Northgate Living Magazine July 2019

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

JULY 2 019

Northgate LIVING

Meet Tony and Christina: Enjoying semi-retirement in beautiful Northgate COVER PHOTO:

by Julie Cheshire Photography

You Can Beat High Natural Gas Prices

Plus Get a $680 Trade-In for Your Old Energy Wasting Furnace It’s about time someone made it easy to win at this game; read on…

WE PAID through the nose for gasoline last summer.

And now this: The Walnut Creek area is warned to “Brace for a Surge in Natural Gas Prices.” So, how much is this surge supposed to be?

Oh, just a little 20% increase on top of your already high heating bill!

If you paid $180 or so per month last winter, count on spending $220 a month this year.

Increases appear unavoidable. And once they hit, there won’t be any “barequipment. It’s supply and demand like always.

Except for one thing…

» The “old price”…

on a brand new Bryant heating and cooling system.

» Guaranteed 20% energy

savings.

If your new Bryant system doesn’t reduce energy consumption by 20% over your old central I’ll write you a check for

» 10-year parts and labor

warranty.

Don’t even think about paying a penny for repairs for 10 years.

» At least a $680 Trade-In…

on your “gas guzzler” furnace toward a new,

quality Bryant heating and cooling system at the “old” price. (They’re going up later.)

Bryant heating and cooling system.

www.stewartair.net

FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Your entire “Fighting Back” package includes:

We came up with a way for you to get a brand new,

925-203-9091

STEPS AWAY

You can take control now and place a quick call for a completely free, no-obligation Energy Survey.

We can come tell you how much energy you can save, and any details you want about this exciting program.

WALNUT CREEK’S PREMIER ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY The Heritage Downtown places you at the crossroads of nature and culture, food and theatre, fitness and programs. A walkable community, shops, restaurants, and tree-lined streets are all within easy access. It doesn’t get better than this! Schedule a tour of our beautiful garden property and join us for a delicious meal in our farm to table restaurant, Newton’s.

“Walnut Creek Active Seniors Complimentary ticket to our next event! “

Call or email Jshively@theheritagedowntown.com

925-943-7427

1785 Shuey Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.TheHeritageDowntown.com

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JULY 2019

We Are Now Online!!

Northgate LIVING

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund 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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Dear Residents

Welcome to our July issue of Northgate Living. Summer is here, and it’s time for barbeques, long warm evenings, vacations and downtime. In this issue you will enjoy getting to know more about our feature family, Tony Wolcott and Christina Shih, a couple enjoying semiretirement in Northgate. You will also find information about lots of fun events coming up all around Walnut Creek and good work that neighbors are doing for nonprofits.

We have received lots of great feedback since we started delivering Northgate Living a year and a half ago, and we are happy you are enjoying it. We’d love to grow the magazine with more input from you and more support from businesses. Let us know if you have anything to add to our community magazine.

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

Kara Navolio Northgate Living Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991

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AtlasPaversCo.com NORTHGATE LIVING 3

Expert Contributor

An Introduction to Peptides

By Paul H. Kim, MD

A

s anyone who has taken basic biology remembers, peptides are chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building block of proteins, which are one of the main classes of nutrients we ingest, and also form the foundation of many of our body parts. The difference is that proteins are comprised of thousands of amino acids, whereas peptides are composed of tens to hundreds of amino acids. The main function of the peptides seems to be as signaling molecules, meaning they represent a class of hormones. There are estimated to be over 250,000 peptides active in our body.

are readily available now through compounding pharmacies. These peptides are noted to have some remarkable properties for healing and restoring balance in the body. They include:

One of the most recognized peptides is insulin. Insulin is critical for maintaining sugar balance within our system. Other hormonal peptides include Calcitonin for helping with bone and calcium metabolism, oxytocin which is active during the birthing process, and growth hormone releasing peptide, which is responsible for releasing stores of Growth Hormone.

shown positive effects on both soft tissue such as tendons and also with gastric ulcers and may have a benefit in inflammatory bowel disorders, like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis.

Certain peptides have already been marketed and approved by the FDA, such as insulin and its “counter-hormone,” Glucagon Like Peptide -1 or GLP-1. However, there are many other peptides that have not been “appreciated” by the pharmaceutical industry, that

These are among the peptides that can be compounded presently and used to help patients with various ailments.

Ipamorelin – a peptide that helps with Human Growth Hormone

modulation and may have other cytoprotective effects. It may actually be safer and have more effects that Human Growth Hormone therapy itself.

BPC 157 -- a peptide found in the gastric juices of humans. It has

Thymosan Alpha -1 – a peptide found to be very important in regulating inflammatory and immune responses.

Please come to Medical Institute of Healthy Aging to consult and explore these therapies for improved health.

Rodents With Our Unique 4-Step Rodent Removal/Clean Up Process!

2977 Ygnacio Valley Blvd.WALNUT CREEK

925.433.3988 www.honestrodentproofing.com

More Than Just A Rodent Company: We Specialize In Crawl Space Cleanup Attic Clean Up Insulation Installation

Vapor Barrier Encapsulation And More!

Call Is To Schedule Your Free Home Inspection Today!

WARRANTY:

When the 4 Step Rodent Removal process has been completed, all recommended proofing repairs have been performed by Honest Rodent Proofing, and the structure is on our Rodent Protection Program; Honest Rodent Proofing warrants all of our proofing repairs against the target pest.

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JULY 2019

Expert Contributors Active Seniors

Happy Holidays!

Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427

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

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.

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)

Medical Institute of Healthy Aging Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine Residency Paul H. Kim, MD Previ Medical Group (925) 979-0979 www.mdiha.com

at the Carle Clinic in Champaign, Illinois. He started in private practice in Clayton, CA. However, frustrated with the reactive form of medicine, Dr. Kim went for additional training and is now board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Kim now practices a more proactive approach to medicine known as Valengerontology (Healthy Aging Medicine). Dr. Kim lives in Danville with his wife and 2 children.

HVAC & Plumbing

Stewart Heating, Air and Plumbing has dedicated its 44 years in business to our customers’ comfort and home efficiency. We believe our customers should have a home more comfortable than their neighbors, breathing the cleanest air, with Eco friendly water, and energy efficient dual fuel heating and cooling systems. We exist to make your life better.

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.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Karas and his staff are focused on providing advanced treatment for oral and facial conditions. As both a licensed dentist (D.D.S.) and physician (M.D.), we can assure you that when you require state-of-the-art Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we will work with you at the highest level of individualized care dedicated to your safety and good health. Please feel free to ask Dr. Karas or his staff about any of the treatments that our office provides.

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.

Rodent Proofing

Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything!

We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.

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.

Ryan Stewart Stewart Heating & Air (925) 427-5522 ryan@stewartair.net www.stewartheatingandair.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. Nestor Karas Nestor D. Karas DDS, MD (925) 933-6190 www.drnestorkaras.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 Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.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

Meet Tony and Christina: Enjoying semiretirement in beautiful Northgate

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

2018 wedding of Tony and Christina. Pictured from left to right: Victor, Chris, Tony, Cliff, Catherine and sitting is the lovely bride, Christina

A

lthough Tony Wolcott and Christina Shih did not know each other in 1993, both were headed to California and destined to meet in Walnut Creek many years later. As a Chinese saying goes, “This is love by fate.”

Christina was born and raised in Taiwan. She came to the United States to pursue higher education, graduating with an M.S. in accounting from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Her first job took her to New York at Merrill Lynch. After she divorced, in 1993, she took her three sons and moved to Walnut Creek, settling in Northgate for the great schools, the well-tended homes and yards, walking trails and the peaceful, quiet environment. Christina went to work for Bank of America and later Kaiser Permanente as a Business Consultant. Her mother lived with her and helped her raise her sons, Chris, Cliff and Victor – all adults now. All three attended Northgate High School.

Tony was born in Vancouver, British Columbia while his father had taken a five-year assignment designing hydro-electric projects. The family returned to California, and Tony attended high school in the South Bay. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, he earned his teaching credential and taught high school math and English and college Adult Ed. While living in British Columbia he married and had a daughter, Tavia, who now lives in Phoenix, AZ. In 1993 Tony also moved to California after his divorce, but he would not meet Christina until 2015, at Noah’s Bagels in the Countrywood Shopping Center.

“I was waiting in line to order a Santa Fe sandwich. I noticed a lovely Asian woman directly in front of me,” says Tony.

“Tony impressed me with his knowledge about Taiwan and our mutual love of basketball. His favorite song, Hotel California, happens to me my favorite too,” says Christina.

That was the beginning of their friendship. When they met, Tony was making plans to move back to his birthplace in Canada where he has a beautiful house on Pender Island overlooking the sound. But meeting Christina changed everything. “I was attracted to her intelligence, loving heart and kindness,” says Tony. “I decided to stay in California to be with her.” Tony helped Christina take care of her ailing mother through her dementia. A year after she passed away, Tony proposed and they were married in 2018 in their backyard.

Tony added to his education by pursuing his interest in nature, taking classes in arboriculture and landscape design. He owned a landscape and irrigation company, worked for Friends of the Urban Forest, graduated from the American Society of Consulting Arborists academy (ASCA), and holds a Board Certified Master Arborist credential with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He has taught plant related courses at Diablo Valley College.

He is now a consulting arborist, landscape designer, author of many articles on trees, and an expert tree witness in legal cases. He is happy to help other Northgate families with tree-related questions when time allows.

One of his hobbies also involves wood – he collects valuable specimens

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JULY 2019

and turns them into bowls, benches, tables, etc., which are sold at the Shadelands Art Center’s Holiday Art Sale. He also volunteers at Ruth Bancroft Garden and loves playing basketball. He and Christina’s son Cliff play in an annual 3-on-3 Shootout for Cystic Fibrosis. Both he and Christina love all things Golden State Warriors and cheer them on whether at home or on the road.

Tony and Christina visit Rome

Christina has recently taken a step out of the stressful business world and now works part-time for a nonprofit. She loves to cook and invents her own recipes. Her creativity also extends into painting, drawing, and playing the piano, a skill she taught herself.

Tony and Christina love to travel, making recent trips to Taiwan, Europe and all over Canada and the US. But Northgate and family always draw them home. “Our neighbors

are friendly and supportive. We have lots of fruit trees, and we all share our bountiful harvests,” says Tony.

Christina’s sons all live in California and practice the ideals their mother taught them about giving back to their communities. Chris is a bay area math teacher and is very involved with Camp Rising Sun, the Louis August Jonas Foundation, and Innovative International Leadership program for high school students. He has helped some of his students from disadvantaged family backgrounds gain acceptance to this very prestigious and competitive program. Cliff, a bay area family physician, helped build homes in Mexico and raised money, with his brother Victor, an owner of a security control company, to teach English and spread gospels in rural China.

“Families are all about heart and love,” says Christina. “We are a Christian family (attending Contra Costa Gospel Church); we love God. We are always together for Thanksgiving, and we will sit together to count down to each New Year,” says Christina.

On the eve of Chinese New Year the children would stay up as late as possible because it is believed in family tradition that the later you stay up, the longer your beloved parents will live. Christina must have made it up late many times, as her mother made it past her 100th birthday.

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KODA

K POR T

RA 40 0

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.

RA 40 0

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

K POR T

9

DRE 01945685

Learn more about me at jongomez.realestate

KODA

Jon Gomez @yogomez 925.464.3027 jgomez@climbRE.com

RA 40 0

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KODA

K POR T

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.

NORTHGATE LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Perry

Panda

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

Eight-year-old Perry is a quirky, laid-back older dude who loves to explore. He especially enjoys mellow, meandering walks around town, and when he’s at home, he likes to unwind in a comfy spot with a tasty rawhide chew! Perry has a positive history with other dogs

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www. arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

The oral and maxillofacial procedures o

dental implants bone grafting removal of wisdom teeth corrective jaw surgery One-and-a-half-year-old Panda is a cute and social kitty who is full of life! She trauma reconstruction is a chatty girl who loves to tell you all treatment injuries about her day, of andnerve also happy to hear about yours.

What a sweet and active girl oral pathology Panda is. She is sure to brighten up your household, and would be best in a home where she has lots to do! She likes laps and attention, and playtime with wand toys.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months Our($200 practice the diagnostic, $125 for 2) covers and for adult cats is $75 surg ($100 for 2).of a person’s mouth, jaw and fac defects

We treat both functional and cosmetic c and diagnose the problem and then, to h costCA, effective Walnutmost Creek, 94596way

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 1800 San Miguel Drive, Phone: (925) 933-6190

•

Fax: The(925) Sierra945-7320 Miguel Professional Center:

Diplomate, American Board Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery.

Phone: 925-933-6190 The oral and maxillofacial procedures offered by Dr. Nestor Karas include: Website: www.drnestorkaras.com Phone: 925-933-6190

• Dental implants • Bone grafting • Removal of wisdom teeth • Corrective jaw surgery • Trauma reconstruction • Treatment of nerve injuries • Oral pathology Our practice covers the diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative procedures to treat injuries, diseases and defects of a person’s mouth, jaw and facial areas. We treat both functional and cosmetic conditions for patients of all ages. Please visit our website at www.drnestorkaras to find out more about Dr. Karas and his practice.

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JULY 2019

Active Listings Address List Price 2455 Deer Valley Ln 3707 Northgate Woods Ct 111 Brodia Way 123 Brodia Way 35 Tierra Verde Ct 2261 Deer Valley Ln 798 Windchime Ct

$3,475,000 $2,850,000 $2,800,000 $2,598,000 $2,498,000 $1,998,000 $1,795,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 949 Snyder Ln 3125 Bowling Green Dr 3308 Valley Vista Rd 3157 Ebano Dr 704 Cascade Ct 3042 Naranja Dr 3124 Bowling Green Ct

$1,995,000 $1,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,395,000 $1,275,000 $1,275,000 $1,275,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 168 Brodia Way 207 Castle Rock Rd 3096 Cafeto Dr 248 San Antonio Way 3189 Hambletonian Ln

$1,898,000 $1,195,000 $1,000,000 $940,000 $689,000

BD 6 4 5 5 5 5 4

BD 5 5 5 4 4 4 4

BD 5 4 3 3 3

BT

SQFT

3.5 4.5 4 4.5 5.5 2.5 3

8,346 4,623 4,784 4,664 5,000 3,752 3,742

BT

SQFT

3.5 4 3 3.5 3 2.5 3

3,952 3,022 2,669 2,558 2,439 2,429 2,311

BT

SQFT

3.5 3 2 2 2

3,644 2,325 1,494 1,538 1,776

DOM 78 14 2 39 44 92 41

Real Estate Listings in Northgate 6/18/2019

DOM 7 5 24 7 23 24 9

DOM 19 7 9 6 7

Sold Price $1,875,000 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $1,050,000 $700,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

NORTHGATE LIVING 9

July

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thurs., July 11

Summer Sounds Concert: Tumbledown House @ Lesher Center Plaza The extremely popular and FREE concert series returns this summer!

Beer, wine and snacks available for sale. Tumbledown House fuses vintage sounds and themes from yesteryear with the modern instrumentation, refreshingly original compositions, and raw energy that we expect from today’s performers. Tables may be reserved for $50 by calling 925-295-1400.

Cost: Free Time: 5:30-7pm www.lesherartcenter.org

Fri., July 12

Music and Movies Under the Stars: Lego Movie 2

@ Tice Valley Park Bring your family and enjoy free Music & Movies Under the Stars in Walnut Creek parks! We encourage you to bring a picnic or enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants prior to the movie. Movie begins at 8:30. Live music begins at 7:00 Cost: Free Time: 7:30pm www.WalnutCreek.org/ departments/arts-and-recreation/ recreation-parks/moviesunder-the-stars

Sat., July 13

Walnut Creek Downtown History Tour @Fountain at Liberty Bell Plaza (corner of Broadway and Mt. Diablo) Visit the past in downtown Walnut Creek on a tour sponsored by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. This easy 90-minute guided walking tour on city sidewalks brings to life the early times of Walnut Creek revealing surprises about places we walk over, under, or by without realizing the stories they have to tell about Walnut Creek history. Offered the 2nd Saturday of the month, March through October.

Cost: Free Time: 9:30-11am www.wchistory.com or 925-935-7871

Thurs., July 18

freshly grilled street tacos available for purchase. Grab your family, friends or coworkers for this chance to celebrate summer evenings at the Garden on our new plaza. RSVP requested only to help insure we don’t run out of tequila and guacamole!

Cost: Free Time: 5-8pm www.ruthbancroftgarden.org

Fri., July 19

Astronaut Dan Bursch @Walnut Creek Library Join us as NASA Astronaut Daniel Bursch shares his experiences on the International Space Station, moderated by NASA Scientist, Dr. Margaret Race! As a former Naval Test Pilot and NASA Astronaut Mr. Bursch is a veteran of four space flights. He has logged over 227 days on the International Space Station, including spacewalks and one of the longest space flights for US astronauts. Get the chance to talk with a real astronaut and ask him some questions of your own! Registration: Rita Carrasco @ 925-876-9271.

Cost: Free Time: 4:30-6pm www.ccclib.evanced.info

Sat., July 20

Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Sale @ Ygnacio Valley Library Come find your next read and more at the Friends of the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Sale. Bag sale (fill a bag for $5) begins at 4:00PM. Cost: Free Time: 10am-5pm FriendsofYVL@gmail.com

Thurs., July 30

Summer Sounds Concert: Tom Rigney and Flambeau @ Lesher Center Plaza The extremely popular and FREE concert series returns this summer! Beer, wine and snacks available for sale. Tom Rigney has been a part of the San Francisco Bay Area roots music scene for more than thirty-five years.The repertoire is original, eclectic, passionate, and filled with a musical and emotional intensity that will come as no surprise to followers of Rigney’s career. Tables may be reserved for $50 by calling 925-295-1400.

Cost: Free Time: 5:30-7pm www.lesherartscenter.org

Tequila y Tacos

Every Monday

@ Ruth Bancroft Garden Unwind on Thursday evening as the sun sets in the Garden. We’ll have music and tequila samples, plus wine/beer and yummy

@Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board

Picture Book Time

10

stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5.

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

Every Friday

Restorative Yoga @Ygnacio Valley Library Join us for a free session of restorative yoga on most Friday afternoons at 5 PM in the meeting room with instructor Kristin Dominguez leading the way. Please bring your own props (bolster, 2 blocks, and a blanket) - highly recommended!

It’s free for adults 18 and over.

Cost: Free Time: 5-6pm 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…

Sat., Aug. 3

Dog Days of Summer @Ruth Bancroft Gardens We are celebrating our favorite 4-legged family members with a special day of activities just for dogs and their dogloving humans. Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Adoption truck will be on hand plus numerous dog-related businesses. As always, dogs on leashes are welcome in the Garden and visitors who bring their dogs to this event will receive a 20% off coupon to use in our Nursery. More details about participating businesses are coming soon. RSVP-ticket requested only to help insure we don’t run out of dog treats!

Cost: Free Time: 10am - 5pm https://www.ruthbancroftgarden. org/event/dogdays2019/

Wed., Aug. 7

Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Bad Blood, Secrets & Lies by Elena Ferrante.

Cost: Free Time: 6:30-7:30pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley. html or email: etep@ccclib.org JULY 2019

Charity Spotlight

Teens Offer Support to Girls

at Oak Grove Middle School

By Aava Farhadi, Resident since 2005

I

n 2016, I, along with my friends Ashley Xu and Ellora Easton, co-founded Girls’ Optimal Academic Learning Society (GOALS) at Oak Grove Middle School in Concord. We founded this organization to optimize education and the school environment for underserved middle school girls by providing a safe space for both academic purposes as well as discussing relevant, personal issues. In our first meeting, we had a small attendance of three girls, but this gave us the chance to really connect with the girls as we launched our program. Three years later, we have a steady attendance of 15 individuals, and not just girls.

Throughout these three years, we have taken a look at a wide range of themes including immigration, police brutality, gun violence, women’s representation in the media, mental health, and financial literacy, which we navigate through open conversations, activities, and guest speakers.

Although the members of GOALS are young, they offer such unique perspectives into global issues that directly impact their community.

For example, many of them are immigrants or come from immigrant families, and with the unfortunate situation many immigrants have been put in because of political goals and policies, they have expressed the constant fear and anxiety they live with. All of us come from immigrant families, though we are not immigrants ourselves, so this allows us to better understand the experiences of our own families. We also help the middle schoolers with their math and science homework and

Aava performs an experiment where she cleans a penny with salt and vinegar.

supplement their learning with science experiments and math games because an integral part of middle school is academics, of course. When first initiating the program, the administration asked us to emphasize those subjects because the majority of the student body struggle with them. And, since STEM is a male-dominated field, we believed it would be especially crucial to focus on science and math in GOALS. Starting this program early in our high school careers allowed us to develop connections with middle schoolers and watch them transition into high schoolers; it is unbelievable to think that the sixth graders we started this program with are going into their sophomore year, the year we started GOALS. Likewise, GOALS has helped us grow and develop a larger sense of community. There are so many harmful misconceptions surrounding Oak Grove Middle School: gang violence, drugs, unmotivated students. But in reality, Oak Grove is filled with bright young children ready to learn and listen to their peers’ stories, actively working on their compassion and empathy. It is important for the people in this community who push those stereotypes to reflect on the reasons they do and make the time and effort to uncover the truth.

REVEAL YOUR TRUE BEAUTY Vivian Ting, MD, FACS Veritas Plastic Surgery 1776 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 202 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 949-8587, Fax (925) 949-8420 www.veritasplasticsurgery.com

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NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Community Event

Northgate Football Charity Golf Tournamnet

By Lena Takahashi, Resident since 2008

Northgate Football will host a Golf Tournament to support the program on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019

Location: Boundary Oak Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Rd., Walnut Creek

Date: Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 Registration/Check-in: 11 AM – 12:30 PM (Free Range Balls Available) Tee Off: 1 PM

Cost: $ 190 Per Golfer - Includes golf, cart, tee prizes, beverages, lunch, and Awards Reception. $ 45 Reception Only - Post Tournament 6:00 p.m, Boundary Oak Mira Vista Deck

Raffle, auction, awards presentation, hors d’oeuvres, wine from our local vineyards & cocktails Field/Format: First 144 Paid Golfers (This tournament will sell out quickly.

All entries must be received by Sunday, Sept. 1.)

• • •

Best Ball Scramble Mail checks with entry forms early to secure your spot If members of foursome pay individually, indicate the names of the other golfers in your foursome on

•

• •

your registration If you are unable to prearrange a foursome, or would like to be paired with others, please contact Tournament Director: ngfbteamcoordinator@gmail.com On-course prizes and awards Raffle and auction during reception

Sponsorships Available.

•

Questions regarding Sponsorship/ Donations: Contact Tournament Director Lena Takahashi (ngfbteamcooridnator@gmail.com).

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TCP#24869

WWW.ALLINONELIMOS.COM JULY 2019

We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from you, our Northgate residents. Some of the columns we'd like to add are: Travel (Where have you been recently? Share your trip with us!)

Book Reviews Acts of Kindness Non-profit Spotlight

Show Us Your Best Shot (photography) Gardening Hobbies Pet of the Month Local Hikes More ...

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email knavolio@bestversionmedia.com

What is Healthy Aging?

Call today for a free complimentary consultation to learn how you can live a longer, healthier life

925-979-0979 www.mdiha.com

1776 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Ste 204 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Our Community Library

This Month, Your Librarian Flips Out Over

Flipster Digital Magazines

By Michael Beller, Community Library Manager at Ygnacio Valley Library

O

ne of my very favorite online resources available with your Contra Costa County Public Library card is Flipster. Flipster is a collection of online digital magazines that look exactly like the magazines you check out from the library or buy from the store. All the pages, all the columns, all the graphics and pictures, it’s all there.

You can magnify for easier viewing, and you can print pages out, if you want to show a column to a friend.

Flipster is accessible anywhere that you have access to the internet and this is both important and useful. Two of the magazines available through Flipster are Consumer Reports and the Consumer Reports Buyer’s Guide. That I can access those two titles instantly has served me amazingly well because when I shop, I want to make sure that I’m getting quality for my money and I can do that immediately. The reviews are all there! The ratings are all there! I can look it all up in seconds. Using those resources in Flipster gives me confidence that I am making the best choices that I can.

Consumer Reports and Consumer Reports Buyer’s Guide are only two of the many titles accessible through Flipster. Others include the financial magazines Kiplingers and Forbes. Real Simple, Good Housekeepiing, Dwell, and HGTV Magazine are all available in the from the Home and Garden section. There are plenty of other categories, too. Fitness & Health, Food & Cooking, News & Politics…Flipster is a wealth of articles and information that are all available to you wherever you have Internet access. All you need is your library card to access all the titles, even the current issues.

You can access Flipster and all of the other subscribed databases from the Contra Costa County Library’s Research Center: http:// ccclib.org/researchcenter/ If you have any questions regarding your library privileges and resources, please reach out. You can always call the Ygnacio Valley Library at (925) 938-1481; and the Contra Costa County Libraries Main Office at (800) 984-4636.

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Consider working with a fiduciary.

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14

Frank A. Gavidia, CFP ® Managing Partner Chief Compliance Officer 1299 Newell Hill Place, Suite 303 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com (925) 239-0116 www.NissimGavidia.com JULY 2019

Open Space

Rattlesnake Safety in the Regional Parks

By Jen Vanya, East Bay Regional Park District

A

s the weather heats up, rattlesnakes become more active in many of our parks, their natural habitat. They like to explore when the weather gets, warm which can lead to more encounters with humans and dogs. The East Bay Regional Park District is advising that the public take snake safety precautions when visiting Regional Parks.

Safety Tips for Visiting Regional Parks

1. Always hike with a friend so you can help each other in case of emergency.

2. Look at the ground ahead of you as you are walking.

3. Look carefully around and under logs and rocks before sitting down.

4. Avoid placing your hands or feet where you can’t see clearly.

5. Check the area around picnic tables, campsites, and barbecues before using them. If you encounter a rattlesnake in these areas, notify park staff.

6. Keep pets on the designated trails and away from snakes if they see one.

7. Bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets as many parks do not have a direct water supply.

What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake

Leave it alone - do not try to capture or harm it. All park wildlife is protected by law. If you see a snake on a trail, wait for it to cross and do not approach. Then move carefully and slowly away.

What to Do If Bitten by a Snake

1. If bitten by a rattlesnake, stay calm and send someone to call 911. Remain calm by lying down with the affected limb lower than the heart. Do not waste precious time on tourniquets, “sucking,” or snake bite kits. If you are by yourself, walk calmly to the nearest source of help to dial 911. Do not run.

2. If bitten by any other kind of snake, wash the wound with soap and water or an antiseptic and seek medical attention.

3. If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, check the bite for two puncture marks (in rare cases one puncture mark) associated with intense, burning pain. This is typical of a rattle snake bite. Other snakebites may leave multiple teeth marks without associated burning pain.

Snakes are an important resource in the natural environment.

They are prime controlling agents of rodent, insect, and other reptile populations. They must be enjoyed from afar and left where they are found. It is illegal to collect, kill, or remove any plants or animals from the East Bay Regional Park District. Please help us to protect wildlife and their environment for present and future generations. Additional information is available at www. ebparks.org/parks/safety/#Snakesor download a PDF version of our Common Snakes.

NORTHGATE LIVING 15

Charity Spotlight

New Community Gardens provide opportunity for families to grow fresh produce

By Carole Wynstra, Resident since 1981

I

n mid-April 2019, The Gardens at Heather Farm opened a new community garden, providing 82 raised bed gardening plots for use by local families to grow their own food and garden with their children.

The City of Walnut Creek, who partnered with The Gardens at Heather Farm on the project, made possible the extensive grading of the site and multiple ADA access requirements. The project has been over two and a half years in the making.

The fencing around the garden and raised garden beds were constructed using furniture-grade lumber made from recycled food-grade plastic, such as milk cartons and water jugs.

The raised planting beds were constructed with the help of Eagle Scout candidate, Ben Smith, and Scout Troops #1994 and #168, as well as volunteers from multiple wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from

both Walnut Creek and Concord, and numerous other community volunteers.

Hundreds of volunteer hours were logged in the community effort to build the garden. Gopher wire was installed in the bottom of each raised bed, as well as around the perimeter of the garden which is adjacent to naturalized areas of Heather Farm Park. Irrigation was installed in the garden, with a dedicated hose bib in each box.

Since its opening, the new garden space has been buzzing with activity as the gardeners prepare for planting. The first challenge was to clear the copious amount of weeds that had grown in the space during the winter rains. Super Hero Veggie Mix, from American Soil, was moved into each bed by wheelbarrow, and then each gardener installed a timer and drip irrigation system in their garden.

Recycle Smart contributed to the project by building a 12’ three-bin composting

system and shade cover to help the garden manage the large amount of green waste which will be produced. The composting system will not only produce quality compost for use by the gardeners, it will also keep a significant amount of green waste out of the landfill.

In April, the Lafayette Garden Club donated $3,000 for the construction of a tool shed, which will act as a tool lending library for the gardeners. As the majority of them do not have space at home to store items such as wheelbarrows, rakes and shovels, these items can be stored on site and borrowed when needed.

Now approximately eight weeks into the project, the new gardens are maturing, tomatoes and peppers are forming on the vines, zucchini and beans are already being harvested, and the garden is in production.

“Watching this garden take shape has been a satisfying experience,” said Joan Lucchese, Executive Director at The Gardens at Heather Farm. “The majority of the families using the community garden live in a near-by apartment or condominium where they have no access to green space. For many of them, this is their first gardening experience and their excitement is contagious. New friendships are forming and the gardeners are quick to lend a hand to help each other. This is community-building, at its best.”

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JULY 2019

Recipe

Oh My, No-Bake Pie

By Lisa Assoni, Resident since 2016

H • • • • • • • • • •

oliday or not, this special pie is a real ShortCut Cook recipe.

Try it, you’ll love it!

1 ready-made Graham cracker crust 8-oz. container, whipped cream cheese 12 oz. container, real whipped cream 2 tablespoons sugar or Raw Stevia 8 oz. fresh strawberries 3 medium kiwis 1 small peach, or 1 small can of peaches, drained 1 small can pears, drained (optional) ½ cup red seedless grapes ½ cup almonds, crushed

Using a medium size bowl, mix cream cheese, whipped topping and sugar. Cover the inside of the crust with filling.

Meanwhile, wash all fruit and remove stems from strawberries and grapes. Peel Kiwis, slice all fruit in half.

Layer strawberries, kiwi slices, peaches, and grapes on top of filling.

Using a circular pattern, starting with the strawberries on the outside layer, working toward center until the entire filling is covered.

Sprinkle with almonds. Whew---You’re done. Cover with nonstick wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Voilà, it’s ready to eat.

It’s my favorite spring or summer dessert. No heating up the oven!

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BT.W Danville, Ca NORTHGATE LIVING 17

Expert Contributor

Padis Brings the Promise of Forever to Walnut Creek

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry

P

adis Jewelry began 2019 with a number of exciting changes – beginning with relocation from the Jewelry Center at 101 Utah Street to an additional location at the Gift Center at 888 Brannan. Now, at the new locations, clients can experience the Bay Area and Northern California’s largest collection of loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry all under one roof.

Padis also celebrates a new location in the Bay Area East Bay – an area most of the Padis team calls home – a beautiful Forevermark store located in Broadway Plaza Shopping Center in Walnut Creek. We look forward to welcoming you there for Summer 2019!

This Padis store will be devoted to Forevermark diamonds - a diamond distinctive for many reasons. Perhaps the most unique aspect of a Forevermark diamond is its unalterable inscription, located inside the heart of diamond itself – a true mark of integrity.

These diamonds come with a promise: every single diamond is responsibly sourced, as well as beautiful and rare.

High Standards for Mining Sources Less than 1% of the world’s diamonds have the qualities to become a Forevermark diamond. Diamonds are a natural product of our planet, and it all starts with the mine of origin. To uncover these precious diamonds, Forevermark, as part of De Beers, carefully selects mines based on strict business, social and environmental standards. While most “conflict-free” diamond sources can cite Kimberley Process membership (an international trade standard to prevent “conflict diamonds” from entering the market), Forevermark goes beyond the Kimberley Process by supporting the advancement of communities and protecting the natural world, the ultimate source of diamonds.

Forevermark demonstrates values that transcend the finished product and its mining, making lasting contributions to mining communities through educational, medical and social initiatives and through actions taken to redress the environmental impact of mining. There are also dedicated programs for career development for women and education of children.

Forevermark’s passion for diamonds is matched by their deep sense of connection to the natural world, which they are dedicated to protecting for future generations. Forevermark is committed to the preservation and protection of habitats, their species, and the wider natural world.

In short, a Forevermark by Padis diamond is a diamond you can wear proudly.

Our Commitment to You, Our Neighbors and Family Padis Jewelry has an extensive selection of Forevermark fine jewelry for you to experience and try on and we look forward to welcoming you to any of our five locations.

We aim to create an experience that allows all who visit our stores to enter as shopping individuals, and to leave as members of the Padis Jewelry family. We are so grateful for your continuing friendship and loyalty and hope to be your family’s jeweler for a lifetime and for generations to come.

We sincerely thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life’s most precious moments!

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JULY 2019

NORTHGATE LIVING 19

Northgate 0940

LIVING