Northgate Living Magazine June 2019

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

JUNE 2 019

Northgate LIVING

Meet the Mayos:

A family bonded in leadership and service 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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JUNE 2019

We Are Now Online!!

Northgate LIVING

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Dear Residents

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.

Hi neighbors! I’ve had a few similar questions asked recently by our neighbors so I thought that I would take the time to share the answers with the community.

As the founder and publisher of Northgate Living, I personally meet with every single owner of each business to approve them as a sponsor. The sponsors in our magazine are selected in the area of reputation, customer service and expertise in the category of business. Not every business is able to be guaranteed in our magazine just because they are in business!! I hope that you find Northgate Living as a protection filter for you, the consumer.

Furthermore, these sponsors make our community magazine possible - there are no paid subscriptions, it is delivered free to you each month! While you are free to deal with any business, inside or outside of this magazine, these businesses made a decision to be a part of our community. They want your patronage.

Without our sponsors’ generosity, our community magazine would not exist, so give them a chance and make them earn your business!

Fondly,

Jo Peek Founder & Publisher

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AtlasPaversCo.com NORTHGATE LIVING 3

Every Friday

Restorative Yoga with Kristin Dominguez

June

@ 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.

Cost: Free for adults 18 and over Time: 5-6pm www.ccclib.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., June 8

Thurs., June 20

Walnut Creek Downtown History Tour

Walnut Creek Uncorked!

@Fountain at Liberty Bell Plaza (corner of Broadway and Mt. Diablo) 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 our history. Repeated July 14.

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

Sat., June 15

Public Art Tour @Lesher Center for the Arts on the plaza The 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. Wear comfortable shoes & sun screen. Reservations not required, unless your group is 6 or more.

Cost: $5 – cash only Time: 11am – 12pm www.bedfordgallery.org/ education-tours/public-art-tours

Wed., June 19

Author Talk – Meredith May @ Ygnacio Valley Library Author Meredith May will discuss her book, “The Honey Bus: a memoir of loss, courage and a girl saved by bees.”

Cost: Free Time: 6:30pm www.ccclib.org

@Various locations downtown Sip, savor and stroll through downtown Walnut Creek and experience the best restaurants, fashion, jewelry, and artisan shops while enjoying a variety of wines and tasty bites. Live entertainment, hydration stations and map included.

Cost: $40 in advance, $50 day of event ($15 designated drivers) Time: 6-9pm www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Thurs., June 20

Tequila y Tacos @Ruth Bancroft Garden Unwind on Thursday evening as the sun sets in the Garden. We’ll have music and free tequila samples, plus wine/beer and yummy freshly grilled street tacos available for purchase. Grab your family and friends for this chance to celebrate summer evenings in the garden.

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

Sat., June 29

Sculpture Show Opening Night @ Ruth Bancroft Garden Join us for a beautiful night in the Garden as we celebrate Opening Night of the Sculpture Show! Enjoy live music, drinks, appetizers and a chance to meet with this year’s artists and unwind as the sun sets over the garden. The sculptures will be on display through August 17.

Cost: $30-$35, includes one free alcoholic beverage Time: 5:30-7:30pm

4

Every Monday

Picture Book Time @Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5.

Cost: FREE Time: 10:15-11am 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…

Wed., July 3

Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Leadership in Turbulent Times

by Doris Kearns Goodwin.

Cost: FREE Time: 6:30-7:45pm

Thurs., July 4

Fourth of July Concert @ Civic Park Gazebo Enjoy a selection of patriotic music performed by the Walnut Creek Concert Band! Bring a blanket and a picnic, relax on the grass at Civic Park, and celebrate our nation’s birthday in musical style.

Cost: Free Time: 6-7pm www.walnut-creek.org

JUNE 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

Ryan Stewart Stewart Heating & Air (925) 427-5522 ryan@stewartair.net www.stewartheatingandair.com

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.

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.

Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore

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

Resident Feature

Meet the Mayos: A family bonded in leadership and service

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

A

llyson Mayo has deep roots here in Northgate, having grown up here and graduated from Northgate High School in 1988.

Allyson returned to Northgate in 2013 after a divorce and is now raising her two sons as a single mom and working full time as a doctor of behavioral health. Allyson’s path to her current work has been a winding, untraditional one. She attended the University of San Francisco and completed a business degree during the birth of the dotcoms. She went directly into technology, working with Xerox Corporation. “The major shift from analog to digital was an incredible time in history and being connected to a Fortune 500 technology company was nothing short of thrilling,” reflects Allyson. “This is where I realized that having a boss that believes in you can make all the difference, especially during a time when there is significant change taking place. We had to learn to fail fast and try new things.”

When Allyson had her two boys she decided to make a career shift from one of ambition to one with more meaning. “While I had always been interested in being in healthcare, with a special interest in psychology and human behavior, my less than adequate selfworth had me convinced that I wasn’t capable. As an individual with a personal / lived experience of being a teenager who frequently felt on the outside of “normal,” bullied in school, depression and the fear of failure was a daily influence. Once having children of my own, I realized that I needed to stop the cycle of low self-worth.” She attended Diablo Valley College and completed the requirements to become an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, which led her to work as an Addiction Counselor and Anger Management educator for our community’s most under-served, those experiencing homelessness, mental illness, incarceration, and unresolved childhood trauma.

From this experience Allyson went on to pursue a Master of Science in Behavior Health and then a Doctorate in Behavioral Health.

Allyson explains the meaning her current work has: “Now as a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), during a time when we are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness, addiction, anxiety,

Allyson with her sons graduating with her PhD

depression, death by overdose, suicide, and unequivocal burnout from the workforce committed to the work in these areas of care, I am committed to developing a workforce more adequately prepared to respond to these complex problems.”

At the same time her career was evolving, her personal life was also changing. “I remember the moment, just two days after the boys and I moved into our new place, here in the Pheasant Run neighborhood, we sat down to discuss our (or my) plan moving forward. I shared with them that I was going to continue on with school and that meant resources were going to have to be more thoughtfully considered and evaluated. This included time, finances, and the most precious resource of all.....emotional wellbeing. Moving into single parent life, the desire to have a peaceful home life became our shared vision and daily commitment to one another.”

Allyson’s parents, who still live in the Northgate area, in the Rancho Paraiso area, instilled in her the desire to work to improve our community and be a steward of our resources. “I was raised by a family of healthcare professionals; my father is a retired OBGYN and the former Chairman of OBGYN at both Concord and WC John Muir Health Center, and my mother is a Registered Nurse (one of the medical auxiliary members for the hospital, always fundraising and coming up with creative ideas to improve the health of our community). They were great role models and big change makers in this community.” While her father attended to patients, her mother worked long hours in his office tending to the daily grind of contacting insurance providers and handling the business side of the practice. Although her father is no longer in practice, he seldom misses an opportunity to attend the Grand Rounds at John Muir Hospital, assist in surgery and provide education for new doctors.

He continues to be an incredible resource for our community, as he graciously shares his medical knowledge. Her mother is tireless in her approach to improve our healthcare system and ensure that we prioritize the patient experience.

Allyson’s oldest son, Matthew, is 17 and a junior at Northgate High School. He is president of the school’s Key Club, organizing

6

JUNE 2019

groups of students to volunteer and see the valuable contributions they can make in their community. One morning recently, at the crack of dawn, Matthew led a group of students to serve meals at Glide Memorial in San Francisco. He also is a Life Guard and swim instructor and a volunteer tutor at the Monument Crisis Center. He is dedicated to volunteer work and leads by example.

Dylan, 15, is President of the freshman class, a member of the Improv Team, and is active in many school sports. He has also learned the value of community service. “Each year he volunteers as a stage manager for the Valle Verde school play, contributes time to the Glide Memorial Youth Program, St. Jude’s Walk in SF, creating Smoking Cessation Programs and Public Service Announcements, anti-bulling campaigns, and many other local opportunities to be of service. His role as class president is a perfect fit, as he loves creating fun events, being on stage, and making himself available for other students to feel understood and heard,” says Allyson.

Allyson and her sons are happy to be living in the Northgate

neighborhood. As Allyson says, “I feel like I live in a little village in Europe.

The beauty of Mt. Diablo and the gorgeous tree lined streets in this neighborhood are nothing short of breathtaking. The row of brightly blossoming Crepe Myrtle trees along Walnut Avenue and around town make me feel like I am strolling through a beautiful painting.

People continue to amaze me. There is so much love and kindness in the world. There are wonderful families and children for the boys to connect with and lots of opportunities to get involved in meaningful philanthropic work together. I think we can all agree that this is what all children and families should have. As a parent, I realize that I need everyone and we are all in this together. Being able to live in a community with such love and trust, looking out for one another, it really should be a right not a privilege.”

Allyson loves running into familiar faces, from families she knew growing up here. So many people she knows are involved in giving back to the community, making it a special place for all who live here.

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.

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

Castle Connolly Top Plastic Surgeon Listed by San Francisco Magazine as a Top Bay Area Plastic Surgeon for 2019

• Chair, Division of Plastic Surgery • John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek • Clinical Assistant Professor, UCSF • Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery • Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program • Voted a Top California Plastic Surgeon

NORTHGATE LIVING 7

Northgate High School

Northgate High School’s Key Club Instills Volunteerism in Students

By Matthew Giesecke, Junior at Northgate High School, Resident since 2013

K

ey Club is one of the oldest international philanthropic organizations led by high school students, and I am filled with pride and content to say that I had the honor of being the president of this club last term at Northgate High School. This experience has not only given me the opportunity to help those within our community on a grander scale, but has also given me the fortune to build leadership skills and form friendships and relations with others like minded. I am also grateful to have had the platform to take the club’s members outside of our Walnut Creek bubble. The event that I trust has done this to the greatest extent is when I took my members to work in the soup kitchen at Glide Memorial over in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. This is one of my more prouder events, as I believe it was my duty to show my members the reality of those experiencing homelessness and to erase the stigma towards them, and to see that we are all the same at the end of the day; I am certain that the experience has opened the door to this movement of progression.

Key Club is also involved in many other volunteer activities throughout the year including: • The Winter Wonderland from Foster a Dream Foundation • Be The Star You Are (BTSYA): foundation that raises money to increase literacy. Donating books to children in lower socioeconomic backgrounds

NG Key Club is committed to Increasing Literacy for Youth, One Book at a Time

• • • •

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ---Marathons and Walks and the NG Key Club sets up at the events Walnut Creek Open Space---planting trees and restoring native plants to the area Newman Hall in Berkeley --- Socialize and have a meal with the patrons at the soup kitchen.

Contra Costa Food Bank --- collaborating effort with Safeway Corporation to raise funding for food

Volunteering with the Key Club has also inspired me to work on a more personal level. A personal mission to serve others and fulfill my love of working with children is achieved through the incredible opportunity to work with the kids at the Monument Crisis Center. Although I am only around these kids for a short time each week tutoring them, the joy I gain lasts throughout each day. Each of these kids reminds me of what matters most in the world and who I am as a person of service in our community.

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Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Diversified Capital Funding is a Branch of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. Copyright © 2018 Diversified Capital Funding a Division of American Pacific Mortgage, NMLS #1850, DRE #01215943 | 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 295, Alamo, CA 94507

8

JUNE 2019

Active Listings Address List Price 2455 Deer Valley Ln 123 Brodia Way 35 Tierra Verde Ct 2261 Deer Valley Ln 798 Windchime Ct 3685 Vista Charonoaks 710 Comanche Ct

$3,459,888 $2,598,000 $2,498,000 $1,998,000 $1,950,000 $1,650,000 $1,589,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 168 Brodia Way 824 Foxtail Ct 3379 Whitehaven Dr 343 Pickering Pl 2853 Cedro Ln 2644 Grande Camino 2130 Comistas Dr

$1,898,000 $1,749,000 $1,325,000 $1,298,000 $1,295,000 $1,199,000 $1,195,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 300 La Casa Via 252 Clyde Dr 2728 Pontiac Dr 316 Dover Dr 2745 San Antonio Dr

$2,300,000 $1,500,000 $1,360,000 $1,195,000 $800,000

BD 6 5 5 5 4 6 5

BD 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

BD 5 5 4 5 3

BT

SQFT

3.5 4.5 5.5 2.5 3 3 2.5

8,346 4,664 5,000 3,752 3,742 3,502 3,408

BT

SQFT

3.5 3 2.5 3 2.5 2.5 3

3,644 3,035 2,450 2,408 2,366 2,337 2,245

BT

SQFT

4.5 3 2.5 2 2

3,885 2,499 2,296 2,533 1,422

DOM 47 8 12 61 10 9 2

Real Estate Listings in Northgate 5/10/2019

DOM 19 25 18 17 12 13 7

DOM 5 14 5 9 8

Sold Price $2,300,000 $1,600,000 $1,450,000 $1,230,000 $895,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’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

Expert Contributor

Recovery Time in Plastic Surgery

By Dr. Vivian Ting, Veritas Plastic Surgery

C

ontrary to what some might think, summer is a great time to consider having cosmetic procedures. Summer marks a point of transition for many individuals: graduation, transitioning between school and a new job, or trading in a career for the luxury of retirement.

For many it can represent a great time for personal downtime and transformation. A great time is when kids are at sleep away camp which allows mothers to devote a little time to themselves. For other moms, the best personal time can be had in September after older kids return to school and are more independent.

Typical initial recovery time for common procedures: •

Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift): 1 week before in the public eye

•

Facelift/Necklift/Browlift: 2-3 weeks, depending on type and extent of procedure

•

Breast augmentation/reduction/lift: Can be as soon as 48 hours

•

Tummy tuck with garment: 3-4 weeks

compression

•

Liposuction: 48 hours to 1 week, depending on extent

•

BodyTite/FaceTite (Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction with skin tightening for face, breasts and body): 24-48 hours, with exercise resumed in 2 weeks.

It is important to remember that with open surgical procedures activity should be restricted to walking for the first couple of weeks to reduce risk of bleeding. Return to exercise and pool swimming will vary from surgeon to surgeon but is generally within 4 to 6 weeks. Sun protection in the form of hats, sunblock (at least spf 35) and staying in the shade is important to avoiding injury to healing skin and darkening of scars for all procedures. Arnica can be helpful for prevention of bruising. You’ll be ready to tackle whatever comes your way in the fall and be at your best when the holidays roll around. Wishing you a happy summer!

Vivian Ting, MD, FACS Chair, Division of Plastic Surgery John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek

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10

JUNE 2019

EB Park District Celebrating 85th Anniversary with Free Park Fridays and Special Events

By Megan Scott

T

o celebrate the East Bay Regional Park District’s 85th Anniversary, the Park District has planned a number of special events and programs, including FREE Park Fridays, FREE Concerts in the Parks, and a FREE multicultural festival.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest park district in the nation with 25 million visits annually and over 122,000 acres preserved for habitat and outdoor recreation.

For 85 years, the East Bay Regional Park District has preserved and protected open space in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, and provided public access to regional parks, shorelines, and trails for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and nature discovery.

Today the East Bay Regional Park District is the largest of its kind in the nation with 73 regional parks over 122,000 plus acres, and over 25 million annual visits per year – more than the A’s, Giants, Warriors, 49ers, and Raiders combined.

Free Park Fridays: Park entry and other fees will be waived every Friday in 2019 from April to December to celebrate the Park District’s 85th Anniversary. Park entrance and fees for day use parking, swimming, dogs, horse trailers, boat launching, and fishing permits will all be waived. Fee waiver does not apply to special event permits/reservations, camping and associated fees, or state fees such as fishing licenses and watercraft inspections. Fee waiver also does not apply to District concessions. Park entrance is subject to available occupancy.

east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.

- What is Healthy Aging -

Free Events/Concerts in the Parks: Family-friendly music events with food and beverages available for purchase. Bands and performers to be announced later.

• Lake Chabot Concerts in the Park – Saturday, June 22 (Castro Valley) • Crown Beach Concerts at the Cove – Friday, July 12 (Alameda) • Crown Beach Concerts at the Cove – Alameda, Friday, August 9 (Alameda) • Contra Loma Concert in the Park – Friday, August 23 (Antioch) • Crown Beach Concerts at the Cove – Friday, September 13 (Alameda) • John Sutter Gateway Bridgeyard Festival – Saturday, September 28 (Oakland) The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties

Call Today For A Free Consultation To See How We Can Help You

925-979-0979 www.mdiha.com

1776 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 204, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Expert Contributor

Regenerative Medicine

By Carolyn Krieg, DO and Paul H. Kim, MD, Medical Institute of Healthy Aging

What is Regenerative Medicine? (or How You Can Benefit from Regenerative Medicine) Regenerative medicine is a revolutionary approach to restoring function to the ailing body, and can improve pain syndromes and help fight off chronic disease. Present-day regenerative medicine therapies include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, and young blood plasma. And unlike joint replacement surgery, regenerative therapies are minimally invasive and help jump-start your body’s own natural healing process.

Treating ailments such as arthritis, tendon injuries, and joint degeneration are becoming common applications of regenerative medicine. While musculoskeletal applications such as these are becoming more and more popular, the use of these newer regenerative modalities are also being recognized as a possible intervention in chronic disease states such as Diabetes and Dementia. Although somewhat controversial in that it goes against conventional therapies like pharmaceutical drugs or surgery, Regenerative Medicine holds promise in delaying or reversing the health problems that can come with aging.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy With PRP therapy, platelets, along with red and white blood cells and

plasma, are components of your blood. The platelets contain growth hormones and cytokines that promote cellular rejuvenation and growth. To create platelet-rich plasma (PRP), your blood is collected in specialized tubes, and then it is spun in a unique centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. This PRP is then injected back into areas where you need healing, such as the knees, hips, or other joints.

Stem Cell Therapy The objective of stem cell therapy is to create an environment of healing and restoration that is lost or diminished with aging. What makes stem cells so valuable in this process is that they have the ability to mature into various types of cells (such as cartilage or tendon cells) when exposed to the proper signaling. Stem cells may also serve as an initial repair system in many tissues and may migrate toward particular tissues, if needed. They can also act as a

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

“scaffold” to revive tissues that have been dormant in the body, thus inhibiting the negative changes in your body that accompany aging.

Stem cells are collected from umbilical cords and placentas, and do not harm baby or mother in the process. These tissues contain unique multipotent and, possibly, pluripotent, mesenchymal stem cells.

Stem cells are responsible for maintaining healthy supportive tissue production throughout your life, so they’re incredibly versatile and reparative. They improve the overall quality of your tissue in terms of robustness, and can also boost or balance your immune system when infused into your system intravenously.

Stem cells are injected into areas that need rejuvenation and healing, such as an injured or arthritic knee joint to help healthy tissue regenerate, without the invasiveness of surgery and joint replacement.

Stem cells can also be infused intravenously.

Young Blood Plasma Young blood plasma treatments also create an environment of healing and restoration that is lost or diminished with aging. Men and women alike get a boost of youthful energy from young blood plasma treatments, which are intravenous transfusions of plasma from teenagers and young adults. Research in animals shows that an infusion of this young blood plasma has positive effects on the brain and can slow cognitive decline.

To learn how you can benefit from regenerative medicine therapies, call the Medical Institute of Healthy Aging or book an appointment online.

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NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Expert Contributor

What’s Wrong with my Tree?

By Traverso Tree Service, Inc.

I

t’s springtime, trees are leafing out, making a big come back from the dormant winter season, or are they?

“What’s wrong with my tree? It leafed out weeks ago and now, all of sudden, half of the leaves are turning brown and it appears to be dying.”

“The new leaves are falling off my tree. I shouldn’t have to rake leaves during spring, should I?” “The tree was doing great last year, now it appears it is dying from the top down.”

“Our tree doesn’t look right. I hope it is not dying. We love this tree!”

As arborists we appreciate the question “What is wrong with my tree?” It tells us that the client cares about their tree and is observant enough to realize when something might possibly be wrong. So what IS wrong with my tree?

1. It is diseased. Contrary to popular belief not all tree diseases are fatal. There are a couple of common diseases that are very prevalent during spring, especially if itoral is a and wet one.

Anthracnose, procedures a foliar The maxillofacial fungus that attacks the newly emerging leaves and is spread by water, is very common dental on ash andimplants sycamore trees. Leaf spot is a common foliar fungus bone that attacks many different trees but can grafting often defoliate pear trees, both fruiting and non-fruiting. If the removal of wisdom teeth leaves become so infested with the disease that the tree will shed surgery them (hence you having corrective to rake leaves injaw spring!)

And produce new ones. Both diseases aretrauma wet weather diseases and cannot survive reconstruction in hot, dry weather. So once the days get longer and hotter, these treatment of nerve injuries diseases will die out and, generally speaking, the trees will bounce back. That being said, there are diseases that can kill a tree if left oral pathology untreated. And some diseases have no treatment except to plant disease resistant species.

o

2. It is infested with ‘bugs”. The good news is that most insects that infest trees are not fatal, but they can be a nuisance. Aphids or white flies can produce copious amounts of sticky honey dew, that clients practice covers diagnostic, mistakenly think is sap,Our and will “drip” on the car,the patio furniture

surg defects of a person’s mouth, jaw and fac

We treat both functional and cosmetic c

and diagnose the problem and then, to h Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery costCA, effective 1800 San Miguel Drive, Walnutmost Creek, 94596way 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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JUNE 2019

or whatever happens to be under the tree. The insects don’t harm the tree, but the mess they create can be very annoying. Oak moths can infest an oak tree with so many caterpillars that you can hear crunching as they feed on the foliage. Again, not fatal to the tree, but they can become a nuisance when they drop into guests’ drinking glasses on the deck under said tree! The elm beetle by itself is not harmful to elm trees, but if it happens to be carrying Dutch elm disease, then there is cause for concern, as Dutch elm disease can kill elm trees.

3. Poor cultural care. But some trees in spring are not looking good because of care over the past 12 months or longer. Anytime a tree’s foliage is not in perfect condition, it signals to the arborist that the tree is under stress. A quick look can sometimes indicate what might be the problem. New construction for an addition, swimming pool or new landscape tells the arborist that roots may have been damaged. A brown lawn tells him that there has been a change in watering. Excess mulch or soil piled up against the trunk says the grade has been changed and may be suffocating the roots. When a tree is under stress, it becomes weakened and more prone to insect attack or disease. Eliminate these stresses and the trees may bounce back. Whatever changes you notice with your tree, however big or small, it is worth investigating to make sure it does not turn into a bigger problem that can’t be fixed.

Spring has Sprung and its time to get out.

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Serving the Northgate Community All Estimates Given by a Certified Arborist FREE ESTIMATES • LOCAL • SINCE 1981 925-930-7901 • WWW.TRAVERSOTREE.COM

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