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Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

NOVEMBER 2021

Northgate LIVING CA

Meet the Bangs Family: Making music together for 50 years Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

NOVEMBER 2021

Table of Contents Letter to Residents

Expert Contributors List

Meet the Bangs Family: Making music together for 50 years

ARF Adoption Stars

Real Estate Statistics

Calendar of Events

Fall Skincare

If a Tree Falls: The art of the Boundary Oak

Transforming a Garage into an Office: Beginner’s Guide

Why Prop a Tree

Turkey Trot 2021

Show us your best shot of Mt. Diablo

Show us your best shot!

Hey, Sports Fans!

Building Blocks Inspire Bronco Success

The Holidays are here and tis the season to bling up!

Cover Article

Expert Contributor

Arts and Culture

Expert Contributor Expert Contributor

Expert Contributor

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPTS Award-Winning Holistic Clinic

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Immune Support Nutrition & Weight IBS & Gut Health Hormone Health Thyroid Health Heart Health ADHD & Mood Issues

We have practitioners seeing patients locally & clients throughout US, Canada, Australia, & UK (925)788-6300

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3

Dear Neighbors, 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.

It’s the season of giving thanks, and I truly hope that each and every one of you, my neighbors, has found reasons to be grateful this year. It’s been a year of ups and downs with the pandemic and that’s why I continue to be grateful for this magazine that focuses on the good news. I am also thankful for those that opened their homes and shared their families with me and our community this year and for those neighbors that read our magazine each month and support our local businesses. And to our businesses, thank you for allowing us to create this good news magazine. Our feature residents this month, the Bangs family, are spreading inspirational music throughout the community. Be sure to read their story. Thank you for reading our magazine and Happy Thanksgiving to all! We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share, please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Warmly,

Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991

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. © 2021 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NOVEMBER 2021

Expert Contributors Dentist

Dr. Brian Hockel graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1989 and has practiced dentistry for over 30 years next door to the Ygnacio Valley Library on Oak Grove Road. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Hockel is active in several professional organizations. He combines his cosmetic, orthodontic, airway treatment and gnathology skills to bring about great changes in people’s smiles and health.

Design, Build & Remodeling

With over 35 years in business, our National Award-Winning Design Build firm has abundant experience with creating your dream space as your friend in the remodeling business! We design and remodel kitchens, baths, whole houses, and additions; from concept through completion, our highly skilled team of professionals are knowledgeable when it comes to transforming your living space. Great ideas, communication, and execution distinguish our process with award-winning results!

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.

Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP discovered the power of Functional Medicine first hand when a “mystery illness” left her declared permanently disabled. Unwilling to accept that diagnosis, she fought back and launched Body Love Cafe, an award-winning holistic health clinic. BLC is all about natural medicine that meets cutting-edge science to provide answers as to why you don’t feel well. We hear you. We see you. We believe you. It’s not in your head and we’ve got the technique and labs to show why. Patients have said “Dr. Zachary figures out why you feel like crap but your MD says you’re fine.”

Hardscape Restoration

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

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.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

Life Dental & Orthodontics Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-357-3630 admin@lifedentalortho.com www.lifedentalortho.com Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 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 Body Love Cafe Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc. Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/ Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Landscaping

Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com

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.

Reverse Mortgages

Annemarie’s been a reverse mortgage specialist for 6+ years. She grew up in Walnut Creek and graduated from Carondelet High School. She is a travel enthusiast and unapologetic foodie, including knowing the profound effect a great cup of coffee or a smooth glass of wine can have. She’s passionate about the changes this product brings about in her clients’ lives and ensures they feel important, safe and honored.

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.

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 Open Mortgage Annemarie Drosos 530-736-2295 annemariedrosos@openmortgage.com https://openmortgage.com/annemarie-drosos Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Tree Service

John Traverso Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com

From the diagnostic of tree problems, to pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, stump grinding and planting of new trees, Traverso Tree Service, Inc is here for all of your tree care needs. We’re a local business proud to have been serving the community for over 30 years.

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

Mirabai and Steve were both drawn to inspirational spiritual music and have been making music together throughout their 48 year marriage. They perform at Sunday services at Unity churches and Centers for Spiritual Living in the Bay Area and have released 5 CD’s of their original music. Mirabai grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Los Altos, California, as a child. She received her B.A. from San Francisco State University and her Master’s from Hayward State (Cal State East Bay now). She taught for 23 years at Walnut Acres Elementary School, mostly in 3rd grade. When she runs into past students many thank her for teaching them to be such good creative writers. Mirabai, even though retired since 2015, continues to teach creative writing to her grandson, Jacob, over Zoom. As Mirabai says, “one of the best parts of being a teacher is being appreciated and seeing how wonderfully your students have grown into loving adults.”

Meet the Bangs Family: Making music together for 50 years By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Bangs family

irabai and Steve Bangs’ story began with a blind date. Steve’s rock bank Creekfrog was practicing at a house in Menlo Park, and Mirabai’s sister had arranged for Mirabai to come and meet him. When she walked in the door and their eyes met “they each felt like they had known each other before and were meant to be together. It was love at first sight!” as Mirabai explains. It was at this first date that their musical connection began as well, and the two sang together as Steve played his guitar. That was in 1971.

Steve, after growing up in Webster Groves, Missouri and coming to California to attend Stanford University, graduated from San Jose State and spent his professional career as a regional manager with the San Francisco office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where he helped many Californians start and grow their small businesses. Since 2015 the couple has devoted more time to their inspirational music. They have a duo called Heartdream (Heartdream.com), which is known for its uplifting songs and celestial vocal harmony supported by Steve’s guitar and Mirabai’s Native American flute and a metallophone (a small xylophone). They often take their music on the road to places all along the West Coast and the Southwest, and have also performed in Virginia, Maui, Australia and New Zealand. The Bangses are also big supporters of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and Mirabai (along with friend Joy Parsons) developed

NOVEMBER 2021

a pet care training program for children entitled “Arfie and Meow Meow.” The couple has two grown children, Cherise and Nathaniel, who attended Valle Verde, Foothill and Northgate. Cherise, who is now married to Adam Kruger and living in Vancouver, British Columbia, was captain of Northgate’s Pikettes, a tall flag squad that was part of the marching band. She traveled to Taiwan for a competition with the team in her senior year. She is now an actress and has appeared on TV sitcoms, including a role as the art teacher on iCarly. Cherise and Adam have one son, Jacob, who is 9 years old. Cherise continues to work as an actress and an Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist. Nathaniel Bangs learned to play the drums at age 7 and went on to play in Foothill’s band and Northgate’s award-winning Jazz Band. He graduated with a BA in music from Sonoma State and continues to play the drums in a rock band called Get in the Groove, which plays throughout Contra Costa County. He is also a certified massage therapist and has his own business, Attunement Massage. Their two dogs, Mitzi and Leelu, have recently passed away, and the Bangses are waiting for a while to adopt some new furry friends from ARF.

The entire Bangs family: Nathaniel Bangs (Son), Mirabai Bangs, Steve Bangs, Cherise Bangs (Daughter), Adam Kruger (Cherise’s husband), Jacob Kruger (Grandson)

This musically talented family enjoys having family jam sessions, including even their 9-year-old grandson who recently learned to play the guitar from his “Grampy” Steve over Zoom. The Bangs family moved to the Rancho Paraiso neighborhood 28 years ago from the Woodlands. “We love Walnut Creek and Rancho Paraiso because of their natural beauty and proximity to open space and beautiful parks and trails,” says Mirabai. “One of our greatest joys is sitting at our patio table in our park-like back yard, feeling the breeze as it rustles through the trees, watching the butterflies explore the flowers, seeing the raptors soar … and watching the hummingbirds jockey for position at the feeders! We call our backyard “Hummingbird Heaven!”” A favorite memory of the neighborhood took place in October a few years ago when they were on Mt. Diablo during the Monarch butterfly season. As they sat in a sea of tall amber grass, thousands of Monarchs surrounded them. “We were submerged in a wave of fluttering wings,” shares Mirabai. “It was magical!” Perhaps there will someday be a song about it!

Mirabai and Steve form a musical duo called Heartdream.

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7

Pet Corner

ARF Adoption Stars

Doctor

Submitted by ARF

Sweet

Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is offering a virtual adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.

Two-year-old Doctor is a handsome, charming and smart lad. He enjoys hanging out with people and is polite on leash. Doctor would be delighted to be your hiking partner for fun and exploration or join you for a game of fetch followed by some power cuddling. This pup loves to chase the frisbee, already knows sit and shake, and would love to join a training class where he can earn treats for learning new tricks. Doctor has a positive history with other dogs and currently weighs 89 pounds. ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $350 for a puppy (<6 months), $125 for a special- needs dog, $175 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $125 for a senior dog (7+ years).

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

Eighteen-week-old Sweet is ready to find a loving home! She might need some extra time to feel settled and would do well with a patient adopter who can help her build confidence. To help with a kitten’s socialization and enrichment, we suggest you consider adopting kittens in pairs if there are currently no other cats in your home. Perhaps you’d like to adopt her along with her littermate Mesquite? ARF Adoption fees: $100 for an adult cat, $150 for a kitten (<6 months), $150 for two adult cats, $250 for two kittens, $50 for a special-needs cat, $75 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months), and $50 for a senior cat (7+ years).

SHARE YOUR STORY Share your child’s first T-ball hit, their first catch, their first smile playing the sport they love!

FREE & EASY ⋅ NO ACCOUNT NEEDED

BVMSPORTS.COM SUBMIT

NOVEMBER 2021

Active Listings Address List Price 480 Arbol Via 743 N Gate Pl 607 Creekmore Ct 248 Santa Fe Dr

$3,200,000 $1,800,000 $1,550,000 $1,299,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 2070 Shell Ridge Trl 2050 Shell Ridge Trl 2261 Deer Valley Ln 441 Sutcliffe Pl 1012 Burlington Ct 791 Hutchinson Rd 2744 San Carlos Dr 2863 Encina Camino 2816 San Antonio Dr

$3,200,000 $2,795,000 $2,100,000 $1,650,000 $1,648,888 $1,599,000 $1,375,000 $1,250,000 $1,095,000

Sold Listings Address Sold Price 3721 Waterford Ln 2927 Comistas Dr 575 Pine Creek Rd 895 Autumn Dr 2626 Venado Camino

$2,500,000 $2,200,000 $2,100,000 $1,905,000 $1,700,000

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

BD 6 4 4 4

BD 5 6 5 5 4 5 4 3 3

BD 5 5 6 4 5

SQFT

5.5 3 2 2

5,756 2,901 2,218 1,716

SQFT

3.5 5 2.5 3 2.5 3 2 2 2

4,821 5,867 3,752 2,601 2,192 2,870 1,742 1,751 1,468

SQFT

3 4 4 2.5 3

3,577 3,476 3,074 1,958 2,397

DOM 12 34 7 6

Real Estate DOM Listings 8 in 5 14 Northgate 14 8 3 10 24 5

10/10/2021

DOM 1 9 51 6 9

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 Realtor *Total Sales Volume from 2000-2020

Rita Dhillon 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon 925.570.0418 Tim.Dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush K. 925.577.3422 Khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

November

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wed., Nov. 10

Throughout November

Every Saturday

Live from the Library presents The Bounty

If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak

Farmers’ Market

@virtual event Adventurer and lecturer Mark Jordan presents the fascinating true story of the mission, the men and the mutiny that occurred on the HMS Bounty in 1789. Reservations online at www. wclibrary.org/live or 925-935-5395. Cost: FREE Time: 7-8:30pm

Thurs., Nov. 18 Remodeling Seminar

@online or in person (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek) Do you dream of transforming your space? We can help turn your dream into a reality. Join our home remodeling seminar and allow our expert team to guide you through the basic steps of a home remodel, answer all of your questions, and more. Register now to learn how to: Keep your project’s timeline on track Choose the right contractor Make design decisions you’ll love And much more! Let us help you dream a little. After all, dreaming is the first step to creating something new. The event shall be available virtually or with limited in person attendance with social distancing and following health and safety protocols. RSVP: https://gordonreese.com/ home-remodeling-seminar/ or by phone (925) 885-3770 Cost: Complimentary Time: 6-8pm

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts This exhibit memorializes the City of Walnut Creek’s signature Valley Oak, which was sadly destroyed during a massive windstorm in October 2019. In honor of the tree’s life and history, which experts say spanned 325 years, the artists in the exhibition will create artworks from its wood. In doing so, these artists help to offer this monumental being a second life. Featuring a roster of artists from our local community and the broader Bay Area, If a Tree Falls will feature a wide range of artworks—made exclusively for this exhibition—in a striking variety of forms and in conjunction with many different mediums. All will incorporate our beloved oak tree, a rare opportunity to view a common thread among a diverse roster of artists, in this inclusive, community-driven exhibition. Cost: $5 Time: Gallery open from Thurs. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

Any day Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork. More information: https:// www.bedfordgallery.org/ public-art/public-art-tours Cost: free

@Castle Rock Farm, 700 Castle Rock Rd. Local farmers and neighbors provide organic produce grown right in the Northgate neighborhood. Time: 10am-4pm www.castlerockfarmstand.com

Save the date:

Sat., Dec. 4 – Sun., Dec. 5 Handcrafted Holiday Sale

@Shadelands Art Center Center for Community Arts’ annual handcrafted sale will be open for holiday shopping with handcrafted items by Community Arts students and teaching artists. A portion of the sales will benefit Center for Community Arts, the Clay Arts Guild and the Community Arts Foundation. www.communityarts.org Cost: Free Time: 7-8:30pm

Dec. 10 – Jan. 9, 2022 Walnut Creek on Ice

@Civic Park The sparkle returns to Civic Park this holiday season. Check website for times and days of operation: walnutcreekdowntown. com. Ages 12 and up must be vaccinated. Masks required for all.

NOVEMBER 2021

Expert Contributor

Fall Skincare By Shelise Irby, RD, Body Love Cafe

t’s fall! Piles of red and gold hued leaves combine with a tsunamilike wave of Pumpkin flavored delicacies. As we approach the trifecta holiday season, we want to make sure we are changing our skincare, all the way to the new year. If you are like me and live where the temperatures are already starting to shift, I’m sure you can feel the change in atmosphere in your skin as well. A little more dryness, a few more visible wrinkles, some puffiness under the eyes, chapped lips, etc. These are messages from your skin asking you to change things up, because what worked for your summer skin is not working anymore. Below are some dietary and lifestyle do’s (and don’ts) to help keep your skin looking and feeling fantastic!

FOLLOW THESE 4 TIPS TO SUPPORT HEALTHY SKIN:

1. Hydration. Appropriate hydration allows our skin to maintain its elasticity and look plump and bright. We have better skin texture, less redness, and less wrinkles when our skin is appropriately hydrated. True hydration comes intracellularly, so drinking quality water, taking electrolyte or mineral supplements, and eating foods with high water content (cucumbers, melons, grapefruit, etc.), gives skin that smooth supple feel. 2. Inflammation is the enemy of healthy, glowing skin. Fortunately, there are many diets that support the body’s management of inflammation. Healthy fats (see next point), green-leafy vegetables, green tea, high vitamin-C foods (kiwis, red peppers, strawberries, parsley, etc.). 3. Healthy fats are vital for skin repair. Foods such as flax oil, olive oil, and fatty fish. Pumpkin also has fat soluble vitamins that the skin loves. 4. The skin can also be hydrated and protected from the outside by switching to a heavier moisturizer, regularly using hydrating face masks and using oils on the face at night such as argan,

evening primrose, black currant seed, and/or avocado. Be careful with toners or acne products that are “drying” since those can exacerbate already dehydrated skin.

THESE 3 THINGS WILL WRECK YOUR SKIN:

1. Stress! The rallying cry of the holidays is a disaster for skin. Stress releases high levels of cortisol, reducing the body’s ability to reduce inflammation. This decrease means less capacity for your skin to heal and turnover as well. 2. Portion size isn’t just for waist-size anymore. Overeating is a holiday tradition - if you want to keep your skin healthy, avoid overeating. Blood sugar spikes and increased insulin causes inflammation in the body and especially in the blood vessels. Vascular inflammation results in circulation issues and can show up in your skin through redness, rashes, irritation or even acne. 3. Sleep. One bad night of sleep can instantly make skin look dull, puffy and red. Getting enough deep, consistent, sleep supercharges skin’s natural repair process. If you don’t wake up feeling rejuvenated after a full night of rest or if you wake up multiple times throughout, you may be sleep deprived. Fix your sleep and your skin will follow. Free 15-minute consults with our health coaches at Body Love Cafe. Visit our website: www.bodylovecafe.com.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Arts and Culture

If a Tree Falls:

The art of the Boundary Oak By Dave Morris, Resident since 1974

n October 30, 2021 the doors of the Bedford Gallery will open for the If a Tree Falls: Art of the Boundary Oak exhibition which promises to be more amazing than its predecessor The Big Tree Project . The 2003 show was among the most attended events ever. The tree, once famous for delineating the City of Walnut Creek, was in an area now occupied by the Boundary Oak Golf course. It fell two years ago during a severe wind storm and was carted off to a staging area east of the course. While there, an idea emerged to utilize Bay Area artists to create works of art from the historic wood. These artists, who work in all media, could then participate in a future exhibition at the Lesher Center for the Arts. In late 2020, at the direction of the artists, the wood was reduced to manageable sizes by volunteers and their chain saws. I obtained the pieces shown in the photo and preceded to design a piece that I hoped would be juried into the exhibition. It was crafted on a wood turning lathe in my shop near Arbolado Park.

Recently the finished item I created was accepted into the exhibition together with the creations of 63 other artists. The opening reception will be held on Oct. 30, 3-5pm. Stop by for an opportunity to meet the artists and see how they reimagined the Boundary Oak. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged but not required at www.bedfordgallery.org. Please also see health and safety guidelines. The exhibit will run through Feb. 13, 2022, and the gallery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12-5.

REFINANCE with a

REVERSE MORTGAGE

Annemarie Drosos Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Professional

NMLS #1197293 | NMLS #1025108 1801 N. California Blvd. Suite 106 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 530-736-2295 annemariedrosos@openmortgage.com openmortgage.com/annemarie-drosos

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nmlsconsumeraccess.org

©2021 Open Mortgage, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Open Mortgage® is a registered trademark. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CA CA-DBO1197293 Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, #4170030 This material is not from or approved by HUD, FHA, or a Government Agency. Rev. 03/21

NOVEMBER 2021

Expert Contributor

Transforming a Garage into an Office: Beginner’s Guide By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008

orking from home? Having a dedicated home office space is a great way to increase productivity and reduce stress. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks from our remodeling contractors to help you get started on your garage-to-home-office conversion. Read more about how you can make the most of your space!

Layout

Sketch a floor plan of the room and decide how you will divide space. Will it be solely an office or include an office-and-workspace duo? If you’re working from home while maintaining another job or taking classes, be sure to keep your workflow in mind. Ask yourself: “Do I need to reserve space for a vehicle?” and “Do others need access to parts of this space during the work day?”

Materials and Style

Figure out which finishes and materials would suit the interior of your new garage-office best. Do you prefer carpet, hardwood, or tile floors? Additionally, think about how you can maximize that space for the efficiency and comfort of all who occupy it. A small bathroom adds convenience. Perhaps a modern theme to match the house, or an entirely rustic look! Dreaming about your project beforehand helps your contractor deliver on your expectations for the finished space.

Furnishings

Think about the room’s decor. Do you want custom built-in bookshelves or perhaps an entertainment unit? How about a television for easy access to your favorite shows, movies, and games? A treadmill for work breaks? A lounge area with extra seating? A wet bar?

We Can Take It From Here

Interested in turning your garage into an office or multi-functional additional room? Gordon Reese Design Build can guide you through your project every step of the way. It’s easy to book a call with our sales team through our website, or feel free to call us at (925) 885-3770. Let’s get started on envisioning your dream space today!

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

Expert Contributor

Why Prop a Tree By John Traverso, Traverso Tree Service

ropping trees is not a common arboriculture practice, but when used it’s kind of exciting and different. And usually, with every prop, there is a story behind why it is there.

What is a prop?

Props are rigid structures anchored in the ground that support tree branches or trunks from below. They may also be used to provide supplemental support to leaning tree trunks. Some species of trees naturally provide their own props. Valley oaks are known for resting a portion of their elongated limbs on the ground before curving up to continue growing out to find sunlight. Banyan trees, like the one in Lahania, Hawaii send down air roots that grow into stout, branch-supporting pillars that resemble new tree trunks and support elongated limbs.

Negatives to propping

Any time you add artificial support to a tree whether it be in the form of staking a young tree, cabling co-dominant leaders together or installing a prop you are creating an area of weakness where over time the tree becomes dependent on the support system.

Reasons to prop a tree

Number one, the tree has serious structural issues that pruning

alone cannot address and removal of the tree is recommended. Number two, the client really, really wants to keep the tree and is willing to spend money to extend its life.

The Danville Oak

There is no more perfect example of this than the propping of the iconic Danville oak that straddles Diablo Rd in Danville, CA. In the fall of 2000 arborists determined that the gigantic oak was sinking and in danger of falling over because its roots were severely compromised by decay. Its removal was recommended due to high value targets that included cars, buildings, and people who lived and worked beneath the tree. Its failure would be catastrophic. However, its removal was unacceptable to the Town of Danville and the city council voted to spend $150,000 to build a cage to ‘catch’ the tree when it decided to fall over. The cage was not a prop at the time it was installed. No part of it supported the tree from underneath, it just surrounded it. However, over time, the cage has become a prop. Today if you visit the oak you can see where a portion of the large leaders now rest on the rectangle steel prop indicating that the arborists were right 20 years ago, the oak is sinking. But by building a steel cage the tree has safely stood for over twenty years and hopefully will continue into the future.

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The Propping of the Orinda Valley Oak

The same story can be made for the propped Valley oak round the corner from the Orinda theater in downtown Orinda. As you can see the tree has a massive lean over the sidewalk and parking spaces. The recommendation years ago was to remove the tree to avoid damage when it eventually failed. Again, that option was unacceptable to the citizens of Orinda and they chose instead to prop it. The city decided on a cradle design where the tree branch rests on steel curved prop atop a large I-beam. They even went one step further by expanding the planting area at the base of the tree. Even though the tree has grown around the cradle, the prop has successfully kept the tree upright for over 20 years.

situations, feel free to contact Traverso Tree Service and we can set up an appointment for you meet with one of our arborists. Hopefully, you have enjoyed learning about different propped trees in our area.

Other forms of propping

If you search the world wide web for ‘props in trees’ you will see pictures of all types of props covering a wide variety of materials and designs. At Traverso Tree Service we prefer to use steel pipes. We cut holes in the underside of the branch, bolt a threaded cap into tree, then screw the pipe into the cap. We pour a cement pad in the ground, place a steel plate on top, put one end of the pipe on top of the steel plate and cement the whole thing together. We also paint the sliver pipe black to help it blend in better with its surroundings. The reason we like this method is that it does minimal damage to the tree.

Lafayette - Orinda Presbyterian Church Valley Oak

Traverso Tree Service was asked to evaluate the massive Valley oak above the parking lot at the church on Knox Dr in Lafayette. Concerned about the large diameter branches that extended out over the parking area and over a set of stairs, John Traverso recommended props for those branches (after pruning to reduce the end weight was performed). The branches could have been removed to lessen the risk of limb failure but would have come at cost to the tree by radically changing its symmetry and left large pruning cuts susceptible to decay fungi.

Does your tree need propping?

Not all situations lend themselves to propping but when it does, propping becomes another option an experienced arborist has at his disposal. If you feel like you have one of those

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Turkey Trot 2021 By Michelle Kullman, Forma Gym

Forma Gym 2021 Turkey Trot

Virtual Race: Nov. 20 - Nov. 27 Community Celebration:

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before “Working with Gordon and his team has been a dream. The level of personal attention, collaboration and communication has made this a super easy and fun process. I have been very impressed with the attention to detail of the entire team and of the contractors - I feel like it matches mine so I feel confident that the work is done right and done well!” - 5-Star Review in Walnut Creek, CA

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Instead of doing the traditional 5K and 10K road run this year, Forma Gym is inviting everyone to come do their Virtual Turkey Trot run together at Las Lomas High School. In addition to doing the Virtual 5k/10k, Forma Gym will be offering 3 Group Fitness Super Classes and a challenging obstacle course for both kids and adults. All are welcome to the event and the community is encouraged to come out and support one another.

Since its inception, the Forma Gym Turkey Trot has donated over $200,000 to enrich our community. As part of Forma Gym’s commitment to supporting youth and education, they are working closely with the Walnut Creek Education Foundation (WCEF) and their partners to help raise funds for our schools and local charities as well as the Rise Paralysis Recovery Scholarship program. Learn more and register at formaturkeytrot.com.

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Show us your best shot!

of Mt. Diablo By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

t. Diablo State Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary. In honor of our beloved majestic mountain, we invite you to send in your favorite photos of Mt. Diablo, either the mountain from a

distance or photos taken inside the park. We will share them here next month. Submissions due by Nov. 14; send them to knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com.

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Northgate Living is looking for someone to help boost our social media presence.

If you know a resident who would like to help spread the good news in our community a few hours per week, please have them contact our publisher Jo Peek at jpeek@ bestversionmedia.com.

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Show us your best shot!

late summer afternoon at Arbolado Park, submitted by Kun Yan, resident since 2017.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19

HEY, SPORTS FANS! SHOW US YOUR SPORTS! Northgate Living now has a Sports Section, and we want to hear from YOU! ➤ ➤

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Did your team just win the championship game? Are you an athlete of any age with a success story and want to share it? Are you behind your camera capturing photos of our local athletes in action?

If any of these describe you, we want to hear from you as we are seeking local sports stories to share in our magazine’s Sports Section and online at BVMSports.com! Whether it’s a photo of your child making the gamewinning shot, the local Pickleball game schedule, a Q&A with a local coach or a little background on the history of a certain sport in your town, we love (and want to share) it all. To get started, simply e-mail your content coordinator at carapdouglas@gmail.com with your contact information and ideas. With your help, we can bring our community together and celebrate the praiseworthy stories of our own local athletes. Who knows? You just might see your sports story in this monthly magazine and on BVMSports.com.

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Building Blocks Inspire Bronco Success

Local Sports

By Cara Douglas, Sports Reporter | Photos provided by Zack Torrey, football coach

ack Torrey is one busy guy. Not only is he head coach of the junior varsity (JV) football team at Northgate High School, he is also an assistant varsity coach, an amazing family man, and stellar area realtor. Committed and inspiring, Torrey played high school football for Northgate from 1992-95. After college, he took the field again, this time as part of the coaching staff, and after leaving to build a career in real estate, returned in 2014, hired by Head Varsity Coach Ben Ballard. Torrey recently took on the role of head JV coach and is passionate about building up the program starting the moment an athlete takes the field. “I do my best to work with the JV staff to teach the game the right way,” said Torrey. According to Torrey, the right way is the Bronco way, with a focus on teaching the future of the program. “Wins and losses are a bi-product,” noted Torrey. “It is all about the bigger picture.” To Torrey, the bigger picture means teaching student-athletes life lessons. “Hard work, teamwork, time management, leadership, selflessness, the list goes on and on,” said Torrey. “I love to coach because I love the game. I continue coaching because I love what the game does for these student-athletes.”

Find Share AND

Life lessons have a way of translating into winning seasons. This year, it seems to be coming together for the Broncos with four wins and two losses for varsity and four wins and one loss for JV. All in all, the future looks bright for the Broncos, and with a record 50-player JV roster, let’s hope Torrey is on the field!

Cara Douglas is an award winning writer, an avid tennis player and sports enthusiast. With three kids of her own who all play a sport, she’s featured athletes for more than 20 years. Cara loves giving back to the community in which she lives and looks forward to meeting the area’s rising stars- at any age or sport! Reach out to Cara at 559.349.8085, or via email at carapdouglas@gmail.com!

more local sports articles just like this on BVMSports.com

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 21

Expert Contributor

The Holidays are here and

‘tis the season to bling up! By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza

he last few years have certainly been a unique time for couples. Whether it be non-stop “quality time” provided by quarantine or the reflection we all did when faced with a world crisis and our lives coming to standstill, the pandemic and its ramifications certainly did more good for love than not. Coming out of the shutdowns, we have seen an increase in couples re-committing to each other in the most important of ways. Whether it be a surge of COVID babies or the two years worth of weddings that had to be rescheduled, love is in the air in a big way! New couples are no exception. There has also been an increase in couples getting engaged – because if you can survive months-on-end spending 24/7 together – everything else sure seems easy! As if Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, New Year’s Eve and Festivus weren’t enough, more than one in four grooms propose to their brides over the holiday season. November and December account for 26% of marriage proposals, according “Modern Bride.” As the holiday proposal season is upon us, Padis and our team of non-commissioned jewelry consultants are here to assist. In addition to our already extensive collection of top designers and diamonds such as Tacori, Verragio, Forevermark and many more, we host numerous special events and showcases every weekend leading up to the holidays. To kick off the holidays, we host Verragio and their amazing collection of unique rings on November 5th-7th. In addition to special event savings and giveaways, we will be premiering their brand new collection of anniversary bands and have the West Coast exclusive of their solitaire collection! This is the largest collection of Verragio in one place at one time in the United States!

We wish you a very happy holiday season and treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. Please feel to reach out if we can answer any questions and if we can be of assistance at concierge@padisjewelry.com.

The next weekend, November 12th-15th, we welcome TACORI and their entire collection of handcrafted rings and fine jewelry for an extra special holiday engagement and gift-finding event. With special event savings and red carpet jewelry to catch your eye, this is one of our absolute favorite holiday events! For Black Friday Weekend, we feature A JAFFE and always have special deals so be sure to check in to our social media @padisjewelry to learn more about our offerings. As December approaches, we host our Forevermark Diamond showcase complete with some of the world’s largest and rarest diamonds on December 4th – 6th. This once-ayear event is an excellent opportunity to see our largest collection of loose diamonds, engagement rings, and designer diamond jewelry. Visit Padis Jewelry in San Francisco, Napa or Walnut Creek! Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with your hunt for the perfect ring or piece of jewelry both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry.com. Be sure to join us at East Bay locations at Broadway Plaza – a Forevermark Boutique - and Downtown Napa in addition to our San Francisco stores. 22

NOVEMBER 2021

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 23

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#1 Northgate Realtor *Total Sales Volume from 2000-2020