This Week’s Explorations:

• 11 Days Until the Roots Take Over the Coliseum!

• Get Your Green On! Tri-Valley St. Patrick’s Weekend Happenings

• 8 Overlooked Tax Deductions & Credits

• Tri-Valley Home of the Week

• Matcha Madness - Get a FREE Matcha Tea this Month (Scroll all the way down!)

• Instagram photo of the week

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_{In Partnership with Oakland Roots Soccer Club}

11 Days Until the Oakland Roots Home Opener at the Coliseum!

Tri-Valley soccer fans, it’s time to gear up—Oakland Roots SC is at the legendary Oakland Coliseum for the 2025 season!

The countdown begins as the excitement kicks off on March 22 with a massive home opener featuring a thrilling match, high-energy performances, and a fireworks show to celebrate the season’s launch.

This is more than just a game—it’s a chance to witness Oakland’s team take the field in one of the most iconic sports venues in the country. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Roots, this season promises unforgettable moments.

Let’s support our Bay Area soccer club and be part of this historic season Get in the action and grab your tickets now! CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS and Special Packages!

_{Presented by Yelp East Bay}

Get Your Green On! Tri-Valley Hot Spots for St. Patrick’s Weekend!

🍀 St. Patrick’s Weekend Plans? We’ve Got You Covered!

Looking for the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Tri-Valley Explorer and Yelp East Bay have rounded up the top spots— lively bars, festive restaurants, cozy wineries, and local favorites going all out for the holiday. Time to start prepping your green outfit! See the interactive map with direct links to Yelp review pages in this St. Patrick's Day collection.

• McGrail Vineyards & Winery: Check out McGrail Vineyards to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with live music, wine tasting, and good eats from a local food truck. Snag your ticket now and experience walk-up tastings for six McGrail wines!

•  First Street Alehouse: Grab your best green garb and head over to First Street Alehouse for great food and great beer! This spot is perfect for large groups, so grab everybody you know and head on out.

• Tap 25 Craft Beer: Downtown Livermore will be full of action on Saturday March 15th for the LepreCON St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl. Tap 25 is one of the stops and has a wide range of craft beers and an awesome patio!

• Teaspoon: Head on over to Dublin, California (not Ireland!) to get 20% off your entire purchase at Teaspoon. Wear your best green swag to get this deal, and also try their exclusive St. Patrick’s Day drinks!

• Gallagher’s Dublin Pub: This beloved local pub has a weekend full of activities for those still making plans to celebrate. Live music, karaoke, and some pub food should keep you going!

• Pleasanton Brew Crawl: Sip, stroll, and shop in Downtown Pleasanton for St. Patty’s Day at the 12th annual Brew Crawl! Make sure to embrace the spirit by dressing in green and avoid getting pinched!

• Bankhead Theater: Looking to be entertained rather than be the entertainment? Experience the rich and traditional sounds of Ireland with Téada, live at the Bankhead Theater on March 17 at 7:30 PM! There are no bad seats here so get your tickets to enjoy this globally acclaimed band.

• Danville Community Center: Want to bring the kids along? Celebrate with an afternoon of Irish-themed fun for the whole family at Danville Community Center on March 13. They will have lots of crafts, treasures, and music to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

• Front Row Theater: Check out the traditional moves and celebrate the holiday with an evening of music! The Community Chorus will be performing a free St. Patrick's Day Concert with Irish Dancers on Friday, March 14 at 7 PM.

• Las Positas Vineyards: Enjoy a glass of green sparkling wine at Las Positas Vineyards on March 15th and 16th! They will also be offering a wine and cheesecake pairing to satisfy your sweet tooth!

• Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice: Feeling lucky? Stop by Ululani's all March long to try their St. Patrick's Day specials: the Shamrock, half melona and half leche topped with haupia cream, and the Lucky Charms, cotton candy and leche topped with a snow cap.

• Grounded - Livermore: Add a St. Patrick's Day twist to your coffee at Grounded in Livermore. They're offering two seasonal drinks for the holiday: the Iced Irish mocha (sweetened iced mocha topped with Irish cream cold foam) and the Lucky Latte (Irish cream, espresso and milk served iced or hot). Bonus points: a portion of every sale will benefit Tri-Valley Haven.

• Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar: The Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans begin on Thursday, March 13 with Trivia Night. They'll have green craft beer on tap plus their Guinness Nitro Irish Stout will be available to enjoy all weekend long.

• Aracely Lounge: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend with great music and great food at Aracely Lounge. They'll have Irish dancers, a DJ, green & gold cocktails, and menu specials on March 17. 

• Norm’s Place: Enjoy a full weekend of St. Patrick's Day events at Norm's Place in Danville. With non-stop live music, drink specials, corned beef, and even karaoke, the celebration keeps going at Norm's! 

• INC 82 Brewing: Make your Monday green at Inc 82! Check out their new beer garden and enjoy green beer, jello shots, car bombs, and Jameson shots in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! They’re doing it Irish all the way!

• Pinot’s Palette: Looking for a fun activity to do while sipping on some good wine? Join us at Pinot’s Palette for a festive paint-and-sip, and create your own version of the featured Irish gnome art!

_{Presented by KidStrong Livermore}
KidStrong Livermore Open House - March 21st!

🚀 KidStrong Livermore Open House – March 21st!

Want to get those kiddos moving? Don’t miss out on a FREE drop-in class and experience the KidStrong difference! See how your kids can build confidence, develop social skills, stay active, and get stronger!

🕞 3:30 PM – Independent class for kids 4+ years
🕟 4:15 PM – Parent-based class for kids 4 & under

🎉 Exclusive offers and discounts will be available to families who would like to return for more classes!

📲 Text (925) 231-7094 or email [email protected] for details.

8 Overlooked Tax Deductions & Credits

Tax Deductions vs. Tax Credits: What You Need to Know

As the dreaded deadline gets closer, we thought we’d drop some 411. Let’s start with the basics: Tax deductions lower your taxable income, potentially reducing your tax bracket. The standard deduction is a fixed amount most filers take, while itemized deductions allow you to claim eligible expenses like mortgage interest and student loan interest if they exceed the standard deduction.

Tax credits directly reduce your tax bill, making them more valuable. They can be non-refundable (lowering your tax bill to zero but not beyond) or refundable (allowing you to receive the remaining credit as a refund).

8 Overlooked Tax Deductions and Credits

1. Charitable Donations Deduction
If you itemize your deductions, you can deduct contributions to qualified charitable organizations, including cash, property, and even out-of-pocket expenses incurred for volunteer work. This also includes mileage for charitable travel, with the IRS allowing a 14-cent per mile deduction. However, donations must be made to IRS-recognized 501(c)3 organizations, and proper documentation is required, especially for donations over $250.

2. Student Loan Interest Deduction
Taxpayers can deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest paid on qualified loans. This deduction can be claimed without itemizing. However, you cannot claim it if you are married and filing separately, or if your income exceeds certain thresholds. There are also restrictions if you or your spouse are claimed as dependents on another tax return.

3. Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver’s Credit)
This credit, also known as the retirement savings contribution tax credit, can benefit those who contribute to traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, or other qualifying retirement accounts. It allows for a credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers), but eligibility depends on your income and filing status. For example, joint filers with an AGI over $76,500 are not eligible.

4. Gambling Losses Deduction
While gambling winnings are taxable, you can deduct gambling losses if you itemize. This includes losses from lotteries, scratch-offs, casinos, and even betting on events like the Super Bowl. However, losses cannot exceed your reported winnings, and you must keep detailed records of losses.

5. Tax Credit for Other Dependents
This $500 credit is available for dependents who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit, such as older children, college students, or other qualifying family members like elderly parents. The credit cannot be claimed for dependents who are also eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

6. Child and Dependent Care Credit
You can claim a tax credit of 20-35% of up to $3,000 in childcare expenses ($6,000 for two children). Eligible expenses include daycare, preschool tuition, summer camps, and even payments to a relative who provides childcare. However, the credit only applies if the expenses were incurred to enable you and your spouse (if applicable) to work or seek employment.

7. State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction
Taxpayers who itemize can deduct up to $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) in state and local taxes, including property taxes, state income taxes, or sales taxes (but not both). This deduction is particularly useful for those who live in states with high income or property taxes, like us!

8. Mortgage Points Deduction
Taxpayers who paid mortgage points in 2024 may be able to deduct them if they itemize. Mortgage points, also known as loan origination fees or discount points, can be deducted in the year they were paid, unless the points were for a refinance or a second home, in which case they must be amortized over the life of the loan.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Check out our Home of the Week - A Pleasanton Stunner!

🏡 Home of the Week: A Dreamy Retreat with Designer Touches!

This beautifully upgraded home is a true gem, offering elegance, comfort, and prime indoor-outdoor living. Don't miss out on this stunning space! Click HERE for more details.

✨3 Reasons Why We Love this Home:

• Chef’s Kitchen: Custom cabinetry, granite countertops, SS appliances & a walk-in pantry (yes please!)

• Backyard Oasis: Flagstone patio, gas fire pit & hot tub—perfect for entertaining!

• Spacious Living: 4 bedrooms, including a primary suite as well as a guest room on the main level.

We are looking for a realtor who is interested in sponsoring this section. If that’s you, send me an email! We reach over 21,000 inboxes every week! [email protected]

Local Foodie Report

• The Breakfast Club at Midtown opened YESTERDAY in downtown Livermore. With numerous Bay Area locations, this breakfast/lunch spot looks amazing: Red Velvet Pancakes, Breakfast Nachos, a full bar, and more! 1960 First St., Livermore.

• A 12,000 Sq. Foot Food Hall to open in Oakland! Did someone say day trip for lunch…followed by dinner? 8 spaces in the food hall will be occupied by some buzz-worthy tenants, including Almanac Brewery, a craft burger bar, a noodle shop, and more! Prescott Market will be Located in West Oakland neighborhood. You can stalk the stalls via their IG profile.

• Matcha Madness! Don’t miss out on a FREE Matcha Drink at Livermore’s Matcha &. Tea! Sign up to get their delicious concoctions for free between March 19th -31st - make sure you flex your Tri-Valley Explorer reader status and use promo code TVE2025 after you click the RSVP button on this page. You must have a real Yelp account and Yelp profile photo.

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