In the charming cul-de-sac of Birchbark Place lives a family whose story is rooted in resilience, love, and community spirit—the Luckens. Ryan and Kristen Lucken, along with their daughters Madison (11) and Kinsley (7), have called Danville home for the past three years. While they may be newer to the area, they’ve quickly become a cherished part of the Blackhawk community, embracing the lifestyle, building deep friendships, and creating lasting memories.
Kristen and Ryan’s love story begins in their hometown of Everett, Washington. Though
they both attended the same high school, they were three years apart and didn’t officially
meet until Kristen returned home from college for summer break in 2003. “I knew who
Ryan was—he was the cute senior boy with rosy cheeks,” Kristen laughs. After being
introduced through mutual friends, it wasn’t long before their first date at Red Robin, where Kristen strategically ordered finger food to avoid a messy moment, while Ryan confidently enjoyed a burger and beer. Eight years of dating later, they were married in 2011 at the stunning Roche Harbor in Washington’s San Juan Islands, celebrating with 80 of their closest friends and family.
After years spent building careers and raising their two girls in Washington, Ryan’s role in the commercial laundry equipment industry led to a new opportunity—and a big move to California in 2021. The family chose Danville for its top-rated schools and welcoming community, landing in their current home just five days before school started. “What drew us in was seeing sidewalk chalk in the street during an open house— it was a sign that kids played here. That sealed the deal,” Kristen shared.
The move was a whirlwind—cars, cats, and wine drove down with Ryan, while Kristen and the girls flew in days later. But the transition proved to be a blessing. The family found not only a beautiful home with a pool and golf course views, but also a tight-knit neighborhood filled with warm-hearted friends. “We’ve become like family with our next-door neighbors, the Keatings—we even vacation together!” says Kristen. Their beloved neighborhood traditions include “Driveway Dogs,” spontaneous hot dog cookouts, and golf cart rides to the 9th hole snack shack.
Ryan is now the VP of Operations for a national commercial laundry company, a role that has taken him on exciting travels—including a Mediterranean cruise with stops in Spain, France, and Italy. Kristen, a former dental hygienist who paused her career due to carpal tunnel, now dedicates herself to family life and volunteering. She’s deeply involved at Tassajara Hills Elementary as a PTA member, room rep, library volunteer, and tennis player, even holding a board position on the BWTA in 2024.
Their daughters are equally busy and passionate. Madison had been doing gymnastics since she was four and up until this past January was training competitively at California Gymnastics Academy in Livermore. She has now begun trying soccer and cheerleading. She balances her athletic pursuits with school leadership, violin, and previous participation in Girl Scouts and the HOX swim team. Kinsley, a vibrant 7-year-old, has played Mustang soccer for three years, recently tried indoor soccer to boost her confidence, and now enjoys hip hop classes at Next Step Dance in Blackhawk Plaza. She’s also a HOX swim team.
The family is rounded out by their beloved pets—two cats, Penny and Pixie, who made the long road trip from Washington, and Callie, their Australian Labradoodle who eagerly joins school drop-offs each morning. Each daughter also has a pet fish, making their home lively and full of love.
While they’ve traded the boating adventures of the Pacific Northwest for sunny California days, the Luckens continue to explore the state on day trips and make it a point to take one big family vacation each year. Last April, they visited Maui and Oahu, where Madison picked up the ukulele and Kinsley took hula lessons.
Kristen and Ryan’s journey—from humble beginnings in Everett to building a life filled with love, laughter, and community in Danville—is a powerful reminder that hard work and heart go a long way. “Neither of us has a bachelor’s degree. We’re just two regular people who worked hard and wanted more for our kids,” Kristen shares.
And while they don’t have any formal family traditions or legacies, their annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party has become a cherished occasion to reflect on the friendships they’ve made here. “We always take a moment to look around the room and feel grateful for every person there. It really does take a village—and we’ve found ours here.”
Welcome to Blackhawk, Lucken family. We’re so glad you’re here!
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Photos courtesy of Lucken family