Photo by
Mehak Khullar Photography
February
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fri., Feb. 14
Valentine’s Day Party
@Civic Park Community Center
Celebrate the magic of friendship this Valentine’s Day with an evening filled with laughter and great company! Join us for a special party designed just for friends who make life sweeter. Participants will enjoy fun games, a DIY craft station, photo booth fun, and karaoke! Pizza dinner and soft beverages will be provided. Specialized Recreation staff ensures that conversation stays lively and appropriate and encourages participation. This program is designed for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Cost: $4
Time: 6-9pm
Thurs., Feb. 20
Remodeling Seminar
@Gordon Reese Design Build (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek)
Join our exclusive seminar and learn how to avoid:
• Designing a project that is too expensive to build
• Making regretful design decisions
• Choosing the wrong contractor Charcuterie and adult beverages provided. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com Cost: Complimentary
Time: 5:45-7:30pm
Fri., Feb. 21
Teen Art Night
@Center for Community Arts, 111 N. Wiget Ln.
Welcome to Teen Arts Night! Get ready for a night filled with live music, creativity, fun, and snacks. Join us on Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Center for Community Arts - Shadelands. Bring your friends and enjoy a showcase of performances, art making, and more. There’s something for everyone at Teen Arts Night. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to celebrate young artists in our community. See you there! Tickets available ONLINE or at the door. For students in grades 9 -12. Student ID’s required at entry. Cost: $7.50
Time: 6-8pm
Throughout February
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery explores the evolution of embroidery and the artists who are redefining the medium. Works by 18 national and international artists bring new perspectives to the genre, which has historically been labeled as ‘women’s work’ and commonly dismissed in fine art conversations. By merging traditional embroidery techniques with innovative approaches and social/political themes, the artists in this exhibition create powerful narratives that challenge outdated perceptions and elevate textile art to new heights. Stitched serves as a deep dive into contemporary embroidery practices and encourages visitors to experience embroidery as more than decorative craftwork by revealing its historical depth and contemporary relevance. We invite art lovers, craft enthusiasts, and the curious to discover the artistic potential of this ancient technique through the eyes of today’s most gifted stitching artists. Cost: recommended $10, but open to all regardless of ability to pay
Time: Gallery open from Wed.. –Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays
Every Monday
Free Yoga Class
@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26
Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.
Cost: Free Time: 9-10am
Any day
Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork. More information: https://www. bedfordgallery.org/public-art/walking-tours
Cost: Free
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market
@Shadelands Business Park
Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Patry
Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
Advertising
Contact: Jo Peek
Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to our February issue of Northgate Living. I’m excited to share the story of the Kress family; Melanie and Mike attended Northgate High School in the 80’s, and now they are raising their two kids here too. They are active in so many of the things that make our community special, like swim team, high school sports and building connections through volunteer work, church and extended family. Enjoy their story.
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.
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.
Rita Dhillon Team #1
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
Advertising - Print & Digital
Northgate Living CA
Jo Peek
925-272-8246
NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Auto Service
Diablo Auto Specialists
Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson
925-478-5721
1439 Autocenter Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com
Design, Build & Remodeling
Gordon Reese
Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953
Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com
Real Estate
Rita Dhillon
Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010
Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
Storage Expert
Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200 info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/
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.
Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.
With 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results. From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.
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.
the
Kress Family: Meet
Instilling a life of courage, kindness, hard work and passion
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by the Kress Family
Melanie and Mike Kress met in 1984 at Northgate High School. She was a freshman, and he was a senior, but they did not date until years later in 2002. They were both playing on adult softball teams and reconnected one day when her co-ed team and his all-male team were playing games one after the other at Heather Farms. The casual encounter quickly reignited a connection, and their friendship turned into something more. The romance sparked, and they were married in 2004, beginning a life filled with shared passions and memories.
Melanie grew up in the neighborhood, attending Valle Verde, Foothill, and Northgate High School, along with her twin sister Mona, who taught at Valle Verde in the 90’s. Melanie attended UC Santa Barbara for her bachelor’s degree in psychology and in 1996 earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston University. She spent part of her career as a counselor in group homes for youth. Later she worked with Child Protective Services in Alameda County. “Helping others and trying to make a positive impact in my community has always been my passion,” Melanie states. After her children were born, she became a stay-at-home mom, “a role that has been both the most challenging and the most rewarding.” Melanie continues to use her skills as a volunteer for the Monument Crisis Center where she has volunteered for 11 years. She also has volunteered in various PTA roles and was the Woodlands Swim Team Director for several years.
Melanie has been part of a women’s Fantasy Football League for over 20 years, way before it was a popular thing to do. She and her sister are co-owners of their team “Twin Torture,” vying each year for the pot of money that the winner enjoys.
Mike grew up in Concord and attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School through grade 8. He then attended Ygnacio Valley High School for two years and Northgate HS for two years where he met Melanie for the first time. After high school, he began his career at PG&E where he worked as a lineman for 17 years, loving the hands-on nature of the job. He later moved into leadership roles and retired after 38 years as Senior Director of Electric Operations. As the only person in his position without a college degree, he is passionate about encouraging young people to consider learning a trade if college is not the path for them, reminding them that it too can lead to a rewarding and successful career. Retirement did not last long for Mike, as he likes to stay busy. He now enjoys a new role with Underground Construction. Mike is also an avid golfer and loves spending quality time with family and friends.
The Kresses have two teenagers; both have attended all the same schools that Melanie did and both play three sports, keeping the Kresses very busy.
Makenna is 17 and a senior at Northgate HS, playing water polo and lacrosse for the school teams and swimming for Woodlands Swim Team in the summer. “She loves giving back to the community that shaped her” as a junior coach for the
team. She plans to attend a 4-year university in the fall and become an elementary school teacher.
Michael, also known as “Casey” (Makenna called him that when he was in the womb) is 15, a sophomore at Northgate HS, and is the comedian of the family. He plays on three school teams: football, wrestling, and baseball. He also loves fishing, video games and hanging out with friends. He has spent the last two summers working in construction and has gained a deep appreciation for hard physical work. He is thinking about majoring in construction management.
Both Melanie and Mike grew up in faith-filled households, Mike as a Catholic and Melanie as Armenian Apostolic, and continue to make this a priority with their kids. Melanie’s Armenian heritage is a source of pride, and she intentionally passes on her culture and traditions to her family. They both came from tight-knit families and enjoy close relationships with their siblings and extended families. “Our home has been the hub for Thanksgiving dinner for the past 20 years, often blending both sides of the family.”
The family enjoys traveling, and Hawaii and Lake Tahoe are among two of their favorite spots. The family’s Shih Tzu, Brody, also brings endless joy to their lives. They are grateful for their neighbors in the Rancho Paraiso neighborhood who are always watching out for each other.
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.
Walnut Creek Resident
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
South Beach Encino
Leela Starla
Milk and Cookies
Jaynee
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
Rita Dhillon Team #1
SWAT teams and Tactical Dispatchers - a Symbiotic Relationship
By Frank Napoli, Resident since 1996
The Evolution of a Regional SWAT Team
In Walnut Creek the relationship between the SWAT team, Crisis Negotiators and their Tactical Dispatchers is the backbone of every highstakes operation. This bond is forged through countless hours of training, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to safety and precision.
For years, the Walnut Creek Police Department had its own SWAT team, but it was always a small unit, barely enough to handle critical situations. Imagine a high-stakes emergency, a barricaded subject for whom an arrest warrant has been issued, and only eight officers to surround and secure the scene. Clearly—this wasn’t enough.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lt Jeff Slater, SWAT Team Commander and Megan Schmidt, Tactical Dispatcher of the WCPD to take a deeper dive into what makes for a successful SWAT operation and how the team has expanded over the years. I also had the extraordinary opportunity to document the December 6 cross-training exercise to help write this article.
How SWAT Grew – A Call for Reinforcements
Nearby agencies faced the same personnel shortage dilemma, lacking headcount to form their own SWAT teams. The solution? A bold idea emerged from several county managers: a regional SWAT team. Pooling resources from multiple agencies was the way to go. Today, those agencies include Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Martinez, and BART (for all Contra Costa stations). A call from one is a call to all.
To be sure, this team isn’t just about headcount; it is about expertise, coordination, and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any emergency. This collaboration brought a new level of safety and preparedness to the region.
Today, SWAT is made up roughly of 25 officers (divided into tacticians and snipers), 16 crisis negotiators, 5 Drone pilots and 5 Tactical Dispatchers, all
of whom adhere to a strict training schedule. The Tacticians will be those officers who provide entry to the target house and a Sniper Team, which is strategically located (as we have seen play out on a movie set) to provide observation, intelligence, and precision marksmanship.
Communication and Coordination
The heartbeat of every operation is real-time updates. Communication must flow seamlessly between the dispatcher and the officers. It should paint a vivid picture of the scene. Detailed descriptions of suspects, potential threats and exact location details are relayed with precision.
Lt Slater emphasizes that “active listening” is paramount in this scenario. Every word matters. Megan adds that Dispatchers need to speak with absolute clarity, their instructions are crisp and concise, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Because of the many moving parts involved in a SWAT operation a few years ago an app known as PRYME INFIL (prymeinfil.com) was developed and sits on all SWAT team phones. PRYME provides real-time operational planning, coordinates communication, and records management. In a nutshell, this app is a game-changer in the world of law enforcement technology that keeps everyone on the same page.
Only the designated Team Leader in the field communicates with dispatch who then communicates out to the other team members providing instructions on next steps. Every maneuver is executed with surgical precision, including securing the surrounding areas and keeping other emergency services in the loop. This ensures that situational awareness remains a top priority.
Officer rank is a moot issue. An expert Team Leader, who can be a Corporal, may be relaying instructions to higher ranking officers. As Lt Slater puts it, “Egos have no place on a SWAT team, only a collective sense of duty and mission.”
What is an example of a Successful SWAT Operation?
During 2023 the SWAT Team was called out about once per month on average. Lt Slater and Megan described an operation when the team was
called to a residential neighborhood where a wanted suspect had barricaded himself inside of a house threatening violence.
The team quickly surrounded the house, securing all escape routes and utilizing a fully equipped bullet-proof mobile vehicle (a.k.a. Bearcat) while the tactical dispatchers and SWAT Commanders monitored the situation from a designated command post. Meanwhile, the crisis negotiators ran a background profile on the suspect to gather as much intel on the suspect and the people involved. The SWAT team wants to know the psychological makeup and potential threat posed by the suspect.
Next, various methods of communication were attempted to contact the suspect and others in the house, including a bullhorn and telephone. The bullhorn is particularly useful in announcing that a specific occupant at a specific location (i.e., Joe Smith @ 123 Main St) is surrounded and there are no escape routes. This also alerts nearby residents to remain behind locked doors.
The Crisis Negotiators became engaged, and after a fourteen-hour standoff the suspect surrendered peacefully, with no injuries; the two main objectives of a successful operation.
Lt Slater mentions that the occupants were instructed to come out showing they are not holding anything in their hands. The SWAT team wants to minimize surprises!
Before the regional SWAT alliance, establishing a perimeter around the house would have proven problematic. (There are times when the local FBI has been called in for particularly egregious situations).
Megan admits to the high-pressure nature of being a Tactical Dispatcher, but she credits adaptability, multitasking, organizational skills and stress management as vital to her role, which also involves continuous training.
Training and Familiarity
On December 6th, 2024, a hostage simulation exercise took place in the Rossmoor area involving all five agencies, and it was impressive. I was shown the equipment used, including sophisticated communications vehicles housing the Dispatchers and the bulletproof Bearcat used when approaching the target is needed. If you look
closely, you can see the multiple rounds the Bearcat took during last year’s standoff.
Joint training sessions occur three times a year and are a key component to the relationship between SWAT teams and dispatchers. These sessions allow both parties to understand each other’s roles and challenges, fostering a sense of mutual respect and trust. Training together allows the Dispatchers and SWAT officers to develop a shared language and set of procedures that enhance their ability to work together seamlessly.
The Training Scenario
Lt Slater has written a script for the team indicating an incident at a fictitious pharmacy where the suspect enters demanding opioids and money while holding two hostages including the pharmacy owner who has been assaulted. Police vehicles surround the pharmacy, and drones are launched to get a better view of its interior. Meanwhile, a phone line has been set up for negotiators to make contact with the suspect (“Jake”), establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and hopefully deescalate the situation.
Before the exercise begins, Lt Leysy Pelayo of the San Ramon PD gathers the SWAT team to review the scenario and the primary objective, which is to neutralize the threat and secure the safe release of the hostages. During the exercise it will be Lt Brian Leonard of the Pleasant Hill PD who will be the overall commander deciding on how the mission eventually plays out.
As the simulation unfolded, the SWAT team faced a barrage of challenges. Jake, played by a role-player, was clearly agitated and unpredictable, alternating between threats and moments of calm. He has a handgun, but we are unsure if it is loaded. Throughout the exercise the SWAT negotiator remains calm, empathizing with Jake’s frustration, and asks about his well-being. Active listening and maintaining control of the conversation is the key learning point for the team.
While the main objective of surrendering and safe release of hostages is the usual outcome, in this case Jake became erratic and threatening, making a tactical intervention necessary with the team having to navigate a complex maze of rooms, each a potential danger zone.
The training exercise was followed by a debriefing led by Lt Pelayo of SRPD. Every detail of the operation was analyzed, from the initial response to the final apprehension. The team identified areas for improvement, such as communication and coordination. But they also celebrated their success, acknowledging the importance of patience, empathy, and tactical skill.
Conclusion
The relationship between SWAT teams and Dispatchers is a symbiotic one, characterized by effective communication, coordination, safety, support, and mutual training. This partnership is essential for the successful execution of high-stakes operations, ensuring that both Dispatchers and SWAT officers can perform their duties with confidence. Through their collaboration, they form a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts, fully committed to maintaining public safety and achieving successful outcomes in the face of dangerous circumstances.
From Vision to Reality: Why Accurate Estimating is Key to Remodeling Success
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
In home remodeling, one of the greatest benefits of the designbuild process is accurate estimating during the design phase. This approach ensures homeowners understand the costs involved, aligns the design with their budget, and minimizes surprises during construction. Accurate estimating is the cornerstone of a successful remodeling project, and it’s why the design-build method consistently delivers smoother, more satisfying results.
What is Design-Build?
The design-build process consolidates design and construction into one team, creating a seamless experience for homeowners. Unlike the traditional model, where designers and contractors work separately, design-build fosters collaboration, improving communication, efficiency, and alignment with homeowner goals.
A key feature of this process is providing accurate cost estimates early in the design phase, offering clarity and confidence from the start.
Why Accurate Estimating Matters
1. Aligning Design with Budget
In traditional remodeling, homeowners often encounter “budget shock” when a design they love turns out to be too expensive to build. Design-build eliminates this issue by integrating cost analysis into the design phase. As the design evolves, the team ensures it stays within the homeowner’s established investment range, allowing adjustments early to balance vision and cost.
2. Avoiding Cost Overruns
Cost overruns are a common stressor in remodeling projects, often caused by unforeseen expenses or unrealistic budgets. Accurate estimating in the design-build process minimizes this risk. Thorough analysis of project scope, materials, and labor creates a reliable budget, reducing surprises and keeping the project financially on track.
3. Supporting Informed Decision-Making
Accurate estimating empowers homeowners to make informed decisions. Understanding the financial implications of choices—like selecting finishes or altering layouts—helps prioritize wants versus needs, ensuring the project aligns with their vision and financial comfort.
The Accurate Estimating Process
Accurate estimating in design-build is a collaborative effort rooted in expertise and attention to detail. Here’s how it works:
1. Initial Consultation
The process begins with a discussion of the homeowner’s goals, needs, and preferences. This lays the foundation for creating a design that aligns with their vision.
2. Preliminary Design and Budgeting
As the design takes shape, the team conducts a detailed cost analysis. Experienced estimators assess materials, labor, and potential challenges, providing a preliminary budget to guide decision-making.
3. Refining the
Design
With the budget in hand, the team fine-tunes the design. If adjustments are necessary, alternative materials or solutions are explored to balance costs while maintaining project integrity.
4. Finalizing the Plan
Once the design and budget are aligned, the project is ready to proceed. Homeowners can move forward with confidence, knowing the plan is realistic and achievable.
The Homeowner Advantage
Accurate estimating delivers several benefits for homeowners. First, it provides peace of mind by ensuring the project stays within their financial comfort zone. It also eliminates the anxiety of unexpected costs, fostering trust and clear communication between the homeowner and the design-build team. Ultimately, accurate estimating helps ensure the finished project reflects the homeowner’s vision without compromising their investment range.
Conclusion: Confidence in Remodeling
Remodeling is a significant investment, and accurate estimating is the foundation of a successful project. It reduces stress, ensures clarity, and aligns expectations with reality. By integrating estimating into the design process, the design-build method sets projects up for success from start to finish.
At Gordon Reese Design Build, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results through precise estimating and transparent communication. If you’re considering a remodel, let our team guide you through the process with confidence and expertise. From design to construction, we ensure your project aligns with your vision and stays within your investment range. Contact us today to start transforming your home with a process you can trust!
In today’s digital world, your local business needs an online presence for potential customers to find you and learn more. Let’s go through a few ways to build an online presence that could generate more sales for your business:
▶ ONLINE DIRECTORIES
Being listed in reputable online directories like Google My Business, Yelp and Apple Maps ensures your business is easy to find for potential customers. Not only do they provide essential information, such as your hours, phone number, and address, but they enhance your overall online presence by making you more discoverable in search rankings. The easier it is to find your local business, the more likely it is that customers will give you a call or visit your storefront.
CONTACT:
Jo
Peek
jpeek@bestversionmedia.com 925-272-8246
By Jo Peek Expert Contributor jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Building an ONLINE PRESENCE
▶ WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA
Your website and social media channels are the digital face of your business. Build a well-designed, user-friendly website that provides clear information about your business. Focus less on the quantity and more on the quality and conciseness of the information you provide. Ask yourself what your potential customers might look for when they visit your website.
Being active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram has also become increasingly important. These platforms offer the opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal level while driving traffic back to your website. Regular updates and interactions on these platforms will keep your business top-of-mind for your audience, contributing to long-term growth and customer loyalty.
▶ SOCIAL PROOF
Social proof, such as customer reviews and testimonials, is integral to your online visibility and reputation. Customers are more likely to support your local business if they can read feedback from other satisfied customers. Encourage your best customers to leave your business an online review when they have a good experience. This feedback will improve your online reputation and increase your searchability.
UNLEASH YOUR BRAND’S POTENTIAL
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
Book Clubs Offer Friendship and Great Food
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Bookclubs are alive, thriving, and more rewarding than ever! They offer a wonderful opportunity to forge meaningful social connections, explore new reading genres, and dive into the latest New York Times bestsellers. I’ve been a proud member of my book club for nearly 14 years, though the average lifespan of most clubs is closer to 2.5 years. Over the years, we’ve tackled an array of incredible books— many of which later became movies. A fun tradition of ours is trying to predict which books will hit the big screen and debating who should star in them.
Our book club consists of seven members, and we meet every 6 to 8 weeks, rotating hosting duties among ourselves. The host not only provides dinner but also selects the book for that round. And yes, we actually read the book and engage in lively discussions! While some books spark deeper conversations than others, the variety keeps it fresh and interesting.
Last November, it was my turn to host, and I immediately knew which book to choose. Being a huge fan of Ina Garten, I selected her new memoir for our group. It was the perfect pick—a blend of warmth, inspiration, and delightful stories that resonated with all of us.
Next came the exciting task of planning the menu and tablescape. Since I own all of Ina Garten’s cookbooks, I dove into them to curate the perfect recipes for our book club dinner. For appetizers, I chose a trio of crowd-pleasers: Rosemary Cashews, Cacio e Pepe Cheese Puffs, and Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers. The main courses included Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad and a warm, comforting Winter Minestrone with Cauliflower Toasts for the soup course. To finish on a sweet note, we indulged in Meringues Chantilly with Raspberry Sauce. What makes Ina’s recipes stand out is their consistency—they’re always delicious, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed hit with any crowd.
For the tablescape, I opted for a simple yet elegant theme using red, white, and gold tones. When I think of Ina, I picture timeless sophistication, so I went with classic red roses as the centerpiece, evoking her modern, yet classic entertaining style. To add a touch of whimsy, I created personalized place cards featuring a fun image of Ina with her hand raised, as if she were “holding” each guest’s name card. This small detail added a playful flair to the evening’s décor.
The dinner was a hit—everyone adored the book, and the Meringues Chantilly were unanimously crowned the highlight of the night. I thought I’d also share a few of our favorite book club picks over the years for those looking for inspiration. Whether it’s the books, the food, or the camaraderie, evenings like these truly remind me why book clubs are so special!
• “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
• “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
• “Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness” by Alexandra Fuller
• “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
• “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
• “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
• “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
• “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten
• “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods
• “Lesson in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
• “The Maid” by Nita Prose
• “The Tee Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See On a quick note, we are currently reading “Table for Two” by Amore Towles. If you’ve ever thought about starting or joining a book club, there’s no time like the present. Whether for the enriching discussions, the camaraderie, or the joy of discovering new literary treasures, a book club can truly be a highlight of your social and intellectual life.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
