The Explore Issue
SLOWING DOWN IN NAPA VALLEY
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Gladstone Clinic Patient
The Passion of Italy Meets the elegance of France
La Fontaine took its name from the great 17th Century French poet and fabulist, Jean de la Fontaine. Just like La Fontaine’s colorful imagery, our food is filled with colorful spices from France and Italy. This style of cuisine is called Provençale, the best of both worlds in Southern Europe.
3 Course Menu For Two. Choose two starters, two entrees, and two desserts for $125. Sunday-Thursday
We know the value of enjoying an authentic meal with family, friends, and colleagues. Let us share our love of food with you.
Leaping Into Summer
Summer has a way of making us want to get out, try something new, and take advantage of everything around us — which made “Explore” the perfect theme for our July issue.
This month, we feature a getaway to Yountville, one of those destinations that feels like an easy escape without needing to travel far. From great food and wine to beautiful scenery, it’s a reminder that there are countless incredible experiences right here in Northern California.
We also take a look at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris — the historic event that helped put Napa Valley wines on the world map. It’s a fun piece of California wine history and a great story to revisit.
Closer to home, we’re highlighting East Bay hiking trails and outdoor spots worth exploring this summer. One of the best parts of living here is having access to so many beautiful places just a short drive away.
Whether your summer plans include travel, wine country weekends, local hikes, or simply spending more time outdoors, I hope this issue gives you a few ideas for places to explore this season.
Happy Summer!
LAUREL KELLAM,
PUBLISHER
@WALNUTCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Laurel Kellam
laurel.kellam@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Hemananthani Sivanandam
hema.sivanandam@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ryan Phillips, Gina Mannucci
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
The Subaru Love Promise Subaru and Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. Through the five core pillars - Environment, Health, Education, Pets and Community - we aim to create change in the areas we and our owners care about the most.
Hosting an onsite adoption with Joybound People & Pets to help shelter animals find their forever home.
In honor of Earth day, and with the help from Arbor Day Foundation, we will be gifting and planting 100 trees.
Partnering with AdoptAClassroom.Org to adopt 10 classrooms at Ygnacio Valley High School and donate 10 Classroom kits.
Working with Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley-Rocketship Futuro Academy to provide new high quality coats to children in need.
With the help from Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, we are bringing warmth and comfort to patients by donating blankets and care kits to aid during treatment.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Creating musical memories, one stroke at a time. The Painted Pianos is a community-based art project by the Walnut Creek Downtown Association. Funded through donations and sponsorship from the downtown business community, the project gives artists and the public a chance to share their talents.
Photography Courtesy of Walnut Creek Downtown Association/Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo Photography
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A Romantic Weekend in Yountville
ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOTEL YOUNTVILLE RESORT & SPA
The Napa Valley Escape That Felt Effortless
Some anniversaries call for a big trip. Others—especially in the thick of busy schedules, kids’ activities, and everyday life—call for something simpler. One that’s easier to execute, but still far enough away to give you real time together.
This year, that’s exactly what we needed.
Instead of flights and overplanning, my husband and I opted for something refreshingly easy—a quick 45-minute drive up to Yountville. Tucked into the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville sits just north of downtown Napa, but feels worlds away from the busier, more spread-out parts of the valley. It’s smaller, quieter, and incredibly walkable—more of a village than a city—which is exactly what makes it so appealing for a quick escape.
This getaway ended up being less about the anniversary itself and more about finally having uninterrupted time together.
We chose to spend the night at Hotel Yountville for our anniversary—a decision that felt right the moment we pulled in. The property, recently refreshed, feels more like a tucked-away villa than a traditional hotel. Our room was one of those spaces you don’t want to leave—a large, spa-like bathroom with a beautifully tiled floor and oversized shower, a cozy fireplace, a sitting area, and a private patio that made the room feel secluded and special.
It felt elevated, but never in a way that made you feel out of place. More like borrowing someone’s really well-designed home for the night.
We spent the afternoon exactly how you’d hope to spend an anniversary: slowly. A kid-free day of wine tasting, walking from
Photo by Studio 96’ Productions
“It wasn’t defined by any one moment, but by how easy it all felt. While others were in TSA lines, we were sitting outside, laughing over pastries.”
one spot to the next, not rushing anything. That’s one of the best parts of Yountville—it’s all right there. No driving, no coordinating, just wandering.
After wine tasting, we made our way back to the hotel spa, and this was easily one of the highlights of the trip. I booked the “Paired and Pressed” massage treatment. It starts with a warm, wine-inspired massage candle that melts into a silky oil for a full-body massage, then transitions to a scalp treatment with organic hair oil and a mineral gua sha comb. The entire experience is designed to slow you down, and even includes a glass of wine to enjoy during the treatment. You leave not just relaxed, but completely reset—and with the candle to take home.
Dinner that night was just a short stroll over to Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono Hotel. The setting alone made the evening modern and sleek yet warm, with the option to sit outside and take in the beautiful surroundings.
There’s something about dining outdoors in Napa Valley that instantly shifts your mindset. We found ourselves lingering longer than planned, not wanting to break the rhythm of the night.
The next morning, we kept things just as simple. A walk to Bouchon Bakery for coffee, quiche, and pastries—no reservations, no plans, no need for the car.
It wasn’t defined by any one moment, but by how easy it all felt. While others were in TSA lines, we were sitting outside, laughing over pastries.
Back at the hotel, we lingered a little longer than we needed to—coffee on the patio, one more moment by the fireplace, not quite ready to shift back into real life. The staff made everything feel seamless, never intrusive but always there when you needed something. It’s the kind of place where you don’t have to think too much.
For us, this anniversary wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing less, together.
And sometimes, the best kind of escape isn’t far at all—it’s just far enough to remind you to slow down.
behind the baton
An Interview with California Symphony’s Donato Cabrera
For Donato Cabrera, the artistic and music director of the California Symphony, the work that matters most happens long before he steps onto the stage.
“I’m a process person,” he said. “The 0.1 percent of my job is actually conducting the concert. It’s the icing on the cake. The majority of things that are happening no one sees.”
That unseen work—from selecting every piece to shaping each season’s narrative—is what he loves most.
Cabrera frequently compares conducting to coaching. For him, those two hours in front of an audience are a celebration of the ten hours of rehearsals that came before.
“I’m the only person on stage not making music, just like the coach is the only person on the field not doing the play,” he said. “My job at the concert is reaffirming, yes, that’s exactly what we rehearsed .”
This desire for connection extends beyond the orchestra itself; Cabrera thinks constantly about the people sitting in the hall. He notes that while a three-minute pop song is easily digested, classical music is further removed from daily life.
He offers a sports analogy: it is hard to enjoy a football game without a basic understanding of the rules.
Classical music is similar, he said.
ARTICLE BY RYAN PHILLIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN LOKEN
Because of this, when Cabrera walks on stage, he offers the audience a brief introduction to each piece, asking them to listen for a particular trumpet solo or a special moment.
“Every outward-facing word is there to help anyone come to the concert feeling like they belong,” Cabrera says. “You just need a little more information. Humans are curious animals, and if you satisfy that curiosity just a bit, it goes a long way.”
Cabrera’s own musical curiosity knows no borders, spanning a continuous tapestry from Brahms and Wagner to Miles Davis, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash.
“To great musicians, all music is music,” he said. “The dividing lines between jazz, rock, classical, country, and Chilean folk dancing don’t exist. I find the connections so inspiring.”
He brings that same spirit of connection to the California Symphony’s upcoming season. He is especially excited to conduct John Adams’ Violin Concerto. Adams, a Berkeley resident and one
of the world’s greatest living composers, turns 80 next year.
“Because of the connection I’ve had with John over the years, he has agreed to come to all our rehearsals,” Cabrera said.
The season also features a Bay Area premiere of a cello concerto by Jennifer Higdon and a piece by Manuel de Falla with pianist Tanya Gabrielian, who grew up in the East Bay.
When asked what carried him to this moment, Cabrera does not talk about accolades. He talks about people.
“You always feel you are resting on the shoulders of the giants who bothered to acknowledge you at the perfect time in your life when you needed affirmation,” he said.
He recalls a recent concert when a 94-yearold man who studied piano at Juilliard asked to thank him for programming a concerto he had loved his whole life.
“Humans are curious animals, and if you satisfy that curiosity just a bit, it goes a long way.”
“I felt very privileged to hear those words,” Cabrera said.
He looks forward to performing in Walnut Creek, where he especially appreciates the weather and the downtown.
“It has a wonderful village aspect, running into people you may know,” he said.
His invitation to new listeners is simply to give the music a chance.
“We want people who have never been to a classical concert to feel that connection to all the music they already like,” he said. “We are there to make that connection.”
ARTICLE BY LAUREL KELLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS
THE WINERY THAT CHANGED CALIFORNIA WINE FOREVER
A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON AT STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS
On our trip to Yountville, we knew we wanted to go wine tasting— but not in a rushed, check-the-box kind of way. We wanted to slow down, pick one place, and actually enjoy it. That’s what led us to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars—and it ended up being exactly what we were looking for.
As we settled in, our host pointed out the dramatic rock formations rising just beyond the vineyards. Legend has it that a stag, chased by hunters, made a daring leap across a jagged gap in those formations just beyond the vineyards—somehow clearing it and escaping into the hills. Sitting there with a glass in hand and looking up at the peaks, the story made the whole valley feel a little more alive.
Of course, this is also the winery tied to the famous Judgment of Paris—the historic moment in 1976 when a Napa Valley Cabernet unexpectedly beat top French wines in a blind tasting, changing
how the world viewed California wine. What I didn’t realize until we were there was how young the winery actually was. It had been founded just a few years earlier, with a 1973 Cabernet that went on to win it all. It’s a legacy made even more special because this year marks the 50th anniversary of that historic win.
Our tasting started with a crisp Chardonnay, before diving into their Cabernets–tasting the two side by side from different parts of the estate. Our host explained the differences without making it complicated; how the fog rolling in each morning and the soil shaped each wine. It made you pay attention in a fun way, a way that actually had us noticing the differences in flavor rather than just nodding along.
At one point, we mentioned we were visiting to celebrate our anniversary, and he quietly returned with a special pour for us. It was a small, thoughtful touch that made a big impression.
The award winning wine. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973
S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon
We ended up staying much longer than we planned, lingering over our glass and looking out over the vineyards, not in any hurry to leave. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to “do” Napa the right way, but our afternoon at Stag’s Leap was a perfect reminder to me that sometimes the best experiences are the ones where you slow down and let it unfold a bit.
If you’re heading to Napa this year, especially with the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, this is absolutely worth a stop. Not just for the exceptional wine, but for an experience that feels easy, welcoming, and memorable—whether you’re celebrating something or just looking for a really good afternoon.
For more on the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris—including participating wineries, events, and travel ideas—visit jop50.com
Exploring Nature
Discovering East Bay Trails
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINA MANNUCCI
Shell Ridge
At the edge of Walnut Creek, Shell Ridge unfolds like a historical East Bay frontier, with windswept ridgelines, fossil-lined hills, and grasslands stretching toward Mount Diablo. It is a landscape shaped by history and well known for its spring wildflower blooms and golden California poppies, which attract hikers and photographers from across the Bay Area. Historically, ShellRidge was named for the marine fossils embedded in the hillsides, evidence that the region was once underwater millions of years ago. It is also home to historic sites like Howe Homestead Park and the Borges Ranch area, which reflect Contra Costa County’s ranching history. The preserve is closely connected to Diablo Foothills Regional Park and trails leading toward Mount Diablo, making it a central hub for East Bay outdoor exploration.
Lime Ridge
Lime Ridge has been a long-time favorite for trail runners, mountain bikers, photographers, and hikers. Spanning between Walnut Creek and Concord, the landscape unfolds in a series of winding fire roads, rugged single-track trails, hidden valleys, and sweeping overlooks. Millions of years ago, this region lay beneath an ancient inland sea, leaving behind limestone deposits that later shaped the preserve’s identity. Lime Ridge takes its name from the limestone quarrying operations that occupied portions of the hills throughout the early twentieth century, remnants of which can still be found along certain trails.
The spirit of exploration thrives in the East Bay’s trails. These trails are an invitation to experience a seamless transition from bustling city blocks to wide-open ridges and serenity. They are versatile, and every adventure reveals a different facet of the region’s evolving landscape. Whether you are looking for ancient history, a rugged workout, or a casual weekend stroll, these four distinct paths around Contra Costa County are absolutely worth a visit.
Iron Horse Regional Trail
Stretching through the heart of Contra Costa County, the Iron Horse Regional Trail offers an exploration defined by the region’s suburban landscape, sycamores and oak trees, with open stretches of rolling hills. The trail’s gentle terrain makes it ideal for long walks, casual bike rides, and jogging. Iron Horse Trail also serves as a recreational landmark, as it was originally built along the former Southern Pacific Railroad route. The trail was transformed into a versatile greenway that now supports walking, running, cycling, skating, and commuting throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
Acalanes Ridge
For those seeking a smaller and scenic experience, Acalanes Ridge Open Space offers one of Walnut Creek’s most rewarding experiences. Located on the northwestern edge of the city above the Interstate 680 and Highway 24 interchange, this compact greenbelt forms a natural boundary between Walnut Creek and Lafayette. It is a network of short trails, making it ideal for quick hikes and walks, offering scenic views.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
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JULY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 8TH
Locust St. Festival in Events
Locust St. Festival | 5:00 PM
Mark your calendars for an epic street festival series, held in July and August. Join this vibrant street festival in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek! This is a free public event, and all are welcome... including your furry friends. Visit: https://walnutcreekdowntown. com/events/locust-street-festival
JULY 11TH
Curator-led Tour – Agaves: Icons of the Garden
The Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek | 11:30 AM
If you’ve always been curious about agaves, then join curator Brian Kemble and horticulturist Michael Rada for a special guided tour through Ruth Bancroft’s agave collection. You’ll encounter striking specimens in bloom, rare species, and unique hybrids, while gaining insight into agaves in their natural habitats.
JULY 18TH Makers Market
Broadway Plaza Street, Walnut Creek | 11:00 AM
Enjoy the Makers Market fair featuring live music, great food, and wonderful products from local makers. Stop by and enjoy the great vibes and support your community by shopping local.
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