Northgate Living CA June 2023

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

JUNE 2023

Meet the

Meylans: Northgate Originals since 1966 Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

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JUNE 2023

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

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. © 2023 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors, June means summer vacations, backyard barbecues, seeing friends, flip-flops, swim teams, and maybe some graduations to celebrate. Enjoy the beginning of summer and check out our calendar of events for some of your favorite community events. Congratulations to all the graduates and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads.

Northgate Living Magazine is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbors, The Meylans, a family that has been in Northgate since 1966! Enjoy reading about a family that is truly one of the originals! There are also lots of interesting articles from our sponsors and updates about star students from Northgate High School.

Northgate Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. Please nominate a neighbor for our cover, share a story, event or news.

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.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3

Expert Contributors Advertising - Print & Digital

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.

Auto Detailing

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.

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

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.

Design, Build & Remodeling

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!

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.

Hardscape Restoration

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!”

HVAC & IAQ

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.

Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953 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 Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com Evergreen IAQ JC Garcia 925-444-5069 jc@evergreenIAQ.com https://evergreeniaq.com

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JUNE 2023

Expert Contributors 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.

Landscaping

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.

Religious Education

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.

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.

Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc. Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/ Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com Contra Costa Christian Schools 925-934-4964 afullmore@cccs.org www.contracostachristianschools.org Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

The entire Meylan clan

Meet the

Meylans: Northgate Originals since 1966

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Meylan Family

I

magine a time in Walnut Creek when the only traffic signal was at Main St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd., when the Ygnacio Valley was filled with pear and walnut orchards, and when the commute to San Francisco was an easy 30-40 car ride before BART even existed. This is the Walnut Creek that Lou and Carole Meylan discovered when they were re-locating from Southern California to the Bay Area for Lou’s job in San Francisco in 1966.

They became the first owners of their home on Cafeto Drive, which cost $36,000, and have been there for 57 years now.

Lou and Carole both grew up in the Los Angeles area. Lou went to college at the University of Southern California (USC), and Carole went to Mt. St. Mary’s, a small Catholic college. They met at a social gathering with the Newman Club and became friends. He was 20, and she was 19. A few months later Lou invited a group of friends to his parents’ second home a Lake Arrowhead for a party. The group was snowed in, and the roads were closed, so Lou and Carole got to know each other pretty well over the next few days. After that weekend, they began dating and married in 1958.

Lou was drafted after college and joined the Navy as a civil engineer. They were first stationed in Coronado (near San Diego), and then in Yokosuka, Japan where they spent 22 months. By now the young couple had three children. When they returned to the U.S., Lou began working for the phone company in L.A., however, he stayed in the Navy Reserves, logging 31 years of service in total.

His company transferred him to San Francisco; it was supposed to be for two years.

But the Meylans loved this area so much that they didn’t want to return to L.A.. By now they had three more children, for a total of six.

Lou retired from the phone company at the end of 1984 and became a general contractor in San Francisco. In 1994 he was invited by the SF Opera and SF Ballet to join their “Committee to Restore the Opera House” to be their Director of Construction. In this role he coordinated $38 million worth of improvements to the SF Opera house. Carole taught school for 13 years while raising her family.

All six of the Meylan kids went to Walnut Acres, Foothill Middle School, and Northgate High School. Their eldest son, Joe, lives in Marin and is a general contractor. Kathy lives

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JUNE 2023

in the Northgate neighborhood and is a retired nurse. Mary lives in the Tahoe area and is a homemaker. Phil and Jackie are both teachers; Phil in Clayton and Jackie in Alameda. The youngest, Sue, lives in the family home with Carole and Lou. They have 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with another one on the way!

This large family makes it a point to all be together every other Thanksgiving at a rented home in Arnold or Oregon. During the years when the Meylan kids were growing up, they played a variety of sports, participated in scouts, and the family spent 23 years as part of the Walnut Creek Swim Club. Swimming at Larkey Park became their family’s summer activity. They also had a family tradition of a weeklong camping trip at Lake Shasta where all the kids learned to water ski.

Frequents trips to Lake Tahoe in the winter for snow skiing also led the Meylans to buy a Tahoe cabin that the whole family still enjoys.

Nowadays, in addition to spending time with their family, Lou is a member of SIRS and a Navy Veterans group. He still roots for the USC football team. Carole is in a book club with friends she met swimming.

“We have had many great neighbors that we became friends with and stayed friends with. We loved this area because the kids could walk to all three schools, and they got a great education,” says Lou.

The Meylan kids

Carole adds, “All the families on this street had kids and they all played together. Now we are the last of the original owners on the street. Young families are moving in, and we have lots of new great neighbors.” And the circle continues, with Lou and Carole, watching on as kids ride bikes, play outside and form friendships. Even though there are now plenty of traffic signals, no more pear or walnut orchards, and lots of commute traffic, they still love calling Northgate home.

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.

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3 Key Ingredients T O

G ROW I N G

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S M A L L

B U S I N E S S

By Jo Peek, Expert Contributor Building a successful business is a huge undertaking but a rewarding challenge for entrepreneurs. Many of our advertisers know what it’s like to work long nights and weekends to make it as small business owners.

We want to position you for success so you can continue supporting your family, friends, and community. Let’s look at three of the key ingredients to small business growth:

CONSISTENT BRANDING It goes without saying that branding your business to potential customers is important for new and sustainable growth. Print and digital advertising are both fantastic ways to connect with potential customers in our area, and they pair together nicely to create a dynamic marketing approach. Find a mix that works for your business and start spreading the good word across multiple targeted platforms.

Sponsoring industry-specific content is one of the best ways to create brand recognition and become the go-to source in your industry.

With our local magazines, our readers have the opportunity to learn valuable insights every month from our Expert Contributors. These are doctors, real estate professionals, home repair experts and many more. Become the local voice of your industry by branding your business through original content and watch your business grow in the community.

STRONG VALUES Small businesses are so important to the communities we serve. As a small business owner, you’re not just a storefront, you’re the backbone of the local economy and make up a huge part of each town’s unique and special charm. Leverage your value as a small business owner and situate yourself as the best alternative to supporting big box stores and national chains. Lean into your small business identity and show the neighborhood how your values differ from the competition. Customers are always eager to support the establishments that are making a difference in our community.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Become an active leader in the community to build rapport and trust with those who call your neighborhood home. Attend networking events, join the local chamber of commerce, or set up a dinner with other small business owners in the area. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people who could have new and innovative solutions to share that’ll fuel your future growth. You might even meet your next customer!

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor or Expert Contributor in our local publication?

Contact Jo Peek to learn more about branding your business in the community.

Source cited: uschamber.com

Is your marketing

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We help businesses target & penetrate CONTACT JO PEEK jpeek@bestversionmedia.com • 925-272-8246

the most influential buyers in the community with the combined power of print & digital advertising!

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JUNE 2023

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

Real Estate Listings in Northgate Active Listings Address

List Price

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

305 La Casa Via 801 N Gate Rd 725 Castle Rock Rd 2762 Hutchinson Ct 2673 San Carlos Dr 301 Las Lomas Way

$4,250,000 $3,400,000 $2,835,000 $2,695,000 $1,895,000 $1,895,000

Pending Listings Address List Price

4 5 5 6 5 5

3 3.5 3.5 4 2 3.5

5,000 4,605 3,661 3,952 2,054 2,958

11 21 17 6 31 4

BD

BT

SQFT

78 Meadow Walk Pl $3,500,000 384 La Casa Via $3,188,000 2431 Deer Valley Ln $2,935,000 456 Deborah Ln $2,895,000 710 Comanche Ct $1,998,000 2967 Filbert Dr $1,599,000

5 5 4 4 5 4

5.5 5.5 2.5 3.5 2.5 2

6,098 6,447 3,953 3,111 3,493 2,230

285 11 8 15 12 6

5/14/2023

DOM

Sold Listings Address

Sold Price

BD

BT

SQFT

DOM

500 Woodfern Ct 550 Pine Creek Rd 235 Clyde Dr

$2,400,000 $2,395,000 $1,995,000

4 3 4

3 3 2.5

2,829 3,105 2,435

13 9 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 & Walnut Creek Realtor * TOTAL SALES VOLU ME F ROM 20 01-2021

Rita Dhillon

925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990

Tim Dhillon

925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381

Khush Kermanizadeh 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

June

Sat., June 17 Papapalooza! @ Bruns Amphitheatre, Orinda This summer, on the day before Father’s Day, celebrate your pops, papas, and grandads during Papapalooza at the spectacular Bruns Amphitheater. In its fourth year, the event will offer an eclectic mix of music ranging from the 60’s to the 2020’s from 5 amazing and talented local bands: The Ripplers, Sixteen Scandals, Delta Deuce, Ancestral Water and Chupacabra. Plus, solo appearances from Chelsea Ames and Abby Hallett, so the music will never stop. Food and beverages include Classic Catering, Forge Pizza Firetruck & Craft Beer from Canyon Club Brewery.

Fun for all ages with a game zone (cornhole, ping pong, disc golf putting range, etc.) and kiddie activities. Proceeds benefit Notes4Hope and The Diamant Foundation.

Tickets: notes4hope.org/papapalooza Time: 12-7:30pm

Sat., June 17 Public Art Walking Tour

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

@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

Through June 25 About Face Exhibit @Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts About Face, a juried and invitational exhibition, features over 90 local, national, and international artists who challenge traditional portraiture with current concepts and perspectives.

What began as plastered human skulls, dating back nearly 12,000 years to the Neolithic era, has evolved into paintings, sculpture, and photographs that capture the likeness of an individual and offer insight into how (and when) the subject lived. About Face seeks to highlight contemporary portraits and explore how the genre continually changes and evolves as artists respond to the present moment.

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

Sun., June 25 Made in the Shade Summer Festival @Shadelands SportsMall Just in time for summer—Made in the Shade is back! The Shadelands business and lifestyle center will be hosting the all-community summer festival, Made in the Shade, on Sunday, June 25, 11am–3pm, on the campus of the Shadelands SportsMall, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek. Free and family-friendly, Made in the Shade will feature live music, food trucks, craft beer, exhibitor booths, and sports activities, including yoga, soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, taekwondo, and batting cages. A nominal fee applies to some sports activities.

Visit http://shadelandssportsmall.com/madeintheshade/ for more information about Made in the Shade.

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JUNE 2023

Charity Spotlight

Assistance League awards $252,000 in scholarships to area students

By Betty Miller

S

cholarships Committee members look forward to following the additional accomplishments of these remarkable students in the ensuing years.

Since 1999, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley’s Scholarships program, presently co-chaired

by Carol Johnston and Susan Klipfel, has provided financial and emotional support to high school, community college and university students as well as returnees to the academic community. Each applicant has expressed a desire to advance through education by maintaining a designated grade point average, volunteering in campus and community projects and charting an academic timeline.

During the Awards presentation held on May 10, at Boundary Oak, in Walnut Creek, Scholarships recipients, i.e., future mechanical engineers, biologists, nurses, musicians, anthropologists, et al, acknowledged the generosity of foundations, individual donors (chapter members included) and revenue earned at the Assistance League Thrift Shop, the chapter’s primary fundraiser located in Lafayette. Their collective message, “I want to thank my family for their sacrifice and support…Life’s struggles made me the person I am today and now I have the financial capability to pursue my dreams…I will be the first in my family to graduate from college…I am a single mother with two kids…educators are a great influence in my life…”

The 2023-24 High School Scholarship recipients from Contra Costa County high schools include Alexander Aceves, Sheridan Donavon-Stauder, Kailey Gotfried, Apikaila Jeong, Brendan Kariithi, Patrick Lawson, Martin Leung, Uche Moghalu, Diego Moreno Espinoza, Kaitlan Nguyen, Colin Olairez, Helen O’Neal, Lauren Philips, Daniela Santos Hernandos, Parker Stephens, Madison Tan, Renzel Tansiatco, Tori Umana Almaraz, Shira WeissIshai, Athena Zapantis.

This year’s 69 designees range from ages 17 to 57.

The Foster Youth Scholarship recipients are Sabrina Alvarez,

Angel Bui, Trey Guillory, Savannah Lee, Amber Lucas, Sheila McKinney, O’ne Kara’ Lina Moore, Angel Owens, Tenaji Pollard, Abigail Rickli, Avery Rickli, and Isabelle Saro.

Community College Scholarship awardees who are graduating from Contra Costa County Community Colleges and transferring to four-year universities are Fulati Aizihaer, Jennifer Bacon, Lily Benney, Nina Campbell, Chrissy Chien, Ruben Duenas, Sarah Fiveash, Hollins Matthews, Samantha Michael, Stephany Miranda Mendoza, Karla Morales de Leon, Sarim Mundres, Daniela Perez, Kamryn Smith, and Andrea Sosa Pineda.

The Specially Funded Spotlight Scholarship, which is renewable each year, is awarded to students who show particularly strong focus on their educational goals that lead to a career path in their chosen fields include Anson Anonuevo, Morsell Arghandiwal, Henrietta Awuah-Antwi, Cassius Carandang, Alizei Gonzales De Leon, Jordynne Hesselroth, Yujin Huh, Jeana Lee, Alejandro Lopez-Vaca, Isabella Lopez, Kayla Munguia, Jordan Nouri, Amber Peake and Diego Riverbay.

The Lisa Parker Hurst Award requires that the recipients graduate from one of five high schools in Mount Diablo Unified School District and enter an accredited four-year college, where they will maintain a designated grade point average went to Sophia Florez Bermudez, Jasira Gay, Alan Montano and Josue Toribio Madrigal.

The Returning to School Scholarship is awarded to life-long learners Monica Chicas, Ray Howard, Carly Huen and Abudureyimu “Noor” Zainuer.

Congratulations to all! The Universities of California -Berkeley -San Diego, -Davis, -Irvine, -Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, California State Universities, University of Alabama, Berklee College of Music, Johns Hopkins, Columbia University as well as Diablo Valley College, to name a few, await.

To learn more about the Scholarships Program, as well as Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other 15 philanthropic programs, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Expert Contributor

A Beautiful Smile Leaves a Lasting Impression

By Dr. Tobian and Dr. Kiefer, Cosmetic Dentists in Walnut Creek veneers after

D

o you know that smiles are often the first thing you notice about a person? Did you also know that people with a nice smile will make a better first impression than those with a smile that is unattractive? There is also a dramatic improvement of selfimage and youthfulness for people with a beautiful smile. There are many ways that we can help you improve your smile!

One quick and easy way to improve your smile would be to bleach your teeth. This is a quick and simple process which can help reverse the signs of aging which includes yellowing teeth. The process can be achieved either at home or in a dental office in a single visit. Bleaching involves applying a whitening agent to your teeth and allow enough time for the bleach to lighten the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Another way to enhance your smile would be to use bonding to fix the small chips which come with normal wear and tear. We often combine bonding with some simple manicuring of the teeth to freshen up the look of your smile. People will often have a manicurist fix a broken or chipped nail, but how often does your dentist offer to reshape your teeth to give you a more esthetic youthful smile?

veneers before

reshaping after

reshaping before

younger and more vibrant. Veneers are facades placed on the front teeth to change their appearance both in color and shape. The veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth and will never discolor.

If you have questions about what we can do to enhance your smile and increase your confidence, please give our office a call.

“My teeth are so crowded” is another complaint we hear regularly.

Teeth often crowd toward the midline of the face. They drift forward causing a pileup of teeth in the front of the mouth. Besides appearance this can make it hard to clean the front teeth. To help alleviate the crowding, we can do clear aligners to reposition the teeth, alleviate the crowding and enhance your smile.

Lastly, we can cover teeth that are too small, too dark, or even the wrong shape with veneers or crowns to make your smile look

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Expert Contributor

Why are we learning a “dead” language?

By Emily Means, Contra Costa Christian School Latin and English Teacher

I

was asked this very question by one of my eighth graders on the first day of Latin class. Honestly, I had to give this student credit for even knowing what Latin was. Earlier that day, I overheard a conversation between students looking at their schedules and discussing whether they would be learning ‘Pig Latin’ or ‘Latin American Spanish.’ And truthfully, these are fair questions! After all, according to a survey conducted by the American Classical League in 2016, only about ten percent of high schools in the United States offer Latin courses. In recent years, however, Latin has been making a comeback, which leaves many with the question: “If Latin is considered ‘dead,’ why study it?”

I see many benefits to learning Latin. As an English teacher primarily, I love connecting Latin to the concepts taught in my English classes.

More than half of all English words have Latin roots, and so by learning Latin words, my students’ English vocabulary grows in turn. In Latin, we learn about conjugating verbs and grammatical gender and structures. With these concepts in hand, my students are equipped with some of the basic building blocks to learning other languages.

Though Latin may be considered “dead,” it didn’t die so much as evolve into Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and other lesser spoken Romance languages. At Contra Costa Christian Schools, Latin is the first foreign language our students are exposed to, setting our students up for success when learning other languages down the road. I love seeing the wheels turn in students’ minds as they make connections to other languages, like Spanish, while learning Latin words, such as ‘gratias,’ meaning ‘thank you.’

Not only do my Latin students make connections to other foreign languages, but the Latin study also connects to their history classes.

By eighth grade, our students have studied ancient Rome in multiple grades, so when we dive into translating Latin passages about the Trojan War, for example, the students are already familiar with the topic.

So, while Latin may be a “dead” language, it is very much alive in our modern-day world.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

Northgate High School Awards Seniors for Outstanding Academics Submitted by Ben Ballard and Kelly Cooper

O

n May 15, 2023 Northgate High School awarded seniors for their outstanding performance in academics and recognized students who were awarded scholarships. Congratulations Northgate graduates who were chosen!

Scholarship Award Leadership Award Service Award Overall Summit Award

Harshada Sharma

Hari Pathanjaly Prapti Pradhan Harshada Sharma Jennifer Huang

Hari Pathanjaly

Prapti Pradhan

Jennifer Huang

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Department Awards Math Social Sciences

Madeline Szanto Vincent Tanforan

World Languages Spanish German German

Aldo Vorkapich Liam Baumgartner Aydin Gulle

English Kaitlyn Weitl Performing Arts Isley Canlas Art Estelle Dervieux Lecocq Prado Science Jerlene Chiu

Art Design Pathway Design Design

Davit Hayrapetyan Endlessette Osborn

Animation Eden De Jager Marian Pascual Gian Colocho Dot Schmidt Scholarship- Jerlene Chiu Christie Mitchell Scholarship- Eve Azizi Jason Chang Memorial scholarship- Barbara Ibrahim

The following students received scholarships: Rotary Club

Rossmoor:

Aydin Gulle Athena Zapantis Ariana Castro Omar Odeh Hasti Hedayatiparsa Spencer Johnson Parker Stephens Nikita Pisarevich Lauren Philips Ava Aragon

Meera Chakradeo

Luso-American Fraternal Scholarship Owen Puente

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15

Expert Contributor

The Ultimate Home Remodeling Showdown: Design Build vs. Architect/Designer

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

W

hen it comes to home remodeling, one of the most critical decisions homeowners face is choosing the right approach.

The two most common options are the traditional architect/designer approach and the Design Build approach. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of each approach.

The Design Build approach has several advantages, including a single point of responsibility, greater convenience and efficiency, and faster project completion with fewer change orders. This method eliminates the need for homeowners to coordinate between different parties, such as architects, engineers, and builders, as the Design Build team handles everything from initial design to final construction. As a result, this streamlined process can save homeowners time, money, and frustration, while also increasing accountability since the Design Build team is responsible for both the design and construction phases of the project. Furthermore, the Design Build team can establish a realistic investment range and work with the client to stay within it, avoiding costly design changes. Finally, with the team working together from the start, permit application can begin while the design is still being finalized, resulting in faster project completion and a reduced overall timeline.

However, the Design Build approach is not without its drawbacks.

Some homeowners may prefer to select and hire their own construction team. In this case, the architect/designer approach may be more appropriate. With this approach, the homeowner hires an architect or designer to create a set of plans for the project. Despite the potential for a stunning design, there is a risk that the cost of construction may be too high, which may necessitate redesigning or rethinking the selection of products, causing frustration, delays, and additional costs.

Moreover, working with an architect or designer may require more coordination and effort from the homeowner. The homeowner will need to find and hire a builder who can execute the design, which may result in additional time spent coordinating between different parties.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on the homeowner’s goals and priorities. For those who prioritize convenience, efficiency, and accountability, the Design Build approach is an excellent option.

For those who want to have more control over the construction team and may be willing to put in extra effort, the architect/designer approach may be more appropriate.

In conclusion, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of both the Design Build and architect/designer approaches when undertaking a home remodeling project. While the Design Build approach can provide convenience and efficiency, the architect/designer approach offers a more personalized and customizable experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the homeowner’s specific goals and priorities. With proper consideration and planning, either approach can lead to a successful and satisfying remodeling experience.

At Gordon Reese Design Build, we understand that choosing the right approach for your home remodeling project can be challenging. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you make informed decisions and guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about the Design Build approach visit our website at www.GordonReese.com. For any of your remodeling questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Questions@GordonReese.com. We’re always happy to help and look forward to assisting you with your next remodeling project.

16

JUNE 2023

Local Sports

Northgate Athletes honored Submitted by Ben Ballard, Athletic Director Northgate High School

O

n May 15, 2023 the Northgate High School Athletic Department handed out their yearly awards for stellar athletes. The following students earned awards. Congratulations to all!

Thomas Martin

700 Club

Megan Malloy

Gold Block N

Tade

Scheid

Gold Block N and Eric Griffin Award

Colin

Parker

Gold Block N and Eric Griffin Award

Sarah

Santiago

Gold Block N

700 point club

In order to become a member of the Northgate High School 700 Club a student-athlete must participate in seven seasons of varsity sports.

700 points must be earned at the varsity level. For example, an athlete who plays four years of Varsity Tennis and three years of Varsity Cross Country will be eligible for the 700 Club.

participate in three different varsity sports.

The minimum number of points a Gold Block N Award winner will have is 600, all of which must be earned at the varsity level. For example a student-athlete who participate in two years of Varsity Football, two years of Varsity Wrestling, and two years of Varsity Baseball is eligible to win this award

Eric Griffin Award winners Tade Scheid and Colin Parker with Eric’s sister and NHS alum Kelly Griffin

ERIC GRIFFIN MEMORIAL AWARD

In 1975, Eric Griffin died of complications from Chicken Pox during his freshman year at Northgate High School. He played football, basketball, and track and made a huge impact on the school and community. Since then, the Northgate Athletic Department honors Griffin’s life each year by selecting one male and one female student-athlete as Eric Griffin Award winners.

In order to be eligible to win a Northgate High School Gold Block N Award, a student-athlete must play six seasons of varsity sports, AND

To be eligible for the prestigious award, a student-athlete must participate in multiple sports, earn above a 3.0 grade point average, and show excellent effort, sportsmanship, and conduct. Additionally, the student-athlete must be a team leader who makes others better through their example and encouragement. This is the most significant athletic award given at Northgate High School.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 17

Gold Block N

Local Sports

Northgate High Northgate Lacrosse School’s Swim Team player Kelsey Schaffer breaks state record becomes all-time leader in goals Submitted by Stacy Hallet

T

he Northgate High School Swim Team’s 200 free relay team beat the state record, recording a time of 1:21:36, and went on to win the championship in the event. The free relay team consists of Mason Wendler, Scott McMillan, Kyle Kendla, and Andrew Hallett.

Submitted by Shannon Polkinghorn

K

elsey Shaffer, who is finishing her Junior year at Northgate High School, broke the Northgate Girl’s Lacrosse career goal record this season, The record was 106 goals; Kelsey finished the season with a total of 125 career goals to date. The team had a lot of fun together and are continuing to grow and develop their lacrosse skills.

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JUNE 2023

Local Sports

Local Mountain Biking Team Celebrates Successful Season

By Gordon Reese, Resident since 2008

T

he Contra Costa Composite Mountain Biking (CCCMTB) team has had an incredible season, showcasing their determination and talent on the tracks.

With a diverse group of eight racers representing various athletic endeavors, our team has left an indelible mark on the championship race.

As the season comes to a close, we reflect on the accomplishments of our team and feel immense pride. It has been an exceptional journey filled with personal growth, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the riders who have given their best throughout the season.

Despite facing early adversity, one of our top riders encountered a crash that dropped him to the 25th position. However, this setback didn’t deter his spirit. Showing remarkable resilience, he fought his way back up and finished an impressive 11th.

It was a testament to his unwavering determination and perseverance.

Looking ahead, a few of our racers will continue their training and prepare for the National Championships in Utah.

With their commitment and dedication, we are confident that they will represent the CCCMTB team with the same passion and determination they have displayed thus far.

Another rider experienced a breakthrough in his performance due to recent changes in his training program. In the past, he would start and finish races in the same position. However, during the championship race, he not only surpassed other racers but also felt the best he ever had at the finish line. This breakthrough showcases the effectiveness of our training approach and the remarkable progress our riders can achieve.

We would like to express our gratitude to our coaches and parents whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in our success. Their contribution has made this season truly remarkable, and we owe our achievements to their selfless efforts.

Our young women riders also left their mark on the respective races, crossing the finish line with beaming smiles on their faces. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been an inspiration to all, and they have proven their capabilities on the challenging terrain.

Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to our sponsors and donors. Their generous financial support has allowed us to invest in new equipment and participate in various events, contributing to our overall growth and success as a team.

For those interested in joining or supporting our team next season, we invite you to visit our website at https:// cccmtb.com/. Our team welcomes

students of all skill levels, providing a supportive and inclusive environment where riders can enhance their skills, forge new friendships, and partake in thrilling events.

In conclusion, the CCCMTB team has concluded an outstanding season, with each rider making significant progress in their individual skill development.

We anticipate further growth and achievements for our team in the seasons to come and extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout this remarkable journey.

About the author: Gordon Reese, one of our dedicated coaches, is a Design Build professional who assists homeowners in the Walnut Creek and surrounding areas to enhance their living spaces and create homes they truly love.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

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