Northgate Living CA | December 2024

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

DECEMBER 2024

Meet the

Karimi Family:

Photo by Mehak Khullar Photography

a Local Love Story That Sparked in the City of Light

December

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Dec. 7 – Sun., Dec. 8 Handcrafted Holiday Sale @Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln. Join us for a weekend of holiday shopping with handcrafted items made by Community Arts’ teaching artists and students! This year’s Handcrafted Holiday Sale will include over 55 artist vendors across ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, collage, glass, jewelry, sewing, and more! There will be a special Kids Shopping Area hosted by the Clay Arts Guild - children can shop for holiday gifts for their friends and family and have their presents wrapped and ready to gift before they leave. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit arts scholarships thanks to the Community Arts Foundation and the Clay Arts Guild.

Shop local, shop creative with Center for Community Arts this holiday season! www.communityarts.org Cost: Free Time: 10am-4pm

Through Dec. 15 Holiday Faire @Shadelands Ranch Museum Since 1983, the Holiday Faire has been a seasonal tradition at Shadelands Ranch.

During this two-week event, the house is overflowing with beautiful handcrafted items and gifts of every description, offered by dozens of vendors. Admission and parking are free. wchistory.org for more information Cost: Free Time 10am-4pm daily

Through Jan. 12 Walnut Creek on Ice @Civic Park In its 19th year, this popular downtown activity will add new features this year including a tubing slide & more fire pits for an expanded rinkside experience. Private party rental available. www.walnutcreekonice.com Cost: $20 skate sessions Time: M-Th 3-10:30pm, F 1-1-:30pm, Sa 11am-10:30pm, Su 11am-8:30pm

Throughout December Drawn to Abstraction @Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Drawn to Abstraction: Prints from the 1960s and 70s captures the vibrancy of the emerging abstract movements during this time, including Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, and Pop Art. Experience an extraordinary collection of works on paper by artists now widely recognized as giants of 20th century art: Josef Albers, Max Ernst, Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Frank Philip Stella, and others. https://www.bedfordgallery.org/exhibitions.

Recurring all Fridays through December 15, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fridays will fill Bedford Gallery’s art space from 12:00–5:00 pm with the pulsating sounds of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll music from the 60s and 70s.

From Jefferson Airplane and The Doors to The Beatles and beyond, you’re invited to take in this extraordinary collection while reveling in the soundtrack of the psychedelic generation. Then, take inspiration from your groovy viewing experience and make an abstract work of your very own!

Cost: recommended $10, but open to all regardless of ability to pay Time: Gallery open from Wed.. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

Every Monday Free Yoga Class @1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26 Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the weekcome join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too.

Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.

Cost: FREE Time: 9-10am

Any day Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork.

More information: https://www.bedfordgallery. org/public-art/public-art-tours Cost: free

Every Saturday Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm

2

DECEMBER 2024

Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Meagan Patry Jo Peek

Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar

Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.”

You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

This December marks our 7 year anniversary of Northgate Living Magazine! We have learned a lot about our community and have had a blast doing it! We have many more wonderful families to feature and stories to share. On behalf of our publisher, Jo Peek, our photographer, Mehak Khullar Photography, myself, and all of our talented contributors, we want to thank you for letting us share the stories of our community. We also want to thank all of our sponsors for making Northgate Living Magazine possible. Our feature family this month is the Karimis, a young couple who grew up in the neighborhood and have moved back to raise their family here. I hope you enjoy their story and are reminded of all the reasons we love Northgate!

I’m wishing you all a happy holiday season. This December I will be counting my blessings and remembering how special it is to be with family.

I’m eager to hear from you and share your stories whether you have gardening or book tips, an adorable pet, an interesting adventure to share, a hobby, a recipe, a charity you’re involved with, or any other topic you think the Northgate neighbors would like to hear more about. I’m also looking for families to feature each month on the front cover. I believe that interesting stories don’t just come from celebrities, but from our own communities. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love it if you’d let me tell yours. Send your articles and photos to knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Look for us online too at www.NorthgateLivingCA.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

Warmly,

Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991 If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.

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Hours open:

Mon - Fri: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3

Expert Contributors Advertising - Print & Digital

Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.

Auto Service

Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.

Concierge Care Coordination

For over 20 years, Cam Jones has been serving the local community as a dedicated healthcare professional. She is a top patient advocate going into her tenth year in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation industry. Facilitating over 3000 patient admissions and having conducted over 900 home evaluations in the non-medical home care industry has equipped her with vast knowledge and a wide network. Cam is an expert with navigating individuals from hospital to home with a specialty dealing with healthcare insurances relative to inpatient rehabilitation facility coverage.

Design, Build & Remodeling

With 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results.

From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.

Residential Real Estate

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.

Storage Expert

At Shadelands Self-storage we provide peace of mind to our clients by offering a state of the art facility with video recorded surveillance and a real-time closed-circuit TV security monitoring station. In addition to our secured facilities, we have climate-controlled units, non-combustible construction and many additional features to fit your storing needs.

Northgate Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com Diablo Auto Specialists Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson 925-478-5721 1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com

Camalin “Cam” Jones La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149 camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.com Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200 info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

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4

DECEMBER 2024

The Path to Stardom: How to Be on the Cover of THIS Magazine!

Don’t think you have an interesting story? We hear this from neighbors often. We’ve got you covered! You’ll be surprised how interesting you really are! Your magazine has a great team of professionals ready to guide you on the simple, fast, and easy process of “Bringing People Together” through sharing your story on the cover of the magazine!

We’re here to set your mind at ease and explain the excitement behind how YOU can become a local star.

It Starts With You Maybe you’ve seen a neighbor on the cover of a recent edition, or you have a striking story that needs to be told. Either way, contacting Knavolio@bestversionmedia. com with your information is the first step to moving forward.

Give Us The Facts The next step is providing your story.

It’s as easy as describing your favorite

hobbies and restaurants in the area, what activities your family participates in within the neighborhood, and why you love your community. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire or complete a short interview. This process is entirely free and you can provide as much information as you’re comfortable with.

We would also like photos of your smiling family as they are out enjoying all our neighborhood has to offer. You’ll even get set up with our Photographer to capture professional photos of your family doing what they do best—having fun!

During this phase, you will also sign our Feature Article Release, a form that allows us to publish the information you provide.

Wait For The Magic Once you’ve sent off your completed questionnaire, our Content Coordinator will get started whipping up your article!

The best part? You’ll get a sneak peek of the story before it goes to print! We’ll give you an opportunity to review the story

Rita Dhillon Team

to ensure all facts are correct and that you’re happy with the information being shared! We know waiting is the hardest part, but during this time you’ll also be able to place an order to receive copies and share with all your friends and family.

And it’s as easy as that! Once the magazine appears in mailboxes, enjoy being a local star by sharing your story with your neighbors. We’d love to have you and your family grace the cover of our magazine, so reach out today and become a local star!

#1 Northgate Realtor TOTAL SALES VOLUME FROM 2003 - 2023

*

Rita Dhillon REALTOR®

925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990

Tim Dhillon REALTOR®

925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh REALTOR® 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature friend and owner of His & Hers Events, a local luxury events planning business.

The Karimis have two young children: Kaia and Kenji. The family of four all enjoy being active, staying in shape, playing sports and enjoying being out and about. Nima plays in a recreational basketball league and coaches Kenji’s AYSO soccer team. Kaia also plays soccer, gymnastics, and dances. Kaia loves arts & crafts and singing. She attends Walnut Acres Elementary School and loves her friends and teachers there. Her 5th birthday party was “Dive into Five” Mermaid party.

Kenji tries hard to keep up with his big sister.

He loves finding bugs and getting his hands dirty, getting dad to play sports with him in the backyard, and helping at the project sites with his “toolbox.” Kenji celebrated turning 4 with a Monster Jam party.

Meet the

Karimi Family

a Local Love Story That Sparked in the City of Light

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Karimi Family

N

ima and Heather both attended Northgate High School, meeting in 2005 through a mutual friend. Nima says, “although we were one grade apart, we had similar friend groups and would run into each other frequently. I asked her on a date in junior year but was turned down.” It took 10 years before they would go on that first date.

The Karimi family is fortunate to have most of their immediate family also living in Northgate, within one square mile of each other.

“Since we live so close to the family and grandparents/ cousins, it’s always very special and important to us that we all get together to celebrate all the holidays. Thanksgiving is usually always held by Heather’s family and then we host Christmas for the entire family to come in matching pajamas and open presents in the morning followed by tons of food,” adds Nima. They love to travel and see new places and are planning to take the kids to Japan this winter. It will be their first time meeting some of Nima’s relatives.

They also love their annual trips to Maui.

In 2015, by coincidence, their paths crossed again. Nima was in Paris with his sister, and Heather and a friend were in London but heading to Paris at the same time. Heather’s friend saw Nima’s Facebook post and commented, “See you in Paris.” Nima did not miss his opportunity. They all met up in Paris that night, and Nima asked Heather if she would go on a date when they returned to the U.S. This time she said yes.

Three years later they were married in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

After graduating from Northgate H.S., Nima attended San Jose State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. He works as a Regional Sales Manager for Commercial Energy of CA, a direct supplier of gas/power and an energy advisor to over 3,000 companies. He is also an active investor in real estate and manages 20+ units in the Bay Area. “Real estate has been a passion ever since I was a kid,” says Nima. They often attend Open House events looking for their next “project.” Nima adds, “We love finding original homes and creating a vision to bring it back to life!”

Heather finished Northgate H.S. in 2008 and then earned a BA from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). Her dream was to open a boutique store with her own line of children’s clothing.

While that dream is on the back burner, Heather is busy with raising her kids and working with her best 6

DECEMBER 2024

The Karimis are a “two dog family;” although Bailey just recently passed, Bella is still a loving companion to the whole family.

The Karimis already knew what makes Northgate special, having grown up here. “Our dream has always been to return to Northgate and raise our kids here,” says Nima. “We love the safety, wideopen streets, close-knit neighborhood. We like the fact that the kids can easily walk to school and

can grow up with friends in the neighborhood. We see a lot of familiar faces when practicing soccer at COP, gymnastics at Encore, or having dinner at Rocco’s. Since we are fairly new (having just moved back to Northgate this August), we look forward to being a part of the neighborhood again and meeting new people.”

Their next goals are to start their own family business focusing on real estate investments, property management, and private lending AND to continue teaching their kids that everything is possible with hard work.

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Do you want to love your home a little more?”

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After

Before

We worked with Gordon and his team for a complete remodel of our late 1960's kitchen, and we could not be more thrilled with the process or results.

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925-477-4953 WWW.GORDONREESE.COM NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7

Pet Corner

Joybound

Here are some of our adorable animals looking for love: CATS:

DOGS:

Looking for Love

By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound

Road King

Rook

Rowland

A

dopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Shep Joybound adoption fees: • • • • • •

$150 for an adult dog • $375 for a puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a special-needs dog • $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a senior dog (7+ years) • Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans •

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8

DECEMBER 2024

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

Real Estate Listings in Northgate Active Listings Address

List Price

736 Hutchinson Rd $3,360,000 3706 Waterford Ln $2,800,000 3994 Arbolado Dr $2,598,000

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

7 4 5

4.5 3.5 3

4,372 3,857 2,909

63 50 14

Pending Listings Address

List Price

BD

BT

SQFT

767 Buckingham Ct 440 Walnut Ave 233 Las Lomas Way 3122 Sugarberry Ct 3215 Deerpark Dr

$1,999,999 $1,699,000 $1,548,000 $1,498,000 $1,495,000

Sold Listings Address Sold Price

4 5 3 4 4

2.5 3 2 2.5 2

3,636 2,612 1,878 1,931 1,890

0 35 26 7 77

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

1077 Walnut Ave 3179 Arbolado Dr 254 Los Cerros Ave 359 Caravelle Dr

5 5 4 4

3 3 2 2.5

3,817 3,043 1,690 2,378

17 9 3 39

$2,125,000 $2,050,000 $1,850,000 $1,830,000

11/15/2024

DOM

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

Rita Dhillon Team

#1 Northgate Realtor TOTAL SALES VOLUME FROM 2003 - 2023

*

Rita Dhillon REALTOR®

925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990

Tim Dhillon REALTOR®

925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh REALTOR® 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

Expert Contributor

UNDERSTANDING ROI

By Jo Peek Expert Contributor

Building a solid brand identity for your local business is the key to long-term success. That said, how do you track the effectiveness of your branding efforts to ensure they are working?

Unlike call-to-action campaigns that can be tracked by the number of calls, website visits, or customers walking through the door, branding requires a different measurement style. Let’s take a look at determining your return on investment when it comes to branding your local business:

▶ MEASURING BRAND AWARENESS Branding helps businesses become more recognizable and memorable in the community. Businesses run branding campaigns to stay top-of-mind with both existing and potential customers, so the next time they’re in need of a product or service, they’ll know who to go to. Consider conducting a survey or gathering feedback from local residents. This will tell you a lot about who’s familiar with your business. Participating in community events can also help increase brand visibility while providing critical insights into how the community views your brand.

▶ ASSESSING BRAND LOYALTY Brand loyalty establishes an emotional connection with customers, which leads to a higher lifetime customer value. Look at your retention rates to assess the value of your branding efforts. Brand loyalty often leads to repeat customers, which means spending fewer resources acquiring new customers and more business from regular visitors. Host a loyalty program or special event for your returning customers to further enhance their commitment to your brand.

▶ EVALUATING BRAND EQUITY Brand equity is best described as the value your brand adds to a product or service. The higher your brand’s equity is, the more trustworthy and reliable you are to potential customers. You can measure brand equity by analyzing how customers view your business compared to competitors. Regularly review online feedback and ratings to provide insights into your brand’s standing in the market.

Collaborating with other reputable local businesses also enhances your brand equity and visibility, leading to increased customer trust.

UNLEASH YOUR BRAND’S POTENTIAL ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

To learn more contact: Jo Peek 925-951-7335 jpeek@bestversionmedia.com

10

DECEMBER 2024

Walnut Creek’s Youth Ambassador Program Encourages Exchanges with Sister Cities

By Fran Doggett, City of Walnut Creek

W

alnut Creek Sister Cities International (WCSCI) organizes a Youth Ambassador Exchange (YAE!!) for 8th grade students with our two sister cities: Noceto, Italy and Siófok, Hungary. On September 26th, seventeen 8th grade students, along with two parent chaperones and two teacher chaperones, departed on the adventure of a lifetime. They had been preparing for this trip for months, and now the day had come for their journey to begin. The mix of emotions felt by students, parents and organizers as they assembled to depart was palpable!

For ten days, the students and chaperones experienced life and culture in one of our sister cities. Each 8th grade ambassador was hosted by a family in their assigned sister city. They experienced day to day life in a foreign country, were exposed to rich culture and sights, and gained travel experience and a sense of independence.

In addition to the amazing experience, the delegations gained amazing friendships,

Noceto City Council Meeting

Noceto Welcome

far greater than they could imagine when this all began. The incredible warmth and welcoming from our sister cities, the students, families and communities, truly embodies the mission statement of WCSCI: Promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time YAE!! Ambassadors and families are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Noceto and Siófok delegations in April 2025. The students and families cannot wait to return the warmth and hospitality they received during their stay. This program not only brings students together, but it also brings families and communities together!

Seventh-graders residing in Walnut Creek and interested in becoming a YAE!! Ambassador for the 2025/2026 exchange must attend a mandatory informational meeting on January 21st, 2025, at the Walnut Creek Downtown Library in the Oak View Room from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please note that applications will not be considered if you are unable to attend this important meeting. To indicate your interest in attending, please email yae@wcsci.org. For more information, visit www.wcsci.org or reach out with any questions to yae@wcsci.org.

Siofok group in Budapest

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Non-Profit Spotlight

The Foundation of Well-being:

Understanding the Importance of Feeling Safe

By Dr. Allyson Mayo and Teri DeLaMontanya

R

ecently, Behavioral Fitness expanded its horizons with the opening of a new, larger space, welcoming individuals and groups into an environment designed with mental well-being in mind. Among the positive echoes from our first groups, one sentiment distinctly stands out: “I feel safe being here.” This reflection is a profound reminder of the fundamental role that feeling safe plays in our overall health and well-being. Feeling safe is like a gateway, not just for immediate comfort but for unlocking deeper levels of insight, facilitating stress reduction, and enabling the crucial practice of downshifting, as highlighted by research from Blue Zones, essential for longevity.

The concept of safety goes beyond the absence of physical threat, encompassing emotional and psychological dimensions. Feeling safe is a precursor for genuine self-exploration and healing. So, how do you recognize when you are in a state of emotional and psychological safety? Here are a few indicators: 1.

Ease of Being Yourself: When you feel safe, there’s an inherent comfort in being your authentic self. You don’t feel the need to wear masks or hide aspects of your personality.

This authenticity is a key indicator of emotional safety.

2.

Openness to Vulnerability: A willingness to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences that you usually guard is a sign of feeling psychologically safe. In such environments, the fear of judgment or rejection diminishes significantly.

3.

4.

Physical Relaxation: Safety is not just a state of mind; it’s embodied. A notable absence of physical tension, ease in breathing, and a general sense of relaxation can signal that you feel safe.

Engagement and Connection: Feeling safe enhances your capacity to connect and engage with others. It activates the social engagement system, as described by polyvagal theory, facilitating meaningful interactions and strengthening relationships.

5.

Resilience to Stress: When you’re in a safe environment, your ability to manage stress improves. You notice a shift towards responding rather than reacting to stressors, indicative of a more regulated nervous system.

Polyvagal theory, the science of feeling safe, offers a biological explanation for these experiences, emphasizing the importance of the body’s response in creating a sense of safety. This theory illustrates how safety is essential for activating the pathways in our nervous system that support calm, growth, and restoration.

As we continue to foster environments that prioritize emotional and psychological safety, like the new space at Behavioral Fitness, we not only support individual well-being but also contribute to a more empathetic, connected society. Recognizing and seeking out spaces where we feel emotionally and psychologically safe is not just beneficial—it’s vital for our mental health and overall longevity.

Checklist for Emotional and Psychological safety:

I can be myself

I can share openly

I feel relaxed in my body

I’m socially engaged

I’m responding vs reacting to stress

Behavioral Fitness is on a mission to help people live better. https://www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com

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DECEMBER 2024

Expert Contributor

Now’s the Time to Dream: Why Winter is the Perfect Season to Plan Your Remodel!

By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008

A

s the winter season brings a slower pace, it offers a unique opportunity to reflect on your home and imagine ways to improve its comfort, style, and function. Now is the ideal time to start dreaming about a remodel, setting the foundation for a project that could transform your living space by 2025. If you’ve been considering how to better suit your home to your family’s lifestyle, remodeling offers an exciting chance to make those dreams a reality. Here are some reasons why planning now is the first step toward a home that better serves you and your family.

Create More Space and Better Flow As family needs evolve, many homeowners find that their homes start to feel cramped. Whether it’s adding more bedrooms, expanding the kitchen, or creating a dedicated home office, remodeling can make your home feel spacious and inviting. For those who love entertaining, open-concept layouts create seamless flow between rooms, making gatherings more enjoyable. Dreaming about these possibilities now can lead to a project that delivers a more expansive, functional space by 2025.

Improve Functionality for Your Lifestyle Your home should support your daily life and routines, and remodeling is an opportunity to customize spaces to suit your needs. If your kitchen lacks efficient storage or your bathrooms feel outdated, a remodel can transform these rooms into highly functional, beautiful spaces. Adding a home office, creating a workout room, or modernizing storage solutions can elevate your home’s convenience and adaptability, especially as remote work and at-home activities become more common.

Enhance Safety and Comfort Safety is essential, and a remodel can address common concerns that arise in older homes, such as outdated wiring, aging plumbing, and structural issues. These upgrades can help prevent unexpected repair costs down the road while increasing peace of mind.

Comfort is equally important, and improvements like energyefficient windows, updated insulation, or a modern HVAC system make your home more comfortable and can reduce energy bills.

Save Money by Remodeling Rather Than Moving As housing costs and interest rates remain high, remodeling can be a financially smart choice. Moving involves numerous expenses, including real estate fees, moving costs, and potentially higher mortgage payments. If you’re happy with your neighborhood and community, remodeling allows you to improve your space without the stress of relocation. With careful planning, you can achieve a “new home” feel while staying in the location you love.

updates, as well as adding energy-efficient features, tend to yield a strong return on investment. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, increasing your home’s value now can make it a valuable asset for years to come.

Take Advantage of the Planning Season Winter offers an ideal window for the initial planning phase of your remodel. With the slower pace of the season, you can take the time to consider all the details, from design styles to functional layouts, without feeling rushed. Thoughtful planning now ensures a smoother project and increases the chances of securing a timeline that will lead to a 2025 completion.

By starting now, you’re giving yourself the gift of time to explore ideas, talk to family members, and consult with professionals.

This early planning allows you to secure design and construction services before spring and summer schedules fill up, setting you up for a more efficient process.

Make Your Dreams a Reality Winter is the perfect season to reflect, dream, and plan. By considering a remodel now, you can take steps toward a home that better fits your lifestyle, offers comfort, and provides the beauty you’ve always envisioned. A thoughtfully planned remodel is an investment not only in your home’s value but also in your family’s enjoyment and daily life.

Increase Your Home’s Value A well-designed remodel can significantly increase your home’s value, which is especially advantageous if you’re thinking of selling in the future. Popular renovations like kitchen and bathroom

At Gordon Reese Design Build, we’re here to help you turn these dreams into reality. With our experience and commitment to excellence, we’ll guide you through the design and planning process, ensuring your project is executed smoothly within your investment range and is ready to be enjoyed in 2025. Contact us to start your journey toward a home that truly meets your needs and reflects your style.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

Food, Wine & Entertaining

Get Ready to Ring in the

New Year in Style!

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

G

et your glittery outfits ready—it’s time to party like it’s 1999!

Whether you’re joining the festive crowds in San Francisco, hosting an intimate gathering at home, or keeping it simple with a quiet celebration, New Year’s Eve is almost here.

Did you know that in Latin America, throwing a bucket of water out the window symbolizes cleansing and renewal for the year ahead? Or that in Scotland, the tradition of “first-footing” is believed to determine whether your household will have good luck or misfortune in the coming year? And in Ireland, families bang loaves of Christmas bread against the walls and doors to ward off evil spirits and pave the way for a prosperous, healthy year?

While I may not adopt all of these traditions, I do believe the most important part of New Year’s Eve is creating a celebration that brings you joy and happiness. My husband and I typically celebrate with a bit of bubbly, some delicious wine, and a variety of small bites. Sometimes we share the evening with friends, other times it’s just the two of us (and our Havanese pups). For a smaller gathering, I love preparing a spread of appetizers, a signature cocktail, and an easy dessert. A few of my go-to cocktails include The Last Word, Aperol Spritz, and a refreshing Pomegranate Prosecco.

3.

Caramelized Onion & Crispy Prosciutto Bites – Toast 1.5-inch rounds of brioche bread, add caramelized onions, a dollop of fig jam, and top with crispy prosciutto. Garnish with microgreens or fresh chives for an extra touch.

To make the evening even more memorable, I love picking up fun, festive hats, paper horns, and streamers, and even setting up a “step and repeat” backdrop with props for photo-worthy moments. To keep the energy high, we often pull out some classic party games like Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, or Two Truths and a Lie. If your group is up for it, Cards Against Humanity can be a hilarious choice—just be prepared for some laughs!

Here are a few simple and festive appetizer ideas that are always a hit: 1.

Individual Crudité – Serve bite-sized portions in small glasses with a dollop of your favorite sour cream-based dip, topped with a colorful array of veggies like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, asparagus, and endive leaves.

2.

Deviled Eggs – Use a pastry bag with a star tip to pipe the egg mixture and top with crushed potato chips for a fun, crunchy twist.

There’s truly something special about watching the sparkling crystal ball drop in Times Square from the comfort of your home, singing *Auld Lang Syne*, and toasting with bubbly as the clock strikes midnight. Here’s to a New Year filled with happiness, good health, and prosperity. Wishing all the readers of Northgate Living Magazine a fabulous 2025—Cheers!

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet) 14

DECEMBER 2024

Charity Spotlight

Love art and kids?

Become a Volunteer Docent at the Bedford Gallery!

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR PEOPLE AND PETS

By Cathy LaRocca, Docent Membership Chair

I This Giving Tuesday, your gift to Joybound automatically doubles during our limited-time holiday match. Donate today!

joybound.org/donate

f you enjoy children and are interested in learning more about art, we want YOU!! Remember the days of helping in your kids’ classroom and the joy of helping them make art? The Docents at the Bedford Gallery, housed in the Lesher Center for the Arts, are accepting new members! Please consider joining us. Our training sessions start in January.

No experience necessary!!

The Bg Docents provide art education in engaging ways to Contra Costa schools both in the gallery and in their classrooms. We have a great time talking with students about the themes and principles in the art around them. You will be amazed at how students express their ideas about what they are seeing and experiencing. We top off the morning in the art room, where they make art based on what they just saw in the gallery.

Our 6-session training program will give you all the tools you need to engage with the students. A mentor will assist you.

We work in small groups (1 docent/5 students). Docent membership also provides unique opportunities to meet our exhibition artists, attend artsy field trips in the Bay Area, social activities and … make new friendships!

Our upcoming Docent Training Class will meet for three weeks, twice per

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The Red Road Project. Photo courtesy of MacKenzie Crane.

week, starting at the end of January. We provide touring tips for each show and share ideas with each other. Once trained, you will take groups on tours on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings.

To find out more information, call or email Kim Crane at kcrane@bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1416.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Thank you Northgate Community for your trust and confidence in 2024!

KATHY’S 2024 YTD SALES ACTIVITY* 15 SOLD • 3 PENDING • 2 ACTIVE *AS OF 11/10/24

NORTHGATE TOP AGENT (925) 980-3951 | NorthgateTeam.com | CA BRE # 01720632 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE RELIANCE PARTNERS 1555 Riviera Drive Suite E Walnut Creek, CA. 94596