Northgate Living CA July 2023

Meet the

Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

Jo Peek

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.

Dear Neighbors,

Summer is here. The swim season is in full swing, the days are warmer and longer, and I hope you are enjoying the time to relax, have barbeques, travel, and attend events. Check out the calendar of events for lots of fun things to do.

Northgate Living Magazine is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbors, the Callaways. Larry Callaway grew up here in the neighborhood and is now raising his kids here with co-parent Liz. The Callaways have been active in local sports since the 1980’s. There are also lots of interesting articles from your neighbors about things going on right here in Walnut Creek.

We are eager to hear from you with your stories, local sports, or any other topics you’d like to share. For the latest updates follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Contact me at knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com.

Warmly,

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.

Advertising - Print & Digital

Northgate Living CA

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

Auto Detailing

No-H2O Auto Detailing

Brian Stranko 925-238-8182 brian.stranko@noh2o.com www.noh2o.com

Dentist

Tobian Kiefer Dentistry

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

Design, Build & Remodeling

Gordon Reese

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

Financial Advice

Element Wealth Management

Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) 433-9533 chris.held@elementwm.com www.elementwm.com

Hardscape Restoration

Concrete Paver Restorations

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

HVAC & IAQ

Evergreen IAQ

JC Garcia 925-444-5069 jc@evergreenIAQ.com https://evergreeniaq.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.

No-H2O Auto Detailing provides you with premium quality, mobile, waterless auto detailing. We come to you, your house, your business, your gym – wherever you need us. And, yes, we are waterless! We help you save California’s precious water – on average, 35 gallons per detail. Our eco-friendly products and attentive service make your car sparkle and leave it spotless inside and out, while lasting longer than your typical detail.

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

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

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.

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

We are a family owned, residential AC and heating company specializing in indoor air quality and high efficiency system maintenance. I truly believe that every household should be able to control their comfort level while keeping their energy costs to a minimum AND ensure clean, fresh air to breathe inside their own homes. It IS your castle after all.I am committed to reinventing the industry and showing the world a new way to do business and get things done... The Evergreen Way.

Insurance Services

Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc.

Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004

Scott@cdinsurance.com

Patrick@cdinsurance.com

http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/

Real Estate

Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010

Rita.Dhillon@compass.com

www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Religious Education

Contra Costa Christian Schools 925-934-4964

afullmore@cccs.org

www.contracostachristianschools.org

Sports Medicine

Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic

Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074

info@precisionsportsmedicine.com

www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Storage Expert Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200

info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/

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.

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.

For over 40 years, Contra Costa Christian Schools has maintained its original mission to Prepare the Next Generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation. While the instructional strategies and curriculum have evolved, the core mission of serving families in the East Bay has remained the same. CCCS provides a high quality 21st century education within a Christian context that equips students for success, whatever they choose to pursue.

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.

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.

By Kara Navolio,

Meet the

Callaways: A family of athletes

Larry Callaway has lived in Northgate since he was 11 months old when his parents Rick and Chris moved here in 1983. He has moved away a couple of times for college and career, “but kept getting called back by Mt. Diablo and the neighborhood,” says Larry. “I love the area. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I always get waves, hellos, invites. I love the Contra Costa Canal Trail, Mt. Diablo and all its assets.”

Larry comes from a family of athletes and has been a lifelong athlete himself. He was drawn to Northgate High School’s Sports Medicine Program, which nurtured in him an interest in Sports Medicine careers, something that many Northgate students participating in Glen Barker’s program share. At Northgate, where he graduated in 2000, he played football and basketball. His dad, Rick, was one of the founders of the Northgate Community Pride Foundation that renovated the gym in 2001 and in future years completed the renovation of many of Northgate’s facilities including the sports complex and swimming pool. Larry’s younger brothers, Tom and Mark, got to play basketball in the renovated

gym. Larry’s older brother, Bobby, was on the one and only Northgate baseball team to become State Champions in 1995. All four Callaway boys swam for Rancho San Miguel Swim Team. Rick coached many of their soccer, baseball, and basketball teams.

Larry went on to get a bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University in Athletic Training and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College. It was there he met Liz. Liz had been serving in the Marines for five years and was among the first Americans to go to the Middle East after the 9/11 attacks. Liz now works for EVNTWRKS, a party and event planning company. She enjoys fitness, weightlifting, reading, interior design, and motorcycle rides. She attended Clayton Valley High School and danced for the Concord Blue Devils growing up.

Larry and Liz are the proud co-parents of Henry, 11, and Luna, 9. They both love basketball too and BMX racing. Henry also enjoys video games and other sports, while Luna loves reading and using her active imagination. Cheddar is their orange barn cat who makes life more fun.

In addition to working at two chiropractic clinics with Chiron Chiropractic, Larry also teaches a rowing fitness class for Row House and coached basketball and track and field for CYO (St. John Vianney). His hobbies, not surprisingly, are centered around sports: running, rowing, strength training, basketball, and he also plays softball in an adult league with friends from the neighborhood. He roots for the Oakland A’s, Raiders and Warriors.

Growing up, Larry shares that the Callaway family spent most of their vacations around the sports the four boys played. Now, with kids of his own, he tries to visit new places he hasn’t been to before. They also travel to Acme,

Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Larry Callaway

WA each summer to meet up with another family and enjoy the outdoors. Larry and Liz believe “Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional. Have fun. Live life and love big.”

Larry adds, “It’s cool that my kids are experiencing a similar childhood as what I had.” They love to take advantage of the trails, open space, sports teams, and great schools. To his neighbors he adds, “Thank you for making our neighborhood great. Say hello and wave often!”

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 High School Teen Invents the Eco-Sorter: Making Collecting Kitchen Compost As Easy As Throwing Out The Trash

By Kara Navolio

Ryan Collins, a junior at Northgate High School, has developed a new solution for collecting kitchen compost – an alternative to a typical kitchen compost pail. No more compost on the counter or under the sink, the Eco-Sorter puts compost collection back where it belongs – in the trash can.

The idea for this product started when Ryan was in 5th grade at Bancroft Elementary school. That is when the school started a new program to collect compostable items at lunch time. Ryan was assigned as a trash monitor and given training beforehand on what items were compostable to help kids sort their lunch waste into the correct cans. He realized that his family wasn’t composting their kitchen scraps at home and encouraged them to start. Together, Ryan and his family learned that compostable items in the trash/landfill create methane - a major contributor to global warming, but compostable items put in the compost bin are turned into nutrient rich soil that sequesters carbon and is used by area vineyards and farms to help grow crops. They also realized that over 50% of what they were putting in the trash was actually compostable. For their family of four, this was way more waste than would fit in a little compost bin on the counter (without having to empty it OFTEN). Ryan suggested they find a way to divide their current garbage can in two – one side for compostable waste, one side for trash.

It took several years of Ryan and his mom testing different solutions, learning how to design and 3D print protypes, and piloting products with family and friends to come up with a final (patent pending)

product that makes composting kitchen scraps as simple as throwing out the trash. It was important to Ryan that the product be made as sustainably as possible, so he and his mom found a manufacturer in California who could make the product using 100% recycled plastic and the Eco-Sorter ships in 100% recycled packaging.

Cities and counties throughout California are developing Zero Waste plans and are providing commercial composting services to their residents to adhere with new SB 1383 rules that now require all Californians to separate their compostable items from landfill/ trash. The rules for what residents can compost have greatly expanded, BUT, kitchen compost collection has not evolved to handle the larger amounts of compostable items accepted. There has been no innovation around how to collect kitchen compost other than a small bin that sits on the counter - until now.

On April 22 (Earth Day!), Ryan and his mom launched their new business, 1Thing Green, with the premise that everyone’s small eco-friendly actions make a difference – collectivism is powerful! To learn more about the Eco-Sorter and 1 Thing Green, check out 1thinggreen.com or contact Ryan at Ryan@1thinggreen.com.

Real Estate Listings in Northgate

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.

tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh 925.577.3422

khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

July

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Beginning July 8

Sight Unseen: International Photography by Blind Artists

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts

The featured artists, whether completely or legally blind, all perceive an image of the physical world in varying degrees. With photography as their medium, each artist brings their inner visions into the seeing world, revealing a visually rich and emotionally complex blend of physical and conceptual artworks. Cost: Pay what you can ($25 - Support Access For All; $15 - Your Added support is Appreciated; $10 - Our Suggested Price; $5Thanks For Cheering Us On; $0 - Art Should Be Accessible To All)

Time: Gallery open from Wed.. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

Every Thursday

Story Time

@Ruth Bancroft Garden

Each Thursday, we will host a story time reading in our new Children’s Nook in the Garden.

Cost: Free with garden admission ($10 adults, children under 12 free) Time: 9:30-10am

Sat., July 15

Public Art Walking Tour

@Meet in front of Lesher Center for the Arts

Bedford Gallery offers one hour docent-led walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, April through November. Our Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. More information: https://www.bedfordgallery org/public-art/public-art-tours.

Cost: Adult $5.00. 18 years or younger are free. Please pay in person (cash only).

Includes admission to Bedford Gallery. Time: 10-11am

Sat., July 22

Book Sale – Friends of the Library

@Ygnacio Valley Library

Come browse through thousands of new and gently used books in a wide range of topics - Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s & YA, Cookbooks, History, Politics, Self-help, Hobbies, Sports and more. CDs, DVDs and Audio books are also for sale. Whether you’re looking for a friend or for yourself, you’re bound to find something to take home!

Time: 10am-5pm

Save the date:

Wed., Aug. 2

First Wednesday Street Fest

@Downtown Walnut Creek - 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. Kick-off event for Walnut Creek’s Arts

Around August program, with fun events all month long.

Cost: Free

Time: 5:30-9pm

www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Mon., Aug. 7

Ygnacio Valley Book Club

@ Ygnacio Valley Library

Join the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Group for lively, thoughtful book discussions! Share your thoughts and connect with fellow readers. Our club meets in person every 1st Monday of the month at the Ygnacio Valley Library. All teens and adults are welcome. Check with Ygnacio Valley Library Staff about obtaining copies of the selected titles. August selection is “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich.

Creating Beautiful Charcuterie Boards

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

Who

doesn’t love a great cheeseboard?

I can’t think of anyone. An interchangeable term is a charcuterie (shahrkoo-tuh-ree) board which a French term meaning “the art of preparing meat” which are either cold cooked, cured, or smoked. Modern day has disrupted the original meaning to include the addition of cheeses, dried and fresh fruit, pickles, nuts, olives, honey, jam, chutney, quince paste, tapenade, mostarda, and other gourmet accoutrements.

Creating a beautiful charcuterie board is quite simple and my goal is to share a quick guide to bring out your inner Martha Stewart or Ina Garten. Let’s start with the foundation by selecting a wood, marble, slate, or ceramic board to create your charcuterie masterpiece. To add interest to the board, use small unique bowls, little spoons, cheese knives and sprigs of fresh herbs.

I use what I call the “real estate method” to start building my charcuterie board by breaking out the location I put the cheese, meats, and accoutrements. I start with placing the cheese, then the meat and fill in with the accouterments. I suggest using a variety of cheeses like soft cheese (brie, camembert, goat, or gorgonzola), semisoft cheese (fontina, muenster, Havarti, or Roquefort), firm cheese (cheddar, gouda, Manchego, or stilton), or hard cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano, asiago, mimolette or Pecorino-Romano). I am obsessed with using three cheeses typically placed in the middle of board and spread apart but not too close to the edge of the board.

Once the cheeses are placed, I will add the meats to the board. My favorites include prosciutto, mortadella, dry cured pork (serrano ham, Iberico ham or sliced sausage), salami (soppressata, finocchiona, Genoa) and meat spreads like duck confit pate. I will add the variety of meats next to each of the placed cheeses. Next, I will add a type of jam, mostarda or tapenade

in tiny bowls and place them visually near the cheeses. You will notice that there are spaces of real estate that need to be populated with your remaining accoutrements.

You can now add your favorite spiced nuts, a small bunch of grapes, dried apricots, olives, cornichons, sliced pears, sprig of rosemary, or other favorite items to fill in those empty spaces. The great debate is cornered around do you add crackers to the board OR place on another serving piece. I say, let your inner creative spirit flow and do what makes you happy. If you have room, add your favorite crackers, handmade crostini, parmesan crisps, or grissini. I highly recommend crackers from Rustic Bakery which you can find at Whole Foods, Safeway and online at www.rusticbakery.com

For optimal flavor, let the cheese come to room temperature before serving so that the full flavor can be experienced. A hidden gem I recently discovered is at Whole Foods in the cheese section. If you time it right, you can find a selection of small packages of various cheeses in a basket, that were the ends from a large block of cheese. They are typically priced under $2.00, which gives you the opportunity to taste different varieties.

The key to a great charcuterie board is variety and balance. Try to include a mix of flavors, textures, and colors to create a visually appealing and delicious board. I hope you have been inspired to let your creative juices flow. Cheers to the charcuterie board!

Bringing Your Hardscapes Back to Life

By Christina Chittenden

For over 20 years, Concrete Paver Restorations has been pioneering some of the most advanced techniques and products in the industry. While many others claim to know how to properly seal your brick pavers or your travertine surfaces, there is actually an art to performing this and for years Concrete Paver Restorations has been perfecting this art, resulting in thousands of highly satisfied customers across California.

Not only do they provide paver sealing, Concrete Paver Restorations also services all your concrete and paver cleaning, staining and repairing needs. Many of their technicians have been doing this for years and are truly experts in their field. With equipment that is designed to be mobile, and their fleet of vans equipped with over 300 gallons of water, Concrete Paver Restorations handles the job efficiently without having to use your property’s power or water sources.

A general overview of how the crew at CPR handles a job, first starts with spraying an eco-friendly chemical that is safe for your family, pets and plants. These chemicals remove dirt and debris and any algae or mold that has accumulated over the years. Secondly, they use 280 degrees of heat to melt the surface in preparation for accepting the sealing process. Once they have cleaned the entire property, an additional walk through takes place to address any trip hazards or changes to configuration that are requested. The crew will then come in and remove stones that pose as a trip hazard to eliminate liability or injury-prone situations. In the staining and sealing phase, they apply commercial grade stain – which they

mix on site – masking off all walls, planters and everything else to protect anything that is not intended to be stained.

Once the stain is accepted, the crew then comes in to perform the sealing, which is unique to any other installer in the region. “We have traveled across the country to build a relationship with a sealer manufacturer who has a two-part polyurethane sealant,” describes Drew Bogetti, owner. “We can then achieve the desired look for you, whether that be a flat, matte finish or a high-end glossy look.”

Drew Bogetti enjoys being on site for every job his company takes on to ensure that every project turns out amazing. “We aren’t cutting corners, we really do carry the best equipment in the industry,” he says. “And we will go to every length in order to protect your property.”

At Concrete Paver Restorations, there is no job too big or too small. Give them a call today at 925-278-5979. Visit www.concretepaverrestorations.com for more information.

Assistance League Member Volunteers Love to

By Betty Miller

If Knowledge is power, it follows that Reading empowers!

Each R.E.A.D. session begins with a group shout out, “I LOVE TO READ!”

In 2003, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, a member volunteer organization dedicated to improving lives in our community through hands-on programs, initiated the R.E.A.D. program, to encourage elementary schoolchildren to Read, Enrich, Achieve and Discover. More recently, the R.E.A.D. program was umbrellaed under the nationally acclaimed Operation School Bell® and is now one of sixteen programs.

Program Operation School Bell VP Carol Parkhurst and Chairman Suzanne Wise report that due to the energetic volunteers committed to reading monthly to students in the classroom, that both the students and program continue to thrive. Specifically, the R.E.A.D. volunteers read to approximately 1000 second grade students in 39 classrooms in 13 schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Walnut Creek School District in a mere eight month’s time.

Not only did R.E.A.D. donate 980 books to the classrooms, it allocated $500 to each of the 13 schools’ librarians to cover the cost

of their Wishlist by providing year-end books for the students’ reading enjoyment. Consequently, every second grade student involved in R.E.A.D. will have a book to take home to enjoy over the summer.

To that end, an at-home R.E.A.D. session encourages children and their families to embrace the joy of reading on a daily basis. Children seeing parents and/or guardians reading at home are likely to follow suit. Designating a time of the day when you and your family members can gather for a quiet read session increases its longevity. Concluding the read session with each family member contributing one sentence as to insights/enjoyment gained brings the reading experience to life. Encouraging children to draw/paint a visual that captures the spirit of their reading material enhances the overall experience. Providing books as gifts and rewards reinforces “I Love to Read!” Happy Reading.

The principal source of funding for all 16 hands-on programs is Assistance League Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette. Much appreciated donations and purchases ultimately improve the lives of those in our community who are vulnerable.

Since 2005, R.E.A.D. volunteers have shared their joy of reading with literally thousands of second grade students.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Northgate Softball team reaches new heights

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Itwas a magical season,” says Girls Softball Coach Zack Torrey. “I was lucky enough to have that combination of team chemistry, talent, and coaching staff.” It was just his 2nd season as Northgate’s softball coach, and he has helped the girls reach new heights.

They finished the regular season with a record of 14-4 and 8-0 in the DAL Valley Conference, which landed them an automatic spot in the playoffs. But the moment when Torrey knew he had “that magic” came earlier in the season when they beat Las Lomas, the cross town rival, at Las Lomas and all three of his captains hit home runs for the the first time. “That’s when I knew we had something really

special. It was a storybook moment,” added Torrey. They won their first playoff game, but then fell to number one seed Redwood High School in round 2. All three captains and many other players went on to earn league honors. The team is young, with most of them returning next year with high hopes.

Captain and pitcher Makenna Choi was named MVP Pitcher of the League and was also presented with the Octavia Bond Bronco Award for “Most Outstanding Player on and off the field.” 1st team All-League honors went to Captain Mariana Johnsen, Katelyn Takahashi, and Taelyn Jriyasetapong. 2nd team All-League honors went to Captain Liliana Canefield, Katrina Irvin, Ashley Herman and Jillian Neil.

Liliana shared, “This team was so special because we were more than teammates, we were friends. We had a trust and bond off the field which translated to on the field when we were playing games. We know how to play loose and have fun, but also knew how to take care of business. Our coaches helped keep our eyes on the goal and pushed us to be our very best.”

“Torrey was a finalist for West Coast Preps Bay Area Softball Coach of the Year. Best of luck to the Broncos Softball team in 2024!

Softball team wins “Battle of the Creek”

Northgate’s 2023 softball team

Walnut Creek Men’s Golf Club at Boundary Oak

Submitted by Matt Sanregret, Northgate resident since 1998

TheWalnut Creek Men’s Golf Club held its annual NCGA qualifier for two man teams on June 10th. The top three teams advance to play against top competition from other clubs in Northern California. The format for this tournament is called two man “better ball.” 66 golfers participated in the tournament.

Here are the qualifiers.

• 1st: Arne Sandberg & Matt Sanregret

• 2nd: Michael Attiyeh & Darius Russo

• 3rd: Bill Haisch & Mike Batesole

This summer brings more team competition to Boundary Oak Golf course with the annual two man match play event in July and the annual two day Fall Festival in September.

WCMGC prides itself on being involved in the community, being inclusive and giving all members the opportunity to play,

compete and make new friends. Memberships are available for Walnut Creek residents and non-residents for Men, Women, and Juniors with Regular memberships, Fall Special memberships, and e-Member options.

The Club conducts over 20 tournaments annually out of Boundary Oak Golf Course in Walnut Creek. The tournaments vary in format and are flighted to accommodate all competitive levels. Tournaments are generally conducted on weekend mornings. Tee times are also available early Monday and Wednesday mornings for weekday play and skins games.

10 Jaw-Dropping Remodeling Ideas That Will Transform Your Home into a Luxurious Oasis- Part I!

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

In the realm of home remodeling, crafting a lavish oasis is the ultimate design goal. Whether you seek a tranquil escape, a grand entertainment area, or a refined sanctuary, the options are limitless. To spark your creativity and elevate your home to new levels of luxury, we present ten breathtaking remodeling ideas. These transformative concepts will turn your humble abode into a luxurious haven, from exquisite bathrooms to opulent outdoor retreats. Prepare to embark on an architectural journey of indulgence.

Grand Entrance Foyer:

Make a lasting impression by transforming your entrance foyer into a grand statement. Picture this: ornate crown moldings adorning the ceiling, their intricate patterns casting elegant shadows. As you step inside, a magnificent crystal chandelier hangs overhead, casting a dazzling display of light. Your gaze is drawn to the sweeping staircase, its polished banisters guiding your ascent to the upper levels. The floor beneath your feet showcases a mosaic of breathtaking beauty, where marble tiles are intricately laid to create an awe-inspiring pattern that welcomes guests with a touch of refinement.

Lavish Spa Bathroom:

Escape into a realm of tranquility and relaxation with a spa-inspired bathroom that feels like a sanctuary. Imagine immersing yourself in a freestanding soaking tub, the warm water embracing your body as you melt away the stress of

the day. Above, a rainfall shower cascades a gentle symphony of water, enveloping you in a soothing embrace. As you step onto the heated marble floors, the sensation of warmth radiates through your feet, adding to the luxurious ambiance. Soft, ambient lighting creates a serene atmosphere, while plush towels await, ready to cocoon you in comfort.

Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen:

Indulge your culinary desires with a chefworthy kitchen that blends functionality and luxury. Picture a professional-grade range as the centerpiece, its burners ablaze with potential as you create culinary masterpieces. The scent of exotic spices fills the air, enticing your taste buds. Nearby, a wine cooler hums softly, storing your favorite vintages at the perfect temperature for enjoyment. As you glide across the room, a spacious kitchen island invites guests to gather, its sleek design and ample seating creating an inviting space for conversation and indulgence. Custom cabinetry houses all your kitchen essentials, while exquisite countertops in granite or quartz provide a surface as beautiful as it is durable. Illuminated by a welldesigned lighting scheme, this gourmet haven becomes a stage for culinary artistry and entertainment.

Wine Cellar:

Transform a small available area into a wine connoisseur’s paradise, where every bottle has a place of honor. The room is carefully climatecontrolled, maintaining the perfect conditions for aging and preserving your prized collection. As you enter, your eyes are immediately drawn to the sleek wine racks, their geometric design showcasing bottles of red, white, and rosé. Soft, ambient lighting accentuates the labels and casts a warm glow throughout the space. A dedicated tasting area beckons you to explore the flavors of each carefully selected vintage. The walls, adorned with textured stone or brick, lend a touch of oldworld charm. In one corner, a cozy seating area invites you to savor the aromas and flavors of your favorite wines, creating an intimate ambiance for indulging in oenophilic delights.

Home Theater:

Elevate your movie nights to a whole new level with a state-of-the-art home theater that rivals the immersive experience of a cinema. Imagine sinking into plush, reclining seats as the lights dim and anticipation fills the air. The large projection screen comes to life, transporting you to another world with stunning clarity. The surround sound system envelops you, every whisper and explosion resonating through the room, making you feel like you’re part of the action.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to embark on a remodeling project, be sure to stay tuned for the next installment of our remodeling tips series, where we’ll share five more valuable insights to help you achieve your dream space. And remember, we want to hear from you! If you have any specific remodeling questions or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to send them our way at Questions@GordonReese.com. Our team of professionals is ready to assist you in turning your vision into a reality. Happy remodeling!

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Celebrate the arts and enjoy Walnut Creek’s Downtown

Submitted by Chelsey Navolio,

Arts Around August Coordinator

The City of Walnut Creek and twelve 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 celebration, in its 3rd year, to downtown and to partner with many of the city’s business, non-profit and arts organizations. There will be events or activities throughout the month of August.

Experiences for all ages include:

Summer Concerts at Broadway Plaza

First Wednesday Street Fest will showcase live entertainment, booths, kids’ activities, food and wine.

National Night Out

hosted by Walnut Creek Police Department to bring together our safety communities.

Maker’s Market Artisan Fair

Downtown Stages will present different local performing artists throughout the month.

Opera in the Park Festival Opera Presents: CARMEN by Georges Bizet

Public Art Walking Tour

Bedford Gallery presents “Sight Unseen: International Photography by Blind Artists” on exhibit

The Valley Art Gallery will be showcasing local artists and will be offering a drawing all month to win your favorite painting.

Eight Painted Pianos placed throughout downtown for anyone to play.

For Adults: Moveable Feast

which is an upscale culinary stroll including tastes from the best of Walnut Creek’s restaurants, with a little sample of public art sprinkled in.

Mountain Shadow Film Society showcasing Independent Films.

For families:

Family Day at the Lesher Center

Family Mural Walk

“With the Lesher Center for the Arts, the Bedford Gallery and dozens of public art pieces located just footsteps from popular restaurants and retailers, Downtown Walnut Creek is the place to shop, dine and celebrate the arts this August,” said Walnut Creek Mayor Cindy Silva.

Please visit www.walnutcreekdowntown.com for more information and a complete calendar of events, times and locations.

Annuities Made Simple

By Chris Held, Element Wealth Management

Knowingif an annuity is right for you can be complicated, but doesn’t have to be. At Element Wealth Management, we believe you should have all the facts to maximize your retirement benefits and minimize potential mistakes.

First, what is an annuity?

Annuities are long-term tax-deferred investment options that are managed by insurance companies or insurance “carriers” designed for retirement purposes. The main purpose is to provide steady income payments (typically after age 59 1/2 due to tax rule) to ensure you and your loved ones can maintain a similar standard of living and enjoy retirement. Similar to a pension or social security payment, annuities are designed to be most impactful in one’s later years (60-65+) as gains are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Annuities differ from pensions and social security in that they are usually built on a schedule of a regular income payments that can stretch over varying amounts of time, but also allow you to maintain control over the asset. Annuities are not FDIC insured and contain surrender charges for withdrawals made prior to turning 59 and 1/2 subject to 10% IRS Penalty, if funds are not replaced. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

Our most common types of annuities include, Fixed, Fixed-Indexed, and Variable annuities. There are other types, such as an immediate annuity, but we will focus on the main three.

Fixed Annuities:

Most often, but not always have the lowest risk of the three. These products assure your money will earn at least a minimum interest rate that is paid on an annual basis over a specific timeframe (usually 5-7 years). However, focusing on the longer term options, you may be subject to interest rate risk. Some fixed annuities present an opportunity to potentially earn higher interest rates than prevailing CD rates at your local bank, and typically have a minimum interest rate granted by the insurance issuer. CD rates are FDIC insured to specific limits and offer a fixed rate of return if held to maturity.

Fixed-Indexed Annuities:

a modified version of the fixed annuities, however they differ in that they earn an interest based on the change of a market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). These indexes fluctuate daily. The interest rate has a floor of zero percent, so even if the market goes down, your principal is not at risk. It carries more risk than the fixed annuity as your rate of return is determined by the return of the underlying index over a specific amount of time that typically ranges from 1-5 years. Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA) are not suitable for all investors. FIAs permit investors to participate in only a stated percentage of an increase in an index (participation rate) and may impose a maximum annual account value percentage increase. FIAs typically do not allow for participation in dividends accumulated on the securities represented by the index.

Variable Annuities:

Variable annuities or “VAs” are the most complicated of the three and allow investors to generate a return on the performance of the

investment portfolios through “subaccounts”. VAs allow you (or your advisor) to dictate where you put your money. The return in a variable annuity isn’t guaranteed as the value of the subaccounts you choose could go up or down, called market risk. If they go up, you could make money similar to a regular investment account. But, if the value of these subaccounts goes down, you could lose money. Consequentially, income payments to you could be less than expected. To mitigate risk, “riders” are additional guarantee options offered through annuities and life insurance to help assure you have a minimum income return such as “5 for life”, meaning you receive 5% of your initial investment for the rest of your life regardless of market performance or remaining account value. Some riders are included in an annuity while others are subject to additional fees, restrictions, and are based on the paying ability by the issuing insurance company. Variable annuities have significant fees and expenses known as M&E&A (Mortality and Risk Expense and Administrative Fees), subaccount fees and additional fees for riders. The policy holder should review their contract carefully before purchasing.

In conclusion, when it comes to annuities, it is essential to approach them with caution and seek the guidance of a valued and knowledgeable financial advisor. Making hasty decisions without fully understanding the product can lead to costly mistakes that may impact your retirement’s fixed income. Researching and contacting a holistic financial advisor who can provide you with various options is important. Be wary of those who offer only one “flavor” of annuity, as it may not align with your specific needs and goals. While it may be tempting to save money by bypassing a broker, remember that the expertise and guidance of an expert can potentially save you from a costly mistake. Seek a professional’s advice who’s goal is to maximize your investment’s return given your tolerance for risk.

Chris J. Held and Cortland L. Golightly are Registered Representatives with, and securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.