Northgate Living Magazine March 2019

Exclusively Serving the Northgate Community.

M A RCH 2 019

Northgate LIVING

Meet Lisa Assoni: A Life of Gratitude 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…

Your entire “Fighting Back” package includes: » 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

Share our magazine with your friends and family today! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com Spring has Sprung and its time to get out.

» 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…

We came up with a way for you to get a brand new, quality Bryant heating and cooling system at the “old” price. (They’re going up later.)

Bryant heating and cooling system.

www.stewartair.net

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

I’ll write you a check for

on your “gas guzzler” furnace toward a new,

925-203-9091

WE ARE ONLINE!

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.

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2

MARCH 2019

Northgate LIVING

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.

We Are Now Online!! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Dear Residents As we embark on our second year here at Northgate Living Magazine, I am thankful and humbled by the success.

First and foremost, our purpose is to bring neighbors closer together. We have dozens of residents contributing to the magazine each month and we want to invite you to participate by adding your articles, stories and photos!

Secondly, our sponsors choose to contribute a portion of their ad budget to making this magazine possible for you as a Northgate resident. They truly love the idea of a neighborhood newsletter-style magazine and wanted to be part of OUR neighborhood.

These sponsors make this magazine possible. There are no paid subscriptions; it’s delivered free to you each month.

We ask that you please take a moment to thank our sponsors, and let them know how much you appreciate them! Without their generosity, this magazine would not exist.

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.

Jo Peek Founder & Publisher

These are some of the most important decisions that you make in your lifetime.

Don’t make them alone.

Consider working with a fiduciary.

David N. Nissim Managing Partner Portfolio Manager 1299 Newell Hill Place, Suite 303 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com (925) 239-0117 www.NissimGavidia.com

We have an obligation to act in your best interest.

Frank A. Gavidia, CFP ® Managing Partner Chief Compliance Officer 1299 Newell Hill Place, Suite 303 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com (925) 239-0116 www.NissimGavidia.com NORTHGATE LIVING 3

March

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Through March 24

Altered States Exhibit

@Bedford Gallery Guest curated by Heather Marx, Altered States features artists across generations living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements or the environment to create their artwork.

This exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers patrons an opportunity to slow down and reflect on how we are all interconnected by the sun, mood, air, and tides. Free first Tuesday of each month.

Cost: $5 adults, $3 youth 13-17 Time: 12-5pm, Tuesday – Sunday and 6-8pm when there is a performance at Lesher www.bedfordgallery.org

Mar. 2 - 10

International and Jewish Film Festival @Century 16 Theatres, Pleasant Hill Award winning films from Argentina, Chile, Czeck republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Lebanon, Slovakia, Spain, UK & USA. Check eastbayjewishfilm.org or 925-240-3053 for more information, times and ticket prices.

Thurs., Mar. 7 – Sat., Mar. 9

Musical America @Northgate HS Little Theatre Northgate’s Choral Music Program presents its yearly production of group and individual singers to entertain us all.

Time: 7-9pm www.northgatehs-pfc.com/ncmb.html#

Sat., Mar. 9

Downtown Walnut Creek History Tour @ Liberty Bell Plaza (in front of fountain at Broadway and Mt. Diablo Blvd.)

Visit the past in

downtown Walnut Creek on a tour sponsored by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. 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 Walnut Creek history. Offered the 2nd Saturday of the month, March through October.

Cost: Free Time: 9:30-11am More information: www.wchistory.com

Thurs., Mar. 14

Sat., Mar. 9

Art Talk – Hatshepsut: The Queen Who Would be King

Alt Fair – Alternatives to College @Walnut Creek Library In its 5th year, the Alternative to College Fair is designed to highlight the many post secondary paths that high school students may wish to explore. The event will showcase trade schools, military, young adult transitional programs, college support programs, gap year programs and more.

Cost: Free Time: 12-3pm More information: Shayna Abraham at shayna@preparetobloom. com or 650-888-4575.

Author Talk – The Woman Who Smashed Codes

@Ygnacio Valley Library Discussion with Jason Fagone, author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes: a true story of love, spies, and the unlikely heroine who outwitted America’s enemies.

Cost: Free Time: 6:30-8pm www.ccclib.org

Mon., Mar. 18

@ Ygnacio Valley Library Join us for a Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco docent lecture on Hatshepsut: The Queen Who Would Be King, led by Renee Dreyfus, Curator of the Ancient Art & Interpretation. Art Talks are entertaining, educational, multi-media art presentations on all major exhibitions at the de Young and Legion of Honor.

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

Every Monday

Wed., Mar. 13

Picture Book Time

Adventures in Produce: The Rewards of Growing and Cooking Weird Fruit and Veggies presented

by Live! from the Library

@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

@Walnut Creek Library With spring around the corner, two modernday produce pioneers offer inspiration -and audience samples -- designed to inspire you to be a more adventurous gardener and cook. Emily Murphy loves to grow purslane and Thai basil in her Marin County garden. Laura McLively loves to create recipes for sea beans and fiddleheads.

These two nationally respected experts explain why the Bay Area is one of the best places in the world to grow and cook with unusual fruits and veggies. In addition to sharing their passion, they’ll share tips, secrets, recipes and some hilarious stories about their walk on the wild side of the produce aisle. Registration encouraged.

Cost: Free Time: 7-8:30pm www.wclibrary.org or call 925-935-5395

4

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., Apr. 6

Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Evicted: poverty and profit in the American city by Matthew Desmond.

Cost: FREE Time: 6:30-7:30pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html MARCH 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)

Healthy Aging Medicine Paul H. Kim, MD Previ Medical Group (925) 979-0979 www.Previmd.com

HVAC & Plumbing

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

Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine Residency 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.

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.

Mortgage Lending

With over 14 years in mortgage banking, Erik has closed hundreds of transactions for clients, exercising great care and taking time for consultations to ensure they receive the best program to meet their goals. Purchases, refinances, Conventional, FHA/VA, Jumbo products. His business is built on integrity, professionalism and expertise. Referrals and repeat business are key! He is a Little League coach and father of two.

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.

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 Erik Oberbruner Diversified Capital Funding NMLS#433990 (925) 586-5474 EOberbruner@divcap.net

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

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

We Are Now Online!! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NORTHGATE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet Lisa Assoni:

A Life of Gratitude

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

L

isa Assoni is a San Francisco native who has lived in the Bay Area all of her 72 years. In 2016 she moved to the Northgate area, to a townhouse off of Northgate Road’s equestrian area, which she calls a hidden jewel.

She attended Catholic schools in San Francisco, graduating in 1964 from St. Paul’s. While attending a carnival held at her local church, she met Richard, and the childhood sweethearts married in 1966.

Richard worked as a firefighter in Berkeley, while Lisa proudly stayed home raising their two daughters, Michelle and Gina.

Lisa always had a small business or career going as her girls grew up.

At first she sold Avon, ringing door bells in her neighborhood while her first baby tagged along. When the girls were older she began learning floral design and started working part-time for Geraldine Pember creating wedding bouquets. After two years of training, her entrepreneurial yearnings led her to start her own business “Flowers By Lisa.” The relationship with Geraldine has lasted over 45 years. As Lisa reflects, “Geraldine is like my second mother. She encouraged me to finish my college education and get my teaching credential. She is still very active and feisty as ever. I’m blessed to call her my very dear friend and mentor!”

Lisa got her teaching credential from Cal State Hayward (now Cal State East Bay) and went on to teach in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and the Lafayette School District. Her first teaching job was a Fitness Instructor for the Adult Education program. “I was assigned to assisted living communities, but I didn’t really understand much about aging. When I met my students, these folks wanted to be more active, so I developed my own style of helping older adults have more mobility and stay healthy. I even promoted the idea to our local cable station, and the director loved the concept. My television career was beginning to bloom. All exercises were done while sitting in a chair. My friend, Terrie, who helped create our show called “Rock of Ages,” assisted me. It aired 1985 through 1987.”

In 1987 she took on a new challenge teaching Independent Living skills to mentally ill teens and adults recently released from Napa State Hospital. Lisa says, “I noticed what some of my students were eating for lunch. Yikes, I was shocked. Two pieces of bread, slapped on with 1 slice of cold meat and 1 cup of a sweet drink. They often complained about their dinner; and that was no feast either. Starches piled high and fatty meats. I was so upset, and my Italian temper flared. My passion for feeding and cooking exploded, even though

Lisa and boyfriend Tony

my cooking skills needed some honing. Being Italian, I rose to the occasion and began making some yummy, healthy, delicious lunches for my students.”

Using her previous television experience, she pitched the idea of making meals in minutes to her previous director. She designed over 300 recipes for the half hour show “The ShortCut Cook,” which was born in 1995. It was a live-to-tape show, with no cutting, editing or stopping and led to her first cookbook Beat the Clock Cooking.

However, on the home front something else was brewing. Lisa’s husband, Richard, was exhibiting signs that would later be diagnosed as Early On-set Alzheimer’s disease. He was only 52. By 2003, the ShortCut Cook Kitchen was closed, and Lisa devoted all her time to Richard’s care. Soon Lisa became ill too from the stress and needed help with Richard.

The day after their 41st wedding anniversary they lost their home to a devastating fire. “Our home was a total loss. The house resembled our relationship: the exterior looked fine, but the inside was destroyed.”

Richard passed away eight months later. Lisa reflects, “Grief and

6

MARCH 2019

misery can come to anyone’s door, and when it does, it’s devastating.

I know it’s easier said than done, but you must rise above the past, count your blessings for all the good memories and decide to make a better future. Since cooking was my passion, I cooked, boiled, and simmered through my troubles with every stir. Food is essential to our well being. When grieving, you must eat well to stay well. Also by helping others, this can give you a new perspective on living. I wrote my second book Good Grief Cooking, while trying to find grief-relief.” (It is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble under the name Lisa Rubino.)

Lisa also found relief from her grief in learning a new hobby while making new friends. She joined Diablo Valley Bridge Club and learned the challenging game at age 62. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, her rescue dog Lulu, and her boyfriend, Tony. She also volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry serving the Monument Corridor in Concord. She contributes articles to the Bridge Forum and the Berkeley Fire Department Newsletter, and you will find her recipes in some issues of Northgate Living.

“When people ask me how I am, I respond ‘couldn’t be better,’” says Lisa. “This reinforcement of positive thinking actually gives me a boost to count my blessings.”

It was a big transition moving from a large house with a pool to her lovely townhouse. But now, “with less stress, life is much more enjoyable. My nice neighbors are the best, and we have an overflow

Lisa enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren: Emily, Michelle, Lisa, Gina, Isabella, Andrew (son-in-law) and Aiden.

of good people. This contemporary style of living made me feel right at home. Community is more than valuable; it’s a necessity.”

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

Surgical and Non-Surgical Rejuvenation of the Face, Neck and Eyes Breast Augmentation, Lift and Reduction Body Contouring and Buttock Enhancement Tummy tucks and Mommy Makeovers Scarless Breast, Arm and Face lifts with BodyTite and Facetite Ultherapy and Laser Botox, Fillers (liquid facelifts) and Skin Care

• 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

People, Pets and Plants

A Little TLC for Your Trees and Plants

By Tony Wayne Wolcott, Resident Since 2014, Consulting Arborist, Professor at Diablo Valley College

U

nique landscapes are found throughout the Northgate area. What makes a great landscape? A landscape architect, an instant installation of large plants, fancy hardscape like pavers, colored concrete, gazebos? It is really the people who care for the landscape that provide a varied but consistent presentation.

Start with some easy to do tasks. Look at your young trees. Do they still have the support stakes on them? Do they have a stake up against the trunk? Are there ties wrapped around the branches? Stakes are meant to hold up the tree until the tree can stand on its own.

After a year’s time most stakes and tying material should come off. The constant wind rubbing trees against wooden stakes is very damaging to the tree. The tie material is quickly incorporated into the tree, not good.

If the tree is holding up the stake, time to remove the stake. A general rule of thumb is to compare the diameter of the stake with the diameter of the tree. If the tree’s diameter is larger than the stake’s diameter, remove the stakes.

Another easy to handle chore involves the trunk and root system of your tree. As trees naturally grow, they develop distinctive tissue.

The root system is designed to be underground.

The tree trunk is designed to be above ground open to the air. If dirt is piled onto the trunk, you run the risk of killing your tree. Error on the side of exposing the structural root tops.

Check your tree trunks where they enter the ground. Push the bark mulch, gravel, or dirt away from the trunk. You should see the trunk flare and the beginning of the root system.

Even the beneficial mulch should not be piled on the trunk.

Landscapes need a little love: a steady hand that nips problems in the bud, seasonal flowers added, a nicely manicured Japanese maple.

You can hire people to do these things, but I have always found with the nicest landscapes, there is a dedicated plant person in the home.

I am happy to help residents learn about their landscape and irrigation system, find out what needs to be done. For more information contact me at 510.274.7367 or twhort2200@gmail.com.

Get Cash From Your Home FOUR OPTIONS TO UTILIZING UNTAPPED EQUITY. CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT

LOWER PAYMENT

CASH OUT

KEEP PAYMENTS FROM RISING

If you want to get out from under high interest rate charges from credit cards, student loans, or other forms of debt, then a cash-out refinance might be the solution for you.

A great way to save money on your home loan is to refinance for a lower interest rate. Just a small drop in interest rate can lower your mortgage payment significantly.

Refinancing your home to take advantage of its equity can be a great way to get the funds you need for home improvements, retirement, vacations and more.

Do you plan to stay in your home for an extended period?

If so, then refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage is a great way to keep your payment from rising.

Call me today, let’s discuss your options.

Loan Officer

NMLS #433990

a Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #1850

Erik Oberbruner 925.586.5474

E-mail: eoberbruner@divcap.net Web: www.divcap.net 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 295, Alamo, CA 94507

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

MARCH 2019

2/18/2019

Active Listings Address List Price 3707 Northgate Woods Ct 1250 N Gate Rd 438 Kit Fox Ct 610 Tarrytown Ct 943 Meander Dr 183 Los Cerros Ave

$2,950,000 $1,999,900 $1,499,000 $1,175,000 $1,149,000 $1,099,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 156 Brodia Way 3832 Arbolado Dr 2405 Blackstone Dr 2101 Dover Ct 531 Fenway Dr 315 Las Lomas Way

$1,998,000 $1,638,000 $1,299,988 $1,250,000 $1,079,990 $925,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 375 La Casa Via 740 Sutton Dr 137 Arbolado Dr 2049 Belford Dr 62 Castle Rock Ct

$3,288,000 $1,350,000 $1,095,000 $1,099,999 $935,000

BD 4 4 5 5 4 4

BD 5 5 4 5 3 4

BD 5 4 3 5 3

BT

SQFT

4.5 5 3 2.5 3 2

4,623 1,000 3,091 2,683 1,920 1,742

BT

SQFT

4 3 2 2 2 3

3,964 3,488 2,271 2,574 1,723 2,139

BT

SQFT

5 2.5 3 2 2

7,972 2,665 2,118 2,547 1,620

Real Estate Listings in Northgate

DOM Lot Size 7 13 14 15 5 22

40,511 SF / 0.93 AC 221,280 SF / 5.08 AC 10,716 SF / 0.25 AC 4,575 SF / 0.11 AC 10,000 SF / 0.23 AC 7,500 SF / 0.17 AC

DOM Lot Size 11 105 9 14 13 9

39,988 SF / 0.92 AC 17,859 SF / 0.41 AC 15,600 SF / 0.36 AC 13,200 SF / 0.30 AC 13,530 SF / 0.31 AC 12,197 SF / 0.28 AC

DOM Lot Size 93 50 9 9 9

Sold Price

84,942 SF / 1.95 AC 10,560 SF / 0.24 AC 14,080 SF / 0.32 AC 11,970 SF / 0.27 AC 13,000 SF / 0.30 AC

$3,100,000 $1,250,000 $1,113,950 $1,025,000 $935,000

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

An Aspect of Female Aging

By Carolyn Krieg, DO and Paul Kim, MD

V

aginal dryness and painful intercourse are frequent complaints I hear from my patients. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, most women will experience atrophic vaginitis. This is the technical term for inflammation and thinning of the walls of the vagina due to aging and declining estrogen levels. The changes in the vaginal walls lead to dryness, discomfort, and painful intercourse.

vaginal tissues to stimulate and re-build your body’s own collagen without discomfort or downtime.

Restoring your estrogen levels often improves these symptoms.

Some women use a local hormone (typically estrogen) at a low dose applied directly to the vagina.

•

reduction of urinary incontinence

•

improved quality of orgasm

Many women, however, do not want to use hormone replacement.

This is especially true for women with a history or high risk of breast cancer where hormone replacement therapy might be contraindicated. Other women complain that hormone creams are too expensive or can be messy. There is now another option.

ThermiVa is also effective for women who are experiencing vaginal laxity or sagging after pregnancy and childbirth.

ThermiVa has been shown to help treat multiple conditions that affect vaginal and urinary function including: • improvement of post-menopausal dryness and moisture balance

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MARCH 2019

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Watch Movies for Free on any Smart Device, Thanks to your Library Card!

By Michael Beller, Community Library Manager at the Ygnacio Valley Library

O

ne of the great resources offered by the Contra Costa County Libraries is Kanopy.com. Kanopy is a streaming video site and accessible to all library card holders anywhere there is an internet connection.

Kanopy provides an intuitive user interface and access to a wide variety of movies, documentaries, tv series, and recorded courses. Kanopy has particularly strong collections in foreign cinema, art house movies, and classics. They also have a separate children’s interface with a wide variety of programming, entertaining and instructional, for all kids. Smart phones, tablets, computers, and smart tvs are all supported. For more information, visit the Contra Costa County Library website at http://ccclib.org, click on the “Databases” link on the “Quick Links” menu, and select “Kanopy Movies.” For more enthusiastic information, visit your local librarian.

STEPS AWAY

FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Green Ideas

Dry & Clean:

Following the Recycling Trail

By Amy Golan, Resident since 2008, Owner of Planet Renu

S

ounds simple, right? Since I am a lover of the environment and spend a lot of my time blogging about the environment and how to live more plastic free and make better choices- I was curious to follow the trail of what happens to our recycling once it’s picked up from our blue bins.

So last week I took my 7 year old daughter on a field trip to our local recycling and transfer station- Mt. Diablo Recycling. We had a wonderful tour of the ins and outs of recycling. I particularly like their motto of “Use Less- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover”. I asked about “Recover” since I am keenly aware of the first 3 “R’s”.

Recover means they try to minimize the number of items that are sent to the landfill and find other places for them. For example, while we were there, we walked around the mountains of recycling and there were plastic hoses, a tv, clothes and shoes. All of these items cannot be recycled here, but Mt. Diablo Recycling sends them on to places where they can be, instead of putting them in the landfill.

So to start the recycling journey- in our areaRepublic Services takes care of picking up our trash, recycling and green bin (plant & compost discards). They then take all of the recycling to Mt. Diablo Recycling and drop off their load of recyclables. There, they have a great machine called Big Blue that surprisingly does a wonderful job of sorting all of the recyclables. Big Blue is a multi-level machine with multiple conveyor belts that systematically sorts the piles of recycling that is put on it. There are workers along the way to double check and make sure that it is functioning and sorting appropriately. At our local transfer station, they separate and collate into bails several kinds of recyclables: paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum and glass.

Big Blue runs 24 hours a day processing the area recyclables, which basically means we all use a lot of products that are packaged and need recycling. More than

50% of everything processed is cardboard, followed by plastic, with aluminum and glass at 10%. Our center processes 400 tons a day from 10 cities.

After everything that can be recycled is put into bails, they are transferred to other facilities for processing. Aluminum and glass stay local to be re-purposed, but still 90% of the bails go overseas. I was surprised by this after reading about China’s ban last year on most of our plastics. They told me that they have found other buyers for our recycling in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. China does still take some plastic- but very little. When the bails reach their final destination, they are re-purposed into other materials and products. One of their Chinese importers sent Mt. Diablo Recycling a fleece jacket that they had made from the plastic water bottles they received. Recycled plastic can take many new forms - but the problem remains that our country is producing a vast amount of plastic waste and there is only a small market of manufacturers to re-purpose it.

My two takeaways from this field trip are practical.

1. Reduce your plastic and paper consumption by making better buying choices. (for example, reduce the purchase of single use plastics- straws, water bottles, etc) 2. For the recycling that you do havemake sure that it is clean and dry when you put it into your recycling bin. If there is food or liquid stuck inside the plastic containers, many of them cannot be recycled. But let’s not waste a ton of water doing this, keep a small cup of water in your kitchen sink (my bowl catches water every time I turn the water on) and use this water to rinse containers before they head to recycling.

Small changes will help us save our environment. :)

12

MARCH 2019

Recipe

Apple Delight

By Lisa Assoni, Resident since 2016

T

his is a great recipe to start any day or holiday. It’s a great day in the neighborhood, so eat a healthy, yummy breakfast. This ShortCut Cook recipe is just what the doctor ordered.

• • • • • • • • •

1 tsp. butter 1 medium size crispy apple, peeled and sliced 1 Tbs. water 1 tsp. cinnamon and sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. milk or water 1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 2 slices of your favorite bread, prefer low carb (optional)

Begin by adding butter to a small nonstick skillet and add apples. Sauté until lightly brown. Lower heat, add water, and simmer until cooked through. Set aside.

Mix egg, milk, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Using a medium size nonstick skillet, add butter and melt. When hot, add bread to egg mixture and coat. Place in the skillet, watch closely, brown, turn over and lower the heat. Cook through.

Place apples on bread, enjoy!

Bringing Your Remodeling Vision To Reality www.bluediamondbuildersinc.com jordan@bluediamondbuildersinc.com janae@bluediamondbuildersinc.com

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"We had a great experience with Jordan and his crew. I'm a stickler for communication. I always was able to contact Jordan by text or phone. He returned calls promptly which really helped our relationship.

He also has a project manager who follows up on the progress. I remodeled a bathroom, two fireplaces, flooring, and new doors. The subs he uses are top quality and they were all polite and cleaned up daily. I have referred many friends and would not hesitate to use them again for another project."

BT.W Danville, Ca NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Open Space

Dog Rules, Regulations and Common Sense in the Open Space

By Nancy Dollard, Supervising Ranger, Open Space

O

ut of all of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures, nothing seems to cause more confusion in the Open Space than the dog regulations. City code states that you can take your dog in to an Open Space area, and, unless it is marked otherwise, your dog can be off leash as long as you have control.

Control in a natural setting is not as easy as in your yard at home. There are sights, sounds, and particularly smells not experienced in your backyard that will distract your dog and can make control difficult. It’s best to start out your visits to the Open Space with your pet on a leash as they get used to this new sensory experience.

Control means that you maintain control over your dog with sight and sound. You can see where your dog is at all times and that the dog will respond in a positive manner upon hearing your call.

The oral and maxillofacial procedures o

While it is legal to have your dog off leash in the Open Space, it is not always in the best interest of the dog to be off leash.

Tall grasses can hide snakes, ticks, holes or other dangers. During the time when wildlife species have given birth they will be very protective of their babies and will aggressively defend their home against exploring dogs. Farm ponds with water can hide dangers such as metal and glass that can injure your dog.

dental implants bone grafting removal of wisdom teeth corrective jaw surgery Always carry water and a bowl for your trauma reconstruction dog. You must pick up your dog’s waste and treatment of Open nerve injuries remove it from the Space or deposit it in a trash can.

Dogs are not permitted in our oral pathology developed picnic areas, and dogs are never allowed in the farm pastures at Old Borges Ranch.

Follow city rules and regulations regarding exploring with your pet, but also use your common sense ascovers to when additional actions Our practice the diagnostic, surg are required. defects of a person’s mouth, jaw and fac

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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:

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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.

14

MARCH 2019

Charity Spotlight

Stories from a Walnut Creek Seniors Club Van Driver – Part 1

By Frank Napoli, Resident since 1996

I

’m lucky to be one of several volunteer drivers for the Walnut Creek Seniors Club. I have the privilege of taking out a WC minivan for several hours on Thursdays to drive seniors to do grocery shopping, or doctor visits, or down to the Community Center for some socializing over myriad of activities. Over the years I have enjoyed the stories that the seniors share with me. I’ll be sharing some of my favorites over the next two months.

The stories are amazing!

A number of our seniors have lived through some monumental events in the U.S. that many of us can only read about in history books.

Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed using steel that came from Bethlehem, PA? I had no idea. Yep, as one of the many public works projects during the Great Depression, one senior recalls her dad working at the steel mills and how the steel made its way to the West Coast by sea on barges that carried it out of Philadelphia and through the Panama Canal before reaching California. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937.

I also learned that the George Washington Bridge (connecting NY with NJ) also sourced its steel from the plants in and around Bethlehem. You might say that Pennsylvania provided desperately needed jobs from coast to coast during the Depression era. If you ever wondered where the NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, got its name - now you know.

A very interesting sidebar to this story was the toughness of the Navajo Indians themselves. While in the L.A. hospital providing treatment, our WC senior tells me that the Navajo patients never complained about their injuries, often consisting of shrapnel which can be extremely painful. Their fellow American soldiers who witnessed them getting hit in battle, never heard them scream and always waited for someone else to call the medic. They absorbed the pain in brave silence. They were instrumental in helping the U.S. win WWll, including the Battle of Iwo Jima. Talk about unsung heroes! This story was later turned into a movie in 2002 starting Nicholas Cage called “Windtalkers.”

How to sign up to volunteer:

Part of staying socially active includes volunteering at special events. There are positions such as a receptionist at the Community Center or transportation program driver and others. If interested, just call 925-943-5852 to learn about current openings and to receive an application form. You can also reach out with ideas, feedback, and questions via email to recreation@walnut-creek.org.

Another Depression era story, as told by a senior in her 90’s from West Virginia involves her childhood neighbor, Don Knots, who later broke into television and is best remembered as Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife on the 1960’s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. The two were very close friends growing up and food was scarce. Don would visit her family on a regular basis where they would share what they had with him.

And, then there is the senior who recounts some fascinating stories of living through WWll as a nurse in an L.A. hospital where she treated patients fighting in the Pacific theatre. One such story involves treating Navajo Indians who were attached to the US Marine Corps. These were the so-called “code talkers.” The code talkers were not combat soldiers in the conventional sense. Instead, they were recruited by the military for their Navajo language.

Each code talker was deployed to the Pacific with a unit of Marines.

There, they transmitted messages and orders about tactics, troop movements and other secret information. The Japanese would intercept these messages but were never able to decode them. Navajo was an unwritten language, with an extremely complex syntax and no alphabet, making it unintelligible to anyone without training.

The code was not only unbreakable, Navajo soldiers could encode a message in seconds where cryptographic equipment of that day required at least an hour to complete the same task.

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Northgate 0940

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