Northgate Living Magazine February 2020

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

FEBRUARY 2020

Northgate LIVING

M E E T T HE

Navolios COVER PHOTO:

by Julie Cheshire Photography

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FEBRUARY 2020

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

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

Kara Navolio

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.

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. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors, As we embark on our third year here at Northgate Living Magazine, I am thankful and humbled by the success.

First and foremost, our purpose is to bring neighbors closer together. We have many residents contributing to the magazine each month and we want to invite you to participate by adding your articles, stories and photos!

Secondly, our sponsors choose to contribute a portion of their ad budget to making this magazine possible for you as a Northgate resident. They truly love the idea of a neighborhood newsletter-style magazine and wanted to be part of OUR neighborhood.

These sponsors make this magazine possible. There are no paid subscriptions; it’s delivered free to you each month.

We ask that you please take a moment to thank our sponsors, and let them know how much you appreciate them! Without their generosity, this magazine would not exist.

This month check out our feature story about the Navolio family. We are excited for you to get to know our content coordinator better!

Thanks,

Jo Peek Northgate Living Founder & Publisher

NORTHGATE LIVING 3

Northgate High School

Students Continue to Honor fellow Bronco with Blankets for Hospitalized Children

By Eden Broussard, Northgate High School Senior

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At last’ years festival Northgate students made 98 blankets. This year’s festival, honoring Trevor, will take place on Feb. 19.

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This year the festival will take place on Wednesday, February 19 after school is out at 3:05 and all are welcome to join. You can also make your own blanket at home and deliver it to Northgate HS. Find out more at tebf.org.

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his year marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of our fellow Bronco Trevor Tonsing. Trevor was a Boy Scout and an active member of the community. In his quest to be an Eagle Scout, Trevor was working on making fleece tie blankets for donation to children staying at Children’s Hospital Oakland. Shortly after his passing, the Tonsing family created Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation. Each year, Northgate honors Trevor and hosts a blanket making festival.

The day of, we recognize Trevor by dressing in Disney attire, one of his favorite things, and making tie blankets both during lunch and after school. During the festival, students, faculty, and outside community members are invited to come tie blankets to be donated to children at Children’s Hospital and affiliated clinics/offices. Last year’s festival goers made 98 blankets, bringing the total blanket count for the foundation to over 5600. Trevor’s original goal was 200.

The blankets are given to patients to comfort them and take home when they leave. Trevor’s mom Anita said, “We look forward to the event at NHS every year. It is very special.The continued support we have received through the years is amazing. The generosity of others has allowed us to spread Trevor’s legacy of warmth.”

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IT’S MORE THAN A HOME. IT’S YOUR LIFE.

K POR T

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DRE 01945685

Learn more about me at jongomez.realestate

KODA

Jon Gomez @yogomez 925.464.3027 jgomez@climbRE.com

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I grew up in Northgate and am thrilled to return to raise my two daughters in the community where I was raised. My love for our neighborhood runs deep. I am grateful to help families set down roots here and to guide longtime neighbors in passing their beloved homes to new owners who will continue to cherish this beautiful corner of Walnut Creek. I love to chat about all things real estate, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be a resource for you in any way.

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FEBRUARY 2020

Expert Contributors Happy Holidays!

Mention this ad to learn more about our

New Year 2018 Move-In Special!

Place a holding deposit before January 1st & The Heritage Downtown will donate $1,000 to the Charity of your Choice this Holiday Season!

Discover the Almond / Shuey Neighborhood, Home to our Boutique, Condo-Style Senior-Living Community!

Call 925.943.7427

to learn more, and to schedule your visit!

www.TheHeritageDowntown.com 1785 Shuey Avenue

(off of Bonanza & California)

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Active Seniors

The Heritage Downtown is “the” Bay Area’s #1 Active Senior Living Apartments, focused on providing the highest Quality of Life for each and every one of its residents. The Heritage Downtown promotes, facilitates and encourages our residents to continue to lead a Full Active Life in Retirement. The Heritage Downtown is beautifully and conveniently located in Downtown Walnut Creek.

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!

Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Dr. Zachary was a patient first after a “mysterious illness” caused her to be written off by conventional medicine as permanently disabled and told she’d never recover. She refused to listen, used Functional Medicine to fight back and astounded all with her return to health. She then founded Body Love Cafe so others may have the same healing opportunity. Dr. Zachary is passionate and determined to help her patients thrive.

Insurance

Vanessa Sisemore, owner of a Farmers Insurance agency since 2016, grew up in Walnut Creek and received her college degree from UNLV in 2006. She is the loving wife to Isaac of 7 years and mother to 3-year-old daughter Mckenzie. After working for Farmers for 8 years, Vanessa is proud to serve people in the community that have given her so much.

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.

Plastic Surgery

Dr. Vivian Ting (Veritas Plastic Surgery) is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Walnut Creek, California in practice since 2003. She specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation of the face, breast augmentation and body contouring as well as reconstruction for breast and skin cancer. Her philosophy is to combine proven surgical techniques with the best in technology to achieve superior results and high patient satisfaction.

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.

Tree Service

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.

Wealth Management & Financial Planning

David and Frank started Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC to give their clients the flexibility and independence that they deserve. They pride themselves in working with families and understanding their long terms goals, from retirement to setting things up for the next generation by removing emotions from investing and taking the time to understand their client’s individual needs.

Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427 Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Body Love Cafe Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, AFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com

Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Dr. Vivian Ting Veritas Plastic Surgery (925) 949-8587 www.viviantingmd.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com John Traverso Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com

David Nissim & Frank Gavidia Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC David (925) 239-0117 Frank (925) 239-0116 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com www.NissimGavidia.com

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NORTHGATE LIVING 5

Resident Feature (which is now Cal State East Bay). He is now a CPA and owns his own firm, Navolio & Tallman, LLP in San Francisco. John started the company in 2007, and has grown it to over 30 employees. Accounting Today Magazine named it one of the “Top 100 Accounting Firms to Work For” for 3 out of the last 5 years.

The Navolios and their pet of 16 years, Cricket, enjoy many family trips to Bodega Bay.

ME E T T HE

Navolios

By Alexandra Sullivan

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ust past Pine Creek, nestled among the mature trees of the Arbolado park neighborhood, lives the Navolio family. For over 28 years, John and Kara Navolio have called this serene corner of Walnut Creek their home.

Both originally born in the Midwest, but raised in the Bay Area San Jose and Walnut Creek, respectively, Kara and John started their lives together when they met on Kara’s first day of college in 1981.

“Our first date was playing tennis; I’m pretty sure that was the only time I beat him at any sport (he probably let me win that one and only time),” says Kara. In 1984 they became engaged on a camping trip to Yosemite’s Toulumne Meadows and were married in 1985.

John is a Northgate High School alumnus, graduating in 1979. His class was “the first class to complete all 4 years at the [then] new high school.” He began his college career at UCLA, but transferred to DVC, and then finished off his accounting degree at Cal State Hayward

Kara attended Cal State Hayward for one (very memorable and life changing) year. She then transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned her B.S. in Business Marketing. For 8 years Kara worked in marketing research, before she left her job to raise the two Navolio kids, Michael and Emily. During the elementary years Kara logged many hours of classroom volunteering, PTA meetings, and Girl Scouts. When the kids moved on to high school, Kara served on the board of Northgate Community Pride Foundation. In the time she was on that board, the Pride Foundation raised over $5 million dollars to improve facilities at Northgate High School, “specifically a renovation to the Little Theatre, a new Dance room, and the new, state-of-the-art Sports Complex.” These days Kara is a freelance writer and editor and just published her first book for children, Everybody Can Dance!

You may also recognize her work in this very magazine, where she serves as the Content Coordinator. She now dedicates her volunteer work to the Bedford Gallery as an art docent and to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland as a Baby Cuddler.

One of the reasons John and Kara chose Walnut Creek, and Northgate in particular, was its proximity to downtown Walnut Creek, its great schools, and its tight community. When their kids were younger, John was a baseball and soccer coach. John is now a member of nearby Boundary Oak Men’s Club. He loves golfing and fantasy football.

Kara loves scrapbooking, hiking, reading and cooking for family and friends. A familiar sentiment that many who live here know, “the people we have met over the years have become our lifelong friends.

Those we met when the kids were little are still our very dear friends.”

She is in two book clubs with women she has met over the years doing volunteer work or through her kids’ activities.

“We are huge baseball fans! We watch every game of the World Series and the playoffs. We used to be only Oakland A’s fans, but when our son got a job with the Giants, we also became huge Giants fans!”

Their son, Michael, 29, graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. At Northgate High School he played baseball for all 4 years. Right out of college he got a job with the SF Giants in their Baseball Operations department. He is now Coordinator of Amateur Scouting and resides in San Francisco with his fiancé Chelsey. Emily, 25, is a lifelong dancer.

She was on the dance team and in Dance Production at Northgate High School and danced at Dance Connection Performing Arts for 15 years. Emily attended Cal State Long Beach and graduated with a degree in Child Development. She earned her teaching credential and Master’s degree from St. Mary’s College and is now a 3rd grade teacher in Moraga and lives in downtown Walnut Creek.

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FEBRUARY 2020

An incredibly fun family tradition in the Navolio house is their New Year’s Eve party. Each year John’s sister and her 5 kids come over for a great big costume party with games. “In 2018 we celebrated the winter Olympics, last year was a holiday mash up, and this year was the Roaring 20’s. We’ve also done a Murder Mystery party, Ugly Sweater Contest, and 80’s Ski Chalet. We start planning the next year as soon as the last one is over. It ends up being a 16 person sleep over with lots of laughs and great competition. It’s a great chance to spend time with the young adults in the family that we don’t always get to see over Christmas.”

With his job as a CPA, John’s business has a very stressful time period that we all know far too well - tax season. That is why, for many years, as soon as the calendar turned to April 16th, the family would make a relaxing getaway to Bodega Bay. They’ve also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii to celebrate big family milestones. After he graduated from college, Michael went on an 8-week “baseball odyssey” to visit most of the 30 ballparks across the country, see the College World Series, the All-Star game, and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Emily itched her travel bug in college and after graduation by visiting locations like Italy, Greece, Germany,

Spain, and the U.K. John and Kara have also traveled to Europe, and have actually met distant cousins of John’s in southern Italy.

Kara says, “In my job as Northgate Living’s Content Coordinator, I love discovering ways we are all connected and sharing stories that bring us all closer together.” So the next time you spot the Navolios hiking in the open space or enjoying delicious food in downtown Walnut Creek, stop and say hello!

NORTHGATE LIVING 7

Recipe

Do-Little Crab Cakes

By Lisa Assoni, Resident since 2012

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he New Year has begun, and ‘tis the season for fresh crab.

Simply delicious crab patties are very satisfying and ready in minutes.

In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together except oil. Using your clean hands, form crab mixture to make about 7 patty-crab cakes, about 1 tablespoon each.

I’ll bet you’ve all made New Year’s resolutions; ready and willing to make changes for the better. As the weeks progress, the resolutions we made, the promises fade, and dreams begin to dissolve. So the solution is simple. It’s all about you, baby!

Coat a large nonstick skillet with oil, and warm on high heat for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, and add crab patties to pan. Brown on one side for about 3 minutes. Using a spatula, gently turn crab patties and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with tartar sauce or red pepper jelly.

This is a great opportunity to begin eating well and becoming a healthier, happier YOU. • • • • • • • • • • • •

Yield: 7 crab patties

3/4 cup fresh crab meat 1 extra-large egg 1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion 1/2 teaspoon sweet hot mustard 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil Tartar sauce or red pepper jelly, to serve

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FEBRUARY 2020

Active Listings Address List Price 101 Firestone Dr

$1,229,000

BD 4

BT

SQFT

3

2,453

DOM 28

Real Estate Listings in Northgate 1/16/2020

Pending Listings Address List Price 3350 Westport Ct 3136 Lippizaner Ln 385 Walnut Ave

$998,900 $950,000 $950,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 3559 Eris Ct 203 Via Monte 2803 San Carlos Dr

$1,450,000 $1,148,000 $898,000

BD 4 3 3

BD 4 5 3

BT

SQFT

2.5 2 2

1,839 1,901 1,597

BT

SQFT

2.5 3 2

2,785 2,253 1,404

DOM 65 17 8

DOM 1 10 10

Sold Price $1,495,000 $1,190,000 $940,000

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.

The Rita Dhillon Team

What if you could sell your home faster and for a higher price– with no upfront costs or interest?

Call us to find out more about our Compass Concierge program.

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

NORTHGATE LIVING 9

February

Every Monday

Picture Book Time

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Throughout Feb.

Fri. Feb. 28 – Sat. Feb. 29

The Great Wave: Contemporary Art About the Ocean Exhibit

Musical America

@Bedford Gallery Artists through the ages have looked to the ocean in all its majesty and terror for clues about the planet’s future. This group exhibition features contemporary artists who live near the coast, and whose work immerses us in a watery drama.

Organized by longtime Bay Area curator Ann Trinca, this show finds inspiration in the work of Japanese ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai’s ubiquitous woodblock print The Great Wave. The Great Wave is recognizable across cultures as a symbol of the unpredictable power of the ocean.

Using this historic piece as a jumping off point, the artists in the exhibition explore the ocean as a source of mystery and strength. Show will run through March 22. Free first Tuesday of each month.

Cost: $5 adults, $3 youth 13-17 Time: 12-5pm, Tuesday – Sunday and 6-8pm when there is a performance at Lesher www.bedfordgallery.org

Wed., Feb. 12

Food & Mood @Body Love Café Does food really affect your mood? Should I eat yogurt? Is Kombucha good or bad? Why do I crave chocolate? Why does gut bacteria matter? What are prebiotics, probiotics, and opportunistic bacteria? What exactly is the “gut-brain connection” and why should I care? Join Dr. Zachary and her team to learn some surprising truths regarding food impacting your mood plus cutting-edge research on this topic all presented in an easy-to-understand and entertaining class.

Cost: FREE Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm www.BodyLoveCafe.com

Wed., Feb. 19

Trevor Tonsing Blanket Festival @Northgate High School Forum Students and community members gather to make tie blankets for Children’s Hospital Oakland in memory of past student Trevor Tonsing, Class of 2012.

Cost: Free Time: 3-5pm cooperk@mdsud.net

@Northgate HS Little Theatre Northgate’s Choral Music Program presents its yearly production of group and individual singers to entertain us all. Also repeated Mar. 5, 7 & 8.

Time: 6pm www.northgatehs-pfc.com/ncmb.html#

Sat., Feb. 29

Remodeling Seminar @Gordon Reese Design Build, 3021 Citrus Circle, #170 Are you, a neighbor, a family member, or a friend looking to remodel, and just don’t know where or how to get started?

Do you have questions like: • How do I get started? •How do I make sure that the construction costs don’t exceed my budget? • How do I make design decisions I won’t regret later? • How do I choose the right contractor? • How do I avoid an ugly court battle? • What is a mechanic’s lien and how do I protect myself? • How do I make sure my remodel gets completed on schedule? Join us and get your questions answered. Seating is limited, RSVP required.

Cost: Free Time: 10am-12pm GORDONREESE.COM or call (925) 885-3770 today!

Throughout February

Woodlands Swim Team Registration @111 Longleaf Dr. or online.

Registration for Woodlands Cabana Club, Kermit’s Pals Swim Program, and Woodlands Swim Team begins February 1st. Registration is online at https:// www.swimwoodlands.org/ or feel free to contact us at info@swimwoodlands.org.

The Kermit’s Pals Swim Program is a 4 day a week program that begins April 13th and runs 5 weeks for Woodlands Swim Team Readiness, ages 5-8. Woodlands Swim Team is for swimmers 5-18. Swim Team starts April 15th. Q&A with Swim Team Leaders on Feb. 28 from 4:30-6:00pm.

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@Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5.

Cost: FREE Time: 10:15-11am www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music.

Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market

Save the Date…

Sun., Mar. 1

Scottsdale Swim Team Registration @Scottsdale Swim and Tennis Club, 500 Walnut Avenue Scottsdale Swim and Tennis Club will be hosting their 2020 Swim Team and Membership Registration and Kickoff. For more information, please visit www.sscsquids.com.

Time: 4-6pm

Sat., Mar. 28 Alternative to College Fair @Shadelands Auditorium In its 6th year, the Bay Area’s largest and most successful Alternative to College Fair is designed to highlight the many post secondary paths that high school students may wish to explore. The event will showcase trade schools, young adult transitional programs, college support programs, gap year programs and more.

Cost: Free Time: 12-3pm More information: Shayna Abraham at shayna@preparetobloom. com or 650-888-4575

FEBRUARY 2020

1401 N. BROADWAY SUITE 120 WALNUT CREEK • 925-322-8266

walnut creek

2018 THE

WHERE YOU ARE THE TREND

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E

BEST of

WALNUT CREEK

NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Expert Contributor

When is the Best Time to Prune Trees?

By John Traverso, Traverso Tree Service

T

his is a question we get asked frequently. Usually when a client asks this question, they have prior “knowledge” about what they think is the right time to prune. They have read something or heard something from someone about when they should prune their tree and they are confirming that their information is correct. The reality is that any time of the year can be the “right” time for pruning depending on species and the reason for the pruning. For example, the best time to prune Monterey pines is in winter when the bark beetle is dormant and the chance of infestation is less. However, if a pine tree has a fractured branch that hangs over the children’s play area in the middle of summer, then pruning it in July is the “right” time. The tree still might get infested with bark beetles, but the need for safety overrides the “best time to prune” pines which is in winter.

From an arboricultural perspective the best time to prune trees is in the middle of winter or the middle of summer. Trees expend a lot of energy to shed their leaves in the fall preparing for the dormant season and also expend a lot of energy producing new foliage in the spring for the summer growing season. Pruning can be stressful for trees, therefore if you can prune during the winter and summer months when the tree is under less “stress” it can benefit the tree’s overall health. However, living in California where the climate is mild, you can perform “proper” tree work all year round,with the exception of a few species that are highly susceptible to certain insects and diseases.

Knowing how trees grow can also help you “feel” like you have gained more bang for your pruning buck by pruning during certain times of the year. Trees are living dynamic entities and are constantly growing. A tree doesn’t stop growing just because you pruned it.

Over time it is going to replace the foliage that was removed and probably add more to it. Sometimes the growth happens within 12 months, sometimes it takes years. If you are heavily pruning a tree to gain a view, regrowth will happen more rapidly than if you are just removing deadwood from the tree. If you prune at the beginning of the growing season (April-May) you will stimulate growth and the foliage might be the same in September that is was in April.

However, if you prune at the end of the growing season (SeptemberOctober) the tree will still grow back will benefit from a longer pruning cycle.

There are many variables that determine the “best” time of year to prune a particular tree, therefore, it is always best to ask an arborist when the best time is to prune your tree!

Here is a short list of trees that are recommended to be pruned at a specific time of year: Monterey pines - winter (November - February) when the bark beetles are dormant

Birches - winter to avoid bronze birch borers Alders - winter to avoid borers Mulberries - if they are being pollarded every year, December & January is best after leaf drop. Regular non-pollard pruning can be done any time of year Fruit trees - December & January especially if fruit production is a top priority. If the tree is valued as a ornamental first and the fruit is a secondary benefit, then you can prune the tree any time of year.

Apricots - are susceptible to a disease that is spread during wet weather and should be pruned in July -August.

Raywood ash - are susceptible to a disease that is spread through water so summer, when it is dry, is best Cypresses - are susceptible to a vascular disease that is spread by water so during the dry months of summer is best Conifers such as cedars, spruce, fir etc - you can prune them any time of year but they have a tendency to bleed from the pruning cuts and this can be slightly worse in the summer months went it is warm than it is in the winter. So if they are over a driveway where cars are parked winter pruning might be better to help lessen sap drop.

Citrus- prune April (after all danger of frost is gone) to August.

Citrus trees are susceptible to frost damage. Our goal is to leave a buffer zone of foliage on the tree in case we have a hard frost.

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Acts of Kindness

Spreading Holiday Cheer

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

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or the past four years two sisters have brought their friends and colleagues together to share holiday cheer and support hospitalized babies. In mid-December a party that has been dubbed “Ladies, Lovies and Libations” resulted in 170 lovies and $2500 in cash to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Some women also brought hand-knitted preemie hats and blankets.

Northgate resident Teresa Proctor and her sister, Alamo resident Dianne Cox, both grew up in the Northgate area and graduated from Northgate High School. Proctor is a nurse at UCSF. Rather than just bring friends together for the holidays, they decided to make it an opportunity to help the families Teresa sees every day in her work that are struggling to make it through a very scary time in their babies’ lives.

170 lovies were collected to support hospitalized babies.

Proctor stated, “The lovies we collected last year allowed us to make sure every baby went home with one. For some of these babies, this will become a very special toy for years to come. The parents are also so grateful for these gifts.” With the money collected, parents who can’t afford a car seat or other necessities will be helped with those purchases.

For the Northgate women who attended, it was a wonderful way to see old friends, make new friends, and toast to the holidays, all while helping others.

Note from the editor: In this “Acts of Kindness” column I invite you to share your stories. Tell us about what you or your neighbors are doing to spread kindness. I hope this will inspire us all to make the world a little nicer. Please send stories and photos to knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com.

NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Expert Contributor

Decluttering after the Holidays

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

I

f you’re tired of scrambling through clutter each morning or tripping over things, it may be time to reorganize your home. And what better time to declutter your home than with the new year? The process of a home remodel can be the perfect opportunity to realize this goal. A remodel can change small details of your home to help closet organization for more storage space or fulfill bigger goals of redesigning space for better room layout.

RESHAPE ROOM LAYOUTS

Remodeling should be about making your home more comfortable, beautiful and clean. A remodel can also make storage spaces more accessible to ensure your home is cleaner and more organized.

Perhaps you need more space to run around for small children or you’re looking to implement some aging-in-place additions? A remodeling contractor can design and build your space around the way you use your home.

PLAN CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Knowing how to plan closet organization can change the way you organize and declutter. A remodeler can help you design and build a new closet that perfectly fits the items that you need to store, so that everything has its place. This individualized approach is key to keeping an organized and clean home. This isn’t just a one-size-fitsall solution, but a unique approach that’s specific to your needs and requirements.

INTEGRATE STORAGE SPACE

For a cleaner and more organized home, integrated storage space is a must-have. This stage is all about being creative with your storage space, especially if you have a small space. Storage spaces can be hidden around the home. Common places for integrated storage are in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or even under staircases! A contractor can help you plan to integrate storage.

MAKE YOUR HOME FIT YOUR LIFE

The Design build process to remodeling is all about making your home fit your life. Remodeling can allow you to redesign the flow and style of your rooms to fit your mobility or family needs or find extra storage space. When your home design matches your needs, organizing is simple.

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FEBRUARY 2020

LIVE! FROM THE LIBRARY

Hosts Biographer of Local Pioneer Robert Noble Burgess

By Susan Moon, Walnut Creek Library Foundation

L

ive! from the Library will host local author Jim Moore, author of The Life of Robert Noble Burgess, on Wednesday, February 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Oak View Room at the Walnut Creek Library.

Moore’s book, The Life of Robert Noble Burgess, chronicles the remarkable career of a businessman whose vision and skill helped transform Contra Costa County from a sleepy farming and ranching community into the vibrant commercial and cultural hub that it is today. Robert Noble “R.N.” Burgess, who happens to be Moore’s maternal grandfather, rose rapidly in his chosen fields of agriculture, real estate and finance in the early years of the 20th century, then suffered a dramatic collapse of his businesses and personal influence from which he never fully recovered. Along the way, he led the development of hundreds of acres of land in Contra Costa, including the Diablo Country Club and the Lakewood district of Walnut Creek, among many other projects.

In Moore’s insightful and meticulously researched account, R.N emerges as a

brilliant, resourceful and sometimes ruthless entrepreneur fully engaged with the economic, political and cultural affairs of his era.

Moore is a resident of Walnut Creek and a retired commercial real estate executive. His fortyfive-year professional career included employment at Crown Zellerbach, Xerox, Cushman & Wakefield and Bedford Property Investors. He has a BA in History from UC Berkeley, an MBA from The University of San Francisco, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Golden Gate University. He was born in San Francisco, raised in Walnut Creek, and served as an officer in the Marine Corps.

This free program is sponsored by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation and is open to the public. Reservations can be made online at www.wclibrary.org/live or by phone at 925.935.5395.

Live! from the Library, produced by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, features free public lectures, literary events, and cultural programs at the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries. Program sponsors are Walnut Creek Historical Society, East Bay Times, and Minuteman Press Lafayette.

2020 will be a banner year for Walnut Creek’s libraries as each celebrates a milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Walnut Creek Library, and the 45th anniversary of the Ygnacio Valley Library. The Walnut Creek Library Foundation is planning a special community celebration later this year.

For more information about Walnut Creek Library Foundation programs, please visit www.wclibrary.org or call 925.935.5395.

Author James R. Moore, Jr. will speak about his biography on Robert Noble Burgess on Feb. 12.

NORTHGATE LIVING 15

Expert Contributor

WELL-KNOWN FACT - Cardiovascular Disease Kills One Woman Every 80 Seconds LITTLE-KNOWN FACT - That it’s Preventable 80% of the Time!

By Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, AFMCP with Body Love Cafe

Cholesterol is not the enemy.

It seems like it would be since cholesterol is a component of atherosclerosis - plaquing that lines the arterial walls leading to coronary artery disease, heart attacks and stroke events.

When there is damage to the artery, your body grabs cholesterol, white blood cells, and calcium and lays down a layer of plaque.

Like a handyman applying spackling to a wall.

The key is to stop or prevent the damage - cholesterol is just part of the “patch up” spackling.

in our body. It’s a precursor to Vitamin D, needed for healthy bones, nervous system function and essential to the formation of bile salts which help us digest fat from our diet. It’s also essential to the production of serotonin, our “feel-good” hormone for our brain. Low levels of cholesterol are linked to depression and aggression.

Having too little cholesterol or a diet void of fat can be a problem!

We teach this in detail at our free Heart Health class on March 4th at 6:30 pm, plus the range of solutions from medical to holistic. Learn more at www.BodyLoveCafe and click the “Classes” tab.

If the reason for the damage (ex. elevated blood sugar) is not solved, then this will occur again and again, leading to increased plaquing and a narrowing of the artery.

Two of the major contributors to this issue of arterial damage are largely unknown: excess carbohydrates (not fat) elevating the blood sugar, and there’s also a viral component. Yes, you read that correctly - we teach in detail how your immune health directly contributes (or protects) against coronary artery disease.

Understanding what does cause heart disease is just as important as understanding what does NOT cause it.

Those of us (especially women) that survived the 80’s and the “low fat” craze have been paying for that nutritional propaganda for years. Had that been accurate, we wouldn’t be seeing the incredible numbers of women dying from heart disease - it’s our number one killer!

Not only is cholesterol NOT the cause of heart disease, but consider this quote from the Framingham study, the longest running research on heart disease in America.

After 40 years, the director of this study had to admit: “In Framingham, Mass., the more saturated fat one ate, the more cholesterol one ate, the more calories one ate, the lower the person’s serum cholesterol. . . we found that the people who ate the most cholesterol, ate the most saturated fat, ate the most calories, weighed the least and were the most physically active.”

Cholesterol is also the precursor to vital steroid hormones including cortisol and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone along with providing stability to the outer membrane of every cell membrane 16

FEBRUARY 2020

Community Safety

Emergency Evacuation Plan

By Judy Caponigro, Northgate Area CERT Team, Resident since 2016

Happy New Year!

At the beginning of every year we make resolutions. As a resolution for 2020, your Northgate Area CERT Team would like you to consider creating an emergency evacuation plan for your family.

There are a number of emergencies that may require evacuation with some requiring leaving at a moment’s notice. Planning ahead is crucial to ensuring that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter the circumstances.

According to www.ready.gov/evacuation it is important to plan in advance how you will leave and where you will go in the event of an evacuation. Following are a few tips to consider: Identify several places you could go in an emergency (for example, a friend’s home in another town or a motel). Choose destinations in different directions so you have options.

of unexpected emergencies. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion on the roads.

If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if needed. Make arrangements with family, friends or your local government.

These are just a few key items to consider. To learn more, please visit www.ready.gov/evacuation.

Next month: What to take with you during an emergency Stay Safe Out There.

If you are interested in learning more about CERT and/or how to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.walnut-creek. org/cert

If you have children, arrange ahead of time for a friend, neighbor or family member to pick them up if you are too far away to reach them.

If needed, identify places to stay that will accept pets. Keep in mind that most public shelters only allow service animals.

Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.

Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.

Develop a family/household communication and re-unification plan (a handy form is available at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/ assets/documents/133447.

If you have a car, keep the gas tank full if an evacuation seems likely. At all other times, keep the tank at least half full in case

NORTHGATE LIVING 17

Expert Contributor

3 Ways to Subtly Show Your Partner Your Favorite Engagement Rings

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry

W

ith Valentine’s Day and Engagement Season right around the corner, we thought this month’s topic was highly appropriate! An engagement ring is one of the most significant purchases made during the course of a person’s lifetime. It’s also an extremely personal and intimate decision. If you suspect that your loved one may be thinking of proposing, you may be wondering how to let them know your personal preferences without being too obvious about it. Read on for three tips aimed at subtly guiding your partner toward a ring you’ll truly love.

Put Pinterest to work.

If you’re like most soon-to-be brides, you probably keep a Pinterest board of your favorite wedding venues, dresses, honeymoon getaways, signature cocktails and so on. Consider collecting images of your favorite engagement ring styles too.

Then, leave your computer conveniently open one day when your partner is nearby. If he’s thinking of popping the question, he’ll be delighted to find your gentle hint. While you’re at it, “pin” your favorite jeweler, as well.

Do some “accidental” window shopping.

When you’re at the mall or strolling downtown, you walk past jewelry stores all the time. The next time you’re out and about, make an excuse to stop and peruse the bling. Perhaps say you want to check out a great jewelry store your friend told you about or maybe just find yourself drawn to something sparkly in a storefront window. In either case, take the opportunity to admire what you like and point out what you don’t. And remember:

your hints don’t have to be in the context of an engagement ring. You might indicate that you prefer platinum over gold, a particular diamond cut or color, or a nontraditional design over a traditional one in a pair of earrings, bracelets or necklaces. If he’s got marriage on his mind, he’ll be grateful for any direction you provide.

Lean on your friends.

Wedding proposals can be contagious! If you have friends who have recently gotten engaged, this is the perfect opportunity to give your partner a nudge. Something as simple as, “Jack did a really great job picking out Sarah’s ring. I love the emerald cut diamond, although I think I would have chosen a platinum band over gold” can be naturally worked into a conversation and can help your partner feel more prepared to pick a ring himself.

Or, if he’s close with one of your friends and you know a proposal is forthcoming, ask her to check in with him to see if he needs any guidance or ideas.

our Bay Area locations – including our new Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. We also have our flagship locations in San Francisco (now open every Saturday) and if in Napa Valley, be sure to join us at our recently re-opened Padis tasting room and jewelry store on Main Street in St. Helena.

One last thing to keep in mind? Many couples are opting out of elaborate surprise proposals and opting into shopping together for an engagement ring. If you’re open to this arrangement, find a way to let your loved one know.

This may be the best way to ensure that the ring of your dreams ends up on your finger.

Family-owned Padis Jewelry has been a trusted name in the jewelry industry for nearly half a century. To view our exceptional collection of loose certified diamonds, engagement rings, and fine jewelry, we invite you to visit any of

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FEBRUARY 2020

NORTHGATE LIVING 19

The Rita Dhillon Team

Sold in 2019 53 Hidden Oaks Drive, Lafayette . Seller 375 La Casa Via, Walnut Creek . Seller & Buyer 111 Brodia Way, Walnut Creek . Seller & Buyer 750 Sycamore Road, Pleasanton . Seller & Buyer 66 Crest Avenue, Alamo . Buyer 2070 Shell Ridge Road, Walnut Creek . Seller & Buyer 3707 Northgate Woods Court, Walnut Creek . Seller 513 Burgoyne Street, Mountain View . Seller 123 Brodia Way, Walnut Creek . Seller 117 Brodia Way, Walnut Creek . Seller 760 Northgate Road, Walnut Creek . Seller & Buyer 156 Brodia Way, Walnut Creek . Seller 168 Brodia Way, Walnut Creek . Seller 705 Snyder Lane, Walnut Creek . Seller 3559 Eris Court, Walnut Creek . Seller 507 Tanager Heights Court, Pleasant Hill . Buyer 3520 Eris Court, Walnut Creek . Seller 616 Harrogate Court, Walnut Creek . Seller 215 Veritas Court, San Ramon . Buyer 1536 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette . Seller & Buyer 5244 S. Montecito Dr., Concord . Seller 37 Canyon Green Court, San Ramon . Buyer 7165 Calistoga Lane, San Ramon . Buyer 3112 Lippizaner Lane, Walnut Creek . Seller 3158 Hambletonian Lane, Walnut Creek . Seller 3020 San Miguel Road, Concord . Seller 780 Lakemont Place, San Ramon . Buyer 39 Long Creek Circle, Clayton . Buyer

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