Meet the Petersens: A Family Full of Life and Positivity

By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006 Photos provided by the Petersen Family

Danville native Jeff Petersen met Alison in Tahoe while she was skiing on her lunch break. Alison was no stranger to the slopes, as she was once a winner of a “Wakes and Gates” competition (an event that included both water skiing and snow skiing in the same day)…no wonder Jeff was impressed! In 2003 Jeff and Alison married in Henderson, Nevada, accompanied by a wedding party and many attendees that are current Danville residents. The newlyweds spent the next 7 days honeymooning in Puerto Nuevo, Mexico.

Alison grew up in warm and sunny San Diego. Many of her childhood memories include rooting on the San Diego Chargers and spending much of her free time being a stellar athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball. She later attended UC Santa Barbara and had the opportunity to play Division I softball at UCSB, as well. She later earned her Master’s Degree from University of Nevada, Reno while working for Coldwell Banker in Tahoe City. Currently, Alison is known around Danville as a partner with the Dudum Real Estate Group, selling real estate all over California….from Tahoe to San Diego. Anyone who knows her, understands her passion and drive for selling residential real estate for the past 28 years. Our west side native, Jeff, attended Montair Elementary, Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. Later attending Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, Jeff played tight end for the Gaels and majored in History. Currently, Jeff works at One Digital, working with clients from multiple industries across the Bay Area as an Employee Benefits Consultant.

After Jeff and Alison married, the couple settled in their first home on Verona Ave. With a growing family, it was clear they needed a larger home, and although it was difficult to say goodbye to the home they brought all 4 children home from the hospital, the Petersens were blessed to find their forever home just down the street on Camino Amigo. You can likely find them playing sports, dancing and enjoying time together in one of their favorite parts of their home, their backyard. The Petersen family is an active bunch! With four children; Tyler (16), Victoria/Tori (14), Trevor (12) and Trey (7), you have probably run into them at sporting events, live music concerts or biking on the Iron Horse trail with their 2 furry family members, Roxy and James…both rescue dogs who have brought joy and happiness to the Petersen clan. You may have also seen the Petersens riding around town in their 6 seater golf cart. They were one of the first families on the west side to have a “street legal” golf cart. Alison was able to use it to easily drop off the kiddos at school at the Montair loop. A funny memory they have is one morning over the loudspeaker was a call for “someone to move their golf cart type vehicle” as it was blocking the Kindergarten pick up lane.

Their oldest son, Tyler, has always been a sports fanatic and uses that passion still today. He currently plays on the basketball and football teams for SRVHS (NCS Champions!). You may also find Tyler coaching youth flag football and refereeing for CYO games. Some fun facts about Tyler, is that he has even spent his Easter Break building homes for needy families in Mexico, and he is a University of Miami super fan! Tori is the Petersen’s second born child. Even though she is the only girl with three brothers, she is a tough cookie and keeps up with the best of them! Currently, a straight A student at Stone Valley Middle School and a competitive dancer, she still finds time to get lost in her favorite pastime, reading. Tori is also an active member in the DVNCL (National Charity League) and volunteers at the Crayon Initiative.

Trevor, the Petersen’s 12-year-old son, is “funny, smart, athletic and talented.” He is a 6th grader at Charlotte Wood Middle School and also an athlete for Mustang Soccer and Lakeshow Basketball teams. When he’s not playing hoops, Trevor loves to play the guitar, surf, and create Lego masterpieces. Closing out the Peterson kiddos is 7-year-old Trey, a first grader at St. Isidore School. Fitting right in, Trey loves basketball, football, soccer and baseball. If you can’t find Trey, he is likely using his imagination or playing with his best friend, Roxy, the family dog.

The Petersen family loves vacationing down south in San Diego or spending time together sipping on hot chocolate and skiing near their family cabin in Tahoe City. As a “house divided,” they have quite the sports teams cheering section. The family are huge fans of the Raiders, Golden State Warriors, Oakland A’s and San Diego Padres. When Jeff is not watching his favorite professional teams, he is actively coaching his children’s soccer and football teams. The Danville Children’s Guild (a charitable organization which raises money for underprivileged children in Contra Costa County) also has a special place in the Petersen’s hearts. Alison has been a long time member of the DCG, and has even convinced Jeff to model with her in the annual Fall Luncheon fashion show for the past 10 years. It is not lost on the Petersens that they are lucky to have the ability to dedicate time to philanthropic endeavors. Alison says “reward for my time and work is knowing that someone who will never know my name is benefiting.” She even mentioned a quote found in her church bulletin that spoke to this very sentiment… .“To labor and to not ask for a reward” is a reminder of why she dedicates her time. Additionally, Alison also enjoys working on her golf game on the Diablo Women’s Golf Group for Diablo Country Club and throughout the week, the entire family can be seen together splitting their time between church services and activities at both St. Isidore Catholic Church and Community Presbyterian Church.

When reflecting on their life in Danville, the Petersens are quick to point out how blessed they are to live in such close proximity to amazing schools, churches, athletic clubs, shopping and neighbors. As busy as their schedule is, the Petersens make it a priority to enjoy the town they live in, especially their family, friends and neighbors who make up this wonderful west side community. The family tries to live life with an open mind and a ready-to-go mentality. These are important traits in a family that is constantly on the move! Jeff and Alison are so proud of their children and make an effort to teach them to face life with a positive attitude. Alison states, “If you are going to have an attitude, make it a positive one.” I think we can all agree that is good advice!