Northgate Living CA June 2024

Photo by Mehak Khullar Photography

June

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun., June 9

Classic Car Show

@Shadelands Ranch Museum

The Walnut Creek Historical Society will be hosting our second annual car show. This is an outdoor event held on the Shadelands Ranch Museum grounds. There will be fabulous cars, live music, great food, awards and a raffle. The museum will be open for tours! Ticket’s available on Eventbrite.com.

Time: 10am-3pm

Cost: Free

Through June 23

Re-Discovering Native America exhibit

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts

Featuring nearly 100 photographs accompanied by a selection of 3D artworks by acclaimed Native American artists, Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project highlights contemporary narratives from Indigenous individuals and communities across the country.

Time: Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm

Every Monday

Free Yoga Class

@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26

Behavioral Fitness PresentsAnother Living Better through Community offering- Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 3c). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.

Cost: FREE Time: 9-10am

Every Thursday

Food Truck Thursdays

@Shadelands

Located in the parking lot on the west side of the Kaiser Permanente building at 370 Lennon Lane. Presented by Taste of the World, Food Truck Thursdays is open to the public. Growing in popularity among diners looking for a fast, convenient, and affordable food options with personalized service, food trucks also offer opportunities to try something different— ethnic and international foods and flavors—and to support local chefs and businesses, while enjoying an outdoor dining experience with family and friends.

Time: 11:30am-2:00pm

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market

@Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music.

Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market

Save the Date:

Sat., July 13

Northgate Area Garage Sale @throughout Northgate

The 33rd annual Northgate Neighborhood Garage Sale, sponsored by The Torrey Real Estate Team, boasts thousands of participants with 100 simultaneous garage sales occurring on the big day. All Northgate residents are invited to participate for free. For more details and to sign up go to www.TorreyTeamRealEstate.com. Time: 9am-1pm

Thurs., July 18

Master Your Remodel

@Gordon Reese Design Build, 3021 Citrus Circle, Suite 170

Join our exclusive seminar and learn how to avoid:

Designing a project that is too expensive to build Making regretful design decisions Choosing the wrong contractor Charcuterie and adult beverages provided. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com

Cost: Free Time: 5:45-7:30pm

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Designer: Emily Lund

Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar

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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 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. 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 Pettits, a love story that began in Northgate in 1978! Enjoy reading about a family that were childhood sweethearts and returned here to raise their son. There are also lots of interesting articles from your neighbors and updates from Northgate High School sports.

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.

Rita Dhillon Team #1

SALES VOLUME FROM 2001-2021

Jo Peek

Advertising - Print & Digital

Northgate Living CA

Jo Peek 925-272-8246

NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Auto Service

Diablo Auto Specialists

Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson 925-478-5721

1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com

Concierge Care Coordination

Camalin “Cam” Jones

La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149 camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.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

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.

Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.

For over 20 years, Cam Jones has been serving the local community as a dedicated healthcare professional. She is a top patient advocate going into her tenth year in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation industry. Facilitating over 3000 patient admissions and having conducted over 900 home evaluations in the non-medical home care industry has equipped her with vast knowledge and a wide network. Cam is an expert with navigating individuals from hospital to home with a specialty dealing with healthcare insurances relative to inpatient rehabilitation facility coverage.

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.

With 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results. From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.

MODELLO TILE STUDIO KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING STUDIO

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/

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.

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA

Meet

the

Pettit Family:

a love story that began, grew, and still flourishes in Northgate

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Pettit family

Joe and Maria met when they were nine years old right here in the Northgate neighborhood. Although they were both attending Castle Rock Elementary School (where Eagle Peak Montessori is now) and lived only two blocks away from each other, they didn’t meet until a neighbor’s birthday party that they both attended in 1978. “It was love at first sight,” says Maria. They began riding their bikes to and from school together every day. “After school we played with the other kids in the neighborhood until dinner time,” adds Maria. And so, the love story begins.

Even though Maria went to Foothill Middle School and Northgate High School, and Joe went to Contra Costa Christian, their love continued to flourish. Maria went on to attend UC Santa Cruz, earning a degree in computer science, while Joe attended Diablo Valley College and worked at the Danville Hotel in Danville.

After college Maria worked in software engineering for a video game company, which took the couple to Marin County. They married when they were 29 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek and moved to Concord in order to be closer to their parents, who still lived in

Northgate, and start a family of their own. “Living in Concord just didn’t feel like home to me,” says Maria. So they waited for the right time to get back to Northgate and the Walnut Green neighborhood they loved. That was 2003. Their parents had already left Northgate by then but still lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their son, Jason, was born in 2000.

Jason, now 23, attended Valle Verde Elementary School, Foothill and Northgate. He spent his childhood pursuing his love of karate and GoKart racing. He eventually earned a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and many championships in racing and was awarded over 150 trophies. He graduated from CSU Sacramento and works as a design engineer for Evergreen Consulting. Jason continues his passion for racing as a driver coach for youth drivers as well as a mechanical tuner and expert advisor for adult drivers. He is saving money to buy his own home soon.

Both Maria and Joe are passionate about fitness and healthy eating. Maria spends her free time cooking, adapting recipes to be healthier, and attending Crunch Fitness Gym. She believes in the adage her mom taught

Photo By Mehak Khullar

her: you are what you eat. She makes everything from scratch including her own pickles and goes to the Shadelands Farmers’ Market every Saturday to buy fresh ingredients. Joe loves to be outside and on his bike. Maria adds, “Joe spends his free time riding treacherous mountain bike trails or cycling the city streets for long distances. He can’t sit still for very long. His favorite mountain bike trail is the Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe, and his favorite leisurely ride (as he calls it) is a 75-mile loop that follows the edge of Lake Tahoe.” Joe also raced for the 7-Eleven/ Motorola team and spent many years racing in Belgium and France.

A 14-year-old grey and white cat is also part of the Pettit family: Jason Jr. (aka JJ). He loves eating and sleeping all day and all night. His brother, Jack, recently passed away. Jack was an expert mouse and rat hunter, often depositing his catches on the back step or, occasionally, in the house! Sadly, he ingested a rat that had been poisoned and succumbed to the poison as well.

Maria volunteers her time as part of the Walnut Green Homeowners’ Association board, serving as Vice President. “I’m part of a great team of volunteers that sacrifice several hours per week to carry out fiduciary duties for the Walnut Green area. Because of this team, our association dues have never increased for over 15 years,” shares Maria.

She adds, “Thanks to all Northgate residents for making Northgate the best place to live. Because of all of you, our schools are top-rated, our streets are safe and clean, and our neighborhood is beautiful. The people are what make this a great place to live.”

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.

Your Car Expertly Maintained

Joybound Looking for Love

By Cole Kuiper, Joybound (Formerly ARF)

Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: Monday-Sunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:

Berry is a tall and elegant gentleman with a smile that will steal away even the hardest of hearts! His sensitive soul will need someone to love who can provide patience and understanding for his boundaries. If you’re looking for a steadfast companion for quiet, everyday life, look no further than Berry! Bonus: Berry’s adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous admirer!

Joybound adoption fees:

• $150 for an adult dog

• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)

• $75 for a special-needs dog

• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)

• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

Chartreuse is a handsome orange tabby ready to live life to the fullest! He isa playful and fun guy who is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and remind you to take in the joy that comes from the little things.

Bonus: Chartreuse’s adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous admirer!

Joybound adoption fees:

• $100 for an adult cat

• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)

• $50 for a special-needs cat

• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)

• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)

• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteranss

Real Estate Listings in Northgate

Active Listings

Pending Listings

$2,995,000

$2,800,000

$1,899,000

$2,830,000

$2,195,000

$2,098,000

$1,900,000

$1,899,900

$1,860,000

$1,800,000 895

$2,450,000

$1,825,000

$1,750,000

$1,750,000

$1,725,000

Rita Dhillon Team

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

Northgate Sports

By Ben Ballard, Northgate Athletic Director | Photos by Shannon Polkinghorn

Highlights of the Spring Sports Season:

Boys Lacrosse - Won league, played in the the NCS Championship game.

Boys Volleyball - Won League and on May 10 broke a 15-year drought by sweeping arch rival Campolindo 3-0 to win the 2024 NCS Championship!

Softball was a co-winner of their league; they played in the first round of playoffs but lost. Swim and Track have a handful of athletes moving on to Nor Cals.

Boys Golf is sending 5 golfers to NCS Qualifiers.

Here is a list of athletes who were recognized by the league: Pitcher MVP:

Ashley Herman (Softball)

1st Team:

Addison Baxter (Softball)

Liliana Canfield (Softball)

Makenna Choi (Softball)

Taelyn Jriyasetapong (Softball)

Brady Cannon (Swimming)

Kyle Kengla (Swimming)

Marcus Manuel (Swimming)

Benjamin Nonaka (Swimming)

Mason Wendler (Swimming)

Lillian Struempf (Swimming)

Finn Carlson (Track and Field)

Timothy Fenstermacher (Boys Lacrosse)

Luke Foster (Boys Lacrosse)

Antonio Pucci (Boys Lacrosse)

Jack Richardson (Boys Lacrosse)

Kelsey Shaffer (Girls Lacrosse)

Piper Stientjes (Girls Lacrosse)

1st Team Singles:

Jonathan Lee (Boys Tennis)

Raihan Lele (Boys Tennis)

1st Team Doubles:

Romtin Pourzand (Boys Tennis)

Colin Sheldon (Boys Tennis)

2nd Team:

Stella Hanko (Softball)

Marina Johnsen (Softball)

Katelyn Takahashi (Softball)

Ethan Cunningham (Track and Field)

Arthur Gainant (Track and Field)

Boston Molinelli (Track and Field)

Zachary Simon (Track and Field)

Jacob Berger (Boys Lacrosse)

Zachary Gossett (Boys Lacrosse)

Eytan Juergens (Boys Lacrosse)

Finley McLean (Boys Lacrosse)

Jocelyn Vanderbeek (Girls Lacrosse)

2nd Team Singles:

Dimitri Bazulin (Boys Tennis)

2nd Team Doubles:

Ryan Collins (Boys Tennis)

Kian Khomjani (Boys Tennis)

Honorable Mention:

Jillian Neil (Softball)

Reagan Berger (Swimming)

Vlada Chekurova (Swimming)

Rebecca Griffin (Swimming)

Robert Benard (Track and Field)

Justin Faustini (Track and Field)

Armita Javidi Parsijani (Track and Field)

Ella Kopper (Track and Field)

Gabriela Manning (Track and Field)

Ava Scattergood (Track and Field)

Reagan Thomas (Track and Field)

Maxime Anum (Boys Lacrosse)

Bret Futterman (Boys Lacrosse)

Evan Washam (Boys Lacrosse)

Gabriela Olds (Girls Lacrosse)

Jeremiah Chop (Boys Golf)

For more information on your favorite Northgate High School sports teams -including rosters and playoff schedulesVisit www.northgatebroncos.org

Northgate Softball continues to reach high levels

By Kevin Baxter, Northgate Softball

The Northgate Softball team finished up their regular season with a record of 14-8-1. They finished as co-champions of the Diablo Athletic League - Valley Division. The Bronco ladies also swept Las Lomas in both meetings and won the Battle of the Creek, keeping the Battle of the Creek trophy for another year! The Broncos wrapped up the season on a 4-game win streak that propelled them into the NCS playoffs, which started on May 14. In the first round they hosted American Canyon, and sadly lost a hard fought game 5-2.

Players who stood out this season are three-time Junior captain Makenna Choi who was a stalwart in the batter’s box and pitching circle ranking in the top 3 of almost every category on the team. Sophomore Ashley Herman had a stunning ERA of 1.83 and led the team with a .466 batting average. Meanwhile, Junior newcomer Addison Baxter added some power to the lineup with 4 home runs, an .875 slugging percentage and a .458 batting average. The Broncos owe a lot to three graduating seniors in Marina Johnsen, Liliana Canfield, and Katelyn Takahashi in bringing the Bronco softball program back to prominence and consecutive NCS playoff berths.

Watch out for another great season in 24/25!

WHY BRANDING IS MORE IMPACTFUL

Than Direct Response Advertising

By Jo Peek Expert Contributor

Before deciding how to spend your advertising budget, it’s important to understand the distinction between branding and direct response advertising. Branding is all about building your brand’s equity over time, while direct response advertising aims to achieve instant gratification in a short period of time.1 While both can be used in tandem to create an impactful strategy for your local business, branding is far more capable of winning over the hearts and minds of potential customers. Let’s dive into the details:

▶ RETURN ON INVESTMENT

In some instances, direct response advertising tools like coupon books or mass mailers will get a few customers in the door. In the majority of cases, however, these one-time strategies fizzle out and don’t have an impact on your bottom line. Branding is different because it presents the opportunity to build your brand and inform your audience. It may take a couple weeks or months to see the results, but branding is the best way to earn the trust of the community. Focus on the end goal rather than gauging your campaign’s success on the immediate returns.

▶ LONG-LASTING LOYALTY

Creating trust, loyalty and brand recognition in the community is the key to long-term success as a local business. A coupon or flash sale might work on occasion, but those aren’t sustainable growth strategies. Instead, explore content marketing opportunities that allow you to tell your story while consistently reaching an effective audience. Branding is all about staying top-of-mind with potential customers. Over time, as your brand becomes more recognizable and trustworthy, the results will come through in a big way.

▶ BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

Local businesses are an essential piece to the unique fabric of every community. Use your marketing efforts to share your story and build relationships with those who call your community home. Even if some of your audience isn’t in need of your products or services right now, let them know that you’ll be there when the time comes. They’ll be more likely to give you a visit over the competition because you’ve always been there.

Source: www.comscore.com

Is your marketing ON TARGET?

The Path to Stardom: How to Be on the Cover of THIS Magazine!

Don’t think you have an interesting story? We hear this from neighbors often. We’ve got you covered! You’ll be surprised how interesting you really are! Your magazine has a great team of professionals ready to guide you on the simple, fast, and easy process of “Bringing People Together” through sharing your story on the cover of the magazine!

We’re here to set your mind at ease and explain the excitement behind how YOU can become a local star.

It Starts With You

Maybe you’ve seen a neighbor on the cover of a recent edition, or you have a striking story that needs to be told. Either way, contacting Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com with your information is the first step to moving forward.

Give Us The Facts

The next step is providing your story. It’s as easy as describing your favorite hobbies and restaurants in the area, what activities your family participates in within the neighborhood, and why you love your community. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire or complete a short interview. This process is entirely free and you can provide as much information as you’re comfortable with. We would also like photos of your smiling family as they are out enjoying all our neighborhood has to offer. You’ll even

get set up with our Photographer to capture professional photos of your family doing what they do best—having fun!

During this phase, you will also sign our Feature Article Release, a form that allows us to publish the information you provide.

Wait For The Magic

Once you’ve sent off your completed questionnaire, our Content Coordinator will get started whipping up your article! The best part? You’ll get a sneak peek of the story before it goes to print! We’ll give you an opportunity to review the story to ensure all facts are correct and that you’re happy with the information being shared! We know waiting is the hardest part, but during this time you’ll also be able to place an order to receive copies and share with all your friends and family.

And it’s as easy as that! Once the magazine appears in mailboxes, enjoy being a local star by sharing your story with your neighbors. We’d love to have you and your family grace the cover of our magazine, so reach out today and become a local star!

Contact Kara Navolio today: knavolio@bestverstionmedia.com

Don’t Move, Improve: Ingenious Ways to Expand Your Home

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

Inthe world of home remodeling, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, some of the most impactful transformations happen in the smallest of spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a cramped house, a cozy cottage, or a compact condo, there are numerous remodeling solutions that can help you make the most of every square inch. In this article, we’ll explore the art of maximizing space through smallscale remodeling, offering practical tips and creative ideas to transform even the tiniest of rooms into functional and stylish living spaces, ultimately helping you avoid the need to move to a larger home.

Assessing Your Space

Before diving into any remodeling project, it’s essential to take stock of your space and identify areas where improvements can be made. Start by assessing the layout and flow of the room. Are there any awkward corners or wasted areas that could be better utilized? Take note of any structural limitations, such as loadbearing walls or plumbing fixtures, that may impact your remodeling plans. Additionally, consider your lifestyle and specific needs. Do you require additional storage space, a dedicated workspace, or room for entertaining guests? By pinpointing your priorities, you can tailor your remodeling efforts to suit your unique requirements.

Some Small-Scale Remodeling Solutions

Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, it’s time to explore small-scale remodeling solutions that can help maximize space and enhance functionality. Here are some ideas to consider:

Open Concept Design: Knocking down walls to create an open-concept layout can instantly make a small space feel larger and more airy. By combining living, dining, and kitchen areas into one cohesive space, you can maximize natural light and improve traffic flow, making the room appear more spacious and inviting.

Built-In Storage: Custom built-in storage solutions are a game-changer when it comes to maximizing space in small rooms. Consider installing floor-to-ceiling shelves, cabinets, or closets to optimize vertical space and keep clutter at bay. Utilize underutilized areas, such as under the stairs or above doorways, to create additional storage opportunities.

Lighting Design: Strategic lighting can play a crucial role in making a small space feel larger and more inviting. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create layers of illumination and visually expand the room. Install recessed lighting to minimize visual clutter and maximize ceiling height, or add wall-mounted sconces to free up precious floor space.

Optimized Layout: Pay careful attention to the layout of furniture and fixtures to ensure optimal use of space. Arrange furniture in a way that maximizes circulation and creates designated areas for different activities. Experiment with different layouts until you find the most efficient configuration for your needs.

Using a Design Build Remodeling Team

Harnessing the expertise of a design-build remodeling team can significantly enhance the

success of your small-scale remodeling project. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that every inch of your space is optimized for function and style. Moreover, by investing in your current home rather than moving to a larger one, you can avoid the hefty costs and stresses associated with relocation.

Conclusion

Maximizing space through small-scale remodeling requires a combination of creativity, strategic planning, and attention to detail. By assessing your space, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing smart design solutions, you can transform even the most compact rooms into functional and stylish living spaces that truly reflect your lifestyle and personality. So whether you’re tackling a studio apartment or a house, don’t let limited square footage hold you back. With the right remodeling approach and the help of a designbuild team, you can create a home that maximizes function, style, and comfort, all while saving time and money in the long run.

Are you ready to love your home a little more? Visit our website, www.GordonReese.com, to register for our next remodeling seminar, July 18th, or schedule your initial consultation to learn more about achieving your remodeling goals.

Send your home improvement questions or suggestions for upcoming articles to: Questions@ GordonReese.com

Happy Remodeling!

Unlocking Culinary Efficiency: Tips and Tools for the Home Chef

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

In the bustling realm of the kitchen, efficiency reigns supreme. Whether whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or orchestrating an elaborate feast, having the right tools and techniques at your disposal can streamline the cooking process and elevate your culinary creations. Here are some indispensable tips and tools to help you navigate the culinary landscape with ease:

Immersion Blender:

The humble immersion blender is a versatile powerhouse in the kitchen. Perfect for puréeing soups directly in the pot, smoothing out lumps in sauces, or whipping up homemade mayonnaise in a flash, it offers convenience and efficiency. Plus, its compact design makes for easy cleaning compared to bulky countertop blenders or food processors.

Mise En Place: Embrace the French culinary philosophy of “Mise En Place” –everything in its place. By preparing and organizing all ingredients and equipment before cooking, you’ll save valuable time and ensure a smooth cooking process. Invest in a set of smaller bowls to portion out ingredients and keep your kitchen clutterfree and organized.

Garbage Bowl and Bench Scraper:

Simplify ingredient prep with a designated “garbage bowl” for compostable scraps and a bench scraper for effortless scooping and cleanup. These handy tools minimize trips to the trash bin and streamline the cooking process.

Freeze Flat: When freezing soups, stews, or ground meat, opt for flat and wide storage to expedite freezing and defrosting. Sturdy freezer-grade plastic bags are ideal for maximizing freezer space and preserving food quality over time.

Read Recipe: Before diving into a recipe, take a moment to read it in its entirety. This simple yet crucial step saves time, ensures you have all necessary ingredients on hand, and prevents any missed steps or surprises along the way.

Microplane: A versatile kitchen essential, the microplane is perfect for zesting citrus fruits, grating garlic, nutmeg, or creating a flurry of fresh parmesan cheese over pasta dishes. Its multifunctionality makes it a must-have tool for any home chef.

Deli/Restaurant Plastic Containers:

Streamline food storage with stackable deli containers that come in various sizes. These convenient containers save space, prevent clutter, and offer easy access to leftovers or prepped ingredients.

Meatball Tips: Elevate your meatball game by soaking white bread in milk and adding it to the meatball mixture for added moisture and flavor. Before cooking a batch, test a small meatball to adjust seasoning and ingredients to perfection.

Soup Enhancer: Add depth and richness to soups by tossing in a parmesan rind for an extra umami boost. Keep a stash of parmesan rinds in the freezer for whenever you need to take your soups to the next level. Flavored Salts: Experiment with an array of flavored salts to add unique and nuanced flavors to your dishes. From sea salt to Himalayan pink salt, truffle salt, or smoked salt, these finishing salts offer endless possibilities for culinary creativity.

Taste: Embrace the habit of tasting your food throughout the cooking process to ensure perfect seasoning and flavor balance. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but it’s challenging to remove excess.

Homemade Buttermilk: In a pinch, create homemade buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 scant cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Stir well before using, and voila!

Brown Sugar Storage: Preserve the freshness of brown sugar by storing it in a sealed freezer bag, removing excess air to prevent clumping and maintain optimal moisture levels.

Dressing your Salad: Take your salad game to the next level by dressing it from the bottom up. Start by adding a small amount of dressing to the bottom of the salad bowl before tossing in the greens. This ensures even distribution of dressing and prevents overdressing. Incorporate these tips and tools into your culinary repertoire to enhance efficiency, creativity, and enjoyment in the kitchen. With the right approach and a well-equipped kitchen, culinary excellence is within reach for every home chef.

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)