A Natural Wonderland
Two hundred fifty years ago, meadowlarks graced the valley with their beautiful songs. They were joined by elk, grizzly bears, cougars, salmon, coyotes, reptiles of all kinds, a true cornucopia of wildlife. Oak trees, sycamores, buckeyes, California bunch grass surrounded a large lagoon which nourished tulles, sedges and a myriad of aquatic life.
The Ohlone
The Valley was also part of a permanent settlement of Indians who came to the area approximately 4,000 years ago. The Indians, now called the Ohlone, called themselves the People. Their settlements along Pleasanton Ridge and the lagoon were part of the largest concentration of native Americans in North America. Their remains and relics have been found all around what is now Pleasanton. Their descendants today look upon this place as a very special one, to be revered and remembered and celebrated.
Spanish Settlement
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The arrival of the Spanish in 1772 brought enormous changes to the People and the Valley. Mission San Jose, the fourteenth California mission, was founded on June 11, 1797, by Father Lausen. The Ohlone were aggressively incorporated and absorbed into the life of the mission. The Valley became the mission's pasture lands. Cattle were raised not for their meat but for their tallow which earned hard currency for the mission. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. The new "Secularization Law" intended for mission lands to be shared between Mexican citizens and the Indians, but it was not followed. By the late 1830's the vast majority of lands had been granted by the Governor to loyal Mexican politicians, soldiers and supporters.
Gold!
The huge influx of Yankee gold seekers, squatters and settlers, and the admission of California to the United States on September 9, 1850, quickly brought an end to the Spanish/Mexican period of California's history. Alisal, as Pleasanton was known at the time, was located on one of the main routes to the gold fields and quickly became a mercantile stopover for miners seeking their fortune in the Mother Lode.
Gold!
The huge influx of Yankee gold seekers, squatters and settlers, and the admission of California to the United States on September 9, 1850, quickly brought an end to the Spanish/Mexican period of California's history. Alisal, as Pleasanton was known at the time, was located on one of the main routes to the gold fields and quickly became a mercantile stopover for miners seeking their fortune in the Mother Lode.
Agricultural Heritage
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Blessed with rich soil, Pleasanton soon became the agricultural center for the Amador Valley and home to the oldest horse racing track in the nation. Even today, famous horses from around the country continue to be sent here to showcase their speed because of the excellent soil and facilities. The hops grown here were sought by many of the largest beer producers in the United States and Europe, making Pleasanton internationally famous.
Small Town America
After being chosen as the background for the movie, "Rebecca of Sunny brook Farm", starring Mary Pickford, the town served as the location for many films because of its historic downtown and rural environs, eventually becoming known as the "Hollywood of the North".
A Commercial Center
Pleasanton's rural character was maintained through the late 1950's while other cities in the Bay Area grew rapidly, often routinely bulldozing blocks of historic buildings in the name of "progress." It was only a matter of time until developers made their move on Pleasanton and the 1960s and '70s brought drastic increases in both our boundaries and population. Located at the intersection of I-580/I-680, Pleasanton became a magnet for retail/commercial developers. Several business parks were constructed including Hacienda, which is the largest in northern California. Jobs multiplied rapidly. By the mid 80s, Pleasanton was the third fastest growing city in California.
Small Town America
After being chosen as the background for the movie, "Rebecca of Sunny brook Farm", starring Mary Pickford, the town served as the location for many films because of its historic downtown and rural environs, eventually becoming known as the "Hollywood of the North".
A Commercial Center
Pleasanton's rural character was maintained through the late 1950's while other cities in the Bay Area grew rapidly, often routinely bulldozing blocks of historic buildings in the name of "progress." It was only a matter of time until developers made their move on Pleasanton and the 1960s and '70s brought drastic increases in both our boundaries and population. Located at the intersection of I-580/I-680, Pleasanton became a magnet for retail/commercial developers. Several business parks were constructed including Hacienda, which is the largest in northern California. Jobs multiplied rapidly. By the mid 80s, Pleasanton was the third fastest growing city in California.
Ruby Hills
Ruby Hills is a private gated community on the eastern flank of Pleasanton. The Ruby Hills Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course surrounded by exceptional homes and estates amid the rolling hills and vineyards of the Livermore Valley. The view allows you to see cattle grazing on the beautiful hills and overlook acre after acre of grape vineyards
and at night a spectacular of lights across the valley.
and at night a spectacular of lights across the valley.
Lights In The Valley
Typical Rolling Hills Near Ruby Hills
Premia and Ascona are semi-custom homes developed by Signature Properties. Premia, built in 1995-1996, features homes between 2200 and 3000 sq ft on 8000 to 15,000 sq ft lots. Ascona was built in 1997-1999, with 8000 to 10,000 sq ft lots. These homes feature unique exteriors, ranging from Italian to Country French. All have 3 car garages.
Ruby Hill has over 500 custom homes that have been developed, starting in 1995 and continuing today. Typical custom lots in Ruby Hill are in the 1/2 acre to 2/3 acre range, with premium lots over an acre. Many have golf course views. The homes are of styles such as Formal Italian to Country French to Craftman. Ruby Hills has a total of over 860 homes and space for more. The area has a number of major winery's such as The Ruby Hills Winery which dates back to 1887.
Ruby Hills Winery
Home is where the heart is I have always heard. Jan and I used to say that where ever we happen to be that was home whether that was in a small house of a relative, an apartment, tiny house in Japan or our first home we owned. Home - that word has such a beautiful sound to it. In this case I want to talk about the current home of Bami and Janice here in California. Just like her mother Janice makes wherever she and Bami are living - home. A place of warmth and love with a welcome for everyone.
Bastani Home
Back Of House And Pool Area
Looking At The View From One Of The Six Balconies. 2nd One Is On The Left
Back Yard And Pool
Pool area And Hot Tub From Upstairs
Side Yard
Side Yard
Garage
The Other Garage
Matilda At Home In Her Garden
Inside Looking At Front Entry
Coming In The Front Entry You See The Cinderella Staircases
Entry Looking Into Dining Room
Entry Looking Into Living Room
Entry Chandelier
Looking Into Living Room
Living Room
Looking Out Of Living Room
Looking Into Living Room
Back Stairs. Bami's Office Is Straight Ahead. Spare Bed Room On Left
Bami's Home Office
Entry Looking Into Dining Room
Dining Room
Dining Room Looking Toward Entry
Serving Area Between Kitchen And Dining Room
Part Of Upstairs Library
Other Part Of Upstairs Library
Exercise Room
Upstairs Bedroom
Blue Bedroom
Blue Bedroom
Another Upstairs Bedroom
Janice Office - Still Unpacking. Craft Room Is In The Back Left
Janice Office - Still Unpacking
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom Looking Toward The Master Bath And Closets
Kitchen Dining Area
Kitchen
Kitchen Looking Into Family Room
Closer View Of Kitchen Looking Into Family Room
Looking From Kitchen Across Kitchen Dining Area Into Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Family Room
Latest Two Members Of The Bastani Household. Tuff/Tuft On Left Because Of His Bad Hair Day and Orange On Right
Awaiting The Arrival Of 2013
Just A Few More Hours - Then 2013
Yes we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new year and all the promises hopes, and prayers for a happy and healthy new year. We are also mindful of the blessing God showered upon us in 2012 and we are thankful for that and we pray that we will be worthy servants for Him in the new year. To all my friends and loved one Happy New Year. I love you.
Grandpa Bill
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