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Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

DECEMBER 2021

Northgate LIVING CA

Meet the Koth-Swaminathan Family: Living life to the fullest Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

Our Schools

Congratulatins

to two Northgate High School Students By Cherise Khaund, MDUSD School Board President, Resident since 2012

ongratulations to two Northgate High School students – Senior Evan Leach and Junior Jennifer Huang – who earned perfect scores on college-level Advanced Placement® (AP®) Computer Science Exams in spring 2021!

school’s student leadership program. These students worked hard during the pandemic work at home times to study and prepare for these tests!

Leach was one of only 356 of students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP Computer Science A Exam, and Huang was one of only 335 students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP Computer Science Principles Exam. Leach has a GPA of 4.40 and is an accomplished cross country runner, serving as team captain this year. Huang has a 4.33 GPA and is active in the

Find Superintendent Dr Clark’s weekly updates at https://mdusd.org/superintendent Read Cherise Khaund’s blog: https://www. cherisekhaund.com/ Follow MDUSD and schools on social media: https://mdusd.org/ https://www. facebook.com/MDUSDnews https://twitter. com/MtDiabloUSD https://www.instagram. com/mtdiablounified/

For more information:

Valle Verde Elementary Volunteers

Revitalize Garden Spaces By Cherise Khaund, MDUSD School Board President, Resident since 2012 Hi neighbors, This month I want to share with you an exciting Walnut Creek Community Service Day project that benefited our public schools. Volunteers Jane Klinger and Renee Gregg led the ambitious project at Valle Verde Elementary School to build 6 planter beds for vegetables, wildflowers and fruits, plant several fruit trees and create a California native habitat garden to learn about water conservation, the reduction of pesticide use, and inviting beneficial pollinators. Jane and Renee are parents at Valle Verde, and they thank the entire VV community and generous donations from local businesses for making this possible, especially Lisa and Ryan Pappas who put their woodworking skills to use on the garden beds - they even built a little bridge and benches from reclaimed fence wood. Inspired by MDUSD’s Growing Healthy Kids program, these outdoor learning spaces will allow Valle Verde to better teach Next Generation Science Standards and other Common Core Standards during the school day. Planting is already underway - together with parent volunteers, teachers have led their students in planting winter crops, an apple tree, a mandarin orange tree and wildflowers. They are excited to (literally) see and eat the fruits of their labor soon! For more information:

Find Superintendent Dr Clark’s weekly updates at https://mdusd.org/superintendent Read Cherise Khaund’s blog: https://www.cherisekhaund.com/ Follow MDUSD and schools on social media: https://mdusd.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MDUSDnews https://twitter.com/MtDiabloUSD https://www.instagram.com/mtdiablounified/ 2

DECEMBER 2021

Table of Contents Congratulatins to two Northgate High School Students Valle Verde Elementary Volunteers Revitalize Garden Spaces

Letter to Residents

Expert Contributors List

Meet the Koth-Swaminathan Family: Living life to the fullest

ARF Adoption Stars

Real Estate Statistics

Calendar of Events

Eleven Signs Your Child May Need an Orthodontic Consultation

Show us your best shot of Mt. Diablo

It’s an Ace! Advantage, Raihan

Hey, Sports Fans!

Pass the cookies!

Finding the Right Remodeling Company

Admissions Season is in the Air

Our Schools

Cover Article

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPTS Award-Winning Holistic Clinic

Telehealth visits

Immune Support Nutrition & Weight IBS & Gut Health Hormone Health Thyroid Health Heart Health ADHD & Mood Issues

We have practitioners seeing patients in most of the US, Europe, UK Canada, & Australia. (925)788-6300

WEEKLY FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE PSYCHOTHERAPY, MASSAGE, ACUPUNCTURE

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Expert Contributor

Local sports

Local Sports

Expert Contributor Expert Contributor

Self-Care for Busy Parents

Update on re-opening of Ygnacio Valley Library

The Holidays Are Here – And No Need to Fear!

Expert Contributor

Our community library

Expert Contributor

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3

Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire

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.

This December marks our 4 year anniversary of Northgate Living Magazine! We have learned a lot about our community over the past 48 months 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, Julie Cheshire 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 CA Magazine possible. Check out all of the photos of Mt. Diablo to celebrate the park’s 100th Anniversary and our feature family story on page 6, Christine and Shri and thier busy, blended family who live life to the fullest each day. I’m wishing you all a happy holiday season. This year, especially, 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

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. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

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DECEMBER 2021

Expert Contributors Dentist

Dr. Brian Hockel graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1989 and has practiced dentistry for over 30 years next door to the Ygnacio Valley Library on Oak Grove Road. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Hockel is active in several professional organizations. He combines his cosmetic, orthodontic, airway treatment and gnathology skills to bring about great changes in people’s smiles and health.

Design, Build & Remodeling

With over 35 years in business, our National Award-Winning Design Build firm has abundant experience with creating your dream space as your friend in the remodeling business! We design and remodel kitchens, baths, whole houses, and additions; from concept through completion, our highly skilled team of professionals are knowledgeable when it comes to transforming your living space. Great ideas, communication, and execution distinguish our process with award-winning results!

Financial Advice

For over 17 years, Chris has been working with families in Walnut Creek and the surrounding area. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he engages people with all aspects of money management. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, he is a huge fan of the outdoors, vintage cars and Minnesota Vikings. Chris has given back to the community by coaching and mentoring youth, organizing food drives, and lending professional services for those in need. He lives in the Diablo Shadows neighborhood with his wife and son.

Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP discovered the power of Functional Medicine first hand when a “mystery illness” left her declared permanently disabled. Unwilling to accept that diagnosis, she fought back and launched Body Love Cafe, an award-winning holistic health clinic. BLC is all about natural medicine that meets cutting-edge science to provide answers as to why you don’t feel well. We hear you. We see you. We believe you. It’s not in your head and we’ve got the technique and labs to show why. Patients have said “Dr. Zachary figures out why you feel like crap but your MD says you’re fine.”

Hardscape Restoration

We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing & staining enhancing your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state of the art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280° disinfecting and melting away years of dirt debris, algae, and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repairs, root damage, settling cracks and trip hazards. “We Bring Your Hardscapes Back To Life!”

Insurance Services

Crusberg-Decker is your local independent insurance agency with experience in both personal and commercial insurance. As independent agents, representing only “A” rated insurance companies, Patrick and Scott work with their clients to provide proper coverage, competitive premiums, and outstanding service. They take pride in establishing relationships and offering personalized service to each and every client.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

Life Dental & Orthodontics Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-357-3630 admin@lifedentalortho.com www.lifedentalortho.com Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com Element Wealth Management Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) 433-9533 chris.held@elementwm.com www.elementwm.com Body Love Cafe Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc. Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/ Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Landscaping

Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com

Pacific Landscaping has been a premier provider of landscaping services in Contra Costa since 1986. We provide 1st class quality at competitive rates. For three decades, we’ve upheld a reputation of integrity and professionalism by strict dedication to our motto: “When Promised, As Promised.”

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.

Religious Education

For over 40 years, Contra Costa Christian Schools has maintained its original mission to Prepare the Next Generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation. While the instructional strategies and curriculum have evolved, the core mission of serving families in the East Bay has remained the same. CCCS provides a high quality 21st century education within a Christian context that equips students for success, whatever they choose to pursue.

Reverse Mortgages

Annemarie’s been a reverse mortgage specialist for 6+ years. She grew up in Walnut Creek and graduated from Carondelet High School. She is a travel enthusiast and unapologetic foodie, including knowing the profound effect a great cup of coffee or a smooth glass of wine can have. She’s passionate about the changes this product brings about in her clients’ lives and ensures they feel important, safe and honored.

Sports Medicine

Dr. Matock received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from CSU, Fresno. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic West, where he received his Doctorate, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Matock earned his Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certification (C.C.S.P.) in 2010. He opened Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic in Walnut Creek in 2012.

Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com Contra Costa Christian Schools 925-934-4964 afullmore@cccs.org www.contracostachristianschools.org Open Mortgage Annemarie Drosos 530-736-2295 annemariedrosos@openmortgage.com https://openmortgage.com/annemarie-drosos Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Tree Service

John Traverso Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com

From the diagnostic of tree problems, to pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, stump grinding and planting of new trees, Traverso Tree Service, Inc is here for all of your tree care needs. We’re a local business proud to have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Koth-Swaminathan Family: Living life to the fullest By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Family vacation to Hawaii

hristine Koth and Shridhar Swaminathan met in 2017 when Shri was having a hip problem and Christine, a physical therapist, was doing physical therapy screenings at Concord CrossFit. Shri went from a potential client, to love interest, and then husband by 2020. Christine had just moved to Walnut Creek after turning 40 in 2016. “I love change,” says Christine. “I couldn’t get enough of the creative and innovative culture in the Bay Area.” She was born and raised in Palatine, Illinois. She had always lived in the Midwest, but fell in love with California while here for yoga training. “California smells so good and I can actually be outside year-round. The Midwest is so flat; but here, the vistas and hills are so remarkable. This is a magical place.” Within three months of deciding to move here from Wisconsin, she packed up her three kids, Hunter, Molly, and Autumn, and chose Walnut Creek all because of good schools, arts, and a blog article that described it as a “foodie city.” Shri grew up in Tamil Nadu, India, and has lived in the U.S. since 2005. Trained as an engineer and a Chartered Financial Analyst, he worked for a hedge fund in San Francisco for 12 years. He is now the co-founder of Sidepocket, an investment app, and co-founder of Aletha with Christine. Shri and his child, Shravan, became part of this busy blended family in 2020. Christine’s mom, Melody, also relocated from the Midwest with Christine and affectionately contributes to the self-proclaimed “circus.”

In addition to her private physical therapy practice on Citrus Circle, Christine is an inventor, author, and visionary. After Christine and Shri realized the potential to heal the world by eliminating muscle tension, and therefore, pain in all humans they co-founded Aletha. Starting with Christine’s book, Tight Hip Twisted Core - The Key to Unresolved Pain, followed by the invention of the Hip Hook (designed to release hip tension), and the justlaunched NUCKLE (designed to release neck tightness) now over 100,000 people worldwide have experienced pain relief. Shri, the business mastermind and Christine, the creator make a truly amazing team, all from the home office headquarters in our Northgate neighborhood. Although the kids have been a huge part of the business’s development, from the early days of fulfilling orders from the living room to current administrative tasks, they have other interests, too. Hunter is a junior and plays basketball at Northgate High School, and his life revolves around training for his sport at Ultimate Fieldhouse in the Shadelands.

DECEMBER 2021

Hunter plays basketball for Northgate High School

Molly, 15, and Autumn, 11, spend most of their free time at Dance Connection Performing Arts Center in Concord, preparing for the next dance competition. Shravan, 12, enjoys gaming and programming. You may also have heard his endless basketball bouncing from the backyard. Ruby is the family’s Labradoodle, and two kittens, Shadow and Loki, joined the family at the beginning of the pandemic. All the kids enjoy meeting up at Arbolado Park with friends to play Spike Ball or have a picnic. Christine and Shri enjoy the tennis courts there and also use the park as a convenient meetup place with friends. In addition to ski trips to Tahoe and a recent trip to Hawaii, the family looks forward to more travel as the pandemic ends. “We love living here,” adds Christine. “So many activities for our kids to be involved with nearby, places for them to meet their friends and get some fresh air. We love that we can hop on our bikes and have a massive choice of places to go, all with the beautiful view of Mount Diablo in the background. We have a Saturday morning routine with our dog where we hike at Castle

Molly at dance competition

Rock Regional Park, and, depending on the time of year, it can involve misty mornings or a view of falcons flying above. On top of that, we have this sense of peace and quiet in our neighborhood with the conveniences of shopping, parks, and culture so very close by.” These are the same reasons we all love this place! Welcome to Northgate Christine, Shri, and the entire family!

Autumn at dance competition

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.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7

Pet Corner

Elizabeth

ARF Adoption Stars By Cole Kuiper, ARF

Fred

Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Twelve-year-old Elizabeth is a little bundle of love ready for her forever family! This cutie pie loves affection, going on walks and snuggling up at the end of a long day. Full of love and joy, this beauty will be a great fit in any home. Elizabeth has a positive history with other dogs and with dog friendly cats. She currently weighs 17 pounds.

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $350 for a puppy (<6 months), $125 for a special- needs dog, $175 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $125 for a senior dog (7+ years).

Six-month-old Fred is a handsome and loving fellow! He may be a little shy at first, but once he gains your trust, his playful personality will be in full effect. He really enjoys feather wand toys, chasing after balls and coming up to you for ample pets. Smart and curious, Fred will make a wonderful addition to any home! Fred has a positive history with other cats. ARF Adoption fees: $100 for an adult cat, $150 for a kitten (<6 months), $150 for two adult cats, $250 for two kittens, $50 for a special-needs cat, $75 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months), and $50 for a senior cat (7+ years).

DECEMBER 2021

Active Listings Address List Price 3138 Cafeto Dr 650 La Casa Via 3653 Chucker Ct

$1,799,000 $1,498,000 $1,395,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 631 N Gate Rd 3314 Inverness Dr 2610 San Benito Dr 2744 San Carlos Dr 248 Santa Fe Dr 2842 San Carlos Dr

$2,799,000 $1,625,000 $1,500,000 $1,375,000 $1,299,000 $1,050,000

Sold Listings Address Sold Price 2050 Shell Ridge Trl 2070 Shell Ridge Trl 2261 Deer Valley Ln 1012 Burlington Ct 792 Walhaven Ct 607 Creekmore Ct 1190 N Gate Rd 791 Hutchinson Rd

$3,100,000 $3,000,000 $2,075,000 $1,902,000 $1,825,000 $1,765,000 $1,675,000 $1,660,000

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

BD 9 3 4

BD 6 5 4 4 4 3

BD 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 5

SQFT

6 2 2.5

3,943 1,888 2,162

SQFT

4.5 3 2 2 2 2

5,010 2,679 1,810 1,742 1,716 1,404

SQFT

5 3.5 2.5 2.5 2 2 3 3

5,867 4,821 3,752 2,192 2,149 2,218 3,455 2,870

DOM 6 3 3

Real Estate DOM Listings 83 in 7 7 Northgate 10 21 5

11/10/2021

DOM 5 8 14 8 9 8 87 3

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 2000-2020

Rita Dhillon 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon 925.570.0418 Tim.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush K. 925.577.3422 Khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

December

Through Dec. 23 (Thurs. – Sun.) Garden of D’Lights

@Ruth Bancroft Garden Experience the Ruth Bancroft Garden in a whole new way at this year’s Garden of d’Lights. With more lights and more lasers, this year’s Garden of D’Lights is set to be better than ever. Guests of all ages are in for a holiday treat as they meander through the Garden’s 3.5 acres of mature cacti, succulents and trees that are transformed into magical colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights. Don’t miss this special opportunity to enjoy the holiday season safely outdoors in the Garden of D’Lights! Timed tickets by reservation only @5:30, 6:30 or 7:30 pm. Cost: $20 adults, $10 children 6-15, free for children 5 and under Ruthbancroftgarden.org

Dec. 10 – Jan. 9, 2022 Walnut Creek on Ice

@Civic Park The sparkle returns to Civic Park this holiday season. Check website for times and days of operation: walnutcreekdowntown.com.

Thurs., Dec. 16 Luminary Walk – Boundary Oak by Candlelight

@Boundary Oak Golf Course Celebrate the holiday season with a memorable evening stroll lit by candlelight through the beauty of Boundary Oak Golf Course. Hundreds of luminaries line the cart path lending a magical flair to

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

the evening. Theme is the holiday season and Santa will be making a special guest appearance. Enjoy music, special activities, family, community, and unity with lights aglow. End your approximately 1-mile stroll with a hot beverage from the Tap Room. Glow sticks provided; however, bring a lantern if desired. Rain cancels. Register at City of Walnut Creek website. Cost: $5 Time: 5:30-7:30pm

Bay Area, If a Tree Falls will feature a wide range of artworks—made exclusively for this exhibition—in a striking variety of forms and in conjunction with many different mediums. All will incorporate our beloved oak tree, a rare opportunity to view a common thread among a diverse roster of artists, in this inclusive, community-driven exhibition. Cost: $5 Time: Gallery open from Thurs. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

Fri., Dec. 17

Any day

Santa in the Park

Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour

Throughout December

Every Saturday

If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak

Farmers’ Market

@ Civic Park This event will be filled with fun! Come take pictures with Santa, write letters to Santa, experience a candy cane hunt, and ornament-making for the kids! Holiday attire encouraged. No refunds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register each child in the house separately. Register at City of Walnut Creek website.

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts This exhibit memorializes the City of Walnut Creek’s signature Valley Oak, which was sadly destroyed during a massive windstorm in October 2019. In honor of the tree’s life and history, which experts say spanned 325 years, the artists in the exhibition will create artworks from its wood. In doing so, these artists help to offer this monumental being a second life. Featuring a roster of artists from our local community and the broader

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

@Castle Rock Farm, 700 Castle Rock Rd. Local farmers and neighbors provide organic produce grown right in the Northgate neighborhood. Time: 10am-4pm www.castlerockfarmstand.com

DECEMBER 2021

Expert Contributor

Eleven Signs Your Child May Need an

Orthodontic Consultation By Brian J. Hockel, DDS, Life Dental & Orthodontics, Resident since 1964

re you wondering whether your children’s teeth and jaws are developing properly? See if you observe any of the following signs: 1. No spacing between baby teeth – This is a sure predictor the permanent teeth won’t have room. 2. Crowded baby teeth – Crowding is present when the teeth are crooked and very close together. 3. Mouth breathing - Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose is a sign there may be orthodontic and facial growth problems. 4. “Buck Teeth” - The upper front teeth are probably in the correct place, but the lower jaw is too far back. 5. Snoring - It’s never normal for kids to snore. If the dental arches are too small, the tongue has nowhere to go, leading to snoring and possibly sleep apnea. 6. Thumb or finger habits - Many habits can lead to bite and facial growth problems. 7. Crossbite - The lower teeth are outside of the upper teeth when the bite is closed. 8. ADHD Behavior - There’s often an airway problem with which we can help. 9. Open Mouth Posture - The lips are often apart, affecting the proper development of the jaws. 10. Parasomnias, Night Terrors, Sleepwalking - Poor sleep is often related to facial and airway development. 11. Bedwetting - This is associated with sleep breathing problems.

When to Evaluate

Ages 3-4 are not too young for an orthodontic evaluation! Avoiding extractions, surgery, more complicated treatment, tooth impactions, ectopic eruptions (coming into the wrong place), and optimizing facial, jaw, and airway growth are all good reasons to consider early orthodontic treatment.

Serious Health Issues – Not Just Straight Teeth

The reasons for doing any orthodontic treatment can vary. Most of the time, simply straightening teeth becomes the number one goal. We have learned, however, that there are larger issues at stake – some of them even affecting how long a child might live! This is not an exaggeration. When the growth of the jaws and the formation of the airway are not optimal, serious health consequences can result: irreversible cardiovascular damage, ADD or ADHD, delayed language and phonological skills, altered social development, lower IQ, etc. We take all these seriously.

Structural and Postural Changes – Better Start Early

Looked at from a health perspective, the structural and postural changes that are achieved during the growth years are often more important than the final alignment of the teeth later on. We might recommend that the priority be put on treatment at younger ages to correct the major issues: poor airway formation, insufficient space, asymmetries, cross bites, impactions, poor oral posture, improper facial growth, etc. Early treatment focuses on structural and/or postural correction: the size of the jaws, the direction of jaw growth, etc. It’s like getting a spaceship pointed toward the moon soon after it leaves earth; waiting until later will often mean a larger and more difficult correction. Children also cooperate with and tolerate simpler treatment at a younger age - much better than teenagers do. Early treatment can make any teenage treatment, when it is necessary, shorter, simpler, and more comfortable. For your peace of mind, if your child is exhibiting any of the eleven signs listed here, please contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. Life Dental & Orthodontics 925.934.3434

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Show us your best shot

of Mt. Diablo

Panorama: submitted by Ryan Lerone, Resident since 2021

Submitted by Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Mt. Diablo State Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary. In honor of our beloved majestic mountain, we invited you to send in your favorite photos of Mt. Diablo, either the mountain from a distance or photos taken inside the park. Thank you to the readers who submitted photos and Happy Birthday Mt. Diablo State Park! California Poppies on the mountain, submitted by Kara Navolio, resident since 1991

View of Mt. Diablo from Walnut Creek Open Space, submitted by Laura Hoy, WC resident since 1955

Mountain Biking in the park, submitted by Lyssa Butler, resident since 2001

Coast Live Oak, submitted by Tony Wolcott, Resident since 2014

Juniper Campground, submitted by Kassie Wenzell, resident since 1995

REFINANCE with a

REVERSE MORTGAGE

Annemarie Drosos Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Professional

NMLS #1197293 | NMLS #1025108 1801 N. California Blvd. Suite 106 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 530-736-2295 annemariedrosos@openmortgage.com openmortgage.com/annemarie-drosos

NMLS#2975

nmlsconsumeraccess.org

©2021 Open Mortgage, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Open Mortgage® is a registered trademark. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CA CA-DBO1197293 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, #4170030 This material is not from or approved by HUD, FHA, or a Government Agency. Rev. 03/21

DECEMBER 2021

Taken by drone, Travis Shopp (age 13), Resident since 2014

A secret location in the park has this ancient rock art. Submitted by Peter Rafter

Taken by drone, Travis Shopp (age 13), Resident since 2014

View of Mt. Diablo from Diablo Ranch, submitted by Mirabai Bangs, resident since 1993 View from our property line, Submitted by Mary Grace Davidson, Resident since 1971 The mountain at sunset from Orchards shopping center parking structure, submitted by Kim Moore, Resident since 1972

A foggy November morning on the Mountain, Submitted by Jeff Butler, Resident since 2001

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Sunrise on the mountain, Submitted by Vicky de Young, Resident since 2013

A Bald Eagle at Chase Pond. Submitted by Peter Rafter

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

Local Sports

It’s an Ace!

Advantage, Raihan By Cara Douglas, Sports Reporter

aihan Lele is a 7th grader at Foothill Middle School. He started playing tennis during the start of the pandemic in 2020 and, like many aspiring tennis buffs, appears to have been bitten by the “tennis bug’’. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the “tennis bug” refers to the development of a strong interest or heightened enthusiasm for the sport. As a way to beat the pandemic blahs, Raihan started practicing 10 hours a week. Not long after taking up the sport, his passion for playing tennis grew. Soon, Raihan was on the court every day. In fact, Raihan has joined a competitive league playing tournaments with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). In fact, he played in 20 USTA-sanctioned tournaments this year. He also played in and was a finalist at Northgate High School’s Level-6 Tournament. As his ranking continues to climb, so does his passion for the sport. Raihan continues to improve and conducts practices at Arbolado Tennis Courts and Gorin Tennis Academy. Raihan is one example of how many kids in the Northgate area are seeking new and innovative ways to connect. For Raihan, getting outside, playing a sport, and meeting new people has

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turned him into a fantastic young tennis player. At Northgate Living CA, we wholeheartedly support the efforts of all athletes. As your sports writer, I encourage you to keep practicing, keep playing and keep learning!

Cara Douglas is an award winning writer, an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. With three kids of her own who all play a sport, she’s featured athletes for more than 20 years. Cara loves giving back to the community in which she lives and looks forward to meeting the area’s rising stars- at any age or sport! Reach out to Cara at 559.349.8085, or via email at carapdouglas@gmail.com!

more local sports articles just like this on BVMSports.com

DECEMBER 2021

HEY, SPORTS FANS! SHOW US YOUR SPORTS! Northgate Living now has a Sports Section, and we want to hear from YOU! ➤ ➤

➤

Did your team just win the championship game? Are you an athlete of any age with a success story and want to share it? Are you behind your camera capturing photos of our local athletes in action?

If any of these describe you, we want to hear from you as we are seeking local sports stories to share in our magazine’s Sports Section and online at BVMSports.com! Whether it’s a photo of your child making the gamewinning shot, the local Pickleball game schedule, a Q&A with a local coach or a little background on the history of a certain sport in your town, we love (and want to share) it all. To get started, simply e-mail your content coordinator at carapdouglas@gmail.com with your contact information and ideas. With your help, we can bring our community together and celebrate the praiseworthy stories of our own local athletes. Who knows? You just might see your sports story in this monthly magazine and on BVMSports.com.

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Pass the cookies! By Lisa Assoni, Resident since 2015

.C.Owens prepared this delicious dessert on our television show “The ShortCut Cook”. It’s made a lasting memory for my family. They can’t wait to gobble up his famous cookies. This is a perfect compliment to this month’s special season. It’s the Holidays, so get ready to shape, make and bake. “Alley Oop” Holiday Cookies By R.C. Owens Preheat oven to 350 degrees • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 cup brown sugar • 2/3 cup cooking oil • 1/2 cup butter • 3 eggs • 1/2 cup flour • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 12oz package chocolate chips • Options: nuts, peanut butter morsels, candied fruits 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, butter and eggs. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly mix into egg mixture. Add vanilla. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Shape into 1” balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Place in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes. It’s hot, carefully check for doneness. Should be firm.

DECEMBER 2021

Expert Contributor

Finding the Right Remodeling Company By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008

re you a homeowner looking for a remodeling company? Whether you’re looking for someone to renovate your entire house or only update one room, you’ll want to make sure you find the best company to suit your needs. Here are some steps you should take when searching for a prospective remodeling company.

expertise in order to do things correctly on every individual element of your house. Make sure that they have plenty of years under their belt to ensure their processes and team will be able to meet your expectations.

Step # 1: References

Another step in the process is to find out about their qualifications and any certifications they have. Home renovation takes working with a vast array of materials, from piping and ducting to sheetrock and tile backsplashes. The more diverse skills and knowledge that your remodeling company has, the better you can expect them to be at handling any type of home project for you.

When looking for references, the internet can be your best friend, but it’s important to double-check that the reviews are from verified clients. We recommend looking at third-party reviews where the entries are vetted by another person aside from the contractor so you get the best, unbiased reviews possible. A few good resources for this are Google reviews, Houzz.com, and GuildQuality. Make sure the company’s website explains their services well, has images that you can relate to and a process that makes sense. It’s important to be in the know about any potential remodeling companies!

Step #2: Experience

A good question to ask before hiring a remodeling company is about their experience level. Home renovation takes knowledge and

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Expert Contributor

Admissions Season is in the Air By Lilian Im, M.A., Dean of Enrollment Contra Costa Christian Schools with special contributors Hannah and Andre’ Smith

inding a school that embodies a learning community best suited for your child, involves a variety of factors. Exploring the options of private vs. private, homeschooling vs. learning pods, or small vs. large class sizes can sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this digital age, flyers arriving at your physical mailbox is unlikely. Searching online using keywords may provide sites that gather results from parent reviews, school statistics and national norms, such as Niche.com - a popular and reliable front runner in comparative school analysis. Most private schools offer some type of preview event such as an Open House. The value in these events is getting a general overview of the culture of the school. To take a deeper dive, customized grade level tours or student shadow days are often offered in person and virtually. In addition to asking questions about academics, see if the school offers the activities your child desires such as field trips, clubs, and school dances. Exchanging experiences and stories with families in the neighborhood seems to be at the heart of finding a school that’s

right for your family. Here’s the story of a local family, André and Hannah Smith, sharing their experience coming from a school year riddled with uncertainty due to the pandemic. “As summer came to an end, we faced the realization that our daughter would be returning to in-person instruction. As we began to take note of what we wanted for her, we knew that the ideal learning situation included: a warm environment that instilled morals, taught family values, had smaller class sizes, promoted strong academics and offered academic support. We were intrigued when a neighbor told us about Contra Costa Christian Schools. We viewed the school’s website and after browsing through the site for a few minutes, our family decided to request more information. Almost immediately, we received a response from the admissions office inviting us to take a tour of the campus the following week.” The application process and timeline varies. Most private schools will ask for supporting documents such as past report cards and assessment records. An interview with one of the administrators can be offered to mutually get to know the other party better.

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Expert Contributor

Self-Care for Busy Parents By Danielle Murphy Faris, MA, BCHN, NE with Body Love Cafe

or busy parents, self-care may feel like a never ending quest, and even more so during the holidays. Yet, when we stop to consider what “self-care” actually means, we can find more ways to achieve the same result. For some, “self-care” may mean bubble baths or a day on the golf course, and for others, it’s just having a private moment in the bathroom, or a few minutes of solitude in the car each day.

What do these activities have in common?

They are all time spent, not in a sympathetic nervous system (SNS) state. The SNS is our fight-or-flight system which produces the stress hormone cortisol and creates a chain of events that suppress the immune system. Contrasted to the parasympathetic nervous system (PSN), which is our rest-and-digest mode, responsible for lowering blood pressure, optimal digestion, and a strong immune system. As busy parents, we may feel triggered when our children have tantrums, don’t listen to us, or are picky eaters, etc. Self-care means learning how to both identify impending triggers in order to minimize or prevent a SNS response, and to develop sensory calming tools that allow you to quickly return to a PSN state after being triggered.

Self-care to reduce burnout this Holiday Season: SPIRIT

SMILE: Before you open your eyes in the morning, when you greet your child(ren) each day, and at any time you need support or rejuvenation: smile. This sends a chemical signal to the brain that relaxes the body, breathing, and evokes feelings of empowerment. PAUSE: One of the most powerful tools in mindful parenting is the Pause. When you can pause in between your child’s behavior, and your response, you decrease the chance of being reactionary, and invite an opportunity for intentionality. INTENTION: Set a simple parenting intention for yourself each morning that you can refer back to throughout the day to guide your interactions with your child. This practice will serve as a reminder of the bigger picture of parenting when you’re caught in stressful and chaotic moments. RISE: If you find yourself in a power-struggle with a dysregulated child, emotions may be running high for both, yet it’s important to remember who is the adult with many more years of life experience and a fully developed prefrontal cortex. You have the power to rise above and handle things calmly and rationally. IDENTIFY triggers. What times of day, behaviors, or parenting scenarios are most triggering for you? Having a plan for how to deal with common pitfalls ahead of time will pave the way for a more mindful exchange in the moment. TOOLS: Jot down your own sensory calming tools. Maybe it’s stepping outside for a moment, having a glass of cold water, closing your eyes and taking 3 deep breaths, etc. Find what works for you so that you have a plan the next time you’re triggered. Free 15-minute consults with our health coaches at Body Love Café. Visit our website: www.bodylovecafe.com.

DECEMBER 2021

Our community library

Update on re-opening of

Ygnacio Valley Library By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

he Ygnacio Valley Library re-paving project, originally planned for this fall, has fallen behind schedule. It is now forcasted to be done around mid-December. And as soon as the library can re-staff, it will be re-opened to once again serve our community. The Ygnacio branch has been much missed since mid 2020 when it closed to patrons to serve as a COVID testing site. In the meantime, residents can visit the downtown Walnut Creek library, which is open.

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Expert Contributor

The Holidays Are Here – And No Need to Fear!

By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza

adis Jewelry’s extensive selection ensures you’ll find something special, regardless of when you shop!

Everywhere we turn, we’ve been told “better shop early.” Our extensive inventory of responsibly sourced diamonds and focus on American-made brands such as Tacori and Verragio keep us unaffected by supply chain issues. Whether you’re shopping a month in advance, or a few days before the big holiday – we’ve got tons of options and selection for you to choose from. ‘Tis the season to sparkle—and spread joy, and as the holidays approach, we take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who make it all happen. This year, more so than ever, it is the time to celebrate those who matter most. Fortunately, our team at Padis Jewelry is here to help you uncover the perfect Christmas gifts to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. For some great ideas and suggestions, take a look at our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!

Christmas Gifts for Men: Luxury Watches

Whether you’re stumped on what to get your husband this year or determined to upstage your siblings at the family gift exchange, Padis Jewelry has the perfect gift for a man in your life. Consider our selection of luxury watches for anyone on your holiday shopping list. We will help you find the perfect timepiece for any wrist, from recipients who need a watch for every day to that extra special piece that will be treasured and passed down for generations. As one of the premier Breitling Authorized retailers in the Bay Area, we’re happy to help newbies navigate the Breitling world—and trust us, you’ll wonder what took you so long. From aviation watches to dapper and tuxedo-worthy styles, Breitling timepieces are a perfect present.

Christmas Gifts for Women: Personalized and Stackable Fine Jewelry

for the ones you love most. We’re here to help by making holiday shopping easy! Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with all of your holiday shopping needs both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry.com. Be sure to join us at East Bay locations at Broadway Plaza – a Forevermark Boutique - and our Downtown Napa in addition to our San Francisco stores. We treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

Ultimately, jewelry is super personal — from the pieces that draw us in, the pieces we select for the people we love, and the pieces we choose to wear each day. At Padis, we heartily believe the value of the jewelry you wear goes beyond the price-tag. Pieces by our designers such as Forevermark, Roberto Coin, or our Padis signature collections make a statement about who you are, commemorate milestones, or help express your love to those in your life. The layered necklace is very popular right now, and for good reason. It’s appealing to the eye and allows you more flexibility in the sort of statements you wish to make. Our tribute pendants available in all shapes and colors—make layering both personal and easy. This is just one of the statement-making necklaces you will find at Padis Jewelry.

Engagement Gift Ideas: Engagement Rings

Let’s face it—it is the most wonderful time of the year, which makes it a popular time to pop a certain question. Dates include Christmas Day (which topped the list as the most popular date, even above Valentine’s!), Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, December 23, and two Saturdays before Christmas Eve. There’s no better way to express that love than with an engagement ring that not only celebrates the commitment you’re making but also encapsulates all the things about the one you love as nothing else can. Set up a time to visit Padis and learn about our worldclass selection of loose diamonds and our amazing designers, and our custom jewelry design services. We work with you to make the ring of your dreams a reality! So there you have it; the definitive holiday gift guide for the people who matter most! Be sure to stop by Padis Jewelry this holiday season to find the best Christmas gifts 22

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