze: Children’s Fairyland. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259. fairyland.org.
Party Food/Caterer
Gold: Mountain Mike’s Pizza. Be sure to please your partygoers with pizza, dessert pizza, wings, salads and more. Multiple locations. mountainmikespizza.com.
Silver: Dickey’s Barbeque Pit. 2353 E. 12th St., Oakland. 650-868-6819; 1524 N. Vasco Road, Livermore. 925-606-4200. dickeys.com.
Bronze: Casa Orozco. 7995 Amador Valley Blvd., Dublin. 925-828-5464; 325 S. L St., Livermore, 925-449-3045. casaorozco.com.
Bronze: Havana Cuban Cuisine. 2385 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. 925-899-0083. havanarestaurant.net/main/catering.
Zoo, Aquarium or Nature Center
Gold: University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley. The 34-acre garden has more than 10,000 types of plants, including many rare and endangered species, organized geographically in nine regions from around the world. 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu.
Silver: Oakland Zoo. 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. 510-632-9525. oaklandzoo.org.
Bronze: Ardenwood Historic Farm. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-544-2797. ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood.
FAMILY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Baby or Maternity Services
Gold: John Muir Health. Offers comprehensive, expert care, plus private mother-baby rooms with the comforts of home, including pull-out couches so partners can stay overnight. 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 925-939-3000. johnmuirhealth.com.
Silver: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. 2450 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, 510-204-4444. sutterhealth.org/absmc.
Bronze: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Family Law Services
Gold: Candelaria PC. These certified family law specialists handle divorce, trusts and estate planning and administration, and offer litigation and mediation services. 1981 N. Broadway, #440, Walnut Creek. 925-233-6222. candelarialawoffices.com.
Silver: All For the Family Legal Clinic, Inc. 3137 Castro Valley Blvd., #210, Castro Valley. 510-999-7732. allforthefamilylegalclinic.org.
Bronze: Law Office of Dorothy A. Peters. 4115 Blackhawk Circle, #100, Danville. 925-648-2003. dorothyapeterslaw.com.
Family Photography
Gold: Angela Lang Photography. Lang strives to create fun and modern photos that capture expressions and emotion in a combination of portraiture and photojournalism. info@angelalang.com. angelalang.com.
Silver: Breslow Imaging. breslowimaging.com.
Bronze: Sandbox Photographers. 925-222-5195. sandboxphotographers.com.
Financial Services
Gold: Mirador Capital Partners. Mirador manages clients’ money internally and offers fully integrated wealth management, financial planning, tax planning, philanthropic guidance and timely, personalized communication. 6700 Koll Center Parkway, #230, Pleasanton. 925-621-1000. miradorcp.com.
Silver: Liberty Group LLC. 411 30th St., second floor, Oakland. 510-658-1880. libertygroupllc.com.
Bronze: Presidio Group Wealth Management. 1850 Mount Diablo Blvd., #225, Walnut Creek. 925-274-9960. presidiogroupwm.com.
Insurance Companies or Brokers
Gold: State Farm. State Farm covers all insurance needs, including car and vehicle, home and property, life, health and more. Multiple locations. 800-782-8332. statefarm.com.
Silver: AAA Insurance. Multiple locations. 844-693-6669. calstate.aaa.com/insurance.
USAA. 800-531-8722. usaa.com.
Nanny Service
Gold: Apex PROAupair. Specializes in offering live-in professionals with experience in pediatric nursing, early childhood education, special needs and more. 844-787-6566. proaupair.com.
Silver: Care.com. care.com.
Silver: Nanny Match. 925-854-1490. trustednannymatch.com.
Bronze: AuPair Care. 600 California St., 10th floor, San Francisco. 800-428-7247. aupaircare.com.
Place for Kid’s Haircut
Gold: Snippety Crickets. Parents praise stylists’ skill and efficiency when cutting kids’ hair. 1753 Solano Ave., Berkeley. 510-527-3987. snippety-crickets.edan.io.
Silver: Cool Tops Cuts for Kids. 2255 Contra Costa Blvd., Pleasant Hill. 925-289-7634. cooltopskidshaircutpleasanthill.com.
Bronze: Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. 4247 18B Rosewood Drive, Pleasanton. 925-737-0313. 2005 Crow Canyon Plaza, San Ramon. 925-804-6398. sharkeyscutsforkids.com.
Real Estate Companies or Realtors
Gold: Deidre Joyner, Red Oak Realty. This second-generation East Bay realtor is a top producer who has been focused on the East Bay since 2004. 6450 Moraga Ave., Oakland. 510-693-4253. redoakrealty.com/agents/62367-deidre-joyner.
Silver: Joway Christensen, RE/MAX Accord. 313 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville. 925-984-4514. remax.com/real-estate-agents/joway-christensen-danville-ca/100019274.
Bronze: Julie Turnquist, Cole Real Estate. 524 Center Ave., Martinez. 925-765-3965. colerealestate.net/agent-profile/julie-turnquist-101810820.
Senior Assisted Living
Gold: The Reutlinger Community. This senior community offers varying levels of living options including assisted living, enhanced care, and pre-memory and memory care staffed by nurses, activity coordinators and care partners. 4000 Camino Tassajara, Danville. 925-648-2800. rcjl.org.
Silver: Sunrise Senior Living. Multiple locations. 888-434-4648. sunriseseniorliving.com.
Bronze: Aegis Living. Fremont, Moraga and Pleasant Hill. 866-688-5829. aegisliving.com.
Special Needs Services or Organizations
Gold: Blackhawk Family Development Center. Offers therapies for children, adults, couples and families, as well as classes on emotional and behavioral challenges for different age groups. 3860 Blackhawk Road, #140, Danville. 925-984-2326. blackhawkfamily.com.
Silver: Autism Speaks. 888-288-4762. autismspeaks.org.
Bronze: Autism Spectrum Therapies. 6601 Owens Drive, #270, Pleasanton. 866-727-8274. autismtherapies.com.
Veterinary Hospital or Veterinarian
Gold: Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center. Offers primary and preventative care, urgent care, boarding, surgical services and holistic medicine, as well as a pet food and supply store. 2000 Bishop Drive, San Ramon. 925-866-8387. webvets.com.
Silver: Groveway Veterinary Hospital. 2423 Grove Way, Castro Valley. 510-581-6629. vetncare.com/groveway-veterinary-hospital.
Bronze: Banfield Pet Hospital. Multiple locations. banfield.com.
HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY
Beauty Services
Gold: Mer Bleue Esthetics. This skincare studio provides facials addressing acne, anti-aging and other concerns, using modalities including LED, high frequency and microcurrent. 913 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #284, Danville. 925-708-0982. merbleueesthetics.net.
Silver: Ulta Beauty. Multiple locations. ulta.com.
Bronze: Bollinger Nail Salons. Multiple locations. bollingernailsalon.com.
Bronze: The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa. 4549 Cross Road, Livermore. 925-606-8855. purpleorchid.com.
Birth Center
Gold: Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Obstetricians deliver more than 6,000 babies here each year. Labor-delivery-recovery rooms provide a comfortable, private atmosphere. 2450 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. 510-204-4444. sutterhealth.org/absmc.
Silver: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Bronze: John Muir Health. 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 925-939-3000. johnmuirhealth.com.
Children’s Vision or Eyewear Service
Gold: Berkeley Optometry, UC Berkeley. The premier optometric teaching institution in the United States, it provides comprehensive eye care to the Berkeley campus and the local community, including pediatric optometry. 200 Minor Addition, Berkeley. 510-642-2020; Bancroft Way, third floor. 510-643-2020. eyecare.berkeley.edu.
Silver: Dr. Jennifer Ong. 2223 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. 510-521-0551. alamedaoptometrist.com.
Bronze: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Doctor or Pediatrics Group
Gold: Tri-Valley Pediatrics. Offers a wide range of services to provide comprehensive care from birth to young adulthood. 5565 W. Las Positas Blvd., #240, Pleasanton. 650-460-8444. 100 Park Place, #260, San Ramon. 925-380-6230. trivalleypediatrics.com.
Silver: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Bronze: John Muir Health. Multiple locations. johnmuirhealth.com/services/childrens-services.html.
Hospital or Medical Center
Gold: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Focused exclusively on treating children, this hospital combines sophisticated medical therapies with the knowledge of how to comfort children and their families. 747 52nd St., Oakland (main hospital). 510-428-3000. childrenshospitaloakland.org.
Silver: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Bronze: John Muir Medical Center. 2540 East St., Concord. 925-682-8200; 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. 925-939-3000. johnmuirhealth.com.
Optometrist
Gold: Berkeley Optometry, UC Berkeley. The premier optometric teaching institution in the United States, it provides comprehensive eye care to the Berkeley campus and the local community, including pediatric optometry. 200 Minor Addition, Berkeley. 510-642-2020; Bancroft Way, third floor. 510-643-2020. eyecare.berkeley.edu.
Silver: Dr. Jennifer Ong. 2223 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda. 510-521-0551. alamedaoptometrist.com.
Bronze: Kaiser Permanente. Multiple locations. kaiserpermanente.org.
Orthodontist
Gold: Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Offers clear and metal braces, Invisalign and other oral appliances and treatments in its kid-friendly offices. Multiple locations. alamedapediatricdentist.com.
Silver: San Ramon Orthodontics. 2305 Camino Ramon, #260, San Ramon. 925-829-1100. sanramonortho.com.
Bronze: McElroy Orthodontics. 2301 Camino Ramon, #288, San Ramon. 925-386-2208. mcelroyortho.com.
Pediatric Dentist
Gold: Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. In business for 50 years, this practice now has four East Bay locations that specialize in children, from infant oral care to brushing and flossing lessons to extractions and pediatric sedation dentistry. Multiple locations. alamedapediatricdentist.com.
Silver: Pediatric Dentistry San Ramon. 111 Deerwood Road, #135, San Ramon. 925-806-0322. pediatricdentistry-sanramon.com.
Bronze: Drs. Schmitt and Saini Pediatric Dentistry. 2879 Willow Pass Road, Concord. 925-685-0513. 300 El Cerro Blvd., Suite E, Danville. 925-575-8503. kidstoothdoctor.com.
Spas
Gold: Claremont Club & Spa. The Fairmont Spa at the Claremont offers a wide range of treatments, including massages and facials, in a relaxing setting at this iconic, historic hotel. 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. 510-843-3000. fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley.
Silver: Piedmont Springs. 3939 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. 510-652-9191. piedmontsprings.com.
Bronze: The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa. 4549 Cross Road, Livermore. 925-606-8855. purpleorchid.com.
SPORTS & FITNESS
Fitness Center
Gold: ClubSport San Ramon. Offers more than 80,000 square feet of fitness facilities, including eight full-lit tennis courts, a year-round heated pool, indoor racquetball and squash and kids’ classes – such as karate, soccer and gymnastics – included with membership. 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane, San Ramon. 925-735-8500. clubsportsr.com.
Silver: Bladium Sports & Fitness Club. 800 W. Tower Ave., Alameda. 510-814-4999. bladiumalameda.com.
Bronze: Orangetheory Fitness. Multiple locations. orangetheoryfitness.com.
Bronze: P2P Transformation Center. 2395 Willow Pass Road, Concord. 855-479-3287. p2ptransformationcenter.com.
Gymnastics Class
Gold: Pacific West Gymnastics. Offers classes for preschoolers through advanced gymnasts, competitive teams, open gym and more. 32920 Alvarado Niles Road, #210, Union City. 510-471-0240; 42656 Albrae St., Fremont. 510-471-0240. pacificwestgymnastics.com.
Silver: Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. 25 Sports Lane, Berkeley. 510-643-8023. recsports.berkeley.edu/youth-programs/year-round-programs/gymnastics.
Bronze: Liberty Gymnastics Training Center. 2330 A-B2 Bates Ave., Concord. 925-687-8009. 925-566-8099. libertygymtrainingcenter.com.
Martial Arts Class
Gold: Mires Martial Arts. Sensei Geoff Mires, a third-degree Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate and a first-degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate, offers classes for students ages 5 through adult. 4743 Clayton Road, #3, Concord. 925-689-0305. miresmartialarts.com.
Silver: Pacific West Gymnastics. 32920 Alvarado Niles Road, #210, Union City. 510-471-0240; 42656 Albrae St., Fremont. 510-471-0240. pacificwestgymnastics.com.
Bronze: Koo’s Martial Arts Academy. 3460 Camino Tassajara, Danville. elizabeth.koo@kootkd.com. kootkd.square.site.
Swim Class/Lessons
Gold: American Swim Academy. Has been teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities for more than 45 years, with a year-round flexible schedule seven days a week. Multiple locations. americanswimacademy.com.
Silver: Little Swimmers. 2395 Monument Blvd., Concord. 925-429-3244. littleswimmersconcord.com.
Bronze: AquaTech Swim School. 2203 Mariner Square Loop, Alameda; 1220 Diamond Way, #110, Concord. 866-633-4147. aquatechswim.com.
Swimming Facility
Gold: AquaTech Swim School. In addition to swim lessons, it offers recreational swim for members at its indoor pools. 2203 Mariner Square Loop, Alameda; 1220 Diamond Way, #110, Concord. 866-633-4147. aquatechswim.com.
Silver: San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park. 9900 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon. 925-973-3240. sanramon.ca.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=10826130&pageId=12419922.
Bronze: Concord Community Pool. 3501 Cowell Road, Concord. 925-671-3480. cityofconcord.org/facilities/facility/details/concord-community-pool-41.
Youth Sports Program/Facility
Gold: Mustang Soccer League. Offers a wide range of programs and levels, from recreational soccer for kids under 6 to competitive elite and premier teams. 4680 Camino Tassajara, Danville. 925-648-4121. mustangsoccer.com.
Silver: Kidz Love Soccer. Multiple locations. 888-277-9542. kidzlovesoccer.com.
Bronze: Lil’ Kickers. Multiple locations. lilkickers.com.