Northgate Living CA February 2024

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

FEBRUARY 2024

Meet the

Frenklakh Family: Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

Practicing Gratitude Every Day

Rita Dhillon Team

#1 Northgate & Walnut Creek Realtor * TOTAL SALES VOLU ME F ROM 20 01-2021

Rita Dhillon

925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990

Tim Dhillon

925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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FEBRUARY 2024

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:

Welcome to our February issue of Northgate Living. I’m excited to share the story of the Frenklakh family, a family that is practicing gratitude everyday and is taking advantage of so many of the wonderful things the Northgate neighborhood has to offer.

In this issue you will also find articles from neighbors about breaking out the bubbly for a Valentine’s celebration and updates from Northgate High School on Girls Basketball and other fun events happening soon, as well as helpful articles from our experts.

I’m looking forward to seeing you out in the neighborhood as I take my daily walk or bike ride, and 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. You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit our website: northgatelivingCA.com.

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.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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

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

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3

Expert Contributors

Advertising - Print & Digital

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

Concierge Care Coordination

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

Northgate Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Camalin “Cam” Jones La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149 camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.com

Dentist

Tobian Kiefer Dentistry Michael S Tobian, DDS & Maurissa Kiefer DDS 925-407-1155 mydentist@drtobian.com www.drtobian.com

Design, Build & Remodeling Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Hardscape Restoration

Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com

Dr. Michael Tobian graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he has practiced dentistry for patients of all ages. He thoroughly enjoys the art and science of Dentistry. Dr. Maurissa Kiefer got her DDS degree from University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Kiefer strives to provide her patients with comfortable, high quality care.

Gordon Reese, a seasoned Design Build professional with over 39 years of experience, is the founder of Gordon Reese Design Build. With an unwavering passion for elevating living spaces, Gordon offers homeowners a unique opportunity to transform their homes into a luxurious oasis. His team specializes in Additions, ADUs, Whole House, Kitchens, and Bathroom remodels. They are committed to delivering stressfree remodeling experiences and producing beautiful results that exceed expectations. If you are ready to turn your dream home into a reality, contact Gordon Reese Design Build today!

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

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FEBRUARY 2024

Expert Contributors

Real Estate

Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Religious Education

Contra Costa Christian Schools 925-934-4964 afullmore@cccs.org www.contracostachristianschools.org

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.

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.

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.

Storage Expert

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

Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200 info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

Meet the

Frenklakh Family: Practicing Gratitude Every Day

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Photos provided by The Frenklakh family

B

etween Katie and Serge Frenklakh, they speak four languages. The most important one, which they are passing down to their two young daughters, is the language of gratitude.

As an immigrant from Belarus, Serge keeps up with his Russian. As an ex-pat child having lived in Puerto Rico and Germany, Katie keeps up on her Spanish. Both speak a little German and, of course, English. But at dinner each evening, the family practices a tradition of gratitude, taking turns answering questions with their daughters Ellie (6) and Gemma (3): What was the best part of your day? What was the sad part of your day? What are you grateful for? And What are looking forward to tomorrow? It’s a practice that builds the girls’ appreciation and communication skills and brings them all closer as a family.

Katie and Serge both attended UC Davis at the same time but never met each other, despite having some mutual friends. It was years later that fate would try again to bring them together. They both were urged by friends to try a dating app. As Serge jokes, “Katie and I met on the classiest of dating sites OKCupid – the free one! I must have passed all of Katie’s extensive Google stalking, and as fate would have it, she was the first person I met from the site…Our first date was at a quaint restaurant in San Rafael. Hours went by with great conversation until we noticed they were stacking the chairs, ready to close. Not wanting the night to end, we ended up in a ‘rough around the edges’ biker bar! The perfect ending to a lovely evening.”

They were engaged in Lake Tahoe, on a hike overlooking Emerald Bay, and married in 2014 in Monterey.

After working in the corporate world for a bit, Katie returned to school to earn her nursing degree at Samuel Merritt University and now works at Kaiser Walnut Creek. Serge earned his master’s degree at UCLA in biomedical engineering and now works in research and development within the neurovascular division of Stryker. “He finds it incredibly rewarding and impactful designing medical devices that treat the debilitating disease of stroke.” It makes his commute to Fremont worth it.

Since moving to Northgate in 2018 they have fully embraced all that it has to offer. Ellie is involved in Girl Scouts, SURF/COPA Soccer, WCYAA basketball, and the Woodlands Swim Team (Gemma hopes to join Kermits next season.); Katie volunteers at Valle Verde while Serge enjoys golf at Boundary Oak. The family enjoys exploring the neighborhood and running into familiar friendly faces everywhere, visiting the Farmer’s Market at The Shadelands on Saturdays, ogling the animals at ARF (“we can’t wait until the girls are old enough to adopt one.”), and going to shows at the Lesher Center.

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FEBRUARY 2024

They also take regular trips to Monterey, where Serge’s parents live, Novato where Katie’s family is, the Aulani Disney Resort in Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Lake Tahoe.

Although both Katie and Serge spent parts of their childhoods thousands of miles away, they have found “home” here in Northgate.

Katie adds, “We love the connections we’ve made with other families - especially those forged during the Covid shutdown. During the pandemic, we really bonded with our neighbors. Gemma was due to be born right after the shutdown when everything was closed. We would go on walks at least twice a day, and Ellie (then 3) would yell to people from across the street, asking what their dog’s name was. Each person was so happy to engage with us, and we’d start to recognize people over time. When we came home from the hospital with Gemma, I couldn’t wait to get out in our neighborhood again I took Gemma on her first walk on the canal trail when she was only three days old.

Seeing those familiar friendly faces in our community was always the highlight of our day!”

This family has lots to be grateful for!

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.

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Pet Corner

ARF Adoption Stars

Ebony

Razzmatazz

By Cole Kuiper, ARF Marketing Manager

A

dopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6 pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am.

Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:

Two-year-old Ebony is a sweetheart, full of love to give! She adores human affection and will always be there to greet you with a wagging tail. She’s got a zest for life and her enthusiasm is infectious. Ebony has a positive history with other dogs. She currently weighs 45 pounds.

Ebony’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

ARF adoption fees: • • • • • •

$150 $50 for an adult dog $375 $50 for a puppy (<6 months) $75 $50 for a special-needs dog $200 $50 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months) $75 $50 for a senior dog (7+ years)

Three-year-old Razzmatazz is ready to find a loving home! She is a friendly, gentle, and playful cat who quickly warms up to new friends. Despite having lost vision in one eye she navigates her world with ease, showcasing adaptability and resilience.

ARF adoption fees: • • • • • • •

$100 $50 for an adult cat $175 $50 for a kitten (<6 months) $150 $50 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens $50 for a special-needs cat $100 $50 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months) $50 for a senior cat (7+ years) Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

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FEBRUARY 2024

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

Real Estate Listings in Northgate Active Listings Address

List Price

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

2922 Comistas Dr 771 Woodwind Pl 3327 Bowmore Ct 2407 Elgin Ln 419 Las Lomas Way

$3,095,000 $2,975,000 $1,998,000 $1,700,000 $1,199,950

4 5 4 4 2

3.5 4 3 2.5 1.5

4,145 4,000 2,525 2,124 1,202

18 86 31 6 109

Pending Listings Address List Price

BD

BT

SQFT

791 N Gate Pl

4

3

2,908

27

Sold Listings Address Sold Price

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

225 Clyde Dr 2370 English Ct 216 Via Monte 599 Walnut Ave 3148 Lippizaner Ln

3 5 5 4 3

2.5 3.5 3 3 2

2,926 2,835 2,252 1,920 1,748

18 7 18 40 28

$2,022,000

$2,150,000 $1,870,000 $1,560,000 $1,380,000 $1,025,000

1/11/2024

DOM

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

Rita Dhillon Team

#1 Northgate & Walnut Creek Realtor * TOTAL SALES VOLU ME F ROM 20 01-2021

Rita Dhillon

925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990

Tim Dhillon

925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

February CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Through Mar. 31 California Clay exhibit

Wed., Feb. 7 Read to a Dog

Any day Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Dedicated to all things fired, California Clay presents a survey of California artists working in clay. In response to the recent ceramics renaissance in the contemporary art world, California Clay features an intriguing mix of functional and aesthetic works that highlight the versatility of the medium, and celebrate ceramics as both functional and fine art, showcasing the talent and creativity of contemporary ceramicists.

Cost: pay what you can Time: Gallery open from Wed. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

@Walnut Creek Library Kids aged 6-12 are invited to sign up for a one-on-one reading session with a therapy pup. Bring a book from home or grab one from our shelves. Prior registration is not required. Sign-ups for 15-minute time slots will be on a first-come basis. Children 6-12.

Repeats each first Wednesday of the month.

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

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

Every Thursday Food Truck Thursdays @Shadelands Located in the parking lot on the west side of the Kaiser Permanente building at 370 Lennon Lane. Presented by Taste of the World, Food Truck Thursdays is open to the public. Growing in popularity among diners looking for a fast, convenient, and affordable food options with personalized service, food trucks also offer opportunities to try something different—ethnic and international foods and flavors—and to support local chefs and businesses, while enjoying an outdoor dining experience with family and friends.

2/1 – King Gyro & Kabob 2/8 – El Gran Taco Loco 2/15 – Roadside SF 2/22 - Cancelled 2/29 – Ofie’s Kitchen Time: 11:30am-2:00pm

Wed., Feb. 14 Kids Movie Matinee @Walnut Creek Library Join us for a family-friendly movie afternoon! We will be watching Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009), rated PG. For special accommodations, please contact the Library with 72 hours notice.

Cost: Free Time: 4-5:30pm

Mon., Feb. 26 All Ears Reading @Ygnacio Valley Library Reading aloud is one of the best ways to improve reading skills. It is even more fun when you have a furry friend. With All Ears Reading, children can improve their core reading skills in a relaxed non-judgmental environment with a dog from ARF’s Pet Hug Pack. These 15-minute sessions begin at 3:00pm and last until 5:00pm. Register online to get your spot today. Perfect for children in grades 1-5. Repeats Mar. 25.

Cost: Free Time: 3-5pm

10

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: Mar. 1-2. 7-9 Musical America @Northgate High School Little Theatre Northgate’s Choral Music Program presents its yearly production of group and individual singers to entertain us all.

Time: 6:30-9pm

FEBRUARY 2024

Expert Contributor

Dare to Dream, Dare to Remodel: Captivating Changes for your Home’s Future

By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build.

Resident since 2008

E

mbarking on a home remodeling journey is more than a facelift—it’s an expression of your dreams, a leap into limitless possibilities. With 40 years of experience, we’ve seen the transformative power, turning spaces into captivating havens. Join us on a journey of exploration as we delve into the art of daring to dream and remodel, unlocking your home’s future potential.

Unveiling Your Vision

your life, not disrupt it. Strategic planning is the linchpin here. We carefully map out the project timeline, ensuring that each phase is executed efficiently, minimizing inconvenience to you and your family.

Start with a dream—a vision of the ideal living space that reflects your personality and aspirations. Beyond aesthetics, it’s about crafting an environment that tells your story. Our role is to translate these dreams into tangible plans, understanding your lifestyle and preferences. Together, we create a home that feels like an extension of you.

Storage solutions are often a focal point in remodeling projects.

Daring to dream might mean envisioning clever storage options that declutter your space, creating a serene and organized environment.

From custom-built cabinets to innovative built-ins, the possibilities are endless. The goal is to maximize functionality without compromising on style.

Breaking Boundaries in Design

Captivating Changes: Before and After

Daring to remodel often involves stepping out of the comfort zone and exploring innovative design concepts. Don’t be afraid to break free from conventional norms. Consider bold color palettes, unconventional materials, and unique architectural elements that add character to your space.

In recent projects, we’ve witnessed a surge in homeowners daring to embrace mixed textures, blending natural elements like stone and wood with sleek, contemporary finishes. It’s a harmonious clash of styles that brings depth and intrigue to any room. The key is to infuse your personality into the design, creating a space that not only looks stunning but also feels authentically yours.

Maximizing Space, Minimizing Stress

One common misconception is that remodeling is synonymous with stress. In reality, a well-executed remodel is designed to enhance

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The true magic of daring to remodel is revealed in the beforeand-after transformation. It’s not just a physical change; it’s a metamorphosis of how you experience and interact with your home.

Take a dark, outdated kitchen, for example—by daring to dream and remodel, it can be reborn into a bright, inviting culinary haven where family and friends gather.

In recent projects, we’ve witnessed the power of open-concept living, where walls are removed to create flowing spaces that enhance connectivity. Imagine the thrill of witnessing your home evolve from a collection of rooms to an integrated, harmonious living area. These captivating changes are not just about aesthetics; they’re about reshaping the way you live.

Budget-Friendly Brilliance

Embarking on a remodel need not mean overspending. Our strategy, deeply rooted in the principle of designing to a budget, not budgeting to a design, not only saves time and money but also prevents the disappointment of falling in love with a project only to discover it’s too expensive to build. By prioritizing efficient resource allocation and client needs, we make savvy choices, opting for cost-effective materials and implementing strategic project phasing. This approach ensures brilliance without compromising financial boundaries.

A well-planned remodel can enhance home value, offering longterm savings and increased property value through investments in energy efficiency and stylish upgrades—an inspiring win-win scenario where you dare to dream, remodel, and invest in the future.

In Conclusion

Ready to elevate your home experience and fall in love with it all over again? Contact us now to discover the possibilities for achieving your remodeling goals. Visit GordonReese.com or dial 925-477-4953, and let’s discuss how we can make your dream home a reality.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Expert Contributor

Inpatient Rehabilitation What No One Wants to talk about

By Camalin Jones

B

ased on the last 40 admissions into my skilled rehabilitation facility, the average patient age is 67 years old— ten years younger than expected, which means inpatient rehabilitation services will be a real need for many of you or your loved ones in the future. What no one wants to talk about is the critical question that drives all options in healthcare in America today, “What is your health insurance?”

Health insurance varies from Medicare to Contra Costa Health Plan. There is good, bad and ugly in every industry and the ugly needs to be realized for skilled rehabilitation; which is that skilled nursing facilities are for-profit. This is significant because when an admissions coordinator reviews what healthcare insurance a patient has, it is mostly to determine if the facility bed census can accommodate the patient based on the rate. No one ever talks about it, but a patient’s healthcare insurance is the largest determining factor in placement.

To put it simply, Medicare is the highest paying insurance, with a daily rate of $900-$1100. Humana, HealthNet, and PPO plans for United Healthcare and Aetna also fall in this high daily rate bracket. HMO plans like Blue Cross and United Healthcare pay about $700-$900/day. Contra Costa Health Plan pays about $465/day. Commercial plans generally pay out at $425-$450/day. Daily expenses to provide minimum care for a patient costs a facility about $420/day. Medi-Cal is the lowest paying healthcare coverage with a daily rate of $320/day.

Medicare is also the only insurance coverage that does not involve a case manager analyzing length of stay, making it the easiest insurance to work with. All commercial and managed Medicare plans are assigned a Utilization Review Nurse Case Manager who will analyze weekly clinicals with strict adherence to the Medicare guidelines for extended care services that are provided in a skilled rehabilitation facility.

In these cases, insurance dictates the discharge date from the facility. 25% of patients end up having to navigate through the appeals process and stress about the next step if they cannot care for themselves at home. This is difficult on the patient, involved loved ones, and the facility’s social services department.

Be educated. Be proactive. If you or your loved one is over the age of 70, it may be beneficial to go with straight Medicare coverage to avoid the hassle of authorizations or appeals with the increase in medical needs. If you or your loved one will maintain a commercial or managed Medicare plan, be prepared with strong back up plans if a hospitalization occurs.

Make sure a solid support system is in place with friends and neighbors. Make sure homes are safe to navigate through.

Most important, stay healthy!

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FEBRUARY 2024

Junior Reporter

Northgate High School Update

By Erin Kim, Northgate High School Junior

Halfway Through!

Hey Broncos and family! With finals and winter break under our belts, Semester 1 is officially under wraps! The race isn’t over yet- this semester may be even more packed than the last.

Upcoming Events

Junior Prom will take place on February 24, 2024.

It’s finally prom season! Northgate Leadership’s Junior Class has been working tirelessly to plan for the long-awaited celebration, with this year’s theme being Enchanted Garden. Lots in store for our juniors- from poker to photo booths, delicious food, and of course, the dance floor!

Northgate’s Got Talent + Multicultural Week- 2/26-3/1

Multicultural Week is in our midst this month, consisting of different dress-up themes to celebrate our diverse backgrounds. Some of these include Equality Day, during which all students are encouraged to collectively wear white shirts and jeans, Rep Your Culture Day, and more.

The Northgate’s Got Talent Rally will wrap up the week, allowing students to showcase not only their many talents but also cultural performances!

From aspiring singers to dancers from the K-Pop Club, the rally is truly memorable for everyone.

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Trevor Tonsing Memorial- February 28

In 2009, Northgate High lost a beloved student, classmate, and friend in Trevor Tonsing’s passing. In memory of Trevor and his passion for Eagle Scouts, Northgate will be participating in Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Festival on February 28 by helping create warm blankets for children at Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland. All are welcome to come support and honor Trevor and his family.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

The Lasting Impact Of Advertising

▶ DON’T FORGET ABOUT DIGITAL

By Jo Peek Expert Contributor

Advertising is one of the most important investments a business can make. If you stop advertising, you’ll eventually run out of leads and be limited to the customers you already have.

This is why sustained advertising is key. It continues month after month, building recognition and trust for your local brand. Research published in the Journal of Marketing shows that sustained advertising leads to higher profits and sales, while short-term advertising does not produce consistent results.¹

▶ TOP-OF-MIND AWARENESS Advertising isn't a quick fix solution. It takes consistent effort, time and nurturing to grow your customer base. While only a certain percentage of people who see your ad will take immediate action, focusing on sustained advertising across digital and print formats helps create brand awareness so when customers are ready to buy, your business is already top-of-mind.

Did you know that digital advertising can drive your long-term growth? New research by Nielsen, Nepa and GfK shows that businesses are undervaluing advertising if they only measure its short-term outcomes.² Digital advertising is extremely effective for building long-term brand ROI, which is a key part of any good marketing strategy. When thinking about your marketing strategy, consider all the benefits of consistent digital advertising that can easily be paired with your print advertising efforts.

▶ STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD It's likely that your competitors also struggle during tough times or slow periods of the year. While they might use that as an opportunity to cut back on advertising, you can go the opposite direction and increase your advertising efforts. Think of your advertising campaign like a train on a track. Once it gains momentum, it's difficult to stop. Similarly, campaigns take time to produce results, but once they start to gain traction, the benefits are significant. This long-term strategy will help you stand out from your competitors and reach more potential customers in the long run.

Sources: Zhang, Steven. Reasons for Market Evolution and Budgeting Implications. Journal of Marketing: Vol. 72, No. 5. pp. 15-30. https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/The-short-and-long-term-impact-of-advertising.pptx.pdf

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We help businesses target & penetrate CONTACT JO PEEK jpeek@bestversionmedia.com • 925-272-8246

the most influential buyers in the community with the combined power of print & digital advertising!

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FEBRUARY 2024

Recipe

Zucchini Crisps

By Lisa Assoni, Short-Cut Cook, Resident since 2016

T

hese crunchy morsels of veggies are a real short-cut cook’s dream, and a perfect, healthy recipe. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

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2 medium zucchinis, finely shredded, squeeze out excess liquid

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1 small onion, finely chopped

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2 large eggs

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3/4 cup Panko

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3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Add above ingredients to large mixing bowl. Mix well, and shape in small cakes. If soft, add more Panko and cheese.

Using a cookie sheet, laced with parchment paper is best, but you can use aluminum foil sprayed with a non-stick coating. Then add cakes. When oven reaches desired temp, place carefully on top-shelf of oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden, crispy brown. Let cool and dig in. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired. A real people pleaser.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15

Local Sports

Northgate Girls Basketball off to a great start

By Shannon Polkinghorn, Resident since 2004

F

ocused and balanced are how sixth year head coach Jim Croy describes his 2023-24 Northgate girls basketball team. According to Croy, “the girls and coaching staff try our best to find a balance between really getting after it and also enjoying the moment and having fun.” At 14-4 overall (4-0 in league play) thus far and coming off a recent tournament win at the West Coast Jamboree, their hard work has given them a lot to enjoy and have fun with. The Lady Broncos feature 6 seniors this year and are led by senior Amelia Schrag who is currently averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Many of the girls have played together for more than 8 years, having played for the local St. John Vianney CYO teams and through other local youth clubs and teams. Croy has done an outstanding job of weaving Northgate basketball into the fiber of the community by incorporating players from those local youth teams with the high school team. To that end, recently the St. John Vianney sixth grade girls scrimmaged at halftime of the Battle of the Creek game versus Las Lomas. Croy also has youth players serve as “ball girls” at the Northgate games. The girls assist with pre and post-game chores, rebound balls during warmups and sit on the bench with the team where Coach Croy is often seen pointing out various things to them about the game. The experience is invaluable for both the youth and high school players. To catch the Lady Broncos – and maybe even a local youth team scrimmaging at halftime! – in action, visit the Northgate Athletics website at www. northgatebroncos.org for their schedule.

16

FEBRUARY 2024

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 17

Food, Wine & Entertaining

Celebrate Valentine's Day with bubbly delights

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

V

alentine’s Day is associated with love and romance, and what better way to celebrate than with some bubbly delights like Champagne and Sparkling Wine.

These effervescent beverages add a touch of elegance and celebration to special moments. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or a festive gathering, a bottle of Champagne, “Bubbles”, or Sparkling Wine can enhance the mood and create a memorable experience.

While “Champagne” is reserved for sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France, this type of sparkling wine is made around the world through utilizing different grape varietals and production methods. Prosecco hails from Italy and is made from Glera grapes using the Charmat method and has a light and fruity profile. It is great to add pomegranate juice to or a splash of elderflower liquor. Cava originates from Spain using the traditional grape varietals of Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo and is typically quite affordable. The United States produces Sparkling Wine with California being a significant contributor such as Chandon, Roederer Estate, Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, Mumm, and J Vineyards to name a few. Germany produces sparkling wine called Sekt from Riesling and Pinot varietals.

Champagne cocktails are a perfect way to add some pizzaz and creativity to your bubbly experience. The classic Mimosa of half Champagne and half fresh squeezed orange juice is the perfect start to a Sunday brunch. My favorite is a Peach Bellini with equal parts peach puree or nectar with Champagne and brings back fond memories of traveling back from London in business class on British Air sipping this delightful cocktail at 38,000 feet. A wonderful aperitif is the classic Kir Royale where you add a splash of crème de cassis to the bottom of a flute and top with your favorite sparkling wine. The classic Champagne cocktail is a sugar cube placed at the bottom of flute then soaked with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and topped with Champagne.

The historic French 75 cocktail dates to WW1 where it was created at The New York Bar in Paris.

It is comprised of Champagne, gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice and is quite delicious.

These prosecco and pomegranate juice cocktails make the perfect red beverage for Valentine’s day.

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001.

Professionally, she is the President & Founder of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) She is the President of California Recruiters and a board member for Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is Food, Wine and Entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and cook great food. www.authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com authenticsuburbangourmet@gmail.com Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet

Pairing food with Champagne is a sommelier favorite for its ability to play well with all sorts of food. The acidity and effervescence of the wine compliments a wide range of dishes from appetizers to dessert. For appetizers think about oysters with mignonette sauce, smoked salmon on toast points, a potato chip with sour cream and caviar, deviled eggs, or a selection of soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, goat cheese or triple cream. If you want to impress your guests, make a batch of popcorn and top with melted butter and truffle oil then top with a sprinkling of parmesan. Rounding out the evening with dessert is where Champagne can shine through, serving it alongside lemon sorbet, fruit tart, peach pie, cheesecake, crème brulee, or chocolate mousse.

Enjoying a bottle of your favorite bubbles on Valentine’s Day can create a romantic atmosphere and generate wonderful memories with your loved one. Whether you have been married for years or just started dating someone, you can celebrate the holiday in style by cooking a special meal together at home or making a reservation at your favorite restaurant. A few fun ideas include leaving handwritten love notes in unexpected places for your partner to find throughout the day, creating a spa night at home, watching a romantic movie, or planning a surprise with something your partner has been wanting or an experience they’ll love. It could be a surprise date, a special delivery, or even a scavenger hunt leading to a hidden gift.

Let the bubbles rise, and the glasses clink - here’s to Champagne, a libation that transcends the ordinary, turning every moment into a sparkling celebration. Cheers!

18

FEBRUARY 2024

Expert Contributor

Outlook 2024

By Chris Held, Element Wealth Management

I

n 2024, we believe markets will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place.

En-route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is bubbling up again as the effect of post-pandemic stimulus wanes. And the end of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rate-hiking campaign is indeed upon us.

Where the last two years had investors focused on inflation, market volatility, and striving for a sense of economic balance, we now can expect to see some return to the previous status quo—that is, a less-stringent Fed, normalizing inflation, and a slower growth environment. We’ve seen indications of this reset—receding inflation, rates stabilizing, more modest equity market performance, and go-forward economic forecasts that have been dwindling. From our perspective, this turning point for the markets and economic landscape can be characterized as a return to familiar economic and market patterns, leaving behind the volatility of policy and economic swings experienced in recent years, and moving toward a steadier environment.

All of this said, it doesn’t mean that 2024 won’t have its own surprises or potential challenges. Reflecting on 2023, we certainly experienced our fair share of unexpected events. There was positive news: The U.S. economy was strong and the stock market performed relatively well, despite the Fed tightening monetary policy and raising interest rates. On the downside, we faced a regional banking crisis driven by interest rate risk and saw escalating conflict in the Middle East, reminding us that markets are seeminglynconstantly overcoming obstacles.

Ultimately, 2023 revealed investor’s ability to weather the storm in the financial markets through Fed hikes, geopolitical tensions, and many other challenges as it pushed the S&P 500 through record high territory. Element Wealth Management stayed course in its formula despite Wall Street’s consensus of a potential recession during 2023. While Wall Street skeptics repositioned towards fixed income early on in the Fed’s rate hike,

indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. All index data from FactSet. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. For a list of descriptions of the indexes and economic terms referenced, please visit our website at www.lplresearch. com/definitions. elementWM.com (925) 433-9533

Element Wealth Management recognized the strength in the financial markets. Pursuing investments we believe had the fortitude to withstand volatility and hold positions that partook in the S&P500’s growth, we also allocated clients’ portfolios towards fixed-income downside protected securities as a supplement. Although Element Wealth Management cannot predict the future with certainty for the outlook of 2024, our team works tirelessly to continue making progress towards clients’ long-term financial goals and planning during all economic swings through continuous education for ourselves and our clientele.

As Element Wealth Management did, we encourage you to create your own educated consensus on the market for 2024 or meet with one of our financial professionals who can assist you in meeting your specific financial milestones every step of the way.

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change. References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19