Walnut Creek, CA September 2025 by City Lifestyle

The Style Issue

FITNESS GRIT AND GRACE

LOCAL SERVICES

STYLE THAT GIVES BACK

Walnut Creek City Lifestyle Turns One!

This month marks a major milestone — Walnut Creek City Lifestyle turns one! With 12 issues under our belt, we’re filled with gratitude: for the stories we’ve told, for our advertisers, and most of all, for you — our readers — who have made it all possible. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives and allowing us to help connect this amazing community.

Our September issue is all about style — not just fashion, but home design, our fall favorites, and the everyday choices that reflect who we are and inspire those around us.

Our cover features Kailani Kimoto, a local realtor whose kindness and joy shine through as she models modern athleisure at Lifetime Fitness. Inside, we spotlight teachers in style as school resumes, and sustainable shopping through eco-conscious thrifting.

We’re also proud to share the story of Courtney Brockmeyer and the Sydney Paige Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that provides high-quality school supplies and confidence to students in underserved communities. Her story is a powerful reminder that style isn’t about labels, it’s about dignity and the belief that every child deserves to thrive.

And we’re absolutely thrilled to feature Kristi Yamaguchi — a true local legend. I remember watching her win Olympic gold and feeling so proud that she was from the Bay Area. Her dedication to children’s literacy through her Always Dream nonprofit continues to inspire.

As fall routines return and the summer temperatures linger, we hope this issue brings you a fresh perspective and renewed connection to your community.

Here’s to year two!

Warmly,

LAUREL KELLAM, PUBLISHER @WALNUTCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

September 2025

PUBLISHER

Laurel Kellam | laurel.kellam@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Hemananthani Sivanandam hema.sivanandam@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

McKenzie Walleshauser mckenzie.walleshauser@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Emily Viscia | emily.viscia@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lindsey Hickman, Cole Cronk, Ryan Phillips, Emily Viscia

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

McKenna Ingram

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7: Cheers to an unforgettable evening at the Walnut Creek Uncorked 2025 event recently. Wine lovers and attendees were treated to an evening of entertainment, live music, and fine wine.

Photography by Walnut Creek Downtown Association/Craig Isaacs, BlueGoo Photography.

GRIT AND GRACE

ARTICLE BY LINDSEY HICKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MCKENNA INGRAM

REALTOR KAILANI KIMOTO SHARES HER STRONG ROOTS AND STRONGER VISION

There's discipline, and then there's Kailani Kimoto. This Walnut Creekbased realtor has not just built her life on it; she embodies it.

Whether it's crushing early morning cardio, meticulously sculpting her physique for bodybuilding competitions, or negotiating contracts in Contra Costa County's dynamic housing market, Kailani's journey is a powerful blend of grit, grace, and service.

Kailani's story begins with a spark of boldness: "I was the first girl to try out for my high school football team—and I made it," she recalls.

That fearlessness would eventually carry her into the world of bodybuilding, a sport known as much for its mental demands as its physical ones.

"I was drawn to the discipline, and to the community," she says. "I wanted to be an example for my kids—show them that if mom could do it, they could do anything."

But success on the competition stage came with an unexpected cost. Like many athletes, Kailani faced a struggle with body image that she had hoped fitness might heal.

"I've struggled with body image my whole life," she says candidly, "I thought bodybuilding would fix that. But the leaner I got, the more I felt out of shape. It's something I still work through."

Everything changed in 2020. Like so many, Kailani was poised for a big year, training for a statewide competition. When the world shut down, it forced her to reevaluate her definition of wellness.

"That time made me realize (that) I don't need to train four hours a day or eat just fish and asparagus to be healthy. Real health is the trifecta—physical, mental, and spiritual."

Now, as one of Walnut Creek's top-producing real estate agents, Kailani brings that same holistic mindset to her business.

"It's one thing to be a realtor. It's another to connect," she says, "People aren't just transactions. They're people with real needs, and I'm the lucky person they trust to help them."

She credits bodybuilding for giving her the tenacity she brings to her career today.

"Every day is a chance to be better than yesterday," she says, "In real estate, no two clients are the same, just like no two workouts are the same. You have to listen to what's needed and adapt."

That discipline is evident in her daily routine: she wakes up at 5 a.m., journals, does fasted cardio with motivational sermons, works out with weights in the afternoon, and goes on six-mile hikes on Saturdays.

"It's not about consistency anymore," she laughs, "It's just who I am."

Style also plays a role, favoring fashion that suits her on-the-go lifestyle.

"I love comfort and style. I change out of work clothes into workout gear every day—it's where I feel most me. Confidence should come in a blazer or leggings."

Her success proves it. Kailani came in 2nd and 3rd place in statewide bodybuilding competitions, and in 2024, she was honored as a top producer and for having the best testimonials in her brokerage.

Most recently, she received an appreciation award from the Rossmoor Pickleball Club for her sponsorship and community support.

So what should buyers and sellers know about navigating Walnut Creek's real estate market landscape? Kailani breaks it down:

• The market is shifting—but not crashing.

"More inventory and softer prices give buyers leverage—but wellpriced homes still move fast."

• The luxury market is holding strong.

"Cash buyers and families continue to seek Walnut Creek for its lifestyle, schools, and location."

• Strategy is everything.

"In this market, success comes down to timing, presentation, and pricing."

Ultimately, Kailani sees her role as more than a realtor. "I'm here to help rebuild the sense of community that was lost during COVID," she says. "I want people to know they are seen, supported, and valued—not just another number."

And whether she's on a hike, at an open house, or repping her favorite athleisure line, Kailani Kimoto proves one truth over and over: strength starts within.

Style Highlight: Kailani's fitness apparel featured in this shoot was provided by Lifetime Fitness Athleisure Line.

New Office in Walnut Creek - Rossmoor Area

Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic Dermatology | Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Hayes B. Gladstone, MD

Double Board Certified, Dermatology/ Dermatologic Surgery

Fellowship Trained, Cosmetic Surgery

Former Director/Professor, Dermatologic Surgery Stanford University

Dr. Daniel Wall, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco Giants Dermatologist

Jaclyn Ballin, PA-C

Certified Dermatology

Physician Assistant

Walnut Creek (Tice Valley Plaza)

Call or Text: (925) 427-7000 | 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm, Friday 9:45am - 1:00pm

Call or Text: (925) 837-6000 | 3860 Blackhawk Rd #140, Danville, CA 94506

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm

Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream

Helping Bay Area Kids Discover Big Dreams Through Reading

Kristi Yamaguchi's journey from the ice rinks of Fremont to the top of the Olympic podium is a story about the power of dreaming big.

Born in Hayward and raised in the Bay Area, Kristi began skating at just six years old, lacing up her skates at the local rink in Southland Mall.

What began as a childhood fascination with the annual ice show evolved into a relentless pursuit of excellence. She trained before dawn throughout her childhood, hitting the ice by 5 a.m. and then heading to school.

"My parents had never skated before, so they didn't know what they were getting into," she recalls. "But maybe that was a good thing, because my mom ended up having to get up every morning at four."

ARTICLE BY RYAN PHILLIPS

Photo by the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose.

By the time she was 20, Kristi had won a gold medal in Women's Singles at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.

It was a life-changing moment. "I think it was just a culmination of 14 years of skating, training, ups and downs," says Kristi. "You only see the success at the end, but there were lots of challenges along the way."

She now spends her days as a literacy champion, leading the nonprofit organization she founded, Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream.

The organization focuses on tackling childhood illiteracy by putting books into the hands of Bay Area kids who need them most.

"Dreams start with education," she says. "I think kids have the greatest potential to reach their potential if they have a solid foundation of literacy."

The organization's "Always Reading" program provides families with books, digital resources, and strategies to cultivate a love of reading.

"We are building confidence in each child, nurturing the discovery of their unique voice, and inspiring them to dream bigger," says Kristi.

One story that stays with Kristi is that of a young boy named Israel who demonstrated the program's power: a reluctant reader transformed into a child with big dreams, all through discovering books that sparked his curiosity.

Israel discovered a book about the moon through the program, and that sparked his interest in outer space.

His family began seeking out more books about planets and space. Israel then declared he wanted to become an astronaut.

His father reflected that while it's just a dream now, he believes the program planted this aspiration in his son's mind through the power of books.

"It's simple things like that that make a difference in unlocking the imagination," she says.

Kristi is also a bestselling author of children's books. Her books often incorporate themes of perseverance, following one's dreams, and self-confidence, values she embodies from her skating career.

And yes, she still watches figure skating. Earlier this year, she traveled to Boston for the World Championships. "The sport's evolved," she says. "These kids are doing things we never dreamed of."

Her advice to young skaters following in her footsteps is simple: "Take group lessons to see if you really like it," she says. "Find a coach you connect with because they'll be the one standing at the side of the ice when you go out to compete all by yourself."

She urges skaters to dream big but emphasizes the importance of small goals along the way.

"Have a dream, and don't be afraid to dream big, like I dreamt of the Olympics," she says. "I didn't really know what that entailed as a young skater, but it was this big, aspirational dream for me."

Her love for the Bay Area runs deep. Despite living elsewhere during her career, she always felt pulled back to the region's diversity, innovation, and natural beauty.

She credits the area's spirit of dreaming big for shaping her journey." It's always home," she said. "It's hard to be anywhere else."

This October, the organization will host its annual Always Dream Gala at San Francisco's Palace Hotel -- a night of fundraising, storytelling, and dancing (courtesy of the San Francisco Giants' DJ Umami). Visit Alwaysdream.org/

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.

LEA HARRINGTON

confidence and comfort with back-toschool style

Educators share how they balance professionalism, personality and practicality

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY VISCIA

Preparing for the back-to-school season isn’t just for students—it’s also a fresh start for educators and school staff to step into the new year with confidence and style.

Carlie Polkinghorn

For Lea Harrington, an alumna and staff member at Carondelet High School in Concord, that means embracing what she calls a “casual professional” look.

“I like to keep things polished but relaxed,” she explains.

Her go-to pieces include tailored denim, crisp blouses, and comfortable boots or loafers. A bold accessory or colorful bag adds a personal touch, especially during the summer months.

In her dynamic role—connecting with alumnae, cultivating sponsor relationships, and coordinating events— her outfits need to strike the perfect balance between polish and practicality.

Keri Smith, a school psychologist at Twin Peaks and Greenbrook Elementary Schools in Danville, agrees that style, comfort, and professionalism are essential.

Fondly known as Mrs. Smith, Keri believes comfort boosts confidence and makes her more approachable— key traits when working closely with students.

She recalls the early days of her career, when dresses and heels were the norm. Now, her daily looks include structured blouses, T-shirts, jeans, and blazers.

She bases her clothing choices on the need for mobility and durability for her students, especially during art projects and fun activities.

She adds flair to her outfits by including accessories such as scarves and belts in bold colors or prints. A fun, color-coordinated purse is always a nice finishing touch, adding a stylish yet functional accent to any outfit.

Keri believes dressing professionally sets a positive example for her students, while comfort helps her be her best in the classroom.

At St. Mary School, teacher Carlie Polkinghorn approaches her backto-school style with wardrobe staples and playful self-expression.

Her classroom outfits often feature dresses or brightly colored pants paired with fun sneakers, sandals, or Doc Martens—reliable choices for someone on her feet all day.

She reminisces about her early days as a teacher, recalling the time and effort she once put into her makeup, hair, and formal outfits.

Over time, Carlie realized that focusing on efficiency and comfort helps her feel her best, for both her students and herself.

While she steers clear of classic jeans, Carlie focuses on stylish alternatives, such as colorful pants and maxi skirts.

Carlie believes fashion can influence how students perceive and connect with their teachers. It can also serve as a model of confidence— something she values deeply, especially for her younger students.

Carlie Polkinghorn

Keri Smith

Lea Harrington

Keri Smith

The Sydney Paige Foundation

Empowering Students With Quality School Supplies

Courtney Brockmeyer, the founder and CEO of the Sydney Paige Foundation, recognizes the importance of education and the necessity of school supplies to achieve academic success in the classroom.

This is why the foundation's primary goal is to provide low-income communities with quality school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, paper, folders, scissors, rulers, and other essential items.

To truly understand the needs of these students and their families, Courtney spent time interviewing teachers, social workers, and leaders from other nonprofits working in similar spaces.

"A lot of the students have very little to no supplies, often carrying their items in trash bags. If they're fortunate enough to own a backpack, these are usually the result of low-quality donations or are passed down second-hand," says Courtney. "Many of them come to school without lunch and have to walk long distances to school because they don't have transportation. Their parents, sometimes single mothers, are busy working to support their family as much as they can."

Providing students with quality supplies not only helps them become more prepared but also gives them more confidence. "If we only give students low-quality supplies, they will think that's all they deserve," she says.

ARTICLE BY COLE CRONK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE SYDNEY PAIGE FOUNDATION

Courtney believes that education is the number one route out of poverty. Yet, data shows that low-income students are six times more likely to drop out of school before graduating from high school. She became aware of these challenges at an early age. Her mom was a third-grade teacher at a Title 1 elementary school. Courtney often heard stories of students struggling, feeling helpless, and lacking self-worth.

Providing school supplies is a significant step in helping to prevent this from happening. Students are also encouraged to remember that they can help others as they get older and become successful themselves.

Courtney shared a heartwarming story during a corporate pack event, when a CEO at an incubating firm paused the room to tell his employees that he had once been that kid who was given a backpack, and that it had given him a new sense of self-confidence to get to where he is today.

The foundation was named after Courtney's kids to honor them and show them that women can be CEOs too. With a background in business, including her stint at Nestlé, Courtney leveraged her expertise. Nestlé later became the foundation's first corporate partner, participating in "pack outs" where employees write notes of encouragement for students and pack school supplies into Sydney Paige backpacks.

Since then, the foundation has expanded its impact through partnerships with other corporate entities, such as Google and Proactiv. Over 150,000 backpacks and 3.4 million school supplies have been donated to students to help them throughout their educational journey.

"The look on their faces when they receive these supplies is absolute joy," Courtney says. "At one event, a mother wept when watching her son color a picture with his new crayons, stating that she'd never seen him work so hard on something."

The foundation, established in 2013 with just three people, has since accomplished incredible work. Committed to making a broader impact, the foundation is exploring ways to enhance sustainability, including reducing packaging and waste in its products.

Looking ahead, Courtney hopes to expand support services in mental health and literacy. The foundation has already initiated book borrowing and ownership programs for this purpose. The foundation also plans to launch a student design contest, inviting young people to create their own backpack designs and help bring them to life.

The Foundation is hosting the "Color Of Impact' benefit in October. Visit Sydneypaige.org/