Contra Costa Marketplace - Feb 2023

A PLACE WHERE BEAUTY AND HEALTHY SKIN MEET

Visit us at our Center of Excellence with a combined 12,000 square foot, state of the art, newly renovated suite. We are dedicated to Medical, Cosmetic, and Surgical Dermatology and are a place for medical skin consultation, aesthetic rejuvenation, and face and body contouring.

Medical & Surgical Dermatology

For Healthy Skin

Offering Treatments for:

Acne, Eczema, and Rashes

Cysts and Lipoma

Hair and Nail Disorder

Keloid and Scar Revisions

Moles

Physician-Strength Skin Care Products

Precancerous Lesions

Psoriasis and Vitiligo

Skin Cancer

Underarm Sweating

Warts, Molluscum

Cosmetic Dermatology

For Beautiful Skin

Offering Cosmetic Treatments for:

Acne scarring

Body Sculpting

Cellulite

Eyebag Reduction

Face, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, and Rejuvenation

Frown Lines and Jawline/Jowl Reduction

GlacierRx

Hair Removal

Pigmentation and Melasma

Post-injection Bruising

Scar revision

Sun Damage and

Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks

Technology & Procedures

Offered

Technology & Procedures Offered

Aerolase

Agnes RF Microneedling Cellfina

Clear & Brilliant Original and Permea laser

Coolsculpting®

EMSculpt

EMSella

Enlighten PicoGenesis

Excel V Laser

Excimer Laser

Fractional CO2 Laser

GenesisPlus Laser

Glacier Rx

Infini Genius microneedling RF

KTP 532nm laser

Kybella

Liposonix®

Microneedling with or without PRP

MiraDry

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

NBUVB Phototherapy

PicoSure Laser

PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation

Sebacia for acne

Spectra Laser

Subnovii Plasma Pen

Superficial Radiotherapy

Thermage FLX

Threadlift Novathread and Instalift

Ultherapy

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaser Shape

Vbeam Prima/Perfecta Lasers

Venezia nonablative CO2 laser lift

VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation

2262 Camino Ramon San Ramon, CA 94583 48 Fenton Street Livermore, CA 94550

“I love this place. I love how they treat my child as it’s their own, we feel very welcomed here.” Cindy Z.

“This office is really catered toward children and decreasing their fears. I hate that I didn’t find out about them sooner.” Nichole S.

“Great dental office! Clean, professional, genuinely nice, and modern.” Gabriela

When comfort and quality matters…

Dr. Vincent P. Lim

Dr. Lim embraces a philosophy of care that is anchored in ethics and committed to excellence. He is active in continuing educational programs to provide you with the most recent technology and procedures in dentistry. Dr. Lim attended UCLA undergraduate and earned his doctorate degree from USC School of Dentistry.

NEED AN IMPLANT?

Come see us. With our new 3-D x-ray machine, implants can now be placed easily, safely and more affordably. For a limited time, we will place an implant for only $1,500.00* or implant, abutment, and a crown for $3,500.00.

Must present this postcard to receive this offer. * This is only for implant placement for cash patients. The price does not include abutment or crown. Not all patients are candidates for implants. Expires at the end of the month.

Member of: American Dental Association • California Dental Association • Contra Costa Dental Society We

3D XRAY WITH IMPLANT PLACEMENT

I let my patients do the talking, I listen.

Best dental experience I’ve ever had. It is perfect for nervous patients. I’m happy to recommend this office to anyone.

Magdalenag

I have had some less than stellar experiences with dentists in the past, so I was pretty apprehensive beginning my treatment with Dr. Lim. He was very friendly and informative, and during the treatment I didn’t feel a thing! No pain, no discomfort. What a relief! My fear of dentists is beginning to subside a little bit.

Cristin G.

Very grateful to have such a great dentist. Dr Lim takes the time to answer your questions and personally follows up after you leave his office. When I had a dental emergency at night, he personally answered my call and made time for me the following morning. He also has a wonderful group of people working for him. Thank you Elena

Everyone, and I do mean everyone in the office is alert and professional. Dentists and Administrators and all assistants answer all your questions without hesitation. Dr. Lim has assembled a wonderful staff! I have referred another family already!

Lynnel

Doctor Lim is an excellent dentist who is an expert in his craft. He is a very gentle dentist which pleases me the most. Doctor Lim is also surrounded by a great staff. Love the humor and smiles of all the assistants which kept me calm….Thanks to you all… Alicia

For hundreds of additional testimonials please visit my web site vincentlimdds.com

Headaches are NOT normal. Back pain is NOT normal.

Numbness & tingling is NOT normal.

The human body can live five days without food and water, minutes without air, but without a nerve supply, life cannot exist. Nothing happens in your body without the involvement of the whole nervous system.

As a chiropractor I don’t treat the symptoms, rather I locate and correct the nerve interference which allows the body to do what it does best…heal itself. Chiropractic adjustments assist in the healing process by reestablishing the nerve flow to its optimal level. This allows the proper communication between the brain and the body.

Did you know a seven-year study showed that patients who saw a Chiropractor regularly experienced;

85% less pharmaceutical costs.

62% fewer surgeries

60% fewer hospital admissions

69% fewer days in a hospital

85% fewer outpatient procedures

Dr. Robert Renkin D.C.

You want a dentist with over 100 5-star reviews

You want a dentist with over 85 5-star reviews

“Dr. Ho is an excellent dentist that handles her patients with “kid gloves”. She is a caring person, plus a very “smart” dentist. If you have children in need of dentist or if you are a adult in need of dentist that will make your experience a good one, please give Dr. Ho a try. Thank you.” - Elton C., Richmond, CA

“Dr. Ho is an excellent dentist that handles her patients with “kid gloves”. She is a caring person, plus a very “smart” dentist. If you have children in need of dentist or if you are a adult in need of dentist that will make your experience a good one, please give Dr. Ho a try. Thank you.” - Elton C., Richmond, CA

“My Dentist office was amazing. Everyone is very nice. I have visited My Dentist for many years. Dr. Leong cleaned my teeth very gentle. She gave me several advice on how to keep my teeth healthy” - Tuong N.

“I absolutely love my dentist! She is very knowledgable and thorough with all her work, and she makes it known that every patient of hers is under good care. After my first visit for a routine cleaning I received a call from her staff and her personally to see how I was doing. After a couple of days I received a handwritten thank you card from Dr. Ho! For a busy dentist like herself to take time out of her day to write a thank you card for her patients says a lot now a days! Her staff is always friendly and helpful, most importantly I trust their honest good work on my teeth and overall health!!!“—Happy Patient

CREATION. X-Fit Training was created in 2010 by Joe Ruiz with the support of his wife, Victoria. Training family and friends in El Cerrito city parks, Joe perfected HITT curriculums through boot camp style workouts. The community was excited by these new classes and X-Fit began to grow. As Joe brainstormed new programs, he remembered some of his best memories growing up: playing sports and the coaches that positively influenced him. From this, the Lil’ Ninja Warrior and Kids Athletic Training programs were born. Through 2019, X-Fit Training thrived in El Cerrito.

SURVIVAL. In February 2020, Joe and Victoria (with their children, Joe and Ella) acquired the FitVerse gym in Pinole, totaling 200+ members between both locations. Within a month and a half of opening, Contra Costa County mandated the closure of all gyms due to COVID-19. Out of this challenge, outdoor format classes returned to X-Fit in May 2020. These classes provided X-Fit members with stress-relief, community, and a sense of normalcy from the comfort of their own 20x20 foot squares (drawn in chalk by the Ruiz kids). Still, only 20% of the members took part in outdoor classes. For the next year, surveys were sent to members and trainers, new classes were introduced, class times were tweaked, and fine-tuned. This was not the anticipated expansion of X-Fit that was planned when it acquired FitVerse at the beginning of the year. However, grit, determination, amazing members, phenomenal trainers/coaches, and classes got X-Fit Training back to 80% of the prepandemic member base.

GRATITUDE. X-Fit is immensely grateful for our members, clients, and trainers/coaches. They endured alongside X-Fit, and we are proud to be part of such a supportive community.

LFG 2023. Industrial fans, new windows to provide better airflow, and disinfecting protocols are now part of our gym along with exciting classes like boxing, reinvented muscle mass, TRX, group cycling, expanded Lil’ Ninja and Athletic Training programs. Our 4,200 square foot, 40+ classes/week facilities are buzzing and looking forward to YOU joining our community!

3 INTRO SESSIONS $35 ForOnly

DDS,

Azadeh Hosseini, DDS, and Zulema

Reverse Mortgage

• Pay off an existing mortgage to free up monthly cash flow

• Supplement other retirement incomes

• Make home renovations or modifications

• Purchase your next retirement home

Last year, Russell Doi helped me get a reverse mortgage. Working with him was comfortable and easy. I never felt pressured but always felt supported. My situation was a little complicated, but Russell was patient & made sure all the details and deadlines for the best rates were met. I’m also pleased that I can still contact Russell with questions or concerns as I move forward into my golden years.

*Borrower must maintain home as primary residence and remain current on property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, the costs of home maintenance, and any HOA fees. Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, Inc., NMLS 1025894. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act - California License 4131356. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and the document was not approved by HUD, FHA or any Government Agency. #607449994

By Jesssica Wright

So, you're driving along, carefree, and it happens: that scary "check engine" light pops up on your dash. Should you pull over? Should you run for cover? What's going on?

What A Check Engine Light Can Mean

What does this mean? Truth be told, just the light

popping on doesn't really give you a lot of information. However, you don't immediately have to pull over (unless the light is flashing - we'll talk about that later). Do get the car checked as soon as you possibly can, though, since some of the causes of a check engine light can cause severe damage if left unchecked.

Summary

Based on this information, you may be tempted to drive around with the check engine light on for a while. Don't give in to this temptation! This could be costly, and/or become a safety hazard, especially if you don't know the nature of the problem. As with many things in life, if you take care of the smaller problem now, it will often be less costly in the long run. And, it is less likely to leave you stranded at an inopportune time!

Dear Neighbors, Friends, and Clients, Happy New Year and Happy Lunar New Year! 2022 has been an amazing year! Our Ponytail Team had the opportunity to help over 80 families to achieve their real estate goals. We also had our successful client/friend Pie Giveaway Appreciation Event at Marina Bay Yacht Harbor. In addition, we had the opportunity to support many of the local charities in our community. The direction of the 2023 Real Estate Market continues to be ebatable. Some expect a bright market for Sellers, and others expect it to be more of a Buyer's market. The driving forces are the coming direction in interest rates and the job market. Time will tell. As always, if you have any questions, or if you just want to talk more about our local real estate market, I am just a phone call away. ing you all the best and looking forward to working with you on your real estate goals in 2023!

Sara Min Zhao

Offers services for planning ahead related to the mortuary. Many people purchase their cemetery property, plan their estates, etc. But they do not plan for the inevitable... planning ahead saves a great deal of grief and often the burden placed on family members who have to make hard decisions during an already difficult time. Planning ahead also locks into today’s costs and offers comfortable payment options.

Tigh, Liz Cardoza, & Rocky the Squirrel

VALENTINE’S DAY CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

Cookies

• 1 1/2cups powdered sugar

• 1cup butter, softened

• 1teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2teaspoon almond extract

• 1egg

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1teaspoon baking soda

• 1teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting

• 3 c powdered sugar

• 3 - 5 tablespoons milk

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla Red Food coloring

PREPARATION

In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond ext, & egg with electric mixer on med speed, or with spoon, until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Divide dough in half; shape dough into 2 disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

When ready. Heat oven to 375°F.

Roll each disk on lightly floured flat surface until 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters into heart shapes. On ungreased cookie sheets, place cutouts 2 inches apart.

Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.

In medium bowl, beat 3 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla with spoon until smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too stiff to spread, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time. Tint with the food coloring. Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Decorate as desired.

FEBRUARY 1-28: BOOK SALE AT THE RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY

10am-6pm. The Friends of the Richmond Public Library Monthly

Sale offering gently used books for $0.30, CDs & DVDs for $0.25, and BluRay discs for $1 with special box sets and books for $1$15! Books are sold daily at the Main, Bayview, and West Side libraries for $0.50 - $1 during regular library hours. We accept donations every Wednesday from at the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 510-20-6561. Funds raised support library programs for all ages.

FEBRUARY 9: EL CERRITO ART ASSOCIATION MEETING

6:30 - 8:30 pm General meeting and Program TBA, El Cerrito Community Center Garden Room. 7007 Moeser Ln, El Cerrito Free and open to the public, www.elcerritoart.org.

FEBRUARY 9: SUNRISE NETWORKING

8:30am - 9:45am. Hosted by: Bay Front, Crockett & El Sobrante Chambers, This BNI style event gives you the opportunity to meet other members of the business community on a more personal level. Have your two-minute elevator speech ready as everyone is given the opportunity to introduce themselves. Hosted by: Bay Front, Crockett & El Sobrante Chambers FREE Event. All members of the business community are welcome! Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr., Hercules.

FEBRUARY 14: PINOLE GARDEN CLUB MEETING

Tech Career Fair focus on helping companies achieve their diversity and inclusivity initiative with more diverse non-traditional candidates. www.eventbrite.com/e/career-fair-exclusive-techhiring-event-new-tickets-available-tickets-63049080497?aff=ebds sbcitybrowse

“We have had a great experience at St Joseph. I am very grateful that we found it, and my children have thrived here thanks to the warm and supportive community.”

“We have had a great experience at St Joseph. I am very grateful that we found it, and my children have thrived here thanks to the warm and supportive community.”

“We’ve always had good experiences with our children’s teachers. They clearly work really hard, take pride in what they do, and care a lot about the kids’ success.”

“We’ve always had good experiences with our children’s teachers. They clearly work really hard, take pride in what they do, and care a lot about the kids’ success.”

by Michael R. Nelson

• Free Consultations

• Same Day Emergency

• Walk-ins Welcome

• Family and Children’s Dentistry

• Braces, Invisalign, (Clear Braces)

• Dental Implants

• Sedation (For Your Comfort)

• Cosmetic Dentistry

• Root Canals

• Gum Treatment

• Extractions

• Crowns, Bridges, Dentures

• Latest Laser Technology

• Newest Technologies & Facility

• Highest Infection Control Standards

• Best of the Bay & Best of Hercules Award

• Payment Plans

• Accept Most Insurance Plans

• We Speak English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Punjabi & Hindi

“Dr Lin has done some wonderful work for me that has saved my teeth. He has the latest equipment and is so knowledgeable, thank you so much. The staff is wonderful-they always fit me in conveniently. And Michelle is the best!” - Louise H.