Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online
JULY 2021
Northgate LIVING CA
Meet David and Daniel Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography
Rita Dhillon Team
#1 Northgate Realtor *Total Sales Volume from 2000-2020
Rita Dhillon 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon 925.570.0418 Tim.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush K. 925.577.3422 Khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
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JULY 2021
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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3
Dear Neighbors, Jo Peek
Summer is here and with the pandemic restrictions being lifted, I am ready to start attending events and having backyard barbeques again. The swim season is in full swing, the days are warmer and longer, and I have a new appreciation for all that we can do this summer that we could not do last summer. Check out the calendar of events for lots of fun things to do.
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
In this issue, you will also meet David and Daniel Dobson-Smith who are new to the neighborhood and enjoying the suburban life after many years of living in big cities.
Publication Team Publisher:
Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek
Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire
We are eager to hear from you with your stories, local sports, or any other topics you’ d like to share. This is your neighborhood magazine and I look forward to hearing from you. For the latest updates follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Contact me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
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. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991
Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
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JULY 2021
Expert Contributors Dentist
Dr. Brian Hockel graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1989 and has practiced dentistry for over 30 years next door to the Ygnacio Valley Library on Oak Grove Road. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Hockel is active in several professional organizations. He combines his cosmetic, orthodontic, airway treatment and gnathology skills to bring about great changes in people’s smiles and health.
Design, Build & Remodeling
With over 35 years in business, our National Award-Winning Design Build firm has abundant experience with creating your dream space as your friend in the remodeling business! We design and remodel kitchens, baths, whole houses, and additions; from concept through completion, our highly skilled team of professionals are knowledgeable when it comes to transforming your living space. Great ideas, communication, and execution distinguish our process with award-winning results!
Financial Advice
For over 17 years, Chris has been working with families in Walnut Creek and the surrounding area. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he engages people with all aspects of money management. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, he is a huge fan of the outdoors, vintage cars and Minnesota Vikings. Chris has given back to the community by coaching and mentoring youth, organizing food drives, and lending professional services for those in need. He lives in the Diablo Shadows neighborhood with his wife and son.
Functional Medicine & Nutrition
Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP discovered the power of Functional Medicine first hand when a “mystery illness” left her declared permanently disabled. Unwilling to accept that diagnosis, she fought back and launched Body Love Cafe, an award-winning holistic health clinic. BLC is all about natural medicine that meets cutting-edge science to provide answers as to why you don’t feel well. We hear you. We see you. We believe you. It’s not in your head and we’ve got the technique and labs to show why. Patients have said “Dr. Zachary figures out why you feel like crap but your MD says you’re fine.”
Hardscape Restoration
We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing & staining enhancing your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state of the art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280° disinfecting and melting away years of dirt debris, algae, and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repairs, root damage, settling cracks and trip hazards. “We Bring Your Hardscapes Back To Life!”
Insurance Services
Crusberg-Decker is your local independent insurance agency with experience in both personal and commercial insurance. As independent agents, representing only “A” rated insurance companies, Patrick and Scott work with their clients to provide proper coverage, competitive premiums, and outstanding service. They take pride in establishing relationships and offering personalized service to each and every client.
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces
Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.
Life Dental & Orthodontics Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-357-3630 admin@lifedentalortho.com www.lifedentalortho.com Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com Element Wealth Management Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) 433-9533 chris.held@elementwm.com www.elementwm.com Body Love Cafe Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc. Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/ Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com
Landscaping
Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com
Pacific Landscaping has been a premier provider of landscaping services in Contra Costa since 1986. We provide 1st class quality at competitive rates. For three decades, we’ve upheld a reputation of integrity and professionalism by strict dedication to our motto: “When Promised, As Promised.”
Real Estate
Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.
Reverse Mortgages
Annemarie’s been a reverse mortgage specialist for 6+ years. She grew up in Walnut Creek and graduated from Carondelet High School. She is a travel enthusiast and unapologetic foodie, including knowing the profound effect a great cup of coffee or a smooth glass of wine can have. She’s passionate about the changes this product brings about in her clients’ lives and ensures they feel important, safe and honored.
Sports Medicine
Dr. Matock received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from CSU, Fresno. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic West, where he received his Doctorate, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Matock earned his Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certification (C.C.S.P.) in 2010. He opened Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic in Walnut Creek in 2012.
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.
Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com Open Mortgage Annemarie Drosos 530-736-2295 annemariedrosos@openmortgage.com https://openmortgage.com/annemarie-drosos Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com John Traverso Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5
Resident Feature
The family also includes two very large Maine Coon cats named Harper and Hemmingway. Until a year ago David was most definitely not a “cat person” and Daniel says this change of heart is the best thing to come out of last year’s lockdown.
Meet David and Daniel By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
D
avid and Daniel Dobson-Smith arrived in the U.S. from London seven years ago. David is Canadian and Daniel is British, and the two met in London in 2004 at a gym while David was on a European trip, with a planned 4-month stay in London. They have been married twice – first in the UK when samesex partnerships first became lawful, and then in the U.S. they married again in order to meet all the requirements of immigration. “My favorite wedding was the one in the U.S.,” says Daniel, “because it was under the rotunda at San Francisco’s City Hall, which is such an iconic venue steeped in history about the Civil Rights Movement.”
David attended university in Canada at the University of Alberta and received a B.S. in Special Education. He has spent his career in education, teaching in six different countries. When they came to san Francisco,, David started at AltSchool, a technology based private school David has focus his career on supporting learners with additional needs and neuro-diverse learners and helping schools build processes to support diverse learners. He is currently Director of Lower School at Children’s Day School in San Francisco. In his extra time he is studying Interior Design through the New York Institute of Art and Design. Daniel’s education and career have also focused on helping others. He received his Master’s degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and post graduate certificates in Neuro Linguistic Psychotherapy, Education and Executive Coaching and Mentoring. He is a marriage and family therapist and also the co-founder of two consultancy practices: Soul Trained, an executive coaching and leadership consultancy, and Soul Full, a life coaching a personal development firm. Daniel also finds time to serve as an adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies where he teaches counseling to graduate students. Daniel is proud to have trained with Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, and is certified as a coach for her methodology. Daniel and David moved to the neighborhood in 2018, coming here from San Francisco and looking for some warmer weather. Since 2004 they have moved 12 times. “I thought we moved so much because we were good at moving,” jokes David. “But it turns out I just like decorating! Luckily now, we have found a home that we both love and have made it exactly how we want it.” David adds, “We spent the last year renovating and making the house our home. It was an opportunity to work with local businesses and trades people, and we are very happy with the results.” They are happy they made the move, but still enjoy their proximity to San Francisco. “It really is the best of both worlds…city and suburb living.”
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Pre-COVID, they were avid travelers with their favorite destinations being Japan and Australia. In 2020 they had to cancel several trips and look forward to traveling again soon. David and Daniel have a motto: “We are each other’s 100% in our 200% life.” David explains, “we say this to recognize that we are first and foremost individuals with our own hopes, dreams and quirky ways…we are not each other’s “other half.” We are full and complete as we are. This has helped us navigate important life decision together.” “We have been so happy living here [in Northgate].” says David. They love being close to Mt. Diablo and they love he calming nature of the neighborhood. “And the city offers so many things that appealed to us and our family.” Welcome to Northgate David and Daniel!
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7
Community Safety
Wildfire Preparedness By Judy Caponigro, Northgate CERT Team, Resident since 2016
I
t’s all over the news. With the severe drought it is expected that we may have another extreme wildfire season. This column has discussed evacuation plans, “Go” pack preparation and a number of other topics. But what can you do to protect your home after evacuation? CalFire has developed detailed information on how to create defensible space for your home. Defensible space is your property’s front line of defense against wildfire. Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home can dramatically increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and improves the safety of firefighters defending your property. According to CalFire, 100 feet of defensible space is required by law. Defensible space can be broken into two Zones.
ZONE 1 (30 foot perimeter around home):
• • •
Remove all dead plants, grass and weeds. Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof and rain gutters. Keep tree branches 10 feet away from your chimney and other trees.
ZONE 2 (100 foot perimeter around home):
• • •
Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of four inches. Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees. Create vertical spacing between grass, shrubs and trees.
For more information on the 100 foot law, horizontal spacing, vertical spacing and, in general, how to create defensible space, please go to: www.readyforwildfire.org. Stay Safe and Healthy Out There. Your Northgate-Area CERT Team. If you are interested in learning more about CERT and/or how to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.walnut-creek.org/cert. tel 925-477-4953 // web www.gordonreese.com SCHEDULE YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION NOW
BEFORE
2015-2021
AFTER AWARD WINNING DESIGN BUILD FIRM
“Working with Gordon and his team has been a dream. e level of personal attention, collaboration and communication has made this a super easy and fun process. I have been very impressed with the attention to detail of the entire team and of the contractors - I feel like it matches mine so I feel confident that the work is done right and done well!” // 5-STAR REVIEW FROM WALNUT CREEK, CA //
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Active Listings Address List Price 2473 Deer Valley Ln $2,985,000 430 Arbol Via $1,880,000 2018 Belford Dr $1,595,000 354 El Divisadero Ave $1,195,000
Pending Listings Address
List Price
3712 Northgate Woods Ct $3,185,000 2754 Venado Camino $2,388,000 756 Lisboa Ct $1,650,000 2007 Belford Dr $1,649,950 49 De Laurenti Ct $1,620,000 3117 Bowling Green Dr $1,450,000 24 Los Banos Ct $1,399,000 2911 Encina Camino $1,298,000 2360 English Ct $1,295,000
Sold Listings Address
Sold Price
90 Orchard Estates Drive 3327 Whitehaven Dr 157 Firestone Dr 2108 Quiet Pl Dr 156 Warwick Dr 245 Encina Corte
$2,725,000 $1,825,000 $1,800,000 $1,725,000 $1,650,000 $1,520,000
Real Estate
Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team
BD 5 5 5 3
BD 6 6 4 4 5 3 6 4 5
BD 4 4 4 5 4 4
BT
SQFT
3.5 3.5 2 2
4,202 3,615 2,574 1,603
BT
SQFT
4.5 4 2.5 2 2.5 2 2 2 2.5
4,851 4,468 2,606 2,450 2,778 2,268 2,685 2,253 2,608
BT
SQFT
3 2.5 3 3 2 2.5
2,896 2,450 2,453 2,245 2,017 1,958
DOM 3 47 1 7
Real Estate DOM Listings 1 in 37 5 Northgate 4 6 7 9 8 5
6/10/2021
DOM 1 8 6 5 4 6
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Rita Dhillon Team
#1 Northgate Realtor *Total Sales Volume from 2000-2020
Rita Dhillon 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon 925.570.0418 Tim.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush K. 925.577.3422 Khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9
July
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sat., July 10
Every Wed. and Sun. in July
Downtown Heritage Walk
Fashion Through the Years Exhibit
@Liberty Bell Plaza on the corner of Broadway and Mt. Diablo Blvd. We are thrilled to announce the re-start of our Downtown History Tour. This easy, 90-minute walking tour brings to life the early times and development of what has become a Bay Area destination city. Tour will be repeated Sept. 11 and Oct. 9. For more information, please visit our website at wchistory.org. A tour booklet with historic photos may be purchased for $5. Cost: FREE Time: Check in 9am
Every Thursday in July Beat the Heat Storytime in the Garden
@Ruth Bancroft Garden Join us for an early Story Time to beat the heat! A 30 minute Story Time will be held in the Great Room; RSVP required (see below). Masks required for anyone 2 years and older. If you’d like to explore the Garden after Story Time, admission is $10 for Adults (13 and up), Seniors $8, Children 12 and under are always free. Garden admission is also free for RBG members. For ages 2-6. Parent/guardian must accompany child(ren). Cost: Free Time: 9:30-10am Registration Link: https://www. ruthbancroftgarden.org/events/ category/education/for-children/
Every Tuesday in July Plant-astic Pots - art and succulent fun for kids
@Ruth Bancroft Garden Like art? Like succulents? This in-person workshop series for children combines both. You get to paint a pot AND plant a succulent; all supplies are provided. Garden staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide you through the painting and decorating of your pot. Learn how to plant your succulent and take care of it. You can grow your own succulent collection with a new pot and plant each week. The pots make perfect gifts, too! For ages 6 and up. Parent/ guardian must accompany child(ren). RSVP and pre-payment on website required. Cost: $9.50 Time: 9:30-10:30am Registration Link: https://www. ruthbancroftgarden.org/events/ category/education/for-children/
@Shadelands Ranch Museum In celebration of our Grand Re-Opening our archivist has curated a special “Fashion Through the Years” exhibit. Items from the late 1800s to today have been selected from our extensive clothing collection. The exhibit will be on display until August 31.Please stop by for a docent-lead tour. During this approximately one hour tour you will learn about life in Walnut Creek in the early 20th Century, the Penniman Family who owned Shadelands Ranch and enjoy the fashion exhibit. No appointment is necessary and we ask that all guests wear masks. wchistory.org Cost: Adults (17+) - $5.00; Youths (16 and under) – Free; WCHS Members - Free Time: any time between 1-4pm (last tour starts at 3:30)
Thurs., July 22 Remodeling Seminar
@online or in person (3021 Citrus Circle #170) Do you dream of transforming your space? We can help turn your dream into a reality. Join our complimentary remodeling seminar and allow our expert team to guide you through the basic steps of a home remodel, answer all of your questions, and more. Register now to learn how to: • Keep your project’s timeline on track • Choose the right contractor • Make design decisions you’ll love • And much more! Let us help you dream a little. After all, dreaming is the first step to creating something new. RSVP: https://gordonreese. com/complimentary-remodelingseminar/ or by phone (925) 885-3770. Cost: Free Time: 6-8pm
Save the date: Mon., Aug. 2 Public Art Walking Tour
@meet at Lesher (Rudney) Plaza Bedford Gallery docents will lead walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every Monday evening in August. Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Each week will feature a different walk and fun surprises.. Cost: $5 Time: 6:00-7pm
Wed., Aug. 4 First Wednesdays Street Faire
@Cypress St. between N. Main and Locust Enjoy a fun street festival full of live music, dancing, tasty bites, wine and beer, Kids Fun Zone, interactive games and other surprises, First Wednesdays returns this August with the band Vybe Society. Cost: Free Time: 5-8:30pm www.walnutcreekdowntown.com
Every Saturday in August Family Chalk Art
@various locations downtown Join us Saturday mornings in August for FAMILY CHALK DAYS. Bring your creativity and positive messages! Help CREATE ART that can be enjoyed all month long. Cost: Free Time: 10-11:30 am Visit: walnutcreekdowntown.com/ family-chalk-art for locations
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market
@Castle Rock Farm, 700 Castle Rock Rd. Local farmers and neighbors provide organic produce grown right in the Northgate neighborhood. Time: 10am-4pm www.castlerockfarmstand.com
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JULY 2021
Arts and Culture
Arts Around August ~ a month-long celebration of the arts By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
T
he City of Walnut Creek and eleven of its community organizations are collaborating to present Arts Around August, a month-long program in downtown Walnut Creek to celebrate the performing, visual and culinary arts. Walnut Creek, a city rich in its arts offerings, is proud to bring this first-ever celebration to downtown and to partner with many of the city’s business, non-profit and arts organizations. There will be events Vybe Society will be the or activities every day during the highlight of the return of First month of August. Experiences for Wednesdays Street Faire on all ages include Summer Concert Aug. 4 Series at Broadway Plaza, Movies Under the Stars, First Wednesday Street Faire, Downtown Stages (presented by local performing artists), Family Chalk Art Days, Moveable Feasts (an upscale culinary stroll including tastes from the best of Walnut Creek’s restaurants, with a little sample of public art sprinkled in), Paint the DownTOWN (a plein air art festival), Public Art Walking Tours, Weekly Art & History Scavenger Hunts, Family Theatre Sundays (Fantasy Forum performances for the whole family), Rehearsals on the Plaza, and Painted Pianos (8 pianos placed throughout downtown for all to enjoy).
Eight pianos are located throughout downtown for impromptu tunes.
Kevin Wilk, Mayor of Walnut Creek, says, “we are very excited and proud that eleven non-profit and business organizations, as well as the City of Walnut Creek, are all working together to bring Arts Around August to our downtown this summer. With downtown open, and many programs starting again, it will be a great celebration of the arts with many activities for all ages. We hope that residents of Walnut Creek and neighboring cities will join us downtown for these fun events and help bring back a sense of community and vibrancy to our great city.”
Things to do this month
Some of the events have already started in the month of July. For example, you can visit any of the painted pianos and serenade passers by, you can sign up to perform at the Downtown Stages or enjoy an impromptu street performer as you are dining or shopping, or reserve your spot for Summer Sounds at the Lesher Plaza. And the First Wednesday Street Faire will be back on Aug. 4 with the band Vybe Society. Please visit www.walnutcreekdowntown.com/ ArtsaroundAugust for more information and a complete calendar of events, times and locations. Some components and events are subject to change pending COVID-19 state and county guideline updates.
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11
Local Sports
Northgate Wrestling finishes a unique and successful season By Mike Wenzell, Northgate Wrestling Coach, Resident since 1995
I
n February, it looked as if there would be no competitive season at all for the Northgate Wrestling team, due to the Covid pandemic. As conditions improved, Bay Area wrestling coaches were able to pull together dual meet competitions, being creative - including outdoor events. Northgate hosted Liberty H.S. on May 22, with the dual meet taking place under the lights on the Northgate football field - a fantastic experience for the team! Despite no post season tournaments or sanctioned CIF state championships, wrestling leaders in Fresno organized a California State Finals Invitational Championship tournament on June 11-12, including the top wrestlers in the state - by invitation only. Most weight classes included 20 to 25 of the top 40 ranked wrestlers in the state. Two Northgate wrestlers were invited to participate in this prestigious event - senior Captain Nic LeSieur (197 lbs.) and junior Captain Angelo Esposito (162 lbs.). Nic went 4-2 in the twoday tournament, with three pins, finishing in 7th place by pinning a higher ranked opponent in a wild match to cap off a tremendous high school wrestling career. Nic will be continuing his academic and wrestling pursuits at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall.
Nic LeSieur getting the pin to claim seventh place at the CA State Finals Invitational
Angelo Esposito with the victory to secure fifth place at the CA State Finals Invitational
Angelo went 5-2 in the tournament and placed 5th - beating wrestlers ranked #14, #17 and #23 in the state and finishing ahead of three other wrestlers ranked in the top 15 in CA. Angelo will be back next year with a goal of reaching the podium at the official CIF Championships next March. Congrats guys on a fantastic accomplishment!
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Northgate Wrestling dual mmet vs Liberty HS on the Northgate Football Field
Left to right - Coach Mike Wenzell, Angelo Esposito, Nic LeSieur, Coach Tom Booth
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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13
Expert Contributor
Fixing a Glitch in your Body’s Software with P-DTR By Allison Ayer, BA, CPT, LMT
P
roprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex (P-DTR) is a physical language built to communicate with and help the proprioceptive nervous system to reset itself back to optimal function. Proprioceptors are the nerve receptors on our skin, in our muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and organs that relay back to the brain what is happening to the body, so that the brain can then direct the body to react instantaneously. For example, when you touch a hot pan, a heat receptor instantly lets the brain know that it is overloaded, the brain interprets that as “danger”, and it fires the nociceptive withdrawal reflex. This reflex causes, at low levels of stimulus, our flexor muscles to contract and our extensor muscles to relax on the arm that is touching the hot pain. Therefore we are able to snatch back our hand before any serious damage happens! Let’s say a blister forms, cushioning the wounded skin and stretching the top skin. Then the brain will have some sensitized pressure receptors signaling to the brain “Re-route! Protect!” The brain sets up a compensatory pattern so that you don’t put pressure on the tip of that finger until it is healed. When the tissue heals, the receptor will switch back to normal signaling and movement will resume as it should. Except… sometimes the system doesn’t work the way that it should and the receptor gets STUCK telling the brain that there’s danger when there’s NOT. Why and how does this system glitch? The fastest way for this to happen is when we have too many stacking stressors to the nervous
system. Let’s say that when you burned your finger, you were stressed out cooking dinner for your girlfriend for the first time and dinner was running late, and the neighbors were painting their house and the fumes were in your kitchen, and you’d had some wine and some foods that weren’t sitting well in your stomach, and you hadn’t slept much the night before. This might be TOO MUCH STRESS for your brain and at the moment that you burn your finger, that receptor that signals OVERLOAD gets stuck. Like a digital relic or a software bug. What happens when this glitch is in the matrix? Structures like muscles and ligaments can either be overworking or underworking long term, and this can result in PAIN. Over 80% of pain is due to receptor issues, which means that it is FIXABLE, easily and quickly with P-DTR. In P-DTR we can use this language of touch and gentle muscle tests (is your tricep working? Can it contract without pain? Can it relax when asked to?) to determine what kind of receptor is causing the muscle to overwork or underwork and where it is. And we can fix it, almost instantly! P-DTR is truly an amazing way to talk to your brain and help it do the work it does best, get you moving! Questions? Contact us by calling (925) 788-6300 or emailing Team@BodyLoveCafe.com
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JULY 2021
Our Community Library
Reading Colors Your World Submitted by Kathleen Chau, Walnut Creek Library Foundation
C
olor your world with this year’s Summer Reading program at the Contra Costa County Library. The program runs from June 1 to July 31 and will include all kinds of activities and events related to colors. Readers of all ages can visit ccclib.org/summer for activities to feed the imagination and explore new skills. Participate online or visit any library location to pick up a passport. Every completed entry is eligible for a free book and a chance to win prizes. Online programs for all age groups will be held during June and July. Many of the programs are listed below and more information may be found on the CCC Library website as well.
SUMMER READING JUNE 1 JULY 31
Summer Market and Barn Sale Submitted by Judy Caponigro, Walnut Creek Historical Society
T
he Walnut Creek Historical Society is excited to be hosting a Summer Market and Barn Sale at The Shadelands Ranch Museum, located at 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road. The Summer Market will be an outdoor, one-stop shopping experience for everyone. We will have a variety of vendors offering everything from locally-produced products to artisanal foods along with various businesses and services. Food trucks will also be on-site. Come spend the day with us. With the museum closed our hard-working staff has been cleaning, organizing and cataloging our extensive collection. At the same time we have found some wonderful vintage items that don’t quite fit the historical time frame of the house. As a result we have decided to offer these items for sale. We don’t offer items for sale very often so don’t miss out. For more information on the Summer Market and Barn Sale and vendor applications, please visit our website at wchistory.org. Vendor deadline is Aug. 1. We look forward to seeing you on August 15!
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15
Expert Contributor
Remodeling Plans For Summer By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Deign Build, Resident since 2008
W
ith warmer weather right around the corner, now is the time to plan your remodel. A beautiful, functional kitchen will help you and your loved ones enjoy the summer even more. Read on for some summer kitchen remodeling ideas you might love.
Refresh There are lots of options when it comes to a kitchen remodel. Create something you love. If you’d like to ensure that your project is done quickly, consider a simple update. Repainting your cabinets and replacing all hardware can go a long way towards refreshing the space. To go a step beyond, update your space with brand new appliances. For a complete summer overhaul, redo your space completely. Upgrade your cabinets, replace your countertops, refinish or replace flooring, and update lighting. The kitchen is the heart of your home. Let it mirror your heart’s desire.
Bring the Outdoors In One of the greatest ways to integrate the summer season into your home remodel is to bring the outdoors in. Introduce natural elements like hardwood and florals. Inviting plants and greenery into your kitchen is another wonderful way to welcome summer. Place vases of flowers around the space or arrange some nice potted plants. Make sure that you have sightlines to an outdoor green space. You may also wish to enlarge or upgrade your windows so that you have a better view of the outdoors.
Let Us Help We understand the importance of your space. A home is the center of your family and daily life. We can help you make it everything you’ve been hoping for. Reach out to us today at (925) 885-3770 or email at info@gordonreese.com to learn more about how we can help you turn your home dreams into your dream home. After all, dreaming is the first step to starting something new.
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JULY 2021
Charity Spotlight
Congratulations to TAPS class of 2021! By Alissa Rollins, Resident since 2013 A Family Owned Business
N
ote from Content Coordinator: In last month’s issue, we congratulated the young women in the class of 2021 who participated in the Teen and Parent Service Society (TAPS). Alongside rigorous school routines, sports, jobs and other commitments, these young women have served in various ways throughout our local community over the past four years. Unfortunately, one was left out of our story. With sincere apologies, here is senior number 11 of the class of 2021. Congratulations Caroline Welch, we wish you well in your next endeavor, knowing that you will strive for success and continue to make a difference. She joins Sarah Bonano, Zoe Dahl, Alexis Greenberg, Livvy Hiatt, Ella Johnson, Hannah Liberatore, Lindsey Phillips, Alina Stanley, Emily Titterton and Ava Weise as the TAPS Class of 2021.
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Caroline Welch Caroline plans to attend Pomona College in the fall where she will be studying Politics as well as History. Her favorite memory from TAPS is the yearly Holiday Giving Meeting where each member completed a holiday-themed service project together. Her favorite service project was cutting out fabric and making blankets for Trevor’s Eagle Blanket Foundation.
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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 17
Expert Contributor
Push Present Gift Ideas for the New Parent & Grandparents! By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza
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y wife, Judy and I welcomed our fourth grandchild, Jackson Padis, into the world last month and of course, new parents and babies have certainly been on the brain. When our youngest son, Stevie, approached us for push-present ideas to gift to his wife, Kelli, we of course had lots of ideas! What is a push present you ask? Simply put, it is a gift given as a token of celebration over the birth of a baby. The gift is just for the new mom. It is something that makes her feel special and appreciated after just going through one of the most challenging and most rewarding tasks in life. A push gift puts the focus back on the new mom. She deserves something special that makes her feel cherished. Jewelry offers a tangible reminder of the first few moments with her new child — and of your thoughtfulness — that she can wear every day. The new parent or the new grandparents can choose to present a push gift after the birth of the new addition to the family. No matter who gives the push gift, the goal is to make the new mom feel loved and appreciated.
or under sleep-deprived conditions.
Birthstone and Personalized Jewelry
Whatever your role in the expectant mother’s life, make her baby’s birth special with a push gift. A thoughtful jewelry gift gives her a keepsake she’ll always cherish that reminds her of you and of the day that changed her life forever. Now that you know what a push present is, you’re ready to pick out the perfect gift! Head on over to any Padis Jewelry location and our consultants will be happy to help you pick out the perfect push present.
Personalized jewelry also starts a tradition for future babies. Add to her collection of push present jewelry to represent all of her children. Like a birthstone, an initial or name on a piece of jewelry adds a personalized touch that represents the new family member. If you already know the baby’s name, you can easily purchase a piece of jewelry with the first initial before the birth. If you want to symbolize the changing composition of your family, incorporate the initials of the parents.
We treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. Please feel to reach out if we can answer any questions and if we can be of assistance at concierge@padisjewelry.com.
Personalized jewelry offers a tailored touch to the push gift concept. It commemorates the birth month of the newest member of the family. Each time the new mom looks at the birthstone jewelry, she remembers the time when she became a mom. Birthstone options come in all categories of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Sparkling Diamond Earrings
Earrings work well as a push present because they are something the new mom can wear every day. Diamond solitaire earrings offer a classic, versatile option, but push present earrings can be any style or shape. The earrings don’t need a special connection to the birth itself. Simply receiving the earrings on the day her child is born is enough to make them special. Each time she slips them into her ears, she’ll fondly remember your love and the birth of her child.
An Additional Band to Complement Her Wedding Ring
The wedding ring she wears every day represents your love and takes her back to your wedding day. It is a very important symbol to show your strength and commitment to one another. The birth of a child is just as monumental as getting married. With a new baby in the picture, that love you share continues to grow. Why not add another ring to her finger to represent that new family dynamic? Choose a band that fits beside her wedding ring, paying close attention to the style of the original band to ensure they look good together. We at Padis can provide suggestions for bands that will work well. Each time she gazes at her hand, she’ll not only remember her love for you but also the growing love your family has, thanks to the birth of your new baby.
A New Timepiece
Cell phones may be the go-to way to tell time, but an elegant designer watch is still a relevant and useful accessory in a new mom’s life. Not only will a new watch keep her on time for those pediatrician appointments and play dates, it also decorates her wrist with a sophisticated style. Choose a watch that fits her style and the way she might use it. Luminescent hands and easy-to-read numbers make the watch visible even in a dark nursery 18
JULY 2021
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19
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